> ' 
 
 * 
 
 
 * 
 
 ■ * 
 
 
 ( 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
ITA3PKR <1- 'iU01W.it 
 
HOMER. 
 
 TUMSUtn IT 
 
 ALEXANDER POPE, ESQ 
 
 l 
 
 (If THREE VOLUME*. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 NEW-YORKr 
 
 PUBLISHED BY HARPER * BROTHERS, 
 If 0. 82 CLIFF-STREET, 
 
 BOSTON COLLEGE LIBFV^' 
 CHESTNUT HILL, MAl. . 
 
“ Translations almost always disappoint me; 1 must, how¬ 
 ever, except Pope’s Homer, which has more of the spirit of 
 Homer than all the other translations put together.”— Lord 
 Byron. 
 
 131478 
 
 /O’NEILL LIBRARY 
 BOSTON COLLEGE 
 
 NOV 0 6 1998 
 
' I 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 OF 
 
 THE FIRST VOLUME. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Biographical Sketch of Homer ... ix 
 
 Preface .xv 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Book 1. . . . .37 
 
 — II.59 
 
 — Ill.89 
 
 — IV.109 
 
 — V.123 
 
 — VI. .154 
 
 — VII.173 
 
 — VIII. 190 
 
 — IX.210 
 
 — X. . 233 
 
 — XI.252 
 
 — XII.280 
 
 — XIII.296 
 

 
 
 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 / 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■* 
 
 
 ' 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ' • • ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 . • 
 
 
 
 
 ; : 
 
 } : 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[ 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 
 
 Of 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 No event has been recorded of the life of this 
 prince of poets, on which much reliance can be 
 placed. The period in which he flourished, the 
 place of his birth, the progress of his studies, and 
 even his name, have exercised the ingenuity, and 
 excited the controversy of the learned in every 
 age; and the author of the Iliad and Odyssey, 
 like the architect of the pyramids of Egypt, while 
 he has excited the admiration, has also eluded the 
 research of all succeeding generations. Aristotle, 
 Plutarch, and others, have employed their pens in 
 composing his biography; but the most formal ac¬ 
 count which we have of Homer is that which is 
 said to have been collected by Herodotus, of which 
 the following is an abstract:— 
 
 
X 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 
 
 Homer was bom at Smyrna about 168 years 
 after the siege of Troy, and 622 years before the 
 expedition of Xerxes. His mother’s name was 
 Crytheis, an orphan, who forfeited the protection 
 of her uncle residing at Cumae, by her inconti- 
 nency ; and in consequence of this discovery she 
 was committed to the custody of Ismenias, who 
 was leading a colony to Smyrna, at that time 
 building. Shortly after, while celebrating a festi¬ 
 val with other women on the banks of the river 
 Meles, she was delivered of Homer, whom she 
 therefore named Melesigenes. She now left Isme¬ 
 nias, and for some time supported herself by her 
 labour, till she became the wife of Phemius, a 
 schoolmaster in Smyrna. On the death of his 
 father-in-law, our poet undertook the management 
 of the school so successfully, that it soon became 
 the resort both of natives and foreigners. Among 
 the latter of these was one Mentes, a master of a 
 ship from Leucadia, by whose persuasions and 
 promises he was induced to relinquish his situa¬ 
 tion, and accompany him in his travels. With him 
 he visited Spain and Italy, but was left behind at 
 Ithaca, on account of a defluxion in his eyes. 
 During his stay in this place he was entertained by 
 one Mentor, a man of fortune, justice, and hospi¬ 
 tality ; and from him he learned the principal 
 incidents of the life of Ulysses At the return of 
 
OF HOMER. 
 
 XL 
 
 his friend Mentes, he sailed to Colophon, where, 
 his defluxion recurring, he became entirely blind. 
 No better expedient now suggested itself to his 
 mind, than immediately to return to Smyrna, 
 where he might reasonably expect the support, of 
 his former friends and admirers, and have leisure 
 to cultivate his poetical talents : but here he found 
 his poverty increase, and his hope of encourage¬ 
 ment fail: he therefore removed to Cumse, and on 
 his journey was for some time entertained at the 
 house of one Tychius, a leather dresser. The 
 Cumaeans professed to hold him in high venera¬ 
 tion ; but when he proposed to write a poem ir 
 praise of the city, if they would allow him a small 
 annual pension in return, answer was made that 
 there would be no end of maintaining all the 
 Homcri, or blind men ; and hence he got the name 
 of Homer. From Cum® he proceeded to Phocaea, 
 where one Thestorides, a schoolmaster, offered to 
 maintain him, if he would suffer him to transcribe 
 his verses. To these terms the necessities of the 
 poet were compelled to yield : but Thestorides 
 had no sooner gained his object, than he removed 
 to Chios, where the poems which he had thus 
 fraudulently obtained procured him wealth and 
 reputation, while the author himself was scarcely 
 able to subsist by repeating them elsewhere. At 
 length, some travellers arriving from Chio£, ; ii*- 
 
Zii BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 
 
 formed the inhabitants of Phocsea that the same 
 verses were already published; and Homer re¬ 
 solved to lose no time in seeking out and prosecu¬ 
 ting the offender. Having landed near Chios, he 
 was received by one Glaucus, a shepherd, who 
 carried him to his master at Bolissus, who, ad¬ 
 miring his knowledge, intrusted him with the edu¬ 
 cation of his children. Here the report of his 
 genius soon began to spread; and Thestorides# 
 hearing of his approach, fled from his presence. 
 Homer soon after removed to Chios, in which city he 
 established a school of poetry, gained a competent 
 fortune, married, and had two daughters; one of 
 whom died young; the other became the wife of 
 his patron at Bolissus. Here he inserted in his 
 poems the names of those to whom he had been 
 under the greatest obligations, such as Mentes, 
 Phemius, Mentor, and Tychius. Having now de¬ 
 termined to visit Athens, he made honourable men¬ 
 tion of that city, in order to prepare the minds of 
 the Athenians for his kind reception. The vessel 
 in which he sailed being driven on the island of 
 Samos, he continued, during a whole winter, to 
 obtain a precarious subsistence by singing at the 
 houses of the principal inhabitants; and, on the 
 arrival of spring, again set sail towards Athens; 
 but, landing by the way at Ios, he fell sick, died, 
 and was buried on the seashore. 
 
OF HOMER. 
 
 Xlll 
 
 The ancients held the memory of Homer in so 
 much veneration, that they not only raised temples 
 and altars to him, but offered sacrifices, and wor¬ 
 shipped him as a divinity. The inhabitants of 
 Chios celebrated festivals in his honour every fifth 
 year, and medals were struck, which represented 
 him sitting on a throne, holding the Iliad and 
 Odyssey. 
 
 The poetry of Homer was so universally ad¬ 
 mired in ancient times that every man of learning 
 was able to repeat with facility any remarkable 
 passage in either of his celebrated poems ; and his 
 testimony was considered as of sufficient authority 
 to settle disputed boundaries, or to support any 
 argument. Alexander the Great was so fond of 
 Homer, that he generally placed his compositions 
 under his pillow; and he carefully deposited the 
 Iliad in one of the most valuable caskets of Darius, 
 observing that the most perfect work of- human 
 genius was well worthy of a receptacle the most 
 precious in the world. 
 
 Pisistratus, the tyrant of Athens, is reported to 
 have been the first who collected the Iliad and 
 Odyssey, and arranged them in the order which 
 they now exhibit. These incomparable relics of 
 antiquity, independent of their poetical excellences, 
 are evidently the productions of a man who trav¬ 
 elled, and examined with the most critical accu- 
 
Xiv BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF HOMER. 
 
 racy whatever was most remarkable in nature or 
 art. Modern travellers are astonished to see the 
 different scenes which the pen of Homer described 
 about three thousand years ago still existing in 
 the same unvaried form; and the sailor, who 
 steers his course along the iEgean, sees all the 
 promontories and rocks which appeared to the 
 Greeks when they returned victorious from the 
 Trojan war. 
 
 
 
 
- 
 
 .PREFACE. 
 
 Homer is universally allowed to have had the greatest inven¬ 
 tion of any writer whatever. The praise of judgment Virgil has 
 justly contested with him, and others may have their preten¬ 
 sions as to particular excellences; but his invention remains 
 unrivalled. Nor is it a wonder if he has ever been acknow¬ 
 ledged the greatest of poets, who most excelled in that which is 
 the very foundation of poetry. It is the invention that in differ¬ 
 ent degrees distinguishes all great geniuses : the utmost stretch 
 of human study, learning, and industry, which masters every¬ 
 thing besides, can never attain to this. It furnishes Art with 
 all her materials, and without it Judgment itself can at best but 
 steal wisely : for Art is only like a prudent steward, that lives 
 on managing the riches of Nature. Whatever praises may be 
 given to works of judgment, there is not even a single beauty in 
 them to which the invention must not contribute: as in the 
 most regular gardens. Art can only reduce'the beauties of Na¬ 
 ture to more regularity, and such a figure, which the common 
 eye may better take in, and is therefore more entertained with. 
 And perhaps the reason why common critics are inclined to pre¬ 
 fer a judicious and methodical genius to a great and fruitful one 
 is because they find it easier for themselves to pursue their ob¬ 
 servations through an uniform and bounded walk of Art, than to 
 comprehend the vast and various extent of Nature. 
 
 Our author’s work is a wild paradise, where, if we cannot see 
 all the beauties so distinctly as in an ordered garden, it is only 
 because the number of them is infinitely greater. It is like a 
 copious nursery, which contains the seeds and first productions 
 of every kind, out of which those who followed him have but se¬ 
 lected some particular plants, each according to his fancy, to 
 cultivate and beautify. If some things are too luxuriant, it is 
 owing to the richness of the soil; and if others are not arrived to 
 perfection or maturity, it is only because they are overrun and 
 oppressed by those of a stronger nature. 
 
 It is to the strength of this amazing invention we are to attrib¬ 
 ute that unequalled fire and rapture which is so forcible in Ho¬ 
 mer, that no man of a true poetical spirit is master of himself 
 
XVI 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 while he reads him. What he writes is of the most animated 
 nature imaginable ; everything moves, everything lives, and is 
 put in action. If a council be called, or a battle fought, you are 
 not coldly informed of what was said or done as from a third 
 person ; the reader is hurried out of himself by the force of the 
 poet’s imagination, and turns in one place to a hearer, in another 
 to a spectator. The course of his verses resembles that of the 
 army he describes, 
 
 Oi 5’ ap y icav, wcrec tc nvpi w aoa vcpono : 
 
 11 They pour along like a fire that sweeps the whole earth before 
 it.” It is, however, remarkable that his fancy, which is every¬ 
 where vigorous, is not discovered immediately at the beginning 
 of his poem in its fullest splendour : it grows in the progress 
 both on himself and others, and becomes on fire, like a chariot- 
 wheel, by its own rapidity. Exact disposition, just thought, 
 correct elocution, polished numbers, may have been found in a 
 thousand ; but this poetic fire, this “vividavis animi,” in a very 
 few. Even in works where all those are imperfect or neglected, 
 this can overpower criticism, and make us admire even while 
 we disapprove. Nay, where this appears, though attended with 
 absurdities, it brightens all the rubbish about it, till we see no¬ 
 thing but its own splendour. This fire is discerned in Virgil, 
 but discerned as through a glass, reflected from Homer, more 
 shining than fierce, but everywhere equal and constant: in Lu¬ 
 can and Statius it bursts out in sudden, short, and interrupted 
 flashes: in Milton it glows like a furnace kept up to an uncom¬ 
 mon ardour by the force of art: in Shakspeare it strikes before 
 we are aware, like an accidental fire from heaven : but in Ho¬ 
 mer, and in him only, it burns everywhere clearly and every¬ 
 where irresistibly. 
 
 I shall here endeavour to show how this vast invention exerts 
 itself in a manner superior to that of any poet, through all the 
 main constituent parts of his work, as it is the great and pecu¬ 
 liar characteristic which distinguishes him from all other authors. 
 
 This strong and ruling faculty was like a powerful star, which, 
 in the violence of its course, drew all things within its vortex. 
 It seemed not enough to have taken in the whole circle of arts, 
 and the whole compass of nature, to supply his maxims and re¬ 
 flections ; all the inward passions and affections of mankind, to 
 furnish his characters ; and all the outward forms and images 
 of things for his descriptions ; but wanting yet an ampler sphere 
 to expatiate in, he opened a new and boundless walk for his im¬ 
 agination, and created a world for himself in the invention of fa 
 ble. That which Aristotle calls “the soul of poetry,” was first 
 breathed into it by Homer. I shall begin with considering him 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 XVII 
 
 in this part, as it is naturally the first; and I speak of it both as 
 it means the design of a poem, and as it is taken for fiction. 
 
 Fable may be divided into the probable, the allegorical, and 
 the marvellous. The probable fable is the recital of such ac¬ 
 tions as, though they did not happen, yet might, in the common 
 course of nature ; or of such as, though they did, become fables 
 by the additional episodes and manner of telling them. Of this 
 sort is the main story of an epic poem, the return of Ulysses, the 
 settlement of the Trojans in Italy, or the like. That of the Iliad 
 is the anger of Achilles, the most short and single subject that 
 ever was chosen by any poet. Yet this he has supplied with a 
 vaster variety of incidents and events, and crowded with a great¬ 
 er number of councils, speeches, battles, and episodes of all 
 kinds, than are to be found even in those poems whose schemes 
 are of the utmost latitude and irregularity. The action is hur¬ 
 ried on with the most vehement spirit, and its whole duration 
 employs not so much as fifty days. Virgil, for want of so warm 
 a genius, aided himself by taking in a more extensive subject, as 
 well as a greater length of time, and contracting the design of 
 both Homer’s poems into one, which is yet but a fourth part as 
 large as his. The other epic poets have used the same prac¬ 
 tice, but generally carried it so far as to superinduce a multi¬ 
 plicity of fables, destroy the unity of action, and lose their 
 readers in an unreasonable length of time. Nor is it only in the 
 main design that they have been unable to add to his invention, 
 but they have followed him in every episode and part of story. 
 If he has given a regular catalogue of an army, they all draw up 
 their forces in the same order. If he has funeral games for 
 Patroclus, Virgil has the same for Anchises; and Statius, rather 
 than omit them, destroys the unity of his action for those of 
 Archemorus. If Ulysses visit the shades, the .Eneas of Virgil, 
 and Scipio of Silius, are sent after him If he be detained 
 from his return by the allurements of Calypso, so is Eneas by 
 Dido, and Rinaldo by Armida. If Achilles be absent from the 
 army on the score of a quarrel through half the poem, Rinaldo 
 must absent himself just as long, on the like account. It he 
 gives his hero a suit of celestial armour, Virgil and Tasso make 
 the same present to theirs. Virgil has not only observed this 
 close imitation of Homer, but., where he had not led the way, 
 supplied the want from other Greek authors. Thus the story of 
 Sinon and the taking of Troy was copied, says Macrubius, 
 almost word for word from Pisander, as the loves of Dido and 
 Eneas are taken from those of Medea and Jason in Apollonius, 
 and several others in the same manner. 
 
 To proceed to the allegorical fable: if we reflect on those 
 innumerable knowledges, those secrets of nature and physical 
 philosophy, which Homer is generally supposed to have wrapped 
 
XV11L 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 up in his allegories, what a new and ample scene of wonder 
 may this consideration afford us ! how fertile will that imagin¬ 
 ation appear, which was able to clothe all the properties of ele¬ 
 ments, the qualifications of the mind, the virtues and vices, in 
 forms and persons ; and to introduce them into actions agreeable 
 to the nature of the things they shadowed ! This is a field in 
 which no succeeding poets could dispute with Homer; and 
 whatever commendations have been allowed them on this head, 
 are by no means for their invention in having enlarged his circle, 
 but for their judgment in having contracted it. For when the 
 mode of learning changed in following ages, and science was 
 delivered in a plainer manner, it then became as reasonable in 
 the more modern poets to lay it aside, as it. was in Homer to 
 make use of it. And perhaps it was no unhappy circumstance 
 for Virgil, that there was not in his time that demand on him of 
 so great an invention, as might be capable of furnishing all those 
 allegorical parts of a poem. 
 
 The marvellous fable includes whatever is supernatural, and 
 especially the machines of the gods. He seems the first who 
 brought them into a system of machinery for poetry, and such a 
 one as makes its greatest importance and dignity : for we find 
 those authors who have been offended at the literal notion of 
 the gods, constantly laying their accusation against Homer as 
 the chief support of it. But whatever cause there might be to 
 blame his machines in a philosophical or religious view, they 
 are so perfect in the poetic, that mankind have been ever since 
 contented to follow them: none have been able to enlarge the 
 sphere of poetry beyond the limits he has set: every attempt of 
 this nature has proved unsuccessful; and after all the various 
 changes of times and religions, his gods continue to this day the 
 gods of poetry. 
 
 We come now to the characters of his persons; and here we 
 shall find no author has ever drawn so many, with so visible and 
 surprising a variety, or given us such lively and affecting im¬ 
 pressions of them. Every one has something so singularly his 
 own, that no painter could have distinguished them more by 
 their features than the poet has by their manners. Nothing can 
 be more exact than the distinctions he has observed in the dif¬ 
 ferent degrees of virtues and vices. The single quality of cour¬ 
 age is wonderfully diversified in the several characters of the 
 Iliad. That of Achilles is furious and untractable ; that of Dio¬ 
 mede forward, yet listening to advice and subject to command ; 
 that of A jax is heavy, and self confiding; of Hector, active and 
 vigilant; the courage of Agamemnon is inspirited by love of em 
 pire and ambition; that of Menelaus mixed with softness and 
 tenderness for his people: we find in Idomeneus a plain direct 
 soldier; in Sarpedon, a gallant and generous one. Nor is this 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 XIX 
 
 judicious and astonishing diversity to be found only in the prin¬ 
 cipal quality which constitutes the main of each character, but 
 even in the under parts of it, to which he takes care to give a 
 tincture of that principal one. For example, the main charac¬ 
 ters of Ulysses and Nestor consist in wisdom ; and they are dis¬ 
 tinct in this, that the wisdom of one is artificial and various, of 
 the other, natural, open, and regular. But they have, besides, 
 characters of courage; and this quality also takes a different 
 turn in each from the difference of his prudence: for one in 
 the war depends still on caution, the other on experience. It 
 would be endless to produce instances of these kinds. The 
 characters of Virgil are far from striking us in this open man¬ 
 ner; they lie in a great degree bidden and undistinguished, and, 
 where they are marked most evidently, affect us not in propor¬ 
 tion to those of Homer. His characters of valour are much 
 alike; even that of Turnus seems no way peculiar, but as it is 
 in a superior degree ; and we see nothing that differences the 
 courage of Mnestheus from that of Sergesthus, Cloanthus, or the 
 rest. In like manner it may be remarked of Statius’ heroes, that 
 an air of impetuosity runs through them all; the same horrid and 
 savage courage appears in his Capaneus, Tydeus, Hippomedon, 
 &c. They have a parity of character, which makes them seem 
 brothers of one family. I believe, when the reader is led into 
 this track of reflection, if he will pursue it through the epic and 
 tragic writers, he will be convinced how infinitely superior in 
 this point the invention of Homer was to that of all others. 
 
 The speeches are to be considered as they flow from the 
 characters, being perfect or defective as they agree or disagree 
 with the manners of those who utter them. As there is more 
 variety of characters in the Iliad, so there is of speeches, than 
 in any other poem. Everything in it has manners, as Aristotle 
 expresses it; that is, everything is acted or spoken. It is 
 hardly credible, in a work of such length, how small a number 
 of lines are employed in narration. In Virgil, the dramatic part 
 is less in proportion to the narrative ; and the speeches often 
 consist of general reflections or thoughts, which might he 
 equally just in any person’s mouth on the same occasion. As 
 many of his persons have no apparent characters, so many of 
 his speeches escape being applied and judged by the rule of pro- 
 
 O . We oftener think of the author himself when we read 
 , than when we are engaged in Homer : all which are the 
 effects of a colder invention, that interests us less in the ac¬ 
 tion described : Homer makes us hearers, and Virgil leaves us 
 readers. 
 
 If in the next place we take a view of the sentiments, the 
 same presiding faculty is eminent in the sublimity and spirit of 
 his thoughts. Longinus has given his opinion, that it was in 
 
XX 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 this part Homer principally excelled. What were alone suffi¬ 
 cient to prove the grandeur and excellence of his sentiments in 
 general, is, that they have so remarkable a parity with those of 
 the Scripture: Duport, in his Gnomolgia Homerica, has col¬ 
 lected innumerable instances of this sort. And it is with justice 
 an excellent modern writer allows, that if Virgil has not so 
 many thoughts that are low and vulgar, he has not so many 
 that are sublime and noble; and that the Roman author seldom 
 rises into very astonishing sentiments, where he is not fired by 
 the Iliad. 
 
 If we observe his descriptions, images, and similes, we shall 
 find the invention still predominant. To what else can we as¬ 
 cribe that vast comprehension of images of every sort, where we 
 see each circumstance of art, and individual of nature, sum¬ 
 moned together by the extent and fecundity of his imagination ; 
 to which all things, in their various views, presented themselves 
 in an instant, and had their impressions taken off to perfection, 
 at a heat ? Nay, he not only gives us the full prospects of 
 things, but several unexpected peculiarities and side views, un¬ 
 observed by any painter but Homer. Nothing is so surprising 
 as the descriptions of his battles, which take up no less than 
 half the Iliad, and are supplied with so vast a variety of inci¬ 
 dents, that no one bears a likeness to another ; such different 
 kinds of deaths, that no two heroes are wounded in the same 
 manner; and such a profusion of noble ideas, that every battle 
 rises above the last in greatness, horror, and confusion. It is 
 certain there is not near that number of images and descriptions 
 in any epic poet; though every one has assisted himself with a 
 great quantity out of him : and it is evident ot Viigil especially, 
 that he has scarce any comparisons which are not drawn from 
 his master. 
 
 If we descend from hence to the expression, we seethe bright 
 imagination of Homer shining out in the most enlivened forms 
 of it. We acknowledge him the father of poetical diction, the 
 first who taught that language of the gods to men. His expres¬ 
 sion is like the colouring of some great masters, which discovers 
 itself to be laid on boldly, and executed with rapidity. It is in¬ 
 deed the strongest and most glowing imaginable, and touched 
 with the greatest spirit. Aristotle had reason to say, he was 
 the only poet who had found out living words ; there are in him 
 more daring figures and metaphors than in any good author 
 whatever. An arrow is impatient to be on the wing, a weapon 
 thirsts to drink the blood of an enemy, and the like. Yet his 
 expression is never too big for the sense, but justly great in pro¬ 
 portion to it. It is the sentiment that swells and fills out the 
 diction, which rises with it, and forms itself about it: for in the 
 same degree that a thought is warmer, an expression will be 
 
PREFACE 
 
 XXI 
 
 brighter; as that is more strong, this will become more per¬ 
 spicuous : like glass in the furnace, which grows to a greater 
 magnitude and refines to a greater clearness, only as the breath 
 within is more powerful, and the heat more intense. 
 
 To throw his language more out of prose, Homer seems to 
 have affected the compound epithets. This was a sort of com¬ 
 position peculiarly proper to poetry, not only as it heightened 
 the diction, but as it assisted and filled the numbers with greater 
 sound and pomp, and likewise conduced in some measure to 
 thicken the images. On this last consideration I cannot but 
 attribute these also to the fruitfulness of his invention, since, as 
 he has managed them, they are a sort of supernumeihry pictures 
 of the persons or things to which they are joined. We see the 
 motion of Hector’s plumes in the epithet KopvOaio\os, the land¬ 
 scape of Mount Neritus in that of eivoaicpvWos, and so of others ; 
 which particular images could not have been insisted on so 
 long as to express them in a description, though but of a single 
 line, without diverting the reader too much from the principal 
 action or figure. As a metaphor is a short simile, one of these 
 epithets is a short description. 
 
 Lastly, if we consider his versification, we shall be sensible 
 what a share of praise is due to his invention in that. He was 
 not satisfied with his language as he found it settled in any one 
 part of Greece, but searched through its differing dialects with 
 this particular view, to beautify and perfect his numbers: he 
 considered these*as they had a greater mixture of vowels or 
 consonants, and accordingly employed them as the verse re¬ 
 quired either a greater smoothness or strength. What he most 
 affected was the Ionic, which has a peculiar sweetness from its 
 never using contractions, and from its custom of resolving the 
 dipthongs into two syllables, so as to make the words open 
 themselves with a more spreading and sonorous fluency. With 
 this he mingled the Attic contractions, the broader Doric, and 
 the feebler iEolic, which often rejects its aspirate, or takes off 
 its accent; and completed this variety by altering some letters 
 with the license of poetry. Thus his measures, instead of be¬ 
 ing fetters to his sense, were always in readiness to run along 
 with the warmth of his rapture, and even to give a further rep¬ 
 resentation of his notions, in the correspondence of their sounds 
 to what they signified. Out of all these he has derived that 
 harmony, which makes us confess he had not only the richest 
 head, but the finest ear in the world. This is so great a truth, 
 that whoever will but consult the tune of his verses, even with¬ 
 out understanding them, with the same sort of diligence as we 
 daily see practised in the case of Italian operas, will find more 
 sweetness, variety, and majesty of sounds than in any other lan¬ 
 guage or poetry. The beauty of his numbers is allowed by the 
 critics to be copied but faintly by Virgil himself, though they are 
 
XXII 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 so just as to ascribe it to the nature of the Latin tongue: indeed 
 the Greek has some advantages, both from the natural sound of 
 its words, and the turn and cadence of its verse, which agrpe 
 with the genius of no other language. Virgil was very sensible 
 of this, and used the utmost diligence in working up a more in¬ 
 tractable language to whatsoever graces it was capable of; and, 
 In particular, never failed to bring the sound of his line to a 
 beautiful agreement with its sense. If the Urecianpoet has not 
 been so frequently celebrated on this account as the Roman, t he 
 only reason is, that fewer critics have understood one language 
 than the other. Dionysius of Halicarnassus has pointed out 
 many of our author’s beauties in this kind, in his treatise of the 
 Composition of Words. It suffices at present, to observe of his 
 numbers, that they flow with so much ease, as to make one 
 imagine Homer had no other care than to transcribe as fast as 
 the muses dictated; and at the same time with so much force 
 and inspiriting vigour, that they awaken and raise us like the 
 sound of a trumpet. They roll along as a plentiful river, always 
 in motion, and always full ; while we are borne away by a tide 
 of verse, the most rapid, and yet the most smooth imaginable. 
 
 Thus, on whatever side we contemplate Homer, what prin¬ 
 cipally strikes us is his invention. It is that which forms the 
 character of each part of his work ; and accordingly we find it 
 to have made his fable more extensive and copious than any 
 other, his manners more lively and strongly marked, his 
 speeches more affecting and transported, hiS sentiments more 
 warm and sublime, his images and descriptions more full and 
 animated, his expression more raised and daring, and bis num¬ 
 bers more rapid and various. 1 hope in what has been said of 
 Virgil, with regard to any of these heads, I have no way dero¬ 
 gated from his character. Nothing is more absurd or endless, 
 than the common method of comparing eminent writers by an 
 opposition of particular passages in them, and forming a judg¬ 
 ment from thence of their merit on the whole. We ought to 
 have a certain knowledge of the principal character and distin¬ 
 guishing excellence of each : it is in that we are to consider him, 
 and in proportion to his degree in that we are to admire him. 
 No author or man ever excelled all the world in more than one 
 faculty ; and as Homer has done this in invention, Virgil has in 
 judgment. Not that we are to think Homer wanted judgment, 
 because Virgil had it in a more eminent degree; or that Virgil 
 wanted invention, because Homer possessed a larger share of it: 
 each of these great authors had more of both than perhaps any 
 man beside, and are only said to have less in comparison with 
 one another. Homer was the greater genius, Virgil the bettor 
 artist. Jn one we most admire the man, in the other the work : 
 Homer hurries and transports us with a commanding impetuos¬ 
 ity, Virgil leads us with an attractive majesty ; Homer scatters 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 XXI11 
 
 with a generous profusion. Virgil bestows with a careful mag¬ 
 nificence ; Homer, like the Nile, pours out his riches with a 
 boundless overflow ; Virgil, like a river in its banks, with a 
 gentle and constant stream. When we behold their battles, 
 methinks the two poets resemble the heroes they celebrate : 
 Homer, boundless and irresistible as Achilles, bears all before 
 him, and shines more and more as the tumult, increases ; Vir¬ 
 gil, calmly daring like Aliens, appears undisturbed in the midst 
 of the action, disposes all about him, and conquers with tran¬ 
 quillity. And when we look on their machines, Homer seems 
 like his own Jupiter in his terrors, shaking Olympus, scattering 
 the lightnings, and firing the heavens; Virgil, like the same 
 power in his benevolence, counselling with the gods, laying 
 plans for empires, and regularly ordering his whole creation. 
 
 But after all. it is with great parts as with great virtues, they 
 naturally border on some imperfection ; and it is often hard to 
 distinguish exactly where the virtue ends, or the fault begins. 
 As prudence may sometimes sink to suspicion, so may a great 
 judgment decline to coldness; and as magnanimity may run up 
 to profusion or extravagance, so may a great invention to redun¬ 
 dancy or wildness. If we look on Homer in this view, we shall 
 perceive the chief objections against him to proceed from so no 
 ble a cause as the excess of this faculty. 
 
 Among these we may reckon some of his marvellous fictions, 
 on which so much criticism has been spent, as surpassing all 
 the bounds of probability. Perhaps it may be with great and 
 superior souls as with gigantic bodies, which, exerting them¬ 
 selves with unusual strength, exceed what is commonly thought 
 the due proportion of parts, to become miracles m the whole ; 
 and, like the old heroes of that make, commit something near 
 extravagance, amid a series of glorious and inimitable perform¬ 
 ances. Thus Homer has his speaking horses, and Virgil his 
 myrtles distilling blood, where the latter has not so much as 
 contrived the easy intervention of a deity to save the proba¬ 
 bility. 
 
 it is owing to the same vast invention that his similes have 
 been thought too exuberant and full of circumstances. The 
 force of this faculty is seen in nothing more than in its inability 
 to confine itself to that single circumstance on which the com¬ 
 parison is grounded: it runs out into embellishments of addi¬ 
 tional images, which, however, are so managed as not to over¬ 
 power the main one. His similes are like pictures, where the 
 principal figure has not only its proportion given agreeable to 
 the original, but is also set off with occasional ornaments and 
 prospects. The same will account for his manner of heaping a 
 number of comparisons together in one breath, when his fancy 
 suggested to him at once so many various and correspondent 
 
XXIV 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 images. The reader will easily extend this observation to more 
 objections of the same kind. 
 
 If there are others which seem rather to charge him with a 
 defect or narrowness of genius than an excess of it, those seem¬ 
 ing defects will be found on examination to proceed wholly from 
 the nature of the times he lived in. Such are his grosser rep¬ 
 resentations of the gods, and the vicious and imperfect manners 
 of his heroes. But I must here speak a word of the latter, as 
 it is a point generally carried into extremes, both by the cen- 
 surers and defenders of Homer. It must be a strange partiality 
 to antiquity, to think, with Madame Dacier, “ that those times 
 and manners are so much more excellent, as they are more con¬ 
 trary to ours.”* Who can be so prejudiced in their favour as to 
 magnify the felicity of those ages, when a spirit of revenge and 
 cruelty, joined with the practice of rapine and robbery, reigned 
 through the world; when no mercy was shown, but for the 
 sake of lucre ; when the greatest princes were put to the sword, 
 and their wives and daughters made slaves and concubines? 
 On the other side, I would not be so delicate as those modern 
 critics, who are shocked at the servile offices and mean em¬ 
 ployments in which we sometimes see the heroes of Homer 
 engaged. There is a pleasure in taking a view of that simplici¬ 
 ty in opposition to the luxury of succeeding ages, in beholding 
 monarchs without their guards, princes tending their flocks, and 
 princesses drawing water from the springs. When we read 
 Homer, we ought to reflect that we are reading the most an¬ 
 cient author in the heathen world; and those who consider him 
 in this light, will double their pleasure in the perusal of him. 
 Let them think they are growing acquainted with nations and 
 people that are now no more; that they are stepping almost 
 three thousand yetrs back into the remotest antiquity, and en¬ 
 tertaining themselves with a clear and surprising vision of things 
 nowhere else to be found, the only true mirror of that ancient 
 world. By this means alone their greatest obstacles will van¬ 
 ish ; and what usually creates their dislike will become a satis¬ 
 faction. 
 
 This consideration may further serve to answer for the con¬ 
 stant use of the same epithets to his gods and heroes, such as 
 the far-darting Phcebus, the blue-eyed Pallas, the swift-footed 
 Achilles, &c., which some have censured as impertinent and 
 tediously repeated. Those of the gods depended on the powers 
 and offices then believed to belong to them, and had contracted 
 a weight and veneration from the rites and solemn devotions in 
 which they were used : they were a sort ot attributes with 
 which it was a matter of religion to salute them on all occasions, 
 and which it was an irreverence to omit. As for the epithets 
 
 * Preface to her Homer. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 XXV 
 
 rf great men, Monsieur Boileau is of opinion that they were in 
 the nature of surnames, and repeated as such; for the Greeks, 
 h iviag no names derived from their fathers, were obliged to add 
 some other distinction of each person ; either naming his parents 
 e\ptessly, or his place of birth, profession, or the like: as Alex- 
 an lei the son of Philip, Herodotus of Halicarnassus, Diogenes 
 ihe Cynic, &c. Homer, therefore, complying with the custom 
 of his country, used such distinctive additions as better agreed 
 with poetry. And indeed we have something parallel to these 
 in modern times, such as the names of Harold Harefoot, Ed¬ 
 mund Ironside, Edward Longshanks, Edward the Black 
 Prince, &c. I f yet this be thought to account better for the pro¬ 
 priety than the repetition, I shall add a further conjecture. 
 Hesiod, dividing the world into its different ages, has placed a 
 fourth age between the brazen and the iron one, of “ Heroes 
 distinct from other men ; a divine race who fought at Thebes 
 and Trov, are called demi-gods, and live by the care of Jupiter 
 in the islands of the blessed.”* Now among the divine honours 
 which were paid them, they might have this also in common 
 with the gods, not to be mentioned without the solemnity of an 
 epithet, and such as might be acceptable to them by its cele¬ 
 brating their families, actions, or qualities. 
 
 What other cavils have been raised against Homer are such 
 as hardly deserve a reply, but will yet be taken notice of as they 
 occur in the course of the work. Many have been occasioned 
 by an injudicious endeavour to exalt Virgil; which is much the 
 same as if one should think to raise the superstructure by un¬ 
 dermining the foundation: one would imagine by the whole 
 course of their parallels, that these critics never so much as 
 neard of Homer’s having written first; a consideration which 
 whoever compares these two poets ought to have always in his 
 eye. Some accuse him for the same things which they over¬ 
 look or praise in the other; as when they prefer the fable and 
 moral of the ^Eneid to those of the Iliad, for the same reason 
 which might set the Odyssey above the iEneid: as that the 
 hero is a wiser man ; and the action of the one more beneficial 
 to his country than that of the other: or else they blame him for 
 not doing what he never designed ; as because Achilles is not as 
 good and perfect a prince as ^Eneas, when the very moral of his 
 poem required a contrary character: it is thus that Rapin judges 
 m his comparison of Homer and Virgil. Others select those 
 particular passages of Homer which are not so laboured as some 
 that Virgil drew out of them : this is the whole management of 
 Scaliger in his Poetices. Others quarrel with what they take 
 for low and mean expressions, sometimes through a false deli¬ 
 cacy and refinement, oftener from an ignorance of the graces of 
 
 * Hesiod, i., 155, &c. 
 
 HOM.—HI. C 
 
xxw 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 the original; and then triumph in the awkwardness of their 
 own translations: this is the conduct of Perault in his Paral¬ 
 lels. Lastly, there are others, who, pretending to a fairer pro¬ 
 ceeding, distinguish between the personal merit of Homer and 
 that of his work ; but when they come to assign the causes of 
 the great reputation of the Iliad, they found it on the ignorance 
 of his times and the prejudice of those that followed : and in 
 pursuance of this principle, they make those accidents, such as 
 the contention of the cities, &c., to be the causes of his fame, 
 which were in reality the consequences of his merit. The same 
 might as well be said of Virgil or any great author, whose gen¬ 
 eral character will infallibly raise many casual additions to their 
 reputation. This is the method of Monsieur de la Motte; who 
 yet confesses, on the whole, that in whatever age Homer had 
 lived, he must have been the greatest poet of his nation, and 
 that he may be said in this sense to be the master even of those 
 who surpassed him. 
 
 In all these objections we see nothing that contradicts his title 
 to the honour of the chief invention ; and as long as this, which 
 is indeed the characteristic of poetry itself, remains unequalled 
 by his followers, he still continues superior to them. A cooler 
 judgment may commit fewer faults, and be more approved in the 
 eyes of one sort of critics: but that warmth of fancy will carry 
 the loudest and most universal applauses, which holds the 
 heart of a reader under the strongest enchantment. Homer not 
 only appears the inventor of poetry, but excels all the inventors 
 of other arts in this, that he has swallowed up the honour of 
 .those who succeeded him. What he has done admitted no in- 
 •crease, it only left room for contraction or regulation. He 
 showed all the stretch of fancy at once ; and if he has failed in 
 some of his flights, it was but because he attempted everything. 
 A work of this kind seems like a mighty tree which rises from 
 , the most vigorous seed, is improved with industry, flourishes and 
 produces the finest fruit; nature and art conspire to raise it; 
 •.pleasure and profit join to make it valuable: and they who find 
 the justest faults have only said, that a few branches, which run 
 • luxuriant through a richness of nature, might be lopped into 
 form to give it a more regular appearance. 
 
 Having now spoken of the beauties and defects of the original, 
 it remains to treat of the translation, with the same view to the 
 chief characteristic. As far as that is seen in the main parts of 
 ■ the. poem, such as the fable, manners, and sentiments, no trans¬ 
 lator can prejudice it but by wilful omissions or contractions. 
 As it also breaks out in every particular image, description, and 
 simile; whoever lessens or too much softens those, takes off 
 from this chief character. It is the first grand duty of an inter¬ 
 preter to give his author entire and unmaimed; and for the rest, 
 the diction and versification only are his proper province, since 
 
PREFACE 
 
 XXVll 
 
 these must be his own; but the others, he is to take as he finds 
 them. 
 
 It should then be considered what methods may afford some 
 equivalent in our language for the graces of these in the Greek, 
 
 It is certain no literal translation can be just to an excellent 
 original in a superior language: but it is a great mistake to ima¬ 
 gine, as many have done, that a rash paraphrase can make 
 amends for this general defect; which is no less in danger to 
 lose the spirit of an ancient, by deviating into the modern man¬ 
 ners of expression. If there be sometimes a darkness, there is 
 often a light in antiquity, which nothing better preserves than a 
 version almost literal. I know no liberties one ought to take, 
 but those which are necessary for transfusing the spirit of the 
 original, and supporting the poetical style of the translation : 
 and I will venture to say, there have not been more men misled 
 in former times by a servile dull adherence to the letter, than 
 have been deluded in ours by a chimerical insolent hope of rais¬ 
 ing and improving their author. It is not to be doubted that the 
 fire of the poem is what a translator should principally regard, 
 as it is most likely to expire in his managing : however, it is 
 his safest way to be content with preserving this to his utmost * 
 in the whole, without endeavouring to be more than he finds his 
 author is, in any particular place. It is a great secret in wri¬ 
 ting to know when to be plain, and when poetical and figura¬ 
 tive ; and it is what Homer will teach us, if we will but follow 
 modestly in his footsteps. Where his diction is bold and lofty, 
 let us raise ours as high as we can; but where his is plain and 
 humble, we ought not to be deterred from imitating him by the 
 fear of incurring the censure of a mere English critic. Nothing 
 that belongs to Homer seems to have been more commonly mis¬ 
 taken than the just pitch of his style: some of his translators 
 have swelled into fustian in a proud confidence of the sublime; 
 others sunk into flatness in a cold and timorous notion of sim¬ 
 plicity. Methinks I see these different followers of Homer, 
 some sweating and straining after him by violent leaps and 
 bounds, the certain signs of false mettle; others slowly and ser¬ 
 vilely creeping in his train, while the poet himself is all the time 
 proceeding with an unaffected and equal majesty before them. 
 However, of the two extremes, one would sooner pardon phren- 
 sy than frigidity: no author is to be envied for such commenda¬ 
 tions as he may gain by that character of style which his friends 
 must agree together to call simplicity, and the rest of the world 
 will call dulness. There is a graceful and dignified simplicity, 
 as well as a bald and sordid one, which differ as much from 
 each other as the air of a plain man from that of a sloven : it ia 
 one thing to be tricked up, and another not to be dressed at all. 
 Simplicity is the mean between ostentation and rusticity. 
 
 This pure and noble simplicity is nowhere in such perfection 
 
XXV111 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 as in the Scripture and our author. One may affirm, with aL 
 respect to the inspired writings, that the divine Spirit made use 
 of no other words but what were intelligible and common to 
 men at that time, and in that part of the world ; and as Homer 
 is the author nearest to those, his style must of course bear a 
 greater resemblance to the sacred books than that of any other 
 writer. This consideration, together with what has been ob¬ 
 served of the parity of some of his thoughts, may, mSthinks, in¬ 
 duce a translator on the one hand to give into several of those 
 general phrases and manners of expression, which have attained 
 a veneration even in our language from being used in the Old 
 Testament; as, on the other, to avoid those which have been 
 appropriated to the Divinity, and in a manner consigned to mys¬ 
 tery and religion. 
 
 For a further preservation of this air of simplicity, a particu¬ 
 lar care should be taken to express with all plainness those 
 moral sentences and proverbial speeches which are so nume¬ 
 rous in this poet. They have something venerable, and, as 1 
 may say, oracular, in that unadorned gravity and shortness with 
 which they are delivered : a grace which would be utterly lost 
 by endeavouring to give them what we call a more ingenious, 
 that is, a more modern, turn in the paraphrase. 
 
 Perhaps the mixture of some Grsecisms and old words after 
 the manner of Milton, if done without too much affectation, 
 might not have an ill effect in a version of this particular work, 
 which most of any other seems to require a venerable antique 
 cast. But certainly the use of modern terms of war and gov¬ 
 ernment, such as platoon, campaign, junto, or the like, into 
 which some of his translators have fallen, cannot be allowable: 
 those only excepted, without which it is impossible to treat the 
 subjects in any living language. 
 
 There are two peculiarities in Homer’s diction which are a 
 sort of marks, or moles, by which every common eye distin¬ 
 guishes him at first sight: those who are not his greatest admi¬ 
 rers look on them as defects, and those who are, seem pleased 
 with them as beauties. I speak of his compound epithets, and 
 of his repetitions. Many of the former cannot be done literally 
 into English without destroying the purity of our language. 2 
 believe such should be retained as slide easily of themselves 
 into an English compound, without, violence to the ear or to the 
 received rules of composition ; as well as those which have re¬ 
 ceived a sanction from the authority of our best poets, and are 
 become familiar through their use of them ; such as the cloud 
 compelling Jove, &c. As for the rest, whenever any can be as 
 fully and significantly expressed in a single word as in a com¬ 
 pound one, the course to be taken is obvious. 
 
 Some that cannot be so turned as to preserve their full image 
 by one or two words, may have justice done them by circumlo- 
 
PREFACE 
 
 XXIX 
 
 cation; as the epithet ttvoatcpvWos to a mountain, would appear 
 little or ridiculous translated literally, “leaf-shaking,” but af¬ 
 fords a majestic idea in the periphrasis : “ The lofty mountain 
 shakes his waving woods.” Others, that admit of differing sig¬ 
 nifications, may receive an advantage by a judicious variation 
 according to the occasions on which they are introduced. For 
 example, the epithet of Apollo, e/cjj/JoXoj, or “far-shooting,” is 
 capable of two explications ; one literal in respect to the darts 
 and bow, the ensigns of that god ; the other allegorical with re¬ 
 gard to the rays of the sun : therefore in such places where 
 Apollo is represented as a god in person, I would use the former 
 interpretation ; and where the effects of the sun are described, I 
 would make choice of the latter. On the whole, it will be ne¬ 
 cessary to avoid that perpetual repetition of the same epithets 
 which we find in Homer; and which, though it might be ac¬ 
 commodated, as has been already shown, to the ear of those 
 times, is by no means so to ours: but one may wait for oppor¬ 
 tunities of placing them, where they derive an additional beauty 
 from the occasions on which they are employed ; and in doing 
 this properly, a translator may at once show his fancy and his 
 judgment. 
 
 As for Homer’s repetitions, we may divide them into three 
 sorts; of whole narrations and speeches, of single sentences, 
 and of one verse or hemistich. I hope it is not impossible to 
 have such a regard to these, as neither to lose so known a mark 
 of t.he author on the one hand, nor to offend the reader too 
 much on the other. The repetition is not ungraceful in those 
 speeches where the dignity of the speaker renders it a sort of 
 insolence to alter his words; as in the messages from gods to* 
 men, or from higher powers to inferiors in concerns of state, or 
 where the ceremonial of religion seems to require it, in the 
 solemn forms of prayers, oaths, or the like. In other cases, I 
 believe, the best rule is, to be guided by the nearness, or dis¬ 
 tance, at which the repetitions are placed in the original: when 
 they follow too close, one may vary the expression ; but it is a 
 question, whether a professed translator be authorized to omit 
 any : if they be tedious, the author is to answer for it. 
 
 It only remains to speak of the versification. Homer, as has 
 been said, is perpetually applying the sound to the sense, and 
 varying it on every new subject. This is indeed one of the 
 most exquisite beauties of poetry, and attainable, by very few : 
 I know only of Homer eminent for it in the Greek, and Vir¬ 
 gil in Latin. * I am sensible it is what may sometimes happen 
 by chance, when a writer is warm, and fully possessed of his 
 image ; however, it may be reasonably believed they designed 
 this, in whose verse it so manifestly appears in a superior de¬ 
 gree to all others. Few readers have the ear to be judge* 
 
 c2 
 
XXX 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 of it; hut those who have, will see I have endeavoured at this 
 beauty. 
 
 On the whole, I must confess myself utterly incapable of do¬ 
 ing justice to Homer I attempt him in no other hope but that 
 which one may entertain without much vanity, of giving a 
 more tolerable copy of him than any entire translation in verse 
 has yet done. We have only those of Chapman, Hobbes, and 
 Ogilby. Chapman has taken the advantage of an imrnensur- 
 able length of verse; notwithstanding which, there is scarce 
 any paraphrase more loose and rambling than his. He has fre¬ 
 quent interpolations of four or six lines, and I remember one in 
 the thirteenth book of the Odyssey, v. 312, where he has spun 
 twenty verses out of two. He is often mistaken in so bold a 
 maimer, that one might think he deviated on purpose, if he did 
 not in other places of his notes insist so much on verbal trifles. 
 He appears to have had a strong affectation of extracting new 
 meanings out of his author, insomuch, as to promise, in his 
 rhyming preface, a poem of the mysteries he had revealed in 
 Homer: and perhaps he endeavoured to strain the obvious 
 sense to this end. His expression is involved in fustian, a fault 
 for which he was remarkable in his original writings, as in the 
 tragedy of Bussy d’Amboise, &c. In a word, the nature of the 
 man may account for his whole performance ; for he appears, 
 from his preface and remarks, to have been of an arrogant turn, 
 and an enthusiast in poetry. His own boast of having finished 
 half the Iliad in less than fifteen weeks, shows with what neg¬ 
 ligence his version was performed. But that which is to be 
 allowed him, and which very much contributed to cover his de¬ 
 fects, is a daring fiery spirit that animates his translation, which 
 is something like what one might imagine Homer himself would 
 have writ before he arrived at years of discretion. 
 
 Hobbes has given us a correct, explanation of the sense in 
 general; but for particulars and circumstances he continually 
 lops them, and often omits the most beautiful. As for its being 
 esteemed a close translation, I doubt not many have been led 
 into that error by the shortness of it, which proceeds not from 
 his following the original line by line, but from the contractions 
 above mentioned. He sometimes omits whole similes and sen¬ 
 tences, and is now and then guilty of mistakes, into which no 
 writer of his learning could have fallen but through careless¬ 
 ness. His poetry, as well as Ogilby’s, is too mean for criti¬ 
 cism. 
 
 It is a great loss to the poetical world that Mf. Dryden did 
 not live to translate the Iliad. He has left us only the first 
 nook, and a small part of the sixth : in which, if he has in 
 some places not truly interpreted the sense, or preserved the 
 antiquities, it ought to be excused on account of the haste he 
 was obliged to write in. He seems to have had too much re- 
 
, n „ college ubka*< 
 
 ...it MASS* 
 
 .ccTNUT 
 
 gard to Chapman, whose words he sometimes copies, and has 
 unhappily followed him in passages where he wanders from the 
 original. However, had he translated the whole work, J would 
 no more have attempted Homer after him than Virgil; his ver¬ 
 sion of whom, notwithstanding some human errors, is the most 
 noble and spirited translation 1 know in any language. v But 
 the fate of great geniuses is like that of great ministers; though 
 they are confessedly the first in the commonwealth of letters, 
 they must be envied and calumniated only for being at the 
 head of it. 
 
 That which in my opinion ought to be the endeavour of any 
 one who translates Homer, is above all things to keep alive 
 that spirit and fire which, makes his chief character: in particu¬ 
 lar places, where the sense can bear any doubt, to follow the 
 strongest and most poetical, as most agreeing with that charac¬ 
 ter ; to copy him in all the variations of his style, and the dif¬ 
 ferent modulations of his numbers ; to preserve, in the more 
 active or descriptive parts, a warmth and elevation; in the 
 more sedate or narrative, a plainness and solemnity; in the 
 speeches, a fulness and perspicuity ; in the sentences, a short¬ 
 ness and gravity : not to neglect even the little figures and turns 
 on the words, nor sometimes the very cast of the periods : nei¬ 
 ther to omit nor confound any rites or' customs of antiquity. 
 perhaps, too, he ought to include the whole in a shorter com¬ 
 pass than has hitherto been done by any translator who has 
 tolerably preserved either the sense or poetry. What I would 
 further recommend to him, is to study his author rather from his 
 own text than from any commentaries, how learned soever, or 
 whatever figure they may make in the estimation of the world; 
 to consider him attentively in comparison with Virgil above all 
 the ancients, and with Milton above all the moderns. Next 
 these, the Archbishop of Cambray’s Telemachus may give him 
 the truest idea of the spirit and turn of our author, and Bossu’s 
 admirable treatise of the Epic Poem the justest notion of his 
 design and conduct. But after all, with whatever judgment and 
 study a man may proceed, or with whatever happiness he may 
 perform such a work, he must hope to please but a few ; those 
 only who have at once a taste of poetry, and competent learn¬ 
 ing. For to satisfy such as want either, is not in the nature of 
 this undertaking; since a mere modern wit can like nothing that 
 is not modern, and a pedant nothing that is not Greek. 
 
 What 1 have done is submitted to the ptiblic, from whose 
 opinions 1 am prepared to learn ; though 1 fear no judges so lit¬ 
 tle as our best poets, who are most sensible of the weight, of, 
 this task. As for the worst, whatever they shall please to say, 
 they may give me some concern as they are unhappy men, but 
 none as they are malignant writers. 1 was guided in this trans¬ 
 lation by judgments very different from theirs, and by persons 
 
xxxii 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 for whom they can have no kindness, if an old observation be 
 true, that the strongest antipathy in the world is that of fools to 
 men of wit. Mr. Addison was the first whose advice deter¬ 
 mined me to undertake this task, who was pleased to write to me 
 on that occasion in such terms as I cannot repeat without van¬ 
 ity. I was obliged to Sir Richard Steele for a very early re¬ 
 commendation of my undertaking to the public. Dr. Swift pro¬ 
 moted my interest with that warmth with which he always 
 serves his friend. The humanity and frankness of Sir Samuel 
 Garth are what I never knew wanting on any occasion. I must 
 also acknowledge, with infinite pleasure, the many friendly 
 offices, as well as sincere criticisms, of Mr. Congreve, who had 
 led me the way in translating some parts of Horner ; as I wish, 
 for the sake of the world, he had prevented me in the rest. I 
 must add the names of Mr. Rowe and Dr. Parnell, though I shall 
 take a further opportunity of doing justice to the last, whose 
 good nature, to give it a great panegyric, is no less extensive 
 than his learning. The favour of these gentlemen is not en¬ 
 tirely undeserved by one who bears them so true an affection. 
 Buc what can I say of the honour so many of the great have 
 done me, while the first names of the age appear as my sub¬ 
 scribers, and the most distinguished patrons and ornaments of 
 learning, as my chief encouragers ? Among these, it is a par¬ 
 ticular pleasure to me to find, that my highest obligations are 
 to such who have done most honour to the name of poet: that 
 his grace the Duke of Buckingham was not displeased I 
 should undertake the author to whom he has given, in his ex¬ 
 cellent Essay, so complete a praise:— 
 
 “ Read Homer once, and you can read no more ; 
 
 For all books else appear so mean, so poor, 
 
 Verse will seem prose : but still persist to read, 
 
 And Homer will be all the books you need.” 
 
 That the Earl of Halifax was one of the first to favour me ; of 
 whom it is hard to say, whether the advancement of the polite 
 arts is more owing to his generosity or his example: that such 
 a genius as my Lord Bolingbroke, not more distinguished in the 
 great scenes of business than in all the useful and entertaining 
 parts of learning, has not refused to be the critic of these sheets, 
 and the patron of their writer; and that so excellent an imitator 
 Of Homer as the noble author of the tragedy of Heroic Love, 
 has continued his partiality to me, from my writing Pastorals to 
 my attempting the Iliad. I cannot deny myself the pride of 
 confessing, that I have had the advantage not only of their ad¬ 
 vice for the conduct in general, but their correction of several 
 particulars of this translation. 
 
 I could say a great deal of the pleasure of being distinguished 
 
PREFACE 
 
 XXX111 
 
 by the Earl of Carnarvon; but it is almost absurd to particu¬ 
 larize any one generous action in a person whose whole life is a 
 continued series of them. Mr. Stanhope, the present secretary 
 of state, will pardon my desire of having it known that he was 
 pleased to promote this affair. The particular zeal of Mr. Har- 
 court, the son of the late lord chancellor, gave me a proof how 
 much I am honoured in a share of his friendship. 1 must at¬ 
 tribute to the same motive that of several others of my friends, 
 to whom all acknowledgments are rendered unnecessary by the 
 privileges of a familiar correspondence; and I am satisfied 1 can 
 no way better oblige men of their turn than by my silence. 
 
 In short, I have found more patrons than ever Homer want¬ 
 ed. He would have thought himself happy to have met the 
 same favour at Athens that has been shown me by its learned 
 rival, the university of Oxford. If my author had the wits of 
 after ages for his defenders, his translator has had the beauties 
 of the present for his advocates; a pleasure too great to be 
 changed for any fame in reversion. And I can hardly envy him 
 those pompous honours he received after death, when I reflect 
 on the enjoyment of so many agreeable obligations, and easy 
 friendships, which make the satisfaction of life. This distinc¬ 
 tion is the more to be acknowledged, as it is shown to one 
 whose pen has never gratified the prejudices of particular par¬ 
 ties, or the vanities of particular men. Whatever the success 
 may prove, I shall never repent of an undertaking in which I 
 have experienced the candour and friendship of so many per¬ 
 sons of merit; and in which I hope to pass some of those years 
 of youth that are generally lost in a circle of follies, after a 
 manner neither wholly unuseful to others nor disagreeable to 
 myself. 
 

 
 
 
 
 r • ' ' . f V 
 
 • •• - 
 
 . 
 
 ft. . 
 
 I . / 
 
 • * 
 
 . 
 
 ■> 
 
 » 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 
 * 
 
 
 
 ■ 
 
 • 
 
 
 
 * 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■ 
 
 , 
 
 « f 
 
 
 
 
 . J . 
 
 i " 7 .' " • . •' 5 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 * * - 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
.i 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 


 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK I. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Contention of Achilles and Agamemnon. 
 
 In the war of Troy, the Greeks, having sacked some of the 
 neighbouring towns, and taken from thence two beautiful cap¬ 
 tives, Chryseis and Briseis, allotted the first to Agamemnon, 
 and the last to Achilles. Chryses,the father of Chryseis, and 
 priest of Apollo, comes to the Grecian camp to ransom her; 
 with which the action of the poem opens, in the tenth year of 
 the siege. The priest being refused, and insolently dismissed 
 by Agamemnon, entreats for vengeance from his god, who 
 inflicts a pestilence on the Greeks. Achilles calls a council, 
 and encourages Chalcas to declare the cause of it, who at¬ 
 tributes it to the refusal of Chryseis. The king, being obliged 
 to send back his captive, enters into a furious contest with 
 Achilles, which Nestor pacifies : however, as he had the abso¬ 
 lute command of the army, he seizes on Briseis in. revenge. 
 Achilles in discontent withdraws himself and his forces from 
 the rest of the Greeks; and complaining to Thetis, she suppli¬ 
 cates Jupiter to render them sensible of the wrong done to her 
 son, by giving victory to the Trojans. Jupiter granting her 
 suit, incenses Juno, between whom the debate runs high, till 
 they are reconciled by the address of Vulcan.—[The time of 
 two-and-twenty days is taken up in this book: nine during the 
 plague, one in the council and quarrel of the princes, and 
 twelve for Jupiter’s stay with the ^Ethiopians, at whose re- 
 HOM.-1.-D 
 
 
 
38 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 turn Thetis prefers her petition. The scene lies in the Gre¬ 
 cian camp, then changes to Chrysa, and lastly to Olympus.] 
 
 Achilles’ wrath, to Greece the direful spring 
 Of woes unnumber’d, heavenly goddess, sing! 
 
 That wrath which hurl’d to Pluto’s gloomy reign 
 The souls of mighty chiefs untimely slain ; 
 
 Whose limbs, unburied on the naked shore, 5 
 
 Devouring dogs and hungry vultures tore ; 
 
 Since great Achilles and Atrides strove, 
 
 Such was the sovereign doom, and such the will of 
 Jove! 
 
 Declare, oh muse ! in what ill-fated hour 
 Sprung the fierce strife, from what offended power? 
 Latona’s son a dire contagion spread, 11 
 
 And heap’d the camp with mountains of the dead : 
 The king of men his reverend priest defied, 
 
 And for the king’s offence the people died. 
 
 For Chryses sought with costly gifts to gain 15 
 His captive daughter from the victor’s chain. 
 Suppliant the venerable father stands, 
 
 Apollo’s awful ensigns grace his hands : 
 
 By these he begs ; and lowly bending down, 
 Extends the sceptre and the laurel crown. 20 
 
 He sued to all, but chief implored for grace 
 The brother kings of Atreus’ royal race. 
 
 “Ye kings and warriors! may your vows be 
 crown’d, 
 
 And Troy’s proud walls lie level with the ground! 
 May Jove restore you, when your toils are o’er, 25 
 Safe to the pleasures of your native shore; 
 
 But, oh! relieve a wretched parent’s pain, 
 
 And give Chryseis to these arms again ; 
 
 If mercy fail, yet let my presents move, 
 
 And dread avenging Phoebus* son of Jove.” 
 
 The Greeks in shouts their joint assent declare 
 The priest to reverence, and release the fair. 
 
 Not so Atrides: he. with kingly pride, 
 
 .Repulsed the sacred sire, and thus replied : 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK I. 
 
 39 
 
 “ Hence, on thy life, and fly these hostile plains, 
 Nor ask, presumptuous, what the king detains ; 36 
 
 Hence, with thy laurel crown, and golden rod, 
 
 Nor trust too far those ensigns of thy god. 
 
 Mine is thy daughter, priest, and shall remain ; 
 
 And prayers, and tears, and bribes, shall plead in 
 vain; 40 
 
 Till time shall rifle every youthful grace, 
 
 And age dismiss her from my cold embrace, 
 
 In daily labours of the loom employ’d, 
 
 Or doom’d to deck the bed she once enjoy’d. 
 
 Hence then to Argos shall the maid retire, 45 
 
 Far from her native soil and weeping sire.” 
 
 The trembling priest along the shore return’d, 
 
 And in the anguish of a father mourn’d. 
 Disconsolate, not daring to complain, 
 
 Silent he wander’d by the sounding main: 59 
 
 Till, safe at distance, to his god he prays, 
 
 The god who darts around the world his rays. 
 
 “ Oh Smintheus ! sprung from fair Latona’s line, 
 Thou guardian power of Cilia the divine, 
 
 Thou source of light! whom Tenedos adores, 55 
 And whose bright presence gilds thy Chrysa’s 
 shores: 
 
 If e’er with wreaths I hung thy sacred fane, 
 
 Or fed the flames with fat of oxen slain; 
 
 God of the silver bow ! thy shafts employ, 
 
 Avenge thy servant, and the Greeks destroy.” 60 
 Thus Chryses pray’d: the favouring power attends, 
 And from Olympus’ lofty top descends. 
 
 Bent was his bow, the Grecian hearts to wound, 
 Fierce as he moved, his silver shafts resound. 
 Breathing revenge, a sudden night he spread, 65 
 And gloomy darkness rolled around his head. 
 
 The fleet in view, he twang’d his deadly bow, 
 
 And hissing fly the feather’d fates below. 
 
 On mules and dogs th’ infection first began; 
 
 And last, the vengeful arrows fix’d in man. 70 
 
40 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 For nine long nights through all the dusky air 
 The pyres thick flaming shot a dismal glare. 
 
 But ere the tenth revolving day was run, 
 
 Inspired by Juno, Thetis’ godlike son 
 
 Convened to council all the Grecian train ; 75 
 
 For much the goddess mourn’d her heroes slain. 
 
 Th’ assembly seated, rising o’er the rest, 
 
 Achilles thus the king of men address’d : 
 
 “ Why leave we not the fatal Trojan shore, 
 
 And measure back the seas we cross’d before? 
 
 The plague destroying whom the sword would spare, 
 ’Tis time to save the few remains of war. 
 
 But let some prophet, or some sacred sage, 
 
 Explore the cause of great Apollo’s rage: 
 
 Or learn the wasteful vengeance to remove, 86 
 By mystic dreams, for dreams descend from Jove. 
 
 If broken vows this heavy curse have laid, 
 
 Let altars smoke, and hecatombs be paid. 
 
 So Heaven atoned shall dying Greece restore, 
 
 And Phoebus dart his burning shafts no more.” 90 
 He said, and sat: when Chalcas thus replied; 
 Chalcas the wise, the Grecian priest and guide, 
 That sacred seer, whose comprehensive view 
 The past, the present, and the future knew: 
 Uprising slow, the venerable sage 95 
 
 Thus spoke the prudence and the fears of age. 
 
 “ Beloved of Jove, Achilles ! wouldst thou know 
 Why angry Phoebus bends his fatal bow 1 
 First give thy faith, and plight a prince’s w r ord 
 Of sure protection, by thy power and sword : 100 
 
 For I must speak what wisdom would conceal, 
 
 And truths, invidious to the great, reveal. 
 
 Bold is the task, when subjects, grown too wise, 
 Instruct a monarch where his error lies; 
 
 For though we deem the shortlived fury past, 105 
 ’Tis sure, the mighty will revenge at last.” 
 
 To whom Pelides : “ From thy inmost soul 
 Speak what thou know’st, and speak without con¬ 
 trol. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK I. 
 
 41 
 
 Ev’n by that god I swear, who rules the day, 
 
 To whom thy hands the vows of Greece convey, 110 
 And whose bless’d oracles thy lips declare; 
 
 Long as Achilles breathes this vital air, 
 
 No daring Greek of all the numerous band 
 Against his priest shall lift an impious hand: 
 
 Not ev’n the chief by whom our hosts are led, 115 
 The king of kings, shall touch that sacred head. 1 ’ 
 
 Encouraged thus, the blameless man replies : 
 “Nor vows unpaid, nor slighted sacrifice, 
 
 But he, our chief, provoked the raging pest, 
 
 Apollo’s vengeance for his injured priest. 120 
 
 Nor will the god’s awaken’d fury cease. 
 
 But plagues shall spread, and funeral fires increase, 
 Till the great king, without a ransom paid, 
 
 To her own Chrysa send the black-eyed maid. 
 Perhaps, with added sacrifice and prayer, 125 
 
 The priest may pardon, and the god may spare.” 
 
 The prophet spoke; when with a gloomy frown 
 The monarch started from his shining throne; 
 
 Black choler fill’d his breast that boil’d with ire, 
 
 And from his eyeballs flash’d the living fire. 130 
 “ Augur accursed ! denouncing mischief still, 
 Prophet of plagues, for ever boding ill! 
 
 Still must that tongue some wounding message bring, 
 And still thy priestly pride provoke thy king? 
 
 For this are Phcebus’ oracles explored, 135 
 
 To teach the Greeks to murmur at their lord? 
 
 For this with falsehoods is my honour stain’d, 
 
 Is Heaven offended, and a priest profaned ; 
 
 Because my prize, my beauteous maid, I hold, 
 
 And heavenly charms prefer to proffer’d gold ? 140 
 
 A maid, unmatch’d in manners as in face, 
 
 Skill’d in each art, and crown’d with every grace. 
 Not half so dear were Clytemnestra’s charms, 
 
 When first her blooming beauties bless’d my arms. 
 Yet if the gods demand her, let her sail: 145 
 
 Our cares are only for the public weal: 
 
 d 2 
 
42 
 
 IIOMER. 
 
 Let me be deem’d the hateful cause of all, 
 
 And suffer, rather than my people fall. 
 
 The prize, the beauteous prize, I will resign, 
 
 So dearly valued, and so justly mine. 160 
 
 But since for common good 1 yield the fair, 
 
 My private loss let grateful Greece repair; 
 
 Nor unrewarded let your prince complain, 
 
 That he alone has fought and bled in vain.” 
 
 “ Insatiate king!” Achilles thus replies; 155 
 “Fond of the power, but fonder of the prize! 
 Wouldst thou the Greeks their lawful prey should 
 yield, 
 
 The due reward of many a well-fought field ? 
 
 The spoils of cities razed, and warriors slain, 
 
 We share with justice, as with toil we gain: 160 
 
 But to resume what’er thy avarice craves 
 (That trick of tyrants) may be borne by slaves. 
 
 Yet if our chief for plunder only fight. 
 
 The spoils of Ilion shall thy loss requite, 164 
 
 Whene’er by Jove’s decree our conquering powers 
 Shall humble to the dust her lofty towers.” 
 
 Then thus the king: “Shall I my prize resign 
 With tame content, and thou possess’d of thine ? 
 Great as thou art, and like a god in fight, 
 
 Think not to rob me of a soldier’s right. 170 
 
 At thy demand shall I restore the maid ? 
 
 First let the just equivalent be paid ; 
 
 Such as a king might ask : and let it be 
 A treasure worthy her, and worthy me. 
 
 Or grant me this, or with a monarch’s claim 175 
 This hand shall seize some other captive dame. 
 
 The mighty Ajax shall his prize resign, 
 
 Ulysses’ spoils, or ev'n thy own be mine. 
 
 The man who suffers, loudly may complain ; 
 
 And rage he may, but he shall rage in vain. 180 
 But this when time requires—It now remains 
 We launch a bark to plough the watery plains, 
 
 And waft the sacrifice to Chrysa’s shores, 
 
 With chosen pilots and with labouring oars. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK I. 
 
 Soon shall the fair the sable ship ascend, 
 
 And some deputed prince the charge attend ; 
 
 This Creta’s king, or Ajax shall fulfil, 
 
 Or wise Ulysses see perform’d our will; 
 
 Or, if our royal pleasure shall ordain, 
 
 Achilles’ self conduct her o’er the main: 
 
 Let fierce Achilles, dreadful in his rage, 
 
 The gods propitiate, and the pest assuage.” 
 
 At this, Pelides, frowning stern, replied: 
 
 “ Oh tyrant, arm’d with insolence and pride ! 
 Inglorious slave to interest, ever join’d 
 With fraud, unworthy of a royal mind ! 
 
 What generous Greek, obedient to thy word, 
 
 Shall form an ambush, or shall lift the sword ? 
 
 What cause have 1 to war at thy decree ? 
 
 The distant Trojans never injured me ; 
 
 To Phthia’s realms no hostile troops they led; 
 
 Safe in her vales my warlike coursers fed; 
 
 Far hence removed, the hoarse-resoutiding main, 
 And walls of rocks, secure my native reign, 
 
 Whose fruitful soil luxuriant harvests grace, 205 
 Rich in her fruits, and in her martial race. 
 
 Hither we sail’d, a voluntary throng, 
 
 T’ avenge a private, not a public wrong: 
 
 What else to Troy the assembled nations draws, 
 But thine,ungrateful, and thy brother’s cause? 210 
 Is this the pay our blood and toils deserve ; 
 Disgraced and injured by the man we serve ? 
 
 And darest thou threat to snatch my prize away, 
 Due to the deeds of many a dreadful day ? 
 
 A prize as small, oh tyrant! match’d with thine, 215 
 As thy own actions if compared to mine. 
 
 Thine in each conquest is the wealthy prey, 
 
 Though mine the sweat and danger of the day. 
 
 Some trivial present to my ships I bear, 
 
 Or barren praises pay the wounds of war. 220 
 But know, proud monarch ! I’m thy slave no more; 
 My fleet shall waft me to Thessalia’s shore. 
 
 43 
 
 185 
 
 190 
 
 195 
 
 200 
 
44 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Left by Achilles on the Trojan plain, 
 
 What spoils, what conquests, shall Atrides gain!” 
 
 To this the king: “ Fly, mighty warrior ! fly, 225 
 Thy aid we need not, and thy threats defy. 
 
 There want not chiefs in such a cause to fight, 
 
 And Jove himself shall guard a monarch’s right. 
 
 Of all the kings (the god’s distinguish’d care) 
 
 To power superior none such hatred bear ; 230 
 
 Strife and debate thy restless soul employ, 
 
 And wars and horrors are thy savage joy. 
 
 If thou hast strength, ’twas Heaven that strength 
 bestowed; 
 
 For know, vain man! thy valour is from God. 
 Haste, launch thy vessels, fly with speed away, 235 
 Rule thy own realms with arbitrary sw’ay: 
 
 I heed thee not, but prize at equal rate 
 Thy shortlived friendship and thy groundless hate. 
 Go, threat thy earthborn Myrmidons: but here 
 ’Tis mine to threaten, prince, and thine to fear. 240 
 Know, if the god the beauteous dame demand, 
 
 My bark shall waft her to her native land ; 
 
 But then prepare, imperious prince ! prepare, 
 
 Fierce as thou art, to yield thy captive fair: 
 
 Ev’n in thy tent I’ll seize the blooming prize, 245 
 Thy loved Briseis with the radiant eyes. 
 
 Hence shalt thou prove my might, and curse the 
 hour 
 
 Thou stood’st a rival of imperial power; 
 
 And hence to all our host it shall be known 
 That kings are subject to the gods alone.” 250 
 Achilles heard, with grief and rage oppress’d. 
 
 His heart swell’d high, and labour’d in his breast. 
 Distracting thoughts by turns his bosom ruled. 
 
 Now fired by wrath, and now by reason cool’d; 
 That prompts his hand to draw the deadly sword, 
 Force through the Greeks, and pierce their haughty 
 lord; 258 
 
 This whispers soft, his vengeance to control, 
 
 And calm the rising tempest of his soul. 
 
ILIAD—BOOK I. 
 
 45 
 
 Just as in anguish of suspense he stay’d, 259 
 
 While half unsheathed appear’d the glittering blade, 
 Minerva swift descended from above, 
 
 Sent by the sister and the wife of Jove— 
 
 (For both the princes claim’d her equal care ;) 
 Behind she stood, and by the golden hair 
 Achilles seized; to him alone confess’d ; 265 
 
 A sable cloud conceal’d her from the rest. 
 
 He sees, and sudden to the goddess cries— 
 
 (Known by the flames that sparkle from her eyes:) 
 
 “ Descends Minerva in her guardian care, 
 
 A heavenly witness of the wrongs I bear 270 
 
 From Atreus’ son! then let those eyes that view 
 The daring crime, behold the vengeance too.” 
 
 “ Forbear!” the progeny of Jove replies, 
 
 “ To calm thy fury 1 forsake the skies : 
 
 Let great Achilles, to the gods resign’d, 275 
 
 To reason yield the empire o’er his mind. 
 
 By awful Juno this command is given ; 
 
 The king and you are both the care of Heaven. 
 
 The force of keen reproaches let him feel, 
 
 But sheath, obedient, thy revenging steel. 280 
 For I pronounce (and trust a heavenly power) 
 
 Thy injured honour has its fated hour, 
 
 When the proud monarch shall thy arms implore, 
 And bribe thy friendship with a boundless store. 
 Then let revenge no longer bear the sway, 285 
 Command thy passions, and the gods obey.” 
 
 To her Pelides: “ With regardful ear, 
 
 *Tis just, oh goddess ! I thy dictates hear. 
 
 Hard as it is, my vengeance I suppress: 
 
 Those who revere the gods, the gods will bless.” 
 
 He said, observant of the blue-eyed maid ; 291 
 
 Then in the sheath return’d the shining blade. 
 
 The goddess swift to high Olympus flies, 
 
 A.nd joins the sacred senate of the skies. 
 
 Nor yet the rage his boiling breast forsook, 295 
 Which thus redoubling on Atrides broke: 
 
46 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 “ Oh monster ! mix’d of insolence and fear, 
 
 Thou dog in forehead, but in heart a deer! 
 
 When wert thou known in ambush’d fights to dare, 
 Or nobly face the horrid front of war? 300 
 
 ‘Tis ours the chance of fighting fields to try, 
 
 Thine to look on, and bid the valiant die. 
 
 So much ’tis safer through the camp to go, 
 
 And rob a subject, than despoil a foe. 
 
 Scourge of thy people, violent and base ! 305 
 
 Sent in Jove’s anger on a slavish race, 
 
 Who, lost to sense of generous freedom past, 
 
 Are tamed to wrongs, or this had been thy last. 
 
 Now by this sacred sceptre hear me swear, 
 
 Which never more shall leaves or blossoms bear, 
 Which sever’d from the trunk (as 1 from thee) 311 
 On the bare mountains left its parent tree ; 
 
 This sceptre, foYm’d by temper’d steel to prove 
 An ensign of the delegates of Jove, 
 
 From whom the power of laws and justice springs— 
 (Tremendous oath ! inviolate to kings :) 316 
 
 By this 1 swear, when bleeding Greece again 
 Shall call Achilles, she shall call in vain. 
 
 When, flush’d with slaughter, Hector comes to spread 
 The purpled shore with mountains of the dead, 320 
 Then shalt thou mourn th’ affront thy madness gave, 
 Forced to deplore, when impotent to save : 
 
 Then rage in bitterness of soul, to know 
 This act has made the bravest Greek thy foe.” 
 
 He spoke; and furious hurl’d against the ground 
 His sceptre starr’d with golden studs around, 326 
 Then sternly silent sat. With like disdain 
 The raging king return’d his frowns again. 
 
 To calm their passions with the words of age, 
 Slow from his seat arose the Pylian sage. 330 
 Experienced Nestor, in persuasion skill’d, 
 
 Words sweet as honey from his lips distill’d; 
 
 Two generations now had pass’d away, 
 
 Wise by his rules, and happy by his sway ; 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK I. 47 
 
 Two ages o’er his native realm he reign’d, 335 
 And now th’ example of the third remain’d. 
 
 All view’d with awe the venerable man ; 
 
 Who thus with mild benevolence began: 
 
 “ What shame, what wo is this to Greece! what 
 
 joy 
 
 To Troy’s proud monarch, and the friends of Troy! 
 That adverse gods commit to stern debate 341 
 The best, the bravest of the Grecian state. 
 
 Young as ye are, this youthful heat restrain, 
 
 Nor think your Nestor’s years and wisdom vain. 
 
 A godlike race of heroes once 1 knew, 345 
 
 Such as no more these aged eyes shall view ! 
 
 Lives there a chief to match Pirithous’ fame, 
 
 Dryas the bold, or Ceneus’ deathless name; 
 Theseus, endued with more than mortal might, 
 
 Or Polyphemus, like the gods in fight 1 350 
 
 With these of old to toils of battle bred, 
 
 In early youth my hardy days I led; 
 
 Fired with the thirst which virtuous envy breeds, 
 And smit with love of honourable deeds. 354 
 
 Strongest of men, they pierced the mountain boar, 
 Ranged the wild deserts red with monsters’ gore, 
 And from their hills the shaggy centaurs tore. 
 
 Yet these with soft persuasive hearts I sway’d; 
 When Nestor spoke, they listen’d and obey’d. 
 
 If in my youth ev’n these esteem’d me wise, 360 
 Do you, young warriors, hear my age advise. 
 Atrides, seize not on the beauteous slave ; 
 
 That prize the Greeks by common suffrage gave; 
 Nor thou, Achilles, treat our prince with pride; 
 
 Let kings be just, and sovereign power preside. 365 
 Thee, the first honours of the war adorn, 
 
 Like gods in strength, and of a goddess born; 
 
 Him, awful majesty exalts above 
 
 The powers of earth, and sceptred sons of Jove. 
 
 Let both unite with well-consulting mind, 370 
 So shall authority with strength be join’d. 
 
48 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Leave me, oh king! to calm Achilles rage; 
 
 Rule thou thyself, as more advanced in age. 
 
 Forbid it, gods! Achilles should be lost, 
 
 The pride of Greece, and bulwark of our host.” 375 
 This said, he ceased. The king of men replies : 
 
 “ Thy years are awful,<and thy words are wise: 
 
 But that imperious, that unconquer’d soul, 
 
 No laws can limit, nor respect control. 
 
 Before his pride must his superiors fall, 380 
 
 His word the law, and he the lord of all ? 
 
 Him must our hosts, our chiefs, ourself obey? 
 
 What king can bear a rival in his sway ? 
 
 Grant that the gods his matchless force have given; 
 Has foul reproach a privilege from Heaven?” 385 
 Here on the monarch’s speech Achilles broke, 
 And furious thus, and interrupting, spoke : 
 
 “ Tyrant! I well deserved thy galling chain, 
 
 To live thy slave, and still to serve in vain; 
 
 Should I submit to each unjust decree: 390 
 
 Command thy vassals, but command not me. 
 
 Seize on Briseis, whom the Grecians doom’d 
 My prize of war, yet tamely see resumed ; 
 
 And seize secure ; no more Achilles draws 
 
 His conquering sword in any woman’s cause. 395 
 
 The gods command me to forgive the past; 
 
 But let this first invasion be the last: 
 
 For know, thy blood, when next thou dar’st invade, 
 Shall stream in vengeance on my reeking blade.” 
 
 At this they ceased, the stern debate expired: 400 
 The chiefs in sullen majesty retired. 
 
 Achilles with Patroclus took his way, 
 
 Where near his tents his hollow vessels lay. 
 Meantime Atrides launch’d with numerous oars 
 A well-rigg’d ship for Chrysa’s sacred shores: 405 
 
 High on the deck was fair Chryseis placed, 
 
 And sage Ulysses with the conduct graced: 
 
 Safe in her sides the hecatomb they stow’d, 
 
 Then swiftly sailing, cut the liquid road. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK I. 49 
 
 The host to expiate, next the king prepares, 410 
 With pure lustrations, aud with solemn prayers. 
 Wash’d by the briny wave, the pious train 
 Are cleansed, and cast the ablutions in the main. 
 Along the shore whole hecatombs were laid, 
 
 And bulls and goats to Phoebus’ altars paid. 415 
 The sable fumes in curling spires arise, 
 
 And waft their grateful odours to the skies. 
 
 The army thus in sacred rites engaged, 
 
 Atrides still with deep resentment raged. 
 
 To wait his will two sacred heralds stood, 420 
 Talthybius and Eurybates the good. 
 
 “ Haste to the fierce Achilles’ tent,” he cries ; 
 
 “ Thence bear Briseis as our royal prize : 
 
 Submit he must! or, if they will not part, 
 
 Ourself in arms shall tear her from his heart.” 425 
 The unwilling heralds act their lord’s commands : 
 Pensive they walk along the barren sands ; 
 
 Arrived, the hero in his tent they find, 
 
 With gloomy aspect on his arm reclined. 
 
 At awful distance long they silent stand, 430 
 
 Loath to advance, or speak their hard command; 
 Decent confusion ! This the godlike man 
 Perceived, and thus with accent mild began: 
 
 “ With leave and honour enter our abodes, 
 
 Ye sacred ministers of men and gods ! 435 
 
 I know your message ; by constraint you came ; 
 Not you, but your imperious lord I blame. 
 
 Patroclus, haste, the fair Briseis bring; 
 
 Conduct my captive to the haughty king. 
 
 But witness, heralds, and proclaim my vow, 440 
 Witness to gods above, and men below ! 
 
 But first, and loudest, to your prince declare, 
 
 That lawless tyrant whose commands ye bear; 
 Unmoved as death Achilles shall remain, 
 
 Though prostrate Greece should bleed at every vein: 
 The raging chief in frantic passion lost, 446 
 
 Blind to himself, and useless to his host, 
 hom.— i.—E 
 
50 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Unskill’d to judge the future by the past, 
 
 In blood -and slaughter shall repent at last.” 
 
 Patroclus now the unwilling beauty brought; 450 
 She, in soft sorrows and in pensive thought, 
 
 Pass'd silent, as the heralds held her hand, 
 
 And oft look’d back, slow moving o’er the strand. 
 Not so his loss the fierce Achilles bore ; 
 
 But sad retiring to the sounding shore, 455 
 
 O’er the wild margin of the deep he hung, 
 
 That kindred deep from whence his mother sprung; 
 There, bathed in tears of anger and disdain, 
 
 Thus loud lamented to the stormy main : 
 
 “ Oh parent goddess ! since in early bloom 460 
 Thy son must fall, by too severe a doom ; 
 
 Sure, to so short a race of glory born, 
 
 Great Jove injustice should this span adorn: 
 Honour and fame at least the Thunderer ow’d, 
 
 A nd ill he pays the promise of a god ; 465 
 
 If yon proud monarch thus thy son defies, 
 
 Obscures my glories, and resumes my prize.” 
 
 Far in the deep recesses of the main, 
 
 Where aged Ocean holds his watery reign, 
 
 The goddess mother heard. The waves divide; 470 
 And like a mist she rose above the tide ; 
 
 Beheld him mourning on the naked shores, 
 
 And thus the sorrows of his soul explores: 
 
 “ Why grieves my son ? Thy anguish let me share, 
 Reveal the cause, and trust a parent’s care.” 475 
 He, deeply sighing, said, “ To tell my wo, 
 
 Is but to mention what too well you know. 
 
 From Thebe, sacred to Apollo’s name, 
 
 (Aetion’s realm,) our conquering army came, 
 
 With treasure loaded and triumphant spoils, 480 
 Whose just division crown’d the soldier’s toils : 
 
 But bright Chryseis, heavenly prize ! was led, 
 
 By vote selected, to the general’s bed. 
 
 The priest of Phoebus sought by gifts to gain 
 His beauteous daughter from the victor’s chain : 485 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK I. 
 
 51 
 
 The fleet he reach’d, and lowly bending down, 
 
 Held forth the sceptre and the laurel crown, 
 Entreating all: but chief implored for grace 
 The brother kings of Atreus’ royal race : 
 
 The generous Greeks their joint consent declare, 490 
 The priest to reverence, and release the fair. 
 
 Not so Atrides: he, with wonted pride, 
 
 The sire insulted, and his gifts denied. 
 
 The insulted sire (his god’s peculiar care) 
 
 To Phoebus pray’d, and Phoebus heard the prayer; 
 
 A dreadful plague ensues; the avenging darts 496 
 Incessant fly, and pierce the Grecian hearts. 
 
 A prophet then, inspired by Heaven, arose, 
 
 And points the crime, and thence derives the woes. 
 Myself the first the assembled chiefs incline 500 
 To avert the vengeance of the power divine ; 
 
 Then rising in his wrath, the monarch storm’d; 
 Incensed he threaten’d, and his threats perform’d: 
 The fair Chryseis to her sire was sent, 
 
 With offer’d gifts to make the god relent; 505 
 
 But now he seized Briseis’ heavenly charms, 
 
 And of my valour’s prize defrauds my arms, 
 Defrauds the votes of all the Grecian train; 
 
 And service, faith, and justice, plead in vain. 
 
 But, goddess ! thou thy suppliant son attend, 510 
 To high Olympus’ shining court ascend, 
 
 Urge all the ties to former service owed, 
 
 And sue for vengeance to the thundering god. 
 
 Oft hast thou triumph’d in the glorious boast, 
 
 That thou stood’st forth of all the ethereal host, 515 
 When bold rebellion shook the realms above, 
 
 The undaunted guard of cloud-compelling Jove. 
 When the bright partner of his awful reign, 
 
 The warlike maid, and monarch of the main, 
 
 The traitor gods, by mad ambition driven, 520 
 Durst threat with chains the omnipotence of Heaven, 
 Then call’d by thee, the monster Titan came, 
 (Whom gods Briareus, men ASgeon name,) 
 
52 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Through wandering skies enormous stalk’d along; 
 Not he that shakes the solid earth so strong: 525 
 With giant pride at Jove’s high throne he stands, 
 And brandish’d, round him all his hundred hands; 
 The affrighted gods confess’d their awful lord, 
 
 They dropp’d the fetters, trembled, and adored. 
 This, goddess, this to his remembrance call, 530 
 Embrace his knees, at his tribunal fall; 
 
 Conjure him far to drive the Grecian train, 
 
 To hurl them headlong to their fleet and main, 
 
 To heap the shores with copious death, and bring 
 The Greeks to know the curse of such a king : 535 
 Let Agamemnon lift his haughty head 
 O’er all his wide dominion of the dead, 
 
 And mourn in blood, that e’er he durst disgrace 
 The boldest warrior of the Grecian race.” 
 
 “ Unhappy son !” fair Thetis thus replies, 540 
 While tears celestial trickle from her eyes, 
 
 “ Why have 1 borne thee with a mother’s throes, 
 
 To fates averse, and nursed for future woes? 
 
 So short a space the light of heaven to view ! 
 
 So short a space! and fill’d with sorrow too ! 545 
 
 Oh might a parent’s careful wish prevail, 
 
 Far, far from Ilion should thy vessels sail! 
 
 And thou, from camps remote, the danger shun, 
 Which now, alas! too nearly threats my son. 
 
 Yet (what I can) to move thy suit I’ll go 550 
 
 To great Olympus crown’d with fleecy snow. 
 Meantime, secure within thy ships, from far 
 Behold the field, nor mingle in the war. 
 
 The sire of gods and all the ethereal train, 
 
 On the warm limits of the farthest main, 555 
 
 Now mix with mortals, nor disdain to grace 
 The feasts of ^Ethiopia’s blameless race ; 
 
 Twelve days the powers indulge the genial rite, 
 Returning with the twelfth revolving light. 
 
 Then will I mount the brazen dome, and move 560 
 The high tribunal of immortal Jove.” 
 
 525 Neptune. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK I. 
 
 53 
 
 The goddess spoke : the rolling waves unclose 
 Then down the deep she plunged from whence she 
 rose, 
 
 And left him sorrowing on the lonely coast, 
 
 In wild resentment for the fair he lost. 5G5 
 
 In Chrysa's port now sage Ulysses rode; 
 
 Beneath the deck the destined victims stow’d ; 
 
 The sails they furl’d, they lash’d the mast aside, 
 
 And dropp’d their anchors, and the pinnace tied. 
 Next on the shore their hecatomb they land, 570 
 Chryseis last descending on the strand. 
 
 Her, thus returning from the furrow’d main, 
 
 Ulysses led to Phoebus’ sacred fane; 
 
 Where at his solemn altar, as the maid 
 He gave to Ohryses, thus the hero said: 575 
 
 “Hail, reverend priest! To Phoebus’ awful dome 
 A suppliant I from great Atrides come : 
 
 Unransorti’d here receive the spotless fair; 
 
 Accept the hecatomb the Greeks prepare ; 
 
 And may thy god who scatters darts around, 580 
 Atoned by sacrifice, desist to wound.” 
 
 At this, the sire embraced the maid again, 
 
 So sadly lost, so lately sought in vain. 
 
 Then near the altar of the darting king, 
 
 Disposed in rank their hecatomb they bring: 585 
 
 With water purify their hands, and take 
 The sacred offering of the salted cake ; 
 
 While thus with arms devoutly raised in air, 
 
 And solemn voice, the priest directs his prayer: 
 
 “ God of the silver bow, thy ear incline, 590 
 
 Whose power encircles Cilia the divine ; 
 
 Whose sacred eye thyTenedos surveys, 
 
 And gilds fair Chrysa with distinguish’d rays ! 
 
 If, fired to vengeance at thy priest’s request, 
 
 Thy direful darts inflict the raging pest; 595 
 
 Once more attend ! avert the wasteful wo, 
 
 And smile propitious, and unbend thy bow.” 
 
 So Chryses pray’d. Apollo heard his prayer ; 
 
 And now the Greeks their hecatomb prepare ; 
 
 £ 2 
 
54 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Between their horns the salted barley threw, 600 
 And with their heads to heaven the victims slew : 
 The limbs they sever from the enclosing hide ; 
 
 The thighs, selected to the gods, divide: 
 
 On these, in double cauls involved with art, 
 
 The choicest morsels lay from every part. 605 
 The priest himself before his altar stands, 
 
 And burns the offering with his holy hands, 
 
 Pours the black wine, and sees the flames aspire; 
 The youths with instruments surround the fire : 
 
 The thighs thus sacrificed, and entrails dress’d, 610 
 The assistants part, transfix, and roast the rest; 
 Then spread the tables, the repast prepare, 
 
 Each takes his seat, and each receives his share. 
 When now the rage of hunger was repress’d, 
 
 With pure libations they conclude the feast; 615 
 
 The youths with wine the copious goblets crown’d, 
 And pleased, dispense the flowing bowls around. 
 With hymns divine the joyous banquet ends, 
 
 The paeans lengthen’d till the sun descends ; 
 
 The Greeks, restored, the grateful notes prolong; 620 
 Apollo listens, and approves the song. 
 
 ’Twas night; the chiefs beside their vessel lie, 
 Till rosy morn had purpled o’er the sky: 
 
 Then launch, and hoist the mast: indulgent gales, 
 Supplied by Phoebus, fill the swelling sails : 625 
 
 The milk-white canvass bellying as they blow, 
 
 The parted ocean foams and roars below: 
 
 Above the bounding billows swift they flew, 
 
 Till now the Grecian camp appear’d in view. 
 
 Far on the beach they haul their bark to land ; 630 
 (The crooked keel divides the yellow sand ;) 
 
 Then part, where stretch’d along the winding bay 
 The ships and tents in mingled prospect lay. 
 
 But raging still, amid bis navy sat 
 The stern Achilles, steadfast in his hate; 635 
 
 Nor mix’d in combat, nor in council join’d ; 
 
 But wasting cares lay heavy on his mind: 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK I. 
 
 55 
 
 In his black thoughts revenge and slaughter roll, 
 
 And scenes of blood rise dreadful in his soul. 
 
 Twelve days were pass’d, and now the dawning 
 light 640 
 
 The gods had summon’d to the Olympian height; 
 Jove first ascending from the watery bowers, 
 
 Leads the long order of ethereal powers. 
 
 When like the morning mist in early day, 
 
 Rose from the flood the daughter of the sea ; 645 
 
 And to the seats divine her flight address’d. 
 
 There, far apart, and high above the rest, 
 
 The Thunderer sat; where old Olympus shrouds 
 His hundred heads in heaven, and props the clouds. 
 Suppliant the goddess stood: one hand she placed 
 Beneath his beard, and one his knees embraced. 651 
 “ If e’er, oh father of the gods !” she said, 
 
 “ My words could please thee, or my actions aid; 
 Some marks of honour on my son bestow, 
 
 And pay in glory what in life you owe. 655 
 
 Fame is at least by heavenly promise due 
 To life so short, and now dishonour’d too. 
 
 Avenge this wrong, oh ever just and wise! 
 
 Let Greece be humbled, and the Trojans rise; 
 
 Till the proud king, and all the Achaian race, 660 
 Shall heap with honours him they now disgrace.” 
 
 Thus Thetis spoke ; but Jove in silence held 
 The sacred counsels of his breast conceal’d. 
 
 Not so repulsed, the goddess closer press’d, 664 
 Still grasp’d his knees, and urged the dear request. 
 
 “ Oh, sire of gods and men! thy suppliant hear; 
 Refuse, or grant; for what has Jove to fear 1 
 Or, oh! declare, of all the powers above, 
 
 Is wretched Thetis least the care of Jove ?” 
 
 She said; and sighing thus the god replies, 670 
 Who rolls the thunder o’er the vaulted skies : 
 
 “ What hast thou ask’d 1 Ah, why should Jove 
 engage 
 
 In foreign contests and domestic rage, 
 
56 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 The gods’ complaints, and Juno’s fierce alarms, 
 While I, too partial, aid the Trojan arms 1 675 
 
 Go, lest the haughty partner of my sway 
 With jealous eyes thy close access survey: 
 
 But part in peace, secure thy prayer is sped ; 
 Witness the sacred honours of our head, 
 
 The nod that ratifies the will divine, 680 
 
 The faithful, fix’d, irrevocable sign ; 
 
 This seals thy suit, and this fulfils thy vows.” 
 
 He spoke, and awful bends his sable brows, 
 
 Shakes his ambrosial curls, and gives the nod; 
 
 The stamp of fate, and sanction of the god: 685 
 
 High heav’n with trembling the dread signal took, 
 And all Olympus to the centre shook. 
 
 Swift to the seas profound the goddess flies, 
 
 Jove to his starry mansion in the skies. 
 
 The shining synod of the immortals wait 690 
 
 The coming god, and from their thrones of state 
 Arising silent, rapt in holy fear, 
 
 Before the majesty of heaven appear. 
 
 Trembling they stand, while Jove assumes the throne, 
 All, but the god’s imperious queen, alone : 695 
 
 Late had she view’d the silver-footed dame, 
 
 And all her passions kindled into flame. 
 
 “ Say, art ful manager of heaven,” she cries, 
 
 “ Who now partakes the secrets of the skies? 
 
 Thy Juno knows not the decrees of fate, 700 
 
 In vain the partner of imperial state. 
 
 What favourite goddess then those cares divides, 
 Which Jove in prudence from his consort hides T” 
 To this the Thunderer : “ Seek not thou to find 
 The sacred counsels of almighty mind : 705 
 
 Involved in darkness lies the great decree, 
 
 Nor can the depths of fate be pierced by thee. 
 
 What fits thy knowledge thou the first shalt know ; 
 The first of gods above and men below ; 
 
 But thou, nor they, shall search the thoughts that 
 roll 710 
 
 Deep in the close recesses of my soul.” 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK I. 
 
 57 
 
 Full on the sire the goddess of the shies 
 Roll’d the large orbs of her majestic eyes, 
 
 And thus return’d : “ Austere Saturnius, say, 
 
 From whence this wrath, or who controls thy sway ? 
 Thy boundless will, for me, remains in force, 716 
 And all thy counsels take the destined course. 
 
 But ’tis for Greece I fear : for late was seen 
 In close consult the silver-footed queen. 
 
 Jove to his Thetis nothing could deny, 720 
 
 Nor was the signal vain that shook the sky. 
 
 What fatal favour has th| goddess won, 
 
 To grace her fierce inexorable son 1 
 Perhaps in Grecian blood to drench the plain, 
 
 And glut his vengeance with my people slain.” 725 
 Then thus the god: “ Oh restless fate of pride, 
 That strives to learn what heaven resolves to hide ! 
 Vain is the search, presumptuous and abhorr’d, 
 Anxious to thee, and odious to thy lord. 
 
 Let this suffice, the immutable decree 730 
 
 No force can shake: what is, that ought to be. 
 Goddess, submit, nor dare our will withstand, 
 
 But dread the power of this avenging hand; 
 
 The united strength of all the gods above 
 In vain resist the omnipotence of Jove.” 735 
 
 The Thunderer spoke, nor durst the queen reply; 
 A reverend horror silenced all the sky. 
 
 The feast disturbed, with sorrow Vulcan saw 
 His mother menaced, and the gods in awe; 
 
 Peace at his heart, and pleasure his design, 740 
 Thus interposed the architect divine : 
 
 “ The wretched quarrels of the mortal state 
 Are far unworthy, gods, of your debate : 
 
 Let men their days in senseless strife employ; 
 
 We, in eternal peace and constant joy. 745 
 
 Thou, goddess mother, with our sire comply, 
 
 Nor break the sacred union of the sky ; 
 
 Lest, roused to rage, he shake the bless’d abodes, 
 Launch the red lightning, and dethrone the gods. 
 
58 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Tf you submit, the Thunderer stands appeased ; 750 
 The gracious power is willing to be pleased.” 
 
 Thus Vulcan spoke ; and rising with a bound, 
 
 The double bowl with sparkling nectar crown’d, 
 Which held to Juno in a cheerful way, 
 
 “ Goddess,” he cried, “be patient, and obey; 755 
 Dear as you are, if Jove his arm extend, 
 
 I can but grieve, unable to defend. 
 
 What god so daring in your aid to move, 
 
 Or lift his hand against the force of Jove ? 
 
 Once in your cause I feltjiis matchless might, 760 
 Hurl’d headlong downward from the ethereal height; 
 Toss’d all the day in rapid circles round ; 
 
 Nor till the sun descended touch’d the ground: 
 Breathless I fell, in giddy motion lost; 
 
 The Sinthians raised me on the Lemnian coast.” 765 
 He said, and to her hands the goblet heaved. 
 Which, with a smile, the white-arm’d queen received. 
 Then to the rest he fill’d ; and in his turn, 
 
 Each to his lips applied the nectar’d urn. 
 
 Vulcan with awkward grace his office plies, 770 
 And unextinguish’d laughter shakes the skies. 
 
 Thus the bless’d gods the genial day prolong, 
 
 In feasts ambrosial, and celestial song. 
 
 Apollo tuned the lyre ; the muses round 
 With voice alternate aid the silver sound. 775 
 Meantime the radiant sun, to mortal sight 
 Descending swift, roll’d down the rapid light. 
 
 Then to their starry domes the gods depart, 
 
 The shining monuments of Vulcan’s art: 
 
 Jove on his couch reclined his awful head, 780 
 And Juno slumber’d on the golden bed. 
 
 
BOOK II 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 . i 
 
 The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the Forces. 
 
 Jupiter, in pursuance of the request of Thetis, sends a de 
 ceitful vision to Agamemnon, persuading him to lead the army 
 to battle ; in order to make the Greeks sensible of their want 
 of Achilles—The general, who is deluded with the hopes of 
 taking Troy without his assistance, but fears the army was 
 discouraged by his absence and the late plague, as well as by 
 the length of time, contrives to make trial of their disposition 
 by a stratagem—He first communicates his design to the 
 princes in council, that he would propose a return to the sol¬ 
 diers, and that they should put a stop to them if the proposal 
 was embraced. Then he assembles the whole host, and upon 
 moving for a return to Greece, they unanimously agree to it, 
 and run to prepare the ships—They are detained by the man¬ 
 agement of Ulysses, who chastises the insolence of Thersites 
 —The assembly is recalled, several speeches made on the 
 occasion, and at length the advice of Nestor followed, which 
 was to make a general muster of the troops, and to divide 
 them into their several nations, before they proceeded to bat¬ 
 tle—This gives occasion to the poet to enumerate all the 
 forces of the Greeks and Trojans, in a large catalogue.—[The 
 time employed in this book consists not entirely of one day. 
 The scene lies in the Grecian camp, and on the seashore; to¬ 
 wards the end, it removes to Troy.] 
 
 Now pleasing sleep had seal’d each mortal eye, 
 Stretch’d in the tents the Grecian leaders lie, 
 
 The immortals slumber’d on their thrones above ; 
 All but the ever-wakeful eyes of Jove. 
 
 To honour Thetis’ son he bends his care, 5 
 
 And plunge the Greeks in all the woes of war; 
 Then bids an empty phantom rise to sight, 
 
 And thus commands the vision of the night: 
 
60 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 “ Fly hence, deluding djeam! and, light as air, 
 
 To Agamemnon’s ample tent repair; 10 
 
 Bid him in arms draw forth the embattled train. 
 
 Lead all his Grecians to the dusty plain. . 
 
 Declare, ev’n now ’tis given him to destroy 
 The lofty towers of wide-extended Troy. 
 
 For now no more the gods with fate contend, 15 
 At Juno’s suit the heavenly factions end. 
 
 Destruction hangs o’er yon devoted wall, 
 
 And nodding Ilion waits the impending fall.” 
 
 Swift as the word the vain illusion lied, 
 
 Descends, and hovers o’er Atrides’ head; 20 
 
 Clothed in the figure of the Pylian sage, 
 
 Renown’d for wisdom, and revered for age ; 
 
 Around his temples spreads his golden wing, 
 
 And thus the flattering dream deceives the king: 
 
 “ Canst thou, with all a monarch’s cares oppress’d, 
 Oh Atreus’ son! canst thou indulge thy rest? 26 
 Ill fits a chief who mighty nations guides, 
 
 Directs in council, and in war presides, 
 
 To whom its safety a whole people owes, 
 
 To waste long nights in indolent repose. 30 
 
 Monarch, awake! ’tis Jove’s command I bear, 
 
 Thou and thy glory claim his heavenly care. 
 
 In just array draw forth the embattled train, 
 
 Lead all thy Grecians to the dusty plain ; 
 
 Ev’n now, oh king ! ’tis given thee to destroy 35 
 The lofty towers of wide-extended Troy. 
 
 For now no more the gods with fate contend, 
 
 At Juno’s suit the heavenly factions end. 
 Destruction hangs o’er yon devoted wall, 
 
 And nodding Ilion waits the impending fall. 40 
 Awake, but waking, this advice approve, 
 
 And trust the vision that descends from Jove.” 
 
 The phantom said ; then, vanish’d from his sight, 
 Resolves to air, and mixes with the night. 
 
 A thousand schemes the monarch’s mind employ; 45 
 Elate in thought he sacks untaken Troy: 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK II. 
 
 61 
 
 Vain as he was, and to the future blind; 
 
 Nor saw what Jove and secret fate design’d ; 
 What mighty toils to either host remain, 
 
 What scenes of grief, and numbers of the slain! 
 
 Eager he rises, and in fancy hears 
 
 The voice celestial murmuring in his ears. 
 
 First on his limbs a slender vest he drew, 
 
 Around him next the regal mantle threw, 
 
 The embroider’d sandals on his feet were tied; 
 The starry falchion glitter’d at his side ; 
 
 And last his arm the massy sceptre loads, 
 Unstain’d, immortal, and the gift of gods. 
 
 Now rosy Morn ascends the court of Jove, 
 
 Lifts up her light, and opens day above. 
 
 The king despatch’d his heralds with commands 
 To range the camp and summon all the bands : 
 The gathering hosts the monarch’s word obey ; 
 While to the fleet Atrides bends his way. 
 
 In his black ship the Pylian prince he found ; 
 There calls a senate of the peers around ; 
 
 The assembly placed, the king of men express’d 
 The counsels labouring in his artful breast. 
 
 “ Friends and confederates ! with attentive ear 
 Receive my words, and credit what you hear. 
 Late as I slumber’d in the shades of night, 
 
 A dream divine appear’d before my sight; 
 
 Whose visionary form like Nestor came, 
 
 The same in habit, and in mien the same. 
 
 The heavenly phantom hover’d o’er my head, 
 And, ‘ Dost thou sleep, oh Atreus’ son?’ he said: 
 ‘ Ill fits a chief who mighty nations guides, 
 Directs in council, and in war presides, 
 
 To whom its safety a whole people owes, 
 
 To waste long nights in indolent repose. 
 Monarch, awake! ’tis Jove’s command I bear, 
 Thou and thy glory claim his heavenly care. 
 
 In just array draw forth the embattled train, 
 
 And lead the Grecians to the dusty plain; 
 hom.— i. —r 
 
 50 
 
 55 
 
 60 
 
 65 
 
 70 
 
 75 
 
 80 
 
62 
 
 HOSIER. 
 
 Ev’n now, oh king ! ’tis given thee to destroy 85 
 The lofty towers of wide-extended Troy. 
 
 For now no more the gods with fate contend, 
 
 At Juno’s suit the heavenly factions end. 
 Destruction hangs o’er you devoted wall, 
 
 And nodding Iliou waits the impending fall. 90 
 This hear observant, and the gods obey!’ 
 
 The vision spoke, and pass’d in air away. 
 
 Now, valiant chiefs! since Heaven itself alarms, 
 Unite, and rouse the sons of Greece to arms. 
 
 But first with caution try what yet they dare, 95 
 Worn with nine years of unsuccessful war. 
 
 To move the troops to measure back the main, 
 
 Be mine; and yours the province to detain.” 
 
 He spoke, and sat; when Nestor, rising, said— 
 (Nestor, whom Pylos’ sandy realms obey’d :) 100 
 
 “ Princes of Greece, your faithful ears incline, 
 
 Nor doubt the vision of the powers divine; 
 
 Sent by great Jove to him who rules the host— 
 Forbid it, Heaven, this warning should be lost! 
 Then let us haste, obey the god’s alarms, 105 
 
 And join to rouse the sons of Greece to arms.” 
 
 Thus spoke the sage. The kings without delay 
 Dissolve the council, and their chief obey : 
 
 The sceptred rulers lead ; the following host, 
 
 Pour’d forth by thousands, darkens all the coast. 
 
 As from some rocky cliff the shepherd sees 111 
 Clustering in heaps oil heaps the driving bees, 
 Rolling, and blackening, swarms succeeding swarms, 
 With deeper murmurs and more hoarse alarms; 
 Dusky they spread, a close imbodied crowd, 115 
 And o’er the vale descends the living cloud. 
 
 So, from the tents and ships, a lengthening train 
 Spreads all the beach, and wide o’ershades the plain : 
 Along the region runs the deafening sound ; 
 
 Beneath their footsteps groans the trembling ground. 
 Fame flies before, the messenger of Jove, 121 
 
 And shining soars, and claps her wings above. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK II. 
 
 63 
 
 Nine sacred heralds now, proclaiming loud 
 The monarch’s will, suspend the listening crowd. 
 Soon as the throngs in order ranged appear, 125 
 And fainter murmurs died upon the ear, 
 
 The king of kings his awful figure raised ; 
 
 High in his hand the golden sceptre blazed: 
 
 The golden sceptre, of celestial frame, 
 
 By Vulcan form’d, from Jove to Hermes came : 130 
 To Pelops he the immortal gift resign’d; 
 
 The immortal gift great Pelops left behind, 
 
 In Atreus’ hand, which not with Atreus ends, 
 
 To rich Thyestes next the prize descends; 
 
 And now the mark of Agamemnon's reign, 135 
 Subjects all Argos, and controls the main. 
 
 On this bright sceptre now the king reclined, 
 
 And artful thus pronounced the speech design’d: 
 
 “ Ye sons of Mars! pariake your leader’s care, 
 Heroes of Greece, and brothers of the war! 140 
 Of partial Jove with justice 1 complain, 
 
 And heavenly oracdes believed in vain. 
 
 A safe return was promised to our toils, 
 
 Renown'd, triumphant, and enrich’d with spoils. 
 Now shameful flight alone can save the host, 145 
 Our blood, our treasure, and our glory lost. 
 
 So Jove decrees, resistless lord of all! 
 
 At whose command whole empires rise or fall: 
 
 He shakes the feeble props of human trust, 
 
 And towns and armies humbles to the dust. 150 
 What shame to Greece a fruitless war to wage, 
 
 Oh, lasting shame in every future age ! 
 
 Once great in arms, the common scorn we grow, 
 Repulsed and baffled by a feeble foe. 
 
 So small their number, that if wars were ceased, 155 
 And Greece triumphant held a general feast, 
 
 All rank’d by tens ; whole decades when they dine 
 Must want a Trojan slave to pour the wine. 
 
 But other forces have our hopes o’erthrown, 
 
 And Troy prevails by armies not her own. 160 
 
64 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Now nine long years of mighty Jove are run 
 Since first the labours of this war begun : 
 
 Our cordage'torn, decay’d our vessels lie, 
 
 And scarce ensure the wretched power to fly. 
 
 Haste then, for ever leave the Trojan wall! 165 
 
 Our weeping wives, our tender children, call: 
 
 Love, duty, safety, summon us away ; 
 
 ’Tis nature’s voice, and nature we obey. 
 
 Our shatter’d barks may yet transport us o’er, 
 
 Safe and inglorious, to our native shore. 170 
 
 Fly, Grecians, fly ! your sails and oars employ, 
 
 And dream no more of heaven-defended Troy.” 
 
 His deep design unknown, the hosts approve 
 Atrides’ speech. The mighty numbers move. 
 
 So roll the billows to the Icarian shore, 175 
 
 From east and south when winds begin to roar, 
 
 Burst their dark mansions in the clouds, and sweep 
 The whitening surface of the ruffled deep. 
 
 And as on corn when western gusts descend, 
 
 Before the blast the lofty harvests bend ; 180 
 
 Thus o’er the field the moving host appears, 
 
 With nodding plumes and groves of waving spears. 
 The gathering murmur spreads, their trampling feet 
 Beat the loose sands, and thicken to the fleet. 
 
 With long-resounding cries they urge the train 185 
 To fit the ships, and launch into the main. 
 
 They toil, they sweat, thick clouds of dust arise, 
 The doubling clamours echo to the skies. 
 
 Ev’n then the Greeks had left the hostile plain, 
 
 And fate decreed the fall of Troy in vain ; 190 
 
 But Jove’s imperial queen their flight survey’d, 
 
 And sighing thus bespoke the blue-eyed maid: 
 
 “ Shall then the Grecians fly 1 Oh dire disgrace ! 
 And leave unpunish’d this perfidious race 1 
 Shall Troy, shall Priam, and the adulterous spouse, 
 In peace enjoy the fruits of broken vows 1 196 
 
 And bravest chiefs, in Helen’s quarrel slain. 
 
 Lie unrevenged on yon detested plain 1 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK II. 65 
 
 No: let my Greeks, unmoved by vain alarms, 
 
 Once more refulgent shine in brazen arms. 200 
 Haste, goddess, haste ! the flying host detain, 
 
 Nor let one sail be hoisted on the main.” 
 
 Pallas obeys, and from Olympus’ height, 
 
 Swift to the ships precipitates her flight. 
 
 Ulysses, first in public cares, she found, 205 
 
 For prudent, counsel like the gods renown’d : 
 Oppress’d with generous grief the hero stood, 
 
 Nor drew his sable vessels to the flood. 
 
 “ And is it thus, divine Laertes’ son ! 
 
 Thus fly the Greeks!” the martial maid begun, 210 
 “Thus to their country bear their own disgrace, 
 And fame eternal leave to Priam’s race? 
 
 Shall beauteous Helen still remain unfreed, 
 
 Still unrevenged a thousand heroes bleed ? 
 
 Haste, generous Ithacus ! prevent the shame, 215 
 Recall your armies, and your chiefs reclaim. 
 
 Your own resistless eloquence employ, 
 
 And to the immortals trust the fall of Troy.” 
 
 The voice divine confess’d the warlike maid, 
 Ulysses heard, nor uninspired obey'd : 220 
 
 Then meeting first Atrides, from his hand 
 Received the imperial sceptre of command. 
 
 Thus graced, attention and respect to gain, 
 
 He runs, he flies through all the Grecian train, 
 
 Each prince of name, or chief in arms approved, 225 
 He fired with praise, or with persuasion moved : 
 
 “ Warriors like you, with strength and wisdom 
 bless’d, 
 
 By brave examples should confirm the rest. 
 
 The monarch’s will not yet reveal’d appears; 
 
 He tries our courage, but resents our fears. 230 
 The unwary Greeks his fury may provoke; 
 
 Not thus the king in secret council spoke. 
 
 Jove loves our chief, from Jove his honour springs; 
 Beware ! for dreadful is the wrath of kings. 
 
 “ But if a clamorous vile plebeian rose, 235 
 
 Him with reproof he check’d, or tamed with blows. 
 
66 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Be still, thou slave, and to thy betters yield! 
 Unknown alike in council and in field! 
 
 Ye gods, what dastards would our host command I 
 Swept to the war, the lumber of a land. 240 
 
 Be silent, wretch, and think not here allow’d- 
 That worst of tyrants, a usurping crowd. 
 
 To one sole monarch Jove commits the sway; 
 
 His are the laws, and him let all obey.” 
 
 With words like these the troops Ulysses ruled, 
 The loudest silenced, and the fiercest cool’d. 246 
 Back to the assembly roll the thronging train, 
 Desert the ships, and pour upon the plain. 
 Murmuring they move, as when old Ocean roars, 
 And heaves huge surges to the trembling shores; 250 
 The groaning banks are burst with bellowing sound, 
 The rocks remurmur and the deeps rebound. 
 
 At length the tumult sinks, the noises cease, 
 
 And a still silence lulls the camp to peace. 
 Thersites only clamour’d in the throng, 255 
 
 Loquacious, loud, and turbulent of tongue : 
 
 Awed by no shame, by no respect controll’d, 
 
 In scandal busy, in reproaches bold : 
 
 With witty malice studious to defame ; 
 
 Scorn all his joy, and laughter all his aim. 260 
 But chief he gloried, with licentious style, 
 
 To lash the great, and monarchs to revile. 
 
 His figure such as might his soul proclaim; 
 
 One eye was blinking, and one leg was lame: 
 
 His mountain shoulders half his breast o’erspread, 
 Thin hairs bestrew’d his long misshapen head. 266 
 Spleen to mankind his envious heart possess’d, 
 
 And much he hated all, but most the best. 
 
 Ulysses or Achilles still his theme ; 
 
 But royal scandal his delight supreme. 270 
 
 Long had he lived the scorn of every Greek, 
 
 Vex’d when he spoke, yet still they heard him speak. 
 Sharp was his voice; which, in the shrillest tone, 
 Thus with injurious taunts attack’d the throne : 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK II. 67 
 
 “ Amid the glories of so bright a reign, 275 
 
 What moves the great Atrides to complain 1 
 ’Tis thine whate’er the warrior’s breast inflames, 
 The golden spoil, and thine the lovely dames. 
 
 With all the wealth our wars and blood bestow, 
 Thy tents are crowded, and thy chests o’erflow. 
 Thus at full ease in heaps of riches roll’d, 281 
 What grieves the monarch ? Is it thirst of gold ? 
 Say, shall we march with our unconquer’d powers 
 (The Greeks and I) to Ilion’s hostile towers, 
 
 And bring the race of royal bastards here, 285 
 For Troy to ransom at a price too dear 1 
 But safer plunder thy own host supplies; 
 
 Say, wouldst thou seize some valiant leader’s prize? 
 Or, if thy heart to generous love be led, 
 
 Some captive fair, to bless thy kingly bed? 290 
 Whate’er our master craves, submit we must, 
 Plagued with his pride, or punish’d for his lust. 
 
 Oh w'omen of Achaia ! men no more! 
 
 Hence let us fly, and let him waste his store 
 In loves and pleasures on the Phrygian shore. 295 
 We may be wanted on some busy day, 
 
 When Hector comes : so great Achilles may : 
 
 From him he forced the prize we jointly gave, 
 
 From him, the fierce, the fearless, and the brave: 
 And durst he, as he ought, resent that wrong, 300 
 This mighty tyrant were no tyrant long.” 
 
 Fierce from his seat at this Ulysses springs, 
 
 In generous vengeance of the king of kings. 
 
 With indignation sparkling in his eyes, 
 
 He views the wretch, and sternly thus replies: 305 
 “ Peace, factious monster! born to vex the state, 
 With wrangling talents form’d for foul debate : 
 
 Curb that impetuous tongue, nor rashly vain 
 And singly mad, asperse the sovereign reign. 309 
 Have we not known thee, slave! of all our host, 
 The man who acts the least, upbraids the most ? 
 Think not the Greeks to shameful flight to bring, 
 Nor let those lips profane the name of king. 
 
68 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 For our return we trust the heavenly powers ; 
 
 Be that their care; to fight like men be ours. 315 * 
 But grant the host with wealth the general load, 
 Except detraction, what hast thou bestow’d ? 
 
 Suppose some hero should his spoils resign, 
 
 Art thou that hero? could those spoils be thine? 
 Gods ! let me perish on this hateful shore, 320 
 And let these eyes behold my son no more, 
 
 If, on thy next offence, this hand forbear 
 To strip those arms thou ill deserv’st to wear, 
 
 Expel the council where our princes meet, 
 
 And send thee scourged and howling through the 
 fleet.” 325 
 
 He said, and cowering as the dastard bends, 
 
 The weighty sceptre on his back descends : 
 
 On the round bunch the bloody tumours rise ; 
 
 The tears spring starting from his haggard eyes : 
 Trembling he sat, and shrunk in abject fears, 330 
 From his vile visage wiped the scalding tears. 
 
 While to his neighbour each express’d his thought: 
 
 “ Ye gods! what wonders has Ulysses wrought! 
 What fruits his conduct and his courage yield : 
 
 Great in the council, glorious in the field ! 335 
 
 Generous he rises in the crown’s defence, 
 
 To curb the factious tongue of insolence. 
 
 Such just examples on offenders shown, 
 
 Sedition silence, and assert the throne.” 
 
 ’Twas thus the general voice the hero praised, 
 Who, rising, high the imperial sceptre raised ; 341 
 The blue-eyed Pallas, his celestial friend, 
 
 (In form a herald) bade the crowds attend. 
 
 The expecting crowds in still attention hung, 
 
 To hear the wisdom of his heavenly tongue. 345 
 Then deeply thoughtful, pausing ere he spoke, 
 
 His silence thus the prudent hero broke : 
 
 “ Unhappy monarch ! whom the Grecian race, 
 With shame deserting, heap with vile disgrace. 
 
 Not such at Argos was their generous vow, 350 
 Once all their voice, but, ah! forgotten now : 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK II. 
 
 69 
 
 Ne’er to return, was then the common cry, 
 
 Till Troy’s proud structures should in ashes lie. 
 Behold them weeping for their native shore ! 
 
 What could their wives or helpless children more * 
 What heart but melts to leave the tender train, 356 
 And, one short month, endure the wintry main? 
 Few leagues removed, we wish our peaceful seat, 
 When the ship tosses, and the tempests beat: 
 
 Then well may this long stay provoke their tears, 
 The tedious length of nine revolving years. 361 
 Not for their grief the Grecian host 1 blame; 
 
 But vanquish'd ! baffled! oh, eternal shame! 
 
 Expect the time to Troy’s destruction given, 
 
 And try the faith of Chalcas and of Heaven. 365 
 What pass’d at Aulis, Greece can witness bear, 
 
 And all who live to breathe this Phrygian air. 
 Beside a fountain’s sacred brink we raised 
 Our verdant altars, and the victims blazed ; 369 
 
 (’T was where the plane tree spread its shades around) 
 The altars heaved, and from the crumbling ground 
 A mighty dragon shot, of dire portent; 
 
 From Jove himself the dreadful sign was sent. 
 Straight to the tree his sanguine spires he roll’d, 
 And curl’d around in many a winding fold. 375 
 The topmost branch a mother bird possess’d; 
 
 Eight callow infants fill’d the mossy nest; 
 
 Herself the ninth; the serpent as he hung, 
 
 Stretch’d his black jaws, and crash’d the crying 
 young: 
 
 While hovering near, with miserable moan, 380 
 The drooping mother wail’d her children gone. 
 
 The mother last, as round the nest she flew, 
 
 Seized by the beating wing, the monster slew: 
 
 Nor long survived ; to marble turn’d he stands 
 A lasting prodigy on Aulis’ sands. 385 
 
 Such was the will of Jove; and hence we dare 
 Trust in his omen, and support the war. 
 
 For while around we gazed with wondering eyes, 
 And trembling sought the powers with sacrifice, 
 
70 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Full of his god, the reverend Chaleas cried, 390 
 ‘Ye Grecian warriors! lay your fears aside. 
 
 This wondrous signal Jove himself displays, 
 
 Of long, long labours, but eternal praise. 
 
 As many birds as by the snake was slain, 
 
 So many years the toils of Greece remain ; 395 
 
 But wait the tenth, for llion’s fall decreed.’ 
 
 Thus spoke the prophet, thus the fates succeed. 
 Obey, ye Grecians ! with submission wait, 
 
 Nor let your flight avert the Trojan fate.” 
 
 He said: the shores with loud applauses sound, 400 
 The hollow ships each deafening shout rebound. 
 Then Nestor thus: “ These vain debates forbear, 
 Ye talk like children, not like heroes dare. 
 
 Where now are all your high resolves at last? 
 
 Your leagues concluded, your engagements past ? 
 Vow’d with libations and with victims then, 406 
 Now vanish’d like their smoke : the faith of men ! 
 While useless words consume the unaetive hours, 
 No wonder Troy so long resists our powers. 
 
 Rise, great Atrides ! and with courage sway ; 410 
 
 We march to war if thou direct the way. 
 
 But leave the few that dare resist thy laws, 
 
 The mean deserters of the Grecian cause, 
 
 To grudge the conquests mighty Jove prepares, 
 
 And view with envy our successful wars. 415 
 
 On that great day when first the martial train, 
 
 Big with the fate of Ilion, plough’d the main ; 
 
 Jove, on the right, a prosperous signal sent. 
 
 And thunder rolling shook the firmament. 
 Encouraged hence, maintain the glorious strife, 420 
 Till every soldier grasp a Phrygian wife, 
 
 Till Helen’s woes at full revenged appear, 
 
 And Troy’s proud matrons render tear for tear. 
 Before that day, if any Greek invite 
 His country’s troops to base, inglorious flight; 425 
 
 Stand forth that Greek ! and hoist his sail to fly. 
 And die the dastard first, who dreads to die. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK II. 
 
 71 
 
 But now, oh monarch! all thy chiefs advise : 
 
 Nor what they offer, thou thyself despise, 
 
 Among those counsels, let not mine be vain ; 430 
 
 In tribes and nations to divide thy train ; 
 
 His separate troops let every leader call, 
 
 Each strengthen each, and all encourage all. 
 
 What chief, or soldier, <}f the numerous band, 
 
 Or bravely fights, or ill obeys command, 435 
 
 When thus distinct they war, shall soon be known, 
 And what the cause of Ilion not o’erthrown ; 
 
 If fate resists, or if our arms are slow, 
 
 If gods above prevent, or men below.” 
 
 To him the king: “How much thy years excel 
 In arts of council, and in speaking well! 441 
 
 Oh, would the gods, in love to Greece, decree 
 But ten such sages as they grant in thee; 
 
 Such wisdom soon should Priam’s force destroy, 
 And soon should fall the haughty towers of Troy! 
 But Jove forbids, who plunges those he hates 446 
 In fierce contention and in vain debates. 
 
 Now great Achilles from our aid withdraws, 
 
 By me provoked ; a captive maid the cause : 
 
 If e’er as foes we join, the Trojan wall 450 
 
 Must shake, and heavy will the vengeance fall! 
 
 But now, ye warriors, take a short repast; 
 
 And, well refresh’d, to bloody conflict haste. 
 
 His sharpen’d spear let every Grecian wield, 
 
 And every Grecian fix his brazen shield : 455 
 
 Let all excite the fiery steeds of war, 
 
 And all for combat fit the rattling car. 
 
 This day, this dreadful day, let each contend; 
 
 No rest, no respite, till the shades descend, 
 
 Till darkness, or till death, shall cover all, 460 
 Let the war bleed, and let the mighty fall! 
 
 Till bathed in sweat be every manly breast, 
 
 With the huge shield each brawny arm depress’d. 
 Each aching nerve refuse the lance to throw, 
 
 And each spent courser at the chariot blow. 465 
 
72 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Who dares inglorious, in his ships to stay, 
 
 Who dares to tremble oil this signal day, 
 
 That wretch, too mean to fall by martial power, 
 
 The birds shall mangle, and the dogs devour.” 
 
 The monarch spoke : and straight a murmur rose, 
 Loud as the surges when the tempest blows, 471 
 That dash’d on broken rocks tumultuous roar, 
 
 And foam and thunder on the stony shore. 
 
 Straight to the tents the troops dispersing bend, 
 
 The fires are kindled, and the smokes ascend; 475 
 With hasty feasts they sacrifice, and pray 
 T’ avert the dangers of the doubtful day. 
 
 A steer of five years’ age, large limb’d and fed, 
 
 To Jove’s high altars Agamemnon led: 
 
 There bade the noblest of the Grecian peers ; 480 
 
 And Nestor first, as most advanced in years. 
 
 Next came Idomeneus, and Tydeus’ son, 
 
 Ajax the less, and Ajax Telamon; 
 
 Then wise Ulysses in his rank was placed; 
 
 And Menelaus came unbid, the last. 485 
 
 The chiefs surround the destined beast, and take 
 The sacred offering of the salted cake : 
 
 When thus the king prefers his solemn prayer: 
 
 “ O thou! whose thunder rends the clouded air, 
 Who in the heaven of heavens hast fix’d thy throne, 
 Supreme of gods ! unbounded and alone ! 491 
 
 Hear! and before the burning sun descends, 
 
 Before the night her gloomy veil extends, 
 
 Low in the dust be laid yon hostile spires. 
 
 Be Priam’s palace sunk in Grecian fires, 495 
 
 In Hector’s breast be plunged this shining sword, 
 And slaughter’d heroes groan around their lord !” 
 
 Thus pray’d the chief: his unavailing prayer 
 Great Jove refused, and toss’d in empty air: 
 
 The god, averse, while yet the fumes arose, 500 
 Prepared new toils, and doubled woes on woes. 
 Their prayers perform’d, the chiefs the rite pursue, 
 The barley sprinkled, and the victim slew. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK H. 
 
 73 
 
 The limbs they sever from the enclosing hide, 
 
 The thighs, selected to the gods, divide. 505 
 
 On these, in double cauls involved with art, 
 
 The choicest morsels lie from every part. 
 
 From the cleft wood the crackling flames aspire, 
 While the fat victim feeds the sacred fire. 
 
 The thighs thus sacrificed, and entrails dress’d, 510 
 The assistants part, transfix, and roast the rest; 
 Then spread the tables, the repast prepare, 
 
 Each takes his seat, and each receives his share. 
 Soon as the rage of hunger was suppress’d, 514 
 The generous Nestor thus the prince address’d: 
 
 “ Now bid thy heralds sound the loud alarms, 
 
 And call the squadrons sheathed in brazen arms: 
 Now seize the occasion, now the troops survey, 
 And lead to war when Heaven directs the way.” 
 
 He said : the monarch issued his commands; 520 
 Straight the loud heralds call the gathering bands. 
 The chiefs enclose their king: the host divide, 
 
 In tribes and nations rank’d on either side. 
 
 High in the midst the blue-eyed virgin flies; 
 
 From rank to rank she darts her ardent eyes: 525 
 
 The dreadful aegis, Jove’s immortal shield, 
 
 Blazed on her arm, and lighten’d all the field : 
 
 Round the vast orb a hundred serpents roll’d, 
 Form’d the bright fringe, and seem’d to burn in 
 gold. 529 
 
 With this each Grecian’s manly breast she warms, 
 Swells their bold hearts, and strings their nervous 
 arms ; 
 
 No more they sigh, inglorious to return, 
 
 But breathe revenge, and for the combat burn. 
 
 As on some mountain, through the lofty grove, 
 
 The crackling flames ascend, and blaze above; 535 
 The fires expanding as the winds arise, 
 
 Shoot their long beams, and kindle half the skies : 
 
 So from the polish’d arms, and brazen shields, 
 
 A gleamy splendour flashed along the fields. 
 
 HOM.—I.—G 
 
74 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Not less their number than the imbodied cranes, 
 
 Or milk-white swans in Asms’ watery plains, 541 
 That o’er the windings of Cayster’s springs 
 Stretch their long necks, and clap their rustling 
 wings, 
 
 Now tower aloft, and course in airy rounds; 
 
 Now light with noise: with noise the field resounds. 
 Thus numerous and confused, extending wide, 546 
 The legions crowd Scamander’s flowery side ; 
 
 With rushing troops the plains are cover’d o’er, 
 
 And thundering footsteps shake the sounding shore. 
 Along the river’s level meads they stand, 550 
 Thick as in spring the flowers adorn the land, 
 
 Or leaves the trees ; or thick as insects play, 
 
 The wandering nation of a summer’s day, 
 
 That, drawn by milky streams, at evening hours, 
 
 In gather’d swarms surround the rural bowers: 555 
 From pail to pail with busy murmur run 
 The gilded legions, glittering in the sun. 
 
 So throng’d, so close, the Grecian squadrons stood 
 In radiant arms, and thirst for Trojan blood. 
 
 Each leader now his scatter’d force conjoins 560 
 In close array, and forms the deepening lines. 
 
 Not with more ease the skilful shepherd swain 
 Collects his flock from thousands on the plain.. 
 
 The king of kings, majestically tall, 564 
 
 Towers o’er his armies, and outshines them all: 
 Like some proud bull that round the pastures leads 
 His subject herds, the monarch of the meads. 
 
 Great as the gods, the exalted chief was seen, 
 
 His strength like Neptune, and like Mars his mien: 
 Jove o’er his eyes celestial glories spread, 570 
 And dawning conquest play’d around his head. 
 
 Say, virgins, seated round the throne divine, 
 All-knowing goddesses! immortal Nine! 
 
 Since earth’s wide regions, heaven’s unmeasured 
 height, 
 
 And hell’s abyss, hide nothing from your sight, 575 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK II. 
 
 75 
 
 (We, wretched mortals ! lost in doubts below, 
 
 But guess by rumour, and but boast we know,) 
 
 Oh say what heroes, fired by thirst of fame, 
 
 Or urged by wrongs, to Troy’s destruction came ? 
 To count them all, demands a thousand tongues, 
 
 A throat of brass, and adamantine lungs. 581 
 
 Daughters of Jove, assist! inspired by you, 
 
 The mighty labour dauntless 1 pursue : 
 
 What crowded aimies, from what climes they bring, 
 Their names, their numbers, and their chiefs, I sing. 
 
 CATALOGUE OF THE SHIPS. 
 
 The hardy warriors whom Bceotia bred, 586 
 Penelius, Leitus, Prothoenor led: 
 
 With these Arcesilaus and Clonius stand, 
 
 Equal in arms, and equal in command. 
 
 These head the troops that rocky Aulis yields, 590 
 And Eteon’s hills, and Hyrie’s watery fields, 
 
 And Schoenos, Scholos, Graea near the main, 
 
 And Mycalessia’s ample piny plain. 
 
 Those who in Peteon or llesion dwell, 
 
 Or Harma, where Apollo’s prophet fell; 595 
 
 Heleon and Hyle, which the springs o’erflow ; 
 
 And Medeon lofty, and Ocalea low ; 
 
 Or in the meads of Haliartus stray, 
 
 Or Thespia, sacred to the god of day. 
 
 Onchestus, Neptune’s celebrated groves; 600 
 
 Copae, and Thisbe, famed for silver doves, 
 
 For flocks Erythrae, Glissa for the vine; 
 
 Platea green, and Nisa the divine. 
 
 And they whom Thebe’s well-built walls enclose, 
 Where Myde, Eutresis, Corone rose ; 605 
 
 And Arne rich, with purple harvests crown’d ; 
 
 And Anthedon, Bceotia’s utmost bound. 
 
 Full fifty ships they send, and each conveys 
 Twice sixty warriors through the foaming seas. 
 
76 
 
 HOMfcR. 
 
 To these succeed Aspledon’s martial train, 610 
 Who plough the spacious Orchonienian plain. 
 
 Two valiant brothers rule the undaunted throng, 
 Ialmen and Ascalaphus the strong. 
 
 Sons of Astyoche, the heavenly fair, 
 
 Whose virgin charms subdued the god of war: 615 
 (In Actor’s court as she retired to rest, 
 
 The strength of Mars the blushing maid compress’d.) 
 Their troops in thirty sable vessels sweep, 
 
 With equal oars, the hoarse-resounding deep. 
 
 The Phocians next in forty barks repair, 620 
 Epistrophus and Schedius head the war. 
 
 From those rich regions where Cephissus leads 
 His silver current through the flowery meads ; 
 
 From Panopea, Chrysa the divine, 
 
 Where Anemoria’s stately turrets shine, 625 
 
 Where Pytho, Daulis, Cyparissus stood, 
 
 And fair Lilaea views the rising flood. 
 
 These ranged in order on the floating tide, 
 
 Close, on the left, the bold Boeotians’ side. 
 
 Fierce Ajax led the Locrian squadrons on, 630 
 Ajax the less, Oileus’ valiant son: 
 
 Skill’d to direct the flying dart aright; 
 
 Swift in pursuit, and active in the fight. 
 
 Him, as their chief, the chosen troops attend, 
 Which Bessa, Thronus, and rich Cynos send : 635 
 
 Opus, Calliarus, and Scarphe’s bands ; 
 
 And those who dwell where pleasing Augia stands, 
 And where Boagrius floats the lowly lands, 
 
 Or in fair Tarphe’s sylvan seats reside, 
 
 In forty vessels cut the liquid tide. 640 
 
 Euboe next her martial sons prepares, 
 
 And sends the brave Abantes to the wars: 
 
 Breathing revenge, in arms they take their way 
 From Chalcis’ walls, and strong Eretria ; 
 
 The Isteian fields, for generous vines renown’d, 645 
 The fair Carystos, and the Styrian ground ; 
 
 Where Dios from her towers o’erlooks the plain, 
 And high Cerinthus views the neighbouring main. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK II. 
 
 77 
 
 Down their broad shoulders falls a length of hair; 
 Their hands dismiss not the long lance in air; 650 
 But with protended spears, in fighting fields, 
 
 Pierce the tough corslets and the brazen shields. 
 Twice twenty ships transport the warlike bands, 
 Which bold Elphenor, fierce in arms, commands. 
 Full fifty more from Athens stem the main, 655 
 Led by Menestheus through the liquid plain— 
 (Athens the fair, where great Erectheus sway’d, 
 That owed his nurture to the blue-eyed maid, 
 
 But from the teeming furrow took his birth, 
 
 The mighty offspring of the foodful earth. 660 
 Him Pallas placed amid her wealthy fane, 
 
 Adored with sacrifice and oxen slain ; 
 
 Where as the years revolve, her altars blaze, 
 
 And all the tribes resound the goddess’ praise.) 
 
 No chief like thee, Menestheus ! Greece could yield, 
 To marshal armies in the dusty field, 666 
 
 The extended wings of battle to display, 
 
 Or close the imbodied host in firm array. 
 
 Nestor alone, improved by length of days, 
 
 For martial conduct bore an equal praise. 670 
 With these appear the Salaminian bands, 
 
 Whom the gigantic Telamon commands; 
 
 In twelve black ships to Troy they steer their course, 
 And with the great Athenians join their force. 
 
 Next move to war the generous Argive train, 675 
 From high Troezene, and Maseta’s plain, 
 
 And fair iEgina circled by the main: 
 
 Whom strong Tyrinthe’s lofty walls surround, 
 
 And Epidaure with viny harvests crown’d ; 
 
 And where fair Asinen and Hermion show 680 
 Their cliffs above, and ample bay below. 
 
 These by the brave Euryalus were led, 
 
 Great Sthenelus, and greater Diomed ; 
 
 But chiefTydides bore the sovereign sway; 
 
 In fourscore barks they plough the watery way. 
 
 The proud Mycene arms her martial powers, 686 
 Cleone, Corinth, with imperial towers, 
 
 G 2 
 
78 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Fair Arosthyrea, Ornia’s fruitful plain. 
 
 And ASgion, and Adrastus’ ancient reign: 
 
 And those who dwell along the sandy shore, 690 
 And where Pellene yields her fleecy store, 
 
 Where Helice and Hyperesia lie, 
 
 And Gonoessa’s spires salute the sky, 
 
 Great Agamemnon rules the numerous band, 
 
 A hundred vessels in long order stand, 695 
 
 And crowded nations wait his dread command. 
 
 High on the deck the king of men appears, 
 
 And his refulgent arms in triumph wears ; 
 
 Proud of his host, unrivall’d in his reign, 
 
 In silent pomp he moves along the main. 700 
 
 His brother follows, and to vengeance warms 
 The hardy Spartans, exercised in arms ; 
 
 Phares and Brysia’s valiant troops, and those 
 Whom Lacedaemon’s lofty hills enclose : 
 
 Or Messe’s towers, for silver doves renown’d, 705 
 Amyclae, Laas, Augia’s happy ground, 
 
 And those whom CEtylos’ low walls contain, 
 
 And Helos, on the margin of the main : 
 
 These, o’er the bending ocean, Helen’s cause, 
 
 In sixty ships with Menelaus draws: 710 
 
 Eager and loud from man to man he flies, 
 
 Revenge and fury flaming in his eyes; 
 
 While vainly fond, in fancy oft he hears 
 The fair one’s grief, and sees her falling tears. 
 
 In ninety sail, from Pylos’ sandy coast, 715 
 
 Nestor the sage conducts his chosen host: 
 
 From Amphigenia’s ever-fruitful land ; 
 
 Where jEpy high, and little Pteleon stand ; 
 
 Where beauteous Arene her structures shows. 
 
 And Thyron’s walls Alpheus’ streams enclose : 720 
 And Dorion, famed for Thamvris’ disgrace, 
 
 Superior once of all the tuneful race, 
 
 Till, vain of mortals’ empty praise, he strove 
 To match the seed of cloud-compelling Jove ! 
 
 Too daring bard ! whose unsuccessful pride 725 
 The immortal muses in their art defied. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK II. 
 
 79 
 
 The avenging 1 muses of the light of day 
 Deprived his eyes, and snatch'd his voice away; 
 
 No more his heavenly voice was heard to sing, 
 
 His hand no more awaked the silver string. 730 
 Where under high Cyllene, crown’d with wood, 
 The shaded tomb of old iEgyptus stood ; 
 
 From Ripe, Stratie, Tegea’s bordering towns, 
 
 The Phenean fields, and Orchomenian downs, 
 Where the fat herds in plenteous pasture rove; 735 
 And Stymphelus with her surrounding grove, 
 Parrhasia, on her snowy cliffs reclined, 
 
 And high Enispe, shook by wintry wind, 
 
 And fair Mantinea’s ever-pleasing site ; 
 
 In sixty sail the Arcadian bands unite. 740 
 
 Bold Agapenor, glorious at their head, 
 
 (Ancaeus’ son,) the mighty squadron led. 
 
 Their ships supplied by Agamemnon’s care, 
 Through roaring seas the wondering warriors bear; 
 The first to battle on the appointed plain, 745 
 
 But new to all the dangers of the main. 
 
 Those, where fair Helis and Buprasium join; 
 Whom Hyrmiti, here, and Myrsinus confine, 
 
 And bounded there, where o’er the valleys rose 
 The Olenian rock ; and where Alisium flows ; 750 
 
 Beneath four chiefs (a numerous army) came: 
 
 The strength and glory of the Epean name. 
 
 In separate squadrons these their train divide, 
 
 Each leads ten vessels through the yielding tide. 
 
 One was Amphimachus, and Thalpius one; 755 
 
 (Eurytus’ this, and that Teatus’ son ;) 
 
 Diores sprung from Amarynceus’ line ; 
 
 And great Polyxenus, of force divine. 
 
 But those who view fair Elis o’er the seas 
 From the bless’d islands of the E^hinades, 760 
 In forty vessels under Meges move, 
 
 Begot by Phyleus, the beloved of Jove. 
 
 To strong Dulichium from his sire he fled, 
 
 And thence to Troy his hardy warriors led. 
 
8a 
 
 IIOMER. 
 
 Ulysses follow’d through the watery road, 765 
 A chief in wisdom equal to a god. 
 
 With those whom Cephalenia’s isle enclosed, 
 
 Or till their fields along the coast opposed; . 
 
 Or where fair Ithaca o’erlooks the floods, 
 
 Where high Neritos shakes his waving woods, 770 
 Where ASgilipa’s rugged sides are seen, 
 
 Crocylia rocky, and Zacynthus green. 
 
 These in twelve galleys with vermilion prores, 
 Beneath his conduct sought the Phrygian shores. 
 
 Thoas came next, Andraemon’s valiant son, 775 
 From Pleuron’s walls, and chalky Calydon, 
 
 And rough Pylene, and the Olenian steep, 
 
 And Chalchis, beaten by the rolling deep. 
 
 He led the warriors from the Etolian shore, 
 
 For now the sons of CEnus were no more. 780 
 The glories of the mighty race were fled ; 
 
 (Eneus himself, and Meleager dead. 
 
 To Thoas’ care now trust the martial train, 
 
 His forty vessels follow through the main. 
 
 Next eighty barks the Cretan king commands, 785 
 Of Gnossus, Lyctus, and Gortyna’s bands, 
 
 And those who dwell where Rhytion’s domes arise, 
 Or white Lycastus glitters to the skies, 
 
 Or where by Phaestus silver Jardan runs; 
 
 Crete’s hundred cities pour forth all her sons. 790 
 These march’d, Idomeneus, beneath thy care, 
 
 And Merion, dreadful as the god of war. 
 
 Tlepolemus, the son of Hercules, 
 
 Led nine swift vessels through the foamy seas; 
 From Rhodes, with everlasting sunshine bright, 795 
 Jalyssus, Lindus, and Camirus white. 
 
 His captive mother fierce Alcides bore, 
 
 From Ephyr’s walls, and Selle’s winding shore, 
 Where mighty towns in ruins spread the plain, 
 
 And saw their blooming warriors early slain. 800 
 The hero, when to manly years he grew, 
 
 Alcides’ uncle, old Licymnius, slew; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK II. 
 
 81 
 
 For this, constrain’d to quit his native place, 
 
 And shun thq vengeance of the Herculean race, 
 
 A fleet he built, and with a numerous train 805 
 Of willing exiles, wander’d o’er the main; 
 
 Where many seas and many sufferings past, 
 
 On happy Rhodes the chief arrived at last: 
 
 There in three tribes divides his native band, 
 
 And rules them peaceful in a foreign land ; 810 
 
 Increased and prosper’d in their new abodes, 
 
 By mighty Jove, the sire of men and gods, 
 
 With joy they saw the growing empire rise, 
 
 And showers of wealth descending from the skies. 
 
 Three ships with Nireus sought the Trojan shore, 
 Nireus, whom Aglae to Charopus bore; 816 
 
 Nireus, in faultless shape and blooming grace, 
 
 The loveliest youth of all the Grecian race ; 
 
 Pelides only match’d his early charms; 
 
 But few his troops, and small his strength in arms. 
 
 Next thirty galleys cleave the liquid plain, 821 
 Of those Calydnae’s sea-girt isles contain; 
 
 With them the youth of Nisyrus repair, 
 
 Casus the strong, and Crapathus the fair; 
 
 Cos, where Eurypylus possess’d the sway, 825 
 Till great Alcides made the realms obey: 
 
 These Antiphus and bold Phidippus bring, 
 
 Sprung from the god by Thessalus the king. 
 
 Now, muse, recount Pelasgic Argos’ powers, 
 From Alos, Alope, and Trechin’s towers ; 830 
 
 From Phthia’s spacious vales; and Hella, bless’d 
 With female beauty far beyond the rest, 
 
 Full fifty ships beneath Achilles’ care, 
 
 The Achaians, Myrmidons, Hellenians bear; 
 Thessalians all, though various in their name; 835 
 The same their nation, and their chief the same. 
 
 But now inglorious, stretch’d along the shore, 
 
 They hear the brazen voice of war no more; 
 
 No more the foe they face in dire array: 
 
 Close in his fleet their angry leader lay; 840 
 
82 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Since fair Briseis from his arms was torn, 
 
 The noblest spoil from sack’d Lyrnessws borne; 
 Then, when the chief the Theban walls o’erthrew, 
 And the bold sons of great Evenus slew, 
 
 There mourn’d Achilles, plunged in depth of care, 
 But soon to rise in slaughter, blood, and war. 846 
 To these the youth of Phylace succeed, 
 
 Itona, famous for her fleecy breed, 
 
 And grassy Pteleon deck’d with cheerful greens, 
 The bowers of Ceres,'and the sylvan scenes, 850 
 Sweet Pyrrhasus, with blooming flow’rets crown’d, 
 And Antron’s watery dens and cavern’d ground. 
 These own’d as chief Protesilas the brave, 
 
 Who now lay silent in the gloomy grave: 
 
 The first who boldly touch’d the Trojan shore, 855 
 And died a Phrygian lance with Grecian gore; 
 There lies, far distant from his native plain; 
 Unfinish’d his proud palaces remain, 
 
 And his sad consort beats her breast in vain. 
 
 His troops in forty ships Podarces led, 860 
 
 lphiclus’ son, and brother to the dead ; 
 
 Nor he unworthy to command the host; 
 
 Yet still they mourn’d their ancient leader lost. 
 
 The men who Glaphyra’s fair soil partake, 
 
 Where hills encircle Beebe's lowly lake, 865 
 
 Where Phaere hears the neighbouring waters fall, 
 Or proud Iolcus lifts her airy wall, 
 
 In ten black ships embark for llion’s shore, 
 
 With bold Eumelus, whom Alceste bore: 
 
 All Pelias’ race Alceste far outshined, 870 
 
 The grace and glory of the beauteous kind. 
 
 The troops Methone or Thaumacia yields, 
 Olizon’s rocks, or Melibcea’s fields, 
 
 With Philoctetes sail’d, whose matchless art 
 From the tough bow directs the feather’d dart. 875 
 Seven were his ships; each vessel fifty row, 
 
 Skill’d in his science of the dart and bow : 
 
 But he lay raging on the Lemnian ground, 
 
 A poisonous Hydra gave the burning wound; 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK II. 
 
 83 
 
 There groan’d the chief in agonizing pain, 880 
 Whom Greece at length shall wish, nor wish in vain. 
 His forces Medon led from Lemnos’ shore, 
 
 Oileus’ son, whom beauteous Rhenabore. 
 
 The CEchalian race, in those high towers con¬ 
 tain’d 
 
 • Where once Eurytus in proud triumph reign’d, 885 
 Or where her humbler turrets Tricca rears, 
 
 Or where Ithome, rough with rocks, appears; 
 
 In thirty sail the sparkling waves divide, 
 
 Which Podalirius and Machaon guide. 
 
 To these his skill their parent god imparts, 890 
 Divine professors of the healing arts. 
 
 The bold Ormenian and Asterian bands, 
 
 In forty barks Eurypylus commands, 
 
 Where Titan hides his hoary head in snow, 
 
 And where Hyperia’s silver fountains flow. 895 
 Thy troops, Argissa, Polypcetes leads, 
 
 And Eleon, shelter'd by Olympus’ shades, 
 
 Gyrtone’s warriors; and where Orthe lies, 
 
 And Oleoson’s chalky cliffs arise. 
 
 Sprung from Pirithous of immortal race, 900 
 
 The fruit of fair Hippodame’s embrace, 
 
 (That day, when, hurl’d from Pelion’s cloudy head, 
 To distant dens the shaggy centaurs fled,) 
 
 With Polypcetes join’d in equal sway 
 Leonteus leads, and forty ships obey. 905 
 
 In twenty sail the bold Perrhaebians came 
 From Cyphus, Guneus was their leader’s name. 
 With these the Enians join’d, and those who freeze 
 Where cold Dodona lifts her holy trees ; 
 
 Or where the pleasing Titaresius glides, 910 
 
 And into Peneus rolls his easy tides ; 
 
 Yet o’er the silver surface pure they flow, 
 
 The sacred stream unmix’d with streams below, 
 Sacred and awful! From the dark abodes 
 Styx pours them forth, the dreadful oath of gods ! 
 
 n • • * > 
 
 890 iEsculapius. 
 
84 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Last under Prothous the Magnesians stood, 916 
 Prothous the swift, of old Tenthedron’s blood; 
 
 Who dwell where Pelion, crown’d with piny boughs, 
 Obscures the glade, and nods his shaggy brows; 
 
 Or where through flowery Tempe Peneus stray’d— 
 (The region stretch’d beneath his mighty shade.) 
 
 In forty sable barks they stemm’d the main ; 
 
 Such were the chiefs, and such the Grecian train. 
 
 Say next, oh muse ! of all Achaia breeds, 924 
 Who bravest fought, or rein’d the noblest steeds? 
 Eumelus’ mares were foremost in the chase, 
 
 As eagles fleet, and of Pheretian race : 
 
 Bred where Pieria’s fruitful fountains flow, 
 
 And train’d by him who bears the silver bow. 929 
 Fierce in the fight their nostrils breathe a flame, 
 Their height, their colour, and their age the same; 
 O’er fields of death they whirl the rapid car, 
 
 And break the ranks, and thunder through the war. 
 Ajax in arms the first renown acquired, 
 
 While stern Achilles in his wrath retired— 935 
 
 (His. was the strength that mortal might exceeds, 
 And his the unrivall’d race of heavenly steeds.) 
 
 But Thetis’ son now shines in arms no more; 
 
 His troops, neglected on the sandy shore, 
 
 In empty air their sportive javelins throw, 940 
 Or whirl the disk, or bend an idle bow: 
 
 Unstain’d with blood his cover’d chariots stand ; 
 
 The immortal coursers graze along the strand; 
 
 But the brave chiefs the inglorious life deplored, 
 And wandering o’er the camp, required their lord. 
 
 Now, like a deluge, covering all around, 946 
 The shining armies swept along the ground; 
 
 Swift as a flood of fire, when storms arise, 
 
 Floats the wide field, and blazes to the skies. 
 
 Earth groan’d beneath them ; as when angry Jove 
 Hurls down the forky lightning from above, 951 
 On Arime when he the thunder throws, 
 
 And fires Typhosus with redoubled blows, 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK II. 
 
 85 
 
 Where Typhon, press’d beneath the burning load, 
 Still feels the fury of the avenging god. 955 
 
 But various Iris, Jove’s commands to bear, 
 
 Speeds on the wings of winds through liquid air : 
 
 In Priam’s porch the Trojan chiefs she found, 
 
 The old consulting, and the youths around. 
 
 Polites’ shape, the monarch’s son, she chose, 960 
 Who from ASsetes’ tomb observed the foes, 
 
 High on the mound ; from whence in prospect lay 
 The fields, the tents, the navy, and the bay. 
 
 In this dissembled form, she hastes to bring 
 The unwelcome message to the Phrygian king. 965 
 “ Cease to consult, the time for action calls, 
 
 War, horrid war, approaches to your walls ! 
 Assembled armies oft have I beheld, 
 
 But ne’er till now such numbers charged a field. 
 Thick as autumnal leaves or driving sand, 970 
 The moving squadrons blacken all the strand. 
 
 Thou, godlike Hector! all thy force employ, 
 Assemble all the united bands of Troy ; 
 
 In just array let every leader call 
 
 The foreign troops : this day demands them all.” 
 
 The voice divine the mighty chief alarms ; 976 
 
 The council breaks, the warriors rush to arms. 
 
 The gates unfolding pour forth all their train, 
 Nations on nations fill the dusky plain. 
 
 Men, steeds, and chariots, shake the trembling 
 ground: , 980 
 
 The tumult thickens, and the skies resound. 
 
 Amid the plain in sight of llion stands 
 A rising mount, the work of human hands; 
 
 (This for Myrinne’s tomb the immortals know, 
 Though call’d Bateia in the world below ;) 985 
 
 Beneath their chiefs in martial order here, 
 
 The auxiliar troops and Trojan hosts appear. 
 
 The godlike Hector, high above the rest, 
 
 Shakes his huge spear, and nods his plumy crest: 
 
 In throngs around his native bands repair, 990 
 And groves of lances glitter in the air. 
 hom.—t.—h 
 
86 
 
 HOMER* 
 
 Divine ./Eneas brings the Dardan race, 
 
 Anchises’ son by Venus’ stolen embrace, 
 
 Born in the shades of Ida’s secret grove— 
 
 (A mortal mixing with the queen of love.) 995 
 
 Archilochus and Acamas divide 
 
 The warrior’s toils, and combat by his side. 
 
 Who fair Zeleia’s wealthy valleys till, 
 
 Fast by the foot of Ida’s sacred hill, 
 
 Or drink, Alsepus, of thy sable flood, 1000 
 
 W T ere led by Pandarus, of royal blood; 
 
 To whom his art Apollo deign’d to show, 
 
 Graced with the present of his shafts and bow. 
 
 From rich Apaesus and Adreslia’s towers, 
 
 High Tereae’s summits, and Pityea’s bowers; 1005 
 From these the congregated troops obey 
 Young Amphius’ and Adrastus’ equal sway: 
 
 Old Merops’ sons; whom, skill’d in fates to come, 
 The sire forewarn’d, and prophesied their doom : 
 Fate urged them on ; the sire forewarn'd in vain. 
 They rush’d to war, and perish’d on the plain. 1011 
 
 From Practius’ stream, Percote’s pasture lands, 
 And Sestos and Abydos’ neighbouring strands, 
 From great Arisba’s walls and Selle’s coast, 
 
 Asius Hyrtacides conducts his host: 1015 
 
 High on his car he shakes the flowing reins, 
 
 His fiery coursers thunder o’er the plains. 
 
 The fierce Pelasgi next, in war renown’d, 
 
 March from Larissa’s ever-fertile ground: 
 
 In equal arms their brother leaders shine, 1020 
 Hippothous bold, and Pyleus the divine. 
 
 Next Acamas and Pyrous lead their hosts, 
 
 In dread array, from Thracia’s wintry coasts ; 
 Round the bleak realms where Hellespontus roars, 
 And Boreas beats the hoarse-resounding shores. 
 
 W’ith great Euphemus the Ciconians move, 1026 
 Sprung from Trcezenian Ceus, loved by Jove. 
 
 Pyraechmus the Paeonian troops attend, 
 
 Skill’d in the fight their crooked bows to bend; 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK II. 87 
 
 From Axius’ ample bed he leads them on, 1030 
 Axius, that laves the distant Amydon ; 
 
 Axius, that swells with all his neighbouring rills, 
 And wide around the floating region fills. 
 
 The Paphlagonians Pylaemenes rules, 
 
 Where rich Henetia breeds her savage mules, 1035 
 Where Erythinus’ rising cliffs are seen, 
 
 Thy groves of box, Cytorus! ever green; 
 
 And where ^Egialus and Cromna lie, 
 
 And lofty Sesamus invades the sky ; 
 
 And where Parthenius, roll’d through banks of 
 flowers, 1040 
 
 Reflects her bordering palaces and bowers. 
 
 Here march’d in arms the Halizonian band, 
 Whom Odius and Epistrophus command, 
 
 From those far regions where the sun refines 
 The ripening silver in Alybean mines. 1045 
 
 There, mighty Chromis led the Mysian train, 
 
 And augur Ennomus, inspired in vain, 
 
 For stern Achilles lopp’d his sacred head, 
 
 Roll’d down Scamander with the vulgar dead. 
 
 Phorcys and brave Ascanius here unite 1050 
 
 The Ascanian Phrygians, eager for the fight. 
 
 Of those who round Maeonia’s realms reside, 
 
 Or whom the vales in shade of Tmolus hide, 
 Mestles and Antiphus the charge partake; 
 
 Born on the banks of Gyges’ silent lake. 1055 
 There, from the fields where wild Maeander flows, 
 High Mycale, and Latmos’ shady brows, 
 
 And proud Miletus, came the Oarian throngs, 
 
 With mingled clamours, and with barb’rous tongues. 
 Amphimacus and Naustes guide the train, 1060 
 
 Naustes the bold, Amphimacus the vain, 
 
 Who, trick’d with gold, and glittering on his car, 
 Rode like a woman to the field of war; 
 
 Fool that he was! by fierce Achilles slain, 
 
 The river swept him to the briny main : 1065 
 
 There whelm’d with waves the gaudy warrior lies; 
 The valiant victor seized the golden prize. 
 
88 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 The forces last in fair array succeed, 
 Whichblameless Glaucus and Sarpedon lead ; 
 
 The warlike bands that distant Lycia yields, 1070 
 Where gulfy Xanthus foams along the fields. 
 
 
 / 
 
 \ 
 
 ' , 
 
 V ■) • 
 
 » 
 
 • '• A' 
 
 \ 
 
BOOK III. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Duel of Menelaus and Paris. 
 
 rHE armies being ready to engage, a single combat is agreed on 
 between Menelaus and Paris (by the intervention of Hector) 
 for the determination of the war—Iris is sent to call Helena to 
 behold the fight; she leads her to the walls of Troy, where 
 Priam sat with his counsellors, observing the Grecian leaders 
 on the plain below, to whom Helen gives an account of the 
 chief of them—The kings on either part take the solemn oath 
 for the conditions of the combat—The duel ensues, wherein 
 Paris being overcome, is snatched away in a cloud by Venus, 
 and transported to his apartment—She then calls Helen from 
 the walls, and brings the lovers together—Agamemnon, on the 
 part of the Grecians, demands the restoration of Helen, and 
 the performance of the articles.—[The three-and-twentieth 
 day still continues throughout this book. The scene is some¬ 
 times in the fields before Troy, and sometimes in Troy itself.] 
 
 Thus by their leader’s care each martial band 
 Moves into ranks, and stretches o’er the land. 
 
 With shouts the Trojans rushing- from afar, 
 Proclaim their motions, and provoke the war: 
 
 So when inclement winters vex the plain 5 
 
 W'ith piercing frosts, or thick descending rain, 
 
 To warmer seas the cranes imbodied fly, 
 
 With noise, and order, through the midway sky: 
 
 To pigmy nations wounds and death they bring, 
 
 And all the war descends upon the wing. 10 
 
 Put silent, breathing rage, resolved and skill’d 
 By mutual aids to fix a doubtful field. 
 
90 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Swift march the Greeks: the rapid dust around 
 Darkening arises from the labour’d ground. 
 
 Thus from his flaggy wings when Notus sheds 15 
 A night of vapours round the mountain-heads, 
 Swift-gliding mists the dusky fields invade, 
 
 To thieves more grateful than the midnight shade; 
 While scarce the swains their feeding flocks survey, 
 Lost and confused amid the thicken’d day: 20 
 
 So wrapp’d in gathering dust, the Grecian train, 
 
 A moving cloud, swept on, and hid the plain. 
 
 Now front to front the hostile armies stand, 
 
 Eager of fight, and only wait command; 
 
 When, to the van, before the sons of fame 25 
 
 Whom Troy sent forth, the beauteous Paris came, 
 In form a god ! the panther's speckled hide 
 Flow’d o’er his armour with an easy pride, 
 
 His bended bow across his shoulders flung, 
 
 His sword beside him negligently hung; 30 
 
 Two pointed spears he shook with gallant grace, 
 And dared the bravest of the Grecian race. 
 
 As thus, with glorious air and proud disdain, 
 
 He boldly stalk’d, the foremost on the plain, 
 
 Him Menelaus, loved of Mars, espies, 35 
 
 With heart elated, and with joyful eyes: 
 
 So joys a lion, if the branching deer, 
 
 Or mountain goat, his bulky prize, appear; 
 
 Eager he seizes and devours the slain, 
 
 Press’d by bold youths and baying dogs in vain. 40 
 Thus fond of vengeance, with a furious bound, 
 
 In clanging arms he leaps upon the ground 
 From his high chariot: him, approaching near, 
 
 The beauteous champion views with marks of fear; 
 Smit with a conscious sense, retires behind, 45 
 And shuns the fate he well deserved to find. 
 
 As when some shepherd, from the rustling trees, 
 Shot forth to view, a scaly serpent sees, 
 
 Trembling and pale, he starts with wild affright, 
 And all confused, precipitates his flight: 50 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK III. 
 
 91 
 
 So from the king the shining warrior flies, 
 
 And plunged amid the thickest Trojans lies. 
 
 As godlike Hector sees the prince retreat, 
 
 He thus upbraids him with a generous heat: 
 
 “ Unhappy Paris! but to women brave ! 55 
 
 So fairly form’d, and only to deceive ! 
 
 Oh, hadst thou died when first thou saw’st the light, 
 Or died at least before thy nuptial rite ! 
 
 A better fate than vainly thus to boast, 
 
 And fly, the scandal of thy Trojan host. 60 
 
 Gods! how the scornful Greeks exult to see 
 Their fears of danger undeceived in thee! 
 
 Thy figure promised with a martial air, 
 
 But ill thy soul supplies a form so fair. 
 
 In former days, in all thy gallant pride, 65 
 
 When thy tall ships triumphant stemm’d the tide, 
 When Greece beheld thy painted canvass flow. 
 
 And crowds stood wondering at the passing show; 
 Say, was it thus, with such a baffled mien, 
 
 You met the approaches of the Spartan queen, 70 
 Thus from her realm convey’d the beauteous prize, 
 And both her warlike lords outshined in Helen’s 
 eyes ? 
 
 This deed, thy foes’ delight, thy own disgrace, 
 
 Thy father’s grief, and ruin of thy race ; 
 
 This deed recalls thee to the proffer’d fight, 75 
 Or hast thou injured whom thou darest not right? 
 Soon to thy cost the field would make thee know 
 Thou keep’st the consort of a braver foe. 
 
 Thy graceful form instilling soft desire, 
 
 Thy curling tresses, and thy silver lyre, 80 
 
 Beauty and youth; in vain to these you trust, 
 When youth and beauty shall be laid in dust : 
 
 Troy yet may wake, and one avenging blow 
 Crush the dire author of his country’s wo.” 
 
 His silence here, with blushes, Paris breaks: 85 
 
 “ ’Tis just, my brother, what your anger speaks: 
 
 72 Theseus and Menelaus. 
 
92 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 But who like thee can boast a soul sedate, 
 
 So firmly proof to all the shocks of fate ? 
 
 Thy force like steel a temper’d hardness shows, 
 
 Still edged to wound, and still unlired with blows; 90 
 Like steel, uplifted by some strenuous swain, 
 
 With falling woods to strew the wasted plain. 
 
 Thy gifts I praise ; nor thou despise the charms 
 With which a lover golden Venus arms ; 
 
 Soft moving speech, and pleasing outward show, 95 
 No wish can gain them, but the gods bestow. 
 
 Yet, wouldst thou have the proffer’d combat stand, 
 The Greeks and Trojans seat on either hand; 
 
 Then let a midway space our hosts divide, 
 
 And, on that stage of war, the cause be tried : 100 
 
 By Paris there the Spartan king be fought, 
 
 For beauteous Helen and the wealth she brought: 
 And who his rival can in arms subdue, 
 
 His be the fair, and his the treasure too. 
 
 Thus with a lasting league your toils may cease, 105 
 And Troy possess her fertile fields in peace; 
 
 Thus may the Greeks review their native shore, 
 Much famed for generous steeds, for beauty more.” 
 
 He said. The challenge Hector heard with joy, 
 Then with his spear restrain’d the youth of Troy, 110 
 Held by the midst, athwart, and near the foe 
 Advanced with steps majestically slow : 
 
 While round his dauntless head the Grecians pour 
 Their stones and arrows in a mingled shower. 
 
 Then thus the monarch, great Atrides, cried: 115 
 “ Forbear, ye warriors ! lay the darts aside : 
 
 A parley Hector asks, a message bears; 
 
 W 7 e know him by the various plume he wears.” 
 Awed by his high command, the Greeks attend, 
 
 The tumult silence, and the fight suspend. 120 
 W T hile from the centre Hector rolls his eyes 
 On either host, and thus to both applies: 
 
 “ Hear, all ye Trojan, all ye Grecian bands ! 
 
 What Paris, author of the war, demands. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK III. 93 
 
 Your shining swords within the sheath restrain, 125 
 And pitch your lances in the yielding plain. 
 
 Here in the midst, in either army’s sight, 
 
 He dares the Spartan king to single fight; 
 
 And wills, that Helen and the ravish’d spoil 
 
 That caused the contest, shall reward the toil. 130 
 
 Let these the brave triumphant victor grace, 
 
 And differing nations part in leagues of peace.” 
 
 He spoke: in still suspense on either side 
 Eaqh army stood. The Spartan chief replied: 
 
 “ Me too, ye warriors ! hear, whose fatal right 135 
 A world engages in the toils of fight. 
 
 To me the labour of the field resign ; 
 
 Me Paris injured ; all the war be mine. 
 
 Fall he that must beneath his rival’s arms ; 
 
 And live the rest, secure of future harms. 140 
 
 Two lambs, devoted by your country’s rite, 
 
 To Earth a sable, to the Sun a white, 
 
 Prepare, ye Trojans! while a third we bring 
 Select to Jove, the inviolable king. 
 
 Let reverend Priam in the truce engage, 145 
 
 And add the sanction of considerate age. 
 
 His sons are faithless, headlong in debate, 
 
 And youth itself an empty wavering state : 
 
 Cool age advances venerably wise. 
 
 Thus on all hands its deep-discerning eyes; 150 
 
 Sees what befell, and what may yet befall, 
 Concludes from both, and best provides for all.” 
 
 The nations hear, with rising hopes possess’d, 
 And peaceful prospects dawn in every breast. 
 
 Within the lines they drew their steeds around, 155 
 And from their chariots issued on the ground: 
 
 Next all unbuckling the rich mail they wore, 
 
 Laid their bright arms along the sable shore. 
 
 On either side the meeting hosts are seen 
 With lances fix’d, and close the space between. 160 
 Two heralds now despatched to Troy, invite 
 The Phrygian monarch to the peaceful rite; 
 
94 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Talthybius hastens to the fleet to bring 
 The lamb for Jove, the inviolable king. 
 
 Meantime, to beauteous Helen, from the skies 165 
 The various goddess of the rainbow flies: 
 
 (Like fair Laodice in form and face, 
 
 The loveliest nymph of Priam’s royal race :) 
 
 Her in the palace, at her loom she found; 
 
 The golden web her own sad story crown’d. 170 
 The Trojan wars she weaved (herself the prize,) 
 And the dire triumphs of her fatal eyes. 
 
 To whom the goddess of the painted bow : 
 
 “ Approach, and view the wondrous scene below! 
 Each hardy Greek, and valiant Trojan knight, 175 
 So dreadful late, and furious for the fight, 
 
 Now rest their spears, or lean upon their shields; 
 Ceased is the war, and silent all the fields. 
 
 Paris alone and Sparta’s king advance, 
 
 In single fight to toss the beamy lance ; 180 
 
 Each met in arms, the fate of combat tries, 
 
 Thy love the motive, and thy charms the prize.” 
 
 'Phis said, the many-colour’d maid inspires 
 Her husband’s love, and wakes her former fires : 
 Her country, parents, all that once were dear, 185 
 Rush to her thought, and force a tender tear. 
 
 O’er her fair face a snowy veil she threw, 
 
 And, softly sighing, from the loom withdrew: 
 
 Her handmaids Clymene and ./Ethra wait 
 Her silent footsteps to the Scsean gale. 190 
 
 There sat the seniors of the Trojan race : 
 
 (Old Priam’s chiefs, and most in Priam’s grace:) 
 The king the first: Thymcstes at his side; 
 
 Lam pus and Clytius, long in counsel tried; 
 
 Panthus and Hicetaon, once the strong; 195 
 
 And next, the wisest of the reverend throng, 
 Antenor grave, and sage Ucalegon, 
 
 Lean’d on the walls, and bask’d before the sun. 
 Chiefs, who no more in bloody fights engage, 
 
 But wise through time, and narrative with age, 200 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK III. 
 
 95 
 
 In summer days like grasshoppers rejoice, 
 
 A bloodless race, that send a feeble voice. 
 
 These, when the Spartan queen approach’d the 
 tower, 
 
 In secret own’d resistless beauty’s power : 
 
 They cried, “ No wonder, such celestial charms 205 
 For nine long years have set the world in arms ! 
 What winning graces! what majestic mien! 
 
 She moves a goddess, and she looks a queen ! 
 
 Yet hence, oh Heaven! convey that fatal face, 
 
 And from destruction save the Trojan race.” 210 
 The good old Priam welcomed her; and cried, 
 “Approach, my child, and grace thy father’s side. 
 See on the plain thy Grecian spouse appears, 
 
 The friends and kindred of thy former years. 
 
 No crime of thine our present sufferings draws, 215 
 Not thou, but Heaven’s disposing will, the cause; 
 The gods these armies and this force employ, 
 
 The hostile gods conspire the fate of Troy. 
 
 But lift thy eyes, and say, what Greek is he 
 (Far as from hence these aged orbs can see) 220 
 Around whose brow such martial graces shine, 
 
 So tall, so awful, and almost divine ? 
 
 Though some of larger stature tread the green, 
 None match his grandeur and exalted mien : 
 
 He seems a monarch, and his country’s pride.” 225 
 Thus ceased the king, and thus the fair replied : 
 
 “ Before thy presence, father, I appear, 
 
 With conscious shame and reverential fear. 
 
 Ah ! had I died, ere to these walls I fled, 
 
 False to my country, and my nuptial bed ; 230 
 
 My brothers, friends, and daughter left behind, 
 
 False to them all, to Paris only kind ! 
 
 For this I mourn, till grief or dire disease 
 Shall waste the form whose crime it was to please. 
 The king of kings, Atrides, you survey, 235 
 
 Great in the war, and great in arts of sway. 
 
 My brother once, before my days of shame; 
 
 And oh, that still he bore a brother’s name!” 
 
96 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 With wonder Priam view’d the godlike man, 
 Extoll’d the happy prince, and thus began: 240 
 
 “ Oh, bless’d Atrides ! born 1o prosperous fate, 
 Successful monarch of a mighty state ! 
 
 How vast thy empire! of yon matchless train 
 What numbers lost, what numbers yet remain ! 
 
 In Phrygia once were gallant armies known, 245 
 In ancient time, when Otreus fill’d the throne, 
 
 When godlike Mygdon led their troops of horse, 
 
 And I, to join them, raised the Trojan force : 
 
 Against the manlike Amazons we stood, 
 
 And Sangar’s stream ran purple with their blood. 
 
 But far inferior those, in martial grace 251 
 
 And strength of numbers, to this Grecian race.” 
 
 This said, once more he view’d the warrior train: 
 “ What's he, whose arms lie scatter’d on the plain I 
 Broad is his breast, his shoulders larger spread, 255 
 Though great Atrides overtops his head. 
 
 Nor yet appear his care and conduct small: 
 
 From rank to rank he moves, and orders all. 
 
 The stately ram thus measures o’er the ground, 
 
 And, master of the flock, surveys them round,” 260 
 Then Helen thus: “ Whom your discerning eyes 
 Have singled out, is Ithacus the wise : 
 
 A barren island boasts his glorious birth: 
 
 His fame for wisdom fills the spacious earth.” 
 
 Antenor took the word, and thus began : 265 
 
 “Myself, oh king! have seen that wondrous man: 
 When, trusting Jove and hospitable laws, 
 
 To Troy he came, to plead the Grecian cause 
 (Great Menelaus urged the same request,) 
 
 My house was honour’d with each royal guest: 270 
 I knew their persons, and admired their parts, 
 
 Both brave in arms, and both approved in arts. 
 Erect, the Spartan most engaged our view : 
 
 Ulysses seated, greater reverence drew. 
 
 When Atreus’ son harangued the listening train, 275 
 Just was his sense, and his expression plain, 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK III. 
 
 97 
 
 His words succinct, yet full, without a fault; 
 
 He spoke no more than just the thing he ought. 
 
 But when Ulysses rose, in thought profound, 
 
 His modest eyes he fix’d upon the ground, 280 
 As one unskill’d or dumb he seem’d to stand, 
 
 Nor raised his head, nor stretch’d his sceptred hand : 
 But when he speaks, w’hat elocution flows! 
 
 Soft as the fleeces of descending snows 
 
 The copious accents fall, with easy art; . 285 
 
 Melting they fall, and sink into the heart! 
 
 Wondering we hear, and fix’d in deep surprise, 
 
 Our ears refute the censure of our eyes.” 
 
 The king then ask’d, (as yet the camp he view’d,) 
 “ What chief is that, with giant strength endued, 290 
 Whose brawny shoulders, and whose swelling chest, 
 And lofty stature, far exceed the rest 1” 
 
 “ Ajax the great,” the beauteous queen replied, ' 
 “Himself a host; the Grecian strength and pride. 
 See ! bold Idomeneus superior towers 295 
 
 Amid yon circle of his Cretan powers, 
 
 Great as a god ! I saw him once before, 
 
 With Menelaus, on the Spartan shore. 
 
 The rest I know, and could in order name; 
 
 All valiant chiefs, and men of mighty fame. 300 
 Yet two are wanting of the numerous train, 
 
 Whom long my eyes have sought, but sought in 
 vain: 
 
 Castor and Pollux, first in martial force, 
 
 One bold on foot, and one renown’d for horse. 
 
 My brothers these ; the same our native shore, 305 
 One house contain’d us, as one mother bore. 
 
 Perhaps the chiefs, from warlike-toils at ease, 
 
 For distant Troy refused to sail the seas : 
 
 Perhaps their swords some nobler quarrel draws, 
 Ashamed to combat in their sister’s cause.” 310 
 So spoke the fair, nor knew her brothers’ doom, 
 Wrapp’d in the cold embraces of the tomb; 
 
 Adorn’d with honours in their native shore, 
 
 Silent they slept, and heard of wars no more. 
 hom.— i.—i 
 
98 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Meantime the heralds through the crowded town 
 Bring the rich wine and destin’d victims down. 316 
 Idaeus’ arms the golden goblets press’d, 
 
 Who thus the venerable king address’d : 
 
 “ Arise, oh father of the Trojan state ! 
 
 The nations call, thy joyful people wait 320 
 
 To seal the truce, and end the dire debate. 
 
 Paris thy son and Sparta’s king advance, 
 
 In measured lists to toss the weighty lance; 
 
 And who his rival shall in arms subdue, 
 
 His be the dame, and his the treasure too. 325 
 Thus with a lasting league our toils may cease, 
 
 And Troy possess her fertile fields in peace ; 
 
 So shall the Greeks review their native shore, 
 
 Much famed for generous steeds, for beauty more.” 
 
 With grief he heard, and bade the chiefs prepare 
 To join his milk-white coursers to the car: 331 
 
 He mounts the seat, Antenor at his side; 
 
 The gentle steeds through Scsea’s gates they guide : 
 Next from the car descending on the plain, 
 
 Amid the Grecian host and Trojan train 335 
 
 Slow they proceed : the sage Ulysses then 
 Arose, and with him rose the king of men. 
 
 On either side a sacred herald stands, 
 
 The wine they mix, and on each monarch’s hands 
 Pour the full urn ; then draws the Grecian lord 340 
 His cutlass, sheathed beside his ponderous sword; 
 From the sign’d victims crops the curling hair, 
 
 The heralds part it, and the princes share ; 
 
 Then loudly thus before the attentive bands 
 He calls the gods, and spreads his lifted hands : 345 
 “ Oh first and greatest power! whom all obey, 
 Who high on Ida’s holy mountain sway, 
 
 Eternal Jove! and you, bright orb, that roll 
 From east to west, and view from pole to pole ! 
 Thou, mother Earth! and all ye living floods ! 350 
 Infernal furies ! and Tartarean gods, 
 
 Who rule the dead, and horrid woes prepare 
 For perjured kings, and all who falsely swear! 
 
ILIAD. BOOK III. 99 
 
 Hear, and be witness. If b*y Paris slain, 
 
 Great Menelaus press the fatal plain, 355 
 
 The dame and treasures let the Trojan keep, 
 
 And Greece returning plough the watery deep. 
 
 If by my brother’s lance the Trojan bleed, 
 
 Be his the wealth and beauteous dame decreed : 
 
 The appointed fine let Ilion justly pay, 360 
 
 And age to age record the signa} day. 
 
 This if the Phrygians shall refus'e to yield, 
 
 Arms must revenge, and Mars decide the field.” 
 
 With that the chief the tender victims slew, 
 
 And in the dust their bleeding bodies threw : 365 
 
 The vital spirit issued at the wound, 
 
 And left the members quivering on the ground. 
 
 From the same urn they drink the mingled wine, 
 And add libations to the powers divine. 
 
 While thus their prayers united mount the sky : 370 
 u Hear, mighty Jove! and hear, ye gods on high ! 
 And may their blood, who first the league confound, 
 Shed like this wine, distain the thirsty ground ! 
 
 May all their consorts serve promiscuous lust! 
 
 And all their race be scatter’d as the dust!” 375 
 
 Thus either host their imprecations join’d, 
 
 Which Jove refused, and mingled with the wind. 
 
 The rites now finished, reverend Priam rose, 
 
 And thus express’d a heart o’ercharg’d with woes : 
 
 “ Ye Greeks and Trojans, let the chiefs engage, 380 
 But spare the weakness of my feeble age : 
 
 In yonder walls that object let me shun, 
 
 Nor view the danger of so dear a son. 
 
 Whose arms shall conquer, and what prince shall 
 fall, 
 
 Heaven only knows, for Heaven disposes all.” 385 
 This said, the hoary king no longer stavd, 
 
 But on his car the slaughter’d victims laid ; 
 
 Then seized the reins his gentle steeds to guide, 
 
 And drove to Troy, Antenor at his side. 
 
 Bold Hector and Ulysses now dispose 390 
 
 The lists of combat, and the ground enclose; 
 
100 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Next to decide by sacred lots prepare, 
 
 Who first shall launch his pointed spear in air. 
 
 The people pray with elevated hands, 
 
 And words like these are heard through all the bands: 
 “Immortal Jove, high heaven’s superior lord, 396 
 On lofty Ida’s holy m«unt adored ! 
 
 Whoe’er involved us in this dire debate, 
 
 Oh, give that author of the war to fate 
 
 And shades eternal! Let division cease, 400 
 
 And joyful nations join in leagues of peace.” 
 
 With eyes averted Hector hastes to turn 
 The lots of fight, and shakes the brazen urn. 
 
 Then, Paris, thine leap’d forth ; by fatal chance 
 Ordain’d the first to whirl the weighty lance. 405 
 Both armies sat the combat to survey, 
 
 Beside each chief his azure armour lay, 
 
 And round the lists the generous coursers neigh. 
 
 The beauteous warrior now arrays for fight, 
 
 In gilded arms magnificently bright: 410 
 
 The purple cuishes clasp his thighs around, 
 
 With flowers adorn’d, with silver buckles bound: 
 Lycaon’s corslet his fair body dress’d, 
 
 Braced in, and fitted to his softer breast: 
 
 A radiant baldrick, o’er his shoulders tied, 415 
 Sustain’d the sword that glitter’d at his side: 
 
 His youthful face a polish’d helm o’erspread; 
 
 The waving horsehair nodded on his head : 
 
 His figured shield, a shining orb, he takes, 
 
 And in his hand a pointed javelin shakes. 420 
 
 With equal speed, and fired by equal charms, 
 
 The Spartan hero sheathes his limbs in arms. 
 
 Now round the lists the admiring army stand, 
 With javelins fix’d, the Greek and Trojan band. 
 Amid the dreadful vale the chiefs advance, 425 
 All pale with rage, and shake the threatening lance. 
 The Trojan first his shining javelin threw; 
 
 Full on Atrides’ ringing shield it flew ; 
 
 Nor pierced the brazen orb, but with a bound 
 Leap’d from the buckler blunted on the ground. 430 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK III. 
 
 101 
 
 Atrides then his massy lance prepares, 
 
 In act to throw, but first prefers his prayers : 
 
 “ Give me, great Jove ! to punish lawless lust, 
 And lay the Trojan gasping in the dust: 
 
 Destroy the aggressor, aid my righteous cause, 435 
 Avenge the breach of hospitable laws, 
 
 Let this example future times reclaim, 
 
 And jzuard from wrong fair friendship’s holy name.” 
 He said, and poised in air the javelin sent: 
 
 Through Paris’ shield the forceful weapon went, 
 His corslet pierces, and his garment rends, 441 
 And, glancing downward, near his flank descends. 
 The wary Trojan, bending from the blow, 
 
 Eludes the death, and disappoints his foe: 
 
 But fierce Atrides waved his sword, and struck 445 
 Full on his casque; the crested helmet shook; 
 
 The brittle steel, unfaithful to his hand, 
 
 Broke short: the fragments glitter’d on the sand. 
 The raging warrior to the spacious skies 
 Raised his upbraiding voice and angry eyes: 450 
 
 “ Then is it vain in Jove himself to trust? 
 
 And is it thus the gods assist the just ? 
 
 When crimes provoke us, Heaven success denies: 
 The dart falls harmless, and the falchion flies.” 
 Furious he said, and towards the Grecian crew 455 
 (Seized by the crest) the unhappy warrior drew: 
 Struggling he follow’d, while the embroider’d thong, 
 That tied his helmet, dragg’d the chief along. 
 
 Then had his ruin crown’d Atrides’ joy, 
 
 But Venus trembled for the prince of Troy: 460 
 
 Unseen she came, and burst the golden band, 
 
 And left an empty helmet in his hand. 
 
 The casque, enraged, amid the Greeks he threw; 
 The Greeks with smiles the polish’d trophy view. 
 Then, as once more he lifts the deadly dart, 465 
 In thirst of vengeance, at his rival’s heart, 
 
 The queen of love her favour’d champion shrouds 
 (For gods can all things) in a veil of clouds. 
 
 i 2 
 
102 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Raised from the field the panting youth she led, 
 
 And gently laid him on the bridal bed, 470 
 
 With pleasing sweets his fainting sense renews, 
 
 And all the dome perfumes with heavenly dews. 
 
 Meantime the brightest of the female kind, 
 
 The matchless Helen, o’er the walls reclined; 
 
 To her, beset with Trojan beauties, came 475 
 
 In borrow’d form the laughter-loving dame. 
 
 (She seem’d an ancient maid, well skill’d to cull 
 The snowy fleece, and wind the twisted wool.) 
 
 The goddess softly shook her silken vest, 
 
 That shed perfumes, and whispering thus address’d: 
 “ Haste, happy nymph! for thee thy Paris 
 calls, 481 
 
 Safe from the fight in yonder lofty walls, 
 
 Fair as a god! with odours round him spread 
 He lies, and waits thee on the well-known bed: 
 
 Not like a warrior parted from the foe, 485 
 
 But some gay dancer in the public show.” 
 
 She spoke, and Helen’s secret soul was moved: 
 She scorn’d the champion, but the man she loved. 
 Fair Venus’ neck, her eyes that sparkled fire, 
 
 And breast, reveal’d the queen of soft desire. 490 
 Struck with her presence, straight the lively red 
 Forsook her cheek, and, trembling, thus she said: 
 
 “ Then is it still thy pleasure to deceive ? 
 
 And woman’s frailty always to believe ? 
 
 Say, to new nations must I cross the main, 495 
 Or carry wars to some soft Asian plain ? 
 
 For whom must Helen break her second vow? 
 
 What other Paris is thy darling now ? 
 
 Left to Atrides (victor in the strife) 
 
 An odious conquest, and a captive wife, 500 
 
 Hence let me sail; and if thy Paris bear 
 My absence ill, let Venus ease his care. 
 
 A handmaid goddess at his side to wait, 
 
 Renounce the glories of thy heavenly state, 
 
 476 Venus 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK III. 
 
 103 
 
 Be fix’d for ever to the Trojan shore, 505 
 
 His spouse, or slave; and mount the skies no more. 
 For me, to lawless love no longer led, 
 
 I scorn the coward, and detest his bed; 
 
 Else should I merit everlasting shame, 
 
 And keen reproach from every Phrygian dame : 510 
 Ill suits it now the joys of love to know, 
 
 Too deep my anguish, and too wild my wo.” 
 
 Then, thus incensed, the Paphian queen replies: 
 
 “ Obey the power from whom thy glories rise: 
 Should Venus leave thee, every charm must fly, 515 
 Fade from thy cheek, and languish in thy eye. 
 Cease to provoke me, lest I make thee more 
 The world’s aversion, than their love before ; 
 
 Now the bright prize for which mankind engage, 
 Then the sad victim of the public rage.” 520 
 
 At this, the fairest of her sex obey’d, 
 
 And veil’d her blushes in a silken shade; 
 
 Unseen, and silent, from the train she moves, 
 
 Led by the goddess of the smiles and loves. 
 
 Arrived, and enter’d at the palace gate, 525 
 
 The maids officious round their mistress wait: 
 Then all, dispersing, various tasks attend; 
 
 The queen and goddess to the prince ascend. 
 
 Full in her Paris’ sight the queen of love 
 Had placed the beauteous progeny of Jove ; 530 
 
 Where, as he view’d her charms, she turn’d away 
 Her glowing eyes, and thus began to say: 
 
 “ Is this the chief, who, lost to sense of shame, 
 Late fled the field, and yet survives his fame ? 
 
 Oh, hadst thou died beneath the righteous sword 
 Of that brave man whom once I call’d my lord! 536 
 The boaster Paris oft desired the day 
 With Sparta’s king to meet in single fray ; 
 
 Go now, once more thy rival’s rage excite, 
 
 Provoke Atrides, and renew the fight: 540 
 
 Yet Helen bids thee stay, lest thou unskill’d 
 Shouldst fall an easy conquest on the field.” 
 
104 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 The prince replies : “Ah ! cease, divinely fair. 
 Nor add reproaches to the wounds I bear: 
 
 This day the foe prevail’d by Pallas’ power ; 545 
 
 We yet may vanquish in a happier hour: 
 
 There want not gods to favour us above: 
 
 But let the business of our life be love : 
 
 These softer moments let delights employ, 
 
 And kind embraces snatch the hasty joy. 550 
 
 Not thus I loved thee when from Sparta’s shore 
 My forced, my willing, heavenly prize I bore, 
 
 When first entranced in Cranae’s isle 1 lay, 
 
 Mix’d with thy soul, and all dissolved away!” 
 
 While these to love’s delicious rapture yield, 555 
 The stern Atrides rages round the field: 
 
 So some fell lion, whom the woods obey, 
 
 Roars through the desert, and demands his prey. 
 Paris he seeks, impatient to destroy, 
 
 But seeks in vain along the troops of Troy; 560 
 Even those had yielded to a foe so brave 
 The recreant warrior, hateful as the grave. 
 
 Then speaking thus, the king of kings arose : 
 
 “ Ye Trojans, Dardans, all our generous foes! 
 Hear and attest ! from Heaven with conquest 
 crown’d, 565 
 
 Our brother’s arms the just success have found: 
 
 Be therefore now the Spartan - wealth restored, 
 
 Let Argive Helen own her lawful lord ; 
 
 The appointed fine let Ilion justly pay, 
 
 And age to age record this signal day.” 570 
 
 He ceased; his army’s loud applauses rise, 
 
 And the long shout runs echoing through the skies. 
 
I 
 
 BOOK IY. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Breach of the Truce, and the first Battle. 
 
 The gods deliberate in council concerning the Trojan war: 
 they agree on the continuation of it, and Jupiter sends down 
 Minerva to break the truce—She persuades Pandarus to aim 
 an arrow at Menelaus, who is wounded, but cured by Macha- 
 on—In the mean time some of the Trojan troops attack the 
 Greeks—Agamemnon is distinguished in all the parts of a 
 good general: he reviews the troops, and exhorts the lead¬ 
 ers, some by praises, and others by reproofs—Nestor is par¬ 
 ticularly celebrated for his military discipline. The battle 
 joins, and great numbers are slain on both sides.—[The same 
 day continues through this, as through the last book (as it 
 does also through the two following, and almost to the end 
 of the seventh book.) The scene is wholly in the field before 
 Troy.] 
 
 And now Olympus’ shining gates unfold ; 
 
 The gods, with Jove, assume their thrones of gold: 
 Immortal Hebe, fresh with bloom divine, 
 
 The golden goblet crowns with purple wine: 
 
 While the full bowls flow round, the powers employ 
 Their careful eyes on long-contended Troy. 6 
 
 When Jove, disposed to tempt Saturnia’s spleen, 
 Thus waked the fury of his partial queen. 
 
 Two powers divine the son of Atreus aid, 
 
 Imperial Juno and the martial maid; 10 
 
 But high in heaven they sit, and gaze from far, 
 
 The tame spectators of his deeds of war. 
 
 Not thus fair Venus helps her favour’d knight, 
 
 The queen of pleasures shares the toils of fight, 
 Each danger wards, and constant in her care 15 
 Saves in the moment of the last despair. 
 
 % 
 
106 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Her act has rescued Paris’ forfeit life, 
 
 Though great Atrides gain’d the glorious strife. 
 
 Then say, ye powers! what signal issue waits 
 To crown this deed, and finish all the fates ? 20 ' 
 
 Shall Heaven by peace the bleeding kingdoms spare. 
 Or rouse the furies, and awake the war? 
 
 Yet, would the gods for human good provide, 
 
 Atrides soon might gain his beauteous bride, 
 
 Still Priam’s walls in peaceful honours grow, 25 
 And through his gates the crowding nations flow. 
 Thus while he spoke, the queen of heaven en¬ 
 raged, 
 
 And queen of war, in close consult engaged: 
 
 Apart they sit, their deep designs employ, 
 
 And meditate the future woes of Troy. 30 
 
 Though secret anger swell’d Minerva’s breast, 
 
 The prudent goddess yet her wrath suppress’d: 
 
 But Juno, impotent of passion, broke 
 Her sullen silence, and with fury spoke. 
 
 “ Shall then, oh tyrant of the ethereal reign ! 35 
 
 My schemes, my labours, and my hopes be vain? 
 Have I, for this, shook I lion with alarms, 
 
 Assembled nations, set two worlds in arms? 
 
 To sprea 1 the war, I flew from shore to shore; 
 
 The immortal coursers scarce the labour bore. 40 
 At length ripe vengeance o’er their heads impends, 
 But Jove himself the faithless race defends : 
 
 Loath as thou art to punish lawless lust, 
 
 Not all the gods are partial and unjust.” 
 
 The sire, whose thunder shakes the cloudy skies, 
 Sighs from his inmost soul, and thus replies: 46 
 
 “ Oh lasting rancour! oh insatiate hate 
 To Phrygia’s monarch, and the Phrygian state! 
 
 What high offence has fired the wife of Jove ? 
 
 Can wretched mortals harm the powers above, 50 
 That Troy and Troy’s whole race thou wouldst con¬ 
 found, 
 
 And yon fair structures level with the ground ? 
 
ILIAD. — BOOK IV. 
 
 107 
 
 Haste, leave the skies, fulfil thy stern desire, 
 
 Burst all her gates, and wrap her walls in fire! 
 
 Let Priam bleed ! if yet thou thirst for more, 55 
 Bleed all his sons, and I lion float with gore, 
 
 To boundless vengeance the wide realm be given, 
 Till vast destruction glut the queen of heaven! 
 
 So let it be, and Jove his peace enjoy, 
 
 When heaven no longer hears the name of Troy. 60 
 But should this arm prepare to wreak our hate 
 On thy loved realms, whose guilt demands their fate, 
 Presume not thou the lifted bolt to stay; 
 
 Remember Troy, and give the vengeance way. 
 
 For know, of all the numerous towns that rise 65 
 Beneath the rolling sun and starry skies. 
 
 Which gods have raised, or earth-born men enjoy, 
 None stands so dear to Jove as sacred Troy, 
 
 No mortals merit more distinguish’d grace 
 
 Than godlike Priam, or than Priam’s race ; 70 
 
 Still to our name their hecatombs expire, 
 
 And altars blaze with unextinguish’d fire.” 
 
 At this the goddess roll’d her radiant eyes, 
 
 Then on the Thunderer fix’d them, and replies: 
 “Three towns are Juno’s on the Grecian plains, 75 
 More dear than all the extended earth contains, 
 Mycenae, Argos, and the Spartan wall; • 
 
 These thou may’st raze, nor 1 forbid their fall: 
 
 ’Tis not in me the vengeance to remove ; 
 
 The crime’s sufficient that they share my love. 80 
 Of power superior why should I complain ? 
 
 Resent I may, but must resent in vain. 
 
 Yet some distinction Juno might require, 
 
 Sprung with thyself from one celestial sire, 
 
 A goddess born to share the realms above, 85 
 
 And styled the consort of the thundering Jove : 
 
 Nor thou a wife and sister’s right deny; 
 
 Let both consent, and both by turns comply; 
 
 So shall the gods our joint decrees obey, 
 
 And Heaven shall act as we direct the way. 
 
 90 
 
108 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 See ready Pallas waits thy high commands, 
 
 To raise in arms the Greek and Phrygian bands; 
 Their sudden friendship by her arts may cease, 
 
 And the proud Trojans first infringe the peace.” 
 
 The sire of men and monarch of the sky 95 
 
 The advice approved, and bade Minerva fly, 
 
 Dissolve the league, and all her arts employ 
 To make the breach the faithless act of Troy. 
 
 Fired with the charge, she headlong urged her 
 flight, 
 
 And shot like lightning from Olympus’ height. 100 
 As the red comet, from Saturnius sent 
 To fright the nations with a dire portent, 
 
 (A fatal sign to armies on the plain, 
 
 Or trembling sailors on the wintry main,) 
 
 With sweeping glories glides along in air, 105 
 And shakes the sparkles from its blazing hair: 
 Between both armies thus, in open sight, 
 
 Shot the bright goddess in a trail of light. 
 
 With eyes erect the gazing hosts admire 
 The power descending, and the heavens on fire! 110 
 “ The gods,” they cried, “ the gods this signal sent, 
 And fate now labours with some vast event: 
 
 Jove seals the league, or bloodier scenes prepares ; 
 Jove,* the great arbiter of peace and wars!” 
 
 They said ; while Pallas through the Trojan throng 
 (In shape a mortal) pass’d disguised along. 116 
 Like bold Laodocus, her course she bent, 
 
 Who from Antenor traced his high descent. 
 
 Amid the ranks Lycaon’s son she found, 
 
 The warlike Pandarus, for strength renown’d ; 120 
 Whose squadrons, led from black jEsepus’ flood, 
 With flaming shields in martial circle stood. 
 
 To him the goddess: “ Phrygian! canst thou hear 
 A well-timed counsel with a willing ear? 
 
 What praise were thine, couldst thou direct thy 
 dart, 125 
 
 Amid his triumph, to the Spartan’s heart! 
 
ILIAt).-BOOK IV. 109 
 
 What gifts from Troy, from Paris, wouldst thou 
 gain, 
 
 Thy country’s foe, the Grecian glory slain ! 
 
 Then seize the occasion, dare the mighty deed, 
 
 Aim at his breast, and may that aim succeed! 130 
 But first, to speed the shaft, address thy vow 
 To Lycian Phoebus with the silver bow, 
 
 And swear the firstlings of thy flock to pay 
 On Delia’s altars, to the god of day.” 
 
 He heard, and madly, at the motion pleased, 135 
 His polish’d bow with hasty rashness seized. 
 
 ’Twas form’d of horn, and smooth’d with artful toil; 
 A mountain goat resign’d the shining spoil, 
 
 Who pierced long since beneath his arrows bled; 
 The stately quarry on the cliffs lay dead, 140 
 
 And sixteen palms his brow’s large honours spread: 
 The workman join’d, and shaped the bended horns, 
 And beaten gold each taper point adorns. 
 
 This, by the Greeks unseen, the warrior bends, 
 Screen'd by the shields of his surrounding friends. 
 There meditates the mark; and couching low, 146 
 Fits the sharp arrow to the well-strung bow. 
 
 One from a hundred feather’d deaths he chose, 
 
 Fated to wound, and cause of future woes. 
 
 Then offers vows with hecatombs to crown 150 
 Apollo’s altars in his native town. 
 
 Now with full force the yielding horn he bends, 
 Drawn to an arch, and joins the doubling ends ; 
 Close to his breast he strains the nerve below, 
 
 Till the barb’d point approach the circling bow; 155 
 The impatient weapon whizzes on the wing: 
 
 Sounds the tough horn, and twangs the quivering 
 string. 
 
 But thee, Atrides! in that dangerous hour 
 The gods forgot not, nor thy guardian power. 
 
 Pallas assists, and (weaken’d in its force) 160 
 Diverts the weapon from its destined course: 
 
 So from her babe, when slumber seals his eye, 
 
 The watchful mother wafts the envenom’d fly. 
 
 H.»M. '1. K. 
 
no 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Just where his belt with golden buckles join’d, 
 Where linen folds the double corslet lined, 1C5 
 She turn’d the shaft, which, hissing from above, 
 Pass’d the broad belt, and through the corslet drove: 
 The folds it pierced, the plaited linen tore, 
 
 And razed the skin, and drew the purple gore. 
 
 As when some stately trappings are decreed 170 
 To grace a monarch on his bounding steed, 
 
 A nymph, in Cariaor xMaeonia bred, 
 
 Stains the pure ivory with a lively red; 
 
 With equal lustre various colours vie, 
 
 The shining whiteness and the Tyrian die: 175 
 
 So, great Atrides! show’d thy sacred blood, 
 
 As down thy snowy thigh distill’d the streaming flood. 
 With horror seized, the king of men descried 
 The shaft infix’d, and saw the gushing tide : 
 
 Nor less the Spartan fear’d before he found 180 
 The shining barb appear above the wound. 
 
 Then, with a sigh, that heaved his manly breast, 
 The royal brother thus his grief express’d, 
 
 And grasp’d his hand; while all the Greeks around 
 With answering sighs return’d the plaintive sound: 
 
 “ Oh, dear as life ! did I for this agree 186 
 
 The solemn truce, a fatal truce to thee ! 
 
 Wert thou exposed to all the hostile train, 
 
 To fight for Greece, and conquer to be slain 1 
 The race of Trojans in thy ruin join, 190 
 
 And faith is scorn’d by all the perjured line. 
 
 Not thus our vows, confirm’d with wine and gore, 
 Those hands we plighted, and those oaths we swore, 
 Shall all be vain: when Heaven’s revenge is slow, 
 Jove but prepares to strike the fiercer blow. 195 
 The day shall come, that, great avenging day, 
 
 Which Troy’s proud glories in the dust shall lay, 
 When Priam’s powers and Priam’s self shall fall, 
 And one prodigious ruin swallow all. 
 
 I see the god, already, from the pole 200 
 
 Bare his red arm, and bid the thunder roll; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK IV. 
 
 Ill 
 
 I see the Eternal all his fury shed, 
 
 And shake his aegis o’er their guilty head. 
 
 Such mighty woes on perjured princes wait; 
 
 But thou, alas ! deservest a happier fate. 205 
 
 Still must I mourn the period of thy days, 
 
 And only mourn, without my share of praise 1 
 Deprived of thee, the heartless Greeks no more 
 Shall dream of conquests on the hostile shore; 
 
 Troy seized of Helen, and our glory lost, 210 
 
 Thy bones shall moulder on a foreign coast: 
 
 While some proud Trojan thus insulting cries, 
 
 (And spurns the dust where Menelaus lies,) 
 
 ‘Such are the trophies Greece from Ilion brings, 
 And such the conquests of her king of kings! 215 
 
 Lo, his proud vessels scatter’d o’er the main, 
 
 And unrevenged his mighty brother slain !’ 
 
 Oh! ere that dire disgrace shall blast my fame, 
 O’erwhelm me, earth! and hide a monarch’s shame.” 
 
 He said : a leader’s and a brother’s fears 220 
 Possess his soul, which thus the Spartan cheers: 
 
 “ Let not thy words the warmth of Greece abate; 
 The feeble dart is guiltless of my fate: 
 
 Stiff with the rich embroider’d work around, 
 
 My varied belt repell’d the flying wound.” 226 
 To whom the king. “ My brother and my friend, 
 Thus, always thus, may Heaven thy life defend ! 
 Now seek some skilful hand, whose powerful art 
 May stanch the effusion, and extract the dart. 
 Herald, be swift, and bid Machaon bring 230 
 
 His speedy succour to the Spartan king; 
 
 Pierced with a winged shaft, (the deed of Troy,) 
 The Grecian’s sorrow, and the Dardan’s joy.” 
 
 With hasty zeal the swift Talthybius flies; 
 Through the thick files he darts his searching eyes, 
 And finds Machaon, where sublime he stands 236 
 In arms encircled with his native bands. 
 
 Then thus : “ Machaon, to the king repair, 
 
 His wounded brother claims thy timely care; 
 
112 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Pierced by some Lycian or Dardanian bow, 240 
 A grief to us, a triumph to the foe.” 
 
 The heavy tidings grieved the godlike man; 
 
 Swift to his succour through the ranks he ran: 
 
 The dauntless king yet standing firm he found, 
 
 And all the chiefs in deep concern around. 245 
 Where to the steely point the reed was join’d, 
 
 The shaft he drew, but left the head behind. 
 
 Straight the broad belt, with gay embroidery graced, 
 He loosed : the corslet from his breast unbraced; 
 Then suck’d the blood, and sovereign balm infused, 
 Which Chiron gave, and ./Esculapius used. 251 
 While round the prince the Greeks employ their 
 care, 
 
 The Trojans rush tumultuous to the war; 
 
 Once more they glitter in refulgent arms, 
 
 Once more the fields are fill’d with dire alarms. 255 
 Nor had you seen the king of men appear 
 Confused, inactive, or surprised with fear: 
 
 But fond of glory, with severe delight, 
 
 His beating bosom claim’d the rising fight. 
 
 No longer with his warlike steeds he stay’d, 260 
 Or press’d the car with polish’d brass inlaid ; 
 
 But left Eurymedon the reins to guide : 
 
 The fiery coursers snorted at his side. 
 
 On foot through all the martial ranks he moves, 
 
 And these encourages, and those reproves. 265 
 “ Brave men 1” he cries, to such who boldly dare 
 Urge their swift steeds to face the coming war, 
 
 “ Your ancient valour on the foes approve; 
 
 Jove is with Greece, and let us trust in Jove. 
 
 ’Tis not for us, but guilty Troy, to dread, 270 
 
 Whose crimes sit heavy on her perjured head ; 
 
 Her sons and matrons Greece shall lead in chains, 
 And her dead warriors strew the mournful plains.” 
 
 Thus with new ardour he the brave inspires; 
 
 Or thus the fearful with reproaches fires: 27$ 
 
 “ Shame to your country, scandal of your kind! 
 Born to the fate ye well deserve to find ! 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK IV. 113 
 
 Why stand ye gazing round the dreadful plain, 
 Prepared for flight, but doom’d to fly in vain 1 
 Confused and panting thus, the haunted deer 280 
 Falls as he flies, a victim to his fear. 
 
 Still must ye wait the foes, and still retire, 
 
 Till yon tall vessels blaze with Trojan fire ! 
 
 Or trust ye Jove a valiant foe shall chase, 
 
 To save a trembling, heartless, dastard race!” 285 
 This said, he stalk’d with ample strides along, 
 
 To Crete’s brave monarch and his martial throng: 
 High at their head he saw the chief appear, 
 
 And bold Meriones excite the rear. 
 
 At this the king his generous joy express’d, 290 
 And clasp’d the warrior to his armed breast. 
 
 u Divine Idomeneus! what thanks we owe 
 To worth like thine ! what praise shall we bestow 1 
 To thee the foremost honours are decreed, 
 
 First in the fight, and every graceful deed. 295 
 For this, in banquets, when the generous bowls 
 Restore our blood, and raise the warriors’ souls, 
 Though all the rest with stated rules we bound, 
 Unmix’d, unmeasured, are thy goblets crown’d. 
 
 Be still thyself, in arms a mighty name; 300 
 
 Maintain thy honours, and enlarge thy fame.” 
 
 To whom the Cretan thus his speech address’d : 
 
 “ Secure of me, oh king! exhort the rest: 
 
 Fix’d to thy side, in every toil I share, 
 
 Thy firm associate in the day of war. 305 
 
 But let the signal be this moment given; 
 
 To mix in fight is all I ask of Heaven. 
 
 The field shall prove how perjuries succeed, 
 
 And chains or death avenge their impious deed.” 
 Charm’d with this heat, the king his course pur¬ 
 sues, 310 
 
 And next the troops of either Ajax views: 
 
 In one firm orb the bands were ranged around 
 A cloud of heroes blacken’d all the ground. 
 
 Thus from the lofty promontory’s brow 
 A swain surveys the gathering storm below; 315 
 
 k2 
 
114 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Slow from the main the heavy vapours rise, 
 
 Spread in dim streams, and sail along the skies, 
 
 Till black as night the swelling tempest shows, 
 
 The cloud condensing as the west wind blows : 
 
 He dreads the impending storm, and drives his flock 
 To the close covert of an arching rock. 321 
 
 Such, and so thick the embattled squadrons stood, 
 With spears erect, a moving iron wood ; 
 
 A shady light was shot from glimmering shields, 
 And their brown arms obscured the dusky fields. 
 
 “ Oh heroes ! worthy such a dauntless train, 326 
 Whose godlike virtue we but urge in vain,” 
 Exclaim’d the king, “who raise your eager bands 
 With great examples, more than loud commands. 
 Ah, would the gods but breathe in all the rest 330 
 Such souls as burn in your exalted breast! 
 
 Soon should our arms with just success be crown’d, 
 And Troy’s proud walls lie smoking on the ground.” 
 
 Then to the next the general bends his course, 
 His heart exults, and glories in his force ; 335 
 
 There reverend Nestor ranks his Pylian bands, 
 
 And with inspiring eloquence commands; 
 
 With strictest order sets his train in arms, 
 
 The chiefs advises, and the soldiers warns. 
 
 Alastor, Chromius, Haemon, round him wait, 340 
 Bias the good, and Pelagon the great. 
 
 The horse and chariots to the front assign’d, 
 
 The foot (the strength of war) he ranged behind; 
 The middle space suspected troops supply, 
 
 Enclosed by both, nor left the power to fly; 345 
 
 He gives command to curb the fiery steed. 
 
 Nor cause confusion, nor the ranks exceed ; 
 
 “ Before the rest let none too rashly ride ; 
 
 No strength nor skill, but just in time, be tried : 
 
 The charge once made, no warrior turn the rein. 
 But fight, or fall; a firm, imbodied train. 351 
 
 He whom the fortune of the field shall cast 
 From forth his chariot, mount the next in haste; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK IV. 
 
 115 
 
 Nor seek unpractised to direct the car, 
 
 Content with javelins to provoke the war. 355 
 Our great forefathers held this prudent course, 
 
 Thus ruled their ardour, thus preserved their force, 
 By laws like these immortal conquests made, 
 
 And earth’s proud tyrants low in ashes laid.” 
 
 So spoke the master of the martial art, 360 
 
 And touch’d with transport great Atrides’ heart. 
 
 “ Oh! hadst thou strength to match thy brave de 
 sires, 
 
 And nerves to second what thy soul inspires! 
 
 But wasting years, that wither human race, 
 Exhaust thy spirits, and thy arms unbrace. 365 
 What once thou wert, oh ever mightst thou be! 
 
 And age the lot of any chief but thee.” 
 
 Thus to the experienced prince Atrides cried; 
 
 He shook his hoary locks, and thus replied : 
 
 “ Well might I wish, could mortal wish renew 370 
 That strength which once in boiling youth I knew; 
 Such as I was, when Ereuthalion slain 
 Beneath this arm fell prostrate on the plain. 
 
 But Heaven its gifts not all at once bestows, 
 
 These years with wisdom crowns, with action those: 
 The field of combat fits the young and bold, 376 
 The solemn council best becomes the old: 
 
 To you the glorious conflict 1 resign, 
 
 Let sage advice, the palm of age, be mine.” 
 
 He said. With joy the monarch march’d before, 
 And found Menestheus on the dusty shore, 381 
 With whom the firm Athenian phalanx stands ; 
 
 And next Ulysses, with his subject bands. 
 
 Remote their forces lay, nor knew so far 
 The peace infringed, nor heard the sounds of war; 
 The tumult late begun, they stood intent, 38G 
 To watch the motion, dubious of the event. 
 
 The king, who saw their squadrons yet unmoved, 
 With hasty ardour thus the chiefs reproved. 
 
 “ Can Peleus’ son forget a warrior’s part, 390 
 And fears Ulysses, skill’d in every art! 
 
116 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Why stand you distant, and the rest expect 
 To mix in combat which yourselves neglect? 
 
 From you *twas hoped among the first to dare 
 The shock of armies, and commence the war. 395 
 For this your names are call’d, before the rest, 
 
 To share the pleasures of the genial feast; 
 
 And can you, chiefs! without a blush survey 
 Whole troops before you labouring in the fray? 
 
 Say, is it thus those honours you requite; 400 
 The first in banquets, but the last in fight?” 
 
 Ulysses heard : the hero’s warmth o’erspread 
 His cheek with blushes ; and, severe, he said : 
 
 “ Take back the unjust reproach ! Behold we stand 
 Sheathed in bright arms, and but expect command. 
 If glorious deeds afford thy soul delight, 406 
 
 Behold me plunging in the thickest fight. 
 
 Then give thy warrior chief a warrior’s due, 
 
 Who dares to act whate’er thou darest to view.” 
 
 Struck with his generous wrath, the king replies: 
 “ Oh, great in action, and in council wise! 411 
 
 With ours, thy care and ardour are the same, 
 
 Nor need I to commend, nor ought to blame. 
 
 Sage as thou art, and learn’d in human kind, 
 
 Forgive the transport of a martial mind. 415 
 
 Haste to the fight, secure 1 in just amends; 
 
 The gods that make, shall keep the worthy friends.” 
 
 He said, and pass’d where great Tydides lay, 
 
 His steeds and chariots wedged in firm array ; 
 
 (The warlike Sthenelus attends his side ;) 420 
 
 To whom with stern reproach the monarch cried: 
 
 “ Oh, son of Tydeus !'* he, whose strength could 
 tame 
 
 The bounding steed, in arms a mighty name; 
 
 “ Canst thou, remote, the mingling hosts descry, 
 With hands unactive, and a careless eye ? 425 
 
 Not thus thy sire the fierce encounter fear’d ; 
 
 Still first in front the matchless prince appear’d: 
 What glorious toils, what wonders they recite, 
 Who view’d him labouring through the ranks of fight’ 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK IV. 
 
 117 
 
 I saw him once, when, gathering martial powers, - 
 A peaceful guest, he sought Mycenae’s towers; 431 
 Armies he ask’d, and armies had been given, 
 
 Not we denied, but Jove forbade from heaven ; 
 While dreadful comets glaring from afar 
 Forewarn’d the horrors of the Theban war. 435 
 Next, sent by Greece from where Asopus flows, 
 
 A fearless envoy, he approach’d the foes ; 
 
 Thebes’ hostile walls, unguarded and alone, 
 Dauntless he enters, and demands the throne. 
 
 The tyrant feasting with his chiefs he found, 440 
 And dared to combat all those chiefs around; 
 
 Dared and subdued, before their haughty lord; 
 
 For Pallas strung his arm, and edged his sword. 
 Stung with the shame, within the winding way, 
 
 To bar his passage fifty warriors lay ; 445 
 
 Two heroes led the secret squadron on, 
 
 Maeon the fierce, and hardy Lycophron ; 
 
 Those fifty slaughter’d in the gloomy vale, 
 
 He spared but one to bear the dreadful tale. 
 
 Such Tydeus was, and such his martial fire. 450 
 Gods ! how the son degenerates from the sire!” 
 
 No words the godlike Diomed return’d, 
 
 But heard respectful, and in secret burn’d ; 
 
 Not so fierce Capaneus’ undaunted son, 
 
 Stern as his sire, the boaster thus begun: 455 
 
 “ What needs, oh monarch, this invidious praise, 
 Ourselves to lessen, while our sires you raise 1 
 Dare to be just, Atrides ! and confess 
 Our valour equal, though our fury less. 
 
 With fewer troops we storm’d the Theban wall, 460 
 And happier saw the sevenfold city fall. 
 
 In impious acts the guilty fathers died; 
 
 The sous subdued, for Heaven was on their side. 
 
 Far more than heirs of all our parents’ fame, 
 
 Our glories darken their diminish’d name.” 465 
 To him Tydides thus : “ My friend, forbear. 
 Suppress thy passion, and the king revere; 
 
318 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 His high concern may well excuse this rage, 
 Whose cause we follow, and whose war we wage; 
 His the first praise, were Jlion’s towers o’erthrown, 
 And, if we fail, the chief disgrace his own. 471 
 Let him the Greeks to hardy toil excite, 
 
 ’Tis ours lo labour in the glorious fight.” 
 
 He spoke, and, ardent, on the trembling ground 
 Sprung from his car; his ringing arms resound. 475 
 Dire was the clang, and dreadful from afar, 
 
 Of arm’d Tydides rushing to the war. 
 
 As when the winds ascending by degrees, 
 
 First move the whitening surface of the seas, 
 
 The billows float in order lo the shore, 480 
 
 The wave behind rolls on the wave before ; 
 
 Till, with the growing storm, the deeps arise, 
 
 Foam o’er the rocks, and thunder to the skies. 
 
 So to the fight the thick battalions throng, 
 
 Shields urged on shields, and men drove men along. 
 Sedate and silent move the numerous bands; 486 
 
 No sound, no whisper, but their chiefs commands, 
 Those only heard ; with awe the rest obey, 
 
 As if some god had snatch’d their voice away. 
 
 Not so the Trojans; from their host ascends 490 
 A general shout that all the region rends. 
 
 As when the fleecy flocks unnumber’d stand 
 In wealthy folds, and wait the milker’s hand, 
 
 The hollow vales incessant bleating fills, 
 
 The lambs reply from all the neighbouring hills: 495 
 Such clamours rose from various nations round, 
 Mix’d was the murmur, and confused the sound. 
 Each host now joins, and each a god inspires, 
 
 There Mars incites, and those Minerva fires. 
 
 Pale flight around, and dreadful terror reign; 500 
 And discord raging bathes the purple plain; 
 
 Discord ! dire sister of the slaughtering power, 
 Small at her birth, but rising every hour, 
 
 While scarce the skies her horrid head can bound. 
 She stalks on earth and shakes the world around; 
 
ILIAD.-BCOK IV, 119 
 
 The nations bleed, where’er her steps she turns, 506 
 The groan still deepens, and the combat bums. 
 
 Now shield with shield, with helmet helmet closed, 
 To armour armour, lance to lance opposed, 
 
 Host against host with shadowy squadrons drew, 
 The sounding darts in iron tempests flew, 511 
 
 Victors and vanquish’d join promiscuous cries, 
 
 And thrilling shouts and dying groans arise; 
 
 With streaming blood the slippery fields are died, 
 And slaughter’d heroes swell the dreadful tide. 515 
 As torrents roll, increased by numerous rills. 
 With rage impetuous down their echoing hills; 
 Rush to the vales, and, pour’d along the plain, 
 
 Roar through a thousand channels to the main; 
 
 The distant shepherd trembling hears the sound: 
 
 So mix both hosts, and so their cries rebound. 521 
 The bold Antilochus the slaughter led, 
 
 The first who struck a valiant Trojan dead: 
 
 At great Echepolus the lance arrives, 
 
 Raised his high crest, and through his helmet drives; 
 Warm’d in the brain the brazen weapon lies, 526 
 And shades eternal settle o’er his eyes. 
 
 So sinks a tower that long assaults had stood 
 Of force and fire ; its walls besmear’d with blood. 
 Him the bold leader of the Abantian throng 530 
 Seized to despoil, and dragg’d the corpse along: 
 
 But while he strove to tug the inserted dart, 
 Agenor’s javelin reach’d the hero’s heart. 
 
 His flank, unguarded by his ample shield, 534 
 
 Admits the lance : he falls, and spurns the field ; 
 The nerves, unbraced, support his limbs no more ; 
 The soul comes floating in a tide of gore. 
 
 Trojans and Greeks now gather round the slain; 
 The war renews, the warriors bleed again ; 
 
 As o’er their prey rapacious wolves engage, 540 
 Man dies on man, and all is blood and rage. 
 
 In blooming youth fair Simoisius fell. 
 
 Sent by great Ajax to the shades of hell: 
 
 530 Elphenor. 
 
120 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Fair Simoisius, whom his mother bore, 
 
 Amid the flocks, on silver Simois’ shore : 545 
 
 The nymph descending from the hills of Ide, 
 
 To seek her parents on his flowery side, 
 
 Brought forth the babe, their common care and joy, 
 And thence from Simois named the lovely boy. 
 
 Short was his date : by dreadful Ajax slain, 550 
 He falls, and renders all their cares in vain ! 
 
 So falls a poplar, that in watery ground 
 
 Raised high the head with stately branches crown’d; 
 
 (Fell’d by some artist with his shining steel, 
 
 To shape the circle of the bending wheel;) 555 
 
 Cut down it lies, tall, smooth, and largely spread, 
 With all its beauteous honours on its head; 
 
 There, left a subject to the wind and rain, 
 
 And scorch’d by suns, it withers on the plain. 
 
 Thus, pierced by Ajax, Simoisius lies 560 
 
 Stretch’d on the shore, and thus neglected dies. 
 
 At Ajax Antiphus his javelin threw; 
 
 The pointed lance with erring fury flew', 
 
 And Leucus, loved by wise Ulysses, slew. 
 
 He drops the corpse of Simoisius slain, 565 
 
 And sinks a breathless carcass on the plain. 
 
 This saw Ulysses, and with grief enraged 
 Strode w'here the foremost of the foes engaged; 
 Arm’d with his spear, he meditates the wound, 
 
 In act to throw ; but cautious look’d around. 570 
 Struck at his sight the Trojans backward drew, 
 
 And trembling heard the javelin as it flew. 
 
 A chief stood nigh, who from Abydos came, 
 
 Old Priam’s son, Democoon was his name ; 
 
 The weapon entered close above his ear, 575 
 
 Cold through his temples glides the whizzing spear ; 
 With piercing shrieks the youth resigns his breath, 
 His eyeballs darken with the shades of death; 
 Ponderous he falls; his clanging arms resound; 
 
 And his broad buckler rings against the ground. 580 
 Seized with affright the boldest foes appear; 
 
 Ev’ngodlike Hector seems himself to fear; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK IV. 
 
 121 
 
 Slow he gave way, the rest tumultuous fled ; 
 
 The Greeks with shouts press on, and spoil the dead. 
 But Phoebus now from llion’s towering height 585 
 Shines forth revealed, and animates the fight. 
 Trojans, be bold, and force with force oppose; 
 
 Your foaming steeds urge headlong on the foes ! 
 Nor are their bodies rocks, nor ribb’d with steel; 
 Your weapons enter, and your strokes they feel. 590 
 Have ye forgot what seem’d your dread before 1 
 The great, the fierce Achilles fights no more. 
 
 Apollo thus from Ilion’s lofty towers, 
 
 Array’d in terrors, roused the Trojan powers : 
 
 While war’s fierce goddess fires the Grecian foe, 595 
 And shouts and thunders in the fields below. 
 
 Then great Diores fell, by doom divine, 
 
 In vain his valour, and illustrious line. 
 
 A broken rock the force of Pirus threw ; 
 
 (Who from cold Ahius led the Thracian crew ;) 600 
 Full on his ankle dropp’d the ponderous stone, 
 
 Burst the strong nerves, and crush’d the solid bone : 
 Supine he tumbles on the crimson sands, 
 
 Before his helpless friends and native bands, 
 
 And spreads for aid his unavailing hands. 605 
 
 The foe rush’d furious as he pants for breath, 
 
 And through his navel drove the pointed death : 
 
 His gushing entrails smoked upon the ground, 
 
 And the warm life came issuing from the wound. 
 
 His lance bold Thoas at the conqueror sent; 610 
 Deep in his breast above the pap it went. 
 
 Amid the lungs was fix’d the winged wood, 
 
 And quivering in his heaving bosom stood : 
 
 Till from the dying chief, approaching near, 
 
 The iEtolian warrior tugg’d his weighty spear: 615 
 Then sudden waved his flaming falchion round, 
 
 And gash’d his belly with a ghastly wound. 
 
 The corpse now breathless on the bloody plain, 
 
 To spoil his arms the victor strove in vain; 
 
 The Thracian bands against the victor press’d $ 620 
 A grove of lances glittered at his breast, 
 a O'.!.—!•—L 
 
122 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Stern Thoas, glaring with revengeful eyes, 
 
 In sullen fury slowly quits the prize. 
 
 Thus fell two heroes; one the pride of Thrace, 
 And one the leader of the Epeian race : 625 
 
 Death’s sable shade at once o’ercast their eyes, 
 
 In dust the vanquish’d and the victor lies. 
 
 With copious slaughter all the fields are red, 
 
 And heap’d with growing mountains of the dead. 
 
 Had some brave chief this martial scene beheld, 
 By Pallas guarded through the dreadful field ; 631 
 
 Might darts be bid to turn their points away, 
 
 And swords around him innocently play ; 
 
 The war’s whole art with wonder had he seen, 
 
 And counted heroes where he counted men. 635 
 So fought each host with thirst of glory fired, 
 
 And crowds on crowds triumphantly expired. 
 
 
 i * 
 
 i < 1 
 
 / 
 
BOOK V. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Acts of Diomed. 
 
 Diomed, assisted by Pallas, performs wonders in this days 
 battle—Pandarus wounds him with an arrow, but the god¬ 
 dess cures him, enables him to discern gods from mortals, and 
 prohibits him from contending with any of the former, except¬ 
 ing Venus—ACneasjoins Pandarus to oppose him ; Pandarus 
 is killed, and AEneas in great danger, but for the assistance 
 of Venus ; who, as she is removing her son from the fight, 
 is wounded on the hand by Diomed—Apollo seconds her in 
 his rescue, and at length carries off AEneas to Troy, where 
 he is healed in the temple of Pergamus—Mars rallies the 
 Trojans, and assists Hector to make a stand—In the mean 
 time AEneas is restored to the field, and they overthrow seve¬ 
 ral of the Greeks ; among the rest Tlepolemus is slain by 
 Sarpedon—Juno and Minerva descend to resist Mars; the lat¬ 
 ter incites Diomed to go against that god ; he wounds him, 
 and sends him groaning to heaven.—[The first battle con¬ 
 tinues through this book. The scene is the same as in the 
 former.] 
 
 But Pallas now Tydides’ soul inspires, 
 
 Fills with her force, and warms with all her fires, 
 Above the Greeks his deathless fame to raise, 
 
 And crown her hero with distinguish’d praise. 
 
 High on his helm celestial lightnings play, 5 
 
 His beamy shield emits a living ray ; 
 
 The unwearied blaze incessant streams supplies, 
 Like the red star that fires the autumnal skies, 
 When fresh he rears his radiant orb to sight, 
 
 And bathed in ocean shoots a keener light. 10 
 
 Such glories Pallas on the chief bestow’d, 
 
 Such, from his arms, the fierce effulgence flow’d: 
 
124 
 
 1I0MER. 
 
 Onward she drives him, furious to engrave, 
 
 Where the fight burns, and where the thickest rage 
 The sons of Dares first the combat sought, 15 
 A wealthy priest, but rich without a fault: 
 
 In Vulcan’s fane the father’s days were led, 
 
 The sons to toils of glorious battle bred: 
 
 These singled from their troops the fight maintain, 
 These from their steeds, Tydides on the plain. 20 
 Fierce for renown the brother chiefs draw near, 
 
 And first bold Phegeus cast his sounding spear, 
 Which o’er the warrior’s shoulder took its course, 
 And spent in empty air its erring force. 
 
 Not so, Tydides, flew thy lance in vain, 25 
 
 But pierced his breast, and stretch’d him on the plain. 
 Seized with unusual fear, Idseus fled, 
 
 Left the rich chariot, and his brother dead ; 
 
 And had not Vulcan lent celestial aid, 
 
 He too had sunk to death’s eternal shade: 30 
 
 But in a smoky cloud the god of fire 
 Preserved the son, in pity to the sire. 
 
 The steeds and chariot, to the navy led, 
 
 Increased the spoils of gallant Diomed. 
 
 Struck with amaze and shame, the Trojan crew 35 
 Or slain, or fled, the sons of Dares view ; 
 
 When by the blood-stain’d hand Minerva press’d 
 The god of battles, and this speech address’d : 
 
 “Stern power of war! by whom the mighty fall, 
 Who bathe in blood, and shake the lofty wall! 40 
 
 Let the brave chiefs their glorious toils divide ; 
 
 A.nd whose the conquest mighty Jove decide ; 
 
 While we from interdicted fields retire, 
 
 Nor tempt the wrath of heaven’s avenging sire;” 
 
 Her words allay’d the impetuous warrior’s heat; 45 
 The god of arms and martial maid retreat: 
 
 Remov’d from fight, on Xanthus’ flowery bounds 
 They sat, and listen’d to the dving sounds. 
 
 Meantime, the Greeks the Trojan race pursue, 
 
 And some bold chieftain every leader slew. 50 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK V. 
 
 125 
 
 First Odius falls, and bites the bloody sand, 
 
 His death ennobled by Atrides’ hand: 
 
 As he to flight his wheeling car address’d, 
 
 The speedy javelin drove from back to breast. 
 
 In dust the mighty Halizonian lay, 55 
 
 His arms resound, the spirit wings its way. 
 
 Thy fate was next, oh Phaestus ! doom’d to feel 
 The great Idomeneus’ protended steel; 
 
 Whom Borus sent (his son and only joy) 
 
 From fruitful Tarne to the fields of Troy. 60 
 
 The Cretan javelin reached him from afar, 
 
 And pierced his shoulder as he mounts his car; 
 Back from the car he tumbles to the ground, 
 
 And everlasting shades his eyes surround. 
 
 Then died Scamandrius, expert in the chase, 65 
 In woods and wilds to wound the savage race; 
 
 Diana taught him all her sylvan arts, 
 
 To bend the bow, and aim unerring darts: 
 
 But vainly here Diana’s arts he tries, 
 
 The fatal lance arrests him as he flies; 70 
 
 From Menelaus’ arm the weapon sent. 
 
 Through his broad back and heaving bosom went: 
 Down sinks the warrior with a thundering sound, 
 His brazen armour rings against the ground. 
 
 Next artful Phereclus untimely fell; 75 
 
 Bold Merion sent him to the realms of hell. 
 
 Thy father’s skill, oh Phereclus, was thine, 
 
 The graceful fabric and the fair design ; 
 
 For, loved by Pallas, Pallas did impart 
 
 To him the shipwright’s and the builder’s art. 80 
 
 Beneath his hand the fleet of Paris rose, 
 
 The fatal cause of all his country’s woes; 
 
 But he, the mystic will of Heaven unknown, 
 
 Nor saw his country’s peril, nor his own. 
 
 The hapless artist, while confused he fled, 85 
 
 The spear of Merion mingled with the dead. 
 
 Through his right hip with forceful fury cast, 
 Between the bladder and the bone it pass’d: 
 
 l2 
 
126 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Prone on his knees he falls with fruitless cries, 
 
 And death in lasting slumber seals his eyes. 90 
 From Meges’ force the swift Pedseus fled, 
 Antenor’s offspring from a foreign bed, 
 
 Whose generous spouse, Theano, heavenly fair, 
 Nursed the young stranger with a mother’s caie. 
 How vain those cares ! when Meges in the rear 95 
 Full in his nape infix’d the fatal spear; 
 
 Swift through his eracklingjaws the weapon glides, 
 And the cold tongue the grinning teeth divides. 
 
 Then died Hypsenor, generous and divine, 
 
 Sprung from the brave Dolopian’s mighty line, 
 
 Who near adored Scamander made abode, 
 
 Priest of the stream, and honour’d as a god. 
 
 On him, amid the flying numbers found, 
 
 Erypylus inflicts a deadly wound; 
 
 On his broad shoulder fell the forceful brand, 105 
 Then glancing downward lopp’d his holy hand, 
 Which stain’d with sacred blood the blushing sand. 
 Down sunk the priest; the purple hand of death 
 Closed his dim eye, and fate suppress’d his breath. 
 
 Thus toil’d the chiefs, in different parts engaged, 
 In every quarter fierce Tydides raged, 111 
 
 Amid the Greek, amid the Trojan train, 
 
 Kapt through the ranks he thunders o’er the plain; 
 Now here, now there, he darts from place to place, 
 Pours on the rear, or lightens in their face. 1J5 
 Thus from high hills the torrents swift and strong 
 Deluge whole fields, and sweep the trees along, 
 Through ruin’d moles the rushing wave resounds, 
 O’erwhelms the bridge, and bursts the lofty bounds. 
 The yellow harvests of the ripen’d year, 120 
 
 And flatted vineyards,one sad waste appear! 
 
 While Jove descends in sluicy sheets of rain, 
 
 And all the labours of mankind are vain. 
 
 So raged Tydides, boundless in his ire, 
 
 Drove armies back, and made all Troy retire. 125 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK V. 
 
 127 
 
 With grief the leader of the Lycian band 
 Saw the wide waste of his destructive hand: 
 
 His bended bow against the chief he drew ; 
 
 Swift to the mark the thirsty arrow flew, 
 
 Whose forky point the hollow breastplate tore, 130 
 Deep in his shoulder pierced, and drank the gore : 
 The rushing stream his brazen armour died, 
 
 While the proud archer thus exulting cried : 
 
 “ Hither, ye Trojans, hither drive your steeds ! 
 
 Lo ! by our hand the bravest Grecian bleeds. 135 
 Not long the dreadful dart he can sustain; 
 
 Or Phoebus urged me to these fields in vain.” 
 
 So spoke he, boastful; but the winged dart 
 Stopp’d short of life, and mock’ll the shooter’s art. 
 The wounded chief behind his car retir’d, 140 
 
 The helping hand of Sthenelus required : 
 
 Swift from his seat he leap’d upon the ground, 
 
 And tugg’d the weapon from the gushing wound; 
 When thus the king his guardian power address’d, 
 The purple current wandering o’er his vest: 145 
 
 1 “ Oh progeny of Jove ! unconquer’d maid! 
 
 If e’er my godlike sire deserved thy aid, 
 
 If e’er 1 felt thee in the fighting field ; 
 
 Now, goddess, now thy sacred succour yield. 
 
 Oh give my lance to reach the Trojan knight, 150 
 Whose arrow wounds the chief thou guard’st in 
 fight; 
 
 And lay the boaster grovelling on the shore, 
 
 That vaunts these eyes shall view the light no more!” 
 
 Thus pray’d Tydides, and Minerva heard ; 
 
 His nerves confirm’d, his languid spirits cheer’d, 155 
 He feels each limb with wonted vigour light: 
 
 His beating bosom claims the promised fight. 
 
 “ Be bold,” she cried, “ in every combat shine ; 
 
 War be thy province, thy protection mine; 
 
 Rush to the fight, and every foe control; 160 
 
 Wake each paternal virtue in thy soul: 
 
 126 Pandarus. 
 
HOMER. 
 
 128 
 
 Strength swells thy boiling breast, infused by me, 
 And all thy godlike father breathes in thee ! 
 
 Yet more, from mortal mists l purge thy eyes, 
 
 And set to view the warring deities. 1C5 
 
 These see thou shun, through all the embattled plain, 
 Nor rashly strive where human force is vain. 
 
 If Venus mingle in the martial band, 
 
 Her shaltthou wound : so Pallas gives command.” 
 
 With that, the blue-eyed virgin wing’d her flight; 
 The hero rush’d impetuous to the fight; 171 
 
 With tenfold ardour now invades the plain, 
 
 Wild wilh delay, and more enraged by pain. 
 
 As on the fleecy flocks, when hunger calls, 
 
 Amid the field a brindled lion falls ; 175 
 
 If chance some shepherd wilh a distant dart 
 The savage wound, he rouses at the smart, 
 
 He foams, he roars; the shepherd dares not stay, 
 But trembling leaves the scattering flocks a prey ; 
 Heaps fall on heaps; he bathes with blood the 
 ground, 180 
 
 Then leaps victorious o’er the lofty mound. * 
 Not with less fury stern Tydides flew; 
 
 And two brave leaders at an instant slew: 
 
 Astynous breathless fell, and by his side 
 His people’s pastor, good Hypenor, died ; 185 
 
 Astynous’ breast the deadly lance receives, 
 Hypenor’s shoulder his broad falchion cleaves. 
 Those slain he left; and sprung with noble rage 
 Abas and Polyidus to engage; 
 
 Sons of Kurydamas, who, wise and old, 190 
 
 Could fates foresee, and mystic dreams unfold : 
 
 The youths return’d not from the doubtful plain, 
 And the sad father tried his arts in vain; 
 
 No mystic dream could make their fates appear, 
 Though now determined by Tydides’ spear. 195 
 Young Xanthus next, and Thoon felt his rage ; 
 The joy and hope of Phaenops’ feeble age ; 
 
 Vast was his wealth, and these the only heirs 
 Of all his labours and a life of cares. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK V. 
 
 129 
 
 Cold death o’ertakes them in their blooming years, 
 And leaves the father unavailing tears: 201 
 
 To strangers now descends his heapy store, 
 
 The race forgotten, and the name no more. 
 
 Two sons of Priam in one chariot ride, 
 
 Glittering in arms, and combat side bj r side. 205 
 As when the lordly lion seeks his food 
 Where grazing heifers range the lonely wood, 
 
 He leaps amid them with a furious bound, 
 
 Bends their strong necks, and tears them to the 
 ground: 
 
 So from their seats the brother chiefs are torn, 210 
 Their steeds and chariot to the navy borne. 
 
 With deep concern divine ./Eneas view’d 
 The foe prevailing, and his friends pursued. 
 
 Through the thick storm of singing spears he flies, 
 Exploring Pandarus with careful eyes. 215 
 
 At length he found Lycaon’s mighty son; 
 
 To whom the chief of Venus’ race begun : 
 
 “ Where, Pandarus, are all thy honours now, 
 
 Thy winged arrows and unerring bow, 
 
 Thy matchless skill, thy yet unrivall’d fame, 220 
 And boasted glory of the Lycian name ? 
 
 Oh pierce that mortal! if we mortal call 
 That wondrous force by which whole armies fall; 
 
 Or god incensed, who quits the distant skies 
 To punish Troy for slighted sacrifice ; 225 
 
 (Which oh avert from our unhappy state! 
 
 For what so dreadful as celestial hate 1) 
 
 Whoe’er he be, propitiate Jove with prayer; 
 
 If man, destroy ; if god, enireat to spare.” 
 
 To him the Lycian: “ Whom your eyes behold, 
 
 If right I judge, is Diomed the bold : 231 
 
 Such coursers whirl him o’er the dusty field, 
 
 So towers his helmet, and so flames his shield. 
 
 If ’tis a god, he wears that chief’s disguise ; 1 
 Or if that chief, some guardian of the skies, 235 
 Involved in clouds, protects him in the fray, 
 
 And turns unseen the frustrate dart away. 
 
130 
 
 IIOMEIl. 
 
 I wing’d an arrow, which not idly fell, 
 
 The stroke had fix’d him to the gates of hell ; 
 
 And, but some god, some angry god, withstands, 240 
 His fate was due to these unerring hands. 
 
 Skill’d in the bow, on foot I sought the war, 
 
 Nor join’d swift horses to the rapid car. 
 
 Ten polish’d chariots I possess’d at home, 
 
 And still they grace Lycaon’s princely dome: 245 
 
 There veil’d in spacious coverlets they stand ; 
 
 And twice ten coursers wait their lord’s command. 
 The good old warrior bade me trust to these, 
 
 When first for Troy I sail'd the sacred seas; 
 
 In fields, aloft, the whirling car to guide, 250 
 
 And through the ranks of death triumphant ride. 
 
 But vain with youth, and yet to thrift inclined, 
 
 I heard his counsels with unheedful mind, 
 
 And thought the steeds (your large supplies unknown) 
 Might fail of forage in the straiten’d town; 255 
 So took my bow and pointed darts in hand, 
 
 And left the chariots in my native land. 
 
 “Too late, oh friend ! my rashness I deplore ; 
 These shafts, once fatal, carry death no more. 
 Tydeus’ and Atreus’ sons their points have found, 
 And undissembled gore pursued the wound. 261 
 In vain they bled : this unavailing bow 
 Serves, not to slaughter, but provoke the foe. 
 
 In evil hour these bended horns I strung, 
 
 And seized the quiver where it idly hung. 265 
 Cursed be the fate that sent me to the field, 
 
 W ithout a warrior's arms, the spear and shield! 
 
 If e’er with life 1 quit the Trojan plain, 
 
 Ife’ er I see my spouse and sire again, 
 
 This bow, unfaithful to my glorious aims, 270 
 
 Broke by my hand, shall feed the blazing flames.” 
 
 To whom the leader of the T)ardan race : 
 
 “ Be c-alm, nor Phoebus’ honour’d gift disgrace. 
 
 The distant dart be praised, though here we need 
 The rushing chariot and the bounding steed. 275 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK V. 
 
 131 
 
 Against yon hero let us bend our course, 
 
 And, hand to hand, encounter force with force. 
 
 # Now mount my seat, and from the chariot’s height 
 Observe my father’s steeds, renown’d in fight. 
 Practised alike to turn, to step, to chase, 280 
 
 To dare the shock, or urge the, rapid race: 
 
 Secure with these, through fighting fields we go ; 
 
 Or safe to Troy, if Jove assist the foe. 
 
 Haste, seize the whip, and snatch the guiding rein; 
 The warrior’s fury let this arm sustain; 285 
 
 Or, if to combat thy bold heart incline, 
 
 Take thou the spear, the chariot’s care be mine.” 
 
 “ Oh prince !” Lycaon’s valiant son replied, 
 
 “ As thine the steeds, be thine the task to guide. 
 
 The horses, practised to their lord’s command, 290 
 Shall hear the rein, and answer to thy hand. 
 
 But if, unhappy, we desert the fight, 
 
 Thy voice alone can animate their flight: 
 
 Else shall our fates be- number’d with the dead, 
 
 And these, the victor’s prize, in triumph led. 295 
 Thine be the guidance then: with spear and shield 
 Myself will charge this terror of the fit-id.” 
 
 And now .both heroes mount the glittering car; 
 The bounding coursers rush amid the war. 
 
 Their fierce approach bold Sthenelus espied, 300 
 Who thus, alarm’d, to great Tydides cried : 
 
 “ Oh friend ! two chiefs of force immense I see, 
 Dreadful they come, and bend their rage on thee: 
 Lo, the brave heir of old Lycaon’s line, 
 
 And great Aeneas, sprung from race divine! 305 
 Enough is given to fame. Ascend thy car, 
 
 And save a life the bulwark of our war.” 
 
 At this the hero cast a gloomy look, 
 
 Fix’d on the chief with scorn ; and thus he spoke: 
 
 “ Me dost thou bid to shun the coming fi^ht? 310 
 Me wouldst thou move to base, inglorious flight] 
 Know, ’tis not honest in my soul to fear, 
 
 Nor was Tydides born to tremble here. 
 
132 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 I hate the cumbrous chariot’s slow advance, 
 
 And the long distance of the flying lance; 315 
 
 But while my nerves are strong, my force entire, 
 Thus front the foe, and emulate my sire. 
 
 Nor shall yon steeds that fierce to fight convey 
 Those threat’ning heroes, bear them both away; 
 One chief at least beneath this arm shall die; 320 
 So Pallas tells me, and forbids to fly. 
 
 But if she dooms, and if no god withstand, 
 
 That both shall fall by one victorious hand, 
 
 Then heed my words : my horses here detain, 
 
 Fix’d to the chariot by the straiten’d rein: 325 
 
 Swift to vEneas’ empty seat proceed, 
 
 And seize the coursers of ethereal breed : 
 
 The race of those which once the thund’ring god 
 For ravish’d Ganymede on Tros bestow’d, 
 
 The best that e’er on earth’s broad surface run, 330 
 Beneath the rising or the setting sun. 
 
 Hence great Anchises stole a breed, unknown 
 By mortal mares, from fierce Laomedon: 
 
 Four of this race his ample stalls contain, 
 
 And two transport ASneas o’er the plain. 335 
 
 These, were the rich immortal prize our own, 
 Through the wide world should make our glory 
 known.” 
 
 Thus while they spoke, the foe came furious on, 
 And stern Lycaon’s warlike race begun: 
 
 “ Prince, thou art met. Though late in vain as¬ 
 sail’d, . 340 
 
 The spear may enter where the arrow fail’d.” 
 
 He said, then shook the ponderous lance, and flung; 
 On his broad shield the sounding weapon rung, 
 Pierced the tough orb, and in his cuirass hung. 
 
 “ He bleeds ! the pride of Greece !” the boaster cries, 
 “ Our triumph now, the mighty warrior lies !” 34G 
 
 “Mistaken vaunter!” Diomed replied; 
 
 “ Thy dart has err’d, and now my spear be tried : 
 
 Ye ’scape not both ; one, headlong from his car, 
 With hostile blood shall glut the god of war.” 350 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK V. 
 
 133 
 
 He spoke, and rising hurl’d his forceful dart, 
 Which, driven by Pallas, pierced a vital part; 
 
 Full in his face it enter’d, and betwixt 
 The nose and eyeball the proud Lycian fix’d ; 
 Crash’d all his jaws, and cleft the tongue within, 355 
 Till the bright point look’d out beneath the chin. 
 Headlong he falls, his helmet knocks the ground; 
 Earth groans beneath him, and his arms resound; 
 The starting coursers tremble with affright; 
 
 The soul indignant seeks the realms of night. 360 
 To guard his slaughter’d friend vEneas flies, 
 
 His spear extending where the carcass lies; 
 Watchful he wheels, protects it every way, 
 
 As the grim lion stalks around his prey. 
 
 O’er the fall’ll trunk his ample shield display’d, 365 
 He hides the hero with his mighty shade. 
 
 And threats aloud : the Greeks with longing eyes 
 Behold at distance, but forbear the prize. 
 
 Then fierce Tydides stoops; and from the fields, 
 Heaved with vast force, a rocky fragment wields : 
 Not two strong men the enormous weight could 
 raise, 371 
 
 Such men as live in these degenerate days. 
 
 He swung it round ; and gathering strength to throw, 
 Discharged the ponderous ruin at the foe. 
 
 Where to the hip the inserted thigh unites, 375 
 Full on the bone the pointed marble lights; 
 Through both the tendons broke the rugged stone, 
 And stripp’d the skin, and crack’d the solid bone. 
 Sunk on his knees, and staggering with his pains, 
 His falling bulk his bended arm sustains; 380 
 
 Lost in a dizzy mist the warrior lies, 
 
 A sudden cloud comes swimming o’er his eyes. 
 There the brave chief, who mighty numbers sway’d, 
 Oppress’d had sunk to death’s eternal shade ; 
 
 But heavenly Venus, mindful of the love 385 
 
 She bore Anchises in the Idaean grove, 
 
 His danger views with anguish and despair, 
 
 And guards her offspring with a mother’s care: 
 hom.— i .—m 
 
134 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 About her much-loved son her arms she throws, 
 
 Her arms whose whiteness match the falling snows. 
 Screen’d from the foe behind her shining veil, 391 
 The swords wave harmless, and the javelins fail: 
 Safe through the rushing horse, and feather’d flight 
 Of sounding shafts, she bears him from the fight. 
 
 Nor Sthenelus, w ith unassisting hands, 395 
 
 Remain’d unheedful of his lord’s commands : 
 
 His panting steeds, removed from out the war, 
 
 He fix’d with straiten’d traces to the car. 
 
 Next rushing to the Dardan spoil, detains 
 The heavenly coursers with the flowing manes : 
 These, in proud triumph to the fleet convey’d, 401 
 No longer now a Trojan lord obey’d. 
 
 That charge to bold Deipylus he gave; 
 
 (Whom most he loved, as brave men love the brave ;) 
 Then mounting on his car, resum’d the rein, 405 
 And follow’d where Tydides swept the plain. 
 
 Meanwhile (his conquest ravish’d from his eyes) 
 The raging chief in chase of Venus flies: 
 
 No goddess she commissioned to the field, 
 
 Like Pallas dreadful with her sable shield, 410 
 Or fierce Bellona thundering at the wall, 
 
 While flames ascend, and mighty ruins fall; 
 
 He knew soft combats suit the tender dame, 
 
 New to the field, and still a foe to fame. 
 
 Through breaking ranks his furious course he bends, 
 And at the goddess his broad lance extends; 416 
 
 Through her bright veil the daring weapon drove, 
 The ambrosial veil w hich all the Graces wove; 
 
 Her snowy hand the razing steel profaned, 
 
 And the transparent skin with crimson stain’d. 420 
 From the clear vein a stream immortal flow’d, 
 
 Such stream as issues from a wounded god: 
 
 Pure emanation ; uncorfupted flood ; 
 
 Unlike our gross, diseased, terrestrial blood: 
 
 (For not the bread of man their life sustains, 425 
 Nor wine’s inflaming juice supplies their veins.) 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK V. 
 
 135 
 
 With tender shrieks the goddess fill’d the place, 
 
 And dropp’d her offspring from her weak embrace. 
 Him Phoebus took; he casts a cloud around 
 The fainting chief, and wards the mortal wound. 430 
 Then, with a voice that shook the vaulted skies, 
 The king insults the goddess as she flies: • 
 
 “ Ill with Jove’s daughter bloody fights agree, 
 
 The field of combat is no scene for thee; 
 
 Go, let thy own soft sex employ thy care, 435 
 Go, lull the coward, or delude the fair : 
 
 Taught by this stroke, renounce the war’s alarms, 
 And learn to tremble at the name of arms.” 
 
 Tydides thus. The goddess, seized with dread, 
 Confused, distracted, from the conflict fled. 440 
 To aid her, swift the winged Iris flew, 
 
 Wrapp’d in a mist above the warring crew: 
 
 The queen of love with faded charms she found, 
 Pale was her cheek, and livid look’d the wound. 
 
 To Mars, who sat remote, they bent their way, 445 
 Far on the left, with clouds involved he lay ; 
 
 Beside him stood his lance, distain’d with gore, 
 
 And, rein’d with gold, his foaming steeds before. 
 Low at his knee she begg’d, with streaming eyes, 
 Her brother’s car, to mount the distant skies, 450 
 And show’d the wound by fierce Tydides given, 
 
 A mortal man, who dares encounter Heaven. 
 
 Stern Mars attentive hears the queen complain, 
 
 And to her hand commits the golden rein; 
 
 She mounts the seat, oppress’d with silent wo, 455 
 Driven by the goddess of the painted bow. 
 
 The lash resounds, the rapid chariot flies, 
 
 And in a moment scales the lofty skies : 
 
 There stopp’d the car, and there the coursers stood. 
 Fed by fair Iris with ambrosial food. 460 
 
 Before her mother We’s bright queen appears, 
 O’erwhelm’d with anguish, and dissolved in tears; 
 She raised her in her arms, beheld her bleed, 
 
 And asked what god had wrought this guilty deed. 
 
136 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Then she: “ This insult from no god I found, 465 
 An impious mortal gave the daring wound ! 
 
 Behold the deed of haughty Diomed ! 
 
 ’Twas in the son’s defence the mother bled. 
 
 The war with Troy no more the Grecians wage, 
 
 But with the gods, the immortal gods, engage.” 470 
 Dione then : “ Thy wrongs with patience bear, 
 And share those griefs inferior powers must share: 
 Unnumber’d woes mankind from us sustain, 
 
 And men with woes afflict the gods again. 
 
 The mighty Mars in mortal fetters bound, 475 
 And lodged in brazen dungeons under ground, 
 
 Full thirteen moons imprison’d roar’d in vain, 
 
 Otus and Ephialtes held the chain: 
 
 Perhaps had perish’d, had not Hermes’ care 
 Restored the groaning god to upper air. 480 
 
 Great Juno’s self has borne her weight of pain, 
 
 The imperial partner of the heavenly reign ; 
 Amphitryon’s sons infix’d the deadly dart. 
 
 And fill'd with anguish her immortal heart. 
 
 Ev’n hell’s grim king Alcides’ power confess’d, 485 
 The shaft found entrance in his iron breast; 
 
 To Jove’s high palace for a cure he fled, 
 
 Pierced in his own dominions of the dead, 
 
 Where Phaeon, sprinkling heavenly balm around, 
 Assuaged the glowing pangs, and closed the wound. 
 Rash, impious man! to stain the bless’d abodes, 491 
 And drench his arrows in the blood of gods ! 
 
 But thou (though Pallas urged thy frantic deed) 
 Whose spear ill-fated makes a goddess bleed, 
 
 Know thou, whoe’er with heavenly power contends, 
 Short is his date, and soon his glory ends; 496 
 From fields of death when late he shall retire, 
 
 No infant on his knees shall call him sire. 
 
 Strong as thou art, some god may yet be found 
 To stretch thee pale and gasping on the ground; 
 Thy distant wife, .Egiale the fair, 501 
 
 Starting from sleep with a distracted air, 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK V. 
 
 137 
 
 Shall rouse thy slaves, and her lost lord deplore, 
 The brave, the great, the glorious, now no more!” 
 
 This said, she wiped from Venus’ wounded palm 
 The sacred ichor, and infused the balm. 506 
 
 Juno and Pallas with a smile survey’d, 
 
 And thus to Jove began the blue-eyed maid : 
 
 “ Permit thy daughter, gracious Jove ! to tell 
 How this mischance the Cyprian queen befell. 510 
 As late she tried with passion to inflame 
 The tender bosom of a Grecian dame, 
 
 Allured the fair with moving thoughts of joy, 
 
 To quit her country for some youth of Troy; 
 
 The clasping zone, with golden buckles bound, 515 
 Razed her soft hand with this lamented wound.” 
 
 The sire of gods and men superior smiled, 
 
 And, calling Venus, thus address’d his child: 
 
 “ Not these, oh daughter, are thy proper cares, 
 Thee milder arts befit, and softer wars : 520 
 
 Sweet smiles are thine, and kind endearing charms; 
 To Mars and Pallas leave the deeds of arms.” 
 
 Thus they in heaven : while on the plain below 
 The fierce Tydides charged his Dardan foe, 
 
 Flush’d with celestial blood pursued his way, 525 
 And fearless dared the threat’ning god of day; 
 Already in his hopes he saw him kill’d, 
 
 Though screen’d behind Apollo’s mighty shield. 
 Thrice rushing furious, at the chief he struck ; 
 
 His blazing buckler thrice Apollo shook: 530 
 
 He tried the fourth: when,breaking from the cloud, 
 A more than mortal voice was heard aloud: 
 
 “ Oh son of Tydeus, cease! be wise, and see 
 How vast the difference of the gods and thee; 
 Distance immense! between the powers that shine 
 Above, eternal, deathless, and divine, 536 
 
 And mortal man ! a wretch of humble birth, 
 
 A shortlived reptile in the dust of earth.” 
 
 So spoke the god who darts celestial fires ; 
 
 He dreads his fury, and some steps retires. 
 
 m2 
 
 540 
 
138 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Then Phoebus bore the chief of Venus’ race 
 To Troy’s high fane, and to his holy place ; 
 
 Latona there and Phoebe heal’d the wound, 
 
 With vigour arm’d him, and with glory crown’d. 
 This done, the patron of the silver bow 545 
 
 A phantom raised, the same in shape and show 
 With great iEneas ; such the form he bore, 
 
 And such in fight the radiant arms he wore. 
 
 Around the spectre bloody wars are waged, 
 
 And Greece and Troy with clashing shields engaged. 
 Meantime on Ilion’s tower Apollo stood, 551 
 
 And, calling Mars, thus urged the raging god : 
 
 “ Stern power of arms, by whom the mighty fall; 
 Who bathest in blood, and shakest the embattled 
 wall, 
 
 Rise in thy wrath ; to hell’s abhorr’d abodes 555 
 Despatch yon Greek, and vindicate the gods. 
 
 First rosy Venus felt his brutal rage ; 
 
 Me next he charged, and dares all heaven engage: 
 The wretch would brave high heaven’s immortal 
 sire, 
 
 His triple thunder, and his bolts of fire.” 560 
 
 The god of battle issues on the plain, 
 
 Stirs all the ranks, and fires the Trojan train; 
 
 In form like Acamas, the Thracian guide, 
 
 Enraged, to Troy’s retiring chiefs he cried: 
 
 “ How long, ye sons of Priam, will ye fly, 565 
 And unrevenged see Priam’s people die ? 
 
 Still unresisted shall the foe destroy, 
 
 And stretch the slaughter to the gates of Troy 1 
 Lo ! brave Abieas sinks beneath his wound, 
 
 Not godlike Hector more in arms renown’d : 570 
 
 Haste all, and take the generous warrior’s part.” 
 
 He said: new courage swell’d each hero’s heart. 
 Sarpedon first his ardent soul express’d, 
 
 And turn’d to Hector, these bold words address’d : 
 
 “ Say, chief, is all thy ancient valour lost! 575 
 
 W T here are thy threats, and where thy glorious 
 boast, 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK V. 
 
 139 
 
 That propp’d alone by Priam’s race should stand 
 Troy’s sacred walls, nor need a foreign hand 1 
 Now, now thy country calls her wanted friends, 
 And the proud vaunt in just derision ends: 580 
 
 Remote they stand, while alien troops engage, 
 
 Like trembling hounds before the lion’s rage. 
 
 Far distant hence I held my wide command, 
 
 Where foaming Xanthus laves the Lycian land, 
 With ample wealth, the wish of mortals, bless’d, 585 
 A beauteous wife, and infant at her breast; 
 
 With those I left whatever dear could be ; 
 
 Greece, if she conquers, nothing wins from me. 
 
 Yet first in fight my Lycian bands I cheer, 
 
 And long to meet this mighty man ye fear; 590 
 While Hector idle stands, nor bids the brave 
 Their wives, their infants, and their altars save. 
 Haste, warrior, haste! preserve thy threaten’d 
 state; 
 
 Or one vast burst of all-involving fate 
 Full o’er your towers shall fall, and sweep away 595 
 Sons, sires, and wives, an undistinguish’d prey. 
 Rouse all thy Trojans, urge thy aids to fight; 
 
 These claim thy thoughts by day, thy watch by 
 night: 
 
 With force incessant the brave Greeks oppose; 599 
 Such cares thy friends deserve, and such thy foes.” 
 
 Stung to the heart the generous Hector hears, 
 But just reproof with decent silence bears. 
 
 From his proud car the prince impetuous springs 
 On earth he leaps; his brazen armour rings. 
 
 Two shining spears are brandish’d in his hands; 605 
 Thus arm’d, he animates his drooping bands, 
 Revives their ardour, turns their steps from flight, 
 And wakes anew the dying flames of fight. 
 
 They turn, they stand, the Greeks their fury dare, 
 Condense their powers, and wait the growing war. 
 
 As when, on Ceres’ sacred floor, the swain Cll 
 Spreads the wide fan to clear the golden grain, 
 
140 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 And the light chaff, before the breezes borne, 
 Ascends in clouds from off the heapy corn; 
 
 The gray dust, rising with collected winds, 615 
 Drives o’er the barn, and whitens all the hinds: 
 
 So white with dust the Grecian host appears, 
 
 From trampling steeds, and thundering charioteers ; 
 The dusky clouds from labour’d earth arise, 
 
 And roll in smoking volumes to the skies. 620 
 Mars hovers o’er them with his sable shield, 
 
 And adds new horrors to the darken’d field: 
 
 Pleased with his charge, and ardent to fulfil, 
 
 In Troy’s defence, Apollo’s heavenly will: 
 
 Soon as from fight the blue-eyed maid retires, 625 
 Each Trojan bosom with new warmth he fires. 
 
 And now the god, from forth his sacred fane, 
 Produced Aeneas to the shouting train; 
 
 Alive, unharm’d, with all his peers around, 
 
 Erect he stood, and vigorous from his wound : 630 
 Inquiries none they made ; the dreadful day 
 No pause of words admits, no full delay ; 
 
 Fierce discord storms, Apollo loud exclaims, 
 
 Fame calls, Mars thunders, and the field’s in flames. 
 
 Stern Diomed with either Ajax stood, 635 
 
 And great Ulysses, bathed in hostile blood. 
 
 Imbodied close, the lab’ring Grecian train 
 The fiercest shock of charging hosts sustain. 
 Unmoved and silent, the whole war they wait, 
 Serenely dreadful, and as fix’d as fate. 640 
 
 So when the embattled clouds in dark array, 
 
 Along the skies their gloomy lines display : 
 
 When now the north his boist’rous rage has spent, 
 And peaceful sleeps the liquid element; 
 
 The low-hung vapours, motionless and still, 645 
 Rest on the summits of the shaded hill; 
 
 Till the mass scatters as the winds arise. 
 
 Dispersed and broken through the ruffled skies. 
 
 Nor was the general wanting to his train, 649 
 From troop to troop he toils through all the plain. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK V. 
 
 141 
 
 4 Ye Greeks, be men! the charge of battle bear; 
 Your brave associates and yourselves revere ! 
 
 Let glorious acts more glorious acts inspire, 
 
 And catch from breast to breast the noble fire ! 
 
 On valour’s side the odds of combat lie, 655 
 
 The brave live glorious, or lamented die; 
 
 The wretch who trembles in the field of fame, 
 
 Meets death, and worse than death, eternal shame.” 
 
 These words he seconds with his flying lance, 
 
 To meet whose point was strong Deicoon’s chance; 
 ./Eneas’ friend, and in his native place 661 
 
 Honour’d and lov’d like Priam’s royal race: 
 
 Long had he fought the foremost in the field, 
 
 But now the monarch’s lance transpierced his shield: 
 His shield too weak the furious dart to stay, 665 
 Through his broad belt the weapon forced its way; 
 The grisly wound dismiss’d his soul to hell, 
 
 His arms around him rattled as he fell. 
 
 Then fierce Abieas, brandishing his blade, 
 
 In dust Orsilochus and Crethon laid, 670 
 
 Whose sire Diocleus, wealthy, brave, and great, 
 
 In well-built Pherae held his lofty seat; 
 
 Sprung from Alpheus’ plenteous stream that yields 
 Increase of harvests to the Pylian fields. 
 
 He got Orsilochus, Diocleus he, 675 
 
 And these descended in the third degree. 
 
 Too early expert in the martial toil, 
 
 In sable ships they left their native soil, 
 
 T’ avenge Atrides: now, untimely slain, 
 
 They fell with glory on the Phrygian plain. 680 
 So two young mountain lions, nursed with blood 
 In deep recesses of the gloomy wood, 
 
 Rush fearless to the plains, and uncontroll’d 
 Depopulate the stalls, and waste the fold; 
 
 Till pierced at distance from their native den, 685 
 O’erpower’d they fall beneath the force of men. 
 Prostrate on earth their beauteous bodies lay, 
 
 Like mountain firs, as tall and straight as they. 
 
142 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Great Menelaus views with pitying eyes. 
 
 Lifts his bright lance, and at the victor flies; 690 
 Mars urged him on; yet, ruthless in his hate, 
 
 The god but urged him to provoke his fate. 
 
 He thus advancing, Nestor’s valiant son 
 Shakes for his danger, and neglects his own : 
 
 Struck with the thought, should Helen’s lord be slain, 
 And all his country’s glorious labours vain. 696 
 Already met, the threatening heroes stand ; 
 
 The spears already tremble in their hand: 
 
 In rush’d Antilochus, his aid to bring, 
 
 And fall or conquer by the Spartan king. 700 
 
 These seen, the Dardan backwaid turn'd his course, 
 Brave as he was,andshunn’d unequal force. 
 
 The breathless bodies to the Greeks they drew, 
 Then mix in combat, and their toils renew. 
 
 First, Pylaemenes, great in battle, bled, 705 
 
 Who sheath’d in brass the Paphlagonians led. 
 
 Atrides mark’d him where sublime he stood ; 
 
 Fix’d in his throat, the javelin drank his blood. 
 
 The faithful Mydon, as he turn'd from fight 
 
 His flying coursers, sunk to endless night: 710 
 
 A broken rock by Nestor’s son was thrown; 
 
 His bended arm received the falling stone, 
 
 From his numb’d hand the ivory-studded reins, 
 Dropp’d in the dust, are trail’d along the plains: 
 Meanwhile his temples feel a deadly wound ; 715 
 
 He groans in death, and pond’rous sinks to ground; 
 Deep drove his helmet in the sands, and there 
 The head stood fix’d, the quiv’ring legs in air, 
 
 Till trampled flat beneath the coursers’ feet: 
 
 The youthful victor mounts the empty seat, 720 
 And bears the prize in triumph to the fleet. 
 
 Great Hector saw, and raging at the view, 
 
 Pours on the Greeks; the Trojan troops pursue : 
 
 He fires his host with animating cries, 
 
 And brings along the furies of the skies. 725 
 
 Mars, stem destroyer ! and Bellona dread, 
 
 Flame in the front, and thunder at their head : 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK V. 
 
 143 
 
 This swells the tumult and the rage of fight; 
 
 That shakes a spear that casts a dreadful light. 
 Where Hector march’d the god of battle shined, 730 
 Now storm’d before him, and now raged behind. 
 
 Tydides paused amid his full career; 
 
 Then first the hero’s manly breast knew fear. 
 
 As when some simple swain his cot forsakes, 
 
 And wide through fens an unknown journey takes ; 
 If chance a swelling brook his passage stay, 736 
 And foam impervious cross the wanderer’s way, 
 Confused he stops, a length of country pass’d, 
 
 Eyes the rough waves, and, tired, returns at last; 
 Amazed no less the great Tydides stands; 740 
 
 He stay’d, and, turning, thus address’d his bands: 
 
 “ No wonder, Greeks, that all to Hector yield : 
 Secure of fav’ring gods, he takes the field : 
 
 His strokes they second, and avert our spears : 
 Behold where Mars in mortal arms appears ! 745 
 
 Retire then, warriors, but sedate and slow ; 
 
 Retire, but with your faces to the foe. 
 
 Trust not too much your unavailing might; 
 
 ’Tis not with Troy, but with the gods, ye fight.” 
 
 Now near the Greeks the black battalions drew; 
 And first two leaders valiant Hector slew : 751 
 
 His force Anchialus and Mnesthes found, 
 
 In every art of glorious war renown’d; 
 
 In the same car the chiefs to combat ride, 
 
 And fought united, and united died. 755 
 
 Struck at the sight, the mighty Ajax glows 
 With thirst of vengeance, and assaults the foes. 
 
 His massy spear with matchless fury sent, 
 
 Through Amphius’ belt and heaving belly went: 
 Amphius Apaesus’ happy soil possess’d, 760 
 
 With herds abounding, and with treasure bless’d ; 
 
 But fate resistless from his country led 
 The chief, to perish at his people’s head. 
 
 Shook with his fall, his brazen armour rung; 
 
 And fierce, to seize it, conquering Ajax sprung: 765 
 
144 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Around his head an iron tempest rain’d ; 
 
 A wood of spears his ample shield sustain’d: 
 Beneath one foot the yet warm corse he press’d, 
 And drew his javelin from the bleeding breast: 
 
 He could no more ; the showering darts denied 770 
 To spoil his glittering arms and plumy pride. 
 
 Now foes on foes came pouring on the fields, 
 
 With bristling lances, and compacted shields ; 
 
 Till, in the steely circle straiten’d round, 
 
 Forced he gives way, and sternly quits the ground. 
 
 While thus they strive, Tlepolemus the great, 776 
 Urged by the force of unresisted fate, 
 
 Burns with desire Sarpedon’s strength to prove ; 
 Alcides’ offspring meets the son of Jove. 
 
 Sheath’d in bright arms each adverse chief came on, 
 Jove’s great descendant, and his greater son. 781 
 Prepared for combat, ere the lance he toss’d, 
 
 The daring Rhodian vents his haughty boast: 
 
 “What brings this Lycian counsellor so far, 
 
 To tremble at our arms, not mix in war? 785 
 
 Know thy vain self; nor let their flattery move 
 Who style thee son of cloud-compelling Jove. 
 
 How far unlike those chiefs of race divine ! 
 
 How vast the difference of their deeds and thine! 
 Jove got such heroes as my sire, whose soul 790 
 No fear could daunt, nor earth nor hell control: 
 
 Troy felt his arm, and yon proud ramparts stand 
 Raised on the ruins of his vengeful hand : 
 
 With six small ships, and but a slender train, 
 
 He left the town a wide deserted plain. 795 
 
 But what art thou, who deedless look’st around, 
 While unrevenged the Lycians bite the ground ? 
 Small aid to Troy thy feeble force can be ; 
 
 But wert thou greater, thou must yield to me. 
 Pierced by my spear to endless darkness go! 800 
 
 I make this present to the shades below.” 
 
 The son of Hercules, the Rhodian guide, 
 
 Thus haughty spoke. The Lycian king replied; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK V. 
 
 145 
 
 “ Thy sire, oh prince ! o’erturn’d the Trojan state, 
 Whose perjured monarch well deserved his fate ; 805 
 Those heavenly steeds the hero sought so far, 
 
 False he detain’d the just reward of war. 
 
 Nor so content, the gen’rous chief defied, 
 
 W T ith base reproaches and unmanly pride. 
 
 But you, unworthy the high race you boast, 810 
 Shall raise my glory when thy own is lost: 
 
 Now meet thy fate, and by Sarpedon slain, 
 
 Add one more ghost to Pluto’s gloomy reign.” 
 
 He said : both javelins at an instant flew; 
 
 Both struck, both wounded ; but Sarpedon’s slew: 
 Full in the boaster’s neck the weapon stood, 816 
 Transfix’d his throat, and drank the vital blood; 
 
 The soul disdainful seeks the caves of night, 
 
 And his seal’d eyes for ever lose the light. 
 
 Yet not in vain, Tlepolemus, was thrown 820 
 Thy angry lance; which, piercing to the bone 
 Sarpedon’s thigh, had robb’d the chief of breath; 
 
 But Jove was present, and forbade the death. 
 
 Borne from the conflict by his Lycian throng, 
 
 The wounded hero dragg’d the lance along: 825 
 
 (His friends, each busied in his several part, 
 Through haste, or danger, had not drawn the dart.) 
 The Greeks with slain Tlepolemus retired; 
 
 Whose fall Ulysses view’d, with fury fired ; 
 Doubtful if Jove’s great son he should pursue, 830 
 Or pour his vengeance on the Lycian crew. 
 
 But Heaven and fate the first design withstand, 
 
 Nor this great death must grace Ulysses’ hand. 
 Minerva drives him on the Lycian train; 
 
 Alastor, Cromius, Halius, strew’d the plain: 835 
 
 Meander, Prytanis, Noemon, fell; 
 
 A.nd numbers more his sword had sent to hell; 
 
 But Hector saw, and, furious at the sight, 
 
 Rush’d terrible amid the ranks of fight. 
 
 With joy Sarpedon view’d the wish’d relief, 840 
 And, faint, lamenting, thus implored the chief: 
 hom.— i .—n 
 
146 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 “ Oh, suffer not the foe to bear away 
 My helpless corpse, an unassisted prey ! 
 
 If I, unbless’d, must see my son no more, 
 
 My much-loved consort, and my native shore, 845 
 Yet let me die in Ilion’s sacred wall; 
 
 Troy, in whose cause I fell, shall mourn my fall.” 
 
 He said; nor Hector to the chief replies, 
 
 But shakes his plume, and fierce to combat flies ; 
 Swift as a whirlwind, drives the scattering foes, 850 
 And dies the ground with purple as he goes. 
 
 Beneath a beech, Jove’s consecrated shade, 
 
 His mournful friends divine Sarpedon laid: 
 
 Brave Pelagon his fav’rite chief was nigh, 
 
 Who wrench’d the javelin from his sinewy thigh. 
 The fainting soul stood ready wing’d for flight, 856 
 And o’er his eyeballs swam the shades of night; 
 
 But Boreas rising fresh, with gentle breath, 
 
 Recall’d his spirit from the gates of death. 
 
 The generous Greeks recede with tardy pace, 860 
 Though Mars and Hector thunder in their face : 
 None turn their backs to mean ignoble flight, 
 
 Slow they retreat, and ev’n retreating fight. 
 
 Who first, whodast, by Mars’ and Hector’s hand, 
 Stretch’d in their blood, lay gasping on the sand? 
 Teuthras the great, Orestes the renown’d 866 
 For managed steeds, and Trechus press’d the ground ; 
 Next CEnomaus, and CEnops’ offspring died; 
 Oresbius last fell groaning at their side : 
 
 Oresbius in his painted mitre gay, 870 
 
 In fat Bceotia held his wealthy sway, 
 
 Where lakes surround low Hyle’s watery plain, 
 
 A prince and people studious of their gain. 
 
 The carnage Juno from the skies survey’d, 874 
 And, touch’d with grief, bespoke the blue-eyed maid : 
 “ Oh, sight accursed! shall faithless Troy prevail, 
 And shall our promise to our people fail ? 
 
 How vain the word to Menelaus given, 
 
 By Jove’s great daughter and the queen of heaven, 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK V. 147 
 
 Beneath his arms that Priam’s towers should fall; 880 
 If warring gods for ever guard the wall! 
 
 Mars, red with slaughter, aids our hated foes : 
 Haste, let us arm, and force with force oppose.” 
 
 She spoke ; Minerva burns to meet the war: 
 
 And now heaven’s empress calls her blazing car. 885 
 At her command rush forth the steeds divine ; 
 
 Rich with immortal gold their trappings shine. 
 Bright Hebe waits; by Hebe, ever young, 
 
 The whirling wheels are to the chariot hung. 
 
 On the bright axle turns the bidden wheel 890 
 Of sounding brass; the polish’d axle steel. 
 
 Eight brazen spokes in radiant order flame ; 
 
 The circles gold, of uncorrupted frame, 
 
 Such as the heavens produce; and round the gold 
 Two brazen rings of work divine were roll’d. 895 
 The bossy naves of solid silver shone; 
 
 Braces of gold suspend the moving throne: 
 
 The car behind an arching figure bore; 
 
 The bending concave form’d an arch before; 
 
 Silver the beam, the extended yoke was gold, 900 
 And golden reins the immortal coursers hold. 
 Herself, impatient, to the ready car 
 The coursers joins, and breathes revenge and war. 
 
 Pallas disrobes ; her radiant veil untied, 
 
 With flowers adorn’d, with art diversified, 905 
 (The labour’d veil her heavenly fingers wove,) 
 Flows on the pavement of the court of Jove. 
 
 Now heaven’s dread arms her mighty limbs invest, 
 Jove’s cuirass blazes on her ample breast; 
 
 Deck’d in sad triumph for the mournful field, 910 
 O’er her broad shoulders hangs his horrid shield, 
 Dire, black, tremendous! Round the margin roll’d, 
 A fringe of serpents hissing guards the gold: 
 
 Here all the terrors of grim war appear, 914 
 
 Here rages Force, here trembling Flight and Fear, 
 Here storm’d Contention, and here Fury frown’d, 
 And the dire orb portentous Gorgon crown’d. 
 
14S 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 The massy golden helm she next assumes, 
 
 That dreadful nods with four o’ershading plumes, 
 
 So vast, the broad circumference contains 920 
 A hundred armies on a hundred plains. 
 
 The goddess thus the imperial car ascends, 
 
 Shook by her arm her mighty javelin bends, 
 Ponderous and huge ; that, when her fury burns, 
 Proud tyrants humbles, and whole hosts o’erturns. 
 
 Swift at the scourge, the ethereal coursers fly, 926 
 While the smooth chariot cuts the liquid sky. 
 Heaven’s gates spontaneous open to the powers, 
 Heaven’s golden gates, kept by the winged Hours; 
 Commission’d in alternate watch they stand, 930 
 The sun’s bright portals and the skies command, 
 Involve in clouds the eternal gates of day, 
 
 Or the dark barrier roll with ease away. 
 
 The sounding hinges ring: on either side 
 The gloomy volumes, pierced with light, divide. 935 
 The chariot mounts, where deep in ambient skies, 
 Confused, Olympus’ hundred heads arise ; 
 
 Where far apart the Thunderer fills his throne; 
 
 O’er all the gods superior and alone. 
 
 There with her snowy hand the queen restrains 940 
 The fiery steeds, and thus to Jove complains: 
 
 “ Oh sire! can no resentment touch thy soul 1 
 Can Mars rebel, and does no thunder roll 1 
 What lawless rage on yon forbidden plain! 
 
 What rash destruction ! and what heroes slain! 945 
 Venus, and Phcsbus with the dreadful bow, 
 
 Smile on the slaughter, and enjoy my wo. 
 
 Mad, furious power! whose unrelenting mind 
 No god can govern, and no justice bind. 
 
 Say, mighty father! shall we scourge his pride, 950 
 And drive from fight the impetuous homicide ?” 
 
 To whom assenting, thus the Thunderer said: 
 
 “ Go ! and the great Minerva be thy aid; 
 
 To tame the monster god Minerva knows, 
 
 And oft afflicts his brutal breast with woes.” 955 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK V. 
 
 149 
 
 He said: Saturnia, ardent to obey, 
 
 Lash’d her white steeds along the aerial way. 
 
 Swift down the steep of heaven the chariot rolls, 
 Between the expanded earth, and starry poles. 
 
 Far as a shepherd, from some point on high, 960 
 O’er the wide main extends his boundless eye; 
 Through such a space of air, with thund’ring sound, 
 At every leap, the immortal coursers bound : 
 
 Troy now they reach’d, and touch'd those banks di¬ 
 vine 
 
 Where silver Simois and Scamander join. 965 
 
 There Juno stopp’d, and her fair steeds unloosed, 
 
 Of air condensed a vapour circumfused: 
 
 For these, impregnate with celestial dew, 
 
 On Simois’ brink ambrosial herbage grew. 
 
 Thence to relieve the fainting Argive throng, 970 
 Smooth as the sailing doves, they glide along. 
 
 The best and bravest of the Grecian band, 
 
 A warlike circle, round Tydides stand ; 
 
 Such was their look as lions bathed in blood, 
 
 Or foaming boars the terror of the wood. 975 
 
 Heaven’s empress mingles with the mortal crowd* 
 And shouts, in Stentor’s sounding voice, aloud f 
 Stentor the strong, endued with brazen lungs. 
 Whose throat surpass’d the force of fifty tongues : 
 
 “ Inglorious Argives! to your race a shame, 980* 
 And only men in figure and in name ! 
 
 Once from the walls your timorous foes engaged, 
 While fierce in war divine Achilles raged; 
 
 Now issuing fearless they possess the plain, 984 
 Now win the shores, and scarce the seas remain.” 
 
 Her speech new fury to their hearts convey’d ; 
 While near Tydides stood the Athenian maid; 
 
 The king beside his panting steed she found, 
 O'eispent with toil, reposing on the ground: 
 
 To cool his glowing wound he sat apart; 990 
 
 (The wound inflicted by the Lycian dart;) 
 
 Large drops of sweat from all his limbs descend, 
 Beneath his ponderous shield his sinews bend, 
 
 n2 
 
150 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Whose ample belt, that o’er his shoulder lay, 
 
 He eased, and wash’d the clotted gore away. 995 
 The goddess leaning o’er the bending yoke, 
 
 Beside his coursers, thus her silence broke : 
 
 “ Degenerate prince ! and not of Tydeus’ kind, 
 Whose little body lodged a mighty mind; 
 
 Foremost he press’d in glorious toils to share, 1000 
 And scarce refrain’d when I forbade the war. 
 
 Alone, unguarded, once he dared to go 
 And feast, encircled by the Theban foe ; 
 
 There braved, and vanquish’d many a hardy knight; 
 Such nerves I gave him, and such force in fight. 
 Thou too no less hast been my constant care ; 100G 
 Thy hands I arm’d, and sent thee forth to war : 
 
 But thee, or fear deters or sloth detains ; 
 
 No drop of all thy father warms thy veins.” 
 
 The chief thus answer’d mild : “ Immortal maid! 
 I own thy presence, and confess thy aid. 1011 
 Not fear, thou know’st, withholds me from the plains, 
 Nor sloth had seized me, but thy word restrains: 
 From warring gods thou badest me turn my spear, 
 And Venus only found resistance here. 1015 
 
 Hence, goddess! heedful of thy high commands, 
 Loath I gave way, and warn’d our Argive bands: 
 For Mars, the homicide, these eyes beheld, 
 
 With slaughter red, and raging round the field.” 
 
 Then thus Minerva : “ Brave Tydides, hear! 1020 
 Not Mars himself, nor aught immortal fear. 
 
 Full on the god impel thy foaming horse : 
 
 Pallas commands, and Pallas lends thee force. 
 
 Rash, furious, blind, from these to those he flies, 
 And every side of wavering combat tries; 1025 
 Large promise makes, and breaks the promise made; 
 Now gives the Grecians, now the Trojans aid.” 
 
 She said; and to the steeds approaching near, 
 Drew from his seat the martial charioteer. 
 
 The vigorous power the trembling car ascends, 1030 
 Fierce for revenge; and Diomed attends. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK V. 
 
 151 
 
 The groaning axle bent beneath the load; 
 
 So great a hero, and so great a god. 
 
 She snatch’d the reins, she lash’d with all her force, 
 And full on Mars impell’d the foaming horse : 1035 
 
 But first to hide her heavenly visage spread 
 Black Orcus’ helmet o’er her radiant head. 
 
 Just then gigantic Periphas lay slain, 
 
 The strongest warrior of the iEtolian train; 
 
 The god, who slew him, leaves his prostrate prize 
 Stretch’d where he fell, and at Tydides flies. 1041 
 Now, rushing fierce, in equal arms appear 
 The daring Greek, the dreadful god of war ! 
 
 Full at the chief, above his courser’s head, 
 
 From Mars’s arm the enormous weapon fled: 1045 
 
 Pallas opposed her hand, and caused to glance 
 Far from the car the strong immortal lance. 
 
 Then threw the force of Tydeus’ warlike son; 
 
 The javelin hiss’d ; the goddess urged it on: 1049 
 
 Where the broad cincture girt his armour round 
 It pierced the god; his groin received the wound. 
 From the rent skin the warrior tugs again 
 The smoking steel. Mars bellows with the pain: 
 Loud as the roar encountering armies yield, 
 
 When shouting millions shake the thundering field. 
 Both armies start, and trembling gaze around, 1056 
 And earth and heaven rebellow to the sound. 
 
 As vapours blown by Auster’s sultry breath, 
 Pregnant with plagues, and shedding seeds of death, 
 Beneath the rage of burning Sirius rise, 1060 
 
 Choke the parch’d earth, and blacken all the skies ; 
 In such a cloud the god from combat driven, 
 
 High o’er the dusty whirlwind scales the heaven. 
 Wild with his pain, he sought the bright abodes, 
 There sullen sat beneath the sire of gods, 1065 
 Show’d the celestial blood, and with a groan 
 Thus pour’d his plaints before the immortal throne: 
 
 “ Can Jove, supine, flagitious facts survey, 
 
 And brook the furies of this daring day 1 
 
152 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 For mortal men celestial powers engage, 1070 
 And gods on gods exert eternal rage. 
 
 From thee, oh father! all these ills we bear, 
 
 And thy fell daughter with the shield and spear: 
 Thou gavest that fury to the realms of light, 
 Pernicious, wild, regardless of the right. 1075 
 
 All heaven beside reveres thy sovereign sway, 
 
 Thy voice we hear, and thy behests obey : 
 
 ’Tis hers to offend, and ev’n offending share 
 Thy breast, thy counsels, thy distinguish’d care : 
 
 So boundless she, and thou so partial grown, 1080 
 Well may we deem the wondrous birth thy own. 
 Now frantic Diomed, at her command, 
 
 Against the immortals lifts his raging hand: 
 
 The heavenly Venus first his fury found, 
 
 Me next encountering, me he dared to wound ; 1085 
 Vanquish’d I fled : ev’n I, the god of fight, 
 
 From mortal madness scarce was saved by flight. 
 Else hadst thou seen me sink on yonder plain, 
 Heap’d round, and heaving under loads of slain ! 
 
 Or, pierced with Grecian darts, for ages lie, 1090 
 Condemn’d to pain, though fated not to die.” 
 
 Him thus upbraiding, with a wrathful look 
 The lord of thunders view’d, and stern bespoke; 
 “To me, perfidious ! this lamenting strain ! 
 
 Of lawless force shall lawless Mars complain 1 1095 
 Of all the gods who tread the spangled skies, 
 
 Thou most unjust, most odious in our eyes ! 
 Inhuman discord is thy dire delight, 
 
 The waste of slaughter, and the rage of fight. 
 
 No bound, no law, thy fiery temper quells, 1100 
 
 And all thy mother in thy soul rebels. 
 
 In vain our threats, in vain our power we use ; 
 
 She gives the example, and her son pursues. 
 
 Yet long the inflicted pangs thou shalt not mourn, 
 Sprung since thou art from Jove, and heavenly born; 
 Else, singed with lightning hadst thou hence been 
 thrown, 1100 
 
 Where chain’d on burning rocks the Titans groan.” 
 
 I 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK V. 
 
 153 
 
 Thus he who shakes Olympus with his nod; 
 
 Then gave to Paeon’s care the bleeding god. 
 
 With gentle hand the balm he pour’d around, 1110 
 And heal’d the immortal flesh, and closed the wound. 
 As when the fig’s press’d juice, infused in cream, 
 
 To curds coagulates the liquid stream, 
 
 Sudden the fluids fix, the parts combined; 
 
 Such, and so soon, the ethereal texture join’d. 1115 
 Cleansed from the dust and gore, fair Hebe dress’d 
 His mighty limbs in an immortal vest. 
 
 Glorious he sat, in majesty restored, 
 
 Fast by the throne of heaven’s superior lord. 
 
 Juno and Pallas mount the bless’d abodes, 1120 
 Their task perform’d, and mix among the gods. 
 

 BOOK VI. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Episodes of Glaucus and Diomed, and of Hector and Andro¬ 
 mache. 
 
 The gods having left the field, the Grecians prevail—Helenus, 
 the chief augur of Troy, commands Hector to return to the 
 city, in order to appoint a solemn procession of the queen and 
 the Trojan matrons to the temple of Minerva, to entreat her 
 to remove Diomed from the fight—The battle relaxes during 
 the absence of Hector—Glaucus and Diomed have an inter¬ 
 view between the two armies ; where, coming to the know¬ 
 ledge of the friendship and hospitality passed between their 
 ancestors, they make exchange of their arms—Hector, having 
 performed the orders of Helenus, prevails on Paris to return 
 to the battle ; and taking a tender leave of his wife Androm¬ 
 ache, hastens again to the field.—[The scene is first in the 
 field of battle, between the river Simois and Scamander, and 
 then changes to Troy.] 
 
 Now Heaven forsakes the fight, the immortals 
 yield, 
 
 To human force and human skill, the field: 
 
 Dark showers of javelins fly from foes to foes: 
 
 Now here, now there, the tide of combat flows; 
 While Troy’s famed streams that bound the dreadful 
 plain, 5 
 
 On either side run purple to the main. 
 
 Great Ajax first to conquest led the way, 
 
 Broke the thick ranks, and turn’d the doubtful day. 
 The Thracian Acamas his falchion found, 
 
 And hew’d the enormous giant to the ground: 10 
 
 
 5 Scamander and Simois, 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK VI. 
 
 ] 55 
 
 His thundering arm a deadly stroke impress’d 
 Where the black horse-hair nodded o’er his crest: 
 Fix’d in his front the brazen weapon lies, 
 
 And seals in endless shades his swimrrAng eyes. 
 Next Teuthras’ son distain’d the sands with blood, 
 Axylus, hospitable, rich, and good : 16 
 
 In fair Arisba’s walls, his native place, 
 
 He held his seat: a friend to human race, 
 
 Fast by the road, his ever-open door 
 
 Obliged the wealthy, and relieved the poor. 20 
 
 To stern Tydides now he falls a prey, 
 
 No friend to guard him in the dreadful day! 
 Breathless the good man fell, and by his side 
 His faithful servant, old Calesius, died. 
 
 By great Euryalus was Dresus slain, 25 
 
 And next he laid Opheltius on the plain. 
 
 Two twins were near, bold, beautiful, and young, 
 From a fair naiad and Bucolion sprung. 
 
 (Laomedon’s white flocks Bucolion fed, 
 
 That monarch’s firstborn by a foreign bed ; 30 
 
 In secret woods he won the naiad’s grace, 
 
 And two fair infants crown’d his strong embrace.) 
 Here dead they lay in all their youthful charms; 
 
 The ruthless victor stripp’d their shining arms. 
 
 Astyalus by Polypoetus fell; 35 
 
 Ulysses’ spear Pidytes sent to hell; 
 
 By Teucer’s shaft brave Aretaon bled, 
 
 And Nestor’s son laid stern Ablerus dead; 
 
 Great Agamemnon, leader of the brave, 
 
 The mortal wound of rich Elatus gave, 40 
 
 Who held in Pedasus his proud abode, 
 
 And till’d the banks where silver Satnio flow’d. 
 Melanthius by Eurypylus was slain; 
 
 And Phylacus from Leitus flies in vain. 
 
 Unbless’d Adrastus next at mercy lies 45 
 
 Beneath the Spartan spear a living prize. 
 
 Scared with the din and tumult of the fight, 
 
 His headlong steeds, precipitate in flight. 
 
156 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Rush’d on a tamarisk’s strong trunk, and broke 
 The shatter’d chariot from the crooked yoke ; 50 
 
 Wide o’er the field, resistless as the wind, 
 
 For Troy they fly, and leave their lord behind. 
 Prone on his face he sinks beside the wheel; 
 
 Atrides o’er him shakes his vengeful steel; 
 
 The fallen chief in suppliant posture press’d 55 
 The victor’s knees, and thus his pray’r address’d : 
 
 “ Oh, spare my youth! and for the life I owe 
 Large gifts of price my father shall bestow. 
 
 When fame shall tell, that, not in battle slain, 
 
 Thy hollow ships his captive son detain : 60 
 
 Rich heaps of brass shall in thy tent be told, 
 
 And steel well temper’d, and persuasive gold.” 
 
 He said: compassion touch’d the hero’s heart; 
 
 He stood, suspended, with the lifted dart: 
 
 As pity pleaded for his vanquish’d prize, 65 
 
 Stern Agamemnon swift to vengeance flies, 
 
 And furious thus : “ Oh, impotent of mind! 
 
 Shall these, shall these Atrides’ mercy find ? 
 
 Well hast thou known proud Troy’s perfidious land, 
 And well her natives merit at thy hand ! 70 
 
 Not one of all the race, nor sex, nor age, 
 
 Shall save a Trojan from our boundless rage : 
 
 Ilion shall perish whole, and bury all; 
 
 Her babes, her infants at the breast, shall fall; 
 
 A dreadful lesson of exampled fate, 75 
 
 To warn the nations, and to curb the great!” 
 
 The monarch spoke ; the words with warmth ad¬ 
 dress’d 
 
 To rigid justice steel’d his brother’s breast. 
 
 Fierce from his knees the hapless chief he thrust: 
 The monarch’s javelin stretch’d him in the dust. 80 
 Then pressing with his foot his panting heart, 
 
 Forth from the slain he tugg’d the reeking dart. 
 
 Old Nestor saw, and roused the warrior’s rage: 
 
 “ Thus, heroes ! thus the vig’rous combat wage! 
 
 No son of Mars descend, for servile gains, 85 
 
 To touch the booty, while a foe remains. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK VI. 
 
 157 
 
 Behold yon glitt’ring host, your future spoil! 
 
 First gain the conquest, then reward the toil.” 
 
 And now had Greece eternal fame acquired, 
 
 And frighten’d Troy within her walls retired, 90 
 Had not sage Helenus her state redress’d, 
 
 Taught by the gods that moved his sacred breast. 
 Where Hector stood, with great Aeneas join’d,- 
 The seer reveal’d the counsels of his mind: 
 
 “Ye generous chiefs! on whom the immortals 
 lay 95 
 
 The cares and glories of this doubtful day ; 
 
 On whom your aids, your country’s hopes depend ; 
 Wise to consult, and active to defend ! 
 
 Here, at our gates, your brave efforts unite, 
 
 Turn back the routed, and forbid the flight; 100 
 
 Ere yet their wives’ soft arms the cowards gain, 
 The sport and insult of the,hostile train. 
 
 When your commands have hearten’d every band, 
 Ourselves, here fix’d, will make the dangerous 
 stand; 
 
 Press’d as we are, and sore of former fight, 105 
 These straits demand our last remains of might. 
 Meanwhile, thou, Hector, to the town retire, 
 
 And teach our mother what the gods require: 
 
 Direct the queen to lead the assembled train 
 Of Troy’s chief matrons to Minerva’s fane; 110 
 Unbar the sacred gates, and seek the power 
 With offer’d vows, in Ilion’s topmost tower. 
 
 The largest mantle her rich wardrobes hold, 
 
 Most prized for art, and labour’d o’er with gold, 
 Before the goddess’ honour’d knees be spread; 115 
 And twelve young heifers to her altars led: 
 
 If so the power, atoned by fervent prayer, 
 
 Our wives, our infants, and our city spare, 
 
 And far avert Tydides’ wasteful ire, 
 
 That mows whole troops, and makes all Troy 
 retire. 120 
 
 Not thus Achilles taught our hosts to dread, 
 
 Sprung though he was from more than mortal bed; 
 hom.— i.—o 
 
158 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Not thus resistless ruled the stream of fight, 
 
 In rage unbounded, and unmatch’d in might.” 
 
 Hector obedient heard; and, with a bound, 125 
 Leap’d from his trembling chariot to the ground; 
 Through all his host, inspiring force, he flies, 
 
 And bids the thunder of the battle rise. 
 
 With rage recruited the bold Trojans glow, 
 
 And turn the tide of conflict on the foe : 130 
 
 Fierce in the front he shakes two dazzling spears : 
 All Greece recedes, and midst her triumphs fears: 
 Some god, they thought, who ruled the fate ol 
 wars, 
 
 Shot down avenging from the vault of stars. 
 
 Then thus, aloud : “ Ye dauntless Dardans, hear, 
 And you, whom distant nations send to war! 136 
 
 Be mindful of the strength your fathers bore; 
 
 Be still yourselves, and Hector asks no more. 
 
 One hour demands me in the Trojan wall, 
 
 To bid our altars flame, and victims fall: 140 
 
 Nor shall, I trust, the matrons’ holy train, 
 
 And reverend elders, seek the gods in vain.” 
 
 This said, with ample strides the hero pass’d; 
 
 The shield’s large orb behind his shoulder cast, 
 
 His neck o’ershading, to his ankle hung; 145 
 
 And, as he march’d, the brazen buckler rung. 
 
 Now paused the battle (godlike Hector gone) 
 When daring Glaucus and great Tydeus’ son 
 Between both armies met; the chiefs from far 
 Observed each other, and had mark’d for war. 150 
 Near as they drew, Tydides thus began: 
 
 “ What art thou, boldest of the race of man? 
 
 Our eyes, till now, that aspect ne’er beheld, 
 
 Where fame is reap’d amid th’ embattled field; 
 
 Yet far before the troops thou darest appear, 155 
 And meet a lance the fiercest heroes fear. 
 
 Unhappy they, and born of luckless sires, 
 
 Who tempt our fury when Minerva fires! 
 
 But if from heaven, celestial, thou descend, 
 
 Know, with immortals we no more contend. 160 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK VI. 
 
 159 
 
 Not long Lycurgus view’d the golden light, 
 
 That daring man, who mix’d with gods in fight. 
 Bacchus, and Bacchus’ votaries, he drove, 
 
 With brandish’d steel, from Nyssa’s sacred grove: 
 Their consecrated spears lay scatter’d round, 165 
 With curling vines and twisted ivy bound; 
 
 While Bacchus headlong sought the briny flood, 
 
 And Thetis’ arms received the trembling god. 
 
 Nor fail’d the crime the immortals’ wrath to move; 
 (The immortals bless’d with endless ease above;) 
 Deprived of sight by their avenging doom, 171 
 Cheerless he breathed, and wander’d in the gloom: 
 Then sunk unpitied to the dire abodes, 
 
 A wretch accursed, and hated by the gods ! 
 
 I brave not Heaven: but if the fruits of earth 175 
 Sustain thy life, and human be thy birth, 
 
 Bold as thou art, too prodigal of breath, 
 
 Approach, and enter the dark gates of death.*’ 
 
 “ What, or from whence I am, or who my sire,” 
 Replied the chief, “ can Tydeus’ son inquire 1 180 
 
 Like leaves on trees the race of man is found, 
 
 Now green in youth, now withering on the ground ; 
 Another race the following spring supplies, 
 
 They fall successive, and successive rise; 
 
 So generations in their course decay; 185 
 
 So flourish these, when those are pass’d away. 
 
 But if thou still persist to search my birth, 
 
 Then hear a tale that fills the spacious earth: 
 
 “ A city stands on Argos’ utmost bound— 
 
 (Argos the fair, for warlike steeds renown’d;) 190 
 
 Alolian Sisyphus, with wisdom bless’d, 
 
 In ancient time the happy walls possess’d, 
 
 Then call’d Ephyre : Glaucus was his son ; 
 
 Great Glaucus, father of Bellerophon, 
 
 Who o’er the sons of men in beauty shined, 195 
 Loved for that valour which preserves mankind. 
 Then mighty Praetus Argos’ sceptre sway’d, 
 
 Whose hard commands Bellerophon obey’d. 
 
160 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 With direful jealousy the monarch raged, 
 
 And the brave prince in numerous toils engaged. 200 
 For him Antaea burn’d with lawless flame, 
 
 And strove to tempt him from the paths of fame: 
 
 In vain she tempted the relentless youth, 
 
 Endued with wisdom, sacred fear, and truth. 
 
 Fired at his scorn, the queen to Praetus fled, 205 
 And begg’d revenge for her insulted bed: 
 
 Incensed he heard, resolving on his fate; 
 
 But hospitable laws restrain’d his hate; 
 
 To Lycia the devoted youth he sent, 
 
 With tablets seal’d, that told his dire intent. 210 
 Now, bless’d by every power who guards the good, 
 The chief arrived at Xanthus’ silver flood: 
 
 There Lycia’s monarch paid him honours due, 
 
 Nine days he feasted, and nine bulls he slew. 
 
 But when the tenth bright morning orient glow’d, 215 
 The faithful youth his monarch’s mandate show’d: 
 The fatal tablets, till that instant seal’d, 
 
 The deathful secret to the king reveal’d. 
 
 First, dire Chimaera’s conquest was enjoin’d: 
 
 A mingled monster, of no mortal kind; 220 
 
 Behind, a dragon’s fiery tail was spread; 
 
 A goat’s rough body bore a lion’s head; 
 
 Her pitchy nostrils flaky flames expire; 
 
 Her gasping throat emits infernal fire. 
 
 “ This pest he slaughter’d ; (for he read the skies, 
 And trusted Heaven’s informing prodigies;) 226 
 
 Then met in arms the Solymaean crew, 
 
 Fiercest of men, and those the warrior slew. 
 
 Next the bold Amazons’ whole force defied, 
 
 And conquer’d still, for Heaven was on his side. 230 
 “ Nor ended here his toils: his Lycian foes, 
 
 At his return, a treacherous ambush rose, 
 
 With levell’d spears along the winding shore; 
 
 There fell they breathless, and return’d no more. 
 
 “ At length the monarch with repentant grief 235 
 Confess’d the gods, and god-descended chief; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK VI. 
 
 161 
 
 His daughter gave, the stranger to detain, 
 
 With half the honours of his ample reign: 
 
 The Lycians grant a chosen space of ground, 
 
 With woods, with vineyards, and with harvests 
 crown’d. 240 
 
 There long the chief his happy lot possess’d, 
 
 With two brave sons and one fair daughter bless’d, 
 Fair ev’n in heavenly eyes; her fruitful love 
 Crown’d with Sarpedon’s birth th’ embrace of Jove. 
 But when at last, distracted in his mind, 245 
 
 Forsook by Heaven, forsaking human kind, 
 
 Wide o’er th’ Aleian field he chose to stray, 
 
 A long, forlorn, uncomfortable way ! 
 
 Woes heap’d on woes consumed his wasted heart; 
 His beauteous daughter fell by Phoebe’s dart; 250 
 
 His eldest born by raging Mars was slain, 
 
 In combat on the Solymaean plain. 
 
 Hippolochus survived ; from him I came, 
 
 The honour’d author of my birth and name ; 
 
 By his decree I sought the Trojan town, 255 
 
 By his instructions learn to win renown, 
 
 To stand the first in worth as in command, 
 
 To add new honours to my native land ; 
 
 Before my eyes my mighty sires to place, 
 
 And emulate the glories of our race.” 260 
 
 He spoke, and transport fill’d Tydides’ heart; 
 
 In earth the generous warrior fix’d his dart, 
 
 Then friendly, thus, the Lycian prince address’d: 
 
 “ Welcome, my brave hereditary guest! 
 
 Thus ever let us meet, with kind embrace, 265 
 Nor stain the sacred friendship of our race. 
 
 Know, chief, our grandsires have been guests of old, 
 CEneus the strong, Bellerophon the bold : 
 
 Our ancient seat his honour’d presence graced, 
 Where twenty days in genial rites he pass’d. 270 
 The parting heroes mutual presents left; 
 
 A golden goblet was thy grandsire’s gift: 
 
 CEneus a belt of matchless work bestow’d, 
 
 That rich with Tyrian die refulgent glow’d. 
 
 o 2 
 
162 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 This from his pledge I learn’d, which safely stored 
 Among my treasures, still adorns my board : 276 
 
 For Tydeus left me young, when Thebe’s wall 
 Beheld the sons of Greece untimely fall. 
 
 Mindful of this, in friendship let us join ; 
 
 If Heaven our steps to foreign lands incline, 280 
 My guest in Argos thou, and I in Lycia thine. 
 Enough of Trojans to this lance shall yield, 
 
 In the full harvest of yon ample field; 
 
 Enough of Greeks shall die thy spear with gore ; 
 
 But thou and Diomed be foes no more. 285 
 
 Now change we arms, and prove to either host 
 We guard the friendship of the line we boast.” 
 
 Thus having said, the gallant chiefs alight, 
 
 Their hands they join, their mutual faith they plight; 
 Brave Glaucus then each narrow thought resign’d .* 
 (Jove warm’d his bosom and enlarged his mind :) 
 For Diomed’s brass arms, of mean device, 
 
 For which nine oxen paid, (a vulgar price,) 
 
 He gave his own, of gold divinely wrought; 
 
 A hundred beeves the shining purchase bought. 295 
 Meantime the guardian of the Trojan state, 
 
 Great Hector, enter’d at the Scaean gate. 
 
 Beneath the beech trees’ consecrated shades, 
 
 The Trojan matrons and the Trojan maids 
 Around him flock’d, all press’d with pious care 300 
 For husbands, brothers, sons, engaged in w r ar. 
 
 He bids the train in long procession go, 
 
 And seek the gods to avert the impending wo. 
 
 And now to Priam’s stately courts he came, 
 
 Raised on arch columns of stupendous frame ; 305 
 
 O’er these a range of marble structure runs, 
 
 The rich pavilions of his fifty sons, 
 
 In fifty chambers lodged : and rooms of state 
 Opposed to those, where Priam’s daughters sate; 
 Twelve domes for them and their loved spouses 
 shone, 310 
 
 Of equal beauty, and of polish’d stone. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK VI. 
 
 163 
 
 Hither great Hector pass’d, nor pass’d unseen 
 Of royal Hecuba, his mother queen. 
 
 (With her Laodice, whose beauteous face 
 Surpass’d the nymphs of Troy’s illustrious race.) 
 Long in a strict embrace she held her son, 316 
 And press’d his hand, and tender thus begun : 
 
 “ Oh Hector! say, what great occasion calls 
 My son from fight, when Greece surrounds our walls 1 
 Comest thou to supplicate the almighty power, 320 
 With lifted hands from Ilion’s lofty tower 1 
 Stay, till I bring the cup with Bacchus crown’d, 
 
 In Jove’s high name, to sprinkle on the ground, 
 
 And pay due vows to all the gods around. 
 
 Then with a plenteous draught refresh thy soul, 325 
 And draw new spirits from the generous bowl, 
 Spent as thou art with long laborious fight, 
 
 The brave defender of thy country’s right.” 
 
 “ Far hence be Bacchus’ gifts,” the chief rejoin’d • 
 “ Inflaming wine, pernicious to mankind, 330 
 
 Unnerves the limbs, and dulls the noble mind. 
 
 Let chiefs abstain, and spare the sacred juice 
 To sprinkle to the gods, its better use. 
 
 Byrne that holy office were profaned; 
 
 Ill fits it me, with human gore distain’d, 335 
 
 To the pure skies these horrid hands to raise, 
 
 Or offer heaven’s great sire polluted praise. 
 
 You with your matrons go, a spotless train, 
 
 And burn rich odours in Minerva’s fane. 
 
 The largest mantle your full wardrobes hold, 340 
 Most prized for art, and labour’d o’er with gold, 
 Before the goddess’ honour’d knees be spread, 
 
 And twelve young heifers to her altar led. 
 
 So may the power, aton’d by fervent prayer, 
 
 Our wives, our infants, and our city spare, 345 
 And far avert Tydides’ wasteful ire, 
 
 Who mows whole troops, and makes all Troy retire. 
 Be this, oh mother, your religious care; 
 
 I go to rouse soft Paris to the war; 
 
164 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 If yet, not lost to all the sense of shame, 350 
 
 The recreant warrior hear the voice of lame, 
 
 Oh, would kind earth the hateful wretch embrace, 
 That pest of Troy, that ruin of our race ! 
 
 Deep to the dark abyss might he descend, 
 
 Troy yet should flourish, and my sorrows end.” 355 
 This heard, she gave command; and summon’d 
 came 
 
 Each noble matron and illustrious dame. 
 
 The Phrygian queen to her rich wardrobe went, 
 Where treasured odours breathed a costly scent. 
 There lay the vestures of no vulgar art, 360 
 
 Sidonian maids embroider’d every part, 
 
 Whom from soft Sidon youthful Paris bore, 
 
 With Helen touching on the Tyrian shore. 
 
 Here as the queen revolved with careful eyes 
 The various textures and the various dies, 365 
 She chose a veil that shone superior far, 
 
 And glow’d refulgent as the morning star. 
 
 Herself with this the long procession leads ; 
 
 The train majestically slow proceeds. 
 
 Soon as to Ilion’s topmost tower they come, 370 
 And awful reach the high Palladian dome, 
 
 Antenor’s consort, fair Theano, waits 
 As Pallas’ priestess, and unbars the gates. 
 
 With hands uplifted, and imploring eyes, 
 
 They fill the dome with supplicating cries. 375 
 The priestess then the shining veil displays, 
 
 Placed on Minerva’s knees, and thus she prays : 
 
 “ Oh, awful goddess ! ever dreadful maid, 
 
 Troy’s strong defence, unconquer’d Pallas, aid ! 
 Break thou Tydides’ spear, and let him fall 380 
 Prone on the dust before the Trojan wall. 
 
 So twelve young heifers, guiltless of the yoke, 
 
 Shall fill thy temple with a grateful smoke. 
 
 But thou, atoned by penitence and prayer, 
 Ourselves, our infants, and our city spare !” 385 
 
 So pray’d the priestess in her holy fane ; 
 
 So vow’d the matrons, but they vow’d in vain. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK VI. 165 
 
 While these appear before the power with prayers, 
 Hector to Paris’ lofty dome repairs. 
 
 Himself the mansion raised, from every part 390 
 Assembling architects of matchless art. 
 
 Near Priam’s court and Hector’s palace stands 
 The pompous structure, and the town commands. 
 
 A spear the hero bore of wondrous strength, 
 
 Of full ten cubits was the lance’s length, 395 
 
 The steely point with golden ringlets join’d, 
 
 Before him brandish’d, at each motion shined. 
 
 Thus entering, in the glittering rooms he found 
 His brother chief, whose useless arms lay round, 
 His eyes delighting with their splendid show, 400 
 Brightening the shield and polishing the bow. 
 
 Beside him Helen with her virgins stands, 
 
 Guides their rich labours, and instructs their hands. 
 
 Him thus inactive, with an ardent look 
 The prince beheld, and high resenting spoke : 405 
 
 “ Thy hate to Troy, is this the time to show 1 
 (Oh wretch ill-fated, and thy country’s foe !) 
 
 Paris and Greece against us both conspire; 
 
 Thy close resentment, and their vengeful ire. 
 
 For thee great Ilion’s guardian heroes fall, 410 
 Till heaps of dead alone defend her wall; 
 
 For thee the soldier bleeds, the matron mourns, 
 
 And wasteful war in all its fury burns. 
 
 Ungrateful man! deserves not this thy care, 
 
 Our troops to hearten, and our toils to share \ 415 
 
 Rise, or behold the conquering flames ascend, 
 
 And all the Phrygian glories at an end.” 
 
 “ Brother, ’tis just,” replied the beauteous youth ; 
 “ Thy free remonstrance proves thy worth and truth: 
 Yet charge my absence less, oh generous chief! 420 
 On hate to Troy, than conscious shame and grief; 
 Here, hid from human eyes, thy brother sat, 
 
 And mourn’d in secret his and Ilion’s fate. 
 
 ’Tis now enough: now glory spreads her charms, 
 And beauteous Helen calls her chief to arms. 425 
 
166 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Conquest to-day my happier sword may bless, 
 
 ’Tis man’s to fight, but Heaven’s to give success. 
 But while I arm, contain thy ardent mind; 
 
 Or go, and Paris shall not lag behind.” 
 
 He said, nor answer’d Priam’s warlike son; 430 
 
 When Helen thus with lowly grace begun: 
 
 “ Oh generous brother! if the guilty dame 
 That caused these woes deserve a sister’s name ! 
 Would Heaven, ere all these dreadful deeds were done, 
 The day that showed me to the golden sun, 435 
 Had seen my death ! Why did not whirlwinds bear 
 The fatal infant to the fowls of air 1 
 Why sunk I not beneath the whelming tide, 
 
 And'mid the roarings of the waters died? 
 
 Heaven filled up all my ills, and I, accursed, 440 
 Bore all, and Paris, of those ills the worst. 
 
 Helen at least a braver spouse might claim, 
 
 W'arm’d with some virtue, some regard of fame! 
 Now, tired with toils, thy fainting limbs recline, 
 With toils sustain’d for Paris’ sake and mine : 445 
 
 The gods have link’d our miserable doom, 
 
 Our present wo, and infamy to come : 
 
 Wide shall it spread, and last through ages long, 
 Example sad! and theme of future song.” 
 
 The chief replied: “ This time forbids to rest: 450 
 The Trojan bands, by hostile fury press’d, 
 
 Demand their Hector, and his arm require ; 
 
 The combat urges, and my soul’s on fire. 
 
 Urge thou thy knight to march where glory calls. 
 And timely join me, ere I leave the walls. 455 
 
 Ere yet I mingle in the direful fray, 
 
 My wife, my infant, claim a moment’s stay; 
 
 This day, perhaps the last that sees me here, 
 Demands a parting word, a tender tear: 
 
 This day some god who hates our Trojan land 460 
 May vanquish Hector by a Grecian hand.” 
 
 He said, and pass’d with sad presaging heart 
 To seek his spouse, his soul’s far dearer part; 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK VI. 
 
 167 
 
 At home he sought her, but he sought in vain; 
 
 She, with one maid of all her menial train, 465 
 Had thence retired; and with her second joy, 
 
 The young Astyanax, the hope of Troy: 
 
 Pensive she stood on Ilion’s towery height, 
 
 Beheld the war, and sicken’d at the sight; 
 
 There her sad eyes in vain her lord explore, 470 
 Or weep the wounds her bleeding country bore. 
 
 But he who found not whom his soul desired, 
 Whose virtue charm’d him as her beauty fired, 
 
 Stood in the gates, and ask’d what way she bent 
 Her parting step. If to the fane she went, 475 
 Where late the mourning matrons made resort; 
 
 Or sought her sisters in the Trojan court 1 
 “ Not to the court,” replied the attendant train, 
 
 “ Nor mix’d with matrons to Minerva’s fane : 
 
 To Tlion’s steepy tower she bent her way, 480 
 To mark the fortunes of the doubtful day. 
 
 Troy fled, she heard, before the Grecian sword; 
 
 She heard, and trembled for her absent lord: 
 Distracted with surprise, she seem’d to fly, 
 
 Fear on her cheek, and sorrow in her eye. 485 
 The nurse attended with her infant boy, 
 
 The young Astyanax, the hope of Troy.” 
 
 Hector, this heard, return’d without delay; 
 
 Swift through the town he^trod his former way, 
 Through streets of palaces, and walks of state ; 490 
 And met the mourner at the Scaean gate. 
 
 With haste to meet him sprung the joyful fair, 
 
 His blameless wife, Aetion’s wealthy heir. 
 
 (Cilician Thebe great Aetion sway’d, 
 
 And Hippoplacus’ wide extended shade.) 495 
 
 The nurse stood near, in whose embraces press’d, 
 His only hope hung smiling at her breast, 
 
 Whom each soft charm and early grace adorn. 
 
 Fair as the newborn star that gilds the morn, 
 
 To this loved infant Hector gave the name 500 
 Scamandrius, from Scamander’s honour’d stream; 
 
168 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Astyanax the Trojans call’d the boy, 
 
 From his great father, the defence of Troy. 
 
 Silent the warrior smiled, and pleased resign’d 
 To tender passions all his mighty mind; 505 
 
 His beauteous princess cast a mournful look, 
 
 Hung on his hand, and then dejected spoke ; 
 
 Her bosom labour’d with a boding sigh, 
 
 And the big tear stood trembling in her eye. 
 
 “ Too daring prince ! ah, whither dost thou run 1 
 Ah, too forgetful of thy wife and son! 511 
 
 And think’st thou not how wretched we shall be, 
 
 A widow I, a helpless orphan he ! 
 
 For sure such courage length of life denies; 
 
 And thou must fall thy virtue’s sacrifice. 515 
 
 Greece in her single heroes strove in vain; 
 
 Now hosts oppose thee, and thou must be slain! 
 
 Oh grant me, gods ! ere Hector meets his doom, 
 
 All I can ask of Heaven, an early tomb! 
 
 So shall my days in one sad tenour run, 520 
 
 And end with sorrows as they first begun. 
 
 No parent now remains my griefs to share, 
 
 No father’s aid, no mother’s tender care. 
 
 The fierce Achilles wrapp’d our walls in fire, 
 
 Laid Thebe waste, and slew my warlike sire ! 525 
 
 His fate compassion in the victor bred; 
 
 Stern as he was, he yet revered the dead; 
 
 His radiant arms preserved from hostile spoil, 
 
 And laid him decent on the funeral pile ; 
 
 Then raised a mountain where his bones were burn’d: 
 The mountain nymphs the rural tomb adorn’d: 531 
 Jove’s sylvan daughters bade their elms bestow 
 A barren shade, and in his honour grow. 
 
 “ By the same arm my seven brave brothers fell; 
 In one sad day beheld the gates of hell: 535 
 
 While the fat herds and snowy flocks they fed, 
 Amid their fields the hapless heroes bled ! 
 
 My mother lived to bear the victor’s bands, 
 
 The queen of Hippoplacia’s sylvan lands: 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK VI. 
 
 169 
 
 Redeem’d too late, she scarce beheld again 540 
 Her pleasing empire and her native plain, 
 
 When, ah ! oppress’d by life-consuming wo, 
 
 She fell a victim to Diana’s bow. 
 
 “ Yet, while my Hector still survives, I see 
 My father, mother, brethren, all in thee; 545 
 
 Alas ! my parents, brothers, kindred, all 
 Once more will perish, if my Hector fall. 
 
 Thy wife, thy infant, in thy danger share: 
 
 Oh prove a husband’s and a father’s care ! 
 
 That quarter most the skilful Greeks annoy, 550 
 Where yon wild fig trees join the wall of Troy; 
 Thou from this tower defend the important post; 
 There Agamemnon points his dreadful host, 
 
 That pass Tydides, Ajax, strive to gain, 
 
 And there the vengeful Spartan fires his train. 555 
 Thrice our bold foes the fierce attack have given, 
 
 Or led by hopes, or dictated from heaven. 
 
 Let others in the field their arms employ, 
 
 But stay my Hector here, and guard his Troy.” 
 
 The chief replied : “ That post shall be my care, 
 Not that alone, but all the works of war. 561 
 
 How would the sons of Troy, in arms renown’d, 
 And Troy’s proud dames, whose garments sweep 
 the ground, 
 
 Attaint the lustre of my former name, 
 
 Should Hector basely quit the field of fame! 565 
 
 My early youth was bred to martial pains, 
 
 My soul impels me to the embattled plain’s: 
 
 Let me be foremost to defend the throne, 
 
 And guard my father’s glories, and my own. 
 
 Yet come it will, the day decreed by fates: 570 
 
 (How my heart trembles while my tongue relates !) 
 The day when thou, imperial Troy! must bend, 
 
 And see thy warriors fall, thy glories end. 
 
 And yet no dire presage so wounds my mind, 
 
 My mother’s death, the ruin of my kind, 575 
 
 Not Priam’s hoary hairs defiled with gore, 
 
 Not all my brothers gasping on the shore; 
 
 HOM.—i.—p 
 
170 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 As thine, Andromache ! thy griefs I dread; 
 
 I see thee trembling, weeping, captive led! 
 
 In Argive looms our battles to design, 580 
 
 And woes, of which so large a part was thine ! 
 
 To bear the victor’s hard commands, or bring 
 The weight of waters from Hyperia’s spring. 
 
 There, while you groan beneath the load of life, 
 They cry, ‘ Behold the mighty Hector’s wife !’ 585 
 Some haughty Greek, who lives thy tears to see, 
 Imbitters all thy woes, by naming me. 
 
 The thoughts of glory past, and present shame, 
 
 A thousand griefs shall waken at the name ! 
 
 May I lie cold before that dreadful day, 590 
 
 Press’d with a load of monumental clay! 
 
 Thy Hector, wrapp’d in everlasting sleep, 
 
 Shall neither hear thee sigh, nor see thee weep.” 
 
 Thus having spoke, the illustrious chief of Troy 
 Stretch’d his fond arms to clasp the lovely boy. 595 
 The babe clung crying to his nurse’s breast, 
 
 Scared at the dazzling helm and nodding crest. 
 
 With secret pleasure each fond parent smiled, 
 
 And Hector hasted to relieve his child; 
 
 The glittering terrors from his brows unbound, 600 
 And placed the beaming helmet on the ground, 
 
 Then kiss’d the child, and lifting high in air, 
 
 Thus to the gods preferr’d a father’s prayer: 
 
 “ O thou ! whose glory fills the ethereal throne, 
 And all ye-deathless powers, protect my son! 605 
 Grant him, like me, to purchase just renown, 
 
 To guard the Trojans, to defend the crown, 
 
 Against his country’s foes the war to wage, 
 
 And rise the Hector of the future age ! 
 
 So when triumphant from successful toils 610 
 Of heroes slain he bears the reeking spoils, 
 
 W'hole hosts may hail him with deserved acclaim, 
 And say, ‘ This chief transcends his father’s fame;’ 
 While pleased amid the general shouts of Troy, 
 
 His mother’s conscious heart o’erflows with joy.” 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK VI. 
 
 171 
 
 He spoke, and fondly gazing on her charms, 616 
 Restored the pleasing burden to her arms ; 
 
 Soft on her fragrant breast the babe she laid, 
 Hush’d to repose, and with a smile survey’d. 
 
 The troubled pleasure soon chastised by fear, 620 
 She mingled with a smile a tender tear. 
 
 The soften’d chief with kind compassion view’d, 
 And dried the falling drops, and thus pursued : 
 
 “ Andromache! my soul’s far better part! 
 
 Why with untimely sorrows heaves thy heart? 625 
 No hostile hand can antedate my doom, 
 
 Till fate condemns me to the silent tomb. 
 
 Fix’d is the term to all the race of earth ; 
 
 And such the hard condition of our birth. 
 
 No force can then%*esist, no flight can save ; 630 
 
 All sink alike, the fearful and the brave. 
 
 No more—but hasten to thy tasks at home, 
 
 There guide the spindle, and direct the loom : 
 
 Me glory summons to the martial scene; 
 
 The field of combat is the sphere for men: 635 
 
 Where heroes war, the foremost place I claim, 
 
 The first in danger, as the first in fame.” 
 
 Thus having said, the glorious chief resumes 
 His towery helmet, black with shading plumes. 
 
 His princess parts with a prophetic sigh, 640 
 
 Unwilling parts, and oft reverts her eye, 
 
 That stream’d at every look: then, moving slow, 
 Sought her own palace, and indulged her wo. 
 
 There, while her tears deplored the godlike man, 
 Through all her train the soft infection ran, 645 
 The pious maids their mingled sorrows shed, 
 
 And mourn the living Hector as the dead. 
 
 But now, no longer deaf to honour’s call, 
 
 Forth issues Paris from the palace wall. 
 
 In brazen arms that cast a gleamy ray, 650 
 
 Swift through the town the warrior bends his way. 
 The wanton courser thus, with reins unbound, 
 
 Breaks from his stall, and beats the trembling ground; 
 
172 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Pamper’d and proud, he seeks the wanton tides, 
 
 And laves, in height of blood, his shining sides; 655 
 His head now freed he tosses to the skies; 
 
 His mane dishevell’d o’er his shoulders flies; 
 
 He snuffs the females in the distant plain, 
 
 And springs, exulting, to his fields again. 
 
 With equal triumph, sprightly, bold, and gay, 660 
 In arms refulgent as the god of day, 
 
 The son of Priam, glorying in his might, 
 
 Rush’d forth with Hector to the fields of fight. 
 
 And now the warriors passing on the way, 
 
 The graceful Paris first excused his stay. 665 
 
 To whom the noble Hector thus replied: 
 
 “ Oh chief! in blood, and now ii^arms, allied ! 
 
 Thy power in war with justice none contest; 
 Known is thy courage, and thy strength confess’d. 
 What pity sloth should seize a soul so brave, 670 
 Or godlike Paris live a woman’s slave! 
 
 My heart weeps blood at what the Trojans say, 
 
 And hopes thy deeds shall wipe the stain away. 
 Haste then, in all their glorious labours share; 
 
 For much they suffer, for thy sake, in war. 675 
 These ills shall cease, whene’er by Jove’s decree 
 We crown the bowl to heaven and liberty ; 
 
 While the proud foe his frustrate triumphs mourns, 
 And Greece indignant through her seas returns.” 
 
BOOK Y11 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The single Combat of Hector and Ajax. 
 
 The battle renewing with double ardour on the return of Hec¬ 
 tor, Minerva is under apprehensions for the Greeks—Apollo, 
 seeing her descend from Olympus, joins her near the Scaean 
 gate ; they agree to put off the general engagement for that 
 day, and incite Hector to challenge the Greeks to a single 
 combat—Nine of the princes accepting the challenge, the lot 
 is cast, and falls on Ajax—These heroes, after several attacks, 
 are parted by the night—The Trojans calling a council, An- 
 tenor proposes the delivery of Helen to the Greeks, to which 
 Paris will not consent, but offers to restore them her riches— 
 Priam sends a herald to make this offer, and to demand a 
 truce for burning the dead, the last of which only is agreed to 
 by Agamemnon—When the funerals are performed, the 
 Greeks, pursuant to the advice of Nestor, erect a fortification 
 to protect their fleet and camp, flanked with towers, and de¬ 
 fended by a ditch and palisades—Neptune testifies his jealousy 
 at this work, but is pacified by a promise from Jupiter—Both 
 armies pass the night in feasting, but Jupiter disheartens the 
 Trojans with thunder, and other signs of his wrath.—[The 
 three-and-twentieth day ends with the duel of Hector and 
 Ajax ; the next day the truce is agreed on; another is taken 
 up in the funeral rites of the slain; and one more in building 
 the fortification before the ships. So that somewhat above 
 three days is employed in this book. The scene lies wholly 
 in the field.] 
 
 So spoke the guardian of the Trojan state, 
 
 Then rush’d impetuous through the Scaean gate. 
 Him Paris follow’d to the dire alarms ; 
 
 Both breathing slaughter, both resolved in arms. 
 
 As when to sailors labouring through the main, 5 
 That long had heaved the weary oar in vain, 
 
 p 2 
 
174 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Jove bids at length the expected gales arise: 
 
 The gales blow grateful, and the vessel flies: 
 
 So welcome these to Troy’s desiring train: 
 
 The bands are cheer’d, the war awakes again. 10 
 Bold Paris first the work of death begun 
 On great Menestheus, Areithous’ son: 
 
 Sprung from the fair Philomela’s embrace, 
 
 The pleasing Arne was his native place. 
 
 Then sunk Eioneus to the shades below: 15 
 
 Beneath his steely casque he felt the blow, 
 
 Full on his neck, from Hector’s weighty hand, 
 
 And roll’d, with limbs relax’d, along the land. 
 
 By Glaucus’ spear the bold Iphinous bleeds. 
 
 Fix’d in the shoulder as he mounts his steeds; 20 
 
 Headlong he tumbles: his slack nerves, unbound, 
 Drop the cold useless members on the ground. 
 
 When now Minerva saw her Argive slain, 
 
 From vast Olympus to the gleaming plain 
 Fierce she descends : Apollo mark’d her flight, 25 
 Nor shot less swift from llion’s towery height: 
 Radiant they met beneath the beechen shade ; 
 
 When thus Apollo to the blue-eyed maid: 
 
 “ What cause, oh daughter of almighty Jove, 
 
 Thus wings thy progress from the realms above 1 30 
 Once more impetuous dost thou bend thy way, 
 
 To give to Greece the long-divided day 1 
 Too much has Troy already felt thy hate, 
 
 Now breathe thy rage, and hush the stern debate : 
 This day the business of the field suspend; 35 
 
 War soon shall kindle and great Ilion bend ; 
 
 Since vengeful goddesses confederate join 
 To raze her walls, though built by hands divine.” 
 
 To whom the progeny of Jove replies : 
 
 “ I left, for this, the council of the skies : 40 
 
 But who shall bid conflicting hosts forbear, 
 
 What art shall calm the furious sons of war ?” 
 
 To her the god : “ Great Hector’s soul incite 
 To dare the boldest Greek to single fight, 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK VII. 175 
 
 Till Greece, provoked, from all her numbers show 45 
 A warrior worthy to be Hector’s foe.” 
 
 At this agreed, the heavenly powers withdrew; 
 Sage Helenus their secret counsels knew: 
 
 Hector, inspired, he sought: to him address’d, 
 
 Thus told the dictates of his sacred breast: 50 
 
 “ Oh, son of Priam ! let thy faithful ear 
 Receive my words; thy friend and brother hear! 
 
 Go forth persuasive, and a while engage 
 The warring nations to suspend their rage ; 
 
 Then dare the boldest of the hostile train 55 
 
 To mortal combat on the listed plain ; 
 
 For not this day shall end thy glorious date; 
 
 The gods have spoke it, and their voice is fate.” 
 
 He said : the warrior heard the word with joy; 
 Then with his spear restrain’d the youth of Troy, 60 
 Held by the midst athwart. On either hand 
 The squadrons part; the expecting Trojans stand : 
 Great Agamemnon bids the Greeks forbear; 
 
 They breathe, and hush the tumult of the war. 
 
 The Athenian maid, and glorious god of day, 65 
 With silent joy the settling hosts survey: 
 
 In form of vultures, on the beach’s height 
 They sit conceal’d, and wait the future fight. 
 
 The thronging troops obscure the dusky fields, 
 Horrid with bristling spears, and gleaming shields. 
 As when a general darkness veils the main, 71 
 (Soft Zephyr curling the wide watery plain,) 
 
 The waves scarce heave, the face of ocean sleeps, 
 And a still horror saddens all the deeps : 
 
 Thus in thick orders settling wide around, 75 
 
 At length composed they sit, and shake the ground. 
 Great Hector first amid both armies broke 
 The solemn silence, and their powers bespoke: 
 
 “ Hear, all ye Trojan, all ye Grecian bands, 
 
 What my soul prompts, and what some god com¬ 
 mands : 80 
 
 Great Jove, averse our warfare to compose, 
 O’erwhelms the nations with new toils and woes: 
 
176 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 War with a fiercer tide once more returns, 
 
 Till Ilion falls, or till yon navy burns. 
 
 You then, oh princes of the Greeks, appear; 85 
 
 *Tis Hector speaks, and calls the gods to hear: 
 
 From all your troops select the boldest knight, 
 
 And him, the boldest, Hector dares to fight. 
 
 Here, if I fall, by chance of battle slain, 
 
 Be his my spoil, and his these arms remain; 90 
 
 But let my body, to my friends return’d, 
 
 By Trojan hands and Trojan flames be burn’d. 
 
 And if Apollo, in whose aid I trust, 
 
 Shall stretch your daring champion in the dust; 
 
 If mine the glory to despoil the foe, 95 
 
 On Phcebus’ temple I’ll his arms bestow; 
 
 The breathless carcass to your navy sent, 
 
 Greece on the shore shall raise a monument; 
 
 Which when some future mariner surveys, 
 
 Wash’d by broad Hellespont’s resounding seas, 100 
 Thus shall he say: 4 A valiant Greek lies there 
 By Hector slain, the mighty man of war.’ 
 
 The stone shall tell your vanquish’d hero’s name, 
 And distant ages learn the victor’s fame.” 
 
 This fierce defiance Greece astonish’d heard, 105 
 Blush’d to refuse, and to accept it fear’d. 
 
 Stern Menelaus first the silence broke, 
 
 And, inly groaning, thus opprobrious spoke: 
 
 “ Women of Greece ! oh, scandal of your race, 
 Whose coward souls your manly form disgrace, 110 
 How great the shame, when every age shall know 
 That not a Grecian met this noble foe l 
 Go then, resolve to earth, from whence ye grew, 
 
 A heartless, spiritless, inglorious crew! 
 
 Be what ye seem, unanimated clay ! 115 
 
 Myself will dare the danger of the day. 
 
 ’Tis man’s bold task the generous strife to try, 
 
 But in the hands of God is victory.” 
 
 These words scarce spoke, with generous ardour 
 press’d, 
 
 His manly limbs in azure arms he dress’d. 
 
 120 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK VII. 
 
 177 
 
 That day, Atrides ! a superior hand 
 
 Had stretch’d thee breathless on the hostile strand, 
 
 But all at once, thy fury to compose, 
 
 The kings of Greece, an awful band, arose : 
 
 Ev’n he their chief, great Agamemnon, press’d 125 
 Thy daring hand, and this advice address’d : 
 
 “ Whither, oh Menelaus ! wouldst thou run, 
 
 And tempt a fate which prudence bids thee shun? 
 Grieved though thou art, forbear the rash design; 
 Great Hector’s arm is mightier far than thine. 130 
 Ev’n fierce Achilles learn’d its force to fear, 
 
 And trembling met this dreadful son of war. 
 
 Sit thou secure amid thy social band ; 
 
 Greece in our cause shall arm some powerful hand. 
 The mightiest warrior of the Achaian name, 135 
 Though bold and burning with desire of fame, 
 Content the doubtful honour might forego, 
 
 So great the danger, and so brave the foe.” 
 
 He said, and turn’d his brother’s vengeful mind: 
 He stoop’d to reason, and his rage resign’d, 
 
 No longer bent to rush on certain harms; 
 
 His joyful friends unbrace his azure arms. 
 
 He from whose lips divine persuasion flows, 
 
 Grave Nestor, then in graceful act arose. 
 
 Thus to the kings he spoke: “ What grief, 
 shame 
 
 Attend on Greece, and all the Grecian name ? 
 
 How shall, alas ! her hoary heroes mourn 
 Their sons degenerate, and their race a scorn! 
 
 What tears shall down thy silver beard be roll’d, 
 
 Oh Peleus, old in arms, in wisdom old! 150 
 
 Once with what joy the generous prince would hear 
 Of every chief who fought this glorious war; 
 Participate their fame, and pleased inquire 
 Each name, each action, and each hero’s sire ! 
 Gods! should he see our warriors trembling stand, 
 And trembling all before one hostile hand, 156 
 How would he lift his aged arms on high, 
 
 Lament inglorious Greece, and beg to die! 
 
 140 
 
 what 
 
 145 
 
178 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Oh! would to all the immortal powers above, 
 Minerva, Phoebus, and almighty Jove! 160 
 
 Years might again roll back, my youth renew, 
 
 And give this arm the spring which once it knew 
 When, fierce in war, where Jardan’s waters fall 
 I led my troops to Phea’s trembling wall, 
 
 And with the Arcadian spears my prowess tried, 165 
 Where Celadon rolls down his rapid tide. 
 
 There Ereuthalion braved us in the field, 
 
 Proud Areithous’ dreadful arms to wield : 
 
 Great Areithous, known from shore to shore 
 By the huge knotted iron mace he bore ; 170 
 
 No lance he shook, nor bent the twanging bow. 
 
 But broke, with this, the battle of the foe. 
 
 Him not by manly force Lycurgus slew, 
 
 Whose guileful javelin from the thicket flew : 
 
 Deep in a winding way his breast assail’d, 175 
 Nor aught the warrior’s thundering mace avail’d: 
 Supine he fell: those arms which Mars before 
 Had given the vanquish’d, now the victor bore : 
 
 But when old age had dimm’d Lycurgus’ eyes, 
 
 To Ereuthalion he consign’d the prize. 180 
 
 Furious with this he crush’d our levell’d bands, 
 
 And dared the trial of the strongest hands; 
 
 Nor could the strongest hands his fury stay; 
 
 All saw, and fear’d, his huge tempestuous sway: 
 
 Till I, the youngest of the host, appear’d, 185 
 
 And, youngest, met whom all our army fear’d. 
 
 I fought the chief: my arms Minerva crown’d: 
 Prone fell the giant o’er a length of ground. 
 
 What then he was, oh were your Nestor now ! 
 
 Nor Hector’s self should want an equal foe. 190 
 But warriors, you, that youthful vigour boast, 
 
 The flower of Greece, the examples of our host, 
 Sprung from such fathers, who such numbers sway. 
 Can you stand trembling, and desert the day 1” 
 
 His warm reproofs the listening kings inflame; 195 
 And nine, the noblest of the Grecian name, 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK VII. 
 
 179 
 
 Upstarted fierce : but far before the rest 
 The king of men advanced his dauntless breast: 
 
 Then bold Tydides, great in arms, appear’d; 
 
 And next his bulk gigantic Ajax rear’d : 200 
 
 Oileus follow’d; Idomen was there ; 
 
 And Merion, dreadful as the god of war : 
 
 With these Eurypylus and Thoas stand, 
 
 And wise Ulysses closed the daring band. 
 
 All these, alike inspired with noble rage, 205 
 
 Demand the fight. To whom the Pylian sage: 
 
 “ Let thirst of glory your brave souls divide; 
 What chief shall combat let the lots decide. • 
 
 Whom Heaven shall choose, his be the chance to raise 
 His country’s fame, his own immortal praise.” 210 
 The lots produced, each hero signs his own; 
 
 Then in the general’s helm the fates are thrown. 
 The people pray, with lifted eyes and hands, 
 
 And vows like these ascend from all the bands: 
 
 “ Grant thou, Almighty ! in whose hand is fate, 215 
 A worthy champion for the Grecian state. 
 
 This task let Ajax or Tydides prove, 
 
 Or he, the king of kings, beloved by Jove!” 
 
 Old Nestor shook the casque. By Heaven in¬ 
 spired, 
 
 Leap’d forth the lot, of every Greek desired. 220 
 This from the right to left the herald bears, 
 
 Held out in order to the Grecian peers ; 
 
 Each to his rival yields the mark unknown, 
 
 Till godlike Ajax finds the lot his own; 
 
 Surveys the inscription with rejoicing eyes, 225 
 Then casts before him, and with transport cries: 
 
 “ Warriors! I claim the lot, and arm with joy; 
 
 Be mine the conquest of this chief of Troy. 
 
 Now, while my brightest arms my limbs invest, 
 
 To Saturn’s son be all your vows address’d: 230 
 
 But pray in secret, lest the foes should hear, 
 
 And deem your prayers the mean effect of fear. 
 
 Said I in secret 1 No, your vows declare 
 In such a voice as fills the earth and air. 
 
180 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Lives there a chief whom Ajax ought to dread, 235 
 Ajax, in all the toils of battle bred ? 
 
 From warlike Salamis I drew my birth, 
 
 And, born to combats, fear no force on earth.” 
 
 He said. The troops with elevated eyes 
 Implore the god whose thunder rends the skies: 240 
 “ Oh father of mankind, superior lord! 
 
 On lofty Ida’s holy hill ador’d; 
 
 Who in the highest heaven hast fix’d thy throne, 
 Supreme of gods! unbounded and alone ; 
 
 Grant thou, that Telamon may bear away 245 
 The praise and conquest of this doubtful day; 
 
 Or if illustrious Hector be thy care, 
 
 That both may claim it, and that both may share.” 
 
 Now Ajax braced his dazzling armour on; 
 Sheathed in bright steel the giant-warrior shone : 
 
 He moves to combat with majestic pace; 251 
 
 So stalks in arms the grisly god of Thrace, 
 
 When Jove to punish faithless men prepares, 
 
 And gives whole nations to the waste of wars. 
 
 Thus march’d the chief, tremendous as a god: 255 
 
 Grimly he smiled; earth trembled as he strode; 
 
 His massy javelin quivering in his hand, 
 
 He stood, the bulwark of the Grecian band. 
 
 Through every Argive heart new transport ran; 
 
 All Troy stood trembling at the mighty man: 260 
 
 Ev’n Hector paused; and, with new doubts oppress’d, 
 Felt his great heart suspended in his breast: 
 
 ’Twas vain to seek retreat, and vain to fear; 
 Himself had challenged, and the foe drew near. 
 
 Stern Telamon behind his ample shield, 265 
 As from a brazen tower, o’erlook’d the field: 
 
 Huge was its orb, with seven thick folds o’ercast 
 Of tough bull hides; of solid brass the last: 
 
 (The work of Tychius, who in Hyle dwell’d, 
 
 And in all arts of armory excell’d.) 270 
 
 This Ajax bore before his manly breast, 
 
 And, threatening, thus his adverse chief address’d: 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK VII. 
 
 181 
 
 “Hector! approach my arm, and singly know 
 What strength thou hast, and what the Grecian foe. 
 Achilles shuns the fight; yet some there are 275 
 Not void of soul, and not unskill’d in war. 
 
 Let him, inactive on the seabeat shore, 
 
 Indulge his wrath, and aid our arms no more; 
 Whole troops of heroes Greece has yet to boast, 
 And sends thee one, a sample of her host. 280 
 Such as I am, I come to prove thy might; 
 
 No more—be sudden, and begin the fight.” 
 
 “ Oh son of Telamon, thy country’s pride !” 
 
 To Ajax thus the Trojan prince replied : 
 
 “ Me, as a boy or woman, wouldst thou fright, 285 
 New to the field, and trembling at the fight! 
 
 Thou meet’st a chief deserving of thy arms, 
 
 To combat born, and bred amid alarms: 
 
 I know to shift my ground, remount the car, 
 
 Turn, charge, and answer every call of war; 290 
 
 To right, to left, the dext’rous lance I wield, 
 
 And bear thick battle on my sounding shield. 
 
 But open be our fight, and bold each blow ; 
 
 I steal no conquest from a noble foe.” 
 
 He said, and, rising, high above the field 295 
 Whirl’d the long lance against the sevenfold shield. 
 Full on the brass descending from above 
 Through six bull hides the furious weapon drove, 
 Till in the seventh it fix’d. Then Ajax threw; 
 Through Hector’s shield the forceful javelin flew, 
 His corslet enters, and his garment rends, 301 
 And glancing downward, near his flank descends. 
 The wary Trojan shrinks, and, bending low 
 Beneath his buckler, disappoints the blow. 
 
 From their bored shields the chiefs their javelins 
 drew, 305 
 
 Then close impetuous, and the charge renew: 
 
 Fierce as the mountain lions bathed in blood, 
 
 Or foaming boars, the terror of the wood, 
 
 At Ajax, Hector his long lance extends ; 
 
 The blunted point against the buckler bends: 310 
 
 HOM.—I.—Q 
 
182 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 But Ajax, watchful as his foe drew near, 
 
 Drove through the Trojan targe the knotty spear; 
 
 It reach’d his neck, with matchless strength impell’d, 
 Spouts the black gore, and dims his shining shield. 
 Yet ceased not Hector thus; but, stooping down, 
 
 In his strong hand upheaved a flinty stone. 316 
 Black, craggy, vast: to this his force he bends; 
 
 Full on the brazen boss the stone descends; 
 
 The hollow brass resounded with the shock. 
 
 Then Ajax seized the fragment of a rock, 320 
 
 Applied each nerve, and swinging round on high, 
 With force tempestuous let the ruin fly: 
 
 The huge stone thundering through his buckler 
 broke, 
 
 His slacken’d knees received the numbing stroke, 
 Great Hector falls extended on the field, 325 
 
 His bulk supporting on the shatter’d shield : 
 
 Nor wanted heavenly aid : Apollo’s might 
 Confirm’d his sinews, and restored to fight. 
 
 And now' both heroes their broad falchions drew: 
 
 In flaming circles round their heads they flew ; 330 
 But then by heralds’ voice the word was given, 
 
 The sacred ministers of earth and heaven: 
 
 Divine Talthybius whom the Greeks employ, 
 
 And sage Idseus on the part of Troy. 
 
 Between the swords their peaceful sceptres rear’d; 
 And first Idaeus’ awful voice was heard: 336 
 
 “ Forbear, my sons ! your further force to prove, 
 Both dear to men, and both beloved of Jove. 
 
 To either host your matchless worth is known, 
 Each sounds your praise, and war is all your own. 
 But now the night extends her awful shade; 341 
 
 The goddess parts you: be the night obey’d.” 
 
 To whom great Ajax his high soul express’d: 
 
 “ Oh sage ! to Hector be these words address’d. 
 
 Let him who first provoked our chiefs to fight, 345 
 Let him demand the sanction of the night; 
 
 If first he ask it, I content obey, 
 
 And cease the strife when Hector shows the way.” 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK VII. 
 
 183 
 
 “ Oh first of Greeks !” his noble foe rejoin’d, 
 
 “ Whom Heaven adorns, superior to thy kind, 350 
 With strength of body, and with worth of mind! 
 Now martial law commands us to forbear ; 
 Hereafter we shall meet in glorious war; 
 
 Some future day shall lengthen out the strife, 
 
 And let the gods decide of death or life ! 355 
 
 Since then the night extends her gloomy shade, 
 
 And Heaven enjoins it, be the night obey’d. 
 
 Return, brave Ajax, to thy Grecian friends, 
 
 And joy the nations whom thy arm defends; 
 
 As I shall glad each chief, and Trojan wife, 360 
 Who wearies Heaven with vows for Hector’s life. 
 But let us, on this memorable day, 
 
 Exchange some gift; that Greece and Troy may say. 
 Not hate, but glory, made these chiefs contend; 
 
 And each brave foe was in his soul a friend.” 365 
 With that, a sword with stars of silver graced, 
 The baldric studded, and the sheath enchased, 
 
 He gave the Greek.' The generous Greek bestow’d 
 A radiant belt that rich with purple glow’d. 
 
 Then with majestic grace they quit the plain ; 370 
 
 This seeks the Grecian, that the Phrygian train. 
 
 The Trojan bands returning Hector wait, 
 
 And hail with joy the champion of their state: 
 Escaped great Ajax, they survey’d him round, 
 
 Alive, unharm’d, and vigorous from his wound. 375 
 To Troy’s high gates the godlike man they bear, 
 Their present triumph, as their late despair. 
 
 But Ajax, glorying in his hardy deed, 
 
 The well-arm’d Greeks to Agamemnon lead. 
 
 A steer for sacrifice the king design’d, 380 
 
 Of full five years, and of the nobler kind. 
 
 The victim falls ; they strip the smoking hide, 
 
 The beast they quarter, and the joints divide ; 
 
 Then spread the tables, the repast prepare, 
 
 Each takes his seat, and each receives his share. 385 
 The king himself, an honorary sign, 
 
 Before great Ajax placed the mighty chine. 
 
184 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 When now the rage of hunger was removed, 
 
 Nestor, in each persuasive art approved, 389 
 
 The sage whose counsels long had sway’d the rest, 
 In words like these his prudent thought express’d: 
 
 “ How dear, oh kings, this fatal day has cost! 
 What Greeks are perish’d ! what a people lost! 
 What tides of blood have drench’d Scamander’s 
 shore! 
 
 What crowds of heroes sunk, to rise no more! 395 
 Then hear me, chief! nor let the morrow’s light 
 Awake thy squadrons to new toils of fight: 
 
 Some space at least permit the war to breathe, 
 
 While we to flames our slaughter’d friends bequeath, 
 From the red field their scattered bodies bear, 400 
 And nigh the fleet a funeral structure rear; 
 
 So decent urns their snowy bones may keep, 
 
 And pious children o’er their ashes weep. 
 
 Here, where on one promiscuous pile they blazed, 
 High o’er them all a general tomb be raised; 405 
 
 Next, to secure our camp and naval powers, 
 
 Raise an embattled wall with lofty towers ; 
 
 From space to space be ample gates around, 
 
 For passing chariots, and a trench profound. 
 
 So Greece to combat shall in safety go, 410 
 
 Nor fear the fierce incursions of the foe.” 
 
 ’Twas thus the sage his wholesome counsel moved; 
 The sceptred kings of Greece his words approved. 
 
 Meanwhile, convened at Priam’s palace gate, 
 
 The Trojan peers in nightly council sat: 415 
 
 A senate void of order, as of choice ; 
 
 Their hearts were fearful, and confused their voice. 
 Antenor rising, thus demands their ear: 
 
 “Ye Trojans, Dardans, and auxiliars, hear ! 
 
 ’Tis Heaven the counsel of my breast inspires, 420 
 And I but move what every god requires: 
 
 Let Sparta’s treasures be this hour restored, 
 
 And Argive Helen own her ancient lord. 
 
 The ties of faith, the sworn alliance broke, 
 
 Our impious battles the just gods provoke. 425 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK VII. 
 
 185 
 
 As this advice ye practise, or reject, 
 
 So hope success, or dread the dire effect.” 
 
 The senior spoke, and sat. To whom replied 
 The graceful husband of the Spartan bride: 
 
 “ Cold counsels, Trojan, may become thy years, 430 
 But sound ungrateful in a warrior’s ears. 
 
 Old man, if void of fallacy or art 
 
 Thy words express the purpose of thy heart, 
 
 Thou, in thy time, more sound advice hast given; 
 But wisdom has its date assign’d by Heaven. 435 
 Then hear me, princes of the Trojan name! 
 
 Their treasures I’ll restore, but not the dame; 
 
 My treasures, too, for peace, I will resign ! 
 
 But be this bright possession ever mine.” 
 
 ’Twas then, the growing discord to compose, 440 
 Slow from his seat the reverend Priam rose: 
 
 His godlike aspect deep attention drew: 
 
 He paused, and these pacific words ensue: 
 
 “ Ye Trojans, Dardans, and auxiliar bands! 
 
 Now take refreshment as the hour demands: 445 
 Guard well the walls, relieve the watch of night, 
 Till the new sun restores the cheerful light: 
 
 Then shall our herald, to th’ Atrides sent, 
 
 Before their ships proclaim my son’s intent. 
 
 Next let a truce be ask’d, that Troy may burn 450 
 Her slaughter’d heroes, and their bones inurn; 
 
 That done, once more the fate of war be tried, 
 
 And whose the conquest, mighty Jove decide!” 
 
 The monarch spoke: the warriors snatch’d with 
 haste, 
 
 Each at his post in arms, a short repast. 455 
 
 Soon as the rosy morn had waked the day, 
 
 To the black ships Idaeus bent his way; 
 
 There, to the sons of Mars, in council found, 
 
 He raised his voice ; the host stood listening round: 
 
 “ Ye sons of Atreus, and ye Greeks, give ear! 
 
 The words of Troy, and Troy’s great monarch, hear. 
 Pleased may ye hear, so Heaven succeed my prayers! 
 What Paris, author of the war, declares. 
 
 Q 2 
 
186 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 The spoils and treasures he to Ilion bore, 
 
 Oh had he perish’d ere they touch’d our shore! 465 
 He proffers injured Greece ; with large increase 
 Of added Trojan wealth to buy the peace ; 
 
 But to restore the beauteous bride again, 
 
 This Greece demands, and Troy requests, in vain. 
 Next, oh ye chiefs ! we ask a truce to burn 470 
 Our slaughter’d heroes, and their bones inurn. 
 
 That done, once more the fate of war be tried, 
 
 And whose the conquest, mighty Jove decide !” 
 
 The Greeks gave ear, but none the silence broke; 
 At length Tydides rose, and rising spoke : 475 
 
 “ Oh, take not, friends ! defrauded of your fame, 
 Their proffer’d wealth, nor ev’n the Spartan dame: 
 Let conquest make them ours: fate shakes their 
 wall, 
 
 And Troy already totters to her fall.” 
 
 Th’ admiring chiefs, and all the Grecian name, 
 With general shouts return’d him loud acclaim. 481 
 Then thus the king of kings rejects the peace: 
 
 “ Herald ! in him thou hear’st the voice of Greece. 
 For what remains ; let funeral flames be fed 
 With heroes’ corpse ; I war not with the dead : 485 
 Go search your slaughter’d chiefs on yonder plain, 
 And gratify the manes of the slain. 
 
 Be witness, Jove, whose thunder rolls on high !” 
 
 He said, and rear’d his sceptre to the sky. 
 
 To sacred Troy, where all her princes lay 490 
 To wait th’ event, the herald bent his way. 
 
 He came, and, standing in the midst, explain’d 
 The peace rejected, but the truce obtain’d. 
 
 Straight to their several cares the Trojans move, 
 Some search the plain, some fell the sounding grove: 
 Nor less the Greeks, descending on the shore, 496 
 Hew’d the green forests, and the bodies bore. 
 
 And now from forth the chambers of the main, 
 
 To shed his sacred light on earth again, 
 
 Arose the golden chariot of the day, 500 
 
 And tipp’d the mountains with a purple ray. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK VII. 
 
 187 
 
 In mingled throngs the Greek and Trojan train 
 Through heaps of carnage search’d the mournful 
 plain. 
 
 Scarce could the friend his slaughter’d friend ex¬ 
 plore, 
 
 With dust dishonour’d, and deform’d with gore. 505 
 The wounds they wash’d, their pious tears they shed, 
 And, laid along their cars, deplored the dead. 
 
 Sage Priam check’d their grief: with silent haste 
 The bodies decent on their piles were placed: 
 
 With melting hearts the cold remains they burn’d ; 
 And sadly slow to sacred Troy return’d. 511 
 
 Nor less the Greeks their pious sorrow shed, 
 
 And decent on the pile dispose the dead ; 
 
 The cold remains consume with equal care; 
 
 And slowly, sadly, to their fleet repair. 515 
 
 Now, ere the morn had streak’d with redd’ning light 
 The doubtful confines of the day and night, 
 
 About the dying flames the Greeks appear’d, 
 
 And round the pile a general tomb they rear’d. 
 
 Then, to secure the camp and naval powers, 520 
 They raised embattled walls with lofty towers: 
 From space to space were ample gates around, 
 
 For passing chariots; and a trench profound, 
 
 Of large extent; and deep in earth, below, 
 
 Strong piles, infix’d, stood adverse to the foe. 525 
 So toil’d the Greeks: meanwhile the gods above, 
 In shining circle round their father Jove, 
 
 Amazed beheld the wondrous works of man; 
 
 Then he whose trident shakes the earth began: 
 
 “ What mortals henceforth shall our power adore, 
 Our fanes frequent, our oracles implore, 531 
 
 If the proud Grecians thus successful boast 
 Their rising bulwarks on the seabeat coast? 
 
 See the long walls extending to the main, 
 
 No god consulted, and no victim slain! 535 
 
 Their fame shall fill the world’s remotest ends, 
 
 Wide as the morn her golden beam extends; 
 
188 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 While old Laomedon’s divine abodes, 
 
 Those radiant structures raised by labouring gods, 
 Shall, razed and lost, in long oblivion sleep.” 540 
 Thus spoke the hoary monarch of the deep. 
 
 Th’ almighty Thunderer with a frown replies, 
 That clouds the world, and blackens half the skies: 
 “ Strong god of ocean ! thou, whose rage can make 
 The solid earth’s eternal basis shake! 545 
 
 What cause of fear from mortal works could move 
 The meanest subject of our realms above ? 
 Where’er the sun's refulgent rays are cast, 
 
 Thy power is honour’d, and thy fame shall last: 
 
 But yon proud work no future age shall view, 550 
 No trace remain where once the glory grew. 
 
 The sapp’d foundations by thy force shall fall, 
 
 And, whelm’d beneath thy waves, drop the huge 
 wall: 
 
 Vast drifts of sand shall change the former shore; 
 The ruin vanish’d, and the name no more.” 555 
 Thus they in heaven; while o’er the Grecian 
 train, 
 
 The rolling sun descending to the main 
 Beheld the finish’d work. Their bulls they slew: 
 Black from the tents the savoury vapours flew. 559 
 And now the fleet, arrived from Lemnos’ strands, 
 With Bacchus’ blessings cheer’d the generous bands. 
 Of fragrant wines the rich Eunseus sent 
 A thousand measures to the royal tent— 
 
 (Eunseus, whom Hypsipyle of yore 
 
 To Jason, shepherd of his people, bore.) 565 
 
 The rest they purchased at their proper cost, 
 
 And well the plenteous freight supplied the host: 
 Each, in exchange, proportion’d treasures gave : 
 Some brass, or iron ; some an ox or slave. 569 
 All night they feast, the Greek and Trojan powers ; 
 Those on the fields, and these within their towers. 
 But Jove averse the signs of wrath display’d, 
 
 And shot red lightnings through the gloomy shade : 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK VII. 
 
 189 
 
 Humbled they stood; pale terror seized on all, 
 While the deep thunder shook the aerial hall. 575 
 Each pour’d to Jove, before the bowl was crown’d j 
 And large libations drench’d the thirsty ground: 
 Then late, refresh’d with sleep from toils of fight, 
 Enjoy’d the balmy blessings of the night. 
 
* 
 
 BOOK VIII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The second Battle, and the Distress of the Greeks. 
 
 Jupiter assembles a council of the deities, and threatens them 
 with the pains of Tartarus if they assist either side : Minerva 
 only obtains of him that she may direct the Greeks by her 
 counsels—The armies join battle: Jupiter on Mount Ida 
 weighs in his balances the fates of both, and affrights the 
 Greeks with his thunders and lightnings—Nestor alone con¬ 
 tinues in the field in great danger ; Diomed relieves him; 
 whose exploits, and those of Hector, are excellently described 
 —Juno endeavours to animate Neptune to the assistance of 
 the Greeks, but in vain—The acts of Teucer, who is at length 
 wounded by Hector, and carried off—Juno and Minerva pre¬ 
 pare to aid the Grecians ; but are restrained by Iris, sent from 
 Jupiter—The night puts an end to the battle—Hector con¬ 
 tinues in the field, (the Greeks being driven to their fortifica¬ 
 tions before the ships,) and gives orders to keep the watch all 
 night in the camp, to prevent the enemy from re-embarking 
 and escaping by flight—They kindle fires through all the 
 field, and pass the night under arms.—[The time of seven- 
 and-twenty days is employed from the opening of the poem to 
 the end of this book. The scene here (except of the celestial 
 machines) lies in the field towards the seashore.] 
 
 Aurora, now, fair daughter of the dawn, 
 
 Sprinkled with rosy light the dewy lawn; 
 
 When Jove convene?! the senate of the skies, 
 Where high Olympus’ cloudy tops arise. 
 
 The sire of gods his awful silence broke, 5 
 
 The heavens attentive trembled as he spoke : 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK VIII. 
 
 191 
 
 “Celestial states, immortal gods! give ear; 
 
 Hear our decree, and reverence what ye hear: 
 
 The fix’d decree, which not all heaven can move; 
 Thou, Fate ! fulfil it; and, ye powers ! approve ! 10 
 What god but enters yon forbidden field, 
 
 Who yields assistance, or but wills to yield, 
 
 Back to the skies with shame he shall be driven, 
 Gash’d with dishonest wounds, the scorn of heaven: 
 Or far, oh far from steep Olympus thrown, 15 
 
 Low in the dark Tartarean gulf shall groan, 
 
 With burning chains fix’d to the brazen floors, 
 
 And lock’d by hell’s inexorable doors ; 
 
 As deep beneath the infernal centre hurl’d, 
 
 As from that centre to the ethereal world. 20 
 
 Let him who tempts me dread those dire abodes; 
 And know, the Almighty is the god of gods. 
 
 League all your forces then, ye powers above, 
 
 Join all, and try the omnipotence of Jove : 
 
 Let down our golden everlasting chain, 25 
 
 Whose strong embrace holds heaven, and earth, and 
 main: 
 
 Strive all, of mortal, and immortal birth, 
 
 To drag, by this, the Thunderer down to earth: 
 
 Ye strive in vain! If I but stretch this hand, 
 
 I heave the gods, the ocean, and the land; 30 
 
 T fix the chain to great Olympus’ height, 
 
 And the vast world hangs trembling in my sight! 
 For such I reign, unbounded and above; 
 
 And such are men and gods compared to Jove.” 
 
 The Almighty spoke, nor durst the powers reply, 35 
 A reverend horror silenced all the sky; 
 
 Trembling they stood before their sovereign’s look; 
 At length his best beloved, the power of wisdom, 
 spoke: 
 
 “ Oh first and greatest! god, by gods adored! 
 
 We own thy might, our father and our lord! 40 
 
 But, ah ! permit to pity human state; 
 
 If not to help, at least lament their fate. 
 
192 
 
 homer. 
 
 From fields forbidden we submiss refrain, 
 
 With arms unaiding mourn our Argives slain ; 
 
 Yet grant my counsels still their breasts may n,yve, 
 Or all must perish in the wrath of Jove.” 46 
 
 The cloud-compelling god her suit approved, 
 
 And smiled superior on his best beloved : 
 
 Then called his coursers, and his chariot took ; 
 
 The steadfast firmament beneath them shook : 50 
 
 Rapt by the ethereal steeds the chariot roll’d ; 
 
 Brass were their hoofs, their curling manes of gold. 
 Of heaven’s undrossy gold the god’s array, 
 Refulgent, flash’d intolerable day. 
 
 High on the throne he shines : his coursers fly 55 
 Between the extended earth and starry sky. 
 
 But when to Ida’s topmost height he came, 
 
 (Fair nurse of fountains and of savage game,) 
 
 Where, o’er her pointed summits proudly raised, 
 
 His fane breathed odours, and his altar blazed; 60 
 
 There from his radiant car the sacred sire 
 Of gods and men released the steeds of fire : 
 
 Blue ambient mists the immortal steeds embraced; 
 High on the cloudy point his seat he placed; 
 
 Thence his broad eye the subject world surveys, 65 
 The town, and tents, and navigable seas. 
 
 Now had the Grecians snatch’d a short repast, . 
 And buckled on their shining arms with haste. 
 
 Troy roused as soon ; for on this dreadful day 
 The fate of fathers, wives, and infants lay. 70 
 
 The gates unfolding pour forth all their train; 
 Squadrons on squadrons cloud the dusky plain : 
 
 Men, steeds, and chariots shake the trembling ground: 
 The tumult thickens, and the skies resound. 
 
 And now with shouts the shocking armies closed, 75 
 To lances lances, shields to shields opposed ; 
 
 Host against host with shadowy legions drew, 
 
 The sounding darts in iron tempests flew ; 
 
 Victors and vanquish’d join promiscuous cries, 
 Triumphant shouts and dying groans arise: 80 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK VIII. 
 
 193 
 
 With streaming blood the slippery fields are died, 
 And slaughter’d heroes swell the dreadful tide. 
 
 Long as the morning beams increasing bright, 
 
 O’er heaven’s clear azure spread the sacred light: 
 Commutuai death the fate of war confounds, 85 
 Each adverse battle gored with equal wounds. 
 
 But when the sun the height of heaven ascends, 
 
 The sire of gods his golden scales suspends, 
 
 With equal hand : in these explored the fate 89 
 Of Greece and Troy, and poised the mighty weight. 
 Press’d with its load, the Grecian balance lies 
 Low sunk on earth, the Trojan strikes the skies. 
 Then Jove from Ida’s top his horror spreads ; 
 
 The clouds burst dreadful o’er the Grecian heads: 94 
 Thick lightnings flash; the muttering thunder rolls, 
 Their strength he withers, and unmans their souls. 
 Before his wrath the trembling hosts retire; 
 
 The gods in terror, and the skies on fire. 
 
 Nor great Idomeneus that sight could bear, 
 
 Nor each stern Ajax, thunderbolts of war : 100 
 
 Nor he, the king of men, the alarm sustain’d; 
 Nestor alone amid the storm remained. 
 
 Unwilling he remain’d, for Paris’ dart 
 Had pierced his courser in a mortal part. 
 
 Fix’d in the forehead, where the springing mane 105 
 Curl’d o’er the brow,it stung him to the brain: 
 
 Mad with his anguish, he begins to rear, 
 
 Paw with his hoofs aloft, and lash the air. 
 
 Scarce had his falchion cut the reins, and freed . 
 The encumber’d chariot from the dying steed, 110 
 When dreadful Hector, thundering through the war, 
 Pour’d to the tumult on his whirling car. 
 
 That day had stretch’d beneath his matchless hand 
 The hoary monarch of the Pylian band, 
 
 But Diomed beheld ; from forth the crowd 115 
 He rush’d, and on Ulysses call’d aloud: 
 
 “ Whither, oh whither does Ulysses run ? 
 
 Oh flight unworthy great Laertes’ son ! 
 
 HOM.—I.—R 
 
194 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Mix’d with the vulgar shall thy fate be found, 
 Pierced in the back, a vile dishonest wound! 120 
 Oh turn, and save from Hector’s direful rage 
 The glory of the Greeks, the Pylian sage.” 
 
 His fruitless words are lost unheard in air, 
 
 Ulysses seeks the ships, and shelters there. 
 
 But bold Tydides to the rescue goes, 125 
 
 A single warrior mid a host of foes : 
 
 Before the coursers with a sudden spring 
 He leap’d, and anxious thus bespoke the king: 
 
 “ Great perils, father ! wait the unequal fight: 
 These younger champions will oppress thy might. 
 Thy veins no more with ancient vigour glow, 131 
 Weak is thy servant, and thy coursers slow. 
 
 Then haste, ascend my seat, and from the car 
 Observe the steeds of Tros, renown’d in war, 
 Practised alike to turn, to stop, to chase, 135 
 
 To dare the fight, or urge the rapid race : 
 
 These late obey’d ^Eneas’ guiding rein ; 
 
 Leave thou thy chariot to our faithful train: 
 
 With these against yon Trojans will we go, 
 
 Nor shall great Hector want an equal foe; 140 
 
 Fierce as he is, ev’n he may learn to fear 
 The thirsty fury of my flying spear.” 
 
 Thus said the chief; and Nestor, skill’d in war, 
 Approves his counsel, and ascends the car: 
 
 The steeds he left, their trusty servants hold; 145 
 
 Eurymedon, and Sthenelus the bold : 
 
 The reverend charioteer directs the course, 
 
 And strains his aged arm to lash the horse. 
 
 Hector they face ; unknowing how to fear, 
 
 Fierce he drove on ; Tydides whirl’d his spear. 150 
 The spear with erring haste mistook its way, 
 
 But plunged in Eniopeus’ bosom lay. 
 
 His opening hand in death forsakes the rein ; 
 
 The steeds fly back; he falls, and spurns the plain. 
 Great Hector sorrows for his servant kill’d, 155 
 Yet unrevenged permits to press the field; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK VIII. 
 
 195 
 
 Till to supply his place, and rule the car, 
 
 Rose Archeptolemus, the fierce in war. 
 
 And now had deatli and horror cover’d all: 
 
 Like timorous flocks the Trojans in their wall 160 
 Enclosed had bled : but Jove with awful sound 
 Roll’d the big thunder o’er the vast profound ; 
 
 Full in Tydides’ face the lightning flew ; 
 
 The ground before him flamed with sulphur blue ; 
 The quivering steeds fell prostrate at the sight; 165 
 And Nestor’s trembling hand confess’d his fright; 
 He dropp’d the reins, and shook with sacred dread; 
 Thus, turaing, warn’d the intrepid Diomed: 
 
 “ Oh chief! too daring in thy friend’s defence, 
 Retire, advised, and urge the chariot hence. 170 
 This day, averse, the sovereign of the skies 
 Assists great Hector, and our palm denies. 
 
 Some other sim may see the happier hour, 
 
 When Greece shall conquer by his heavenly power. 
 ’Tis not in man his fix’d decree to move : 175 
 
 The great will glory to submit to Jove.” 
 
 “Oh reverend prince !” Tydides thus replies, 
 
 “ Thy years are awful, and thy words are wise. 
 
 But ah, what grief! should haughty Hector boast, 
 
 I fled inglorious to the guarded coast. 180 
 
 Before that dire disgrace shall blast my fame, 
 O’erwhelm me, earth, and hide a warrior’s shame.” 
 
 To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied : 
 
 “ Gods ! can thy courage fear the Phrygian’s pride 1 
 Hector may vaunt,but who shall heed the boast 1 185 
 Not those who felt thy arm, the Dardan host, 
 
 Nor Troy, yet bleeding in her heroes lost; 
 
 Not ev’n a Phrygian dame, who dreads the sword 
 That laid in dust her loved lamented lord.” 
 
 He said, and hasty o’er the gasping throng 190 
 Drives the swift steeds; the chariot smokes along. 
 The shouts of Trojans thicken in the wind, 
 
 The storm of hissing javelins pour behind. 
 
 Then, with a voice that shakes the solid skies, 
 Pleased Hector braves the warrior as he flies: 195 
 
196 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 “ Go, mighty hero, graced above the rest 
 In seats of council and the sumptuous feast! 
 
 Now hope no more those honours from thy train; 
 Go, less than woman, in the form of man ! 
 
 To scale our walls, to wrap our towers in flames, 200 
 To lead in exile the fair Phrygian dames, 
 
 Thy once proud hopes, presumptuous prince! are 
 fled; 
 
 This arm shall reach thy heart, and stretch thee 
 dead.” 
 
 Now fears dissuade him, and now hopes invite, 
 To stop his coursers, and to stand the fight": 205 
 
 Thrice turn’d the chief, and thrice imperial Jove 
 On Ida’s summits thunder’d from above: 
 
 Great Hecton heard ; he saw the flashing light, 
 (The sign of conquest,) and thus urged the fight: 
 
 “ Hear, every Trojan, Lycian, Dardan band, 210 
 All famed in war, and dreadful hand to har\d. 
 
 Be mindful of the wreaths your arms have won, 
 Your great forefathers’ glories and your own. 
 Heard ye the voice of Jove 1 Success and fame 
 Await on Troy, on Greece eternal shame. 215 
 In vain they skulk behind their boasted wall, 
 
 Weak bulwarks! destined by this arm to fall. 
 
 High o’er their slighted trench our steeds shall 
 bound, 
 
 And pass victorious o’er the levell’d mound. 
 
 Soon as before yon hollow ships we stand, 220 
 Fight each with flames, and toss the blazing brand ; 
 Till their proud navy, wrapp’d in smoke and fires, 
 All Greece, encompass’d in one blaze, expires.” 
 
 Furious be said ; then, bending o’er the yoke, 224 
 Encouraged his proud steeds, while thus he spoke : 
 “ Now, Xanthus, jEthon, Lampus! urge the chase, 
 And thou, Podargus ! prove thy generous race : 
 
 Be fleet, be fearless, this important day, 
 
 And all your master’s well-spent care repay. 
 
 For this, high fed in plenteous stalls ye stand, 230 
 Served with pure wheat, and by a princess’ hand; 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK VIII. 
 
 197 
 
 For this my spouse, of great Aetion’s line, 
 
 So oft has steep’d the strengthening grain in wine. 
 Now swift pursue, now thunder uncontroll’d ; 
 
 Give me to seize rich Nestor’s shield of gold, 235 
 From Tydeus’ shoulders strip the costly load, 
 Yulcanian arms, the labour of a god: 
 
 These if we gain, then victory, ye powers! 
 
 This night, this glorious night, the fleet is ours.” 
 
 That heard, deep anguish stung Saturnia’s soul: 
 She shook her throne that shook the starry pole : 241 
 And thus to Neptune : ‘ k Thou, whose force can make 
 The steadfast earth from her foundations shake, 
 Seest thou the Greeks by fates unjust oppress’d, 
 Nor swells thy heart in that immortal breast ? 245 
 
 Yet Mg a, Helice, thy power obey, 
 
 And gifts unceasing on thine altars lay. 
 
 Would all the deities of Greece combine, 
 
 In vain the gloomy Thunderer might repine : 
 
 Sole should he sit, with scarce a god to friend, 250 
 And see his Trojans to the shades descend: 
 
 Such be the scene from his ldaean bower; • 
 
 Ungrateful prospect to the sullen power!” 
 
 Neptune with wrath rejects the rash design : 
 
 “ What rage, what madness, furious queen, is thine ? 
 I war not with the highest. All above 256 
 
 Submit and tremble at the hand of Jove.” 
 
 Now godlike Hector, to whose matchless might 
 Jove gave the glory of the destined fight, 
 
 Squadrons on squadrons drives, and fills the fields 
 With close ranged chariots, and with thicken’d 
 shields. 261 
 
 Where the deep trench in length extended lay, 
 Compacted troops stand wedged in firm array, 
 
 A dreadful front! they shake the brands, and threat 
 With long-destroying flames the hostile fleet. 265 
 The king of men, by Juno’s self inspired, 
 
 Toil’d through the tents, and all his army fired. 
 Swift as he moved, he lifted in his hand 
 His purple robe, bright ensign of command. 
 
1 
 
 198 HOMER. 
 
 High on the midmost bark the king appeared; 270 
 
 There, from Ulysses’ deck his voice was heard: 
 
 To Ajax and Achilles reach’d the sound, 
 
 Whose distant ships the guarded navy hound. 
 
 “ Oh Argives ! shame of human race !” he cried, 
 (The hollow vessels to his voice replied,) 275 
 
 44 Where now are all your glorious boasts of yore, 
 Your hasty triumphs on the Lemnian shore 2 
 Each fearless hero dares a hundred foes, 
 
 While the feast lasts, and while the goblet flows; 
 But who to meet one martial man is found, 280 
 When the fight rages, and the flames surround 2 
 Oh mighty Jove ! oh sire of the distress’d! 
 
 Was ever king like me, like me oppress’d 2 
 With power immense, with justice arm’d in vain; 
 My glory ravish’d, and my people slain? 285 
 
 To thee my vows were breathed from every shore; 
 W’hat altar smoked not with our victims’ gore ? 
 
 With fat of bulls I fed the constant flame, 
 
 And ask’d destruction to the Trojan name. 
 
 Now, gracious god ! far humbler our demand ; 290 
 
 Give these at least to escape from Hector’s hand, 
 And save the relics of the Grecian land !” 
 
 Thus pray’d the king; and heaven’s great father 
 heard 
 
 His vows, in bitterness of soul preferred; 
 
 The wrath appeased, by happy signs declares, 295 
 And gives the people to their monarch’s prayers. 
 
 His eagle, sacred bird of heaven 1 he sent, 
 
 A fawn his talons truss’d : (divine portent!) 
 
 High o’er the wondering hosts he soar’d above, 
 
 Who paid their vows to Panomphaean Jove ; 300 
 
 Then let the prey before his altar fall: 
 
 The Greeks beheld, and transport seized on all: 
 Encouraged by the sign, the troops revive, 
 
 And fierce on Troy with double fury drive. 
 
 Tydides first, of all the Grecian force, 305 
 
 O’er the broad ditch impell’d his foaming horse. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK VIII. 
 
 199 
 
 Pierced the deep ranks, their strongest battle tore, 
 And died his javelin red with Trojan gore. 
 
 Young Agelaus (Phradmon was his sire) 
 
 With flying coursers shunn’d his dreadful ire: 310 
 Struck through the back,the Phrygian fell oppress’d; 
 The dart drove on, and issued at his breast: 
 Headlong he quits the car ; his arms resound : 
 
 His ponderous buckler thunders on the ground. 
 Forth rush a tide of Greeks, the passage freed: 315 
 The Atridae first, the Ajaces next succeed: 
 Meriones, like Mars in arms renown’d, 
 
 And godlike Idomen, now pass’d the mound : 
 Evaernon’s son next issues to the foe, 
 
 And last, young T.eucer with his bended bow. 320 
 Secure behind the Telamonian shield 
 The skilful archer wide survey’d the field, 
 
 With every shaft some hostile victim slew, 
 
 Then close beneath the sevenfold orb withdrew : 
 The conscious infant so, when fear alarms, 325 
 Retires for safety to the mother’s arms. 
 
 Thus Ajax guards his brother in the field, 
 
 Moves as he moves, and turns the shining shield. 
 
 Who first by Teucers mortal arrows bled 1 
 Orsilochus : then fell Ormenus dead : 330 
 
 The godlike Lycophron next press’d the plain, 
 
 With Chromius, Daetor, Ophelestes slain: 
 
 Bold Hamopaon breathless sunk to ground ; 
 
 The bloody pile great Melanippus crown’d. 
 
 Heaps fell on heaps, sad trophies of his art; 335 
 
 A Trojan ghost attended every dart. 
 
 Great Agamemnon views with joyful eye 
 The ranks grow thinner as his arrows fly : 
 
 “ Oh youth for ever dear !” the monarch cried, 
 “Thus, always thus, thy early worth be tried ; 340 
 Thy brave example shall retrieve our host, 
 
 Thy country’s saviour, and thy father’s boast! 
 Sprung from an alien’s bed thy sire to grace, 
 
 The vigorous offspring of a stol’n embrace.” 
 
500 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Proud of his boy, he own’d the generous flame, 345 
 And the brave son repays his cares with fame. 
 
 Now hear a monarch’s vow: “ If Heaven’s high 
 powers 
 
 Give me to raze Troy’s long-defended towers ; 
 Whatever treasures Greece for me design, 
 
 The next rich honorary gift be thine: 350 
 
 Some golden tripod, or distinguish’d car, 
 
 With coursers dreadful in the ranks of war ; 
 
 Or some fair captive whom thy eyes approve, 
 
 Shall recompense the warrior’s toils with love.” 
 
 To this the chief: “ With praise the rest inspire, 
 Nor urge a soul already fill’d with fire. 356 
 
 What strength I have, be now in battle tried, 
 
 Till every shaft in Phrygian blood be died. 
 
 Since rallying from our wall we forced the foe, 
 
 Still aim’d at Hector have I bent my bow : 360 
 
 Eight forky arrows from this hand have fled, 
 
 And eight bold heroes by their points lie dead : 
 
 But sure some god denies me to destroy 
 This fury of the field, this dog of Troy.” 
 
 He said, and twang’d the string. The weapon 
 flies 365 
 
 At Hector’s breast, and sings along the skies : 
 
 He miss’d the mark, but pierced Gorgythio’s heart, 
 And drench’d in royal blood the thirsty dart. 
 
 (Fair Castianira, nymph of form divine, 
 
 This offspring added to King Priam's line.) 370 
 As full-blown poppies, overcharged with rain, 
 Decline the head, and drooping kiss the plain; 
 
 So sinks the youth: his beauteous head, depress’d 
 Beneath his helmet, drops upon his breast. 
 
 Another shaft the raging archer drew : 375 
 
 That other shaft with erring fury flew, 
 
 (From Hector Phoebus turn’d the flying wound.) 
 
 Yet fell not dry or guiltless to the ground : 
 
 Thy breast, brave Archeptolemus! it tore, 
 
 And dipp’d its feathers in no vulgar gore. 380 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK Till. 
 
 201 
 
 Headlong he falls : his sudden fall alarms 
 The steeds, that startle at his sounding arms. 
 Hector with grief his charioteer beheld 
 All pale and breathless on the sanguine field. 
 
 Then bids Cebriones direct the rein, 385 
 
 Quits his bright car, and issues on the plain. 
 Dreadful he shouts : from earth a stone he took, 
 And rushed on Teucer with the lifted rock. 
 
 The youth already strain’d the forceful yew; 
 
 The shaft already to his shoulder drew ; 390 
 
 The feather in his hand, just wing’d for flight, 
 Touch’d where the neck and hollow chest unite ; 
 There, where the juncture knits the channel bone, 
 The furious chief discharged the craggy stone; 
 
 The bowstring burst beneath the ponderous blow, 
 And his numb’d hand dismiss’d his useless bow. 396 
 He fell; but Ajax his broad shield display’d, 
 
 And screen’d his brother with a mighty shade; 
 
 Till great Alastor and Mecistheus bore 
 The batter’d archer groaning to the shore. 400 
 Troy yet found grace before the Olympian sire; 
 He arm’d their hands, and fill’d their breasts with 
 fire. 
 
 The Greeks, repulsed, retreat behind their wall, 
 
 Or in the trench on heaps confusedly fall. 
 
 First of the foe, great Hector march’d along, 405 
 With terror clothed, and more than mortal strong. 
 As the bold hound, that gives the lion chase, 
 
 With beating bosom, and with eager pace, 
 
 Hangs on his haunch, or fastens on his heels, 
 
 Guards as he turns, and circles as he wheels : 410 
 
 Thus oft the Grecians turn’d, but still they flew; 
 Thus following Hector still the hindmost slew. 
 When flying they had pass’d the trench profound, 
 And many a chief lay gasping on the ground; 
 
 Before the ships a desperate stand they made, 415 
 And fired the troops, and call’d the gods to aid. 
 Fierce on his rattling chariot Hector came ; 
 
 His eyes like Gorgon shot a sanguine flame 
 
202 
 
 IIOMER. 
 
 That wither’d all their host: like Mars he stood ; 
 Dire as the monster, dreadful as the god! 420 
 
 Their strong distress the wife of Jove survey’d ; 
 Then pensive thus to war’s triumphant maid : 
 
 “ Oh daughter of that god whose arm can wield 
 The avenging bolt, and shake the sable shield ! 
 
 Now, in this moment of her last despair, 425 
 
 Shall wretched Greece no more confess our care, 
 Condemn’d to suffer the full force of fate, 
 
 And drain the dregs of Heaven’s relentless hate ? 
 Gods! shall one raging hand thus level all 1 429 
 
 What numbers fell! what numbers yet shall fall! 
 What power divine shall Hector’s wrath assuage? 
 Still swells the slaughter, and still grows the rage !” 
 
 So spake the imperial regent of the skies; 
 
 To whom the goddess with the azure eyes: 
 
 “ Long since had Hector stain’d these fields with 
 gore, 435 
 
 Stretch'd by some Argive on his native shore : 
 
 But he above, the sire of Heaven, withstands, 
 Mocks our attempts, and slights our just demands. 
 The stubborn god, inflexible and hard, 
 
 Forgets my service and deserved reward : 440 
 
 Saved 1, for this, his favourite son distress’d, 
 
 By stern Eurystheus with long labours press’d ? 
 
 He begg’d, with tears he begg’d,in deep dismay; 
 
 I shot from heaven, and gave his arm the day. 
 
 Oh, had my wisdom known this dire event, 445 
 When to grim Pluto’s gloomy gates he went; t 
 The triple dog had never felt his chain, 
 
 Nor Styx been cross’d, nor hell explored in vain. 
 Averse to me of all his heaven of gods, 
 
 At Thetis’ suit the partial Thunderer nods. 450 
 To grace her gloomy, fierce, resenting son, 
 
 My hopes are frustrate, and my Greeks undone. 
 Some future day, perhaps, he may be moved 
 To call his blue-eyed maid his best beloved. 
 
 441 Hercules. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK VIII. 
 
 203 
 
 Haste, launch thy chariot, through yon ranks to ride ; 
 Myself will arm, and thunder at thy side. 456 
 
 Then, goddess ! say, shall Hector glory then, 
 
 (That terror of the Greeks, that man of men,) 
 
 When Juno’s self, and Pallas shall appear, 
 All-dreadful in the crimson walks of war! 460 
 
 What mighty Trojan then, on yonder shore, 
 Expiring, pale, and terrible no more, 
 
 Shall feast the fowls, and glut the dogs with gore 
 She ceased, and Juno rein’d the steeds with care— 
 (Heaven’s awful empress, Saturn’s other heir.) 465 
 Pallas, meanwhile, her various veil unbound, 
 
 With flowers adorn’d, with art immortal crown’d ; 
 The radiant robe her sacred Angers wove, 
 
 Floats in rich waves, and spreads the court of Jove. 
 Her father’s arms her mighty limbs invest, 470 
 His cuirass blazes on her ample breast. 
 
 The vigorous power the trembling car ascends ; 
 Shook by her arm, the massy javelin bends: 
 
 Huge, ponderous, strong! that, when her fury burns, 
 Proud tyrants humbles, and whole hosts o’erturns. 
 
 Saturnia lends the lash; the coursers fly ; 476 
 
 Smooth glides the chariot through the liquid sky. 
 Heaven’s gates spontaneous open to the powers, 
 Heaven’s golden gates, kept by the winged Hours. 
 Commission’d in alternate watch they stand, 480 
 The sun’s bright portals and the skies command ; 
 Close or unfold the eternal gates of day, 
 
 Bar heaven with clouds, or roll those clouds away. 
 The sounding hinges ring, the clouds divide ; 
 
 Prone down the steep of heaven their course they 
 guide. 485 
 
 But Jove incensed, from Ida’s top survey’d, 
 
 And thus enjoin’d the many-colour’d maid: 
 
 “ Thaumantia! mount the winds, and stop their 
 car; 
 
 Against the highest who shall wage the war 1 
 If furious yet they dare the vain debate, 
 
 Thus have I spoke, and what I speak is fate: 
 
 490 
 
204 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Their coursers crush’d beneath the wheel shall lie, 
 Their car in fragments scatter’d o’er the sky; 
 
 My lightning these rebellious shall confound, 
 
 And hurl them flaming, headlong to the ground, 495 
 Condemn’d for ten revolving years to weep 
 The wounds impress’d by burning thunder deep. 
 
 So shall Minerva learn to fear our ire, 
 
 Nor dare to combat her’s and nature’s sire. 
 
 For Juno, headstrong and imperious still, 500 
 
 She claims some title to transgress our will.” 
 
 Swift as the wind, the various-colour’d maid 
 From Ida’s top her golden wings display’d ; 
 
 To great Olympus’ shining gates she flies, 504 
 There meets the chariot rushing down the skies, 
 Restrains their progress from the bright abodes, 
 
 And speaks the mandate of the sire of gods : 
 
 “ What phrensy, goddesses ! what rage can move 
 Celestial minds to tempt the wrath of Jove ! 
 
 Desist, obedient to his high command ; 510 
 
 This is his word; and know, his word shall stand. 
 His lightning your rebellion shall confound, 
 
 And hurl you headlong, flaming to the ground: 
 
 Your horses crush’d beneath the wheels shall lie, 
 Your car in fragments scatter’d o’er the sky: 515 
 Yourselves condemn’d ten rolling years to weep 
 The wounds impress’d by burning thunder deep. 
 
 So shall Minerva learn to fear his ire, 
 
 Nor dare to combat her’s and nature’s sire. 
 
 For Juno, headstrong and imperious still, 520 
 
 She claims some title to transgress his will: 
 
 But thee what desperate insolence has driven,” 
 
 To lift thy lance against the king of heaven! 
 
 Then, mounting on the pinions of the wind, 
 
 She flew ; and Juno thus her rage resign’d: 525 
 
 “ Oh daughter of that god, whose arm can wield 
 The avenging bolt, and shake the dreadful shield ! 
 No more let beings of superior birth 
 Contend with Jove for this low race of earth: 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK VIII. 205 
 
 Triumphant now, now miserably slain, 530 
 
 They breathe or perish as the fates ordain. 
 
 But Jove’s high counsels full effect shall find; 
 
 And, ever constant, ever rule mankind.” 
 
 She spoke, and backward turn’d her steeds of 
 light, 534 
 
 Adorn’d with manes of gold, and heavenly bright. 
 The Hours unloosed them, panting as they stood, 
 And heap’d their mangers with ambrosial food. 
 There tied, they rest in high celestial stalls; 
 
 The chariot propp’d against the crystal walls. 
 
 The pensive goddesses, abashed, controll’d, 540 
 
 Mix with the gods, and fill their seats of gold. 
 
 And now the Thunderer meditates his flight 
 From Ida’s summits to the Olympian height. 
 
 Swifter than thought the wheels instinctive fly, 544 
 Flame through the vast of air, and reach the sky. 
 ’Twas Neptune’s charge his coursers to unbrace, 
 And fix the car on its immortal base; 
 
 There stood the chariot beaming forth its rays, 
 
 Till with a snowy veil he screen’d the blaze. 
 
 He, whose all-conscious eyes the world behold, 550 
 The eternal Thunderer, sat throned in gold. 
 
 High heaven the footstool of his feet he makes, 
 
 And wide beneath him all Olympus shakes. 
 Trembling afar the offended powers appear’d, 
 Confused and silent, for his frown they fear’d. 555 
 He saw their soul, and thus his word imparts : 
 
 Pallas and Juno ! say, why heave your hearts'? 
 
 Soon was your battle o’er: proud Troy retired 
 Before your face, and in your wrath expired. 
 
 But know, whoe’er almighty power withstand, 560 
 Unmatched our force, unconquer’d is our hand : 
 
 Who shall the sovereign of the skies control? 
 
 Not all the gods that crown the starry pole. 
 
 Your hearts shall tremble, if our arms we take, 
 
 And each immortal nerve with horror shake. 565 
 For thus 1 speak, and what I speak shall stand ; 
 What power soe’er provokes our lifted hand, 
 hom.— i.—s 
 
206 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 On this our hill no more shall hold his place; 
 
 Cut off, and exiled from the ethereal race. 
 
 Juno and Pallas grieving hear the doom, 570 
 But feast their souls on Ilion’s woes to come, 
 Though secret anger swell’d Minerva’s breast, 
 
 The prudent goddess yet her wrath repress’d : 
 
 But Juno, impotent of rage, replies: 
 
 “ What hast thou said, oh tyrant of the skies? 575 
 Strength and omnipotence invest thy throne; 
 
 ’Tis thine to punish ; ours to grieve alone. 
 
 For Greece we grieve, abandon’d by her fate, 
 
 To drink the dregs of thy unmeasured hate ; 
 
 From fields forbidden we submiss refrain, 580 
 
 With arms unaiding see our Argives slain; 
 
 Yet grant our counsels still their breasts may move, 
 Lest all should perish in the rage of Jove.” 
 
 The goddess thus: and thus the god replies, 
 
 Who swells the clouds, and blackens all the skies : 
 
 “ The morning sun, awaked by loud alarms, 586 
 Shall see the almighty Thunderer in arms. 
 
 What heaps of Argives then shall load the plain, 
 Those radiant eyes shall view, and view in vain. 
 Nor shall great Hector cease the rage of fight, 590 
 The navy flaming, and thy Greeks in flight, 
 
 Ev’n till the day, when certain fates ordain 
 That stern Achilles (his Patroclus slain) 
 
 Shall rise in vengeance, and lay waste the plain. 
 For such is fate, nor canst thou turn its course 595 
 With all thy rage, with all thy rebel force. 
 
 Fly, if thou wilt, to earth’s remotest bound, 
 
 Where on her utmost verge the seas resound; 
 
 Where cursed Iapetus and Saturn dwell, 
 
 Fast by the brink, within the streams of hell; 600 
 
 No sun e’er gilds the gloomy horrors there; 
 
 No cheerful gales refresh the lazy air; 
 
 There arm once more the bold Titanian band; 
 
 And arm in vain; for what I will shall stand.” 
 
 Now deep in ocean sunk the lamp of light, 605 
 And drew behind the cloudy veil of night: 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK VIII. 201 
 
 The conquering Trojans mourn his beams decay’d; 
 The Greeks rejoicing bless the friendly shade. 
 
 The victors keep the field; and Hector calls 
 A martial council near the navy walls: 610 
 
 These to Scamander’s bank apart he led, 
 
 Where thinly scatter’d lay the heaps of dead. 
 
 The assembled chiefs, descending on the ground, 
 Attend his order, and their prince surround. 
 
 A massy spear he bore of mighty strength, 615 
 Of full ten cubits was the lance’s length ; 
 
 The point was brass, refulgent to behold, 
 
 Fix’d to the wood with circling rings of gold: 
 
 The noble Hector on his lance reclined, 
 
 And bending forward, thus reveal’d his mind: 620 
 
 “ Ye valiant Trojans, with attention hear ! 
 
 Ye Dardan bands, and generous aids, give ear! 
 
 This day, we hoped, would wrap in conquering flame 
 Greece with her ships, and crown our toils with fame. 
 But darkness now, to save the cowards, falls, 625 
 And guards them trembling in their wooden walls. 
 Obey the night, and use her peaceful hours 
 Our steeds to forage, and refresh our. powers. 
 Straight from the town be sheep and oxen sought, 
 And strengthening bread and generous wine be 
 brought. 630 
 
 Wide o’er the field, high blazing to the sky, 
 
 Let numerous fires the absent sun supply, 
 
 The flaming piles with plenteous fuel raise, 
 
 Till the bright morn her purple beam displays, 
 
 Lest, in the silence and the shades of night, 635 
 Greece in her sable ships attempt her flight. 
 
 Not unmolested let the wretches gain 
 Their lofty decks, or safely cleave the main ; 
 
 Some hostile wound let every dart bestow, 
 
 Some lasting token of the Phrygian foe, 640 
 
 Wounds that long hence may ask their spouses’ 
 care, 
 
 And warn their children from a Trojan war. 
 
208 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Now through the circuit of our Ilion wall 
 Let sacred heralds sound the solemn call; 
 
 To bid the sires with hoary honours crown’d, 645 
 And beardless youths, our battlements surround. 
 Firm be the guard, while distant lie our powers, 
 
 And let the matrons hang with lights the towers ; 
 Lest, under covert of the midnight shade, 
 
 The insidious foe the naked town invade. 650 
 
 Suffice, to-night, these orders to obey; 
 
 A nobler charge shall rouse the dawning day. 
 
 The gods, I trust, shall give to Hector’s hand, 
 
 From these detested foes to free the land, 
 
 Who plough’d, with fates averse, the wat’ry way. 
 For Trojan vultures a predestined prey. 656 
 
 Our common safety must be now the care; 
 
 But soon as morning paints the fields of air, 
 Sheathed in bright arms let every troop engage, 
 
 And the fired fleet behold the battle rage. 660 
 
 Then, then shall Hector and Tydides prove 
 Whose fates are heaviest in the scale of Jove. 
 To-morrow’s light (oh haste the gloriest morn!) 
 Shall see his bloody spoils in triumph borne, 
 
 With this keen javelin shall his breast be gored, 565 
 And prostrate heroes bleed around their lord. 
 
 Certain as this, oh! might my days endure, 
 
 From age inglorious, and black death secure ; 
 
 So' might my life and glory know no bound, 
 
 Like Pallas worshipp’d, like the sun renown’d ; 670 
 As the next dawn, the last they shall enjoy, 
 
 Shall crush the Greeks, and end the woes of Troy.” 
 
 The leader spoke. From all his host around 
 Shouts of applause along the shores resound. 
 
 Each from the yoke the smoking steeds untied, 675 
 And fixed their headstalls to his chariot side. 
 
 Fat sheep and oxen from the town are led, 
 
 With generous wine, and all-sustaining bread. 
 
 Full hecatombs lay burning on the shore ; 
 
 The winds to heaven the curling vapours bore. 680 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK VIII. 
 
 209 
 
 Ungrateful offering to the immortal powers, 
 
 Whose wrath hung heavy o’er the Trojan towers; 
 Nor Priam nor his sons obtain’d their grace; 
 
 Proud Troy they hated, and her guilty race. 
 
 The troops exulting sat in order round, 685 
 
 And beaming fires illumined all the ground. 
 
 As when the moon, refulgent lamp of night! 
 
 O’er heaven’s clear azure spreads her sacred light, 
 When not a breath disturbs the deep serene, 
 
 And not a cloud o’ercasts the solemn scene; 690 
 Around her throne the vivid planets roll, 
 
 And stars unnumber’d gild the glowing pole, 
 
 O’er the dark trees a yellower verdure shed, 
 
 And tip with silver every mountain’s head; 
 
 Then shine the vales, the rocks in prospect rise, 695 
 A flood of glory bursts from all the skies: 
 
 The conscious swains, rejoicing in the sight, 
 
 Eye the blue vault, and bless the useful light. 
 
 So many flames before proud Ilion blaze, 
 
 And lighten glimmering Xanthus with their rays: 
 The long reflections of the distant fires 701 
 
 Gleam on the walls, and tremble on the spires. 
 
 A thousand piles the dusky horrors gild, 
 
 And shoot a shady lustre o’er the field. 
 
 Full fifty guards each flaming pile attend, 705 
 
 Whose umber’d arms, by fits, thick flashes send; 
 Loud neigh the coursers o’er their heaps of corn, 
 And ardent warriors wait the rising morn. 
 
 s2 
 
BOOK IX. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Embassy to Achilles. 
 
 Agamemnon, after the last day’s defeat, proposes to the Greeks 
 to quit the siege, and return to their country—Diomed opposes 
 this, and Nestor seconds him, praising his wisdom and resolu¬ 
 tion—He orders the guard to be strengthened, and a council 
 summoned to deliberate what measures are to be followed in 
 this emergency—Agamemnon pursues this advice, and Nes¬ 
 tor further prevails on him to send ambassadors to Achilles, 
 in order to move him to a reconciliation—Ulysses and Ajax 
 are made choice of, who are accompanied by old Phoenix— 
 They make, each of them, very moving and pressing speeches, 
 DUt are rejected with roughness by Achilles, who, notwith¬ 
 standing, retains Phoenix in his tent—The ambassadors return 
 unsuccessfully to the camp, and the troops betake them¬ 
 selves to sleep.—[This book, and the next following, take up 
 the space of one night, which is the twenty-seventh from the 
 beginning of the poem. The scene lies on the seashore, the 
 station of the Grecian ships.] 
 
 Thus joyful Troy maintain’d the watch of night : 
 While fear, pale comrade of the inglorious flight, 
 And'heaven-bred horror, on the Grecian part, 
 
 Sat on each face, and sadden’d every heart, 
 
 As, from its cloudy dungeon issuing forth, 5 
 
 A double tempest of the west and north 
 Swells o’er the sea, from Thracia’s frozen shore, 
 Heaps waves on waves, and bids the Aegean roar; 
 This way and that the boiling deeps are toss’d; 
 
 Such various passions urged the troubled host. 10 
 Great Agamemnon grieved above the rest: 
 
 Superior sorrows swell’d his royal breast; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK IX. 
 
 211 
 
 Himself his orders to the heralds bears, 
 
 To bid to council all the Grecian peers, 
 
 But bid in whispers: these surround their chief, 15 
 In solemn sadness, and majestic grief. 
 
 The king amid the mournful circle rose; 
 
 Down his wan cheek a briny torrent flows: 
 
 So silent fountains, from a rock’s tall head, 
 
 In sable streams soft-trickling waters shed. 20 
 With more than vulgar grief he stood oppress’d ; 
 Words, mix’d with sighs, thus bursting from his 
 breast: 
 
 “Ye sons of Greece! partake your leader’s care; 
 Fellows in arms, and princes of the war! 
 
 Of partial Jove too justly we complain, 25 
 
 And heavenly oracles believed in vain. 
 
 A safe return was promised to our toils, 
 
 With conquest honour’d, and enrich’d with spoils: 
 Now shameful flight alone can save the host; 
 
 Our wealth, our people, and our glory lost. 30 
 
 So Jove decrees, almighty lord of all! 
 
 Jove, at whose nod whole empires rise or fall, 
 
 Who shakes the feeble props of human trust. 
 
 And towers and armies humbles to the dust. 
 
 Haste then, for ever quit these fatal fields, 35 
 
 Haste to the joys our native country yields; 
 
 Spread all your canvass, all your oars employ, 
 
 Nor hope the fall of Heaven-defended Troy.” 
 
 He said: deep silence held the Grecian band; 
 Silent, unmoved, in dire dismay they stand, 40 
 A pensive scene! till Tydeus’ warlike son 
 Roll’d on the king his eyes, and thus begun: 
 
 “ When kings advise us to renounce our fame, 
 First let him speak, who first has suffer’d shame. 
 
 If I oppose thee, prince, thy wrath withhold, 45 
 The laws of council bid my tongue be bold. 
 
 Thou first, and thou alone, in fields of fight. 
 
 Durst brand my courage, and defame my might: 
 
 Nor from a friend the unkind reproach appear’d, 
 The Greeks stood witness, all our army heard. 50 
 
212 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 The gods, oh chief! from whom our honours spring, 
 The gods have made thee but by halves a king. 
 They gave thee sceptres, and a wide command, 
 They gave dominion o’er the seas and land ; 
 
 The noblest power that might the world control 55 
 They gave thee not—a brave and virtuous soul. 
 
 Is this a general’s voice, that would suggest 
 Fears like his own to every Grecian breast 1 
 Confiding in our want of worth, he stands; 
 
 And if we fly, ’tis what our king commands. 60 
 Go thou, inglorious, from the embattled plain; 
 
 Ships thou h^st store, and nearest to the main ; 
 
 A nobler care the Grecians shall employ, 
 
 To combat, conquer, and extirpate Troy. 
 
 Here Greece shall stay ; or if all Greece retire, 65 
 Myself will stay, till Troy or I expire ; 
 
 Myself and Sthenelus will fight for fame ; 
 
 God bade us fight, and ’twas with God we came.” 
 
 He ceased; the Greeks loud acclamations raise. 
 And voice to voice resounds Tydides’ praise. 70 
 Wise Nestor then his reverend figure rear’d ; 
 
 He spoke ; the host in still attention heard: 
 
 “ Oh, truly great! in whom the gods have join’d 
 Such strength of body with such force of mind; 
 
 In conduct, as in courage, you excel, 75 
 
 Still first to act what you advise so well. 
 
 Those wholesome counsels which thy wisdom moves, 
 Applauding Greece with common voice approves. 
 Kings thou canst blame ; a bold but prudent youth; 
 And blame ev’n kings with praise, because with truth. 
 And yet those years that since thy birth have run 81 
 Would hardly style thee Nestor’s youngest son. 
 Then let me add what yet remains behind, 
 
 A thought unfinish’d in that generous mind; 
 
 Age bids me speak; nor shall the advice I bring 85 
 Distaste the people or offend the king: 
 
 “ Cursed is the man, and void of law and right, 
 Unworthy property, unworthy light. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK IX. 
 
 213 
 
 Unfit for public rule, or private care; 
 
 That wretch,that monster, who delights in war: 90 
 Whose lust is murder, and whose horrid joy, 
 
 To tear his country, and his kind destroy ! 
 
 This night, refresh and fortify thy train; 
 
 Between the trench and wall let guards remain : 
 
 Be that the duty of the young and bold ; 95 
 
 But thou, oh king! to council call the old : 
 
 Great is thy sway, and weighty are thy cares; 
 
 Thy high commands must spirit all our wars. 
 
 With Thracian wines recruit thy honour’d guests, 
 For happy counsels flow from sober feasts. 100 
 Wise, weighty counsels aid a state distress’d, 
 
 And such a monarch as can choose the best. 
 
 See ! w’hat a blaze from hostile tents aspires, 
 
 How near our fleet approach the Trojan fires! 
 
 W T ho can, unmoved, behold the dreadful light 1 105 
 
 What eye beholds them, and can close to-night 1 ? 
 This dreadful interval determines all; 
 
 To-morrow Troy must flame, or Greece must fall.” 
 
 Thus spoke the hoary sage : the rest obey ; 
 
 Swift through the gates the guards direct their way. 
 His son was first to pass the lofty mound, 111 
 The generous Thrasymed, in arms renown’d; 
 
 Next him, Ascalaphus, lalmen, stood, 
 
 The double offspring of the warrior god. 
 
 Deipyrus, Aphareus, Merionjoin, 115 
 
 And Lycomed, of Creon’s noble line. 
 
 Seven were the leaders of the nightly bands, 
 
 And each bold chief a hundred spears commands. 
 The fires they light, to short repasts they fall, 
 
 Some line the trench, and others man the wall. 120 
 The king of men, on public counsels bent, 
 Convened the princes in his ample tent; 
 
 Each seized a portion of the kingly feast, 
 
 But stay’d his hand when thirst and hunger ceased. 
 Then Nestor spoke, for wisdom long approved, 125 
 And, slowly rising, thus the council moved: 
 
214 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 “ Monarch of nations ! whose superior sway 
 Assembled states and lords of earth obey, 
 
 The laws and sceptres to thy hand are given, 
 
 And millions own the care of thee and Heaven. 130 
 Oh king ! the counsels of my age attend ; 
 
 With thee my cares begin, in thee must end ; 
 
 Thee, prince! it fits alike to speak and hear, 
 Pronounce with judgment, with regard give ear, 
 
 To see no wholesome motion be withstood, 135 
 And ratify the best for public good. 
 
 Nor, though a meaner give advice, repine, 
 
 But follow it, and make the wisdom thine. 
 
 Hear then a thought, not now conceived in haste, 
 
 At once my present judgment, and my past. 140 
 When from Pelides’ tent you forced the maid, 
 
 1 first opposed, and faithful durst dissuade ; 
 
 But bold of soul, when headlong fury fired, 
 
 You wrong’d the man, by men and gods admired: 
 Now seek some means his fatal wrath to end, 145 
 With prayers to move him, or with gifts to bend.” 
 
 To whom the king: “ With justice hast thou shown 
 A prince’s faults, and I with reason own. 
 
 That happy man, whom Jove still honours most, 
 
 Is more than armies, and himself a host. 150 
 
 Bless’d in his love, this wondrous hero stands, 
 Heaven fights his war, and humbles all our bands. 
 Fain would my heart, which err’d through frantic 
 rage. 
 
 The wrathful chief and angry gods assuage. 
 
 If gifts immense his mighty soul can bow, 155 
 Hear, all ye Greeks, and witness what I vow • 
 
 Ten weighty talents of the purest gold, 
 
 And twice ten vases of refulgent mould ; 
 
 Seven sacred tripods, whose unsullied frame 
 Yet knows no office, nor hast felt the flame ; 160 
 
 Twelve steeds unmatch’d in fleetness and in force. 
 And still victorious in the dusty course; 
 
 (Rich were the man whose ample stores exceed 
 The prizes purchased by their winged speed;) 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK IX. 215 
 
 Seven lovely captives of the Lesbian line, 165 
 Skill’d m each art, unmatch’d in form divine— 
 
 The same I chose for more than vulgar charms, 
 When Lesbos sunk beneath the hero’s arms: 
 
 All these, to buy his friendship shall be paid, 
 
 And join’d with these, the long-contested maid; 170 
 With all her charms, Briseis l resign, 
 
 And solemn swear those charms were never mine; 
 Lhitouch’d she stay’d, uninjured she removes, 
 
 Pure from my arms, and guiltless of my loves. 
 These instant shall be his: and if the powers 175 
 Give to our arms proud llion’s hostile towers, 
 
 Then shall he store (when Greece the spoil divides) 
 With gold and brass his loaded navy’s sides. 
 Besides, full twenty nymphs of Trojan race 179 
 With copious love shall crown his warm embrace, 
 Such as himself will choose; who yield to none. 
 
 Or yield to Helen’s heavenly charms alone. 
 
 Yet hear me further: when our wars are o’er, 
 
 If safe we land on Argos’ fruitful shore, 
 
 There shall he live my son, our honours share, 185 
 And with Orestes’ self divide my care. 
 
 Yet more—three daughters in my court are bred, 
 And each well worthy of a royal bed; 
 
 Laodice and Iphigenia fair, 
 
 And bright Chrysothemis with golden hair; 190 
 
 Her let him choose, whom most his eyes approve; 
 
 I ask no presents, no reward for love: 
 
 Myself will give the dower ; so vast a store 
 As never father gave a child before. 
 
 Seven ample cities shall confess his sway, 195 
 Him Enope, and Pherae him obey, 
 
 Cardamyle, with ample turrets crown’d, 
 
 And sacred Pedasus, for vines renown’d; 
 
 JEpee. fair, the pastures Hira yields, 
 
 And rich Antheia, with her flowery fields: 200 
 
 The whole extent to Pylos’ sandy plain, 
 
 Along the verdant margin of the main: 
 
216 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 There heifers graze, and lab’ring oxen toil; # 
 
 Bold are the men, and gen’rous is the soil; 
 
 There shall he reign with power and justice crown’d, 
 And rule the tributary realms around. 206 
 
 All this I give, his vengeance to control, 
 
 And sure all this may move his mighty soul. 
 
 Pluto, the grisly god, who never spares, 
 
 Who feels no mercy, and who hears no prayers, 210 
 Lives dark and dreadful in deep hell’s abodes, 
 
 And mortals hate him as the worst of gods. 
 
 Great though he be, it fits him to obey; 
 
 Since more than his my years, and more my sway.” 
 
 The monarch thus: the reverend Nestor then : 
 
 “ Great Agamemnon ! glorious king of men! 216 
 
 Such are thy offers as a prince may take, 
 
 And such as fits a gen’rous king to make. 
 
 Let chosen delegates this hour be sent 
 
 (Myself will name them) to Pelides’ tent: 220 
 
 Let Phoenix lead, revered for hoary age, 
 
 Great Ajax next, and Ithacus the sage. 
 
 Yet more to sanctify the word you send, 
 
 Let Hodius and Eurybates attend. 
 
 Now pray to Jove to grant what Greece demands; 
 Pray in deep silence, and with purest hands.” 226 
 He said, and all approved. The heralds bring 
 The cleansing water from the living spring. 
 
 The youth with wine the sacred goblets crown’d, 
 And large libations drench’d the sands around. 230 
 The rite perform’d, the chiefs their thirst allay, 
 Then from the royal tent they take their way: 
 
 Wise Nestor turns on each his careful eye, 
 
 Forbids to offend, instructs them to apply : 
 
 Much he advised them all, Ulysses most, 235 
 
 To deprecate the chief, and save the host. 
 
 Through the still night they march, and hear the 
 roar 
 
 Of murmuring billows on the sounding shore. 
 
 To Neptune, ruler of the seas profound, 
 
 Whose liquid arms the mighty globe surround, 240 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK IX. 
 
 217 
 
 They pour forth vows, their embassy to bless. 
 
 And calm the rage of stern jEacides. 
 
 And now arrived, where, on the sandy bay 
 The Myrmidonian tents and vessels lay ; 
 
 Amused at ease, the godlike man they found, 245 
 Pleased with the solemn harp’s harmonious sound. 
 (The well-wrought harp from conquer’d Thebaj 
 came, 
 
 Of polish’d silver was its costly frame.) 
 
 With this he soothes his angry soul, and sings 
 The immortal deeds of heroes and of kings. 250 
 Patroelus only of the royal train, 
 
 Placed in his tent, attends the lofty strain: 
 
 Full opposite he sat, and listen’d long, 
 
 In silence waiting till he ceased the song. 
 
 Unseen the Grecian embassy proceeds 255 
 
 To his high tent; the great Ulysses leads. 
 
 Achilles starting, as the chiefs he spied, 
 
 Leap’d from his seat, and laid the harp aside. 
 
 With like surprise arose Mencetius’ son: 
 
 Pelides grasp’d their hands, and thus begun: 260 
 
 “ Princes, all hail! whatever brought you here, 
 
 Or strong necessity, or urgent fear; 
 
 Welcome, though Greeks! for not as foes ye came; 
 To me more dear than all that bear the name.” 
 
 With that, the chiefs beneath his roof he led, 265 
 And placed in seats with purple carpets spread. 
 Then thus : “ Patroelus, crown a larger bowl, • 
 
 Mix purer wine, and open every soul. 
 
 Of all the warriors yonder host can send, 
 
 Thy friend most honours these, and these thy friend.” 
 
 He said: Patroelus o’er the blazing fire 271 
 Heaps in a brazen vase three chines entire: 
 
 The brazen vase Automedon sustains, 
 
 Which flesh of porket, sheep, and goat contains: 
 Achilles at the genial feast presides, 275 
 
 The parts transfixes, and with skill divides. 
 Meanwhile Patroelus sweats the fire to raise ; 
 
 The tent is brighten’d with the rising blaze: 
 
 hom.— i.—T 
 
218 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Then, when the languid flames at length subside, 
 He strews a bed of glowing embers wide, 280 
 
 Above the coals the smoking fragments turns, 
 
 And sprinkles sacred salt from lifted urns; 
 
 With bread the glittering canisters they load, 
 Which round the board Mencetius’ son bestow’d : 
 Himself, opposed to Ulysses, full in sight, 285 
 Each portion parts, and orders every rite. 
 
 The first fat offerings, to the immortals due, 
 
 Amid the greedy flames Patroclus threw; 
 
 Then each, indulging in the social feast, 
 
 His thirst and hunger soberly repress’d. 290 
 
 That done, to Phoenix Ajax gave the sign; 
 
 Not unperceived; Ulysses crown’d with wine 
 The foaming bowl, and instant thus began, 
 
 His speech addressing to the godlike man : 
 
 “ Health to Achilles! happy are thy guests! 295 
 Not those more honour’d whom Atrides feasts: 
 Though generous plenty crown your loaded boards, 
 That Agamemnon’s regal tent affords ; 
 
 But greater cares sit heavy on our souls, 
 
 Not eased by banquets or by flowing bowls. 300 
 What scenes of slaughter in your fields appear! 
 
 The dead we mourn, and for the living fear; 
 
 Greece on the brink of fate all doubtful stands, 
 
 And owns no help but from thy saving hands: 
 
 Troy and her aids for ready vengeance call; 305 
 
 Their threatening tents already shade our wall: 
 Hear how with-shouts their conquest they proclaim, 
 And point at every ship their vengeful flame ! 
 
 For them the father of the gods declares, 
 
 Theirs are his omens, and his thunder theirs. 310 
 Gee, full of Jove, avenging Hector rise ! 
 
 See ! Heaven and earth the raging chief defies; 
 What fury in his breast, what lightning in his eyes! 
 He waits but for the morn, to sink in flame 
 The ships, the Greeks, and all the Grecian name. 315 
 Heavens! how my country’s woes distract my mind, 
 Lest fate accomplish all his rage design’d.* 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK IX. 
 
 219 
 
 And must we, gods ! our heads inglorious lay 
 In Trojan dust, and this the fatal day ? 
 
 Return, Achilles! oh return, though late, 320 
 
 To save thy Greeks, and stop the course of fate; 
 
 If in that heart or grief or courage lies, 
 
 Rise to redeem; ah yet, to conquer, rise! 
 
 The day may come, when all our warriors slain, 
 That heart shall melt, that courage rise in vain. 325 
 Regard in time, oh prince divinely brave! 
 
 Those wholesome counsels which thy father gave. 
 When Peleus in his aged arms embraced 
 His parting son, these accents were his last: 
 
 ‘ My child! with strength, with glory, and success, 
 Thy arms may Juno and Minerva bless! 331 
 
 Trust that to Heaven; but thou, thy cares engage 
 To calm thy passions and subdue thy rage : 
 
 From gentler manners let thy glory grow, 
 
 And shun contention, the sure source of wo; 335 
 
 That young and old may in thy praise combine, 
 
 The virtues of humanity be thine.* 
 
 This, now despised, advice thy father gave; 
 
 Ah! check thy anger, and be truly brave. 
 
 If thou wilt yield to great Atrides’ prayers, 340 
 Gifts worthy thee his royal hands prepares; 
 
 If not—but hear me, while I number o’er 
 The proffer’d presents, and exhaustless store. 
 
 Ten weighty talents of the purest gold, 
 
 And twice ten vases of refulgent mould ; 345 
 
 Seven sacred tripods, whose unsullied frame 
 Yet knows no office, nor has felt the flame ; 
 
 Twelve steeds unmatch’d in fleetness and in force, 
 And still victorious in the dusty course; 
 
 (Rich were the man whose ample stores exceed 350 
 The prizes purchased by their winged speed;) 
 
 Seven lovely captives of the Lesbian line, 
 
 Skill'd in each art, unmatch’d in form divine— 
 
 The same he chose for more than vulgar charms, 
 When Lesbos sunk beneath thy conquering arms. 
 
220 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 All these, to buy thy friendship shall be paid, 356 
 And join’d with these, the long-contested maid; 
 With all her charms, Briseis he’ll resign, 
 
 And solemn swear those charms were only thine; 
 Untouch’d she stay’d, uninjured she removes, 360 
 Pure from his arms, and guiltless of his loves. 
 
 These instant shall be thine ; and if the powers 
 Give to our arms proud Ilion’s hostile towers, 
 
 Then shalt thou store, when Greece the spoil divides, 
 With gold and brass thy loaded navy’s sides. 365 
 Besides, full twenty nymphs of Trojan race 
 With copious love shall crown thy warm embrace; 
 Such as thyself shalt choose; who yield to none, 
 
 Or yield to Helen’s heavenly charms alone. 
 
 Yet hear me further: when our wars are o’er, 370 
 If safe we land on Argos’ fruitful shore, 
 
 There shalt thou live his son, his honours share, 
 And with Orestes’ self divide his care. 
 
 Yet more—three daughters in his court are bred, 
 And each well worthy of a royal bed; 375 
 
 Laodice and Iphigenia fair, 
 
 And bright Chrysothemis with golden hair; 
 
 Her shalt thou wed whom most thy eyes approve, 
 He asks no presents, no reward for love: 
 
 Himself will give the dower; so vast a store 380 
 As never father gave a child before. 
 
 Seven ample cities shall confess thy sway, 
 
 Thee Enope, and Pherae thee obey, 
 
 Cardamyle, with ample turrets crown’d, 
 
 And sacred Pedasus for vines renown’d; 385 
 
 Alpea fair, the pastures Hira yields, 
 
 And rich Anthem, with her flowery fields: 
 
 The whole extent to Pylos’ sandy plain, 
 
 Along the verdant margin of the main: 
 
 There heifers graze, and lab’ring oxen toil; 390 
 
 Bold are the men, and gen’rous is the soil: 
 
 There shalt thou reign, with power and justice 
 crown'd. 
 
 And rule the tributary realms around. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK IX. 
 
 221 
 
 Such are the proffers which this day we bring, 
 
 Such the repentance of a suppliant king. 395 
 
 But if all this, relentless, thou disdain, 
 
 If honour and if interest plead in vain, 
 
 Yet some redress to suppliant Greece afford, 
 
 And be among her guardian gods adored. 
 
 If no regard thy suffering country claim, 400 
 
 Hear thy own glory, and the voice of fame: 
 
 For now that chief whose unresisted ire 
 Made nations tremble and whole hosts retire, 
 
 Proud Hector, now, the unequal fight demands. 
 
 And only triumphs to deserve thy hands.” 405 
 
 Then thus the goddess-born: “ Ulysses, hear 
 A faithful speech, that knows nor art nor fear; 
 
 What in my secret soul is understood, 
 
 My tongue shall utter, and my deeds make good. 
 
 Let Greece then know my purpose I retain: 410 
 
 Nor with new treaties vex my peace in vain. 
 
 Who dares think one thing, and another tell, 
 
 My heart detests him as the gates of hell. 
 
 “ Then thus in short my fix’d resolves attend, 
 Which nor Atrides nor his Greeks can bend; 415 
 
 Long toils, long perils, in their cause I bore, 
 
 But now the unfruitful glories charm no more. 
 
 Fight or not fight, a like reward we claim, 
 
 The wretch and hero find the prize the same ; 
 
 Alike regretted in the dust he lies, 420 
 
 Who yields ignobly, or who bravely dies. 
 
 Of all my dangers, all my glorious pains, 
 
 A life of labours, lo ! what fruit remains 1 
 As the bold bird her helpless young attends. 
 
 From danger guards them, and from want defends : 
 In search of prey she wings the spacious air, 426 
 And with the untasted food supplies her care : 
 
 For thankless Greece such hardships have I braved, 
 Her wives, her infants, by my labours saved; 
 
 Long sleepless nights in heavy arms I stood, 430 
 And sweat laborious days in dust and blood. 
 
 t2 
 
222 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 I sack’d t welve ample cities on the main, 
 
 And twelve lay smoking on the Trojan plain: 
 
 Then at Atrides’ haughty feet were laid 
 The wealth I gather’d, and the spoils I made. 435 
 Your mighty monarch these in peace possess’d; 
 Some few my soldiers had, himself the rest. 
 
 Some present too to every prince was paid; 
 
 And every prince enjoys the gift he made ; 
 
 I only must refund, of all his train ; 440 
 
 See what pre-eminence our merits gain! 
 
 My spoil alone his greedy soul delights ; 
 
 My spouse alone must bless his happy nights: 
 
 The woman let him (as he may) enjoy; 
 
 But what’s the quarrel then of Greece to Troy? 445 
 What to these shores the assembled nations draws; 
 What calls for vengeance but a woman’s cause ? 
 Are fair endowments and a beauteous face 
 Beloved by none but those of Atreus’ race ? 
 
 The wife whom choice and passion both approve, 
 Sure every wise and worthy man will love. 451 
 Nor did my fair one less distinction claim; 
 
 Slave as she was, my soul adored the dame. 
 Wrong’d in my love, all proffers I disdain ; 
 
 Deceived for once, I trust not kings again. 455 
 Ye have my answer—what remains to do, 
 
 Your king, Ulysses, may consult with you. 
 
 What needs he the defence this arm can make ? 
 
 Has he not walls no human force can shake ? 
 
 Has he not fenced his guarded navy round 460 
 With piles, with ramparts, and a trench profound? 
 And will not these (the wonders he has done) 
 
 Repel the rage of Priam’s single son 1 
 There was a time (’twas when for Greece I fought) 
 When Hector’s prowess no such wonders wrought; 
 He kept the verge of Troy, nor dared to wait 466 
 Achilles' fury at the Scaean gate ; 
 
 He tried it once, and scarce was saved by fate. 
 
 But now those ancient enmities are o’er; 
 To-morrow we the fav’ring gods implore ; 470 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK IX. 
 
 223 
 
 Then shall you see our parting vessels crown’d, 
 
 And hear with oars the Hellespont resound. 
 
 The third day hence shall Phthia greet our sails, 
 
 If mighty Neptune send propitious gales; 
 
 Phthia to her Achilles shall restore 475 
 
 The wealth he left for this detested shore: 
 
 Thither the spoils of this long war shall pass, 
 
 The ruddy gold, the steel,and shining brass; 
 
 My beauteous captives thither I’ll convey, 
 
 And all that rests of my unravish’d prey. 480 
 
 One only valued gift your tyrant gave, 
 
 And that resumed, the fair Lyrnessian slave. 
 
 Then tell him, loud, that all the Greeks may hear, 
 And learn to scorn the wretch they basely fear; 
 (For, arm’d in impudence, mankind he braves, 485 
 And meditates new cheats on all his slaves; 
 Though, shameless as he is, to face these eyes 
 Is what he dares not; if he dares, he dies;) 
 
 Tell him, all terms, all commerce I decline, 
 
 Nor share his council, nor his battle join; 490 
 
 For once deceived, was his ; but twice, were mine. 
 No—let the stupid prince, whom Jove deprives 
 Of sense and justice, run where phrensy drives; 
 
 His gifts are hateful: kings of such a kind 
 Stand but as slaves before a noble mind. 495 
 
 Not though he proffer’d all himself possess’d, 
 
 And all his rapine could from others wrest; 
 
 Not all the gulden tides of wealth that crown 
 The many-peopled Orchomenian town ; 
 
 Not all proud Thebes’ unrivall’d walls contain, 500 
 The world’s great empress on the Egyptian plain; 
 (That spreads her conquests o’er a thousand states, 
 And pours her heroes through a hundred gates, 
 
 Two hundred horsemen, and two hundred cars 
 From each wide portal issuing to the wars ;) 505 
 
 Though bribes were heap’d on bribes, in number more 
 Than dust in fields, or sands along the shore ; 
 
 Should all these offers for my friendship call; 
 
 ’Tis he that offers, and I scorn them all 
 
224 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Atrides’ daughter never shall be led 510 
 
 (An ill-match'd consort) to Achilles’ bed ; 
 
 Like golden Venus though she charm’d the heart, 
 And vied with Pallas in the works of art, 
 
 Some greater Greek let those high nuptials grace, 
 
 I hate alliance with a tyrant’s race. 515 
 
 If Heaven restore me to my realms with life, 
 
 The reverend Peleus shall elect my wife. 
 Thessalian nymphs there are, of form divine, 
 
 And kings that sue to mix their blood with mine. 
 Bless’d in kind love, my years shall glide away, 520 
 Content with just hereditary sway; 
 
 There, deaf for ever to the martial strife, 
 
 Enjoy the dear prerogative of life. 
 
 Life is not to be bought with heaps of gold ; 
 
 Not all Apollo’s Pythian treasures hold, 525 
 
 Or Troy once held, in peace and pride of sway, 
 
 Can bribe the poor possession of a day ! 
 
 Lost herds and treasures we by arms regain, 
 
 And steeds unrivall’d on the dusty plain: 
 
 But from our lips the vital spirit fled, 530 
 
 Returns no more to wake the silent dead. 
 
 My fates long since by Thetis were disclosed, 
 
 And each alternate, life or fame, proposed; 
 
 Here if I stay, before the Trojan town, 
 
 Short is my date, but deathless my renown: 535 
 
 If l return, I quit immortal praise 
 For years on years, and long-extended days. 
 Convinced, though late, 1 find my fond mistake, 
 
 And warn the Greeks the wiser choice to make: 
 
 To quit these shores, their native seats enjoy, 540 
 Nor hope the fall of Heaven-defended Troy. 
 
 Jove’s arm display’d asserts her from the skies ; 
 
 Her hearts are strengthen’d, and her glories rise. 
 
 Go then, to Greece report our fix’d design; 
 
 Bjd all your councils, all your armies join, 545 
 Let all your forces, all your arts conspire 
 To save the ships, the troops, the chiefs, from fire. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK IX. 
 
 225 
 
 One stratagem has fail’d, and others will: 
 
 Ye find Achilles is unconquer’d still. 
 
 Go then, digest my message as you may; 55l> 
 
 But here this night let reverend Phoenix stay: 
 
 His tedious toils and hoary hairs demand 
 A peaceful death in Phthia’s friendly land. 
 
 But whether he remain, or sail with me, 
 
 His age be sacred, and his will be free.” 555 
 
 The son of Peleus ceased : the chiefs around 
 In silence wrapp’d, in consternation drown’d, 
 
 Attend the stern reply. Then Phoenix rose ; 
 
 (Down his white beard a stream of sorrow flows ;) 
 And while the fate of suffering Greece he mourn’d, 
 With accent weak these tender words return’d: 561 
 “ Divine Achilles! wilt thou then retire, 
 
 And leave our hosts in blood, our fleets on fire 1 
 If wrath so dreadful fill thy ruthless mind, 
 
 How shall thy friend, thy Phoenix, stay behind! 565 
 The royal Peleus, when from Phthia’s coast 
 He sent thee early to the Achaian host, 
 
 Thy youth as then in sage debates unskill’d, 
 
 And new to perils of the direful field, 
 
 He bade me teach thee all the ways of war; 570 
 
 To shine in councils, and in camps to dare. 
 
 Never, ah never, let me leave thy side ! 
 
 No time shall part us, and no fate divide. 
 
 Not though the God, that breath’d my life, restore 
 The bloom I boasted, and the port I bore, 575 
 When Greece of old beheld my youthful flames,. 
 (Delightful Greece, the land of lovely dames!) 
 
 My father, faithless to my mother’s arms, 
 
 Old as he was, adored a stranger’s charms. 
 
 I tried what youth could do, at her desire, 580 
 To win the damsel, and prevent my sire. 
 
 My sire with curses loads my hated head, 
 
 And cries, 4 Ye furies! barren be his bed.’ 
 
 Infernal Jove, the vengeful fiends below r , 
 
 And ruthless Proserpine, confirm his vow. 585 
 
226 
 
 IIOMER 
 
 Despair and grief distract my lab’ring mind! 
 
 Gods ! what a crime my impious heart design’d! 
 
 I thought (but some kind god that thought suppres’d) 
 To plunge the poniard in my father’s breast: 
 
 Then meditate my flight: my friends in vain 590 
 With prayers entreat me, and with force detain. 
 
 On fat of rams, black bulls, and brawny swine, 
 
 They daily feast, with draughts of fragrant wine: 
 Strong guards they placed, and watch’d nine nights 
 entire; • 594 
 
 The roofs and porches flamed with constant fire. 
 The tenth, I forced the gates unseen of all; 
 
 And, favour’d by the night, o’erleap’d the wall. 
 
 My travels thence through spacious Greece extend; 
 In Phthia’s court at last my labours end. 
 
 Your sire received me, as his son caress’d, 600 
 With gifts enrich’d, and with possessions bless’d. 
 The strong Dolopians thenceforth own’d my reign, 
 And all the coast that runs along the main. 
 
 By love to thee his bounties I repaid, 
 
 And early wisdom to thy soul convey’d: 605 
 
 Great as thou art, my lessons made thee brave, 
 
 A child I took thee, but a hero gave. 
 
 Thy infant breast a like affection show’d; 
 
 Still in my arms, (an ever-pleasing load,) 
 
 Or at my knee by Phoenix wouldst thou stand; 610 
 No food was grateful but from Phoenix’s hand. 
 
 I pass my watchings o’er thy helpless years, 
 
 The tender labours, the compliant cares; 
 
 The gods, I thought, reversed their hard decree, 
 
 And Phoenix felt a father’s joys in thee : 
 
 Thy growing virtues justified my cares ; 
 
 And promised comfort to my silver hairs. 
 
 Now be thy rage, thy fatal rage, resign’d; 
 
 A cruel heart ill suits a manly mind: 
 
 The gods, the only great, and only wise, 
 
 Are moved by offerings, vows, and sacrifice ; 
 Offending man their high compassion wins, 
 
 And daily prayers atone for daily sins. 
 
 615 
 
 620 
 
 * 
 
 t 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK IX. 
 
 227 
 
 Prayers are Jove’s daughters, of celestial race, 
 
 Lame are their feet, and wrinkled is their face ; 625 
 With humble mien and with dejected eyes, 
 
 Constant they follow where injustice flies : 
 
 Injustice, swift, erect, and unconfined, 
 
 Sweeps the wide earth, and tramples o’er mankind. 
 While prayers, to heal her wrongs, move slow be¬ 
 hind. 630 
 
 Who hears these daughters of almighty Jove, 
 
 For him they mediate to the throne above: 
 
 When man rejects the humble suit they make, 
 
 The sire revenges for the daughters’ sake; 
 
 From Jove commission’d, fierce Injustice then 635 
 Descends, to punish unrelenting men. 
 
 Oh, let not headlong passion bear the sway; 
 
 These reconciling goddesses obey : 
 
 Due honours to the seed of Jove belong: 639 
 
 Due honours calm the fierce, and bend the strong. 
 Were these not paid thee by the terms we bring, 
 Were rage still harbour’d in the haughty king; 
 
 Nor Greece, nor all her fortunes should engage 
 Thy friend to plead against so just a rage. 
 
 But since what honour asks, the general sends, 645 
 And sends by those whom most thy heart commends, 
 The best and noblest of the Grecian train; 
 
 Permit not these to sue, and sue in vain ! 
 
 Let me, my son, an ancient fact unfold, 
 
 A great example drawn from times of old ; 650 
 
 Hear what our fathers were, and what their praise 
 Who conquer’d their revenge in former days. 
 
 “ Where Calydon on rocky mountains stands, 
 Once fought the AStolian and Curetian bands; 
 
 To guard it those, to conquer these advance ; 655 
 
 And mutual deaths were dealt with mutual chance. 
 The silver Cynthia bade Contention rise, 
 
 In vengeance of neglected sacrifice; 
 
 On CEneus’ fields she sent a monstrous boar, 
 
 That levell’d harvests, and whole forests tore ; 660 
 
228 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 This beast (when many a chief his tusks had slain) 
 Great Meleager stretch’d along the plain. 
 
 Then for his spoils a new debate arose, 
 
 The neighbour nations thence commencing foes. 
 Strong as they were, the bold Curetes fail’d, 665 
 While Meleager’s thundering arm prevail’d: 
 
 Till rage at length inflamed his lofty breast— 
 
 (For rage invades the wisest and the best.) 
 
 Cursed by Althaea, to his wrath he yields, 
 
 And in his wife’s embrace forgets the fields. 670 
 ‘ She from Marpessa sprung, divinely fair, 
 
 And matchless Idas, more than man in war; 
 
 The god of day adored the mother’s charms: 
 Against the god the father bent his arms : 
 
 The afflicted pair, their sorrows to proclaim, 675 
 From Cleopatra changed this daughter’s name, 
 
 And call’d Alcyone ; a name to show 
 
 The father’s grief, the mourning mother’s wo.* 
 
 To her the chief retired from stem debate, 
 
 But found no peace from fierce Althaea’s hate: 680 
 
 Althaea’s hate the unhappy warrior drew, 
 
 Whose luckless hand his royal uncle slew; 
 
 She beat the ground, and call’d the powers beneath 
 On her own son to wreak her brother’s death : 
 
 Hell heard her curses from the realms profound, 685 
 And the red fiends that walk the nightly round. 
 
 In vain iEtolia her deliverer waits, 
 
 War shakes her walls and thunders at her gates. 
 
 She sent ambassadors, a chosen band, 
 
 Priests of the gods, and elders of the land; 690 
 
 Besought the chief to save the sinking state : 
 
 Their prayers were urgent, and their proffers great: 
 (Full fifty acres of the richest ground, 
 
 Half pasture green, and half with vineyards crown’d.) 
 His suppliant father, aged (Eneus, came; 695 
 
 His sisters follow’d; ev’n the vengeful dame, 
 Althaea, sues ; his friends before him fall: 
 
 He stands relentless, and rejects them all. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK IX. 
 
 229 
 
 Meanwhile the victors’ shouts ascend the skies; 
 The walls are scaled; the rolling flames arise : 700 
 At length his wife, a form divine, appears, 
 
 With piercing cries and supplicating tears; 
 
 She paints the horrors of a conquer’d town, 
 
 The heroes slain, the palaces o’erthrown, 
 
 The matrons ravish’d, the whole race enslaved : 705 
 The warrior heard, he vanquish’d, and he saved. 
 
 The iEtolians, long disdain’d, now took their turn, 
 And left the chief their broken faith to mourn. 
 
 Learn hence, betimes to curb pernicious ire, 
 
 Nor stay till yonder fleets ascend in fire; 710 
 
 Accept the presents ; draw thy conquering sword, 
 And be among our guardian gods adored.” 
 
 Thus he: the stern Achilles thus replied : 
 
 “ My second father, and my reverend guide! 
 
 Thy friend, believe me, no such gifts demands, 715 
 And asks no honours from a mortal’s hands: 
 
 Jove honours me, and favours my designs; 
 
 His pleasure guides me, and his will confines: 
 
 And here I stay, if such his high behest, 
 
 While life’s warm spirit beats within my breast. 720 
 Yet hear one word, and lodge it in thy heart: 
 
 No more molest me on Atrides’ part: 
 
 Is it for him these tears are taught to flow, 
 
 For him these sorrows 1 for my mortal foe? 
 
 A generous friendship no cold medium knows, 725 
 Burns with one love, with one resentment glows; 
 One should our interests and our passions be; 
 
 My friend must hate the man that injures me. 
 
 Do this, my Phoenix, ’tis a generous part, 
 
 And share my realms, my honours, and my heart. 
 
 Let these return; our voyage, or our stay, 731 
 Rest undetermined till the dawning day.” 
 
 He ceased: then order’d for the sage’s bed 
 A warmer couch with numerous carpets spread. 
 
 With that stern Ajax his long silence broke, 735 
 And thus, impatient, to Ulysses spoke: 
 pom.— i.—u 
 
230 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 “ Hence let us go ; why waste we time m vain 1 
 See what effect our low submissions gain ! 
 
 Liked or not liked, his words we must relate, 
 
 The Greeks expect them, and our heroes wait. 740 
 
 Proud as he is, that iron heart retains 
 
 Its stubborn purpose, and his friends disdains. 
 
 Stern and .unpitying ! If a brother bleed, 
 
 On just atonement, we remit the deed ; 
 
 A sire the slaughter of his son forgives; 745 
 
 The price of blood discharged, the murderer lives: 
 The haughtiest hearts at length their rage resign, 
 And gifts can conquer every soul but thine. 
 
 The gods that unrelenting breast have steel’d, 
 
 And cursed thee with a mind that cannot yield. 750 
 One woman slave was ravish’d from thy arms: 
 
 Lo! seven are offer’d, and of equal charms. 
 
 Then hear, Achilles! be of better mind ; 
 
 Revere thy roof, and to thy guests be kind; 
 
 And know the men, of all the Grecian host, 755 
 Who honour worth, and prize thy valour most.” 
 
 “ Oh soul of battles, and thy people’s guide!” 
 
 (To Ajax thus the first of Greeks replied :) 
 
 “ Well hast thou spoke ! but at the tyrant’s name 
 My rage rekindles, and my soul’s on flame : 760 
 
 ’Tis just resentment, and becomes the brave; 
 Disgraced, dishonour’d, like the vilest slave ! 
 
 Return then, heroes! and our answer bear: 
 
 The glorious combat is no more my care; 
 
 Not till, amid yon sinking navy slain, 765 
 
 The blood of Greeks shall die the sable main ; 
 
 Not till the flames, by Hector’s fury thrown, 
 Consume your vessels, and approach my own; 
 
 Just there the impetuous homicide shall stand, 
 There cease his battle, and there feel our hand.” 770 
 This said, each prince a double goblet crown’d, 
 And cast a large libation on the ground; 
 
 Then to their vessels, through the gloomy shades, 
 The chiefs return; divine Ulysses leads. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK IX. 231 
 
 Meantime Achilles’ slaves prepared a bed, 775 
 
 With fleeces,-carpets, and soft linen spread : 
 
 There, till the sacred morn restored the day, 
 
 In slumbers sweet the reverend Phoenix lay. 
 
 But in his inner tent, an ampler space, 
 
 Achilles slept; and in his warm embrace 780 
 
 Fair Diomede of the Lesbian race. 
 
 Last, for Patroclus was the couch prepared, 
 
 Whose nightly joys the beauteous Iphis shared ; 
 Achilles to his friend consign’d her charms, 
 
 When Scyros fell before his conquering arms. 785 
 And now the elected chiefs, whom Greece had 
 sent, 
 
 Pass’d through the hosts, and reach’d the royal tent. 
 Then rising all, with goblets in their hands, 
 
 The peers, and leaders of the Achaian bands 
 Hail’d their return : Atrides first begun : 790 
 
 “ Say, what success, divine Laertes’ son l 
 Achilles’ high resolves declare to all; 
 
 Returns the chief, or must our navy fall 1” 
 
 “ Great king of nations !” Ithacus replied, 
 
 “ Fix’d is his wrath, unconquer’d is his pride ; 795 
 
 He slights thy friendship, thy proposals scorns, 
 
 And thus implored, with fiercer fury burns. 
 
 To save our army, and our fleets to free, 
 
 Is not his care, but left to Greece and thee. 799 
 Your eyes shall view, when morning paints the sky, 
 Beneath his oars the whitening billows fly : 
 
 Us too he bids our oars and sails employ, 
 
 Nor hope the fall of Heaven-protected Troy; 
 
 For Jove o’ershades her with his arm divine, 
 
 Inspires her war, and bids her glory shine. 805 
 Such was his word : what farther he declared, 
 
 These sacred heralds and great Ajax heard. 
 
 But Phoenix in his tent the chief retains, 
 
 Safe to transport him to his native plains, 
 
 When morning dawns : if other he decree, 810 
 His age is sacred, and his choice is free.” 
 
232 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Ulysses ceased: the great Achaianhost, 
 
 With sorrow seized, in consternation lost, 
 
 Attend the stern reply. Tydides broke 
 The general silence, and undaunted spoke : 815 
 
 “ Why should we gifts to proud Achilles send 1 
 Or strive with prayers his haughty soul to bend ? 
 His country’s woes he glories to deride, 
 
 And prayers will burst that swelling heart with pride. 
 Be the fierce impulse of his rage obey’d; 820 
 
 Our battles let him or desert or aid ; 
 
 Then let him arm when Jove or he think fit; 
 
 That, to his madness, or to Heaven commit: 
 
 What for ourselves we can, is always ours ; 
 
 This night let due repast refresh our powers : 825 
 
 (For strength consists in spirits and in blood, 
 
 And those are owed to generous wine and food:) 
 But when the rosy messenger of day 
 Strikes the blue mountains with her golden ray, 
 Ranged at the ships, let all our squadrons shine, 830 
 In flaming arms, a long extended line : 
 
 In the dread front let great Atrides stand, 
 
 The first in danger, as in high command.” 
 
 Shouts of acclaim the list’ning heroes raise, 
 
 Then each to Heaven the due libations pays; 835 
 
 Till sleep, descending o’er the tents, bestows 
 The grateful blessings of desired repose. 
 
BOOK X. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Night Adventure of Diomed and Ulysses. 
 
 On the refusal of Achilles to return to the army, the distress of 
 Agamemnon is described in the most lively manner—He takes 
 no rest that night., but passes through the camp, awaking the 
 leaders, and contriving all possible methods for the public 
 safety—Menelaus, Nestor, Ulysses, and Diomed are em¬ 
 ployed in raising the rest of the captains—They call a council 
 of war, and determine to send scouts into the enemy’s camp, 
 to learn their posture, and discover their intentions —Diomed 
 undertakes this hazardous enterprise, and makes choice of 
 Ulysses for his companion—In their passage they surprise 
 Dolon, whom Hector had sent on a like design to the camp 
 of the Grecians—From him they are informed of the situation 
 of the Trojan and auxiliary forces, and particularly of Rhesus, 
 and the Thracians who were lately arrived—They pass on 
 with success ; kill Rhesus, with several of his officers, and 
 seize the famous horses of that prince, with which they return 
 in triumph to the camp.—[The same night continues. The 
 scene lies in the two camps.] 
 
 All night the chiefs before the vessels lay, 
 
 And lost in sleep the labours of the day : 
 
 All but the king; with various thoughts oppress’d, 
 His country’s cares lay rolling in his breast. 
 
 As when, by lightnings, Jove’s ethereal power 5 
 Foretels the rattling hail or weighty shower, 
 
 Or sends soft snows to whiten all the shore, 
 
 Oj* bids the brazen throat of war to roar ; 
 
 By fits one flash succeeds as one expires, 
 
 And heaven flames thick with momentary fires: 10 
 
 u 2 
 
234 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 So bursting frequent from Atrides’ breast, 
 
 Sighs following sighs his inward fears confess’d. 
 Now o’er the fields, dejected he surveys 
 From thousand Trojan fires the mountain blaze; 
 Hears in the passing wind their music blow, 15 
 And marks distinct the voices of the foe. 
 
 Now looking backward to the fleet and coast, 
 Anxious he sorrows for the endanger’d host. 
 
 He rends his hairs in sacrifice to Jove, 
 
 And sues to him that ever lives above: 20 
 
 Inly he groans; while glory and despair 
 Divide his heart, and wage a doubtful war. 
 
 A thousand cares his labouring breast resolves; 
 
 To seek sage Nestor now the chief rest ,es, 
 
 With him, in wholesome counsels to debate 25 
 What yet remains to save the afflicted state. 
 
 He rose; and first he cast his mantle round, 
 
 Next on his feet the shining sandals bound ; 
 
 A lion’s yellow spoils his back conceal’d; 
 
 His warlike hand a pointed javelin held. 30 
 
 Meanwhile his brother, press’d with equal woes, 
 Alike denied the gifts of soft repose, 
 
 Laments for Greece ; that in his cause before 
 So much had suffer’d, and must suffer more. 
 
 A leopard’s spotted hide his shoulders spread ; 35 
 
 A brazen helmet glitter’d on his head : 
 
 Thus, with a javelin in his hand, he went 
 To wake Atrides in the royal tent. 
 
 Already waked, Atrides he descried, 
 
 His armour buckling at his vessel’s side. 40 
 
 Joyful they met; the Spartan thus begun: 
 
 “Why puts my brother his bright armour on? 
 
 Sends he some spy, amid the silent hours, 
 
 To try yon camp, and watch the Trojan powers? 
 
 But say, what hero shall sustain that task, 45 
 
 Such bold exploits uncommon courage ask; 
 Guideless, alone, through night’s dark shade to go, 
 And mid a hostile camp explore the foe.” 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK X. 
 
 235 
 
 To whom the king: “ In such distress we stand, 
 No vulgar counsels our affairs demand: 50 
 
 Greece to preserve is now no easy part, 
 
 But asks high wisdom, deep design, and art. 
 
 For Jove averse our humble prayer denies, 
 
 And bows his head to Hector’s sacrifice. 
 
 What eye has witness’d, or what ear believed, 55 
 In one great day, by one great arm achieved, 
 
 Such wondrous deeds as Hector’s hand has done, 
 And we beheld, the last revolving sun t 
 What honours the beloved of Jove adorn ! 
 
 Sprung from no god, and of no goddess born, 60 
 Yet such his acts, as Greeks unborn shall tell, 
 
 And curse the battle where their fathers fell. 
 
 “ Now speed thy hasty course along the fleet, 
 There call great Ajax, and the prince of Crete : 
 Ourself to hoary Nestor will repair; 65 
 
 To keep the guards on duty, be his care: 
 
 (For Nestor’^influence best that quarter guides, 
 Whose son with Merion o’er the watch presides.”) 
 To whom the Spartan : These thy orders borne, 
 Say, shall I stay, or with despatch return ?” 70 
 
 “ There shalt thou stay,” the king of men replied, 
 
 “ Else may we miss to meet, without a guide, 
 
 The paths so many, and the camp so wide. 
 
 Still, with your voice, the slothful soldiers raise, 
 Urge, by their fathers’ fame, their future praise. 75 
 Forget we now our state and lofty birth ; 
 
 Not titles here, but works, must prove our worth. 
 To labour is the lot of man below ; 
 
 And when Jove gave us life, he gave us wo.” 
 
 This said, each parted to his several cares : 80 
 
 The king to Nestor’s sable ship repairs: 
 
 The sage protector of the Greeks he found 
 Stretch’d in his bed, with all his arms around ; 
 
 The various-colour’d scarf, the shield he rears, 
 
 The shining helmet, and the pointed spears : 85 
 
 The dreadful weapons of the warrior’s rage. 
 
 That, old in arms, disdain’d the peace of age. 
 
236 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Then leaning on his hand his watchful head, 
 
 The hoary monarch raised his eyes, and said : 
 
 “ What art thou ? speak, that on designs unknown, 
 While others sleep, thus range the camp alone 1 9i 
 Seek’st thou some friend, or nightly sentinel? 
 
 Stand off, approach not, but thy purpose tell.” 
 
 “ Oh son of Neleus !” thus the king rejoin’d, 
 
 “ Pride of the Greeks, and glory of thy kind! 95 
 
 Lo here the wretched Agamemnon stands, 
 
 The unhappy general of the Grecian bands ; 
 
 Whom Jove decrees with daily cares to bend, 
 
 And woes, that only with his life shall end ! 
 
 Scarce can my knees these trembling limbs sustain, 
 And scarce my heart support its load of pain. 101 
 No taste of sleep these heavy eyes have known; 
 Confused, and sad, I wander thus alone. 
 
 With fears distracted, with no fix’d design ; 
 
 And all my people’s miseries are mine. 105 
 
 If aught of use thy waking thoughts suggest, 
 
 (Since cares, like mine, deprive thy soul of rest,) 
 Impart thy counsel, and assist thy friend ; 
 
 Now let us jointly to the trench descend, 
 
 At every gate the fainting guard excite, 110 
 
 Tired with the toils of day and watch of night: 
 
 Else may the sudden foe our works invade, 
 
 So near, and favour’d by the gloomy shade.” 
 
 To him thus Nestor: “Trust the powers above, 
 Nor think proud Hector’s hopes confirm’d by Jove : 
 How ill agree the views of vain mankind, 116 
 
 And the wise counsels of the eternal mind 1 
 Audacious Hector, if the gods ordain, 
 v That great Achilles rise and rage again, 
 
 What toils attend thee, and what woes remain! 120 
 Lo, faithful Nestor thy command obeys; 
 
 The care is next our other chiefs to raise: 
 
 Ulysses, Diomed, we chiefly need ; 
 
 Meges for strength, Oileus famed for speed. 
 
 Some other be despatch’d of nimbler feet, 125 
 To those tall ships, remotest of the fleet, 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK X. 
 
 237 
 
 Where lie great Ajax, and the King of Crete. 
 
 To rouse the Spartan I myself decree ; 
 
 Dear as he is to us, and dear to thee, 
 
 Yet must I tax his sloth, that claims no share 130 
 With his great brother in his martial care : 
 
 Him it behooved to every chief to sue, 
 
 Preventing every part perform’d by you ; 
 
 For strong necessity our toils demands, 
 
 Claims all our hearts, and urges all our hands.” 135 
 To whom the king: “ With reverence we allow 
 Thy just rebukes, yet learn to spare them now. 
 
 My generous brother is of gentle kind, 
 
 He seems remiss, but bears a valiant mind; 
 Through too much deference to our sovereign sway, 
 Content to follow when we lead the way. 141 
 But now, our ills industrious to prevent, 
 
 Long ere the rest, he rose and sought my tent. 
 
 The chiefs you named, already at his call, 
 
 Prepare to meet us near the navy wall; 145 
 
 Assembling there, between the trench and gates, 
 Near the night guards, our chosen counsel waits.” 
 
 “ Then none,” said Nestor, “ shall his rule with¬ 
 stand, 
 
 For great examples justify command.” 
 
 With that the venerable warrior rose ; 150 
 
 The shining greaves his manly legs enclose ; 
 
 His purple mantle golden buckles join’d, 
 
 Warm with the softest wool, and doubly lined. 
 Then, rushing from his tent, he snatch’d in haste 
 His steely lance, that lighten’d as he pass’d. 155 
 The camp he traversed through the sleeping crowd. 
 Stopp’d at Ulysses’ tent, and call’d aloud. 
 
 Ulysses, sudden as the voice he sent, 
 
 Awakes, starts up, and issues from his tent. 
 
 “ What new distress, what sudden cause of fright, 
 Thus leads you wandering in the silent night 1” 161 
 “Oh prudent chief!” the Pylian sage replied, 
 
 “ Wise as thou art, be now thy wisdom tried: 
 
238 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Whatever means of safety can be sought, 
 
 Whatever counsels can inspire our thought, 165 
 Whatever methods, or to fly or fight; 
 
 All, all depend on this important night!” 
 
 He heard, return’d, and took his painted shield; 
 Then join’d the chiefs, and follow’d through the field. 
 Without his tent, bold Diomed they found, 170 
 All sheath’d in arms, his brave companions round: 
 Each sunk in sleep, extended on the field, 
 
 His head reclining on his bossy shield. 
 
 A wood of spears stood by, that, fix’d upright, 
 
 Shot from their flashing points a quivering light. 175 
 A bull’s black hide composed the hero’s bed ; 
 
 A splendid carpet roll’d beneath his head. 
 
 Then, with his foot, old Nestor gently shakes 
 The slumbering chief, and in these words awakes: 
 
 “ Rise, son of Tydeus! to the brave and strong 180 
 Rest seems inglorious, and the night too long. 
 
 But sleep’st thou now 1 when from yon hill the foe 
 Hangs o’er the fleet, and shades our walls below 1” 
 At this, soft slumber from his eyelids fled; 
 
 The warrior saw the hoary chief, and said : 185 
 
 “ Wondrous old man ! whose soul no respite knows, 
 Though years and honours bid thee seek repose. 
 
 Let younger Greeks our sleeping warriors wake: 
 
 Ill fits thy age these toils to undertake.” 189 
 
 “ My friend,” he answer’d, “generous is thy care, 
 These toils, my subjects and my sons might bear; 
 Their loyal thoughts and pious love conspire 
 To ease a sovereign, and relieve a sire. 
 
 But now the last despair surrounds our host: 
 
 No hour must pass, no moment must be lost: 195 
 
 Each single Greek in this conclusive strife, 
 
 Stands on the sharpest edge of death or life : 
 
 Yet, if my years thy kind regard engage, 
 
 Employ thy youth as I employ my age; 
 
 Succeed to these my cares, and rouse the rest; 200 
 He serves me most, who serves his country best.” 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK X. 
 
 239 
 
 This said, the hero o’er his shoulders flung 
 A lion’s spoils, that to his ankles hung; 
 
 Then seized his ponderous lance, and strode along. 
 Meges the bold, with Ajax famed for speed, 205 
 The warrior roused, and to the intrenchments led. 
 
 And now the chiefs approach the nightly guard; 
 
 A wakeful squadron, each in arms prepared: 
 
 The unwearied watch their listening leaders keep, 
 And, couching close, repel invading sleep. 210 
 
 So faithful dogs their fleecy charge maintain, 
 
 With toil protected from the prowling train ; 
 
 When the gaunt lioness, with hunger bold, 
 
 Springs from the mountains towards the guarded 
 fold; 
 
 Through breaking woods her rustling course they 
 hear; 215 
 
 Loud, and more loud, the clamours strike their ear 
 Of hounds and men ; they start, they gaze around, 
 Watch every side, and turn to every sound. 
 
 Thus watch’d the Grecians, cautious of surprise, 
 Each voice, each motion, drew their ears and eyes; 
 Each step of passing feet increased the affright; 221 
 And hostile Troy was ever full in sight. 
 
 Nestor with joy the wakeful band survey’d, 
 
 And thus accosted through the gloomy shade : 
 
 “ ’Tis well, my sons ! your nightly cares employ; 
 Else must our host become the scorn of Troy. 226 
 Watch thus, and Greece shall live.” The hero said ; 
 Then o’er the trench the following chieftains led. 
 
 His son, and godlike Merion, march’d behind. 
 
 (For these the princes to their council join’d.) 230 
 The trenches pass’d, the assembled kings around 
 In silent state the consistory crown’d. 
 
 A place there was yet undefiled with gore, 
 
 The spot where Hector stopp’d his rage before ; 
 When night descending, from his vengeful hand 235 
 Reprieved the relics of the Grecian band : 
 
 (The plain beside with mangled corps was spread, 
 And all his progress mark’d by heaps of dead.) 
 
240 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 There sat the mournful kings; when Neleus’ son 
 The council opening, in these words begun: 240 
 
 “ Is there,” said he, “ a chief so greatly brave, 
 
 His life to hazard, and his country save ? 
 
 Lives there a man, who singly dares to go 
 To yonder camp, or seize some straggling foe ? 
 
 Or, favour’d by the night, approach so near, 245 
 Their speech, their counsels, and designs to hear? 
 
 If to besi ge our navies they prepare, 
 
 Or Troy once more must be the seat of war? 
 
 This could he learn, and to our peers recite, 
 
 And pass unharm’d the dangers of the night; 250 
 
 What fame were his through all succeeding days, 
 While Phoebus shines, or men have tongues to 
 praise! 
 
 What gifts his grateful country would bestow! 
 
 What must not Greece to her deliverer owe! 
 
 A sable ewe each leader should provide, 255 
 
 With each a sable lambkin by her side ; 
 
 At every rite his share should be increased, 
 
 And his the foremost honours of the feast.” 
 
 Fear held them mute: alone untaught to fear, 
 Tydides spoke : “ The man you seek is here. 260 
 Through yon black camps to bend my dangerous 
 way, 
 
 Some god within commands, and I obey. 
 
 But let some other chosen warrior join, 
 
 To raise my hopes, and second my design. 
 
 By mutual confidence, and mutual aid, 265 
 
 Great deeds are done, and great discoveries nude; 
 The wise new prudence from the wise acquire, 
 
 And one brave hero fans another’s fire.” 
 
 Contending leaders at the word arose; 
 
 Each generous breast with emulation glows: 270 
 
 So brave a task each Ajax strove to share, 
 
 Bold Merion strove, and Nestor’s valiant heir; 
 
 The Spartan wish’d the second place to gain, 
 
 And great Ulysses wish’d, nor wish’d in vain. 
 
ILIAD.—BOCtfC X. 
 
 241 
 
 Then thus the king of men the contest ends : 275 
 
 “ Thou first of warriors, and thou best of friends, 
 Undaunted Diomed! what chief to join 
 In this great enterprise, is only thine. 
 
 Just be thy choice, without affection made; 
 
 To birth or office no respect be paid; 280 
 
 Let worth determine here.” The monarch spake, 
 And inly trembled for his brother’s sake. 
 
 “ Then thus,” the godlike Diomed rejoin’d, 
 
 “ My choice declares the impulse of my mind. 
 
 How can I doubt while great Ulysses stands 285 
 To lend his counsels, and assist our hands'? 
 
 A chief, whose safety is Minerva’s care; 
 
 So famed, so dreadful in the works of war: 
 
 Bless’d in his conduct, I no aid require; 
 
 Wisdom like his might pass through flames of fire.” 
 
 “ It fits thee not, before these chiefs of fame,” 291 
 Replied the sage, “ to praise me or to blame: 
 
 Praise from a friend, or censure from a foe, 
 
 Are lost on hearers that our merits know\ 
 
 But let us haste—night rolls the hours away, 295 
 The redd’ning orient shows the coming day, 
 
 The stars shine fainter on the ethereal plains, 
 
 And of night’s empire but a third remains.” 
 
 Thus having spoke, with generous ardour press’d, 
 In arms terrific their huge limbs they dress’d. 300 
 A two-edged falchion Thrasymed the brave, 
 
 And ample buckler, to Tydides gave: 
 
 Then in a leathern helm he cased his head, 
 
 Short of its crest, and with no plume o’erspread: 
 (Such as by youths unused to arms are worn; 305 
 
 No spoils enrich it, and no studs adorn.) 
 
 Next him Ulysses took a shining sword, 
 
 A bow, and quiver with bright arrows stored : 
 
 A well-proved casque, with leather braces bound, 
 (Thy gift, Meriones,) his temples crown’d: 310 
 
 Soft wool within; without, in order spread, 
 
 A boar’s white teeth grinn’d horrid o’er his head. 
 hom.— i.—x 
 
242 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 This from Amyntor, rich Ormenus’ son, 
 
 Autolycus by fraudful rapine won, 
 
 And gave Amphidamus; from him the prize 315 
 Molus received, the pledge of social ties ; 
 
 The helmet next by Merion was possess’d, 
 
 And now Ulysses’ thoughtful temples press’d. 
 
 Thus sheath’d in arms, the council they forsake, 
 
 And dark through paths oblique their progress take. 
 Just then, in sign she favour'd their intent, 321 
 A long-wing’d heron great Minerva sent r 
 This, though surrounding shades obscured their 
 view, 
 
 By the shrill clang and whistling wings, they knew. 
 As from the right she soar’d, Ulysses pray’d, 325 
 Hail’d the glad omen, and address’d the maid: 
 
 “ Oh daughter of that god, whose arm can wield 
 The avenging bolt, and shake the dreadful shield! 
 
 Oh thou ! for ever present in my way, 
 
 Who all my motions, all my toils survey! 330 
 
 Safe may we pass beneath the gloomy shade, 
 
 Safe by thy succour to our ships convey’d! 
 
 And let some deed this signal night adorn, 
 
 To claim the tears of Trojans yet unborn.” 
 
 Then godlike Diomed preferr’d his prayer; 335 
 
 “ Daughter of Jove, unconquer’d Pallas! hear. 
 
 Great queen of arms, whose favour Tydeus won, 
 
 As thou defend’st the sire, defend the son. 
 
 When on jEsopus’ banks the banded powers 
 Of Greece he left, and sought the Theban towers, 
 Peace was his charge ; received with peaceful 
 show, 341 
 
 He went a legate, but return’d a foe: 
 
 Then help’d by thee, and cover’d by thy shield. 
 
 He fought with numbers, and made numbers yield. 
 
 So now be present, oh celestial maid! 345 
 
 So still continue to the race thine aid! 
 
 A youthful steer shall fall beneath the stroke, 
 Untamed, unconscious of the galling yoke, 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK X. 
 
 243 
 
 With ample forehead, and with spreading horns, 
 Whose taper tops refulgent gold adorns.” 350 
 
 The heroes pray'd, and Pallas from the skies 
 Accords their vow, succeeds their enterprise. 
 
 Now, like two lions panting for the prey, 
 
 With deathful thoughts they trace the dreary way, 
 Through the black horrors of the ensanguined plain, 
 Through dust, through blood, o’er arms and hills of 
 slain. 356 
 
 Nor less bold Hector, and the sons of Troy, 
 
 On high designs the wakeful hours employ; 
 
 The assembled peers their lofty chief enclosed, 
 
 Who thus the counsels of his breast proposed: 360 
 
 “ W T hat glorious man, for high attempts prepared, 
 Dares greatly venture for a rich reward! 
 
 Of yonder fleet a bold discovery make, 
 
 What watch they keep, and what resolves they 
 take ? 
 
 If now subdued they meditate their flight, 365 
 
 And, spent with toil, neglect the watch of night ? 
 
 His be the chariot that shall please him most, 
 
 Of all the plunder of the vanquish’d host; 
 
 His the fair steeds that all the rest excel, 
 
 And his the glory to have served so well.” 370 
 A youth there was among the tribes of Troy, 
 Dolon his name, Eumedes’ only boy : 
 
 (Five girls beside the reverend herald told :) 
 
 Rich was the son in brass, and rich in gold; * 
 
 Not bless’d by nature with the charms of face, 375 
 But swift of foot, and matchless in the race. 
 
 “ Hector,” he said, “ my courage bids me meet 
 This high achievement, and explore the fleet : 
 
 But first exalt thy sceptre to the skies, 
 
 And swear to grant me the demanded prize; 380 
 
 The immortal coursers, and the glittering car, 
 
 That bear Pelides through the ranks of war. 
 Encouraged thus, no idle scout I go, 
 
 Fulfil thy wish, their whole intention know, 
 
244 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Ev’n to the royal tent pursue my way, 385 
 
 And all their counsels, all their aims betray.” 
 
 The chief then heaved the golden sceptre high, 
 Attesting thus the monarch of the sky: 
 
 “ Be witness thou! immortal lord of all! 
 
 Whose thunder shakes the dark aerial hall: 390 
 
 By none but Dolon shall this prize be borne, 
 
 And him alone the immortal steeds adorn.” 
 
 Thus Hector swore: the gods were call'd in vain, 
 But the rash youth prepares to scour the plain: 
 Across his back the bended bow he flung, 395 
 
 A wolfs gray hide around his shoulders hung; 
 
 A ferret’s downy fur his helmet lined, 
 
 And in his hand a pointed javelin shined. 
 
 Then, never to return, he sought the shore, 
 
 And trod the path his feet must tread no more. 400 
 Scarce had he pass’d the steeds and Trojan throng, 
 (Still, bending forward as he coursed along,) 
 
 When, on the hollow way, the approaching tread 
 Ulysses mark’d, and thus to Diomed: 
 
 “ Oh friend! I hear some step of hostile feet 405 
 Moving this way, or hastening to the fleet; 
 
 Some spy, perhaps, to lurk beside the main, 
 
 Or nightly pillager that strips the slain. 
 
 Yet let him pass, and win a little space; 
 
 Then rush behind him, and prevent his pace. 410 
 
 But if too swift of foot he flies before, 
 
 Confine his course along the fleet and shore, 
 Between the camp and him our spears employ, 
 
 And intercept his hoped return to Troy.” 
 
 With that they stepp’d aside, and stoop’d their 
 head, 415 
 
 As Dolon pass’d, behind a heap of dead : 
 
 Along the path the spy unwary flew; 
 
 Soft, at just distance, both the chiefs pursue. 
 
 So distant they, and such the space between, 
 
 As when two teams of mules divide the green, 420 
 (To whom the hind like shares of land allows,) 
 When now few furrows part the approaching ploughs. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK X. 
 
 245 
 
 Now Dolon list’ning heard them as they pass’d; 
 Hector, he thought, had sent, and check’d his haste, 
 Till, scarce at distance of a javelin’s throw, 425 
 No voice succeeding, he perce'ived the foe. 
 
 As when two skilful hounds the leveret wind ; 
 
 Or chase through woods obscure the trembling hind: 
 Now lost, now seen, they intercept his way, 
 
 And from the herd still turn the flying prey: 430 
 
 So fast, and with such fears, the Trojan flew ; 
 
 So close, so constant, the bold Greeks pursue. 
 
 Now almost on the fleet the dastard falls, 
 
 And mingles with the guards that watch the walls; 
 When brave Tydides stopp’d ; a generous thought. 
 Inspired by Pallas, in his bosom wrought, 436 
 
 Lest on the foe some forward Greek advance, 
 
 And snatch the glory from his lifted lance. 
 
 Then thus aloud: “ Whoe’er thou art, remain; 
 
 This javelin else shall fix thee to the plain.” 440 
 He said, and high in air the weapon cast, 
 
 Which wilful err’d, and o’er his shoulder pass’d ; 
 Then fix’d in earth. Against the trembling wood 
 The wretch stood propp’d, and quiver’d as he stood : 
 A sudden palsy seized his turning head ; 445 
 
 His loose teeth chatter’d, and his colour fled. 
 
 The panting warriors seize him as he stands, 
 
 And with unmanly tears his life demands. 
 
 “ Oh spare my youth, and for the breath I owe, 
 Large gifts of price my father shall bestow. 450 
 Vast heaps of brass shall in your ships be told, 
 
 And steel well temper’d, and refulgent gold.” 
 
 To whom Ulysses made this wise reply : 
 “Whoe’er thou art, be bold, nor fear to die. 
 
 What moves thee, say, when sleep has closed the 
 sight, 455 
 
 To roam the silent fields in dead of night 1 
 Cam’st thou the secrets of our camp to find, 
 
 By Hector prompted, or thy daring mind 1 
 Or art some wretch by hopes of plunder led 
 Through heaps of carnage to despoil the dead 1” 460 
 
 x 2 
 
2*6 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Then thus pale Dolon with a fearful look: 
 
 (Still as he spoke his limbs with horror shook :) 
 
 “ Hither 1 came, by Hector’s words deceived; 
 
 Much did he promise, rashly I believed: 
 
 No less a bribe than great Achilles’ car, 465 
 
 And those swift steeds that sweep the ranks of war, 
 Urged me, unwilling, this attempt to make; 
 
 To learn what counsels, what resolves you take: 
 
 If, now subdued, you fix your hopes on flight, 469 
 And tired with toils, neglect the watch of night.” 
 
 “ Bold was thy aim, and glorious was the prize !” 
 Ulysses with a scornful smile replies. 
 
 “ Far other rulers those proud steeds demand, 
 
 And scorn the guidance of a vulgar hand ; 
 
 Ev’n great Achilles scarce their rage can tame, 475 
 Achilles, sprung from an immortal dame. 
 
 But say, be faithful, and the truth recite; 
 
 Where lies encamp’d the Trojan chief to-night 1 
 Where stand his coursers 1 in what quarter sleep 
 Their other princes 1 tell what watch they keep: 
 Say, since their conquest, what their counsels are; 
 Or here to combat, from their city far, 482 
 
 Or back to Ilion’s walls transfer the war.” 
 
 Ulysses thus, and thus Eumedes’son: 
 
 “What Dolon knows, his faithful tongue shall own. 
 Hector, the peers assembling in his tent, 486 
 
 A council holds at Hus’ monument. 
 
 No certain guards the nightly watch partake; 
 Where’er yon fires ascend, the Trojans wake: 
 Anxious for Troy, the guard the natives keep; 490 
 Safe in their cares, the auxiliar forces sleep, 
 
 Whose wives and infants, from the danger far, 
 Discharge their souls of half the fears of war.” 
 
 “ Then sleep those aids among the Trojan train,” 
 Inquired the chief, “ or scatter’d o’er the plain 1” 495 
 To whom the spy : “ Their powers they thus dis- 
 • pose: 
 
 The Paeons, dreadful with their bended bows, 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK X. 
 
 247 
 
 The Carians, Caucons, the Pelasgian host, 
 
 And Leleges, encamp along the coast. 
 
 Not distant far, lie higher on the land 500 
 
 The Lycian, Mysian, and Maeonian band, 
 
 And Phrygia’s horse, by Thymbras’ ancient wall; 
 The Thracians utmost, and apart from all. 
 
 These Troy but lately to her succour won, 
 
 Led on by Rhesus, great Eioneus’ son: 505 
 
 I saw his coursers in proud triumph go, 
 
 Swift as the wind, and white as winter snow: 
 
 Rich silver plates his shining car infold ; 
 
 His solid arms, refulgent, flame with gold; 
 
 No mortal shoulders suit the glorious load, 510 
 Celestial panoply, to grace a god ! 
 
 Let me, unhappy, to your fleet be borne, 
 
 Or leave me here, a captive’s fate to mourn, 
 
 In cruel chains ; till your return reveal 
 The truth or falsehood of the news I tell.” 515 
 To this Tydides, with a gloomy frown : 
 
 “ Think not to live, though all the truth be shown: 
 Shall we dismiss thee, in some future strife 
 To risk more bravely thy now forfeit life 1 
 Or that again our camps thou mayst explore 1 520 
 
 No—once a traitor, thou betray’st no more.” 
 
 Sternly he spoke ; and as the wretch prepared 
 With humble blandishment to stroke his beard, 
 
 Like lightning swift the wrathful falchion flew, 
 Divides the neck, and cuts the nerves in two ; 525 
 
 One instant snatch’d his trembling soul to hell, 
 
 The head yet speaking, mutter’d as it fell. 
 
 The furry helmet from his brow they tear, 
 
 The wolf’s gray hide, the unbended bow and spear; 
 These great Ulysses lifted to the skies, 530 
 
 To fav’ring Pallas dedicates the prize. 
 
 “ Great queen of arms! receive this hostile spoil, 
 And let the Thracian steeds reward our toil: 
 
 Thee first of all the heavenly host we praise; 
 
 Oh speed our labours, and direct our ways!” 
 
 535 
 
248 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 This said, the spoils, with dropping gore defaced, 
 High on a spreading tamarisk he placed: 
 
 Then heap’d with reeds and gather’d boughs the plain, 
 To guide their footsteps.to the place again. 
 
 Through the still night they cross the devious 
 fields, 540 
 
 Slippery with blood, o’er arms and heaps of shields 
 Arriving where the Thracian squadron lay, 
 
 And eased in sleep the labours of the day, 
 
 Ranged in three lines they view the prostrate band: 
 The horses yoked beside.each warrior stand ; 545 
 
 Their arms in order on the ground reclined, 
 
 Through the brown shade the fulgid weapons shined; 
 Amid lay Rhesus, stretch’d in sleep profound, 
 
 And the white steeds behind his chariot bound. 
 
 The welcome sight Ulysses first descries, 550 
 
 And points to Diomed the tempting prize. 
 
 The man, the coursers, and the car behold! 
 Described by Dolon, with the arms of gold. 
 
 “Now, brave Tydides ! now thy courage try, 
 Approach the chariot, and the steeds untie; 555 
 
 Or if thy soul aspire to fiercer deeds, 
 
 Urge thou the slaughter, while I seize the steeds.” 
 
 Pallas, this said, her hero’s bosom warms, 
 Breathed in his heart, and strung his nervous arms ; 
 Where’er he pass’d, a purple stream pursued: 560 
 
 His thirsty falchion, fat with hostile blood, 
 
 Bathed all his footsteps, died the fields with gore, 
 And a low groan remurmur’d through the shore. 
 
 So the grim lion, from his nightly den, 
 
 O’erleaps the fences, and invades the pen; 565 
 
 On sheep or goats, resistless in his way, 
 
 He falls, and foaming rends the guardless prey. 
 
 Nor stopp’d the fury of his vengeful hand, 
 
 Till twelve lay breathless of the Thracian band. 
 Ulysses following, as his partner slew, 570 
 
 Back by the foot each slaughter’d warrior drew; 
 
 The milk-white coursers studious to convey 
 Safe to the ships, he wisely clear’d the way, 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK X. 
 
 249 
 
 Lest the fierce steeds, not yet to battles bred, 
 
 Should start, and tremble at the heaps of dead. 575 
 Now twelve despatch’d, the monarch last they found; 
 Tydides’ falchion fix’d him to the ground. 
 
 Just then a dreadful dream Minerva sent; 
 
 A warlike form appear’d before his tent, 
 
 Whose visionary steel his bosom tore : 580 
 
 So dream’d the monarch, and awaked no more. 
 
 Ulysses now the snowy steeds detains, 
 
 And leads them, fasten’d by the silver reins; 
 
 These with his bow unbent he lash’d along: 
 
 (The scourge, forgot, on Rhesus’ chariot hung.) 585 
 Then gave his friend the signal to retire; 
 
 But him, new dangers, new achievements fire: 
 Doubtful he stood, or with his reeking blade 
 To send more heroes to the infernal shade, 
 
 Drag off the car where Rhesus’ armour lay, 590 
 Or heave with manly force, and lift away. 
 
 While unresolved the son of Tydeus stands, 
 
 Pallas appears, and thus her chief commands: 
 
 “ Enough, my sons; from further slaughter cease, 
 Regard thy safety, and depart in peace; 595 
 
 Haste to the ships, the gotten spoil enjoy, 
 
 Nor tempt too far the hostile gods of Troy.” 
 
 The voice divine confess’d the martial maid: 
 
 In haste he mounted, and her word obey’d; 
 
 The coursers fly before Ulysses’ bow, 600 
 
 Swift as the wind, and white as winter snow. 
 
 Not unobserved they pass’d: the god of light 
 Had watch’d his Troy, and mark’d Minerva’s flight. 
 Saw Tydeus’ son with heavenly succour bless’d, 
 
 And vengeful anger fill’d his sacred breast. 605 
 Swift to the Trojan camp descends the power, 
 
 And wakes Hippocoon in the morning hour: 
 
 (On Rhesus’ side accustom’d to attend, 
 
 A faithful kinsman, and instructive friend.) 
 
 He rose and saw the field deform’d with blood, 610 
 An empty space where late the coursers stood, 
 
250 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 The yet warm Thracians panting on the coast; 
 
 For each he wept, but for his Rhesus most. 
 
 Now while on Rhesus’ name he calls in vain, 
 
 The gathering tumult spreads o’er all the plain; 615 
 On heaps the Trojans rush, with wild affright, 
 
 And wondering view the slaughters of the night. 
 
 Meanwhile the chiefs arriving at the shade 
 Where late the spoils of Hector’s spy were laid, 
 Ulysses stopp’d ; to him Tydides bore 620 
 
 The trophy, dropping yet with Dolon’s gore : 
 
 Then mounts again ; again their nimble feet 
 The coursers ply, and thunder tow’rds the fleet. 
 
 Old Nestor first perceived the approaching sound, 
 Bespeaking thus the Grecian peers around : 625 
 
 “ Methinks the noise of trampling steeds I hear, 
 Thickening this way, and gathering on my ear; 
 Perhaps some horses of the Trojan breed 
 (So may, ye gods, my pious hopes succeed!) 
 
 The great Tydides and Ulysses bear, 630 
 
 Return’d triumphant with this prize of war. 
 
 Yet much 1 fear (ah, may that fear be vain !) 
 
 The chiefs outnumber’d by the Trojan train ; 
 
 Perhaps ev’n now pursued, they seek the shore ; 
 
 Or, oh! perhaps these heroes are no more.” 635 
 Scarce had he spoke, when, lo! the chiefs appear, 
 And spring to earth ; the Greeks dismiss their fear; 
 With words of friendship and extended hands 
 They greet the kings; and Nestor first demands : 
 
 “ Say thou, whose praises all our hosts proclaim, 
 Thou living glory of the Grecian name ! 641 
 
 Say whence these coursers 1 by what chance be¬ 
 stow’d 1 
 
 The spoil of foes, or present of a god 1 
 Not those fair steeds, so radiant and so gay, 
 
 That draw the burning chariot of the day. 645 
 Old as I am, to age I scorn to yield, 
 
 And daily mingle in the martial field; 
 
 But sure till now no coursers struck my sight 
 Like these, conspicuous through the ranks of fight. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK X. 251 
 
 Some god, I deem, conferr’d the glorious prize, 650 
 Bless’d as ye are, and favourites of the skies ; 
 
 The care of him who bids the thunder roar, 
 
 And her, whose fury bathes the world with gore.” 
 
 “Father! not so,” sage Ithacus rejoin’d; 
 
 “ The gifts of heaven are of a nobler kind. 055 
 
 Of Thracian lineage are the steeds ye view, 
 
 Whose hostile king the brave Tydides slew : 
 Sleeping he died, with all his guards around, 
 
 And twelve beside lay gasping on the ground. 
 
 These other spoils from conquer’d Dolon came; 660 
 A wretch, whose swiftness was his only fame, 
 
 By Hector sent our forces to explore: 
 
 He now lies headless on the sandy shore.” 
 
 Then o’er the trench the bounding coursers flew; 
 The joyful Greeks with loud acclaim pursue. 665 
 Straight to Tydides’ high pavilion borne, 
 
 The matchless steeds his ample stalls adorn: 
 
 The neighing coursers their new fellows greet, 
 
 And the full racks are heap’d with generous wheat. 
 But Dolon’s armour to his ships convey’d, 670 
 High on the painted stern Ulysses laid, 
 
 A trophy destined to the blue-eyed maid. 
 
 Now from nocturnal sweat, and sanguine stain. 
 They cleanse their bodies in the neighbouring main: 
 Then in the polish’d bath, refresh’d from toil, 675 
 Their joints they supple with dissolving oil, 
 
 In due repast indulged the genial hour, 
 
 And first to Pallas the libations pour: 
 
 They sit rejoicing in her aid divine, 679 
 
 And the crown’d goblet foams with floods of wine. 
 
 653 Minerva. 
 
BOOK XI. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The third Battle , and the Acts of Agamemnon. 
 
 • 
 
 Agamemnon, having armed himself, leads the Grecians to bat¬ 
 tle; Hector prepares the Trojans to receive them; while Ju¬ 
 piter, Juno, and Minerva give the signals of war—Agamem¬ 
 non bears all before him; and Hector is commanded by Jupiter, 
 who sends Iris for that purpose, to decline the engagement 
 till the king shall be wounded and retire from the field—He 
 then makes a great slaughter of the enemy; Ulysses and 
 Diomed put a stop to him for a time; but the latter being 
 wounded by Paris, is obliged to desert his companion, who i» 
 encompassed by the Trojans, wounded, and in the utmost, 
 danger, till Menelaus and Ajax rescue him—Hector comes 
 against Ajax; but that hero alone opposes multitudes, and 
 rallies the Greeks—In the mean time Machaon, in the other 
 wing of tne army, is pierced with an arrow by Paris, and 
 carried from the fight in Nestor’s chariot—Achilles, who over¬ 
 looked the action from his ship, sends Patroclus to inquire 
 which of the Greeks was wounded in that manner—Nestor 
 entertains him in his tent with an account of the accidents 
 of the day, and a long recital of some former wars which he 
 remembered, tending to put Patroclus on persuading Achilles 
 to fight for his countrymen, or at least permit him to do it, 
 clad in Achilles’ armour—Patroclus in his return meets Eu- 
 rypylus also wounded, and assists him in that distress.— 
 [This book opens with the eight-and-twentieth day of the 
 poem; and the same day, with its various actions and adven¬ 
 tures, is extended through the twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, 
 fifteenth, sixteenth, seventeenth, and part of the eighteenth 
 books. The scene lies in the field, near the monument of 
 Ilus.] 
 
 The saffron morn, with early blushes spread, 
 Now rose refulgent from Tithonus’ bed; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XI. 
 
 253 
 
 With newborn day to gladden mortal sight, 
 
 And gild the courts of heaven with sacred light; 
 When baleful Eris, sent by Jove’s command, 5 
 The torch of discord blazing in her hand, 
 
 Through the red skies her bloody sign extends, 
 
 And wrapp’d in tempests, o’er the fleet descends. 
 High on Ulysses’ bark, her horrid stand 
 She took, and thunder’d through the seas and land. 
 Ev’n Ajax and Achilles heard the sound, 11 
 
 Whose ships, remote, the guarded navy bound. 
 Thence the black fury through the Grecian throng 
 With horror sounds the loud Orthian song: 
 
 The navy shakes, and at the dire alarms 15 
 
 Each bosom boils, each warrior starts to arms. 
 
 No more they sigh inglorious to return, 
 
 But breathe revenge, and for the combat burn. 
 
 The king of men his hardy host inspires 
 Whth loud command, with great example fires; 20 
 Himself first rose, himself before the rest 
 His mighty limbs in radiant armour dress’d. 
 
 And first he cased his manly legs around 
 In shining greaves, with silver buckles bound : 
 
 The beaming cuirass next adorn’d his breast, 25 
 The same which once King Cinyras possess’d. 
 
 (The fame of Greece and her assembled host 
 Had reach’d that monarch on the Cyprian coast; 
 ’Twas then, the friendship of the chief to gain, 
 
 This glorious gift he sent, nor sent in vain.) 30 
 Ten rows of azure steel the work infold, 
 
 Twice ten of tin, and twelve of ductile gold ; 
 
 Three glittering dragons to the gorget rise, 
 
 W'hose imitated scales against the skies 
 Reflected various light, and arching bow’d, 35 
 
 Like colour’d rainbows o’er a showery cloud— 
 (Jove’s wondrous bow, of three celestial dies, 
 
 Placed as a sign to man amid the skies.) 
 
 A radiant baldric, o’er his shoulder tied, 
 
 Sustain’d the sword that glitter’d at his side: 
 ttctvi— T .—Y 
 
 40 
 
254 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Gold was the hilt, a silver sheath incased 
 The shining blade, and golden hangers graced. 
 
 His buckler’s mighty orb was next display’d, 
 
 That round the warrior cast a dreadful shade ; 
 
 Ten zones of brass its ample brim surround, 45 
 And twice ten bosses the bright convex crown’d ; 
 Tremendous Gorgon frown’d upon its field, 
 
 And circling terrors fill’d the expressive shield: 
 Within its concave hung a silver thong, 
 
 On which a mimic serpent creeps along, 50 
 
 His azure length in easy waves extends, t 
 Till in three heads the embroider’d monster ends. 
 Last o’er his brows his fourfold helm he placed, 
 With nodding horse-hair formidably graced ; 
 
 And in his hands two steely javelins wields, 55 
 That blaze to heaven, and lighten all the fields. 
 
 That instant Juno and the martial maid 
 In happy thunders promised Greece their aid; 
 
 High o’er their chief they clash’d their arms in air, 
 And, leaning from the clouds, expect the war. 60 
 Close to the limits of the trench and mound, 
 
 The fiery coursers to their chariots bound 
 The squires restrain’d: the foot, with those who 
 wield 
 
 The lighter arms, rush forward to the field. 
 
 To second these, in close array combined, 65 
 
 The squadrons spread their sable wings behind. 
 
 Now shouts and tumults wake the tardy sun, 
 
 As with the light the warriors’ toils begun. 
 
 Ev’n Jove, whose thunders spoke his wrath, distill’d 
 Red drops of blood o’er all the fatal field ; 70 
 
 The woes of men unwilling to survey, 
 
 And all the slaughters that must stain the day. 
 
 Near Ilus’ tomb in order ranged around, 
 
 The Trojan lines possess’d the rising ground. 
 
 There wise Polydamus and Hector stood; 75 
 
 jEneas, honour’d as a guardian god; 
 
 Bold Polybus, Agenor the divine ; 
 
 The brother warriors of Antenor’s line; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XI. 
 
 255 
 
 With youthful Acamas, whose beauteous face 
 And fair proportion match’d the ethereal race. 80 
 Great Hector, cover’d with his spacious shield, 
 
 Plies all the troops, and orders all the field. 
 
 As the red star now shows his sanguine fires 
 Through the dark clouds, and now in night retires; 
 Thus through the ranks appear’d the godlike man, 
 Plunged in the rear, or blazing in the van; 86 
 
 While streamy sparkles, restless as he flies, 
 
 Flash from his arms as lightning from the skies. 
 
 As sweating reapers in some wealthy field, 
 
 Ranged in two bands their crooked weapons wield, 
 Bear down the furrows, till their labours meet; 91 
 
 Thick fall the heapy harvest at their feet: 
 
 So Greece and Troy the field of war divide, 
 
 And falling ranks are strew’d on every side. 
 
 None stoop’d a thought to base inglorious flight; 95 
 But horse to horse, and man to man they fight. 
 
 Not rabid wolves more fierce contest their prey ; 
 Each wounds, each bleeds, but none resign the day. 
 Discord with joy the scene of death descries, 
 
 And drinks large slaughter at her sanguine eyes : 100 
 Discord alone, of all the immortal train, 
 
 Swells the red horrors of this direful plain : 
 
 The gods in peace their golden mansions fill, 
 
 Ranged in bright order on the Olympian hill; 
 
 But general murmurs told their griefs above, 105 
 And each accused the partial will of Jove. 
 Meanwhile, apart, superior, and alone, 
 
 The eternal monarch, on his awful throne, 
 
 Wrapp’d in the blaze of boundless glory sat; 
 
 And fix’d, fulfill’d the just decrees of fate. 110 
 
 On earth he turn’d his all-considering eyes, 
 
 And mark’d the spot where Ilion’s towers arise; 
 The sea with ships, the fields with armies spread, 
 The victor’s rage, the dying and the dead. 114 
 
 Thus vhile the morning beams increasing bright 
 O’er heaven’s pure azure spread the growing light, 
 
256 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Commutual death the fate of war confounds, 
 
 Each adverse battle gored witli equal wounds. 
 
 But now, what time in some sequester’d vale 
 The weary woodman spreads his sparing meal, 120 
 When his tired arms refuse the axe to rear, 
 
 And claim a respite from the sylvan war; 
 
 But not till half the prostrate forests lay 
 Stretch’d in long ruin, and exposed to day, 
 
 Then, not till then, the Greeks’ impulsive might 125 
 Pierced the black phalanx, and let in the light. 
 
 Great Agamemnon then the slaughter led, 
 
 And slew Bienor at his people’s head: 
 
 Whose squire Oileus, with a sudden spring, 
 
 Leap’d from the chariot to revenge his king ; 130 
 
 But in his front he felt the fatal wound, 
 
 Which pierced his brain, and stretch’d him on the 
 ground. 
 
 Atrides spoil’d, and left them on the plain : 
 
 Vain was their youth, their glittering armour vain: 
 Now soil’d with dust, and naked to the sky, 135 
 Their snowy limbs and beauteous bodies lie. 
 
 Two sons of Priam next to battle move, 
 
 The product, one of marriage, one of love ; 
 
 In the same car the brother warriors ride, 
 
 This took the charge to combat, that to guide: 140 
 
 Far other task, than when they wont to keep, 
 
 On Ida’s tops their father’s fleecy sheep. 
 
 These on the mountains once Achilles found, 
 
 And captive led, with pliant osiers bound ; 
 
 Then to the sire for ample sums restored; 145 
 
 But now to perish by Atrides’ sword : 
 
 Pierced in the breast, the baseborn Isus bleeds; 
 Cleft through the head, his brother’s fate succeeds. 
 Swift to the spoil the hasty victor falls, 
 
 And stripp’d, their features to his mind recalls. 150 
 The Trojans see the youths untimely die, 
 
 But helpless tremble for themselves, and fly. 
 
 So when a lion, ranging o’er the lawns, 
 
 Finds, on some grassy lair, the couching fawns, 154 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK XI. 
 
 257 
 
 Their bones he cracks, their reeking vitals draws, 
 And grinds the quivering flesh with bloody jaws ; 
 The frighted hind beholds, and dares not stay, 
 
 But swift through rustling thickets bursts her way; 
 All drown’d in sweat the panting mother flies, 
 
 And the big tears roll trickling from her eyes. 160 
 Amid the tumult of the routed train, 
 
 The sons of false Antimachus were slain; 
 
 He, who for bribes his faithless counsels sold, 
 
 And voted Helen’s stay for Paris’ gold. 
 
 Atrides mark’d, as these their safety sought, 165 
 And slew the children for the father’s fault; 
 
 Their headstrong horse unable to restrain, 
 
 They shook with fear, and dropp’d the silken rein; 
 Then in their chariot on their knees they fall, 
 
 And thus with lifted hands for mercy call: 170 
 
 “ Oh spare our youth, and for the life we owe 
 Antimachus shall copious gifts bestow; 
 
 Soon as he hears that, not in battle slain, 
 
 The Grecian ships his captive sons detain, 
 
 Large heaps of brass in ransom shall be told, 175 
 And steel well temper’d, and persuasive gold.” 
 
 These words, attended with a flood of tears, 
 
 The youths address’d to unrelenting ears: 
 
 The vengeful monarch gave this stern reply: 
 
 “ If from Antimachus ye spring, ye die ; 180 
 
 The daring wretch who once in council stood 
 To shed Ulysses’ and my brother’s blood, 
 
 For proffer’d peace ! and sues his seed for grace 1 
 No, die, and pay the forfeit of your race.” 
 
 This said, Pisander from the car he cast, 185 
 And pierced his breast; supine he breathed his last. 
 His brother leap’d to earth ; but as he lay, 
 
 The trenchant falchion lopp’d his hands away ; 
 
 His sever’d head was toss’d among the throng, 
 
 And, rolling, drew a bloody trail along. 190 
 
 Then, where the thickest fought, the victor flew; 
 The king’s example all his Greeks pursue. 
 
 y2 
 
258 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Now by the foot the flying 1 foot were slain, 
 
 Horse trod by horse lay foaming on the plain. 
 
 From the dry fields thick clouds of dust arise, 195 
 Shade the black host, and intercept the skies. 
 
 The brass-hoof’d steeds tumultuous plunge and 
 bound, 
 
 And the thick thunder beats the labouring ground. 
 Still slaughtering on, the king of men proceeds ; 
 
 The distant army wonders at his deeds. 200 
 
 As when the winds with raging flames conspire, 
 And o’er the forests roll the flood of fire, 
 
 In blazing heaps the grove’s old honours fall, 
 
 And one refulgent ruin levels all; 
 
 Before Atrides’ rage so sinks the foe, 205 
 
 Whole squadrons vanish, and proud heads lie low: 
 The steeds fly trembling from his waving sword; 
 And many a car, now lighted of its lord, 
 
 Wide o’er the field with guideless fury rolls, 209 
 Breaking their ranks, and crushing out their souls; 
 While his keen falchion drinks the warriors’ lives ; 
 More grateful, now, to vultures than their wives ! 
 
 Perhaps great Hector then had found his fate, 
 
 But Jove and Destiny prolong’d his date. 
 
 Safe from the darts, the care of heaven he stood, 215 
 Amid alarms, and death, and dust, and blood. 
 
 Now pass’d the tomb where ancient Ilus lay, 
 Through the mid field the routed urge their way. 
 Where the wild figs the adjoining summit crown, 
 That path they take, and speed to reach the town. 
 As swift Atrides with loud shouts pursued, 221 
 Hot with his toil, and bathed in hostile blood. 
 
 Now near the beech tree, and the Scsean gates, 
 
 The hero halts, and his associates waits. 
 
 Meanwhile, on every side, around the plain, 225 
 Dispersed, disorder’d, fly the Trojan train. 
 
 So flies a herd of beeves, that hear dismay’d 
 The lion’s roaring through the midnight shade; 
 
 On heaps they tumble with successless haste: 
 
 The savage seizes, draws, and rends the last: 230 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XI. 
 
 259 
 
 Not with less fury stern Atrides flew, 
 
 Still press’d the rout, and still the hindmost slew; 
 Hurl’d from their cars the bravest chiefs are kill’d, 
 And rage, and death, and carnage, load the field. 
 
 Now storms the victor at the Trojan wall; 235 
 Surveys the towers, and meditates their# fall. 
 
 But Jove descending shook the Idaean hills, 
 
 And down their summits pour’d a hundred rills : 
 
 The unkindled lightnings in his hand he took, 
 
 And thus the many-colour’d maid bespoke : 240 
 
 “ Iris, with haste thy golden wings display, 
 
 To godlike Hector this our word convey : 
 
 While Agamemnon wastes the ranks around, 
 
 Fights in the front, and bathes with blood the ground, 
 Bid him give way ; but issue forth commands, 245 
 And trust the war to less important hands : 
 
 But when, or wounded by the spear or dart, 
 
 That chief shall mount his chariot, and depart, 
 
 Then Jove shall string his arm, and fire his breast, 
 Then to her ships shall flying Greece be press’d, 250 
 Till to the main the burning sun descend, 
 
 And sacred Night her awful shade extend.” 
 
 He spoke, and Iris at his word obey’d ; 
 
 On wings of winds descends the various maid. 
 
 The chief she found amid the ranks of war, 255 
 Close to the bulwarks, on his glittering car. 
 
 The goddess then : “ Oh son of Priam, hear ! 
 
 From Jove I come, and his high mandate bear. 
 While Agamemnon wastes the ranks around, 
 
 Fights in the front, and bathes with blood the ground, 
 Abstain from fight, yet issue forth commands, 261 
 And trust the war to less important hands: 
 
 But when, or wounded by the spear or dart, 
 
 The chief shall mount his chariot, and depart, 
 
 Then Jove shall string thy arm, and fire thy breast, 
 Then to her ships shall flying Greece be press’d, 266 
 Till to the main the burning sun descend, 
 
 And sacred Night her awful shade extend.” 
 
260 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 She said, and vanish’d : Hector with a bound, 2G9 
 Springs from his chariot on the trembling ground, 
 In clanging arms: he grasps in either hand 
 A pointed lance, and speeds from band to band; 
 Revives their ardour, turns their steps from flight, 
 And wakes anew the dying flames of fight. 274 
 They stand to arms: the Greeks their onset dare, 
 Condense their powers, and wait the coming war. 
 New force, new spirit, to each breast returns : 
 
 The fight, renew’d, with fiercer fury burns : 
 
 The king leads on ; all fix on him their eye, 
 
 And learn from him to conquer, or to die. 280 
 
 Ye sacred nine, celestial muses! tell, 
 
 Who faced him first, and by his prowess fell 1 
 The great Iphidamus, the bold and young, 
 
 From sage Anterior and Theano sprung; 284 
 
 Who from his youth his grandsire Cisseus bred, 
 And nursed in Thrace, where snowy flocks are fed. 
 Scarce did the down his rosy cheeks invest, 
 
 And early honour warm his generous breast, 
 
 When the kind sire consign’d his daughter’s charms 
 (Theano’s sister) to his youthful arms. 290 
 
 But call’d by glory to the wars of Troy, 
 
 He leaves untasted the first fruits of joy; 
 
 From his loved bride departs with melting eyes, 
 And swift to aid his dearer country flies. 
 
 With twelve black ships he reach’d Percope’s strand, 
 Thence took the long laborious march by land. 29G 
 Now fierce for fame, before the ranks he springs, 
 Towering in arms, and braves the king of kings. 
 Atrides first discharged the missive spear ; 
 
 The Trojan stoop’d, the javelin pass’d in air. 300 
 Then near the corslet, at the monarch’s heart, 
 
 With all his strength the youth directs his dart: 
 
 But the broad belt, with plates of silver bound, 
 
 The point rebated, and repell’d the wound. 
 Encumber’d with the dart, Atrides stands, 305 
 
 Till, grasped with force, he wrench’d it from his 
 hands. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XI. 
 
 261 
 
 At once his weighty sword discharged a wound 
 Full on his neck, that fell’d him to the ground. 
 Stretch’d in the dust the unhappy warrior lies, 
 
 And sleep eternal seals his swimming eyes. 310 
 Oh worthy better fate ! oh early slain ! 
 
 Thy country’s friend : and virtuous, though in vain ! 
 No more the youth shall join his consort’s side, 
 
 At once a virgin, and at once a bride ! 
 
 No more with presents her embraces meet, 315 
 Or lay the spoils of conquest at her feet, 
 
 On whom his passion, lavish of his store, 
 
 Bestow’d so much, and vainly promised more ! 
 Unwept, uncover’d, on the plain he lay, 
 
 While the proud victor bore his arms away. 320 
 Coon, Antenor’s eldest hope, was nigh : 
 
 Tears, at the sight, came starting from his eye. 
 While pierced with grief the much loved youth he 
 view’d, 
 
 And the pale features now deform’d with blood. 
 Then with his spear, unseen, his time he took, 325 
 Aim’d at the king, and near his elbow struck. 
 
 The thrilling steel transpierced the brawny part, 
 And through his arm stood forth the barbed dart. 
 Surprised the monarch feels, yet void of fear 
 On Coon rushes with his lifted spear : 330 
 
 His brother’s corpse the pious Trojan draws, 
 
 And calls his country to assert his cause, 
 
 Defends him breathless on the sanguine field, 
 
 And o’er the body spreads his ample shield. 
 
 Atrides, marking an unguarded part, 335 
 
 Transfix’d the warrior with a brazen dart; 
 
 Prone on his brother’s bleeding breast he lay, 
 
 The monarch’s falchion lopp’d his head away : 
 
 The social shades the same dark journey go, 
 
 And join each other in the realms below. 340 
 
 The vengeful victor rages round the fields, 
 
 With every weapon art or fury yields: 
 
 By the long lance, the sword, or ponderous stone, 
 W T hole ranks are broken, and whole troops o’er- 
 thrown. 
 
262 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 This, while yet warm,distill’d the purple flood ; 345 
 But when the wound grew stiff with clotted blood, 
 Then grinding tortures his strong bosom rend. 
 
 Less keen those darts the fierce Ilythiae send— 
 
 (The powers that cause the teeming matrons’ throes, 
 Sad mothers of unutterable woes!) 350 
 
 Stung with the smart, all panting with the pain, 
 
 He mounts the car, and gives his squire the rein: 
 Then with a voice which fury made more strong, 
 And pain augmented, thus exhorts the throng: 
 
 “Oh friends! oh Greeks! assert your honours 
 won; 355 
 
 Proceed, and finish what this arm begun: 
 
 Lo! angry Jove forbids your chief to stay, 
 
 And envies half the glories of the day.” 
 
 He said: the driver whirls his lengthful thong; 
 The horses fly; the chariot smokes along. 360 
 Clouds from their nostrils the fierce coursers blow, 
 And from their sides the foam descends in snow; 
 Shot through the battle in a moment’s space, 
 
 The wounded monarch at his tent they place. 
 
 No sooner Hector saw the king retired, 365 
 But thus his Trojans and his aids he fired : 
 
 “ Hear, all ye Dardan, all ye Lycian race! 
 
 Famed in close fight, and dreadful face to face. 
 
 Now call to mind your ancient trophies won, 
 
 Your great forefathers’ virtues, and your own. 370 
 Behold, the general flies! deserts his powers ! 
 
 Lo, Jove himself declares the conquest ours! 
 
 Now on yon ranks impel your foaming steeds ; 
 
 And, sure of glory, dare immortal deeds.” 
 
 With words like these the fiery chief alarms 375 
 His fainting host, and every bosom warms. 
 
 As the bold hunter cheers his hounds, to tear 
 The brindled lion, or the tusky bear; 
 
 With voice and hand provokes their doubting heart, 
 And springs the foremost with his lifted dart: 380 
 
 So godlike Hector prompts his troops to dare; 
 
 Nor prompts alone, but leads himself the war. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK XI. 
 
 263 
 
 On the black body of the foes he pours ; 
 
 As from the cloud’s deep bosom, swell’d with 
 showers, 
 
 A sudden storm the purple ocean sweeps, 385 
 
 Drives the wild waves, and tosses all the deeps. 
 
 Say, muse! when Jove the Trojan’s glory crown’d, 
 Beneath his arm what heroes bit the ground 1 
 Assaeus, Dolops, and Autonous died, 
 
 Opites next was added to their side; 390 
 
 Then brave Hipponous, famed in many a fight, 
 Opheltius, Orus, sunk to endless night; 
 jEsymnus, Agelaus, all chiefs of name; 
 
 The rest were vulgar deaths, unknown to fame. 
 
 As when a western whirlwind, charged with storms, 
 Dispels the gather’d clouds that Notus forms ; 396 
 
 The gust continued, violent, and strong, 
 
 Rolls sable clouds in heaps on heaps along; 
 
 Now to the skies the foaming billows rears, 
 
 Now breaks the surge, and wide the bottom bares: 
 Thus raging Hector, with resistless hands, 401 
 O’erturns, confounds, and scatters all their bands. 
 Now the last ruin the whole host appals ; 
 
 Now Greece had trembled in her wooden walls : 
 
 But wise Ulysses call’d Tydides forth, 405 
 
 His soul rekindled, and awaked his worth. 
 
 “ And stand we deedless, oh eternal shame ! 
 
 Till Hector’s arm involve the ships in flame ? 
 
 Haste, let us join, and combat side by side.” 
 
 The warrior thus, and thus the friend replied: 410 
 
 “ No martial toil I shun, no danger fear; 
 
 Let Hector come ; I wait his fury here. 
 
 But Jove with conquest crowns the Trojan train; 
 And, Jove our foe, all human force is vain.” 
 
 He sigh’d ; but sighing raised his vengeful steel, 
 And from his car the proud Thymbraeus fell: 416 
 
 Molion, the charioteer, pursued his lord, 
 
 His death ennobled by Ulysses’ sword. 
 
 There slain, they left them in eternal night, 
 
 Then plunged amid the thickest ranks of fight. 420 
 
264 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 So two wild boars outstrip the following hounds, 
 Then swift revert, and wounds return for wounds. 
 Stern Hector’s conquests in the middle plain 
 Stood check’d a while, and Greece respired again. 
 
 The sons of Merops shone amid the war; 425 
 
 Towering they rode in one refulgent car: 
 
 In deep prophetic arts their father skill’d, 
 
 Had warn’d his children from the Trojan field: 
 
 Fate urged them on, the father warn’d in vain; 
 
 They rush’d to fight, and perish’d on the plain ! 430 
 
 Their breasts no more the vital spirit warms : 
 
 The stern Tydides strips their shining arms. 
 Hypirochus by great Ulysses dies, 
 
 And rich Hippodamus becomes his prize. 
 
 Great Jove from Ide with slaughter fills his sight, 
 And level hangs the doubtful scale of fight. 436 
 By Tydeus’ lance Agastrophus was slain, 
 
 The far-famed hero of Paeonian strain; 
 
 Wing’d with his fears, on foot he strove to fly, 
 
 His steeds too distant, and the foe too nigh; 440 
 
 Through broken orders, swifter than the wind, 
 
 He fled, but flying, left his life behind. 
 
 This Hector sees, as his experienced eyes 
 Traverse the files, and to the rescue flies; 
 
 Shouts, as he pass’d, the crystal regions rend, 445 
 And moving armies on his march attend. 
 
 Great Diomed himself was seized with fear, 
 
 And thus bespoke his brother of the war : 
 
 “ Mark how this way yon bending squadrons yield! 
 The storm rolls on, and Hector rules the field : 450 
 
 Here stand his utmost force.” The warrior said ; 
 Swift at the word his ponderous javelin fled: 
 
 Nor miss’d its aim, but where the plumage danced, 
 Razed the smooth cone, and thence obliquely glanced. 
 Safe in his helm, (the gift of Phoebus’ hands,) 455 
 Without a wound, the Trojan hero stands: 
 
 But yet so stunn’d, that, staggering on the plain, 
 
 His arm and knee his sinking bulk sustain; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XI. 
 
 265 
 
 O’er his dim sight the misty vapours rise, 459 
 
 And a short darkness shades his swimming eyes. 
 Tydides follow’d to regain his lance ; 
 
 While Hector rose, recover’d from the trance ; 
 Remounts his car, and herds amid the crowd; 
 
 The Greek pursues him, and exults aloud: 464 
 
 “ Once more thank Phcebus for thy forfeit breath, 
 Or thank that swiftness which outstrips the death. 
 Well by Apollo are thy prayers repaid, 
 
 And oft that partial power has lent his aid. 
 
 Thou shalt not long the death deserved withstand, 
 If any god assist Tydides’ hand. 470 
 
 Fly then, inglorious ! but thy flight this day, 
 
 Whole hecatombs of Trojan ghosts shall pay.” 
 
 Him, while he triumph’d, Paris eyed from far— 
 (The spouse of Helen, the fair cause of war:) 
 Around the fields his feather’d shafts he sent, 475 
 From ancient Ilus’ ruin’d monument; 
 
 Behind the column placed, he bent his bow, 
 
 And wing’d an arrow at the unwary foe; 
 
 Just as he stoop’d, Agastrophus’s crest 
 To seize, and drew the corslet from his breast, 480 
 The bowstring twang’d : nor flew the shaft in vain, 
 But pierced his foot, and nail’d it to the plain. 
 
 The laughing Trojan, with a joyful spring, 
 
 Leaps from his ambush, and insults the king. 
 
 “ He bleeds!” he cries; “ some god has sped my 
 dart; 485 
 
 Would the same god had fix’d it in his heart! 
 
 So Troy, relieved from that wide-wasting hand, 
 Should breathe from slaughter, and in combat 
 stand; 
 
 Whose sons now tremble at his darted spear, 
 
 As scatter’d lambs the rushing lion fear.” 490 
 
 He dauntless thus: “ Thou conqueror of the fair, 
 Thou woman warrior with the curling hair; 
 
 Vain archer! trusting to the distant dart, 
 
 Unskill'd in arms to act a manly part! 
 rrr-M—r.—z. 
 
206 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Thou hast but done what boys or women can; 495 
 Such hands may wound, but not incense a man. 
 
 Nor boast the scratch thy feeble arrow gave ; 
 
 A coward’s weapon never hurts the brave. 
 
 Not so this dart, which thou mayst one day feel; 
 Fate wings its flight, and death is on the steel. 500 
 Where this but lights, some noble life expires: 
 
 Its touch makes orphans, bathes the cheeks of sires, 
 Steeps earth in purple, gluts the birds of air, 
 
 And leaves such objects as distract the fair.” 
 
 Ulysses hastens with a trembling heart, 505 
 
 Before him steps, and, bending, draws the dart: 
 Forth flows the blood; an eager pang succeeds : 
 Tydides mounts, and to the navy speeds. 
 
 Now on the field Ulysses stands alone, 
 
 The Greeks all fled, the Trojans pouring on: 510 
 
 But stands collected in himself, and whole, 
 
 And questions thus his own unconquer’d soul. 
 
 “ What further subterfuge, what hopes remain 1 
 What shame, inglorious, if 1 quit the plain ! 
 
 What danger, singly if I stand the ground, 515 
 My friends all scatter’d, all the foes around! 
 
 Yet wherefore doubtful! let this truth suffice: 
 
 The brave meets danger, and the coward flies: 
 
 To die or conquer, proves a hero’s heart; 
 
 And knowing this, I know a soldier’s part.” 520 
 Such thoughts revolving in his careful breast, 
 Near, and more near, the shady cohorts press’d: 
 These, in the warrior, their own fate enclose ; 
 
 And round him deep the steely circle grows. 
 
 So fares a boar whom all the troop surrounds 525 
 Of shouting huntsmen and of clamorous hounds; 
 
 He grinds his ivory tusks ; he foams with ire ; 
 
 His sanguine eyeballs glare with living fire: 
 
 By these, by those, on every part is plied ; 
 
 And the red slaughter spreads on every side. 5?0 
 Pierced through the shoulder, first Deiopis fell; 
 Next Ennomus and Thoon sunk to hell; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XI. 
 
 267 
 
 Chersidamus, beneath the navel thrust, 
 
 Falls prone to earth, and grasps the bloody dust. 
 Charops, the son of Hippasus, was near; 535 
 
 Ulysses reach’d him with the fatal spear: 
 
 But to his aid his brother Socus flies, 
 
 Socus, the brave, the generous, and the wise: 
 
 Near as he drew, the warrior thus began: 
 
 “ Oh great Ulysses, much-enduring man! 540 
 
 Not deeper skill’d in every martial sleight, 
 
 Than worn to toils, and active in the fight! 
 
 This day two brothers shall thy conquest grace, 
 
 And end at once the great Hippasian race, 
 
 Or thou beneath this lance must press the field.” 545 
 He said, and forceful pierced his spacious shield: 
 Through the strong brass the ringing javelin thrown, 
 Plough’d half his side, and bared it to the bone. 
 
 By Pallas’ care, the spear, though deep infix’d, 
 Stopp’d short of life, nor with his entrails mix’d. 
 
 The wound not mortal wise Ulysses knew, 551 
 Then furious thus : (but first some steps withdrew :) 
 “ Unhappy man! whose death our hands shall 
 grace! 
 
 Fate calls thee hence, and finish’d is thy race. 
 
 No longer check my conquests on the foe ; 555 
 
 But, pierced by this, to endless darkness go, 
 
 And add one spectre to the realms below !” 
 
 He spoke; while Socus, seized with sudden fright, 
 Trembling gave way, and turn’d his back to flight; 
 Between his shoulders pierced the following dart, 
 And held its passage through the panting heart. 561 
 Wide in his breast appear’d the grisly wound ; 
 
 He falls; his armour rings against the ground. 
 
 Then thus Ulysses, gazing on the slain : 
 
 “ Famed son of Hippasus! there press the plain; 
 There ends thy narrow span assign’d by fate, 566 
 Heaven owes Ulysses yet a longer date. 
 
 Ah, wretch! no father shall thy corpse compose, 
 Thy dying eyes no tender mother close; 
 
268 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 But hungry birds shall tear those balls away, 570 
 And hovering vultures scream around their prey. 
 
 Me Greece shall honour, when I meet my doom, 
 With solemn funerals and a lasting tomb.” 
 
 Then raging with intolerable smart, 
 
 He writhes his body, and extracts the dart. 575 
 The dart a tide of spouting gore pursued, 
 
 And gladden’d Troy with sight of hostile blood. 
 
 Now troops on troops the fainting chief invade, 
 Forced he recedes, and loudly calls for aid. 
 
 Thrice to its pitch his lofty voice he rears; 580 
 
 The well-known voice thrice Menelaus hears: 
 Alarm’d, to Ajax Telamon he cried, 
 
 Who shares his labours, and defends his side : 
 
 “ Oh friend ! Ulysses’ shouts invade my ear; 
 Distress’d he seems, and no assistance near: 585 
 
 Strong as he is, yet, one opposed to all, 
 
 Oppress’d by multitudes, the best may fall. 
 
 Greece, robb’d of him, must bid her host despair, 
 And feel a loss not ages can repair.” 
 
 Then, where the cry directs, his course he bends; 
 Great Ajax, like the god of war, attends. 591 
 
 The prudent chief in sore distress they found, 
 
 With bands of furious Trojans compass’d round. 
 
 As when some huntsman, with a flying spear, 
 
 From the blind thicket wounds a stately deer, 595 
 Down his cleft side while fresh the blood distils, 
 
 He bounds aloft, and scuds from hills to hills; 
 
 Till life’s warm vapour issuing through the wound. 
 Wild mountain wolves the fainting beast surround; 
 Just as their jaws his prostrate limbs invade, 600 
 The lion rushes through the woodland shade, 
 
 The wolves, though hungry, scour dispersed away; 
 The lordly savage vindicates his prey. 
 
 Ulysses thus, unconquer’d by his pains, 
 
 A single warrior, half a host sustains: 605 
 
 But soon as Ajax heaves his towerlike shield, 
 
 The scatter’d crowds fly frighted o’er the field; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XI. 
 
 2G9 
 
 Atrides’ arm the sinking hero stays, 
 
 And, saved from numbers, to his car conveys. 
 
 Victorious Ajax piles the routed crew; 010 
 
 And first Doryclus, Priam’s son, he slew; 
 
 On strong Pandocus next inflicts a wound, 
 
 And lays Lysander bleeding on the ground. 
 
 As when a torrent, swell’d with wintry rains, 
 
 Pours from the mountains o’er the deluged plains, 
 And pines and oaks, from their foundations torn, 616 
 A country’s ruins! to the seas are borne: 
 
 Fierce Ajax thus o’erwhelms the yielding throng; 
 Men, steeds, and chariots, roll in heaps along. 
 
 But Hector, from this scene of slaughter far, 620 
 Raged on the left, and ruled the tide of war: 
 
 Loud groans proclaim his progress through the 
 plain, 
 
 And deep Scamander swells with heaps of slain. 
 There Nestor and Idomeneus oppose 
 The warrior’s fury, there the battle glows; 625 
 
 There fierce on foot, or from the chariot’s height, 
 His sword deforms the beauteous ranks of fight. 
 
 The spouse of Helen dealing darts around, 
 
 Had pierced Machaon with a distant wound ; 
 
 In his right shoulder the broad shaft appear’d, 630 
 And trembling Greece for her physician fear’d. 
 
 To Nestor then Idomeneus begun : 
 
 “ Glory of Greece, old Neleus’ valiant son! 
 
 Ascend thy chariot, haste with speed away, 
 
 And great "Machaon to the ships convey. 635 
 
 A wise physician, skill’d our wounds to heal, 
 
 Is more than armies to the public weal.” 
 
 Old Nestor mounts the seat: beside him rode 
 The wounded offspring of the healing god. 
 
 He lends the lash ; the steeds with sounding 
 feet 640 
 
 Shake the dry field, and thunder towards the fleet. 
 
 But now Cebriones, from Hector’s car, 
 
 Survey’d the various fortune of the war. 
 
 z 2 
 
270 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 “ While here,” he cried, “ the flying 1 Greeks are 
 slain, 
 
 Trojans on Trojans yonder load-the plain. 645 
 
 Before great Ajax see the mingled throng 
 Of men and chariots driven in heaps along! 
 
 I know him well, distinguish’d o’er the field 
 By the broad glittering of the sevenfold shield. 
 Thither, oh Hector, thither urge thy steeds, 650 
 There danger calls, and there the combat bleeds ; 
 There horse and foot in mingled deaths unite, 
 
 And groans of slaughter mix with shouts of fight.” 
 
 Thus having spoke, the driver’s lash resounds; 
 Swift through the ranks the rapid chariot bounds; 
 Stung by the stroke, the coursers scour the 
 fields; ' 656 
 
 O’er heaps of carcasses, and hills of shields. 
 
 The horses’ hoofs are bathed in heroes’ gore, 
 
 And, dashing, purple all the car before ; 
 
 The groaning axle sable drops distils, 660 
 
 And mangled carnage clogs the rapid wheels. 
 
 Here Hector, plunging through the thickest fight, 
 Broke the dark phalanx, and let in the light. 
 
 (By the long lance, the sword, or pond’rous stone, 
 The ranks lie scatter’d, and the troops o’erthrown.) 
 Ajax he shuns, through all the dire debate, 666 
 And fears that arm, whose force he felt so late. 
 
 But partial Jove, espousing Hector’s part, 
 
 Shot heaven-bred horror through the Grecian’s 
 heart; 
 
 Confused, unnerved in Hector’s presence grown, 670 
 Amazed he stood, with terrors not his own. 
 
 O’er his broad back his moony shield he threw, 
 
 And, glaring round, with tardy steps withdrew. 
 
 Thus the grim lion his retreat maintains, 
 
 Beset with watchful dogs and shouting swains ; 675 
 Repulsed by numbers from the nightly stalls, 
 Though rage impels him, and though hunger calls, 
 Long stands the showering darts, and missile fires; 
 Then sourly slow the indignant beast retires: 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XI. 271 
 
 So turn’d stern Ajax, by whole hosts repell’d, 680 
 While his swoln heart at every step rebell’d. 
 
 As the slow beast with heavy strength endued 
 In some wide field by troops of boys pursued, 
 Though round his sides a wooden tempest rain, 
 Crops the tall harvest, and lays waste the plain; 685 
 Thick on his hide the hollow blows resound, 
 
 The patient animal maintains his ground, 
 
 Scarce from the field with all their efforts chased, 
 And stirs but slowly when he stirs at last. 
 
 On Ajax thus a weight of Trojans hung, 690 
 
 The strokes redoubled on his buckler rung; 
 Confiding now in bulky strength he stands, 
 
 Now turns, and backward bears the yielding bands ; 
 Now stiff recedes, yet hardly seems to fly, 
 
 And treats his followers with retorted eye. 695 
 Fix’d as the bar between two warring powers, 
 
 While hissing darts descend in iron showers; 
 
 In his broad buckler many a weapon stood, 
 
 Its surface bristled with a quivering wood ; 
 
 And many a javelin, guiltless on the plain, 700 
 
 Marks the dry dust, and thirsts for blood in vain. 
 But bold Eurypylus his aid imparts, 
 
 And dauntless springs beneath a cloud of darts; 
 Whose eager javelin launch’d against the foe, 
 
 Great Apisaon felt the fatal blow ; 705 
 
 From his torn liver the red current flow’d, 
 
 And his slack knees desert their dying load. 
 
 The victor rushing to despoil the dead, 
 
 From Paris’ bow a vengeful arrow fled : 
 
 Fix’d in his nervous thigh the weapon stood, 710 
 Fix’d was the point, but broken was the wood. 
 
 Back to the lines the wounded Greek retired, 
 
 Yet thus, retreating, his associates fired : 
 
 “What god, oh Grecians! has your hearts dis¬ 
 may’d ? 
 
 Oh, turn to arms; ’tis Ajax claims your aid. 715 
 This hour he stands the mark of hostile rage, 
 
 And this the last brave battle he shall wage; 
 
272 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Haste, join your forces; from the gloomy grave 
 The warrior rescue, and your country save.” 719 
 Thus urged the chief; a generous troop appears, 
 Who spread their bucklers, and advance their spears, 
 To guard their wounded friend: while thus they 
 stand 
 
 With pious care, great Ajax joins the band : 
 
 Each takes new courage at the hero’s sight; 
 
 The hero rallies and renews the fight. 725 
 
 Thus raged both armies like conflicting fires, 
 While Nestor’s chariot far from fight retires: 
 
 His coursers steep’d in sweat, and stain’d with gore, 
 The Greek’s preserver, great Machaon, bore. 
 
 That hour, Achilles from the topmost height 730 
 Of his proud fleet o’erlook’d the fields of fight; 
 
 His feasted eyes behold around the plain 
 The Grecian rout, the slaying, and the slain. 
 
 His friend Machaon singled from the rest, 
 
 A transient pity touch’d his vengeful breast. 735 
 Straight to Mencetius’ much-loved son he sent; 
 Graceful as Mars, Patroclus quits his tent: 
 
 In evil hour! Then fate decreed his doom, 
 
 And fix'd the date of all his woes to come. 
 
 “Why calls my friend? Thy loved injunctions 
 lay; 740 
 
 Whate’er thy will, Patroclus shall obey.” 
 
 “ Oh first of friends!” Pelides thus replied, 
 
 “ Still at my heart, and ever at my side! 
 
 The time is come, when yon despairing host 
 Shall learn the value of the man they lost: 745 
 
 Now at my knees the Greeks shall pour their moan, 
 And proud Atrides tremble on his throne. 
 
 Go now to Nestor, and from him be taught 
 What wounded warrior late his chariot brought: 
 For, seen at distance, and but seen behind, 750 
 His form recall’d Machaon to my mind; 
 
 Nor could I, through yon cloud, discern his face, 
 The coursers pass’d me with so swift a pace.” 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK XI. 
 
 273 
 
 The hero said. His friend obey’d with haste. 
 Through intermingled ships and tents he pass’d; 755 
 The chiefs descending from their car he found; 
 
 The panting steeds Eurymedon unbound. 
 
 The warriors standing on the breezy shore, 
 
 To dry their sweat and wash away the gore, 
 
 Here paused a moment, while the gentle gale 760 
 Convey’d that freshness the cool seas exhale; 
 
 Then to consult on further methods went, 
 
 And took their seats beneath the shady tent. 
 
 The draught prescribed, fair Hecamede prepares, 
 Arsinous’ daughter, graced with golden hairs : 765 
 
 (Whom to his aged arms, a royal slave, 
 
 Greece, as the prize of Nestor’s wisdom, gave.) 
 
 A table first with azure feet she placed; 
 
 Whose ample orb a brazen charger graced: 
 
 Honey new press’d, the sacred flower of wheat, 770 
 And wholesome garlic crown’d the savoury treat. 
 Next her white hand a spacious goblet brings, 
 
 A goblet sacred to the Pylian kings 
 From eldest times: the massive sculptured vase, 
 Glittering with golden studs, four handles grace; 775 
 And curling vines around each handle roll’d 
 Support two turtle doves emboss’d in gold. 
 
 A massy weight, yet heaved with ease by him, 
 When the brisk nectar overlook’d the brim. 
 Temper’d in this, the nymph of form divine 780 
 Pours a large portion of the Pramnian win^; 
 
 With goat’s-milk cheese a flavorous taste bestows, 
 And last with flour the smiling surface strews. 
 
 This for the wounded prince the dame prepares; 
 The cordial beverage reverend Nestor shares: 785 
 
 Salubrious draughts the warrior’s thirst allay, 
 
 And pleasing conference beguiles the day. 
 
 Meantime, Patroclus, by Achilles sent, 
 
 Unheard approach’d, and stood before the tent. 
 
 Old Nestor rising then, the hero led 790 
 
 To his high seat; the chief refused, and said: 
 
274 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 “ ’Tis now no season for these kind delays; 
 
 The great Achilles with impatience stays. 
 
 To great Achilles this respect I owe ; 
 
 Who asks what hero wounded by the foe, 795 
 Was borne from combat by thy foaming steeds. 
 With grief I see the great Machaon bleeds : 
 
 This to report, my hasty course I bend; 
 
 Thou know’st the fiery temper of my friend.” 
 
 “ Can then the sons of Greece,” the sage rejoin’d, 
 “ Excite compassion in Achilles’ mind ? 801 
 
 Seeks he the sorrows of our host to know 1 
 This is not half the story of our wo. 
 
 Tell him, not great Machaon bleeds alone, 
 
 Our bravest heroes in the navy groan, 805 
 
 Ulysses, Agamemnon, Diomed, 
 
 And stern Eurypylus, already bleed. 
 
 But, ah ! what flattering hopes I entertain! 
 
 Achilles heeds not, but derides our pain: 
 
 Ev’n till the flames consume our fleet he stays, 810 
 And waits the rising of the fatal blaze. 
 
 Chief after chief the raging foe destroys ; 
 
 Calm he looks on, and every death enjoys. 
 
 Now the slow course of all-impairing time 814 
 Unstrings my nerves, and ends my manly prime; 
 
 Oh ! had I still that strength my youth possess’d, 
 When this bold arm the Epeian powers oppress’d, 
 The bulls of Elis in glad triumph led, 
 
 And stretch’d the great Itymonaeus dead ! 
 
 Then from my fury fled the trembling swains, 820 
 And ours was all the plunder of the plains: 
 
 Fifty white flocks, full fifty herds of swine, 
 
 As many goats, as many lowing kine; 
 
 And thrice the number of unrivall’d steeds, 
 
 All teeming females, and of generous breeds. 825 
 These, as my first essay of arms, I won; 
 
 Old Neleus gloried in his conquering son. 
 
 Thus Elis forced, her long arrears restored, 
 
 And shares were parted to each Pylian lord. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK XI. 
 
 275 
 
 The state of Pyle was sunk to last despair, 830 
 When the proud Elians first commenced the war, 
 
 For Neleus’ sons Alcides’ rage had slain; 
 
 Of twelve bold brothers, I alone remain! 
 
 Oppress’d, we arm’d; and now this conquest gain’d, 
 My sire three hundred chosen sheep obtain’d. 835 
 (That large reprisal he might justly claim, 
 
 For prize defrauded, and insulted fame, 
 
 When Elis’ monarch at the public course 
 Detain’d his chariot and victorious horse.) 
 
 The rest the people shared ; myself survey’d 840 
 The just partition, and due victims paid. 
 
 Three days were pass’d, when Elis rose to war, 
 
 W'ith many a"courser, and with many a car; 
 
 The sons of Actor at their army’s head, 
 
 Young as they were, the vengeful squadrons led. 
 High on a rock fair Thryoessa stands, 846 
 
 Our utmost frontier on the Pylian lands: 
 
 Not far the streams of famed Alphaeus flow; 
 
 The stream they pass’d, and pitch’d their tents below. 
 Pallas, descending in the shades of night, 850 
 
 Alarms the Pylians, and commands the fight. 
 
 Each burns for fame, and swells with martial pride; 
 Myself the foremost; but my sire denied ; 
 
 Fear’d for my youth, exposed to stern alarms, 
 
 And stopp’d my chariot, and detain’d my arms. 855 
 My sire denied in vain ; on foot I fled 
 Amid our chariots : for the goddess led. 
 
 “ Along fair Arene’s delightful plain 
 Soft Minyas rolls his waters to the main. 
 
 There, horse and foot, the Pylian troops unite, 860 
 And, sheathed in arms, expect the dawning light. 
 Thence, ere the sun advanced his noonday flame, 
 
 To great Alphaeus’ sacred source we came. 
 
 There first to Jove our solemn rites were paid ; 
 
 An untamed heifer pleased the blue-eyed maid ; 865 
 A bull Alphaeus; and a bull was slain 
 To the blue monarch of the watery main. 
 
276 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 In arms we slept, beside the winding flood, 
 
 While round the town the fierce Epeians stood. 
 
 Soon as the sun, with all-revealing ray, 870 
 
 Flamed in the front of heaven, and gave the day, 
 Bright scenes of arms, and works of war appear; 
 The nations meet; there Pylos, Elis here. 
 
 The first who fell, beneath my javelin bled; 
 
 King Augias’ son, and spouse of Agamede : 875 
 
 (She that all simples’ healing virtues knew, 
 
 And every herb that drinks the morning dew :) 
 
 I seized his car, the van of battle led; 
 
 The Epeians saw, they trembled, and they fled. 
 
 The foe dispersed, the bravest warrior kill’d, 880 
 Fierce as a whirlwind now I swept the field: 
 
 Full fifty captive chariots graced my train; 
 
 Two chiefs from each fell breathless to the plain. 
 Then Actor’s sons had died, but Neptune shrouds 
 The youthful heroes in a veil of clouds. 885 
 
 O’er heapy shields, and o’er the prostrate throng, 
 Collecting spoils, and slaughtering all along, 
 Through wide Buprasian fields we forced the foes, 
 Where o’er the vales the Olenian rocks arose; 
 
 Till Pallas stopp’d us where Alisium flows. 890 
 Ev’n there the hindmost of their rear I slay, 
 
 And the same arm that led concludes the day; 
 
 Then back to Pyle triumphant take my way. 
 
 There to high Jove were public thanks assign’d, 
 
 As first of gods; to Nestor, of mankind. 895 
 
 Such then 1 was, impell’d by youthful blood ; 
 
 So proved my valour for my country’s good. 
 
 Achilles with inactive fury glows, 
 
 And gives to passion what to Greece he owes. 
 
 How shall he grieve, when to the eternal shade 900 
 Her hosts shall sink, nor his the power to aid 1 
 Oh friend! my memory recalls the day, 
 
 When, gathering aids along the Grecian sea, 
 
 I, and Ulysses, touch’d at Phthia’s port, 
 
 And enter’d Peleus’ hospitable court. 905 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XI. 
 
 277 
 
 A bull to Jove he slew in sacrifice, 
 
 And pour’d libations on the flaming thighs. 
 
 Thyself, Achilles, and thy reverend sire 
 Menoetius, turn’d the fragments on the fire. 
 
 Achilles sees us, to the feast invites ; 910 
 
 Social we sit, and share the genial rites. 
 
 We then explain’d the cause on which we came, 
 Urged you to arms, and found you fierce for fame. 
 Your ancient fathers generous precepts gave; 
 Peleus said only this : ‘ My son ! be brave.’ 915 
 Menoetius thus : ‘ Though great Achilles shine 
 In strength superior, and of race divine, 
 
 Yet cooler thoughts thy elder years attend; 
 
 Let thy just counsels aid, and rule thy friend.’ 
 
 Thus spoke your father at Thessalia’s court; 920 
 
 Words now forgot, though now of vast import. 
 
 Ah! try the utmost that a friend can say ; 
 
 Such gentle force the fiercest minds obey. 
 
 Some favouring god Achilles’ heart may move ; 
 Though deaf to glory, he may yield to love. 925 
 If some dire oracle his breast alarm, 
 
 If aught from heaven withhold his saving arm; 
 
 Some beam of comfort yet on Greece may shine, 
 
 If thou but lead the Myrmidonian line; 
 
 Clad in Achilles’ arms, if thou appear, 930 
 
 Proud Troy may tremble, and desist from war; 
 Press’d by fresh forces, her o’erlabour’d train 
 Shall seek their walls, and Greece respire again.” 
 
 This touch’d his generous heart, and from the tent 
 Along the shore with hasty strides he went; 935 
 
 Soon as he came, where, on the crowded strand, 
 The public mart and courts of justice stand, 
 
 Where the tall fleet of great Ulysses lies, 
 
 And altars to the guardian gods arise ; 
 
 There sad he met the brave Evaemon’s son, 940 
 Large painful drops from all his members run; 
 
 An arrow’s head yet rooted in his wound, 
 
 The sable blood in circles mark’d the ground. 
 
 IIOM.-T.- A A 
 
278 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 As faintly reeling he confess’d the smart; 
 
 Weak was his pace, but dauntless was his heart; 945 
 Divine compassion touch’d Patroclus’ breast, 
 
 Who, sighing, thus his bleeding friend address’d: 
 
 “ Ah, hapless leaders of the Grecian host! 
 
 Thus must ye perish on a barbarous coast 1 
 Is this your fate, to glut the dogs with gore, 950 
 Far from your friends, and from your native shore ? 
 Say, great Eurypylus ! shall Greece yet stand ? 
 Resists she yet the raging Hector’s hand 1 
 Or are her heroes doom’d to die with shame, 
 
 And this the period of our wars and fame 1” 955 
 
 Eurypylus replies : “ No more, my friend, 
 
 Greece is no more! this day her glories end. 
 
 Ev’n to the ships victorious Troy pursues, 
 
 Her force increasing as her toil renews. 
 
 Those chiefs that used her utmost rage to meet 960 
 Lie pierced with wounds, and bleeding in the fleet. 
 But thou, Patroclus ! act a friendly part, 
 
 Lead to my ships, and draw this deadly dart; 
 
 With lukewarm water wash the gore away, 
 
 With healing balms the raging smart allay, 965 
 Such as sage Chiron, sire of pharmacy, 
 
 Once taught Achilles, and Achilles thee. 
 
 Of two famed surgeons, Podalirius stands 
 This hour surrounded by the Trojan bands ; 
 
 And great Machaon, wounded in his tent, 970 
 
 Now wants that succour which so oft he lent.” 
 
 To him the chief: “ What then remains to do ? 
 The event of things the gods alone can view. 
 Charged by Achilles’ great command I fly, 
 
 And bear with haste the Pylian king’s reply: 975 
 
 But thy distress this instant claims relief.” 
 
 He said, and in his arms upheld the chief. 
 
 The slaves their master’s slow approach survey’d, 
 And hides of oxen on the floor display’d: 
 
 There stretch’d at length the wounded hero lay, 980 
 Patroclus cut the forky steel away. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK XI 
 
 279 
 
 Then in his hands a bitter root he bruised; 
 
 The wound he wash’d, the styptic juice infused. 
 The closing flesh that instant ceased to glow, 
 The wound to torture, and the blood to flow. 
 
 985 
 
BOOK XII. 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Battle at the Grecian Wall. 
 
 The Greeks having retired into their intrenchments, Hector at¬ 
 tempts to force them; but it proving impossible to pass the 
 ditch, Polydamas advises to quit their chariots, and manage 
 the attack on foot—The Trojans follow his counsel, and hav¬ 
 ing divided their army into five bodies of foot, begin the as¬ 
 sault—But on the signal of an eagle with a serpent in his 
 talons, which appeared on the left hand of the Trojans, Polyd¬ 
 amas endeavours to withdraw them again—This Hector op¬ 
 poses, and continues the attack; in which, after many actions, 
 Sarpedon makes the first breach in the wall: Hector, also, 
 casting a stone of a vast size, forces open one of the gates, 
 and enters at the head of his troops, who victoriously pur¬ 
 sue the Grecians even to their ships. 
 
 While thus the hero’s pious cares attend 
 The cure and safety of his wounded friend, 
 
 Trojans and Greeks with clashing shields engage, 
 And mutual deaths are dealt with mutual rage. 
 
 Nor long the trench or lofty walls oppose; 5 
 
 With gods averse the ill-fated works arose; 
 
 Their powers neglected, and no victim slain, 
 
 The walls were raised, the trenches sunk in vain. 
 
 Without the gods, how short a period stands 
 The proudest monument of mortal hands ! 10 
 
 This stood, while Hector and Achilles raged, 
 
 While sacred Troy the warring hosts engaged; 
 
 But when her sons were slain, her city burn’d, 
 
 And what survived of Greece to Greece return’d; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK Xlf. 
 
 281 
 
 Then Neptune and Apollo shook the shore, 15 
 Then Ida’s summits pour’d their watery store; 
 Rhesus and Rhodius then unite their rills, 
 
 Caresus roaring down the stony hills, 
 iEsepus, Granicus, with mingled force, 
 
 And Xanthus foaming from his fruitful source; 20 
 
 Andgulfy Simois, rolling to the main 
 Helmets, and shields, and godlike heroes slain : 
 These turn’d by Phoebus from their wonted ways, 
 Deluged the rampire nine continual days ; 
 
 The weight of waters saps the yielding wall, 25 
 And to the sea the floating bulwarks fall. 
 
 Incessant cataracts the Thunderer pours, 
 
 And half the skies descend in sluicy showers. 
 
 The god of ocean, marching stern before, 29 
 
 With his huge trident wounds the trembling shore, 
 Vast stones and piles from their foundation heaves, 
 And whelms the smoky ruin in the waves. 
 
 Now smooth’d with sand, and levell’d by the flood, 
 No fragment tells where once the wonder stood; 
 
 In their old bounds the rivers roll again, 35 
 
 Shine 'tween the hills, or wander o’er the plain. 
 
 But this the gods in later times perform : 
 
 As yet the bulwark stood, and braved the storm ; 
 The strokes yet echo’d of contending powers; 
 
 War thunder’d at the gates, and blood distain’d the 
 towers. 40 
 
 Smote by the arm of Jove, with dire dismay, 
 
 Close by their hollow ships the Grecians lay: 
 Hector’s approach in every wind they hear, 
 
 And Hector’s fury every moment fear. 
 
 He, like a whirlwind, toss’d the scattering throng, 
 Mingled the troops, and drove the field along. 46 
 So mid the dogs and hunter’s daring bands, 
 
 Fierce of his might, a boar or lion stands; 
 
 Arm’d foes around a dreadful circle form, 
 
 And hissing javelins rain an iron storm: 50 
 
 His powers untamed their bold assault defy, 
 
 And where he turns, the rout disperse, or die: 
 
 A A 2 
 
 I 
 
282 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 He foams, he glares, he bounds against them all, 
 And if he falls, his courage makes him fall. 
 
 With equal rage encompass’d Hector glows; 55 
 
 Exhorts his armies, and the trenches shows. 
 
 The panting steeds impatient fury breathe, 
 
 But snort and tremble at the gulf beneath; 
 
 Just on the brink they neigh, and paw the ground, 
 And the turf trembles, and the skies resound. 60 
 Eager they view’d the prospect dark and deep, 
 
 Vast was the leap, and headlong hung the steep; 
 The bottom bare, (a formidable show !) 
 
 And bristled thick with sharpen’d stakes below. 
 
 The foot alone this strong defence could force, 65 
 And try the pass impervious to the horse. 
 
 This saw Polydamas; who, wisely brave, 
 
 Restrain’d great Hector, and this counsel gave: 
 
 “ Oh thou! bold leader of the Trojan bands, 
 
 And you, confederate chiefs from foreign lands! 70 
 What entrance here can cumbrous chariots find, 
 The stakes beneath, the Grecian walls behind 1 
 No pass through those, without a thousand wounds, 
 No space for combat in yon narrow bounds. 
 
 Proud of the favours mighty Jove has shown, 75 
 On certain dangers we too rashly run: 
 
 If ’tis his will our haughty foes to tame, 
 
 Oh, may this instant end the Grecian name ! 
 
 Here, far from Argos, let their heroes fall, 
 
 And one great day destroy and bury all! 80 
 
 But should they turn, and here oppress our train, 
 What hopes, what methods, of retreat remain 1 
 Wedged in the trench, by our own troops confused, 
 In one promiscuous carnage crush’d and bruised; 
 All Troy must perish if their arms prevail, 85 
 
 Nor shall a Trojan live to tell the tale. 
 
 Hear then, ye warriors ! and obey with speed : 
 
 Back from the trenches let your steeds be led ; 
 
 Then all alighting, wedged in firm array, 
 
 Proceed on foot, and Hector lead the way. 
 
 90 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK XII. 283 
 
 So Greece shall stoop before our conquering power. 
 And this, if Jove consent, her fatal hour.” 
 
 This counsel pleased ; the godlike Hector sprung 
 Swift from his seat; his clanging armour rung. 
 
 The chief’s example follow’d by his train, 95 
 
 Each quits his car, and issues on the plain. 
 
 By orders strict the charioteers enjoin’d, 
 
 Compel the coursers to the ranks behind. 
 
 The forces part in five distinguish’d bands, 
 
 And all obey their several chiefs’ commands. 100 
 The best and bravest in the first conspire, 
 
 Pant for the fight, and threat the fleet with fire: 
 Great Hector glorious in the van of these, 
 Polydamas, and brave Cebriones. 
 
 Before the next the graceful Paris shines, 105 
 
 And bold Alcathous, and Agenor joins. 
 
 The sons of Priam with the third appear, 
 
 Deiphobus, and Helenus the seer; 
 
 In arms with these the mighty Asius stood, 
 
 Who drew from Hyrtacus his noble blood, 110 
 And whom Arisba’s yellow coursers bore, 
 
 The coursers fed on Selle’s winding shore. 
 Antenor’s sons the fourth battalion guide, 
 
 And great ADneas, born on fountful Ide. 
 
 Divine Sarpedon the last band obey’d, 115 
 
 W'hom Glaucus and Asteropaeus aid, 
 
 Next him, the bravest at their army’s head, 
 
 But he more brave than all the hosts he led. 
 
 Now with compacted shields, in close array, 
 
 The moving legions speed their headlong way: 120 
 Already in their hopes they fire the fleet, 
 
 And see the Grecians gasping at their feet. 
 
 While every Trojan thus, and every aid, 
 
 The advice of wise Polydamas obey’d; 
 
 Asius alone, confiding in his car, 125 
 
 His vaunted coursers urged to meet the war. 
 Unhappy hero ! and advised in vain! 
 
 Those wheels returning ne’er shall mark the plain; 
 
284 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 No more those coursers with triumphant joy 
 Restore their master to the gates of Troy! 130 
 
 Black death attends behind the Grecian wall, 
 
 And great ldomeneus shall boast thy fall.. 
 
 Fierce to the left he drives, where from the plain 
 The flying Grecians strove their ships to gain; 
 
 Swift through the wall their horse and chariots 
 pass’d, 135 
 
 The gates half open’d to receive the last. 
 
 Thither, exulting in his force, he flies: 
 
 His following host with clamours rend the skies; 
 
 To plunge the Grecians headlong in the main, 
 
 Such their proud hopes, but all their hopes were 
 vain. 140 
 
 To guard the gates, two mighty chiefs attend, 
 
 Who from the Lapiths’ warlike race descend; 
 
 This Polypcetes, great Pirithous’ heir, 
 
 And that Leonteus, like the god of war. 
 
 As two tall oaks, before the wall thej' rise ; 145 
 
 Their roots in earth, their heads amid the skies: 
 Whose spreading arms with leafy honours crown’d, 
 Forbid the tempest, and protect the ground; 
 
 High on the hill appears their stately form, 
 
 And their deep roots for ever brave the storm. 150 
 So graceful these, and so the shock they stand 
 Of raging Asius, and his furious band. 
 
 Orestes, Acamas, in front appear, 
 
 And (Enomaus and Thoon close the rear. 
 
 In vain the clamours shake the ambient fields, 155 
 In vain around them beat their hollow shields; 
 
 The fearless brothers on the Grecians call, 
 
 To guard their navies, and defend the wall. 
 
 Ev’n when they saw Troy’s sable troops impend, 
 And Greece tumultuous from her towers descend, 
 Forth from the portals rush’d the intrepid pair, 161 
 Opposed their breasts, and stood themselves the war. 
 So two wild boars spring furious from their den, 
 Roused with the cries of dogs arid voice of men; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XII. 285 
 
 On every side the crackling trees they tear, 165 
 And root the shrubs, and lay the forest bare ; 
 
 They gnash their tusks, with fire their eyeballs roll, 
 Till some wide wound lets out their mighty soul. 
 Around their heads the whistling javelins sung, 
 
 With sounding strokes their brazen targets rung; 170 
 Fierce was the fight, while yet the Grecian powers 
 Maintain’d the walls, and mann’d the lofty towers: 
 To save their fleet, the last efforts they try, 
 
 And stones and darts in mingled tempests fly. 
 
 As when sharp Boreas blows abroad, and brings 
 The dreary winter on his frozen wings; 176 
 
 Beneath the low-hung clouds the sheets of snow 
 Descend, and whiten all the fields below: 
 
 So fast the darts on either army pour, 
 
 So down the rampires rolls the rocky shower ; 180 
 
 Heavy and thick, resound the batter’d shields, 
 
 And the deaf echo rattles round the fields. 
 
 With shame repulsed, with grief and fury driven, 
 The frantic Asius thus accuses Heaven: 
 
 “ In powers immortal who shall now believe ? 185 
 
 Can those too flatter, and can Jove deceive 1 
 What man could doubt but Troy’s victorious power 
 Should humble Greece, and this her fatal hour 1 
 But like when wasps from hollow crannies drive, 
 
 To guard the entrance of their common hive, 190 
 Darkening the rock, while with unwearied wings 
 They strike the assailants, and infix their stings; 
 
 A race determined, that to death contend: 
 
 So fierce these Greeks their last retreats defend. 
 Gods ! shall two warriors only guard their gates, 195 
 Repel an army, and defraud the fates ?” 
 
 These empty accents mingled with the wind, 
 
 Nor moved great Jove’s unalterable mind; 
 
 To godlike Hector and his matchless might 
 Was owed the glory of the destined fight. 200 
 
 Like deeds of arms through all the forts were tried, 
 And all the gates sustain’d an equal tide; 
 
286 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Through the long walls the stony showers were heard. 
 The blaze of flames, the flash of arms appear'd. 
 
 The spirit of a god my breast inspire. 205 
 
 To raise each act to life, and sing with fire ! 
 
 While Greece unconquer'd kept alive the war. 
 Secure of death, confiding in despair; 
 
 And all her guardian gods, in deep dismay. 
 
 With unassisting arms deplored the day. 210 
 
 Ev'n yet the dauntless Lapithae maintain 
 The dreadful pass, and round them heap the slain. 
 First Damasus. by Polypoetes' steel 
 Pierced through his helmet's brazen visor, fell; 
 
 The weapon drank the mingled brains and gore ; 215 
 The warrior sinks, tremendous now no more ! 
 
 Next Orruenus and Pylon yield their breath. 
 
 Nor less Leonteus strews the field with death: 
 
 First through the belt Hippomachus he gored, 
 
 Then sudden waved his unresisted sword; 220 
 
 Antiphates, as through the ranks he broke, 
 
 The falchion struck, and fate pursued the stroke: 
 Iamenus, Orestes, Menon, bled; 
 
 And round him rose a monument of dead. 
 
 Meantime, the bravest of the Trojan crew, 225 
 Bold Hector and Polydamas, pursue; 
 
 Fierce with impatience on the works to fall. 
 
 And wrap in rolling flames the fleet and wall. 
 
 These on the farther bank now stood and gazed, 
 
 By Heaven alarm'd, by prodigies amazed: 230 
 
 A signal omen stopp’d the passing host, 
 
 Their martial fury in their wonder lost. 
 
 Jove’s bird on sounding pinions beat the skies, 
 
 A bleeding serpent of enormous size 
 His talons truss'd; alive, and curling round, 235 
 He stung the bird, whose throat received the wound: 
 Mad with the smart, he drops the fatal prey, 
 
 In airy circles wings his painful way, 
 
 Floats on the winds, and rends the heu»ens with 
 cries: 
 
 Amid the host the fallen serpent lies. 
 
 240 
 
ILIAD--BOOK XII. 
 
 287 
 
 They, pale with terror, mark its spires unroll’d. 
 
 And Jove’s portent with beating hearts behold- 
 Then first Polydamas the silence broke, 
 
 Long weigh’d the signal, and to Hector spoke : 
 
 “ How oft, my brother, thy reproach I bear, 245 
 For words well meant, and sentiments sincere ! 
 True to those counsels which 1 judge the best, 
 
 I tell the faithful dictates of my breast. 
 
 To speak his thoughts, is every freeman’s right. 
 
 In peace and war, in council and in fight: 250 
 
 And all I move, deferring to thy sway, 
 
 But tends to raise that power which l obey. 
 
 Then hear my words, nor may my words be vain: 
 Seek not, this day, the Grecian ships to gain; 
 
 For sure to warn us Jove his omen sent, 255 
 
 And thus my mind explains its clear event. 
 
 The victor eagle, whose sinister flight 
 Retards our host, and fills our hearts with fright. 
 Dismiss’d his conquest in the middle skies. 
 
 Allow'd to seize, but not possess the prize : 260 
 
 Thus though we gird with fires the Grecian fleet. 
 Though these proud bulwarks tumble at our feet. 
 Toils unforeseen, and fiercer, are decreed : 
 
 More woes shall follow, and more heroes bleed. 
 
 So bodes my soul, and bids me thus advise: 265 
 
 For thus a skilful seer would read the skies.*’ 
 
 To him then Hector with disdain return’d: 
 
 (Fierce as he spoke, his eyes with fury burn'd :') 
 
 ** Are these the faithful counsels of thy tongue ? 
 
 Thy will is partial, hot thy reason wrong: 270 
 
 Or, if the purpose of thy heart thou vent. 
 
 Sure Heaven resumes the little sense it lent. 
 
 What coward counsels would thy madness move, 
 Against the word, the will reveal'd of Jove ? 
 
 The leading sign, the irrevocable nod, 275 
 
 And happy thunders of the favouring god. 
 
 These shall I slight ? and guide my wavering mind 
 By wandering bird*, that flit with every wind ? 
 
288 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Ye vagrants of the sky! your wings extend, 
 
 Or where the suns arise, or where descend ; 280 
 
 To right, to left, unheeded take your way, 
 
 While I the dictates of high Heaven obey. 
 
 Without a sign his sword the brave man draws, 
 
 And asks no omen but his country’s cause. 284 
 But why shouldst thou suspect the war’s success 1 
 None fears it more, as none promotes it less : 
 Though all our chiefs amid yon ships expire, 
 
 Trust thy own cowardice to escape their fire. 
 
 Troy and her sons may find a general grave, 
 
 But thou canst live, for thou canst be a slave. 290 
 Yet should the fears that wary mind suggests 
 Spread their cpld poison through our soldiers’ breasts, 
 My javeliu can revenge so base a part, 
 
 And free the soul that quivers in thy heart.” 
 
 Furious he spoke, and, rushing to the wall, 295 
 Calls on his host; his host obey the call; 
 
 With ardour follow where their leader flies: 
 Redoubling clamours thunder in the skies. 
 
 Jove breathes a whirlwind from the hills of Ide, 
 
 And drifts of dust the clouded navy hide : 300 
 
 He fills the Greeks with terror and dismay, 
 
 And gives great Hector the predestined day. 
 
 Strong in themselves, but stronger in his aid, 
 
 Close to the works their rigid siege they laid. 
 
 In vain the mounds and massy beams defend, 305 
 While these they undermine, and those they rend; 
 Upheave the piles that prop the solid wall; 
 
 And heaps on heaps the smoky ruins fall. 
 
 Greece on her rampart stands the fierce alarms ; 
 
 The crowded bulwarks blaze with waving arms, 310 
 Shield touching shield, a long refulgent row ; 
 Whence hissing darts, incessant, rain below. 
 
 The bold Ajaces fly from tower to tower, 
 
 And rouse, with flame divine, the Grecian power. 
 The generous impulse every Greek obeys ; 315 
 
 Threats urge the fearful; and the valiant praise. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XII. 289 
 
 “ Fellows in arms! whose deeds are known to 
 fame, 
 
 And you whose ardour hopes an equal name! 
 
 Since not alike endued with force or art, 
 
 Behold a day when each may act his part! 320 
 
 A day to fire the hrave, and warm the cold, 
 
 To gain new glories, or augment the old. 
 
 Urge those who stand: and those who faint, ex* 
 cite; 
 
 Drown Hector’s vaunts in loud exhorts of fight; 
 Conquest, not safety, fill the thoughts of all; 325 
 Seek not your fleet, but. sally from the wall; 
 
 So Jove once more may drive their routed train. 
 And Troy lie trembling in her walls again.” 
 
 Their ardour kindles all the Grecian powers; 
 
 And now the stones descend in heavier showers. 
 
 As when high Jove his sharp artillery forms, 331 
 And opes his cloudy magazine of storms ; 
 
 In winter’s bleak, uncomfortable reign, 
 
 A snowy inundation hides the plain; 
 
 He stills the winds, and bids the skies to sleep; 335 
 Then pours the silent tempest thick and deep: 
 
 And first the mountain tops are cover’d o’er, 
 
 Then the green fields, and then the sandy shore; 
 Bent with the weight the nodding woods are seen, 
 And one bright waste hides all the works of men: 
 The circling seas alone absorbing all, 341 
 
 Drink the dissolving fleeces as they fall. 
 
 So from each side increased the stony rain, 
 
 And the white ruin rises o’er the plain. 
 
 Thus godlike Hector and his troops contend 345 
 To force the ramparts, and the gates to rend ; 
 
 Nor Troy could conquer, nor the Greeks would 
 yield, 
 
 Till great Sarpedon tower’d amid the field: 
 
 For mighty Jove inspired with martial flame 
 His matchless son, and urged him on to fame. 350 
 In arms he shines, conspicuous from afar, 
 
 And bears aloft his ample shield in air; 
 hum.— i.—B B 
 
290 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Within whose orb the thick bull hides were roll’d, 
 Ponderous with brass, and bound with ductile gold: 
 And while two pointed javelins arm his hands, 355 
 Majestic moves along, and leads his Lycian bands. 
 
 So. press'd with hunger, from the mountain’s brow 
 Descends a lion on the flocks below; 
 
 So stalks the lordly savage o’er the plain, 
 
 In sullen majesty, and stern disdain: 360 
 
 In vain loud mastiffs bay him from afar, 
 
 And shepherds gall him with an iron war; 
 Regardless, furious, he pursues his way ; 
 
 He foams, he roars, he rends the panting prey. 
 
 Resolved alike, divine Sarpedon glows 365 
 
 With generous rage that drives him on the foes. 
 
 He views the towers, and meditates their fall, 
 
 To sure destruction dooms the aspiring wall; 
 
 Then, casting on his friend an ardent look, 
 
 Fired with the thirst of glory, thus he spoke: 370 
 
 ** Why boast we, Glaucus! our extended reign, 
 Where Xanthus’ streams enrich the Lycian plain, 
 Our numerous herds that range the fruitful field, 
 
 And hills where vines their purple harvest yield, 
 
 Our foaming bowls with purer nectar crown’d, 375 
 Our feasts enhanced with music’s sprightly sound! 
 Why on those shores are we with joy survey’d, 
 Admired as heroes,and as gods obey’d; 
 
 Unless great acts superior merit prove, 
 
 And vindicate the bounteous powers above! 380 
 
 Tis ours, the dignity they give to grace; 
 
 The first in valour, as the first in place; 
 
 That when with wondering eyes our martial bands 
 Behold our deeds transcending our commands, 
 
 Such, they may cry, deserve the sovereign state, 
 Whom those that envy dare not imitate! 386 
 
 Could all our care elude the gloomy grave, 
 
 Which claims no less the fearful than the brave, 
 
 For lust of fame I should not vainly dare 
 In fighting fields, nor urge thy soul to war. 390 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XII. 
 
 291 
 
 But since, alas! ignoble age must come, 
 
 Disease, and death’s inexorable doom ; 
 
 The life which others pay, let us bestow, 
 
 And give to fame what we to nature owe; 
 
 Brave though we fall, and honour’d if we live, 395 
 Or let us glory gain, or glory give!” 
 
 He said: his words the listening chief inspire 
 With equal warmth, and rouse the warrior’s fire ; 
 The troops pursue their leaders with delight, 
 
 Rush to the foe, and claim the promised fight. 400 
 Menestheus from on high the storm beheld 
 Threatening the fort, and blackening in the field: 
 Around the wails he gazed, to view from far 
 What aid appear’d to avert the approaching war, 
 And saw where Teucer with the Ajaces stood, 405 
 Of fight insatiate, prodigal of blood. 
 
 In vain he calls; the din of helms and shields 
 Rings to the skies, and echoes through the fields: 
 The brazen hinges fly, the walls resound, 
 
 Heaven trembles, roar the mountains, thunders all 
 the ground. 410 
 
 Then thus to Thoos: “ Hence with speed,” he said, 
 “ And urge the bold Ajaces to our aid : 
 
 Their strength, united, best may help to bear 
 The bloody labours of the doubtful war: 
 
 Hither the Lycian princes bend their course, 415 
 
 The best and bravest of the hostile force. 
 
 But if too fiercely there the foes contend, 
 
 Let Telamon at least our towers defend, 
 
 And Teucer haste with his unerring bow, 
 
 To share the danger, and repel the foe.” 420 
 
 Swift at the word, the herald speeds along 
 The lofty ramparts, through the martial throng; 
 
 And finds the heroes bathed in sweat and gore, 
 Opposed in combat un the dusty shore. 
 
 “ Ye valiant leaders of our warlike bands ! 425 
 
 Your aid,” said Thoos, “ Peleus’ son demands. 
 Your strength, united, best may help to bear 
 The bloody labours of the doubtful war: 
 
292 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Thither the Lycian princes bend their course, 
 
 The best and bravest of the hostile force. 430< 
 
 But if too fiercely here the foes contend, 
 
 At least let Telamon those towers defend, 
 
 And Teucer haste with his unerring bow, 
 
 To share the danger, and repel the foe.” 
 
 Straight to the fort great Ajax turn’d his care, 435 
 And thus bespoke his brothers of the war: 
 
 “ Now, valiant Lycomede ! exert your might, 
 
 And, brave Oileus, prove your force in fight: 
 
 To you 1 trust the fortune of the field, > 
 
 Till by this arm the foe shall be repell’d ; 440 
 
 That done, expect me to complete the day 
 Then, with his sevenfold shield he strode away. 
 
 With equal steps bold Teucer press’d the shore, 
 Whose fatal bow the strong Pandion bore. 444 
 High on the walls appear’d the Lycian powers, 
 Like some black tempest gathering round the towers; 
 The Greeks, oppress’d, their utmost force unite, 
 Prepared to labour in the unequal fight; 
 
 The war renews, mix’d shouts and groans arise; 
 Tumultuous clamour mounts, and thickens in the 
 skies. 450 
 
 Fierce Ajax first the advancing host invades, 
 
 And sends the brave Epicles to the shades, 
 Sarpedon’s friend ; across the warrior’s way, 
 
 Rent from the walls, a rocky fragment lay; 
 
 In modern ages not the strongest swain 455 
 
 Could heave the unwieldy burden from the plain. 
 
 He poised, and swung it round ; then, toss’d on high, 
 It flew with force, and labour’d up the sky ; 
 
 Full on the Lvcian’s helmet thundering down, 
 
 The ponderous ruin crush’d his batter’d crown. 460 
 As skilful divers from some airy steep 
 Headlong descend, and shoot into the deep, 
 
 So falls Epicles ; then in groans expires, 
 
 And murmuring to the shades the soul retires. 
 
 While to the ramparts daring Glaucus drew, 465 
 From Teucer’s hand a winged arrow flew: 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XII. 
 
 293 
 
 The bearded shaft the destined passage found. 
 
 And on his naked arm inflicts a wound. 
 
 The chief, who fear’d some foe’s insulting boast 
 Might stop the progress of his warlike host, 470 
 Conceal’d the wound, and, leaping from his height, 
 Retired reluctant from the unfinish’d fight. 
 
 Divine Sarpedon with regret beheld 
 Disabled Glaucus slowly quit the field; 
 
 His beating breast with generous ardour glows, 475 
 He springs to flight, and flies upon the foes. 
 
 Alcmaon first was doom’d his force to feel; 
 
 Deep in his breast he plunged the pointed steel; 
 Then, from the yawning wound with fury tore 479 
 The spear, pursued by gushing streams of gore ; 
 Down sinks the warrior with a thundering sound, 
 His brazen armour rings against the ground. 
 
 Swift to the battlement the victor flies, 
 
 Tugs with full force, and every nerve applies; 484 
 It shakes ; the ponderous stones disjointed yield; 
 The rolling ruins smoke along the field. 
 
 A mighty breach appears, the walls lie bare; 
 
 And, like a deluge, rushes in the war. 
 
 At once bold Teucer draws the twanging bow, 
 
 And Ajax sends his javelin at the foe: 490 
 
 Fix’d in his belt the feather’d weapon stood, 
 
 And through his buckler drove the trembling wood; 
 But Jove was present in the dire debate, 
 
 To shield hi^offspring, and avert his fate. 
 
 The prince gave back, not meditating flight, 495 
 But urging vengeance, and severer fight; 
 
 Then, raised with hope, and fired with glory’s 
 charms, 
 
 His fainting squadrons to new fury warms. 
 
 “ Oh where, ye Lycians ! is the strength you boast? 
 Your former fame and ancient virtue lost! 500 
 
 The breach lies open, but your chief in vain 
 Attempts alone the guarded pass to gain : 
 
 Unite, and soon that hostile fleet shall fall; 
 
 The force of powerful union conquers all.” 
 
 B B 2 
 
294 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 t 
 
 This just rebuke inflamed the Lycian crew, 505 
 They join, they thicken, and the assault renew; 
 Unmoved the imbodied Greeks their fury dare, 
 
 And fix’d support the weight of all the war; 
 
 Nor could the Greeks repel the Lycian powers. 
 
 Nor the bold Lycians force the Grecian towers. 510 
 As, on the confines of adjoining grounds, 
 
 Two stubborn swains with blows dispute their 
 bounds; 
 
 They tug, they sweat; but neither gain nor yield, 
 One foot, one'inch, of the contended field : 
 
 Thus obstinate to death they fight, they fall; 515 
 
 Nor these can keep, nor those can win the wall. 
 Their manly breasts are pierced with many a wound, 
 Loud strokes are heard, and rattling arms resound; 
 The copious slaughter covers all the shore, 
 
 And the high ramparts drop with human gore. 520 
 As when two scales are charged with doubtful 
 loads. 
 
 From side to side the trembling balance noas, 
 (While some laborious matron, just and poor, 
 
 With nice exactness weighs her woolly store,) 
 
 Till, poised aloft, the resting beam suspends 525 
 Each equal weight; nor this, nor that descends : 
 
 So stood the war, till Hector’s matchless might 
 With fates prevailing, turn’d the scale of fight. 
 
 Fierce as a whirlwind up the walls he flies, 
 
 And fires his hosts with loud repeated^ries. 530 
 Advance, ye Trojans 1 lend your valiant hands, 
 Haste to the fleet, and toss the blazing brands! 
 
 They hear, they run ; and gathering at his call, 
 Raise scaling engines, and ascend the wall: 
 
 Around the works a wood of glittering spears 535 
 Shoots up, and all the rising host appears. 
 
 A ponderous stone bold Hector heaved to throw, 
 Pointed above, and rough and gross below : 
 
 Not two strong men the enormous weight could raise. 
 Such men as live in these degenerate days. 540 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XII. 
 
 295 
 
 Yet this, as easy as a swain could bear 
 The snowy fleece,he toss’d, and shook in air: 
 
 For Jove upheld, and lighten’d of its load 
 The unwieldy rock, the labour of a god. 
 
 Thus arm’d before the folded gates he came, 545 
 Of massy substance, and stupendous frame ; 
 
 With iron bars and brazen hinges strong, 
 
 On lofty beams of solid timber hung: 
 
 Then, thundering through the planks with forceful 
 sway, 
 
 Drives the sharp rock; the solid beams give way, 
 The folds are shatter’d ; from the crackling door 551 
 Leap the resounding bars, the flying hinges roar. 
 Now rushing in, the furious chief appears, 
 
 Gloomy as night! and shakes two shining spears: 
 
 A dreadful gleam from his bright armour came, 555 
 And from Ins eyeballs flash’d the living flame. 
 
 He moves a god, resistless in his course, 
 
 And seems a match for more than mortal force. 
 Then pouring after, through the gaping space, 
 
 A tide of Trojans flows, and fills the place ; 560 
 
 The Greeks behold, they tremble,and they fly; 
 
 The shore is heap’d with death, and tumult rends 
 the sky. 
 
BOOK XIII 
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Fourth Battle continued, in which Neptune assists the Greeks. 
 
 the Acts of ldomeneus. 
 
 Neptune, concerned for the loss of the Grecians, on seeing the 
 fortification forced by Hector, who had entered the gate near 
 the station of the Ajaxes, assumes the shape of Calchas, and 
 inspires those heroes to oppose him : then, in the form of one 
 of the generals, encourages the othpr Greeks, who had retired 
 to their vessels—The Ajaxes form their troops in a close pha¬ 
 lanx, and put a stop to Hector and the Trojans—Several deeds 
 of valour are performed; Meriones, losing his spear in the 
 encounter, repairs to seek another at the tent of ldomeneus : 
 this occasions a conversation between those two warriors, 
 who return together to the battle—ldomeneus signalizes his 
 courage above the rest; he kills Othryoneus, Asius, and Al- 
 cathous: Deiphobus and ^Eneas march against him. and at 
 length ldomeneus retires—Menelaus wounds Helenus and 
 Pisander—The Trojans are repulsed in the left wing; Hector 
 stills keeps his ground against the Ajaxes, till, being galled 
 by the Locrian slingersand archers, Polydamas advises to call 
 a council of war: Hector approves his advice, but goes first 
 to rally the Trojans ; upbraids Paris, rejoins Polydamas, meets 
 Ajax again, and renews the attack.—[The eight-and-twentieth 
 day still continues. The scene is between the Grecian wall 
 and the seashore.] 
 
 When now the Thunderer on the seabeat coast 
 Had fix’d great Hector and his conquering host, 
 
 He left them to the fates, in bloody fray 
 To toil and struggle through the well-fought day. 
 Then turn’d to Thracia from the field of fight 5 
 Those eyes that shed insufferable light, 
 
 To where the Mysians prove their martial force, 
 And hardy Thracians tame the savage horse; 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XIII. 
 
 297 
 
 And where the far-famed Hippemolgian strays, 
 Renown’d for justice and for length of days; 10 
 
 Thrice happy race ! that, innocent of blood, 
 
 From milk, innoxious, seek their simple food: 
 
 Jove sees delighted; and avoids the scene 
 Of guilty Troy, of arms, and dying men : 
 
 No aid, he deems, to either host is given, 15 
 
 While his high law suspends the powers of heaven. 
 
 Meantime the monarch of the watery main 
 Observed the Thunderer, nor observed in vain. 
 
 In Samothracia, on a mountain’s brow, 
 
 Whose waving woods o’erhung the deeps below, 20 
 He sat; and round him cast his azure eyes, 
 
 Where Ida’s misty tops confus’dly rise; 
 
 Below, fair llion’s glittering spires were seen; 
 
 The crowded ships, and sable seas between. 
 
 There, from the crystal chambers of the main 25 
 Emerged, he sat, and mourn’d his Argives slain. 
 
 At Jove incensed, with grief and fury stung, 
 
 Prone down the rocky steep he rush’d along; 
 
 Fierce as he pass’d, the lofty mountains nod, 
 
 The forest shakes: earth trembled as he trod, 30 
 And felt the footsteps of the immortal god. 
 
 From realm to realm three ample strides he took, 
 And, at the fourth, the distant iEgae shook. 
 
 Far in the bay his shining palace stands, 
 
 Eternal frame! not raised by mortal hands; 35 
 This having reach’d, his brass-hoof'd steeds he 
 reins, 
 
 Fleet as the winds, and deck’d with golden manes. 
 Refulgent arms his mighty limbs infold, 
 
 Immortal arms of adamant and gold. 
 
 He mounts the car, the golden scourge applies, 40 
 He sits superior, and the chariot flies: 
 
 His whirling wheels the glassy surface sweep; 
 
 The enormous monsters, rolling o’er the deep, 
 Gambol around him on the watery way ; 
 
 And heavy whales in awkward measures play: 45 
 
 * ! 
 
298 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 The sea subsiding spreads a level plain, 
 
 Exults, and owns the monarch of the main: 
 
 The parting waves before his coursers fly; 
 
 The wondering waters leave his axle dry, 
 
 Deep in the liquid regions lies a cave ; 50 
 
 Between where Tenedos the surges lave, 
 
 And rocky Imbrus breaks the rolling wave: 
 
 There the great ruler of the azure round 
 Stopp’d his swift chariot, and his steeds unbound, 
 Fed with ambrosial herbage from his hand, 55 
 
 And link’d their fetlocks with a golden band, 
 Infrangible, immortal: there they stay; 
 
 The father of the floods pursues his way ; 
 
 Where, like a tempest darkening heaven around, 
 
 Or fiery deluge that devours the ground, 60 
 
 The impatient Trojans, in a gloomy throng, 
 Embattled roll’d, as Hector rush’d along: 
 
 To the loud tumult and the barbarous cry, 
 
 The heavens re-echo, and the shores reply; 
 
 They vow destruction to the Grecian name, 65 
 And in their hopes the fleets already flame. 
 
 But Neptune, rising from the seas profound, 
 
 The god whose earthquakes rock the solid ground, 
 Now wears a mortal form; like Calchas seen, 
 
 Such his loud voice, and such his manly mien; 70 
 
 His shouts incessant every Greek inspire, 
 
 But most the Ajaces, adding fire to fire. 
 
 “ ’Tis yours, oh warriors! all our hopes to raise: 
 Oh, recollect your ancient worth and praise: 
 
 ’Tis yours to save us, if you cease to fear; 75 
 
 Flight, more than shameful, is destruction here. 
 
 On other works though Troy with fury fall, 
 
 And pour her armies o’er our batter’d wall; 
 
 There Greece has strength: but this, this part o’er- 
 thrown, 
 
 Her strength were vain ; I dread for you alone. 80 
 Here Hector rages like the force of fire, 
 
 Vaunts of his gods, and calls high Jove his sire 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XIII. 
 
 299 
 
 If yet some heavenly power your breast excite, 
 Breathe in your hearts, and string your arms to 
 fight, 
 
 Greece yet may live, her threaten’d fleet remain; 85 
 And Hector’s force, and Jove’s own aid, be vain.” 
 
 Then with his sceptre, that the deep controls, 
 
 He touch’d the chiefs,and'steel’d their manly souls; 
 Strength, not their own, the touch divine imparts, 
 Prompts their light limbs, and swells their daring 
 hearts. ~ 90 
 
 Then as a falcon from the rocky height, 
 
 Her quarry seen, impetuous at the sight 
 Forth springing instant, darts herself from high, 
 Shoots on the wing, and skims along the sky : 
 
 Such, and so swift, the power of ocean flew ; 95 
 
 The wide horizon shut him from their view. 
 
 The inspiring god, Oileus’ active son 
 Perceived the first, and thus to Telamon: 
 
 “ Some god, my friend, some god in human form, 
 Favouring descends, and wills to stand the storm. 
 Not Calchas this, the venerable seer; 101 
 
 Short as he turn’d, I saw the po.wer appear: 
 
 I mark’d his parting, and the steps he trod; 
 
 His own bright evidence reveals a god. 
 
 Ev’n now some energ}^ divine I share, 105 
 
 And seem to walk on wings, and tread in air!” 
 
 “ With equal ardour,” Telamon returns, 
 
 “My soul is kindled, and my bosom burns: 
 
 New rising spirits all my force alarm, 
 
 Lift each impatient limb, and brace my arm. 110 
 This ready arm, unthinking, shakes the dart; 
 
 The blood pours back, and fortifies my heart; 
 Singly, methinks, yon towering chief I meet, 
 
 And stretch the dreadful Hector at my feet.” 
 
 Full of the god that urged their burning breast, 115 
 The heroes thus their mutual warmth express’d. 
 Neptune meanwhile the routed Greeks inspired. 
 Who, breathless, pale, with length of labours tired, 
 
300 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Pant in the ships ; while Troy to conquest calls, 
 
 And swarms victorious o’er their yielding walls: 120 
 Trembling before the impending storm they lie, 
 While tears of rage stand burning in their eye. 
 Greece sunk they thought, and this their fatal hour* 
 But breathe new courage as they feel the power. 
 Teucer and Leitus first his words excite ; 125 
 
 Then stern Peneleus rises to the fight; 
 
 Thoas, Deipyrus, in arms renown’d, 
 
 And Merion next,the impulsive fury found; 
 
 Last Nestor’s son the same bold ardour takes, 
 
 While thus the god the martial fire awakes : 130 
 
 “ Oh lasting infamy ! oh dire disgrace, 
 
 To chiefs of vigorous youth and manly race ! 
 
 I trusted it: the gods, and you, to see 
 Brave Greece victorious, and her navy free: 
 
 Ah, no—the glorious combat you disclaim, 135 
 And one black day clouds all her former fame. 
 Heavens ! what a prodigy these eyes survey, 
 Unseen, unthought, till this amazing day ! 
 
 Fly we at length from Troy’s oft-conquer’d bands'? 
 And falls our fleet by such inglorious hands? 140 
 A rout undisciplined, a straggling train, 
 
 Not born to glories of the dusty plain ; 
 
 Like frighted fawns, from hill to hill pursued, 
 
 A prey to every savage of the wood: 
 
 Shall these, so late who trembled at your name, 145 
 Invade your camps, involve your ships in flame? 
 
 A change so shameful, say, what cause has wrought 1 
 The soldier’s baseness, or the general's fault? 
 Fools! will ye perish for your leader’s vice, 
 
 The purchase infamy, and life the price ? 150 
 
 ’Tis not your cause, Achilles’ injured fame : 
 Another’s is the crime, but yours the shame. 
 
 Grant that our chief offend through rage or lust, 
 Must you be cowards if your king’s unjust ? 
 
 Prevent this evil, and your country save : 155 
 
 Small thought retrieves the spirits of the brave. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK XIII. 
 
 301 
 
 Think, and subdue; on dastards dead to fame 
 I waste no anger, for they feel no sname: 
 
 But you, the pride, the flower of all our host, 
 
 My heart weeps blood to see your glory lost! 160 
 
 Nor deem this day, this battle, all you lose ; 
 
 A day more black, a fate more vile ensues. 
 
 Let each reflect, who prizes fame or breath, 
 
 On endless infamy, on instant death. 
 
 For lo ! the fated time, the appointed shore ; 165 
 
 Hark ! the gates burst, the brazen barriers roar! 
 Impetuous Hector thunders at the wall; 
 
 The hour, the spot, to conquer, or to fall.” 
 
 These words the Grecians’ fainting hearts inspire, 
 And listening armies catch the godl.ke fire. 170 
 Fix’d at his post was each bold Ajax found, 
 
 With well-ranged squadrons strongly circled round: 
 So close their order, so disposed their fi^ht, 
 
 As Pallas’ self might view w r ith fix’d delight; 
 
 Or had the god of war inclined his eyes, 175 
 
 The god of war had own’d a just surprise. 
 
 A chosen phalanx, firm, resolved as Kate, 
 Descending Hector and his battle wait. 
 
 An iron scene gleams dreadful o’er the fields, 
 Armour in armour lock'd, and shields in shields, 180 
 Spears lean on spears, on target targets throng, 
 Helms stuck to helms, and mail drove man along. 
 The floating plumes unnumber’d wave above, 
 
 As when an earthquake stirs the nodding grove; 
 And, levell’d at the spies with pointing rays, 185 
 Their brandish’d lances at each motion blaze. 
 
 Thus breathing death, in terrible array, 
 
 The close-compacted legions urged the way : 
 
 Fierce they drove on, impatient to destroy ; 
 
 Troy charged the first, and Hector first of Troy. 190 
 As from some mountain’s craggy forehead torn, 
 
 A rock’s round fragment flies, with fury borne, 
 (Which from the stubborn stone a torrent rends,) 
 Precipitate the ponderous mass descends: 
 hom.— i.—c c 
 
302 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 From steep to steep the rolling ruin bounds; 195 
 
 At every shock the crackling wood resounds: 
 
 Still gathering force, it smokes; and, urged amain, 
 Whirls, leaps, and thunders down, impetuous to the 
 plain: 
 
 There stops—so Hector. Their whole force he 
 proved, 
 
 Resistless when he raged, and when he stopp’d, un¬ 
 moved. 200 
 
 On him the war is bent, the darts are shed, 
 
 And all their falchions wave around his head : 
 Repulsed he stands, nor from his stand retires; 
 
 But with repeated shouts his army fires. 
 
 “ Trojans ! be firm ; this arm shall make your way 
 Through yon square body, and that black array. 206 
 Stand, and my spear shall rout their scattering power, 
 Strong as they seem, embattled like a tower: 
 
 For he that Juno’s heavenly bosom warms, 
 
 The first of gods, this day inspires our arms.” 210 
 He said, and roused the soul in every breast; 
 
 Urged with desire of fame, beyond the rest, 
 
 Forth march’d Deiphobus ; but marching held, 
 Before his wary steps, his ample shield. 
 
 Bold Merion aim’d a stroke, nor aim’d it wide; 215 
 The glittering javelin pierced the tough bull hide; 
 But pierced not through: unfaithful to his hand, 
 
 The point broke short, and sparkled in the sand. 
 
 The Trojan warrior, touch’d with timely fear, 
 
 On the raised orb to distance bore the spear: 220 
 
 The Greek retreating mourn’d his frustrate blow, 
 And cursed the treacherous lance that spared a foe; 
 Then to the ships with surly speed he went, 
 
 To seek a surer javelin in his tent. 
 
 Meanwhile with rising rage the battle glows, 225 
 The tumult thickens, and the clamour grows. 
 
 By Teucer’s arm the warlike lmbrius bleeds, 
 
 The son of Mentor, rich in generous steeds. 
 
 Ere yet to Troy, the sons of Greece were led, 
 
 In fair Pedaeus’ verdant pastures bred, 230 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XIII. 
 
 303 
 
 The youth had dwelt; remote from war’s alarms, 
 And bless’d in bright Medesicaste’s arms • 
 
 (This nymph, the fruit of Priam’s ravish'd joy, 
 
 Allied the warrior to the house of Troy.) 
 
 To Troy, when glory call’d his arms, he came, 235 
 And match’d the bravest of her chiefs in fame : 
 
 With Priam’s sons, a guardian of the throne, 
 
 He lived, beloved and honour’d as his own. 
 
 Him Teucer pierced between the throat and ear: 
 
 He groans beneath the Telamonian spear. 240 
 As from some far-seen mountain’s airy crown, 
 Subdued by steel, a tall ash tumbles down, 
 
 And soils its verdant tresses on the ground : 
 
 So falls the youth; his arms the fall resound. 
 
 Then Teucer rushing to despoil the dead, 245 
 From Hector’s hand a shining javelin fled: 
 
 He saw, and shunn’d the death ; the forceful dart 
 Sung on, and pierced Amphimachus’ heart, 
 
 Cteatus’ son, of Neptune’s forceful line ; 
 
 Vain was his courage, and his race divine ! 250 
 
 Prostrate he falls ; his clanging arms resound, 
 
 And his broad buckler thunders on the ground. 
 
 To seize his beamy helm the victor flies, 
 
 And just had fasten’d on the dazzling prize, 
 
 When Ajax’s manly arm a javelin flung; 355 
 
 Full on the shield’s round boss the weapon rung; 
 
 He felt the shock, nor more was doom’d to feel, 
 Secure in mail, and sheath’d in shining steel. 
 Repulsed he yields; the victor Greeks obtain 
 The spoils contested, and bear off the slain. 260 
 Between the leaders of the Athenian line, 
 
 (Stichius the brave, Menestheus the divine,) 
 Deplored Amphimachus, sad object! lies; 
 
 Imbrius remains the fierce Ajaces’ prize. 
 
 As two grim lions bear across the lawn, 265 
 
 Snatch’d from devouring hounds, a slaughter’d fawn, 
 In their fell jaws high lifting through the wood, 
 
 And sprinkling all the shrubs with drops of blood; 
 
304 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 So these the chief: great Ajax from tne dead 
 Strips his bright arms, Oileus lops his head: 270 
 
 Toss’d like a ball, and whirl’d in air away, 
 
 At Hector’s feet the gory visage lay. 
 
 The god of ocean, fired with stern disdain, 
 
 And pierced with sorrow for his grandson slain, 
 Inspires the Grecian hearts, confirms their hands, 
 And breathes destruction to the Trojan bands. 276 
 Swift as a whirlwind rushing to the fleet, 
 
 He finds the lance-famed Idomen of Crete ; 
 
 His pensive brow the generous care express’d 
 With which a wounded soldier touch’d his breast, 
 Whom in the chance of war a javelin tore, 281 
 And his sad comrades from the battle bore: 
 
 Him to the surgeons of the camp he sent; 
 
 That office paid, he issued from his tent, 
 
 Fierce for the fight: to him the god begun, 286 
 In Thoas’ voice, Andraemon’s valiant son, 
 
 Who ruled where Calydon’s white rocks arise, 
 
 And Pleuron’s chalky cliffs emblaze the skies. 
 
 “Where’s now th’imperious vaunt, the daringboast, 
 Of Greece victorious, and proud 11 ion lost ?” 290 
 
 To whom the king: “ On Greece no blame be thrown, 
 Arms are her trade, and war is all her own. 
 
 Her hardy heroes from the well-fought plains 
 Nor fear withholds, nor shameful sloth detains. 
 
 ’Tis Heaven, alas! and Jove’s all-powerful doom, 
 That far, far distant from our native home 296 
 Wills us to fall, inglorious ! oh, my friend ! 
 
 Once foremost in the fight, still prone to lend 
 Or arms, or counsels, now perform thy best; 
 
 And what thou canst not singly, urge the rest.” 300 
 Thus he ; and thus the god, whose force can make 
 The solid globe’s eternal basis shake: 
 
 “Ah! never may he see his native land, 
 
 But feed the vultures on this hateful strand, 
 
 Who seeks ignobly in his ships to stay, 305 
 
 Nor dares to combat on this signal day! 
 
 274 Amphimachus. 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XIII. 
 
 305 
 
 For this, behold ! in horrid arms I shine, 
 
 And urge thy soul to rival acts with mine ; 
 
 Together let us battle on the plain ; 
 
 Two, not the worst; nor e’en this succour vain ; 
 Not vain the weakest, if their force unite ; 311 
 
 But ours, the bravest have confess’d in fight.” 
 
 This said, he rushes where the combat burns; 
 Swift to his tent the Cretan king returns. 
 
 From thence two javelins glittering in his hand, 315 
 And clad in arms that lighten’d all the strand, 
 
 Fierce on the foe the impetuous hero drove ; 
 
 Like lightning bursting from the arm of Jove, 
 
 Which to pale man the wrath of Heaven declares, 
 Or terrifies the offending world with wars ; 320 
 
 In streamy sparkles, kindling all the skies, 
 
 From pole to pole the trail of glory flies. 
 
 Thus his bright armour o’er the dazzled throng 
 Gleam’d dreadful, as the monarch flash’d along. 
 
 Him, near his tent, Meriones attends ; 325 
 
 Whom thus he questions : “Ever best of friends! 
 Oh say, in every art of battle skill’d, 
 
 What holds thy courage from so brave a field? 
 
 On some important message art thou bound, 
 
 Or bleeds my friend by some unhappy wound 1 330 
 Inglorious here, my soul abhors to stay. 
 
 And glows with prospects of the approaching day.” 
 
 “ Oh prince !” Meriones replies, “ whose care 
 Leads forth the embattled sons of Crete to war; 
 This speaks my grief: this headless lance I wield ; 
 The rest lies rooted in a Trojan shield. ” 336 
 
 To whom the Cretan: “ Enter, and receive 
 The wanted weapons ; those my tent can give; 
 Spears I have store, and Trojan lances all, 
 
 That shed a lustre round the illumined wall. 340 
 Though I, disdainful of the distant war, 
 
 Nor trust the dart, nor aim the uncertain spear, 
 
 Yet hand to hand I fight, and spoil the slain ; 
 
 And thence these trophies and these arms I gain. 
 
 cc 2 
 
306 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Enter, and see on heaps the helmets roll’d, 345 
 And high shrung spears, and shields that flame with 
 gold.” 
 
 “ Nor vain,” said Merion, “ are our martial toils; 
 We too can boast of no ignoble spoils. 
 
 But those my ship contains; whence distant far, 
 
 I fight conspicuous in the van of war. 350 
 
 What need I more? If any Greek there be 
 Who knows not Merion, I appeal to thee.” 
 
 To this, Idomeneus : “ The fields of fight 
 Have proved thy valour, and unconquer’d might; 
 And were some ambush for the foes design’d, 355 
 Ev’n there thy courage would not lag behind. 
 
 In that sharp service, singled from the rest, 
 
 The fear of each, or valour stands confess’d. 
 
 No force, no firmness, the pale coward shows; 
 
 He shifts his place, his colour comes and goes ; 360 
 A dropping sweat creeps cold on every part; 
 Against his bosom beats his quivering heart; 
 
 Terror and death in his wild eyeballs stare; 
 
 With chattering teeth he stands, and stiffening hair, 
 And looks a bloodless image of despair ! 365 
 
 Not so the brave—still dauntless, still the same, 
 Unchanged his colour, and unmoved his frame ; 
 Composed his thought, determined is his eye, 
 
 And fix’d his soul, to conquer or to die: 
 
 If aught disturb the tenour of his breast, 370 
 
 ’Tis but the wish to strike before the rest. 
 
 “ In such assays thy blameless worth is known, 
 And every art of dangerous war thy own. 
 
 By chance of fi^ht whatever wound you bore, 
 
 Those wounds were glorious all, and all before ; 375 
 Such as may teach, ’twas still thy brave delight 
 To oppose thy bosom where the foremost fight. 
 
 But why, like infants, cold to honour’s charms, 
 Stand we to talk, when glory calls to arms? 
 
 Go—from my conquer’d spears the choicest take, 
 And to their owners send them nobly back.” 381 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK XIII. 
 
 307 
 
 Swift as the word bold Merion snatch’d a spear. 
 And breathing slaughter follow’d to the war. 
 
 So Mars armipotent invades the plain : 
 
 (The wide destroyer of the race of man :) 385 
 
 Terror, his best-loved son, attends his course, 
 Arm’d with stern boldness, and enormous force ; 
 The pride of haughty warriors to confound, 
 
 And lay the strength of tyrants on the ground : 
 
 From Thrace they fly, call’d to the dire alarms 390 
 Of warring Phlegyans and Ephyrian arms; 
 
 Invoked by both, relentless they dispose 
 To these glad conquest, murderous rout to those. 
 
 So march’d the leaders of the Cretan train, 
 
 And their bright arms shot horror o’er the plain. 395 
 Then first spake Merion : “ Shall we join the right, 
 Or combat in the centre of the fight] 
 
 Or to the left our wanted succour lend] 
 
 Hazard and fame all parts alike attend.” 
 
 “ Not in the centre,” idomen replied : 400 
 
 “ Our ablest chieftains the main battle guide; 
 
 Each godlike Ajax makes that post his care, 
 
 And gallant Teucer deals destruction there : 
 
 Skill’d, or with shafts to gall the distant field, 
 
 Or bear close battle on the sounding shield. 405 
 These can the rage of haughty Hector tame: 
 
 Safe in their arms, the navy fears no flame ; 
 
 Till Jove himself descends, his bolts to shed, 
 
 And hurl the blazing ruin at our head. 
 
 Great must he be, of more than human birth, 410 
 Nor feed like mortals on the fruits of earth, 
 
 Him neither rocks can crush, nor steel can wound, 
 Whom Ajax fells not on the ensanguined ground. 
 
 In standing fight he mates Achilles’ force, 
 
 Excell’d alone in swiftness in the course. 415 
 
 Then to the left our ready arms apply, 
 
 And live with glory, or with glory die.” 
 
 He said; and Merion to the appointed placf, 
 Fierce as the god of battles, urged his pace. 
 
.308 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Soon as the foe the shining chiefs beheld 420 
 
 Rush like a fiery torrent o’er the field, 
 
 Their force imbodied in a tide they pour; 
 
 The rising combat sounds along the shore. 
 
 As warring winds, in Sirius’ sultry reign, 
 
 From different quarters sweep the sandy plain ; 425 
 On every side the dusty whirlwinds rise, 
 
 And the dry fields are lifted to the skies: 
 
 Thus, by despair, hope, rage, together driven, 
 
 Met the black hosts, and, meeting, darken'd heaven. 
 All dreadful glared the iron face of war, 430 
 
 Bristled with upright spears, and flash’d afar; 
 
 Dire was the gleam of breastplates, helms, and 
 shields, 
 
 And polish’d arms emblazed the flaming fields 
 Tremendous scene ! that general horror gave, 
 
 But touch’d with joy the bosoms of the brave. 435 
 Saturn’s great sons in fierce contention vied, 
 
 And crowds of heroes in their anger died. 
 
 The sire of earth and heaven, by Thetis won 
 To crown with glory Peleus’ godlike son, 
 
 Will’d not destruction to the Grecian powers, 440 
 But spared a while the destined Trojan towers: 
 While Neptune, rising from his azure main, 
 
 Warr’d on the king of heaven with stern disdain, 
 And breathed revenge, and fired the Grecian train. 
 Gods of one source, of one ethereal race, 445 
 
 Alike divine, and heaven their native place : 
 
 But Jove the greater; firstborn of the skies, 
 
 And more than men, or gods, supremely wise. 
 
 For this, of Jove’s superior might afraid, 
 
 Neptune in human form conceal’d his aid. 450 
 
 These powers infold the Greek and Trojan train 
 In War and Discord’s adamantine chain, 
 
 Indissolubly strong; the fatal tie 
 
 Is stretch’d on both, and close-compell'd they die. 
 
 Dreadful in arms, and grown in combats gray, 455 
 The bold Idomeneus controls the day. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK XIII. 
 
 309 
 
 First by his hand Othryoneus was slain, 
 
 Swell’d with false hopes, with mad ambition vain! 
 Call’d by the voice of war to martial fame, 
 
 From high Cabesus’ distant walls he came; 460 
 
 Cassandra’s love he sought, with boasts of power, 
 And promised conquest was the proffer’d dower. 
 
 The king consented, by his vaunts abused : 
 
 The king consented, but the fates refused. 
 
 Proud of himself, and of the imagined bride, 465 
 The field he measured with a larger stride. 
 
 Him, as he stalk’d, the Cretan javelin found ; 
 
 Vain was his breastplate to repel the wound : 
 
 His dream of glory lost, he plunged to hell: 
 
 His arms resounded, as the boaster fell. 470 
 
 The great Idomeneus bestrides the deau ; 
 
 “ And thus,” he cries, “ behold thy promise sped! 
 •Such is the help thy arms to Ilion bring, 
 
 And such the contract of the Phrygian king! 
 
 Our offers now, illustrious prince ! receive; 475 
 
 For such an aid what will not Argos give ? 
 
 To conquer Troy, with ours thy forces join, 
 
 And count Atrides’ fairest daughter thine. 
 
 Meantime, on further methods to advise, 
 
 Come, follow to the fleet thy new allies; 480 
 
 There hear what Greece has on her part to say.” 
 
 He spoke, and dragg’d the gory corse away. 
 
 This Asius view’d, unable to contain, 
 
 Before his chariot warring on the plain; 
 
 His valued coursers, to his squire consign’d, 485 
 Impatient panted on his neck behind. 
 
 To vengeance rising with a sudden spring, 
 
 He hoped the conquest of the Cretan king. 
 
 The wary Cretan, as his foe drew near, 
 
 Full on his throat discharged the forceful spear: 490 
 Beneath the chin the point was seen to glide, 
 
 And glitter’d, extant, at the farther side. 
 
 As when the mountain oak, or poplar tall, 
 
 Or pine, fit mast for some great admiral, 
 
310 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Groans to the oft-heaved axe, with many a wound, 
 Then spreads a length of ruin o’er the ground : 496 
 So sunk proud Asius in that dreadful day, 
 
 And stretch’d before his much-loved coursers lay. 
 He grinds the dust distain’d with streaming gore, 
 And, fierce in death, lies foaming on the shore. 500 
 Deprived of motion, stiff with stupid fear, 
 
 Stands all aghast his trembling charioteer, 
 
 Nor shuns the foe, nor turns the steeds away, 
 
 But falls transfix’d, an unresisting prey : 
 
 Pierced by Antilochus, he pants beneath 505 
 
 The stately car, and labours out his breath. 
 
 Thus Asius’ steeds, their mighty master gone, 
 Remain the prize of Nestor’s youthful son. 
 
 Stabb’d at the sight, Deiphobus drew nigh, 
 
 And made, with force, the vengeful weapon fly. 510 
 The Cretan saw, and stooping, caused to glance » 
 From his slope shield the disappointed lance. 
 Beneath the spacious targe (a blazing round. 
 
 Thick with bull hides, and brazen orbits bound, 
 
 On his raised arm by two strong braces stay’d) 515 
 He lay collected in defensive shade; 
 
 O’er his safe head the javelin idly sung, 
 
 And on the tinkling verge more faintly rung. 
 
 Ev’n then the spear the vigorous arm confess’d, 
 
 And pierced, obliquely, King Hypsenor’s breast; 520 
 Warm’d in his liver, to the ground it bore 
 The chief, his people’s guardian now no more! 
 
 “ Not unattended,” the proud Trojan cries, 
 
 “ Nor unrevenged, lamented Asius lies: 
 
 For thee though hell’s black portals stand display’d, 
 This mate shall joy thy melancholy shade.” 526 
 Heart-piercing anguish, at the haughty boast, 
 Touch’d every Greek, but Nestor’s son the most. 
 Grieved as he was, his pious arms attend, 
 
 And his broad buckler shields his slaughter’d friend; 
 Till sad Mecistheus and Alastor bore 531 
 
 His honour’d body to the tented shore. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK XIII. 
 
 311 
 
 Not yet from fight Idomeneus withdraws; 
 Resolved to perish in his country’s cause, 
 
 Or find some foe. whom Heaven and he shall doom 
 To wail his fate in death’s eternal gloom. 53G 
 
 He sees Alcathous in the front aspire; 
 
 Great ^Esyetes was the hero’s sire: 
 
 His spouse, Hippodame, divinely fair, 
 
 Auchises’ eldest hope, and darling care ; 540 
 
 Who charm’d her parent’s and her husband’s heart, 
 With beauty, sense, and every work of art; 
 
 He once, of 1 lion’s youth, the loveliest boy, 
 
 The fairest she of all the fair of Troy. 
 
 By Neptune now the hapless hero dies, 545 
 
 Who covers with a cloud those beauteous eyes, 
 
 And fetters every limb: yet bent to meet 
 
 His fate he stands; nor shuns the lance of Crete. 
 
 Fix’d as some column, or deep-rooted oak 
 
 While the winds sleep, his breast received the stroke. 
 
 Before the ponderous stroke his corslet yields, 551 
 
 Long used to ward the death in fighting fields. 
 
 The riven armour sends a jarring sound : 
 
 His labouring heart heaves with so strong a bound, 
 The long lance shakes, and vibrates in the wound: 
 Fast flowing from its source, as prone he lay, 550 
 Life’s purple tide impetuous gush’d away. 
 
 Then Idomen, insulting o’er the slain ; 
 
 “ Behold, Deiphobus ! nor vaunt in vain: 
 
 See! on one Greek three Trojan ghosts attend ; 560 
 This, my third victim, to the shades I send. 
 Approaching now, thy boasted might approve, 
 
 And try the prowess of the seed of Jove. 
 
 From Jove, enamour’d on a mortal dame, 
 
 Great Minos, guardian of his country, came : 565 
 
 Deucalion, blameless prince! was Minos’ heir; 
 
 His firstborn I, the third from Jupiter: 
 
 O’er spacious Crete and her bold sons I reign, 
 
 And thence my ships transport me through the main: 
 Lord of a host, o’er all my host I shine, 670 
 
 A scourge to thee, thy father, and thy line.” 
 
312 
 
 IIOMER. 
 
 The Trojan heard ; uncertain or to meet 
 Alone, with vent’rous arms, the King of Crete; 
 
 Or seek auxiliar force: at length decreed 
 
 To call some hero to partake the deed. 575 
 
 Forthwith Aeneas rises to his thought: 
 
 For him, in Troy’s remotest lines he sought; 
 
 Where lie, incensed at partial Priam, stands, 
 
 And sees superior posts in meaner hands. 
 
 To him, ambitious of so great an aid, 580 
 
 The bold Deiphobus approach’d and said : 
 
 “Now, Trojan prince,employ thy pious arms, 
 
 If e’er thy bosom fell fair honour’s charms. 
 Alcatlious dies, thy brother and thy friend ! 
 
 Come, and the warrior’s loved remains defend. 585 
 Beneath his cares thy early youth was train’d, 
 
 One table fed you, and one roof contain’d. 
 
 This deed to fierce Idomeneus we owe; 
 
 Haste, and revenge it on the insulting foe.” 
 
 iEneas heard, and for a space resign’d 590 
 
 To tender pity all his manly mind; 
 
 Then, rising in his rage, he burns to fight: 
 
 The Greek awaits him, with collected might. 
 
 As the fell boar on some rough mountain’s head, 
 Arm’d with wild terrors, and to slaughter bred, 595 
 When the loud rustics rise and shout from far, 
 Attends the tumult and expects the war; 
 
 O’er his bent back the bristly horrors rise, 
 
 Fires stream in lightning from his sanguine eyes, 
 
 His foaming tusks both dogs and men engage, 600 
 But most his hunters rouse his mighty rage: 
 
 So stood Idomeneus, his javelin shook, 
 
 And met the Trojan with a lowering look. 
 Antilochus, Deipyrus, were near, 
 
 The youthful offspring of the god of war, 605 
 
 Menon, and Aphareus, in field renown’d : 
 
 To these the warrior sent his voice around: 
 “Fellows in arms! your timely aid unite; 
 
 Lo, great iEneas rushes to the fight: 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XIII. 313 
 
 Sprung from a god, and more than mortal bold; 610 
 He fresh in youth, and I in arms grown old. 
 
 Else should this hand, this hour, decide the strife, 
 The great dispute, of glory or of life.” 
 
 He spoke, and all as with one voice obey’d: 
 
 Their lifted bucklers cast a dreadful shade 615 
 Around the chief. AUneas too demands 
 The assisting forces of his native bands: 
 
 Paris, Deiphobus, Agenor join ; 
 
 (Co-aids and captains of the Trojan line;) 
 
 In order follow all the imbodied train; 620 
 
 Like Ida’s flocks proceeding o’er the plain; 
 
 Before his fleecy care, erect and bold, 
 
 Stalks the proud ram, the father of the fold: 
 
 With joy the swain surveys them, as he leads 
 To the cool fountains, through the well known 
 meads; 625 
 
 So joys ASneas, as his native band 
 Moves on in rank, and stretches o’er the land. 
 
 Round dead Alcathous now the battle rose : 
 
 On every side the steely circle grows ; 
 
 Now batter’d breastplates and hack’d helmets ring, 
 And o’er their heads unheeded javelins sing. 631 
 Above the rest two towering chiefs appear, 
 
 There great Idomeneus, ASneas here : 
 
 Like gods of war, dispensing fate, they stood, 
 
 And burn’d to drench the ground in mutual blood. 
 The Trojan weapon wizz’d along in air, 636 
 
 The Cretan saw, and shunn’d the brazen spear: 
 
 Sent from an arm so strong, the missive wood 
 Stuck deep in earth, and quiver’d where it stood. 
 
 But CEnomas received the Cretan’s stroke ; 640 
 
 The forceful spear his hollow corslet broke; 
 
 It ripp’d his belly with a ghastly wound, 
 
 And roll’d the smoking entrails to the ground. 
 Stretch’d on the plain, he sobs away his breath, 
 
 And furious grasps the bloody dust in death. 645 
 The victor from his breast the weapon tears— 
 
 (His spoils he could not, for the shower of spears.) 
 
 HOM.—I.—D D 
 
314 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 Though now unfit an active war to wage, 
 
 Heavy with cumbrous arms, stiff with cold age, 
 
 His listless limbs unable for the course; 650 
 
 In standing fight he yet maintains his force : 
 
 Till, faint with labour, and by foes repell’d, 
 
 His tired slow steps he drags from off the field. 
 
 Deiphobus beheld him as he pass’d, 
 
 And fired with hate, a parting javelin cast; 655 
 
 The javelin err’d, but held its course along, 
 
 And pierced Ascalaphus, the brave and young: 
 
 The son of Mars fell gasping on the ground, 
 
 And gnash’d the dust all bloody with his wound. 
 
 Nor knew the furious father of his fall; 660 
 
 High throned amid the great Olympian hall, 
 
 On golden clouds the immortal synod sat, 
 
 Detain’d from bloody war by Jove and Fate. 
 
 Now, where in dust the breathless hero lay, 
 
 For slain Ascalaphus commenced the fray. 665 
 Deiphobns to seize his helmet flies, 
 
 And from his temples rends the glittering prize ; 
 Valiant as Mars, Meriones drew near, 
 
 And on his loaded arm discharged his spear: 
 
 He drops the weight, disabled with the pain; 670 
 The hollow helmet rings against the plain. 
 
 Swift as the vulture leaping on his prey, 
 
 From his torn arm the Grecian rent away 
 The reeking javelin, and rejoin’d his friends ; 
 
 His wounded brother good Polites tends ; 675 
 
 Around his waist his pious arms he threw, 
 
 And from the rage of combat gently drew ; 
 
 Him his swift coursers, on his splendid car, 
 
 Rapt from the lessening thunder of the war; 679 
 To Troy they drove him, groaning from the shore, 
 And sprinkling, as he pass’d, the sands with gore. 
 Meanwhile fresh slaughter bathes the sanguine 
 ground, 
 
 Heaps fall on heaps, and heaven and earth resound. 
 Bold Aphareus by great Aeneas bled ; 
 
 As tow’rds the chief he turn’d his daring head, 695 
 
ILIAD. BOOK XIII. 315 
 
 He pierced his throat; the bending head, depress’d 
 Beneath his helmet, nods upon his breast; 
 
 His shield reversed o’er the fall’ll warrior lies, 
 
 And everlasting slumber seals his eyes. 
 
 Antilochus, as Thoon turn’d him round, 690 
 
 Transpierced his back with a dishonest wound: 
 
 The hollow vein that to the neck extends 
 Along the chine, his eager javelin rends : 
 
 Supine he falls, and to his social train 
 
 Spreads his imploring arms, but spreads in vain. 695 
 
 The exulting victor, leaping where he lay, 
 
 From his broad shoulders tore the spoils away; 
 
 His time observed; for, closed by foes around, 
 
 On all sides thick, the peals of arms resound. 
 
 His shield, emboss'd, the ringing storm sustains, 700 
 But he, impervious and untouch’d remains. 
 
 (Great Neptune’s care preserved from hostile rage 
 This youth, the joy of Nestor’s glorious age.) 
 
 In arms intrepid, with the first he fought, 
 
 Faced every foe, and every danger sought; 705 
 
 His winged lance, resistless as the wind, 
 
 Obeys each motion of the master’s mind ; 
 
 Restless it flies, impatient to be free, 
 
 And meditates the distant enemy. 
 
 The son of Asius, Adamas, drew near, 710 
 
 And struck his target with the brazen spear, 
 
 Fierce in his front: but Neptune wards the blow. 
 And blunts the javelin of the eluded foe: 
 
 In the broad buckler half the weapon stood; 
 Splinter’d on earth flew half the broken wood. 715 
 Disarm’d, he mingled in the Trojan crew; 
 
 But Merion’s spear o’ertook him as he flew, 
 
 Deep in the belly’s rim an entrance found, 
 
 Where sharp the pang, and mortal is the wound. 
 Bending he fell, and doubled to the ground, 720 
 Lay panting. Thus an ox, in fetters tied, 
 
 While death’s strong pangs distend his labouring side, 
 His bulk enormous on the field displays; 
 
 His heaving heart beats thick, as ebbing life decays. 
 
316 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 The spear, the conqueror from his body drew, 725 
 And death’s dim shadows swarm before his view. 
 Next brave Deipyrus in dust was laid: 
 
 King Helenus waved high the Thracian blade, 
 
 And smote his temples, with an arm so strong, 
 
 The helm fell off, and roll’d amid the throng: 730 
 There, for some luckier Greek it rests a prize; 
 
 For dark in death the godlike owner lies ! 
 
 Raging with grief, great Menelaus burns, 
 
 And, fraught with vengeance, to the victor turns 
 That shook the pond’rous lance in act to throw ; 735 
 And this stood adverse with the bended bow: 
 
 Full on his breast the Trojan arrow fell, 
 
 But harmless bounded from the plated steel. 
 
 As on some ample barn’s well harden’d floor, 
 
 (The winds collected at each open door,) 740 
 
 While the broad fan with force is whirl’d around, 
 Light leaps the golden grain, resulting from the 
 ground; 
 
 So from the steel that guards Atrides’ heart, 
 Repell’d to distance flies the bounding dart. 
 
 Atrides, watchful of the unwary foe, 745 
 
 Pierced with his lance the hand that grasp’d the bow, 
 And nail’d it to the eugh: the wounded hand 
 Trail’d the long lance that mark’d with blood the sand: 
 But good Agenor gently from the wound 
 The spear solicits, and the bandage bound ; 750 
 
 A sling’s soft wool, snatch’d from a soldier’s side, 
 
 At once the tent and ligature supplied. 
 
 Behold ! Pisander, urged by fate’s decree, 
 
 Springs through the ranks to fall, and fall by thee, 
 Great Menelaus ! to enhance thy fame ; 755 
 
 High towering in the front, the warrior came. 
 
 First the sharp lance was by Atrides thrown ; 
 
 The lance far distant by the winds was blown. 
 
 Nor pierced Pisander through Atrides’ shield ; 
 Pisander’s spear fell shiver’d on the field. 760 
 
 Not so discouraged, to the future blind, 
 
 Vain dreams of conquest swell his haughty mind; 
 
iLIAD.-BOOK XIII. 
 
 317 
 
 Dauntless he rushes where the Spartan lord 
 Like lightning brandish’d his far-beaming sword. 
 
 His left arm high opposed the shining shield : 765 
 
 His right, beneath, the cover’d poleaxe held; 
 
 (An olive’s cloudy grain the handle made, 
 
 Distinct with studs, and brazen was the blade;) 
 
 This on the helm discharged a noble blow ; 
 
 The plume dropp’d nodding to the plain below, 770 
 Shorn from the crest. Atrides waved his steel: 
 Deep through his front the weighty falchion fell; 
 The crashing bones before its force gave way ; 
 
 In dust and blood the groaning hero lay ; 
 
 Forced from their ghastly orbs, and spouting gore, 
 The clotted eyeballs tumble on the shore. 776 
 
 The fierce Atrides spurn’d him as he bled, 
 
 Tore off his arms, and, loud exulting, said : 
 
 “ Thus, Trojans, thus, at length be taught to fear; 
 Oh race perfidious, who delight in war ! 780 
 
 Already noble deeds ye have perform’d, 
 
 A princess raped transcends a navy storm’d: 
 
 In such bold feats your impious might approve, 
 Without the assistance or the fear of Jove. 
 
 The violated rites, the ravish’d dame, 785 
 
 Our heroes slaughter’d, and our ships on flame, 
 Crimes heap’d on crimes, shall bend your glory 
 down. 
 
 And whelm in ruins yon flagitious town. 
 
 Oh thou, great Father ! lord of earth and skies! 
 Above the thought of man, supremely wise ! 790 
 
 If from thy hands the fates of mortals flow, 
 
 From whence this favour to an impious foe, 
 
 A godless crew, abandon’d and unjust, 
 
 Still breathing rapine, violence, and lust! 
 
 The best of things beyond their measure cloy, 795 
 Sleep’s balmy blessing, love’s endearing joy ; 
 
 The feast, the dance ; whate'er mankind desire, 
 
 Ev’n the sweet charms of sacred numbers tire. 
 
 But Troy for ever reaps a dire delight 
 
 In thirst of slaughter, and in lust of fight.” 800 
 
 d d 2 
 
318 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 This said, he seized, while yet the carcass heaved, 
 The bloody armour, which his train received: 
 
 Then sudden mix’d among the warring crew, 
 
 And the bold son of Pylaemenes slew. 
 
 Harpalion had through Asia travell’d far, 805 
 
 Following his martial father to the war; 
 
 Through filial love he left his native shore, 
 
 Never, ah never, to behold it more ! 
 
 His unsuccessful spear he chanced to fling 
 Against the target of the Spartan king; 810 
 
 Thus of his lance disarm’d, from death he flies, 
 
 And turns around his apprehensive eyes. 
 
 Him through the hip transpiercing as he fled, 
 
 The shaft of Merion mingled with the dead. 
 
 Beneath the bone the glancing point descends, 815 
 And, driving down, the swelling bladder rends: 
 
 Sunk in his sad companions’ arms he lay 
 And in short pantings sobb’d his soul away; 
 
 (Like some vile worm extended on the ground;) 
 While life’s red torrent gush’d from out the wound. 
 
 Him on his car the Paphlagonian train 821 
 
 In slow procession bore from off the plain. 
 
 The pensive father, father now no more! 
 
 Attends the mournful pomp along the shore ; 
 
 And unavailing tears profusely shed ; 825 
 
 And unrevenged deplored his offspring dead. 
 
 Paris from far the moving sight beheld, 
 
 With pity soften’d, and with fury swell’d ; 
 
 His honour’d host, a youth of matchless grace, 
 
 And loved of all the Paphlagonian race ! 830 
 
 With his full strength he bent his angry bow, 
 
 And wing’d the feather’d vengeance at the foe. 
 
 A chief there was, the brave Euchenor named, 
 
 For riches much, and more for virtue famed, 
 
 Who held his seat in Corinth’s stately town ; 835 
 
 Polydus’ son, a seer of old renown. 
 
 Oft had the father told his early doom, 
 
 By arms abroad or slow disease at home: 
 
ILIAD.-BOOK XIII. 
 
 319 
 
 He climb’d his vessel, prodigal of breath, 
 
 And rhose the certain, glorious path to death. 840 
 Beneath his ear the pointed arrow went; 
 
 The soul came issuing at the narrow vent: 
 
 His limbs, unnerved, drop useless on the ground, 
 And everlasting darkness shades him round. 844 
 Nor knew great Hector how his legions yield ; 
 (Wrapp’d in the cloud and tumult of the field ;) 
 
 Wide on the left the force of Greece commands, 
 And conquest hovers o’er the Achaian bands : 
 
 With such a tide superior virtue sway’d, 
 
 And he that shakes the solid earth gave aid. 850 
 But in the centre Hector fix'd remain’d, 
 
 Where first the gates were forced and bulwarks 
 gain’d; 
 
 There on the margin of the hoary deep, 
 
 (Their naval station where the Ajaces keep, 
 
 And where low walls confine the beating tides, 855 
 Whose humble barrier scarce the foes divides ; 
 Where late in fight, both foot and horse engaged. 
 And all the thunder of the battle raged,) 
 
 There, join’d, the whole Boeotian strength remains, 
 The proud Ionians with their sweeping trains, 860 
 Locrians and Phthians, and the Epaean force; 
 
 But join’d, repel not Hector’s fiery course. 
 
 The flower of Athens, Stichius, Phidas led, 
 
 Bias and great Menestheus at their head, 
 
 /Aeges the strong the Epeian bands controll’d, 865 
 And Dracius prudent, and Amphion bold; 
 
 The Phthians Medon, famed for martial might, 
 
 And brave Podarces, active in the fight. 
 
 This drew from Phylachus his noble line; 
 
 Iphiclus’ son; and that, Oileus, thine. 870 
 
 (Young Ajax’ brother, by a stolen embrace; 
 
 He dwelt far distant from his native place. 
 
 By his fierce stepdame from his father’s reign 
 Expell’d and exiled for her brother slain.) 
 
 850 Neptune. * 
 
320 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 These rule the Phthians, and their arms employ, 
 Mix,’d with Boeotians, on the shores of Troy. 876 
 Now, side by side, with like unwearied care, 
 
 Each Ajax labour’d through the field of war: 
 
 So when two lordly bulls, with equal toil, 
 
 Force the bright ploughshare through the fallow soil, 
 Join’d to one yoke, the stubborn earth they tear, 881 
 And trace large furrows with the shining share; 
 
 O’er their huge limbs the foam descends in snow, 
 And streams of sweat down their sour foreheads 
 flow. 
 
 A train of heroes follow’d through the field, 885 
 Who bore by turns great Ajax’s sevenfold shield: 
 Whene’er he breathed, remissive of his might, 
 
 Tired with the incessant slaughters of the fight. 
 
 No following troops his brave associate grace : 
 
 In close engagement an unpractised race, 890 
 
 The Locrian squadrons nor the javelin wield, 
 
 Nor bear the helm, nor lift the moony shield; 
 
 But skill’d from far the flying shaft to wing, 
 
 Or whirl the sounding pebble from the sling. 
 Dexterous with these they aim a certain wound, 
 
 Or fell the distant warrior to the ground. 896 
 
 Thus in the van the Telamonian train, 
 
 Throng’d in bright arms, a pressing fight maintain; 
 Far in the rear the Locrian archers lie, 
 
 Whose stones and arrows intercept the sky. 900 
 The mingled tempest on the foes they pour; 
 
 Troy’s scattering orders open to the shower. 
 
 Now had the Greeks eternal fame acquired, 
 
 And the gall’d Ilians to the walls retired; 
 
 But sage Polydamas, discreetly brave, 905 
 
 Address’d great Hector, and this counsel gave : 
 
 “ Though great in all, thou seem’st averse to lend 
 Impartial audience to a faithful friend: 
 
 To gods and men thy matchless worth is known. 
 And every art of glorious war thy own; 910 
 
 But in cool thought and counsel to excel, 
 
 How widely differs this from warring well! 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK XIII. 321 
 
 Content with what the bounteous gods have given, 
 Seek not alone to engross the gifts of Heaven. 
 
 To some the powers of bloody war belong, 915 
 To some, sweet music, and the charm of song; 
 
 To few, and wondrous few. has Jove assign’d 
 A wise, extensive, all-considering mind: 
 
 Their guardians these the nations round confess, 
 And towns and empires for their safety bless. 920 
 If Heaven have lodged this virtue in my breast, 
 Attend, oh Hector, what I judge the best. 
 
 See, as thou movest, on dangers dangers spread, 
 And war’s whole fury burns around thy head. 
 
 Behold! distress’d within yon hostile wall, 925 
 How many Trojans yield, disperse, or fall! 
 
 What troops, outnumber’d, scarce the war maintain! 
 And what brave heroes at the ships lie slain ! 
 
 Here cease thy fury; and the chiefs and kings 
 Convoked to council, weigh the sum of things: 930 
 Whether (the gods succeeding our desires) 
 
 To yon tall ships to bear the Trojan fires; 
 
 Or quit the fleet, and pass unhurt away, 
 
 Contented with the conquest of the day. 
 
 I fear, I fear, lest Greece, not yet undone, 935 
 
 Pay the large debt of last revolving sun; 
 
 Achilles, great Achilles, yet remains 
 On yonder decks, and yet o’erlooks the plains !” 
 
 The counsel pleased ; and Hector, with a bound, 
 Leap’d from his chariot on the trembling ground; 
 Swift as he leap’d, his clanging arms resound. 941 
 “ To guard this post,” he cried, “ thy art employ, 
 And here detain the scatter’d youth of Troy; 
 
 Where yonder heroes faint, I bend my way, 
 
 And hasten back to end the doubtful day.” 945 
 This said, the towering chief prepares to go, 
 Shakes his white plumes that to the breezes flow, 
 And seems a moving mountain topp’d with snow. 
 Through all his host, inspiring force, he flies, 
 
 And bids anew the martial thunder rise. 950 
 
322 
 
 HOMER. 
 
 To Panthus’son, at Hector’s high command, 
 
 Haste the hold leaders of the Trojan band: 
 
 But round the battlements, and round the plain, 
 
 For many a chief he look’d, but look’d in vain; 
 Deiphobus, nor Helenus the seer, 955 
 
 Nor Asius’ son, nor Asius’ self appear. 
 
 For these were pierced with many a ghastly wound, 
 Some cold in death, some groaning on the ground: 
 Some low in dust, a mournful object, lay ; 
 
 High on the wall some breathed their souls away. 
 
 Far on the left, amid the throng, he found 961 
 (Cheering the troops and dealing death around) 
 
 The graceful Paris; whom, with fury moved, 
 Opprobrious, thus, the impatient chief reproved: 
 
 “Ill-fated Paris ! slave to womankind, 965 
 
 As smooth of face as fraudulent of mind ! 
 
 Where is Deiphobus, where Asius gone? 
 
 The godlike father and the intrepid son ? 
 
 The force of Helenus, dispensing fate, 
 
 And great Othryoneus, so fear’d of late? 970 
 
 Black fate hangs o’er thee from the avenging gods. 
 Imperial Troy from her foundation nods; 
 
 Whelm’d in thy country’s ruin shalt thou fall, 
 
 And one devouring vengeance swallow all.” 
 
 When Paris thus: “ My brother and my friend. 
 Thy warm impatience makes thy tongue offend. 976 
 In other battles I deserved thy blame, 
 
 Though then not deedless, nor unknown to fame; 
 But since yon rampart by thy arms lay low, 
 
 I scatter’d slaughter from my fatal bow. 980 
 
 The chiefs you seek on yonder shore lie slain: 
 
 Of all those heroes two alone remain, 
 
 Deiphobus, and Helenus the seer: 
 
 Each now disabled by a hostile spear. 
 
 Go then, successful, where thy soul inspires; 985 
 
 This heart and hand shall second all thy fires: 
 
 What with this arm I can, prepare to know, 
 
 Till death for death be paid, and blow for blow. 
 
ILIAD.—BOOK XIII. 
 
 323 
 
 But, ’tis not ours, with forces not our own 
 To combat; strength is of the gods alone.” 990 
 These words the hero’s angry mind assuage; 
 Then fierce they mingle where the thickest rage. 
 Around Polydamas, distain’d with blood, 
 
 Cebrion, Phalces, stern Orthaeus, stood, 
 
 Palmus, with Polypoetes the divine, 995 
 
 And two bold brothers of Hippotion’s line: 
 
 (Who reach’d fair 1 lion, from Ascania far, 
 
 The former day ; the next engaged in war.) 
 
 As when from gloomy clouds a whirlwind springs, 
 That bears Jove’s thunder on its dreadful wings, 
 Wide o’er the blasted fields the tempest sweeps; 
 Then, gather’d, settles on the hoary deeps ; 1002 
 
 The afflicted deeps tumultuous mix and roar; 
 
 The waves behind impel the waves before, 
 
 Wide rolling, foaming high, and tumbling to the shore; 
 Thus rank on rank the thick battalions throng, 
 
 Chief urged on chief, and man drove man along. 
 
 Far o’er the plains in dreadful order bright, 
 
 The brazen arms reflect a beamy light: 
 
 Full in the blazing van great Hector shined, 1010 
 Like Mars commission’d to confound mankind. 
 Before him flaming, his enormous shield, 
 
 Like the broad sun, illumined all the field: 
 
 His nodding helm emits a streamy ray; 
 
 His piercing eyes through all the battle stray ; 1015 
 And while beneath his targe he flash’d along, 
 
 Shot terrors round, that wither’d ev’n the strong 
 Thus stalk’d he, dreadful; death was in his look; 
 Whole nations fear’d; but not an Argive shook. 
 
 The towering Ajax, with an ample stride, 1020 
 Advauced the first, and thus the chief defied : 
 
 “ Hector ! come on, thy empty threats forbear; 
 ’Tis not thy arm, ’tis thundering Jove we fear: 
 
 The skill of war to us not idly given, 1024 
 
 Lo! Greece is humbled, not by Troy, but Heaven. 
 Vain are the hopes that haughty mind imparts, 
 
 To force our fleet: the Greeks have hands and hearts, 
 
324 
 
 IIOMER. 
 
 Long ere in flames our lofty navy fall, 
 
 Your boasted city and your god-built wall 
 
 Shall sink beneath us, smoking on the ground, 1030 
 
 And spread a long, unmeasured ruin round. 
 
 The time shall come, when, chased along the plain, 
 Ev’n thou shalt call on Jove, and call in vain : 
 
 Ev’n thou shalt wish, to aid thy desperate course, 
 The wings of falcons for thy flying horse ; 1035 
 
 Shalt run, forgetful of a warrior’s fame, 
 
 While clouds of friendly dust conceal thy shame.” 
 
 As thus he spoke, behold in open view, 
 
 On sounding wings a dexter eagle flew. 
 
 To Jove's glad omen all the Grecians rise, 1040 
 And hail with shouts his progress through the skies : 
 Far-echoing clamours bound from side to side: 
 
 They ceased ; and thus the chief of Troy replied: 
 
 “ From whence this menace, this insulting strain? 
 Enormous boaster! doomed to vaunt in vain. 1045 
 So may the gods on Hector life bestow, 
 
 (Not that short life which mortals lead below. 
 
 But such as those of Jove’s high lineage born, 
 
 The blue-eyed maid, or he that gilds the morn,) 
 
 As this decisive day shall end the fame 1050 
 
 Of Greece, and Argos be no more a name. 
 
 And thou, imperious! if thy madness wait 
 The lance of Hector, thou shalt meet thy fate: 
 
 That giant corpse, extended on the shore, 
 
 Shall largely leed the fowls with fat and gore.” 
 
 He said, and like a lion stalk’d along : 1056 
 
 With shouts incessant earth and ocean rung, 
 
 Sent from his following host: the Grecian train 
 With answering thunders fill’d the echoing plain: 
 
 A shout that tore heaven’s concave, and above 1060 
 Shook the fix’d splendours of the throne of Jove. 
 
 END OF VOL. I. 
 
Date Due 
 
 DATE DUE 
 
 DEC 2 8 
 
 1988 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 GAYLORO 
 
 
 
 (“HINTED IN U.S. A. 
 
3 If 78 
 
 boston 
 
 ^ | | 
 
 ^ 3 9031 C- 
 
 1280808 5 
 
 BOSTON COLLEGE LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS 
 CHESTNUT HILL, MASS. 
 
 Books may be kept for two weeks and may 
 be renewed for the same period, unless re¬ 
 served. 
 
 Two cents a day is charged for each book 
 kept overtime. 
 
 If you cannot find what you want, ask the 
 Librarian who will be glad to help you. 
 
 The borrower is responsible for books drawn 
 on his card and for all fines accruing on the 
 
 same.