第4章

Hectorwasgreatlygrievedatthelossofhischarioteer，butlethimlieforallhissorrow，whilehewentinquestofanotherdriver；nordidhissteedshavetogolongwithoutone，forhepresentlyfoundbraveArcheptolemusthesonofIphitus，andmadehimgetupbehindthehorses，givingthereinsintohishand。 Allhadthenbeenlostandnohelpforit，fortheywouldhavebeenpennedupinIliuslikesheep，hadnotthesireofgodsandmenbeenquicktomark，andhurledafieryflamingthunderboltwhichfelljustinfrontofDiomed’shorseswithaflareofburningbrimstone。Thehorseswerefrightenedandtriedtobackbeneaththecar，whilethereinsdroppedfromNestor’shands。ThenhewasafraidandsaidtoDiomed，\"SonofTydeus，turnyourhorsesinflight；seeyounotthatthehandofJoveisagainstyou？To-dayhevouchsafesvictorytoHector；to-morrow，ifitsopleasehim，hewillagaingrantittoourselves；noman，howeverbrave，maythwartthepurposeofJove，forheisfarstrongerthanany。\" Diomedanswered，\"Allthatyouhavesaidistrue；thereisagriefhoweverwhichpiercesmetotheveryheart，forHectorwilltalkamongtheTrojansandsay，’ThesonofTydeusfledbeforemetotheships。’Thisisthevaunthewillmake，andmayearththenswallowme。\" \"SonofTydeus，\"repliedNestor，\"whatmeanyou？ThoughHectorsaythatyouareacowardtheTrojansandDardanianswillnotbelievehim，noryetthewivesofthemightywarriorswhomyouhavelaidlow。\" Sosayingheturnedthehorsesbackthroughthethickofthebattle，andwithacrythatrenttheairtheTrojansandHectorrainedtheirdartsafterthem。Hectorshoutedtohimandsaid，\"SonofTydeus，theDanaanshavedoneyouhonourhithertoasregardsyourplaceattable，themealstheygiveyou，andthefillingofyourcupwithwine。 Henceforththeywilldespiseyou，foryouarebecomenobetterthanawoman。Beoff，girlandcowardthatyouare，youshallnotscaleourwallsthroughanyHinchinguponmypart；neithershallyoucarryoffourwivesinyourships，forIshallkillyouwithmyownhand。\" ThesonofTydeuswasintwomindswhetherornototurnhishorsesroundagainandfighthim。Thricedidhedoubt，andthricedidJovethunderfromtheheightsof。IdaintokentotheTrojansthathewouldturnthebattleintheirfavour。Hectorthenshoutedtothemandsaid，\"Trojans，Lycians，andDardanians，loversofclosefighting，bemen，myfriends，andfightwithmightandwithmain；I seethatJoveismindedtovouchsafevictoryandgreatglorytomyself，whilehewilldealdestructionupontheDanaans。Fools，forhavingthoughtofbuildingthisweakandworthlesswall。Itshallnotstaymyfury；myhorseswillspringlightlyovertheirtrench，andwhenIamBOOKattheirshipsforgetnottobringmefirethatImayburnthem，whileIslaughtertheArgiveswhowillbealldazedandbewilderedbythesmoke。\" Thenhecriedtohishorses，\"XanthusandPodargus，andyouAethonandgoodlyLampus，paymeforyourkeepnowandforallthehoney-sweetcornwithwhichAndromachedaughterofgreatEetionhasfedyou，andforshehasmixedwineandwaterforyoutodrinkwheneveryouwould，beforedoingsoevenformewhoamherownhusband。Hasteinpursuit，thatwemaytaketheshieldofNestor，thefameofwhichascendstoheaven，foritisofsolidgold，arm-rodsandall，andthatwemaystripfromtheshouldersofDiomed。thecuirasswhichVulcanmadehim。Couldwetakethesetwothings，theAchaeanswouldsetsailintheirshipsthisself-samenight。\" Thusdidhevaunt，butQueenJunomadehighOlympusquakeassheshookwithrageuponherthrone。ThensaidshetothemightygodofNeptune，\"Whatnow，widerulinglordoftheearthquake？CanyoufindnocompassioninyourheartforthedyingDanaans，whobringyoumanyawelcomeofferingtoHeliceandtoAegae？Wishthemwellthen。 IfallofuswhoarewiththeDanaansweretodrivetheTrojansbackandkeepJovefromhelpingthem，hewouldhavetosittheresulkingaloneonIda。\" KingNeptunewasgreatlytroubledandanswered，\"Juno，rashoftongue，whatareyoutalkingabout？WeothergodsmustnotsetourselvesagainstJove，forheisfarstrongerthanweare。\" Thusdidtheyconverse；butthewholespaceenclosedbytheditch，fromtheshipseventothewall，wasfilledwithhorsesandwarriors，whowerepentuptherebyHectorsonofPriam，nowthatthehandofJovewaswithhim。Hewouldevenhavesetfiretotheshipsandburnedthem，hadnotQueenJunoputitintothemindofAgamemnon，tobestirhimselfandtoencouragetheAchaeans。Tothisendhewentroundtheshipsandtentscarryingagreatpurplecloak，andtookhisstandbythehugeblackhullofUlysses’ship，whichwasmiddlemostofall；itwasfromthisplacethathisvoicewouldcarryfarthest，ontheonehandtowardsthetentsofAjaxsonofTelamon，andontheothertowardsthoseofAchilles-forthesetwoheroes，wellassuredoftheirownstrength，hadvalorouslydrawnuptheirshipsatthetwoendsoftheline。Fromthisspotthen，withavoicethatcouldbeheardafar，heshoutedtotheDanaans，saying，\"Argives，shameonyoucowardlycreatures，braveinsemblanceonly； wherearenowourvauntsthatweshouldprovevictorious-thevauntswemadesovaingloriouslyinLemnos，whenweatethefleshofhornedcattleandfilledourmixing-bowlstothebrim？Youvowedthatyouwouldeachofyoustandagainstahundredortwohundredmen，andnowyouprovenomatchevenforone-forHector，whowillbeerelongsettingourshipsinablaze。FatherJove，didyoueversoruinagreatkingandrobhimsoutterlyofhisgreatness？yet，whentomysorrowIwascominghither，Ineverletmyshippassyouraltarswithoutofferingthefatandthigh-bonesofheifersuponeveryoneofthem，soeagerwasItosackthecityofTroy。Vouchsafemethenthisprayer-sufferustoescapeatanyratewithourlives，andletnottheAchaeansbesoutterlyvanquishedbytheTrojans。\" Thusdidhepray，andfatherJovepityinghistearsvouchsafedhimthathispeopleshouldlive，notdie；forthwithhesentthemaneagle，mostunfailinglyportentousofallbirds，withayoungfawninitstalons；theeagledroppedthefawnbythealtaronwhichtheAchaeanssacrificedtoJovethelordofomens；When，therefore，thepeoplesawthatthebirdhadcomefromJove，theysprangmorefiercelyupontheTrojansandfoughtmoreboldly。 TherewasnomanofallthemanyDanaanswhocouldthenboastthathehaddrivenhishorsesoverthetrenchandgoneforthtofightsoonerthanthesonofTydeus；longbeforeanyoneelsecoulddosoheslewanarmedwarrioroftheTrojans，AgelausthesonofPhradmon。 Hehadturnedhishorsesinflight，butthespearstruckhiminthebackmidwaybetweenhisshouldersandwentrightthroughhischest，andhisarmourrangrattlingroundhimashefellforwardfromhischariot。 AfterhimcameAgamemnonandMenelaus，sonsofAtreus，thetwoAjaxesclothedinvalouraswithagarment，IdomeneusandhiscompanioninarmsMeriones，peerofmurderousMars，andEurypylusthebravesonofEuaemon。NinthcameTeucerwithhisbow，andtookhisplaceundercoveroftheshieldofAjaxsonofTelamon。WhenAjaxliftedhisshieldTeucerwouldpeerround，andwhenhehadhitanyoneinthethrong，themanwouldfalldead；thenTeucerwouldhiebacktoAjaxasachildtoitsmother，andagainduckdownunderhisshield。 WhichoftheTrojansdidbraveTeucerfirstkill？Orsilochus，andthenOrmenusandOphelestes，Daetor，Chromius，andgodlikeLycophontes，AmopaonsonofPolyaemon，andMelanippus。theseinturndidhelaylowupontheearth，andKingAgamemnonwasgladwhenhesawhimmakinghavocoftheTrojanswithhismightybow。Hewentuptohimandsaid，\"Teucer，manaftermyownheart，sonofTelamon，captainamongthehost，shooton，andbeatoncethesavingoftheDanaansandthegloryofyourfatherTelamon，whobroughtyouupandtookcareofyouinhisownhousewhenyouwereachild，bastardthoughyouwere。Coverhimwithglorythoughheisfaroff；IwillpromiseandIwillassuredlyperform；ifaegis-bearingJoveandMinervagrantmetosackthecityofIlius，youshallhavethenextbestmeedofhonouraftermyown-atripod，ortwohorseswiththeirchariot，orawomanwhoshallgoupintoyourbed。\" AndTeuceranswered，\"MostnoblesonofAtreus，youneednoturgeme；fromthemomentwebegantodrivethembacktoIlius，IhaveneverceasedsofarasinmeliestolookoutformenwhomIcanshootandkill；Ihaveshoteightbarbedshafts，andallofthemhavebeenburiedinthefleshofwarlikeyouths，butthismaddogIcannothit。\" AshespokeheaimedanotherarrowstraightatHector，forhewasbentonhittinghim；neverthelesshemissedhim，andthearrowhitPriam’sbravesonGorgythioninthebreast。Hismother，fairCastianeira，lovelyasagoddess，hadbeenmarriedfromAesyme，andnowhebowedhisheadasagardenpoppyinfullbloomwhenitisweigheddownbyshowersinspring-eventhusheavybowedhisheadbeneaththeweightofhishelmet。 AgainheaimedatHector，forhewaslongingtohithim，andagainhisarrowmissed，forApolloturneditaside；buthehitHector’sbravecharioteerArcheptolemusinthebreast，bythenipple，ashewasdrivingfuriouslyintothefight。Thehorsesswervedasideashefellheadlongfromthechariot，andtherewasnolifeleftinhim。 Hectorwasgreatlygrievedatthelossofhischarioteer，butforallhissorrowhelethimliewherehefell，andbadehisbrotherCebriones，whowashardby，takethereins。Cebrionesdidashehadsaid。Hectorthereonwithaloudcrysprangfromhischariottotheground，andseizingagreatstonemadestraightforTeucerwithintentkillhim。Teucerhadjusttakenanarrowfromhisquiverandhadlaidituponthebow-string，butHectorstruckhimwiththejaggedstoneashewastakingaimanddrawingthestringtohisshoulder； hehithimjustwherethecollar-bonedividestheneckfromthechest，averydeadlyplace，andbrokethesinewofhisarmsothathiswristwasless，andthebowdroppedfromhishandashefellforwardonhisknees。Ajaxsawthathisbrotherhadfallen，andrunningtowardshimbestrodehimandshelteredhimwithhisshield。 Meanwhilehistwotrustysquires，MecisteussonofEchius，andAlastor，cameupandborehimtotheshipsgroaninginhisgreatpain。 gladwhenhesawJovenowagainputheartintotheTrojans，andtheydrovetheAchaeanstotheirdeeptrenchwithHectorinallhisgloryattheirhead。Asahoundgripsawildboarorlioninflankorbuttockwhenhegiveshimchase，andwatcheswarilyforhiswheeling，evensodidHectorfollowcloseupontheAchaeans，everkillingthehindmostastheyrushedpanic-strickenonwards。WhentheyhadfledthroughthesetstakesandtrenchandmanyAchaeanshadbeenlaidlowatthehandsoftheTrojans，theyhaltedattheirships，callingupononeanotherandprayingeverymaninstantlyastheylifteduptheirhandstothegods；butHectorwheeledhishorsesthiswayandthat，hiseyesglaringlikethoseofGorgoormurderousMars。 Junowhenshesawthemhadpityuponthem，andatoncesaidtoMinerva，\"Alas，childofaegis-bearingJove，shallyouandItakenomorethoughtforthedyingDanaans，thoughitbethelasttimeweeverdoso？Seehowtheyperishandcometoabadendbeforetheonsetofbutasingleman。HectorthesonofPriamrageswithintolerablefury，andhasalreadydonegreatmischief。\" Minervaanswered，\"Would，indeed，thisfellowmightdieinhisownland，andfallbythehandsoftheAchaeans；butmyfatherJoveismadwithspleen，everfoilingme，everheadstrongandunjust。HeforgetshowoftenIsavedhissonwhenhewaswornoutbythelaboursEurystheushadlaidonhim。Hewouldweeptillhiscrycameuptoheaven，andthenJovewouldsendmedowntohelphim；ifIhadhadthesensetoforeseeallthis，whenEurystheussenthimtothehouseofHades，tofetchthehell-houndfromErebus，hewouldneverhavecomebackaliveoutofthedeepwatersoftheriverStyx。AndnowJovehatesme，whileheletsThetishaveherwaybecauseshekissedhiskneesandtookholdofhisbeard，whenshewasbegginghimtodohonourtoAchilles。Ishallknowwhattodonexttimehebeginscallingmehisgrey-eyeddarling。Getourhorsesready，whileIgowithinthehouseofaegis-bearingJoveandputonmyarmour；weshallthenfindoutwhetherPriam’ssonHectorwillbegladtomeetusinthehighwaysofbattle，orwhethertheTrojanswillgluthoundsandvultureswiththefatoftheirfleshastheyhedeadbytheshipsoftheAchaeans。\" Thusdidshespeakandwhite-armedJuno，daughterofgreatSaturn，obeyedherwords；shesetaboutharnessinghergold-bedizenedsteeds，whileMinervadaughterofaegis-bearingJoveflungherrichlyvesture，madewithherownhands，ontothethresholdofherfather，anddonnedtheshirtofJove，armingherselfforbattle。 Thenshesteppedintoherflamingchariot，andgraspedthespearsostoutandsturdyandstrongwithwhichshequellstheranksofheroeswhohavedispleasedher。Junolashedherhorses，andthegatesofheavenbellowedastheyflewopenoftheirownaccord- gatesoverwhichtheHourspreside，inwhosehandsareheavenandOlympus，eithertoopenthedensecloudthathidesthemortocloseit。Throughthesethegoddessesdrovetheirobedientsteeds。 ButfatherJovewhenhesawthemfromIdawasveryangry，andsentwingedIriswithamessagetothem。\"Go，\"saidhe，\"fleetIris，turnthemback，andseethattheydonotcomenearme，forifwecometofightingtherewillbemischief。ThisiswhatIsay，andthisiswhatImeantodo。Iwilllametheirhorsesforthem；Iwillhurlthemfromtheirchariot，andwillbreakitinpieces。Itwilltakethemalltenyearstohealthewoundsmylightningshallinflictuponthem； mygrey-eyeddaughterwillthenlearnwhatquarrellingwithherfathermeans。IamlesssurprisedandangrywithJuno，forwhateverIsayshealwayscontradictsme。\" WiththisIriswentherway，fleetasthewind，fromtheheightsofIdatotheloftysummitsofOlympus。Shemetthegoddessesattheoutergatesofitsmanyvalleysandgavethemhermessage。\"What，\" saidshe，\"areyouabout？Areyoumad？ThesonofSaturnforbidsgoing。Thisiswhathesays，andthisishemeanstodo，hewilllameyourhorsesforyou，hewillhurlyoufromyourchariot，andwillbreakitinpieces。Itwilltakeyoualltenyearstohealthewoundshislightningwillinflictuponyou，thatyoumaylearn，grey-eyedgoddess，whatquarrellingwithyourfathermeans。HeislesshurtandangrywithJuno，forwhateverhesaysshealwayscontradictshimbutyou，boldboldhussy，willyoureallydaretoraiseyourhugespearindefianceofJove？\" Withthissheleftthem，andJunosaidtoMinerva，\"Ofatruth，childofaegis-bearingJove，Iamnotforfightingmen’sbattlesfurtherindefianceofJove。Letthemliveordieasluckwillhaveit，andletJovemeteouthisjudgementsupontheTrojansandDanaansaccordingtohisownpleasure。\" Sheturnedhersteeds；theHourspresentlyunyokedthem，madethemfasttotheirambrosialmangers，andleanedthechariotagainsttheendwallofthecourtyard。Thetwogoddessesthensatdownupontheirgoldenthrones，amidthecompanyoftheothergods；buttheywereveryangry。 PresentlyfatherJovedrovehischariottoOlympus，andenteredtheassemblyofgods。Themightylordoftheearthquakeunyokedhishorsesforhim，setthecaruponitsstand，andthrewaclothoverit。 JovethensatdownuponhisgoldenthroneandOlympusreeledbeneathhim。MinervaandJunosatalone，apartfromJove，andneitherspokenoraskedhimquestions，butJoveknewwhattheymeant，andsaid，\"MinervaandJuno，whyareyousoangry？AreyoufatiguedwithkillingsomanyofyourdearfriendstheTrojans？Bethisasitmay，suchisthemightofmyhandsthatallthegodsinOlympuscannotturnme；youwerebothofyoutremblingalloverereeveryousawthefightanditsterribledoings。Itellyoutherefore-anditwouldhavesurelybeen-I shouldhavestruckyouwithlighting，andyourchariotswouldneverhavebroughtyoubackagaintoOlympus。\" MinervaandJunogroanedinspiritastheysatsidebysideandbroodedmischieffortheTrojans。Minervasatsilentwithoutaword，forshewasinafuriouspassionandbitterlyincensedagainstherfather；butJunocouldnotcontainherselfandsaid，\"What，dreadsonofSaturn，areyoutalkingabout？Weknowhowgreatyourpoweris，neverthelesswehavecompassionupontheDanaanwarriorswhoareperishingandcomingtoabadend。Wewill，however，sinceyousobidus，refrainfromactualfighting，butwewillmakeserviceablesuggestionstotheArgives，thattheymaynotallofthemperishinyourdispleasure。\" AndJoveanswered，\"To-morrowmorning，Juno，ifyouchoosetodoso，youwillseethesonofSaturndestroyinglargenumbersoftheArgives，forfierceHectorshallnotceasefightingtillhehasrousedthesonofPeleuswhentheyarefightingindirestraitsattheirships’sternsaboutthebodyofPatroclus。Likeitorno，thisishowitisdecreed；foraughtIcare，youmaygotothelowestdepthsbeneathearthandsea，whereIapetusandSaturndwellinloneTartaruswithneitherrayoflightnorbreathofwindtocheerthem。Youmaygoonandontillyougetthere，andIshallnotcareonewhitforyourdispleasure；youarethegreatestvixenliving。\" Junomadehimnoanswer。Thesun’sgloriousorbnowsankintoOceanusanddrewdownnightovertheland。SorryindeedweretheTrojanswhenlightfailedthem，butwelcomeandthriceprayedfordiddarknessfallupontheAchaeans。 ThenHectorledtheTrojansbackfromtheships，andheldacouncilontheopenspaceneartheriver，wheretherewasaspotearcorpses。Theylefttheirchariotsandsatdownonthegroundtohearthespeechhemadethem。Hegraspedaspearelevencubitslong，thebronzepointofwhichgleamedinfrontofit，whiletheringroundthespear-headwasofgoldSpearinhandhespoke。\"Hearme，\"saidhe，\"Trojans，Dardanians，andallies。IdeemedbutnowthatIshoulddestroytheshipsandalltheAchaeanswiththemereIwentbacktoIlius，butdarknesscameontoosoon。Itwasthisalonethatsavedthemandtheirshipsupontheseashore。Now，therefore，letusobeythebehestsofnight，andprepareoursuppers。Takeyourhorsesoutoftheirchariotsandgivethemtheirfeedsofcorn；thenmakespeedtobringsheepandcattlefromthecity；bringwinealsoandcornforyourhorsesandgathermuchwood，thatfromdarktilldawnwemayburnwatchfireswhoseflaremayreachtoheaven。FortheAchaeansmaytrytoflybeyondtheseabynight，andtheymustnotembarkscathelessandunmolested；manyamanamongthemmusttakeadartwithhimtonurseathome，hitwithspearorarrowasheisleapingonboardhisship，thatothersmayfeartobringwarandweepingupontheTrojans。Moreoverlettheheraldstellitaboutthecitythatthegrowingyouthsandgrey-beardedmenaretocampuponitsheaven-builtwalls。Letthewomeneachofthemlightagreatfireinherhouse，andletwatchbesafelykeptlestthetownbeenteredbysurprisewhilethehostisoutside。Seetoit，braveTrojans，asI havesaid，andletthissufficeforthemoment；atdaybreakIwillinstructyoufurther。IprayinhopetoJoveandtothegodsthatwemaythendrivethosefate-spedhoundsfromourland，for’tisthefatesthathavebornethemandtheirshipshither。Thisnight，therefore，letuskeepwatch，butwithearlymorningletusputonourarmourandrousefiercewarattheshipsoftheAchaeans；IshallthenknowwhetherbraveDiomedthesonofTydeuswilldrivemebackfromtheshipstothewall，orwhetherIshallmyselfslayhimandcarryoffhisbloodstainedspoils。To-morrowlethimshowhismettle，abidemyspearifhedare。Iweenthatatbreakofday，heshallbeamongthefirsttofallandmanyanotherofhiscomradesroundhim。 WouldthatIwereassureofbeingimmortalandnevergrowingold，andofbeingworshippedlikeMinervaandApollo，asIamthatthisdaywillbringeviltotheArgives。\" ThusspokeHectorandtheTrojansshoutedapplause。Theytooktheirsweatingsteedsfromundertheyoke，andmadethemfasteachbyhisownchariot。Theymadehastetobringsheepandcattlefromthecity，theybroughtwinealsoandcornfromtheirhousesandgatheredmuchwood。Theythenofferedunblemishedhecatombstotheimmortals，andthewindcarriedthesweetsavourofsacrificetoheaven-buttheblessedgodspartooknotthereof，fortheybitterlyhatedIliuswithPriamandPriam’speople。Thushighinhopetheysatthroughthelivelongnightbythehighwaysofwar，andmanyawatchfiredidtheykindle。Aswhenthestarsshineclear，andthemoonisbright- thereisnotabreathofair，notapeaknorgladenorjuttingheadlandbutitstandsoutintheineffableradiancethatbreaksfromthesereneofheaven；thestarscanallofthembetoldandtheheartoftheshepherdisglad-eventhusshonethewatchfiresoftheTrojansbeforeIliusmidwaybetweentheshipsandtheriverXanthus。A thousandcamp-firesgleamedupontheplain，andintheglowofeachtheresatfiftymen，whilethehorses，champingoatsandcornbesidetheirchariots，waitedtilldawnshouldcome。 BOOKIX THUSdidtheTrojanswatch。ButPanic，comradeofblood-stainedRout，hadtakenfastholdoftheAchaeansandtheirprinceswereallofthemindespair。AswhenthetwowindsthatblowfromThrace-thenorthandthenorthwest-springupofasuddenandrousethefuryofthemain-inamomentthedarkwavesupreartheirheadsandscattertheirsea-wrackinalldirections-eventhustroubledweretheheartsoftheAchaeans。 ThesonofAtreusindismaybadetheheraldscallthepeopletoacouncilmanbyman，butnottocrythematteraloud；hemadehastealsohimselftocallthem，andtheysatsorryatheartintheirassembly。Agamemnonshedtearsasitwerearunningstreamorcataractonthesideofsomesheercliff；andthus，withmanyaheavysighhespoketotheAchaeans。\"Myfriends，\"saidhe，\"princesandcouncillorsOftheArgives，thehandofheavenhasbeenlaidheavilyuponme。 CruelJovegavemehissolemnpromisethatIshouldsackthecityofTroybeforereturning，buthehasplayedmefalse，andisnowbiddingmegoingloriouslybacktoArgoswiththelossofmuchpeople。 SuchisthewillofJove，whohaslaidmanyaproudcityinthedustashewillyetlayothers，forhispowerisaboveall。Now，therefore，letusalldoasIsayandsailbacktoourowncountry，forweshallnottakeTroy。\" Thushespoke，andthesonsoftheAchaeansforalongwhilesatsorrowfulthere，buttheyallheldtheirpeace，tillatlastDiomedoftheloudbattle-crymadeanswersaying，\"SonofAtreus，Iwillchideyourfolly，asismyrightincouncil。BenotthenaggrievedthatI shoulddoso。InthefirstplaceyouattackedmebeforealltheDanaansandsaidthatIwasacowardandnosoldier。TheArgivesyoungandoldknowthatyoudidso。ButthesonofschemingSaturnendowedyoubyhalvesonly。Hegaveyouhonourasthechiefruleroverus，butvalour，whichisthehighestbothrightandmighthedidnotgiveyou。 Sir，thinkyouthatthesonsoftheAchaeansareindeedasunwarlikeandcowardlyasyousaytheyare？Ifyourownmindissetupongoinghome-go-thewayisopentoyou；themanyshipsthatfollowedyoufromMycenestandrangedupontheseashore；buttherestofusstayheretillwehavesackedTroy。Naythoughthesetooshouldturnhomewardwiththeirships，SthenelusandmyselfwillstillfightontillwereachthegoalofIlius，forforheavenwaswithuswhenwecame。\" ThesonsoftheAchaeansshoutedapplauseatthewordsofDiomed，andpresentlyNestorrosetospeak。\"SonofTydeus，\"saidhe，\"inwaryourprowessisbeyondquestion，andincouncilyouexcelallwhoareofyourownyears；nooneoftheAchaeanscanmakelightofwhatyousaynorgainsayit，butyouhavenotyetcometotheendofthewholematter。Youarestillyoung-youmightbetheyoungestofmyownchildren-stillyouhavespokenwiselyandhavecounselledthechiefoftheAchaeansnotwithoutdiscretion；neverthelessIamolderthanyouandIwilltellyouevery\"thing；thereforeletnoman，notevenKingAgamemnon，disregardmysaying，forhethatfomentscivildiscordisaclanless，hearthlessoutlaw。 \"Now，however，letusobeythebehestsofnightandgetoursuppers，butletthesentinelseverymanofthemcampbythetrenchthatiswithoutthewall。Iamgivingtheseinstructionstotheyoungmen； whentheyhavebeenattendedto，doyou，sonofAtreus，giveyourorders，foryouarethemostroyalamongusall。Prepareafeastforyourcouncillors；itisrightandreasonablethatyoushoulddoso； thereisabundanceofwineinyourtents，whichtheshipsoftheAchaeansbringfromThracedaily。Youhaveeverythingatyourdisposalwherewithtoentertainguests，andyouhavemanysubjects。Whenmanyaregottogether，youcanbeguidedbyhimwhosecounseliswisest- andsorelydoweneedshrewdandprudentcounsel，forthefoehaslithiswatchfireshardbyourships。Whocanbeotherthandismayed？Thisnightwilleitherbetheruinofourhost，orsaveit。\" Thusdidhespeak，andtheydidevenashehadsaid。ThesentinelswentoutintheirarmourundercommandofNestor’ssonThrasymedes，acaptainofthehost，andoftheboldwarriorsAscalaphusandIalmenus:therewerealsoMeriones，AphareusandDeipyrus，andthesonofCreion，nobleLycomedes。Thereweresevencaptainsofthesentinels，andwitheachtherewentahundredyouthsarmedwithlongspears:theytooktheirplacesmidwaybetweenthetrenchandthewall，andwhentheyhaddonesotheylittheirfiresandgoteverymanhissupper。 ThesonofAtreusthenbademanycouncillorsoftheAchaeanstohisquarterspreparedagreatfeastintheirhonour。Theylaidtheirhandsonthegoodthingsthatwerebeforethem，andassoonastheyhadenoughtoeatanddrink，oldNestor，whosecounselwasevertruest，wasthefirsttolayhismindbeforethem。He，therefore，withallsincerityandgoodwilladdressedthemthus。 \"Withyourself，mostnoblesonofAtreus，kingofmen，Agamemnon，willIbothbeginmyspeechandendit，foryouarekingovermuchpeople。Jove，moreover，hasvouchsafedyoutowieldthesceptreandtoupholdrighteousness，thatyoumaytakethoughtforyourpeopleunderyou；thereforeitbehoovesyouaboveallothersbothtospeakandtogiveear，andtooutthecounselofanotherwhoshallhavebeenmindedtospeakwisely。Allturnsonyouandonyourcommands，thereforeIwillsaywhatIthinkwillbebest。Nomanwillbeofatruermindthanthatwhichhasbeenminefromthehourwhenyou，sir，angeredAchillesbytakingthegirlBriseisfromhistentagainstmyjudgment。Iurgedyounottodoso，butyouyieldedtoyourownpride，anddishonouredaherowhomheavenitselfhadhonoured-foryoustillholdtheprizethathadbeenawardedtohim。Now，however，letusthinkhowwemayappeasehim，bothwithpresentsandfairspeechesthatmayconciliatehim。\" AndKingAgamemnonanswered，\"Sir，youhavereprovedmyfollyjustly。Iwaswrong。Iownit。Onewhomheavenbefriendsisinhimselfahost，andJovehasshownthathebefriendsthismanbydestroyingmuchpeopleoftheAchaeans。Iwasblindedwithpassionandyieldedtomyworsermind；thereforeIwillmakeamends，andwillgivehimgreatgiftsbywayofatonement。Iwilltelltheminthepresenceofyouall。Iwillgivehimseventripodsthathaveneveryetbeenonthefire，andtentalentsofgold。Iwillgivehimtwentyironcauldronsandtwelvestronghorsesthathavewonracesandcarriedoffprizes。 Rich，indeed，bothinlandandgoldishethathasasmanyprizesasmyhorseshavewonme。Iwillgivehimsevenexcellentworkwomen，Lesbians，whomIchoseformyselfwhenhetookLesbos-allofsurpassingbeauty。Iwillgivehimthese，andwiththemherwhomI erewhiletookfromhim，thedaughterofBriseus；andIswearagreatoaththatIneverwentupintohercouch，norhavebeenwithherafterthemannerofmenandwomen。 \"AllthesethingswillIgivehimnowdown，andifhereafterthegodsvouchsafemetosackthecityofPriam，lethimcomewhenweAchaeansaredividingthespoil，andloadhisshipwithgoldandbronzetohisliking；furthermorelethimtaketwentyTrojanwomen，theloveliestafterHelenherself。Then，whenwereachAchaeanArgos，wealthiestofalllands，heshallbemyson-in-lawandIwillshowhimlikehonourwithmyowndearsonOrestes，whoisbeingnurturedinallabundance。Ihavethreedaughters，Chrysothemis，Laodice，andlphianassa，lethimtaketheoneofhischoice，freelyandwithoutgiftsofwooing，tothehouseofPeleus；Iwilladdsuchdowertobootasnomaneveryetgavehisdaughter，andwillgivehimsevenwellestablishedcities，Cardamyle，Enope，andHire，wherethereisgrass；holyPheraeandtherichmeadowsofAnthea；Aepeaalso，andthevine-cladslopesofPedasus，allnearthesea，andonthebordersofsandyPylos。Thementhatdwelltherearerichincattleandsheep；theywillhonourhimwithgiftsasthoughhewereagod，andbeobedienttohiscomfortableordinances。AllthiswillIdoifhewillnowforgohisanger。LethimthenyielditisonlyHadeswhoisutterlyruthlessandunyielding-andhenceheisofallgodstheonemosthatefultomankind。MoreoverIamolderandmoreroyalthanhimself。Therefore，lethimnowobeyme。\" ThenNestoranswered，\"MostnoblesonofAtreus，kingofmen，Agamemnon。Thegiftsyouofferarenosmallones，letusthensendchosenmessengers，whomaygotothetentofAchillessonofPeleuswithoutdelay。LetthosegowhomIshallname。LetPhoenix，deartoJove，leadtheway；letAjaxandUlyssesfollow，andlettheheraldsOdiusandEurybatesgowiththem。Nowbringwaterforourhands，andbidallkeepsilencewhilewepraytoJovethesonofSaturn，ifsobethathemayhavemercyuponus。\" Thusdidhespeak，andhissayingpleasedthemwell。Men-servantspouredwateroverthehandsoftheguests，whilepagesfilledthemixing-bowlswithwineandwater，andhandeditroundaftergivingeverymanhisdrink-offering；then，whentheyhadmadetheirofferings，andhaddrunkeachasmuchashewasminded，theenvoyssetoutfromthetentofAgamemnonsonofAtreus；andNestor，lookingfirsttooneandthentoanother，butmostespeciallyatUlysses，wasinstantwiththemthattheyshouldprevailwiththenoblesonofPeleus。 Theywenttheirwaybytheshoreofthesoundingsea，andprayedearnestlytoearth-encirclingNeptunethatthehighspiritofthesonofAeacusmightinclinefavourablytowardsthem。WhentheyreachedtheshipsandtentsoftheMyrmidons，theyfoundAchillesplayingonalyre，fair，ofcunningworkmanship，anditscross-barwasofsilver。 ItwaspartofthespoilswhichhehadtakenwhenhesackedthecityofEetion，andhewasnowdivertinghimselfwithitandsingingthefeatsofheroes。HewasalonewithPatroclus，whosatoppositetohimandsaidnothing，waitingtillheshouldceasesinging。UlyssesandAjaxnowcamein-Ulyssesleadingtheway-andstoodbeforehim。 Achillessprangfromhisseatwiththelyrestillinhishand，andPatroclus，whenhesawthestrangers，rosealso。Achillesthengreetedthemsaying，\"Allhailandwelcome-youmustcomeuponsomegreatmatter，you，whoforallmyangerarestilldearesttomeoftheAchaeans。\" Withthisheledthemforward，andbadethemsitonseatscoveredwithpurplerugs；thenhesaidtoPatrocluswhowasclosebyhim，\"SonofMenoetius，setalargerbowluponthetable，mixlesswaterwiththewine，andgiveeverymanhiscup，fortheseareverydearfriends，whoarenowundermyroof。\" Patroclusdidashiscomradebadehim；hesetthechopping-blockinfrontofthefire，andonithelaidtheloinofasheep，theloinalsoofagoat，andthechineofafathog。AutomedonheldthemeatwhileAchilleschoppedit；hethenslicedthepiecesandputthemonspitswhilethesonofMenoetiusmadethefireburnhigh。Whentheflamehaddieddown，hespreadtheembers，laidthespitsontopofthem，liftingthemupandsettingthemuponthespit-racks；andhesprinkledthemwithsalt。Whenthemeatwasroasted，hesetitonplatters，andhandedbreadroundthetableinfairbaskets，whileAchillesdealtthemtheirportions。ThenAchillestookhisseatfacingUlyssesagainsttheoppositewall，andbadehiscomradePatroclusoffersacrificetothegods；sohecasttheofferingsintothefire，andtheylaidtheirhandsuponthegoodthingsthatwerebeforethem。Assoonastheyhadhadenoughtoeatanddrink，AjaxmadeasigntoPhoenix，andwhenhesawthis，UlyssesfilledhiscupwithwineandpledgedAchilles。 \"Hail，\"saidhe，\"Achilles，wehavehadnoscantofgoodcheer，neitherinthetentofAgamemnon，noryethere；therehasbeenplentytoeatanddrink，butourthoughtturnsuponnosuchmatter。 Sir，weareinthefaceofgreatdisaster，andwithoutyourhelpknownotwhetherweshallsaveourfleetorloseit。TheTrojansandtheirallieshavecampedhardbyourshipsandbythewall；theyhavelitwatchfiresthroughouttheirhostanddeemthatnothingcannowpreventthemfromfallingonourfleet。Jove，moreover，hassenthislightningsontheirright；Hector，inallhisglory，rageslikeamaniac；confidentthatJoveiswithhimhefearsneithergodnorman，butisgoneravingmad，andpraysfortheapproachofday。Hevowsthathewillhewthehighsternsofourshipsinpieces，setfiretotheirhulls，andmakehavocoftheAchaeanswhiletheyaredazedandsmotheredinsmoke；Imuchfearthatheavenwillmakegoodhisboasting，anditwillproveourlottoperishatTroyfarfromourhomeinArgos。Up，then，andlatethoughitbe，savethesonsoftheAchaeanswhofaintbeforethefuryoftheTrojans。Youwillrepentbitterlyhereafterifyoudonot，forwhentheharmisdonetherewillbenocuringit；considerereitbetoolate，andsavetheDanaansfromdestruction。 \"Mygoodfriend，whenyourfatherPeleussentyoufromPhthiatoAgamemnon，didhenotchargeyousaying，’Son，MinervaandJunowillmakeyoustrongiftheychoose，butcheckyourhightemper，forthebetterpartisingoodwill。Eschewvainquarrelling，andtheAchaeansoldandyoungwillrespectyoumorefordoingso。’Thesewerehiswords，butyouhaveforgottenthem。Evennow，however，beappeased，andputawayyourangerfromyou。Agamemnonwillmakeyougreatamendsifyouwillforgivehim；listen，andIwilltellyouwhathehassaidinhistentthathewillgiveyou。Hewillgiveyouseventripodsthathaveneveryetbeenonthefire，andtentalentsofgold；twentyironcauldrons，andtwelvestronghorsesthathavewonracesandcarriedoffprizes。RichindeedbothinlandandgoldishewhohasasmanyprizesasthesehorseshavewonforAgamemnon。 Moreoverhewillgiveyousevenexcellentworkwomen，Lesbians，whomhechoseforhimself，whenyoutookLesbos-allofsurpassingbeauty。 Hewillgiveyouthese，andwiththemherwhomheerewhiletookfromyou，thedaughterofBriseus，andhewillswearagreatoath，hehasnevergoneupintohercouchnorbeenwithherafterthemannerofmenandwomen。Allthesethingswillhegiveyounowdown，andifhereafterthegodsvouchsafehimtosackthecityofPriam，youcancomewhenweAchaeansaredividingthespoil，andloadyourshipwithgoldandbronzetoyourliking。YoucantaketwentyTrojanwomen，theloveliestafterHelenherself。Then，whenwereachAchaeanArgos，wealthiestofalllands，youshallbehisson-in-law，andhewillshowyoulikehonourwithhisowndearsonOrestes，whoisbeingnurturedinallabundance。Agamemnonhasthreedaughters，Chrysothemis，Laodice，andIphianassa；youmaytaketheoneofyourchoice，freelyandwithoutgiftsofwooing，tothehouseofPeleus；hewilladdsuchdowertobootasnomaneveryetgavehisdaughter，andwillgiveyousevenwell-establishedcities，Cardamyle，Enope，andHirewherethereisgrass；holyPherasandtherichmeadowsofAnthea； Aepeaalso，andthevine-cladslopesofPedasus，allnearthesea，andonthebordersofsandyPylos。Thementhatdwelltherearerichincattleandsheep；theywillhonouryouwithgiftsasthoughwereagod，andbeobedienttoyourcomfortableordinances。Allthiswillhedoifyouwillnowforgoyouranger。Moreover，thoughyouhatebothhimandhisgiftswithallyourheart，yetpitytherestoftheAchaeanswhoarebeingharassedinalltheirhost；theywillhonouryouasagod，andyouwillearngreatgloryattheirhands。YoumightevenkillHector；hewillcomewithinyourreach，forheisinfatuated，anddeclaresthatnotaDanaanwhomtheshipshavebroughtcanholdhisownagainsthim。\" Achillesanswered，\"Ulysses，noblesonofLaertes，Ishouldgiveyouformalnoticeplainlyandinallfixityofpurposethattherebenomoreofthiscajoling，fromwhatsoeverquarteritmaycome。HimdoI hateevenasthegatesofhellwhosaysonethingwhilehehidesanotherinhisheart；thereforeIwillsaywhatImean。IwillbeappeasedneitherbyAgamemnonsonofAtreusnorbyanyotheroftheDanaans，forIseethatIhavenothanksforallmyfighting。Hethatfightsfaresnobetterthanhethatdoesnot；cowardandheroareheldinequalhonour，anddeathdealslikemeasuretohimwhoworksandhimwhoisidle。Ihavetakennothingbyallmyhardships-withmylifeeverinmyhand；asabirdwhenshehasfoundamorseltakesittohernestlings，andherselffareshardly，evensomanalongnighthaveIbeenwakeful，andmanyabloodybattlehaveIwagedbydayagainstthosewhowerefightingfortheirwomen。WithmyshipsI havetakentwelvecities，andelevenroundaboutTroyhaveIstormedwithmymenbyland；Itookgreatstoreofwealthfromeveryoneofthem，butIgavealluptoAgamemnonsonofAtreus。Hestayedwherehewasbyhisships，yetofwhatcametohimhegavelittle，andkeptmuchhimself。 \"Neverthelesshediddistributesomemeedsofhonouramongthechieftainsandkings，andthesehavethemstill；frommealoneoftheAchaeansdidhetakethewomaninwhomIdelighted-lethimkeepherandsleepwithher。Why，pray，musttheArgivesneedsfighttheTrojans？WhatmadethesonofAtreusgatherthehostandbringthem？ WasitnotforthesakeofHelen？ArethesonsofAtreustheonlymenintheworldwholovetheirwives？Anymanofcommonrightfeelingwillloveandcherishherwhoishisown，asIthiswoman，withmywholeheart，thoughshewasbutafruitlingofmyspear。Agamemnonhastakenherfromme；hehasplayedmefalse；Iknowhim；lethimtemptmenofurther，forheshallnotmoveme。Lethimlooktoyou，Ulysses，andtotheotherprincestosavehisshipsfromburning。Hehasdonemuchwithoutmealready。Hehasbuiltawall；hehasdugatrenchdeepandwideallroundit，andhehasplanteditwithinwithstakes；butevensohestaysnotthemurderousmightofHector。SolongasI foughttheAchaeansHectorsufferednotthebattlerangefarfromthecitywalls；hewouldcometotheScaeangatesandtotheoaktree，butnofurther。Oncehestayedtomeetmeandhardlydidheescapemyonset:now，however，sinceIaminnomoodtofighthim，Iwillto-morrowoffersacrificetoJoveandtoallthegods；Iwilldrawmyshipsintothewaterandthenvictualthemduly；to-morrowmorning，ifyoucaretolook，youwillseemyshipsontheHellespont，andmymenrowingouttoseawithmightandmain。IfgreatNeptunevouchsafesmeafairpassage，inthreedaysIshallbeinPhthia。IhavemuchtherethatIleftbehindmewhenIcameheretomysorrow，andIshallbringbackstillfurtherstoreofgold，ofredcopper，offairwomen，andofiron，myshareofthespoilsthatwehavetaken；butoneprize，hewhogavehasinsolentlytakenaway。TellhimallasInowbidyou，andtellhiminpublicthattheAchaeansmayhatehimandbewareofhimshouldhethinkthathecanyetdupeothersforhiseffronteryneverfailshim。 \"Asforme，houndthatheis，hedaresnotlookmeintheface。I willtakenocounselwithhim，andwillundertakenothingincommonwithhim。Hehaswrongedmeanddeceivedmeenough，heshallnotcozenmefurther；lethimgohisownway，forJovehasrobbedhimofhisreason。Iloathehispresents，andforhimselfcarenotonestraw。 Hemayoffermetenoreventwentytimeswhathehasnowdone，nay- notthoughitbeallthathehasintheworld，bothnoworevershallhave；hemaypromisemethewealthofOrchomenusorofEgyptianThebes，whichistherichestcityinthewholeworld，forithasahundredgatesthrougheachofwhichtwohundredmenmaydriveatoncewiththeirchariotsandhorses；hemayoffermegiftsasthesandsoftheseaorthedustoftheplaininmultitude，butevensoheshallnotmovemetillIhavebeenrevengedinfullforthebitterwronghehasdoneme。Iwillnotmarryhisdaughter；shemaybefairasVenus，andskilfulasMinerva，butIwillhavenoneofher:letanothertakeher，whomaybeagoodmatchforherandwhorulesalargerkingdom。Ifthegodssparemetoreturnhome，Peleuswillfindmeawife；thereareAchaeanwomeninHellasandPhthia，daughtersofkingsthathavecitiesunderthem；oftheseIcantakewhomIwillandmarryher。ManyatimewasImindedwhenathomeinPhthiatowooandwedawomanwhowouldmakemeasuitablewife，andtoenjoytherichesofmyoldfatherPeleus。MylifeismoretomethanallthewealthofIliuswhileitwasyetatpeacebeforetheAchaeanswentthere，orthanallthetreasurethatliesonthestonefloorofApollo’stemplebeneaththecliffsofPytho。Cattleandsheeparetobehadforharrying，andamanbuybothtripodsandhorsesifhewantsthem，butwhenhislifehasoncelefthimitcanneitherbeboughtnorharriedbackagain。 \"MymotherThetistellsmethattherearetwowaysinwhichImaymeetmyend。IfIstayhereandfight，Ishallnotreturnalivebutmynamewillliveforever:whereasifIgohomemynamewilldie，butitwillbelongeredeathshalltakeme。Totherestofyou，then，Isay，’Gohome，foryouwillnottakeIlius。’Jovehasheldhishandoverhertoprotecther，andherpeoplehavetakenheart。Go，therefore，asindutybound，andtelltheprincesoftheAchaeansthemessagethatI havesentthem；tellthemtofindsomeotherplanforthesavingoftheirshipsandpeople，forsolongasmydispleasurelaststheonethattheyhavenowhituponmaynotbe。AsforPhoenix，lethimsleepherethathemaysailwithmeinthemorningifhesowill。 ButIwillnottakehimbyforce。\" Theyallheldtheirpeace，dismayedatthesternnesswithwhichhehaddeniedthem，tillpresentlytheoldknightPhoenixinhisgreatfearfortheshipsoftheAchaeans，burstintotearsandsaid，\"NobleAchilles，ifyouarenowmindedtoreturn，andinthefiercenessofyourangerwilldonothingtosavetheshipsfromburning，how，myson，canIremainherewithoutyou？YourfatherPeleusbademegowithyouwhenhesentyouasamereladfromPhthiatoAgamemnon。Youknewnothingneitherofwarnoroftheartswherebymenmaketheirmarkincouncil，andhesentmewithyoutotrainyouinallexcellenceofspeechandaction。Therefore，myson，I willnotstayherewithoutyou-no，notthoughheavenitselfvouchsafetostripmyyearsfromoffme，andmakemeyoungasIwaswhenIfirstleftHellasthelandoffairwomen。IwasthenflyingtheangeroffatherAmyntor，sonofOrmenus，whowasfuriouswithmeinthematterofhisconcubine，ofwhomhewasenamouredtothewrongingofhiswifemymother。Mymother，therefore，prayedmewithoutceasingtoliewiththewomanmyself，thatsoshehatemyfather，andinthecourseoftimeIyielded。Butmyfathersooncametoknow，andcursedmebitterly，callingthedreadErinyestowitness。Heprayedthatnosonofminemighteversituponknees-andthegods，JoveoftheworldbelowandawfulProserpine，fulfilledhiscurse。Itookcounseltokillhim，butsomegodstayedmyrashnessandbademethinkonmen’seviltonguesandhowIshouldbebrandedasthemurdererofmyfather:neverthelessIcouldnotbeartostayinmyfather’shousewithhimsobitteraagainstme。Mycousinsandclansmencameaboutme，andpressedmesorelytoremain；manyasheepandmanyanoxdidtheyslaughter，andmanyafathogdidtheysetdowntoroastbeforethefire；manyajar，too，didtheybroachofmyfather’swine。 Ninewholenightsdidtheysetaguardovermetakingitinturnstowatch，andtheykeptafirealwaysburning，bothinthecloisteroftheoutercourtandintheinnercourtatthedoorsoftheroomwhereinIlay；butwhenthedarknessofthetenthnightcame，I brokethroughthecloseddoorsofmyroom，andclimbedthewalloftheoutercourtafterpassingquicklyandunperceivedthroughthemenonguardandthewomenservants。IthenfledthroughHellastillIcametofertilePhthia，motherofsheep，andtoKingPeleus，whomademewelcomeandtreatedmeasafathertreatsanonlysonwhowillbeheirtoallhiswealth。Hemademerichandsetmeovermuchpeople，establishingmeonthebordersofPhthiawhereIwaschiefrulerovertheDolopians。 \"ItwasI，Achilles，whohadthemakingofyou；Ilovedyouwithallmyheart:foryouwouldeatneitherathomenorwhenyouhadgoneoutelsewhere，tillIhadfirstsetyouuponmyknees，cutupthedaintymorselthatyouweretoeat，andheldthewine-cuptoyourlips。Manyatimehaveyouslobberedyourwineinbabyhelplessnessovermyshirt；Ihadinfinitetroublewithyou，butIknewthatheavenhadvouchsafedmenooffspringofmyown，andImadeasonofyou，Achilles，thatinmyhourofneedyoumightprotectme。Now，therefore，Isaybattlewithyourprideandbeatit；cherishnotyourangerforever；themightandmajestyofheavenaremorethanours，butevenheavenmaybeappeased；andifamanhassinnedhepraysthegods，andreconcilesthemtohimselfbyhispiteouscriesandbyfrankincense，withdrink-offeringsandthesavourofburntsacrifice。ForprayersareasdaughterstogreatJove；halt，wrinkled，witheyesaskance，theyfollowinthefootstepsofsin，who，beingfierceandfleetoffoot，leavesthemfarbehindhim，andeverbanefultomankindoutstripsthemeventotheendsoftheworld；butneverthelesstheprayerscomehobblingandhealingafter。IfamanhaspityuponthesedaughtersofJovewhentheydrawnearhim，theywillblesshimandhearhimtoowhenheispraying；butifhedenythemandwillnotlistentothem，theygotoJovethesonofSaturnandpraythathemaypresentlyfallintosin-tohisruingbitterlyhereafter。Therefore，Achilles，givethesedaughtersofJoveduereverence，andbowbeforethemasallgoodmenwillbow。WerenotthesonofAtreusofferingyougiftsandpromisingotherslater-ifhewerestillfuriousandimplacable-IamnothethatwouldbidyouthrowoffyourangerandhelptheAchaeans，nomatterhowgreattheirneed；butheisgivingmuchnow，andmorehereafter；hehassenthiscaptainstourgehissuit，andhaschosenthosewhoofalltheArgivesaremostacceptabletoyou；makenotthentheirwordsandtheircomingtobeofnoneeffect。Yourangerhasbeenrighteoussofar。Wehaveheardinsonghowheroesofoldtimequarrelledwhentheywererousedtofury，butstilltheycouldbewonbygifts，andfairwordscouldsoothethem。 \"Ihaveanoldstoryinmymind-averyoldone-butyouareallfriendsandIwilltellit。TheCuretesandtheAetolianswerefightingandkillingoneanotherroundCalydon-theAetoliansdefendingthecityandtheCuretestryingtodestroyit。ForDianaofthegoldenthronewasangryanddidthemhurtbecauseOeneushadnotofferedherhisharvestfirst-fruits。Theothergodshadallbeenfeastedwithhecatombs，buttothedaughterofgreatJovealonehehadmadenosacrifice。Hehadforgottenher，orsomehoworotherithadescapedhim，andthiswasagrievoussin。Thereonthearchergoddessinherdispleasuresentaprodigiouscreatureagainsthim-asavagewildboarwithgreatwhitetusksthatdidmuchharmtohisorchardlands，uprootingapple-treesinfullbloomandthrowingthemtotheground。ButMeleagersonofOeneusgothuntsmenandhoundsfrommanycitiesandkilledit-foritwassomonstrousthatnotafewwereneeded，andmanyamandiditstretchuponhisfuneralpyre。OnthisthegoddesssettheCuretesandtheAetoliansfightingfuriouslyabouttheheadandskinoftheboar。 \"SolongasMeleagerwasinthefieldthingswentbadlywiththeCuretes，andforalltheirnumberstheycouldnotholdtheirgroundunderthecitywalls；butinthecourseoftimeMeleagerwasangeredasevenawisemanwillsometimesbe。HewasincensedwithhismotherAlthaea，andthereforestayedathomewithhisweddedwifefairCleopatra，whowasdaughterofMarpessadaughterofEuenus，andofIdesthemanthenliving。HeitwaswhotookhisbowandfacedKingApollohimselfforfairMarpessa’ssake；herfatherandmotherthennamedherAlcyone，becausehermotherhadmournedwiththeplaintivestrainsofthehalcyon-birdwhenPhoebusApollohadcarriedheroff。 Meleager，then，stayedathomewithCleopatra，nursingtheangerwhichhefeltbyreasonofhismother’scurses。Hismother，grievingforthedeathofherbrother，prayedthegods，andbeattheearthwithherhands，callinguponHadesandonawfulProserpine；shewentdownuponherkneesandherbosomwaswetwithtearsassheprayedthattheywouldkillherson-andErinysthatwalksindarknessandknowsnoruthheardherfromErebus。 \"ThenwasheardthedinofbattleaboutthegatesofCalydon，andthedullthumpofthebatteringagainsttheirwalls。ThereontheeldersoftheAetoliansbesoughtMeleager；theysentthechiefestoftheirpriests，andbeggedhimtocomeoutandhelpthem，promisinghimagreatreward。Theybadehimchoosefiftyplough-gates，themostfertileintheplainofCalydon，theone-halfvineyardandtheotheropenplough-land。TheoldwarriorOeneusimploredhim，standingatthethresholdofhisroomandbeatingthedoorsinsupplication。Hissistersandhismotherherselfbesoughthimsore，buthethemorerefusedthem；thoseofhiscomradeswhowerenearestanddearesttohimalsoprayedhim，buttheycouldnotmovehimtillthefoewasbatteringattheverydoorsofhischamber，andtheCureteshadscaledthewallsandweresettingfiretothecity。Thenatlasthissorrowingwifedetailedthehorrorsthatbefallthosewhosecityistaken；sheremindedhimhowthemenareslain，andthecityisgivenovertotheflames，whilethewomenandchildrenarecarriedintocaptivity；whenheheardallthis，hisheartwastouched，andhedonnedhisarmourtogoforth。ThusofhisowninwardmotionhesavedthecityoftheAetolians；buttheynowgavehimnothingofthoserichrewardsthattheyhadofferedearlier，andthoughhesavedthecityhetooknothingbyit。Benotthen，myson，thusminded；letnotheavenlureyouintoanysuchcourse。Whentheshipsareburningitwillbeahardermattertosavethem。Takethegifts，andgo，fortheAchaeanswillthenhonouryouasagod；whereasifyoufightwithouttakingthem，youmaybeatthebattleback，butyouwillnotbeheldinlikehonour。\" AndAchillesanswered，\"Phoenix，oldfriendandfather，Ihavenoneedofsuchhonour。IhavehonourfromJovehimself，whichwillabidewithmeatmyshipswhileIhavebreathinmybody，andmylimbsarestrong。Isayfurther-andlaymysayingtoyourheart-vexmenomorewiththisweepingandlamentation，allinthecauseofthesonofAtreus。Lovehimsowell，andyoumaylosetheloveIbearyou。Yououghttohelpmeratherintroublingthosethattroubleme；bekingasmuchasIam，andsharelikehonourwithmyself；theothersshalltakemyanswer；stayhereyourselfandsleepcomfortablyinyourbed；atdaybreakwewillconsiderwhethertoremainorgo。\" OnthisshenoddedquietlytoPatroclusasasignthathewastoprepareabedforPhoenix，andthattheothersshouldtaketheirleave。AjaxsonofTelamonthensaid，\"Ulysses，noblesonofLaertes，letusbegone，forIseethatourjourneyisvain。Wemustnowtakeouranswer，unwelcomethoughitbe，totheDanaanswhoarewaitingtoreceiveit。Achillesissavageandremorseless；heiscruel，andcaresnothingforthelovehiscomradeslavisheduponhimmorethanonalltheothers。Heisimplacable-andyetifaman’sbrotherorsonhasbeenslainhewillacceptafinebywayofamendsfromhimthatkilledhim，andthewrong-doerhavingpaidinfullremainsinpeaceamonghisownpeople；butasforyou，Achilles，thegodshaveputawickedunforgivingspiritinyourheart，andthis，allaboutonesinglegirl，whereaswenowofferyouthesevenbestwehave，andmuchelseintothebargain。Bethenofamoregraciousmind，respectthehospitalityofyourownroof。WearewithyouasmessengersfromthehostoftheDanaans，andwouldfainheheldnearestanddearesttoyourselfofalltheAchaeans。\" \"Ajax，\"repliedAchilles，\"noblesonofTelamon，youhavespokenmuchtomyliking，butmybloodboilswhenIthinkitallover，andrememberhowthesonofAtreustreatedmewithcontumelyasthoughI weresomeviletramp，andthattoointhepresenceoftheArgives。Go，then，anddeliveryourmessage；saythatIwillhavenoconcernwithfightingtillHector，sonofnoblePriam，reachesthetentsoftheMyrmidonsinhismurderouscourse，andflingsfireupontheirships。 Forallhislustofbattle，Itakeithewillbeheldincheckwhenheisatmyowntentandship。\" Onthistheytookeverymanhisdoublecup，madetheirdrink-offerings，andwentbacktotheships，Ulyssesleadingtheway。ButPatroclustoldhismenandthemaid-servantstomakereadyacomfortablebedforPhoenix；theythereforedidsowithsheepskins，arug，andasheetoffinelinen。Theoldmanthenlaidhimselfdownandwaitedtillmorningcame。ButAchillessleptinaninnerroom，andbesidehimthedaughterofPhorbaslovelyDiomede，whomhehadcarriedofffromLesbos。Patrocluslayontheothersideoftheroom，andwithhimfairIphiswhomAchilleshadgivenhimwhenhetookScyrosthecityofEnyeus。 WhentheenvoysreachedthetentsofthesonofAtreus，theAchaeansrose，pledgedthemincupsofgold，andbegantoquestionthem。KingAgamemnonwasthefirsttodoso。Tellme，Ulysses，\"saidhe，\"willhesavetheshipsfromburning，ordidberefuse，andishestillfurious？\" Ulyssesanswered，\"MostnoblesonofAtreus，kingofmen，Agamemnon，Achilleswillnotbecalmed，butismorefiercelyangrythanever，andspurnsbothyouandyourgifts。HebidsyoutakecounselwiththeAchaeanstosavetheshipsandhostasyoubestmay；asforhimself，hesaidthatatdaybreakheshoulddrawhisshipsintothewater。Hesaidfurtherthatheshouldadviseeveryonetosailhomelikewise，forthatyouwillnotreachthegoalofIlius。’Jove，’hesaid，’haslaidhishandoverthecitytoprotectit，andthepeoplehavetakenheart。’Thisiswhathesaid，andtheotherswhowerewithmecantellyouthesamestory-Ajaxandthetwoheralds，men，bothofthem，whomaybetrusted。TheoldmanPhoenixstayedwherehewastosleep，forsoAchilleswouldhaveit，thathemightgohomewithhiminthemorningifhesowould；buthewillnottakehimbyforce。\" Theyallheldtheirpeace，sittingforalongtimesilentanddejected，byreasonofthesternnesswithwhichAchilleshadrefusedthem，tillpresentlyDiomedsaid，\"MostnoblesonofAtreus，kingofmen，Agamemnon，yououghtnottohavesuedthesonofPeleusnorofferedhimgifts。Heisproudenoughasitis，andyouhaveencouragedhiminhisprideamfurther。Lethimstayorgoashewill。 Hewillfightlaterwhenheisinthehumour，andheavenputsitinhismindtodoso。Now，therefore，letusalldoasIsay；wehaveeatenanddrunkourfill，letusthentakeourrest，forinrestthereisbothstrengthandstay。Butwhenfairrosy-fingeredmornappears，forthwithbringoutyourhostandyourhorsemeninfrontoftheships，urgingthemon，andyourselffightingamongtheforemost。\" Thushespoke，andtheotherchieftainsapprovedhiswords。Theythenmadetheirdrink-offeringsandwenteverymantohisowntent，wheretheylaiddowntorestandenjoyedtheboonofsleep。 BOOKX NOWtheotherprincesoftheAchaeanssleptsoundlythewholenightthrough，butAgamemnonsonofAtreuswastroubled，sothathecouldgetnorest。AswhenfairJuno’slordflasheshislightningintokenofgreatrainorhailorsnowwhenthesnow-flakeswhitentheground，oragainasasignthathewillopenthewidejawsofhungrywar，evensodidAgamemnonheavemanyaheavysigh，forhissoultrembledwithinhim。WhenhelookedupontheplainofTroyhemarvelledatthemanywatchfiresburninginfrontofIlius，andatthesoundofpipesandflutesandofthehumofmen，butwhenpresentlyheturnedtowardstheshipsandhostsoftheAchaeans，hetorehishairbyhandfulsbeforeJoveonhigh，andgroanedaloudfortheverydisquietnessofhissoul。IntheendhedeemeditbesttogoatoncetoNestorsonofNeleus，andseeifbetweenthemtheycouldfindanywayoftheAchaeansfromdestruction。Hethereforerose，putonhisshirt，boundhissandalsabouthiscomelyfeet，flungtheskinofahugetawnylionoverhisshoulders-askinthatreachedhisfeet- andtookhisspearinhishand。 NeithercouldMenelaussleep，forhe，too，bodedillfortheArgiveswhoforhissakehadsailedfromfarovertheseastofighttheTrojans。Hecoveredhisbroadbackwiththeskinofaspottedpanther，putacasqueofbronzeuponhishead，andtookhisspearinhisbrawnyhand。Thenhewenttorousehisbrother，whowasbyfarthemostpowerfuloftheAchaeans，andwashonouredbythepeopleasthoughhewereagod。Hefoundhimbythesternofhisshipalreadyputtinghisgoodlyarrayabouthisshoulders，andrightgladwashethathisbrotherhadcome。 Menelausspokefirst。\"Why，\"saidhe，\"mydearbrother，areyouthusarming？AreyougoingtosendanyofourcomradestoexploittheTrojans？Igreatlyfearthatnoonewilldoyouthisservice，andspyupontheenemyaloneinthedeadofnight。Itwillbeadeedofgreatdaring。\" AndKingAgamemnonanswered，\"Menelaus，webothofusneedshrewdcounseltosavetheArgivesandourships，forJovehaschangedhismind，andinclinestowardsHector’ssacrificesratherthanours。I neversawnorheardtellofanymanashavingwroughtsuchruininonedayasHectorhasnowwroughtagainstthesonsoftheAchaeans-andthattooofhisownunaidedself，forheissonneithertogodnorgoddess。TheArgiveswillrueitlonganddeeply。Run，therefore，withallspeedbythelineoftheships，andcallAjaxandIdomeneus。 MeanwhileIwillgotoNestor，andbidhimriseandgoaboutamongthecompaniesofoursentinelstogivethemtheirinstructions；theywilllistentohimsoonerthantoanyman，forhisownson，andMerionesbrotherinarmstoIdomeneus，arecaptainsoverthem。Itwastothemmoreparticularlythatwegavethischarge。\" Menelausreplied，\"HowdoItakeyourmeaning？AmItostaywiththemandwaityourcoming，orshallIreturnhereassoonasIhavegivenyourorders？\"\"Wait，\"answeredKingAgamemnon，\"fortherearesomanypathsaboutthecampthatwemightmissoneanother。Calleverymanonyourway，andbidhimbestirring；namehimbyhislineageandbyhisfather’sname，giveeachalltitularobservance，andstandnottoomuchuponyourowndignity；wemusttakeourfullshareoftoil，foratourbirthJovelaidthisheavyburdenuponus。\" Withtheseinstructionshesenthisbrotheronhisway，andwentontoNestorshepherdofhispeople。Hefoundhimsleepinginhistenthardbyhisownship；hisgoodlyarmourlaybesidehim-hisshield，histwospearsandhishelmet；besidehimalsolaythegleaminggirdlewithwhichtheoldmangirdedhimselfwhenhearmedtoleadhispeopleintobattle-forhisagestayedhimnot。HeraisedhimselfonhiselbowandlookedupatAgamemnon。\"Whoisit，\"saidhe，\"thatgoesthusaboutthehostandtheshipsaloneandinthedeadofnight，whenmenaresleeping？Areyoulookingforoneofyourmulesorforsomecomrade？Donotstandthereandsaynothing，butspeak。Whatisyourbusiness？\" AndAgamemnonanswered，\"Nestor，sonofNeleus，honourtotheAchaeanname，itisI，AgamemnonsonofAtreus，onwhomJovehaslaidlabourandsorrowsolongasthereisbreathinmybodyandmylimbscarryme。Iamthusabroadbecausesleepsitsnotuponmyeyelids，butmyheartisbigwithwarandwiththejeopardyoftheAchaeans。IamingreatfearfortheDanaans。Iamatsea，andwithoutsurecounsel；myheartbeatsasthoughitwouldleapoutofmybody，andmylimbsfailme。Ifthenyoucandoanything-foryoutoocannotsleep-letusgotheroundofthewatch，andseewhethertheyaredrowsywithtoilandsleepingtotheneglectoftheirduty。Theenemyisencampedhardandweknownotbuthemayattackusbynight。\" Nestorreplied，\"MostnoblesonofAtreus，kingofmen，Agamemnon，JovewillnotdoallforHectorthatHectorthinkshewill；hewillhavetroublesyetinplentyifAchilleswilllayasidehisanger。I willgowithyou，andwewillrouseothers，eitherthesonofTydeus，orUlysses，orfleetAjaxandthevaliantsonofPhyleus。SomeonehadalsobettergoandcallAjaxandKingIdomeneus，fortheirshipsarenotnearathandbutthefarthestofall。IcannothoweverrefrainfromblamingMenelaus，muchasIlovehimandrespecthim-andIwillsaysoplainly，evenattheriskofoffendingyou-forsleepingandleavingallthistroubletoyourself。HeoughttobegoingaboutimploringaidfromalltheprincesoftheAchaeans，forweareinextremedanger。\" AndAgamemnonanswered，\"Sir，youmaysometimesblamehimjustly，forheisoftenremissandunwillingtoexerthimself-notindeedfromsloth，noryetheedlessness，butbecausehelookstomeandexpectsmetotakethelead。Onthisoccasion，however，hewasawakebeforeI was，andcametomeofhisownaccord。Ihavealreadysenthimtocalltheverymenwhomyouhavenamed。Andnowletusbegoing。Weshallfindthemwiththewatchoutsidethegates，foritwasthereIsaidthatwewouldmeetthem。\" \"Inthatcase，\"answeredNestor，\"theArgiveswillnotblamehimnordisobeyhisorderswhenheurgesthemtofightorgivestheminstructions。\" Withthisheputonhisshirt，andboundhissandalsabouthiscomelyfeet。Hebuckledonhispurplecoat，oftwothicknesses，large，andofaroughshaggytexture，graspedhisredoubtablebronze-shodspear，andwendedhiswayalongthelineoftheAchaeanships。FirsthecalledloudlytoUlyssespeerofgodsincounselandwokehim，forhewassoonrousedbythesoundofthebattle-cry。Hecameoutsidehistentandsaid，\"Whydoyougothusaloneaboutthehost，andalongthelineoftheshipsinthestillnessofthenight？Whatisitthatyoufindsourgent？\"AndNestorknightofGereneanswered，\"Ulysses，noblesonofLaertes，takeitnotamiss，fortheAchaeansareingreatstraits。Comewithmeandletuswakesomeother，whomayadvisewellwithuswhetherweshallfightorfly。\" OnthisUlysseswentatonceintohistent，puthisshieldabouthisshouldersandcameoutwiththem。FirsttheywenttoDiomedsonofTydeus，andfoundhimoutsidehistentcladinhisarmourwithhiscomradessleepingroundhimandusingtheirshieldsaspillows；asfortheirspears，theystooduprightonthespikesoftheirbuttsthatweredrivenintotheground，andtheburnishedbronzeflashedafarlikethelightningoffatherJove。Theherowassleepingupontheskinofanox，withapieceoffinecarpetunderhishead；Nestorwentuptohimandstirredhimwithhisheeltorousehim，upbraidinghimandurginghimtobestirhimself。\"Wakeup，\"heexclaimed，\"sonofTydeus。Howcanyousleeponinthisway？CanyounotseethattheTrojansareencampedonthebrowoftheplainhardbyourships，withbutalittlespacebetweenusandthem？\" OnthesewordsDiomedleapedupinstantlyandsaid，\"Oldman，yourheartisofiron；yourestnotonemomentfromyourlabours。AretherenoyoungermenamongtheAchaeanswhocouldgoabouttorousetheprinces？Thereisnotiringyou。\" AndNestorknightofGerenemadeanswer，\"Myson，allthatyouhavesaidistrue。Ihavegoodsons，andalsomuchpeoplewhomightcallthechieftains，buttheAchaeansareinthegravestdanger； lifeanddeatharebalancedasitwereontheedgeofarazor。Gothen，foryouareyoungerthanI，andofyourcourtesyrouseAjaxandthefleetsonofPhyleus。\" Diomedthrewtheskinofagreattawnylionabouthisshoulders-askinthatreachedhisfeet-andgraspedhisspear。Whenhehadrousedtheheroes，hebroughtthembackwithhim；theythenwenttheroundofthosewhowereonguard，andfoundthecaptainsnotsleepingattheirpostsbutwakefulandsittingwiththeirarmsaboutthem。Assheepdogsthatwatchtheirflockswhentheyareyarded，andhearawildbeastcomingthroughthemountainforesttowardsthem-forthwiththereisahueandcryofdogsandmen，andslumberisbroken-evensowassleepchasedfromtheeyesoftheAchaeansastheykeptthewatchesofthewickednight，fortheyturnedconstantlytowardstheplainwhenevertheyheardanystiramongtheTrojans。Theoldmanwasgladbadethembeofgoodcheer。\"Watchon，mychildren，\"saidhe，\"andletnotsleepgetholduponyou，lestourenemiestriumphoverus。\" Withthishepassedthetrench，andwithhimtheotherchiefsoftheAchaeanswhohadbeencalledtothecouncil。MerionesandthebravesonofNestorwentalso，fortheprincesbadethem。Whentheywerebeyondthetrenchthatwasdugroundthewalltheyheldtheirmeetingontheopengroundwheretherewasaspaceclearofcorpses，foritwasherethatwhennightfellHectorhadturnedbackfromhisonslaughtontheArgives。Theysatdown，therefore，andhelddebatewithoneanother。 Nestorspokefirst。\"Myfriends，\"saidhe，\"isthereanymanboldenoughtoventuretheTrojans，andcutoffsomestraggler，orusnewsofwhattheenemymeantodowhethertheywillstayherebytheshipsawayfromthecity，orwhether，nowthattheyhaveworstedtheAchaeans，theywillretirewithintheirwalls。Ifhecouldlearnallthisandcomebacksafelyhere，hisfamewouldbehighasheaveninthemouthsofallmen，andhewouldberewardedrichly；forthechiefsfromallourshipswouldeachofthemgivehimablackewewithherlamb-whichisapresentofsurpassingvalue-andhewouldbeaskedasaguesttoallfeastsandclan-gatherings。\" Theyallheldtheirpeace，butDiomedoftheloudwar-cryspokesaying，\"Nestor，gladlywillIvisitthehostoftheTrojansoveragainstus，butifanotherwillgowithmeIshalldosoingreaterconfidenceandcomfort。Whentwomenaretogether，oneofthemmayseesomeopportunitywhichtheotherhasnotcaughtsightof；ifamanisaloneheislessfullofresource，andhiswitisweaker。\" OnthisseveralofferedtogowithDiomed。ThetwoAjaxes，servantsofMars，Meriones，andthesonofNestorallwantedtogo，sodidMenelaussonofAtreus；UlyssesalsowishedtogoamongthehostoftheTrojans，forhewaseverfullofdaring，andthereonAgamemnonkingofmenspokethus:\"Diomed，\"saidhe，\"sonofTydeus，manaftermyownheart，chooseyourcomradeforyourself-takethebestmanofthosethathaveoffered，formanywouldnowgowithyou。 Donotthroughdelicacyrejectthebetterman，andtaketheworstoutofrespectforhislineage，becauseheisofmoreroyalblood。\" HesaidthisbecausehefearedforMenelaus。Diomedanswered，\"Ifyoubidmetakethemanofmyownchoice，howinthatcasecanI failtothinkofUlysses，thanwhomthereisnomanmoreeagertofaceallkindsofdanger-andPallasMinervaloveshimwell？Ifheweretogowithmeweshouldpasssafelythroughfireitself，forheisquicktoseeandunderstand。\" \"SonofTydeus，\"repliedUlysses，\"sayneithergoodnorillaboutme，foryouareamongArgiveswhoknowmewell。Letusbegoing，forthenightwanesanddawnisathand。Thestarshavegoneforward，two-thirdsofthenightarealreadyspent，andthethirdisaloneleftus。\" Theythenputontheirarmour。BraveThrasymedesprovidedthesonofTydeuswithaswordandashield(forhehadlefthisownathisship) andonhisheadhesetahelmetofbull’shidewithouteitherpeakorcrest；itiscalledaskull-capandisacommonheadgear。 MerionesfoundabowandquiverforUlysses，andonhisheadhesetaleathernhelmetthatwaslinedwithastrongplaitingofleathernthongs，whileontheoutsideitwasthicklystuddedwithboar’steeth，wellandskilfullysetintoit；nexttheheadtherewasaninnerliningoffelt。ThishelmethadbeenstolenbyAutolycusoutofEleonwhenhebrokeintothehouseofAmyntorsonofOrmenus。HegaveittoAmphidamasofCytheratotaketoScandea，andAmphidamasgaveitasaguest-gifttoMolus，whogaveittohissonMeriones；andnowitwassetupontheheadofUlysses。 Whenthepairhadarmed，theysetout，andlefttheotherchieftainsbehindthem。PallasMinervasentthemaheronbythewaysideupontheirrighthands；theycouldnotseeitforthedarkness，buttheyhearditscry。UlysseswasgladwhenhehearditandprayedtoMinerva:\"Hearme，\"hecried，\"daughterofaegis-bearingJove，youwhospyoutallmywaysandwhoarewithmeinallmyhardships； befriendmeinthisminehour，andgrantthatwemayreturntotheshipscoveredwithgloryafterhavingachievedsomemightyexploitthatshallbringsorrowtotheTrojans。\" ThenDiomedoftheloudwar-cryalsoprayed:\"Hearmetoo，\"saidhe，\"daughterofJove，unweariable；bewithmeevenasyouwerewithmynoblefatherTydeuswhenhewenttoThebesasenvoysentbytheAchaeans。HelefttheAchaeansbythebanksoftheriverAesopus，andwenttothecitybearingamessageofpeacetotheCadmeians；onhisreturnthence，withyourhelp，goddess，hedidgreatdeedsofdaring，foryouwerehisreadyhelper。Evensoguidemeandguardmenow，andinreturnIwillofferyouinsacrificeabroad-browedheiferofayearold，unbroken，andneveryetbroughtbymanundertheyoke。Iwillgildherhornsandwillofferheruptoyouinsacrifice。\" Thustheyprayed，andPallasMinervaheardtheirprayer。WhentheyhaddoneprayingtothedaughterofgreatJove，theywenttheirwayliketwolionsprowlingbynightamidthearmourandblood-stainedbodiesofthemthathadfallen。 NeitheragaindidHectorlettheTrojanssleep；forhetoocalledtheprincesandcouncillorsoftheTrojansthathemightsethiscounselbeforethem。\"Isthereone，\"saidhe，\"whoforagreatrewardwilldometheserviceofwhichIwilltellyou？Heshallbewellpaidifhewill。Iwillgivehimachariotandacoupleofhorses，thefleetestthatcanbefoundattheshipsoftheAchaeans，ifhewilldarethisthing；andhewillwininfinitehonourtoboot； hemustgototheshipsandfindoutwhethertheyarestillguardedasheretofore，orwhethernowthatwehavebeatenthemtheAchaeansdesigntofly，andthroughsheerexhaustionareneglectingtokeeptheirwatches。\" Theyallheldtheirpeace；buttherewasamongtheTrojansacertainmannamedDolon，sonofEumedes，thefamousherald-amanrichingoldandbronze。Hewasill-favoured，butagoodrunner，andwasanonlysonamongfivesisters。HeitwasthatnowaddressedtheTrojans。 \"I，Hector，\"saidhe，\"Willtotheshipsandwillexploitthem。Butfirstholdupyoursceptreandswearthatyouwillgivemethechariot，bedightwithbronze，andthehorsesthatnowcarrythenoblesonofPeleus。Iwillmakeyouagoodscout，andwillnotfailyou。IwillgothroughthehostfromoneendtotheothertillI cometotheshipofAgamemnon，whereItakeittheprincesoftheAchaeansarenowconsultingwhethertheyshallfightorfly。\" WhenhehaddonespeakingHectorhelduphissceptre，andsworehimhisoathsaying，\"MayJovethethunderinghusbandofJunobearwitnessthatnootherTrojanbutyourselfshallmountthosesteeds，andthatyoushallhaveyourwillwiththemforever。\" Theoathhesworewasbootless，butitmadeDolonmorekeenongoing。Hehunghisbowoverhisshoulder，andasanoverallheworetheskinofagreywolf，whileonhisheadhesetacapofferretskin。Thenhetookapointedjavelin，andleftthecampfortheships，buthewasnottoreturnwithanynewsforHector。Whenhehadleftthehorsesandthetroopsbehindhim，hemadeallspeedonhisway，butUlyssesperceivedhiscomingandsaidtoDiomed，\"Diomed，hereissomeonefromthecamp；Iamnotsurewhetherheisaspy，orwhetheritissomethiefwhowouldplunderthebodiesofthedead；lethimgetalittlepastus，wecanthenspringuponhimandtakehim。 If，however，heistooquickforus，goafterhimwithyourspearandhemhimintowardstheshipsawayfromtheTrojancamp，topreventhisgettingbacktothetown。\" Withthistheyturnedoutoftheirwayandlaydownamongthecorpses。Dolonsuspectednothingandsoonpassedthem，butwhenhehadgotaboutasfarasthedistancebywhichamule-plowedfurrowexceedsonethathasbeenploughedbyoxen(formulescanplowfallowlandquickerthanoxen)theyranafterhim，andwhenheheardtheirfootstepshestoodstill，forhemadesuretheywerefriendsfromtheTrojancampcomebyHector’sorderstobidhimreturn；when，however，theywereonlyaspear’scast，orlessawayformhim，hesawthattheywereenemiesasfastashislegscouldtakehim。Theothersgavechaseatonce，andasacoupleofwell-trainedhoundspressforwardafteradoeorharethatrunsscreaminginfrontofthem，evensodidthesonofTydeusandUlyssespursueDolonandcuthimofffromhisownpeople。Butwhenhehadfledsofartowardstheshipsthathewouldsoonhavefalleninwiththeoutposts，MinervainfusedfreshstrengthintothesonofTydeusforfearsomeotheroftheAchaeansmighthavethegloryofbeingfirsttohithim，andhemighthimselfbeonlysecond；hethereforesprangforwardwithhisspearandsaid，\"Stand，orIshallthrowmyspear，andinthatcaseIshallsoonmakeanendofyou。\" Hethrewashespoke，butmissedhisaimonpurpose。Thedartflewovertheman’srightshoulder，andthenstuckintheground。Hestoodstockstill，tremblingandingreatfear；histeethchattered，andheturnedpalewithfear。Thetwocamebreathlessuptohimandseizedhishands，whereonhebegantoweepandsaid，\"Takemealive；I willransommyself；wehavegreatstoreofgold，bronze，andwroughtiron，andfromthismyfatherwillsatisfyyouwithaverylargeransom，shouldhehearofmybeingaliveattheshipsoftheAchaeans。\"