第5章

\"Fearnot，\"repliedUlysses，\"letnothoughtofdeathbeinyourmind；buttellme，andtellmetrue，whyareyouthusgoingaboutaloneinthedeadofnightawayfromyourcampandtowardstheships，whileothermenaresleeping？Isittoplunderthebodiesoftheslain，ordidHectorsendyoutospyoutwhatwasgoingonattheships？Ordidyoucomehereofyourownmerenotion？\" Dolonanswered，hislimbstremblingbeneathhim:\"Hector，withhisvainflatteringpromises，luredmefrommybetterjudgement。HesaidhewouldgivemethehorsesofthenoblesonofPeleusandhisbronze-bedizenedchariot；hebademegothroughthedarknessoftheflyingnight，getclosetotheenemy，andfindoutwhethertheshipsarestillguardedasheretofore，orwhether，nowthatwehavebeatenthem，theAchaeansdesigntofly，andthroughsheerexhaustionareneglectingtokeeptheirwatches。\" Ulyssessmiledathimandanswered，\"Youhadindeedsetyourheartuponagreatreward，butthehorsesofthedescendantofAeacusarehardlytobekeptinhandordrivenbyanyothermortalmanthanAchilleshimself，whosemotherwasanimmortal。Buttellme，andtellmetrue，wheredidyouleaveHectorwhenyoustarted？Wherelieshisarmourandhishorses？How，too，arethewatchesandsleeping-groundoftheTrojansordered？Whataretheirplans？Willtheystayherebytheshipsandawayfromthecity，ornowthattheyhaveworstedtheAchaeans，willtheyretirewithintheirwalls？\" AndDolonanswered，\"Iwilltellyoutrulyall。HectorandtheothercouncillorsarenowholdingconferencebythemonumentofgreatIlus，awayfromthegeneraltumult；asfortheguardsaboutwhichyouaskme，thereisnochosenwatchtokeepguardoverthehost。 TheTrojanshavetheirwatchfires，fortheyareboundtohavethem； they，therefore，areawakeandkeepeachothertotheirdutyassentinels；buttheallieswhohavecomefromotherplacesareasleepandleaveittotheTrojanstokeepguard，fortheirwivesandchildrenarenothere。\" Ulyssesthensaid，\"Nowtellme；aretheysleepingamongtheTrojantroops，ordotheylieapart？ExplainthisthatImayunderstandit。\" \"Iwilltellyoutrulyall，\"repliedDolon。\"TotheseawardlietheCarians，thePaeonianbowmen，theLeleges，theCauconians，andthenoblePelasgi。TheLysiansandproudMysians，withthePhrygiansandMeonians，havetheirplaceonthesidetowardsThymbra；butwhyaskaboutanthis？IfyouwanttofindyourwayintothehostoftheTrojans，therearetheThracians，whohavelatelycomehereandlieapartfromtheothersatthefarendofthecamp；andtheyhaveRhesussonofEioneusfortheirking。HishorsesarethefinestandstrongestthatIhaveeverseen，theyarewhiterthansnowandfleeterthananywindthatblows。Hischariotisbedightwithsilverandgold，andhehasbroughthismarvellousgoldenarmour，oftherarestworkmanship-toosplendidforanymortalmantocarry，andmeetonlyforthegods。Now，therefore，takemetotheshipsorbindmesecurelyhere，untilyoucomebackandhaveprovedmywordswhethertheybefalseortrue。\" Diomedlookedsternlyathimandanswered，\"Thinknot，Dolon，forallthegoodinformationyouhavegivenus，thatyoushallescapenowyouareinourhands，forifweransomyouorletyougo，youwillcomesomesecondtimetotheshipsoftheAchaeanseitherasaspyorasanopenenemy，butifIkillyouandanendofyou，youwillgivenomoretrouble。\" OnthisDolonwouldhavecaughthimbythebeardtobeseechhimfurther，butDiomedstruckhiminthemiddleofhisneckwithhisswordandcutthroughbothsinewssothathisheadfellrollinginthedustwhilehewasyetspeaking。Theytooktheferret-skincapfromhishead，andalsothewolf-skin，thebow，andhislongspear。UlysseshungthemupaloftinhonourofMinervathegoddessofplunder，andprayedsaying，\"Acceptthese，goddess，forwegivethemtoyouinpreferencetoallthegodsinOlympus:thereforespeedusstillfurthertowardsthehorsesandsleeping-groundoftheThracians。\" Withthesewordshetookthespoilsandsetthemuponatamarisktree，andtheymarkedtheplacebypullingupreedsandgatheringboughsoftamariskthattheymightnotmissitastheycamebackthroughthe’flyinghoursofdarkness。Thetwothenwentonwardsamidthefallenarmourandtheblood，andcamepresentlytothecompanyofThraciansoldiers，whoweresleeping，tiredoutwiththeirday’stoil；theirgoodlyarmourwaslyingonthegroundbesidethemallorderlyinthreerows，andeachmanhadhisyokeofhorsesbesidehim。Rhesuswassleepinginthemiddle，andhardbyhimhishorsesweremadefasttothetopmostrimofhischariot。Ulyssesfromsomewayoffsawhimandsaid，\"This，Diomed，istheman，andthesearethehorsesaboutwhichDolonwhomwekilledtoldus。Doyourveryutmost；dallynotaboutyourarmour，butloosethehorsesatonce-orelsekillthemenyourself，whileIseetothehorses。\" ThereonMinervaputcourageintotheheartofDiomed，andhesmotethemrightandleft。Theymadeahideousgroaningastheywerebeinghackedabout，andtheearthwasredwiththeirblood。Asalionspringsfuriouslyuponaflockofsheeporgoatswhenhefindswithouttheirshepherd，sodidthesonofTydeussetupontheThraciansoldierstillhehadkilledtwelve。AshekilledthemUlyssescameanddrewthemasidebytheirfeetonebyone，thatthehorsesmightgoforwardfreelywithoutbeingfrightenedastheypassedoverthedeadbodies，fortheywerenotyetusedtothem。WhenthesonofTydeuscametotheking，hekilledhimtoo(whichmadethirteen)，ashewasbreathinghard，forbythecounselofMinervaanevildream，theseedofOeneus，hoveredthatnightoverhishead。MeanwhileUlyssesuntiedthehorses，madethemfastonetoanotheranddrovethemoff，strikingthemwithhisbow，forhehadforgottentotakethewhipfromthechariot。ThenhewhistledasasigntoDiomed。 ButDiomedstayedwherehewas，thinkingwhatotherdaringdeedhemightaccomplish。Hewasdoubtingwhethertotakethechariotinwhichtheking’sarmourwaslying，anddrawitoutbythepole，ortoliftthearmouroutandcarryitoff；orwhetheragain，heshouldnotkillsomemoreThracians。WhilehewasthushesitatingMinervacameuptohimandsaid，\"Getback，Diomed，totheshipsoryoumaybedriventhither，shouldsomeothergodrousetheTrojans。\" Diomedknewthatitwasthegoddess，andatoncespranguponthehorses。UlyssesbeatthemwithhisbowandtheyflewonwardtotheshipsoftheAchaeans。 ButApollokeptnoblindlook-outwhenhesawMinervawiththesonofTydeus。Hewasangrywithher，andcomingtothehostoftheTrojansherousedHippocoon，acounselloroftheThraciansandanoblekinsmanofRhesus。Hestartedupoutofhissleepandsawthatthehorseswerenolongerintheirplace，andthatthemenweregaspingintheirdeath-agony；onthishegroanedaloud，andcalleduponhisfriendbyname。ThenthewholeTrojancampwasinanuproarasthepeoplekepthurryingtogether，andtheymarvelledatthedeedsoftheheroeswhohadnowgotawaytowardstheships。 WhentheyreachedtheplacewheretheyhadkilledHector’sscout，Ulyssesstayedhishorses，andthesonofTydeus，leapingtotheground，placedtheblood-stainedspoilsinthehandsofUlyssesandremounted:thenhelashedthehorsesonwards，andtheyflewforwardnothinglothtowardstheshipsasthoughoftheirownfreewill。 Nestorwasfirsttohearthetrampoftheirfeet。\"Myfriends，\"saidhe，\"princesandcounsellorsoftheArgives，shallIguessrightorwrong？-butImustsaywhatIthink:thereisasoundinmyearsasofthetrampofhorses。IhopeitmayDiomedandUlyssesdrivinginhorsesfromtheTrojans，butImuchfearthatthebravestoftheArgivesmayhavecometosomeharmattheirhands。\" Hehadhardlydonespeakingwhenthetwomencameinanddismounted，whereontheothersshookhandsrightgladlywiththemandcongratulatedthem。NestorknightofGerenewasfirsttoquestionthem。\"Tellme，\"saidhe，\"renownedUlysses，howdidyoutwocomebythesehorses？DidyoustealinamongtheTrojanforces，ordidsomegodmeetyouandgivethemtoyou？Theyarelikesunbeams。IamwellconversantwiththeTrojans，foroldwarriorthoughIamIneverholdbackbytheships，butIneveryetsaworheardofsuchhorsesastheseare。Surelysomegodmusthavemetyouandgiventhemtoyou，foryouarebothofdeartoJove，andtoJove’sdaughterMinerva。\" AndUlyssesanswered，\"NestorsonofNeleus，honourtotheAchaeanname，heaven，ifitsowill，cangiveusevenbetterhorsesthanthese，forthegodsarefarmightierthanweare。Thesehorses，however，aboutwhichyouaskme，arefreshlycomefromThrace。 Diomedkilledtheirkingwiththetwelvebravestofhiscompanions。 Hardbytheshipswetookathirteenthman-ascoutwhomHectorandtheotherTrojanshadsentasaspyuponourships。\" Helaughedashespokeanddrovethehorsesovertheditch，whiletheotherAchaeansfollowedhimgladly。WhentheyreachedthestronglybuiltquartersofthesonofTydeus，theytiedthehorseswiththongsofleathertothemanger，wherethesteedsofDiomedstoodeatingtheirsweetcorn，butUlysseshungtheblood-stainedspoilsofDolonatthesternofhisship，thattheymightprepareasacredofferingtoMinerva。Asforthemselves，theywentintotheseaandwashedthesweatfromtheirbodies，andfromtheirnecksandthighs。 Whenthesea-waterhadtakenallthesweatfromoffthem，andhadrefreshedthem，theywentintothebathsandwashedthemselves。 Aftertheyhadsodoneandhadanointedthemselveswithoil，theysatdowntotable，anddrawingfromafullmixing-bowl，madeadrink-offeringofwinetoMinerva。 BOOKXI ANDnowasDawnrosefromhercouchbesideTithonus，harbingeroflightaliketomortalsandimmortals，JovesentfierceDiscordwiththeensignofwarinherhandstotheshipsoftheAchaeans。ShetookherstandbythehugeblackhullofUlysses’shipwhichwasmiddlemostofall，sothathervoicemightcarryfarthestoneitherside，ontheonehandtowardsthetentsofAjaxsonofTelamon，andontheothertowardsthoseofAchilles-forthesetwoheroes，well-assuredoftheirownstrength，hadvalorouslydrawnuptheirshipsatthetwoendsoftheline。Thereshetookherstand，andraisedacrybothloudandshrillthatfilledtheAchaeanswithcourage，givingthemhearttofightresolutelyandwithalltheirmight，sothattheyhadratherstaythereanddobattlethangohomeintheirships。 ThesonofAtreusshoutedaloudandbadetheArgivesgirdthemselvesforbattlewhileheputonhisarmour。Firsthegirdedhisgoodlygreavesabouthislegs，makingthemfastwithankleclaspsofsilver；andabouthischesthesetthebreastplatewhichCinyrashadoncegivenhimasaguest-gift。IthadbeennoisedabroadasfarasCyprusthattheAchaeanswereabouttosailforTroy，andthereforehegaveittotheking。Ithadtencoursesofdarkcyanus，twelveofgold，andtenoftin。Therewereserpentsofcyanusthatrearedthemselvesuptowardstheneck，threeuponeitherside，liketherainbowswhichthesonofSaturnhassetinheavenasasigntomortalmen。Abouthisshouldershethrewhissword，studdedwithbossesofgold；andthescabbardwasofsilverwithachainofgoldwherewithtohangit。Hetookmoreovertherichly-dightshieldthatcoveredhisbodywhenhewasinbattle-fairtosee，withtencirclesofbronzerunningallroundsee，witit。Onthebodyoftheshieldthereweretwentybossesofwhitetin，withanotherofdarkcyanusinthemiddle: thislastwasmadetoshowaGorgon’shead，fierceandgrim，withRoutandPaniconeitherside。Thebandforthearmtogothroughwasofsilver，onwhichtherewasawrithingsnakeofcyanuswiththreeheadsthatsprangfromasingleneck，andwentinandoutamongoneanother。 OnhisheadAgamemnonsetahelmet，withapeakbeforeandbehind，andfourplumesofhorse-hairthatnoddedmenacinglyaboveit；thenhegraspedtworedoubtablebronze-shodspears，andthegleamofhisarmourshotfromhimasaflameintothefirmament，whileJunoandMinervathunderedinhonourofthekingofrichMycene。 Everymannowlefthishorsesinchargeofhischarioteertoholdtheminreadinessbythetrench，whilehewentintobattleonfootcladinfullarmour，andamightyuproarroseonhighintothedawning。Thechiefswerearmedandatthetrenchbeforethehorsesgotthere，butthesecameuppresently。ThesonofSaturnsentaportentofevilsoundabouttheirhost，andthedewfellredwithblood，forhewasabouttosendmanyabravemanhurryingdowntoHades。 TheTrojans，ontheothersideupontherisingslopeoftheplain，weregatheredroundgreatHector，noblePolydamas，AeneaswhowashonouredbytheTrojanslikeanimmortal，andthethreesonsofAntenor，Polybus，Agenor，andyoungAcamasbeauteousasagod。 Hector’sroundshieldshowedinthefrontrank，andassomebanefulstarthatshinesforamomentthrougharentinthecloudsandisagainhiddenbeneaththem；evensowasHectornowseeninthefrontranksandnowagaininthehindermost，andhisbronzearmourgleamedlikethelightningofaegis-bearingJove。 Andnowasabandofreapersmowswathesofwheatorbarleyuponarichman’sland，andthesheavesfallthickbeforethem，evensodidtheTrojansandAchaeansfallupononeanother；theywereinnomoodforyieldingbutfoughtlikewolves，andneithersidegotthebetteroftheother。Discordwasgladasshebeheldthem，forshewastheonlygodthatwentamongthem；theotherswerenotthere，butstayedquietlyeachinhisownhomeamongthedellsandvalleysofOlympus。 AllofthemblamedthesonofSaturnforwantingtoLivevictorytotheTrojans，butfatherJoveheededthemnot:heheldalooffromall，andsatapartinhisall-gloriousmajesty，lookingdownuponthecityoftheTrojans，theshipsoftheAchaeans，thegleamofbronze，andalikeupontheslayersandontheslain。 Nowsolongasthedaywaxedanditwasstillmorning，theirdartsrainedthickononeanotherandthepeopleperished，butasthehourdrewnighwhenawoodmanworkinginsomemountainforestwillgethismiddaymeal-forhehasfelledtillhishandsareweary；heistiredout，andmustnowhavefood-thentheDanaanswithacrythatrangthroughalltheirranks，brokethebattalionsoftheenemy。 Agamemnonledthemon，andslewfirstBienor，aleaderofhispeople，andafterwardshiscomradeandcharioteerOileus，whosprangfromhischariotandwascomingfulltowardshim；butAgamemnonstruckhimontheforeheadwithhisspear；hisbronzevisorwasofnoavailagainsttheweapon，whichpiercedbothbronzeandbone，sothathisbrainswerebatteredinandhewaskilledinfullfight。 Agamemnonstrippedtheirshirtsfromoffthemandleftthemwiththeirbreastsallbaretoliewheretheyhadfallen。HethenwentontokillIsusandAntiphustwosonsofPriam，theoneabastard，theotherborninwedlock；theywereinthesamechariot-thebastarddriving，whilenobleAntiphusfoughtbesidehim。AchilleshadoncetakenbothofthemprisonersinthegladesofIda，andhadboundthemwithfreshwithesastheywereshepherding，buthehadtakenaransomforthem；now，however，AgamemnonsonofAtreussmoteIsusinthechestabovethenipplewithhisspear，whilehestruckAntiphushardbytheearandthrewhimfromhischariot。Forthwithhestrippedtheirgoodlyarmourfromoffthemandrecognizedthem，forhehadalreadyseenthematshipswhenAchillesbroughttheminfromIda。 Asalionfastensonthefawnsofahindandcrushestheminhisgreatjaws，robbingthemoftheirtenderlifewhileheonhiswaybacktohislair-thehindcandonothingforthemeventhoughshebecloseby，forsheisinanagonyoffear，andfliesthroughthethickforest，sweating，andatherutmostspeedbeforethemightymonster- so，nomanoftheTrojanscouldhelpIsusandAntiphus，fortheywerethemselvesflyingpanicbeforetheArgives。 ThenKingAgamemnontookthetwosonsofAntimachus，PisanderandbraveHippolochus。ItwasAntimachuswhohadbeenforemostinpreventingHelen’sbeingrestoredtoMenelaus，forhewaslargelybribedbyAlexandrus；andnowAgamemnontookhistwosons，bothinthesamechariot，tryingtobringtheirhorsestoastand-fortheyhadlostholdofthereinsandthehorsesweremadwithfear。ThesonofAtreusspranguponthemlikealion，andthepairbesoughthimfromtheirchariot。\"Takeusalive，\"theycried，\"sonofAtreus，andyoushallreceiveagreatransomforus。OurfatherAntimachushasgreatstoreofgold，bronze，andwroughtiron，andfromthishewillsatisfyyouwithaverylargeransomshouldhehearofourbeingaliveattheshipsoftheAchaeans。\" Withsuchpiteouswordsandtearsdidtheybeseechtheking，buttheyheardnopitifulanswerinreturn。\"If，\"saidAgamemnon，\"youaresonsofAntimachus，whoonceatacouncilofTrojansproposedthatMenelausandUlysses，whohadcometoyouasenvoys，shouldbekilledandnotsufferedtoreturn，youshallnowpayforthefouliniquityofyourfather。\" AshespokehefelledPisanderfromhischariottotheearth，smitinghimonthechestwithhisspear，sothathelayfaceuppermostupontheground。Hippolochusfled，buthimtoodidAgamemnonsmite；hecutoffhishandsandhishead-whichhesentrollinginamongthecrowdasthoughitwereaball。Thereheletthembothlie，andwherevertherankswerethickestthitherheflew，whiletheotherAchaeansfollowed。Footsoldiersdrovethefootsoldiersofthefoeinroutbeforethem，andslewthem；horsemendidthelikebyhorsemen，andthethunderingtrampofthehorsesraisedacloudofdustfrimofftheplain。KingAgamemnonfollowedafter，everslayingthemandcheeringontheAchaeans。Aswhensomemightyforestisallablaze- theeddyinggustswhirlfireinalldirectionstillthethicketsshrivelandareconsumedbeforetheblastoftheflame-evensofelltheheadsoftheflyingTrojansbeforeAgamemnonsonofAtreus，andmanyanoblepairofsteedsdrewanemptychariotalongthehighwaysofwar，forlackofdriverswhowerelyingontheplain，moreusefulnowtovulturesthantotheirwives。 JovedrewHectorawayfromthedartsanddust，withthecarnageanddinofbattle；butthesonofAtreusspedonwards，callingoutlustilytotheDanaans。TheyflewonbythetombofoldIlus，sonofDardanus，inthemiddleoftheplain，andpasttheplaceofthewildfig-treemakingalwaysforthecity-thesonofAtreusstillshouting，andwithhandsallbedrabbledingore；butwhentheyhadreachedtheScaeangatesandtheoaktree，theretheyhaltedandwaitedfortheotherstocomeup。MeanwhiletheTrojanskeptonflyingoverthemiddleoftheplainlikeaherdcowsmaddenedwithfrightwhenalionhasattackedtheminthedeadofnight-hespringsononeofthem，seizesherneckinthegripofhisstrongteethandthenlapsupherbloodandgorgeshimselfuponherentrails-evensodidKingAgamemnonsonofAtreuspursuethefoe，everslaughteringthehindmostastheyfledpell-mellbeforehim。ManyamanwasflungheadlongfromhischariotbythehandofthesonofAtreus，forhewieldedhisspearwithfury。 Butwhenhewasjustabouttoreachthehighwallandthecity，thefatherofgodsandmencamedownfromheavenandtookhisseat，thunderboltinhand，uponthecrestofmany-fountainedIda。HethentoldIrisofthegoldenwingstocarryamessageforhim。\"Go，\"saidhe，\"fleetIris，andspeakthustoHector-saythatsolongasheseesAgamemnonheadinghismenandmakinghavocoftheTrojanranks，heistokeepaloofandbidtheothersbearthebruntofthebattle，butwhenAgamemnoniswoundedeitherbyspearorarrow，andtakestohischariot，thenwillIvouchsafehimstrengthtoslaytillhereachtheshipsandnightfallsatthegoingdownofthesun。\" Irishearkenedandobeyed。DownshewenttostrongIliusfromthecrestsofIda，andfoundHectorsonofPriamstandingbyhischariotandhorses。Thenshesaid，\"HectorsonofPriam，peerofgodsincounsel，fatherJovehassentmetobearyouthismessage-solongasyouseeAgamemnonheadinghismenandmakinghavocoftheTrojanranks，youaretokeepaloofandbidtheothersbearthebruntofthebattle，butwhenAgamemnoniswoundedeitherbyspearorarrow，andtakestohischariot，thenwillJovevouchsafeyoustrengthtoslaytillyoureachtheships，andtillnightfallsatthegoingdownofthesun。\" WhenshehadthusspokenIrislefthim，andHectorsprangfullarmedfromhischariottotheground，brandishinghisspearashewentabouteverywhereamongthehost，cheeringhismenontofight，andstirringthedreadstrifeofbattle。TheTrojansthenwheeledround，andagainmettheAchaeans，whiletheArgivesontheirpartstrengthenedtheirbattalions。Thebattlewasnowinarrayandtheystoodfacetofacewithoneanother，Agamemnoneverpressingforwardinhiseagernesstobeaheadofallothers。 TellmenowyeMusesthatdwellinthemansionsofOlympus，who，whetheroftheTrojansoroftheirallies，wasfirsttofaceAgamemnon？ItwasIphidamassonofAntenor，amanbothbraveandofgreatstature，whowasbroughtupinfertileThracethemotherofsheep。Cisses，hismother’sfather，broughthimupinhisownhousewhenhewasachild-Cisses，fathertofairTheano。Whenhereachedmanhood，Cisseswouldhavekepthimthere，andwasforgivinghimhisdaughterinmarriage，butassoonashehadmarriedhesetouttofighttheAchaeanswithtwelveshipsthatfollowedhim:thesehehadleftatPercoteandhadcomeonbylandtoIlius。HeitwasthatnawmetAgamemnonsonofAtreus。Whentheywerecloseupwithoneanother，thesonofAtreusmissedhisaim，andIphidamashithimonthegirdlebelowthecuirassandthenflunghimselfuponhim，trustingtohisstrengthofarm；thegirdle，however，wasnotpierced，nornearlyso，forthepointofthespearstruckagainstthesilverandwasturnedasideasthoughithadbeenlead:KingAgamemnoncaughtitfromhishand，anddrewittowardshimwiththefuryofalion； hethendrewhissword，andkilledIphidamasbystrikinghimontheneck。Sotherethepoorfellowlay，sleepingasleepasitwereofbronze，killedinthedefenceofhisfellow-citizens，farfromhisweddedwife，ofwhomhehadhadnojoythoughhehadgivenmuchforher:hehadgivenahundred-headofcattledown，andhadpromisedlaterontogiveathousandsheepandgoatsmixed，fromthecountlessflocksofwhichhewaspossessed。AgamemnonsonofAtreusthendespoiledhim，andcarriedoffhisarmourintothehostoftheAchaeans。 WhennobleCoon，Antenor’seldestson，sawthis，soreindeedwerehiseyesatthesightofhisfallenbrother。UnseenbyAgamemnonhegotbesidehim，spearinhand，andwoundedhiminthemiddleofhisarmbelowtheelbow，thepointofthespeargoingrightthroughthearm。Agamemnonwasconvulsedwithpain，butstillnotevenforthisdidheleaveoffstrugglingandfighting，butgraspedhisspearthatflewasfleetasthewind，andspranguponCoonwhowastryingtodragoffthebodyofhisbrother-hisfather’sson-bythefoot，andwascryingforhelptoallthebravestofhiscomrades；butAgamemnonstruckhimwithabronze-shodspearandkilledhimashewasdraggingthedeadbodythroughthepressofmenundercoverofhisshield:hethencutoffhishead，standingoverthebodyofIphidamas。 ThusdidthesonsofAntenormeettheirfateatthehandsofthesonofAtreus，andgodownintothehouseofHades。 AslongasthebloodstillwelledwarmfromhiswoundAgamemnonwentaboutattackingtheranksoftheenemywithspearandswordandwithgreathandfulsofstone，butwhenthebloodhadceasedtoflowandthewoundgrewdry，thepainbecamegreat。AsthesharppangswhichtheEilithuiae，goddessesofchildbirth，daughtersofJunoanddispensersofcruelpain，senduponawomanwhensheisinlabour- evensosharpwerethepangsofthesonofAtreus。Hesprangontohischariot，andbadehischarioteerdrivetotheships，forhewasingreatagony。WithaloudclearvoiceheshoutedtotheDanaans，\"Myfriends，princesandcounsellorsoftheArgives，defendtheshipsyourselves，forJovehasnotsufferedmetofightthewholedaythroughagainsttheTrojans。\" Withthisthecharioteerturnedhishorsestowardstheships，andtheyflewforwardnothingloth。Theirchestswerewhitewithfoamandtheirbellieswithdust，astheydrewthewoundedkingoutofthebattle。 WhenHectorsawAgamemnonquitthefield，heshoutedtotheTrojansandLycianssaying，\"Trojans，Lycians，andDardanianwarriors，bemen，myfriends，andacquityourselvesinbattlebravely；theirbestmanhasleftthem，andJovehasvouchsafedmeagreattriumph； chargethefoewithyourchariotsthat。youmaywinstillgreaterglory。\" Withthesewordsheputheartandsoulintothemall，andasahuntsmanhoundshisdogsonagainstalionorwildboar，evensodidHector，peerofMars，houndtheproudTrojansonagainsttheAchaeans。 Fullofhopeheplungedinamongtheforemost，andfellonthefightlikesomefiercetempestthatswoopsdownuponthesea，andlashesitsdeepbluewatersintofury。 What，thenisthefulltaleofthosewhomHectorsonofPriamkilledinthehouroftriumphwhichJovethenvouchsafedhim？FirstAsaeus，Autonous，andOpites；DolopssonofClytius，OpheltiusandAgelaus； Aesymnus，OrusandHipponoussteadfastinbattle；thesechieftainsoftheAchaeansdidHectorslay，andthenhefellupontherankandfile。Aswhenthewestwindhustlesthecloudsofthewhitesouthandbeatsthemdownwiththefiercenessofitsfury-thewavesofthesearollhigh，andthesprayisflungaloftintherageofthewanderingwind-evensothickweretheheadsofthemthatfellbythehandofHector。 Allhadthenbeenlostandnohelpforit，andtheAchaeanswouldhavefledpell-melltotheirships，hadnotUlyssescriedouttoDiomed，\"SonofTydeus，whathashappenedtousthatwethusforgetourprowess？Come，mygoodfellow，standbymysideandhelpme，weshallbeshamedforeverifHectortakestheships。\" AndDiomedanswered，\"Comewhatmay，Iwillstandfirm；butweshallhavescantjoyofit，forJoveismindedtogivevictorytotheTrojansratherthantous。\" WiththesewordshestruckThymbraeusfromhischariottotheground，smitinghimintheleftbreastwithhisspear，whileUlysseskilledMolionwhowashissquire。Thesetheyletlie，nowthattheyhadstoppedtheirfighting；thetwoheroesthenwentonplayinghavocwiththefoe，liketwowildboarsthatturninfuryandrendthehoundsthathuntthem。ThusdidtheyturnupontheTrojansandslaythem，andtheAchaeanswerethankfultohavebreathingtimeintheirflightfromHector。 Theythentooktwoprinceswiththeirchariot，thetwosonsofMeropsofPercote，whoexcelledallothersintheartsofdivination。Hehadforbiddenhissonstogotothewar，buttheywouldnotobeyhim，forfateluredthemtotheirfall。DiomedsonofTydeusslewthembothandstrippedthemoftheirarmour，whileUlysseskilledHippodamusandHypeirochus。 AndnowthesonofSaturnashelookeddownfromIdaordainedthatneithersideshouldhavetheadvantage，andtheykeptonkillingoneanother。ThesonofTydeusspearedAgastrophussonofPaeoninthehip-jointwithhisspear。Hischariotwasnotathandforhimtoflywith，soblindlyconfidenthadhebeen。Hissquirewasinchargeofitatsomedistanceandhewasfightingonfootamongtheforemostuntilhelosthislife。HectorsoonmarkedthehavocDiomedandUlyssesweremaking，andboredownuponthemwithaloudcry，followedbytheTrojanranks；braveDiomedwasdismayedwhenhesawthem，andsaidtoUlysseswhowasbesidehim，\"GreatHectorisbearingdownuponusandweshallbeundone；letusstandfirmandwaithisonset。\" Hepoisedhisspearashespokeandhurledit，nordidhemisshismark。HehadaimedatHector’sheadnearthetopofhishelmet，butbronzewasturnedbybronze，andHectorwasuntouched，forthespearwasstayedbythevisoredhelmmadewiththreeplatesofmetal，whichPhoebusApollohadgivenhim。Hectorsprangbackwithagreatboundundercoveroftheranks；hefellonhiskneesandproppedhimselfwithhisbrawnyhandleaningontheground，fordarknesshadfallenonhiseyes。ThesonofTydeushavingthrownhisspeardashedinamongtheforemostfighters，totheplacewherehehadseenitstriketheground；meanwhileHectorrecoveredhimselfandspringingbackintohischariotmingledwiththecrowd，bywhichmeanshesavedhislife。ButDiomedmadeathimwithhisspearandsaid，\"Dog，youhaveagaingotawaythoughdeathwascloseonyourheels。 PhoebusApollo，towhomIweenyouprayereyougointobattle，hasagainsavedyou，neverthelessIwillmeetyouandmakeandendofyouhereafter，ifthereisanygodwhowillstandbymetooandbemyhelper。ForthepresentImustpursuethoseIcanlayhandson。\" AshespokehebeganstrippingthespoilsfromthesonofPaeon，butAlexandrushusbandoflovelyHelenaimedanarrowathim，leaningagainstapillarofthemonumentwhichmenhadraisedtoIlussonofDardanus，arulerindaysofold。DiomedhadtakenthecuirassfromoffthebreastofAgastrophus，hisheavyhelmetalso，andtheshieldfromoffhisshoulders，whenParisdrewhisbowandletflyanarrowthatspednotfromhishandinvain，butpiercedtheflatofDiomed’srightfoot，goingrightthroughitandfixingitselfintheground。ThereonPariswithaheartylaughsprangforwardfromhishiding-place，andtauntedhimsaying，\"Youarewounded-myarrowhasnotbeenshotinvain；wouldthatithadhityouinthebellyandkilledyou，forthustheTrojans，whofearyouasgoatsfearalion，wouldhavehadatrucefromevil。\" Diomedallundauntedanswered，\"Archer，youwhowithoutyourbowarenothing，slandererandseducer，ifyouweretobetriedinsinglecombatfightinginfullarmour，yourbowandyourarrowswouldserveyouinlittlestead。Vainisyourboastinthatyouhavescratchedthesoleofmyfoot。Icarenomorethanifagirlorsomesillyboyhadhitme。Aworthlesscowardcaninflictbutalightwound；whenIwoundamanthoughIbutgrazehisskinitisanothermatter，formyweaponwilllayhimlow。Hiswifewilltearhercheeksforgriefandhischildrenwillbefatherless:therewillherot，reddeningtheearthwithhisblood，andvultures，notwomen，willgatherroundhim。\" Thushespoke，butUlyssescameupandstoodoverhim。Underthiscoverhesatdowntodrawthearrowfromhisfoot，andsharpwasthepainhesufferedashedidso。Thenhesprangontohischariotandbadethecharioteerdrivehimtotheships，forhewassickatheart。 Ulysseswasnowalone；notoneoftheArgivesstoodbyhim，fortheywereallpanic-stricken。\"Alas，\"saidhetohimselfinhisdismay，\"whatwillbecomeofme？ItisillifIturnandflybeforetheseodds，butitwillbeworseifIamleftaloneandtakenprisoner，forthesonofSaturnhasstrucktherestoftheDanaanswithpanic。 Butwhytalktomyselfinthisway？WelldoIknowthatthoughcowardsquitthefield，ahero，whetherhewoundorbewounded，muststandfirmandholdhisown。\" Whilehewasthusintwominds，theranksoftheTrojansadvancedandhemmedhimin，andbitterlydidtheycometomeit。Ashoundsandlustyyouthssetuponawildboarthatsalliesfromhislairwhettinghiswhitetusks-theyattackhimfromeverysideandcanhearthegnashingofhisjaws，butforallhisfiercenesstheystillholdtheirground-evensofuriouslydidtheTrojansattackUlysses。 FirsthesprangspearinhanduponDeiopitesandwoundedhimontheshoulderwithadownwardblow；thenhekilledThoonandEnnomus。AfterthesehestruckChersidamasintheloinsunderhisshieldashehadjustsprungdownfromhischariot；sohefellinthedustandclutchedtheearthinthehollowofhishand。Theseheletlie，andwentontowoundCharopssonofHippasusownbrothertonobleSocus。Socus，herothathewas，madeallspeedtohelphim，andwhenhewasclosetoUlysseshesaid，\"Far-famedUlysses，insatiableofcraftandtoil，thisdayyoushalleitherboastofhavingkilledboththesonsofHippasusandstrippedthemoftheirarmour，oryoushallfallbeforemyspear。\" WiththesewordshestrucktheshieldofUlysses。Thespearwentthroughtheshieldandpassedonthroughhisrichlywroughtcuirass，tearingthefleshfromhisside，butPallasMinervadidnotsufferittopiercetheentrailsofthehero。Ulyssesknewthathishourwasnotyetcome，buthegavegroundandsaidtoSocus，\"Wretch，youshallnowsurelydie。YouhavestayedmefromfightingfurtherwiththeTrojans，butyoushallnowfallbymyspear，yieldingglorytomyself，andyoursoultoHadesofthenoblesteeds。\" Socushadturnedinflight，butashedidso，thespearstruckhiminthebackmidwaybetweentheshoulders，andwentrightthroughhischest。HefellheavilytothegroundandUlyssesvauntedoverhimsaying，\"OSocus，sonofHippasustamerofhorses，deathhasbeentooquickforyouandyouhavenotescapedhim:poorwretch，notevenindeathshallyourfatherandmothercloseyoureyes，buttheraveningvulturesshallenshroudyouwiththeflappingoftheirdarkwingsanddevouryou。WhereaseventhoughIfalltheAchaeanswillgivememydueritesofburial。\" SosayinghedrewSocus’sheavyspearoutofhisfleshandfromhisshield，andthebloodwelledforthwhenthespearwaswithdrawnsothathewasmuchdismayed。WhentheTrojanssawthatUlysseswasbleedingtheyraisedagreatshoutandcameoninabodytowardshim；hethereforegaveground，andcalledhiscomradestocomeandhelphim。Thricedidhecryasloudlyasmancancry，andthricedidbraveMenelaushearhim；heturned，therefore，toAjaxwhowasclosebesidehimandsaid，\"Ajax，noblesonofTelamon，captainofyourpeople，thecryofUlyssesringsinmyears，asthoughtheTrojanshadcuthimoffandwereworstinghimwhileheissingle-handed。Letusmakeourwaythroughthethrong；itwillbewellthatwedefendhim；I fearhemaycometoharmforallhisvalourifhebeleftwithoutsupport，andtheDanaanswouldmisshimsorely。\" HeledthewayandmightyAjaxwentwithhim。TheTrojanshadgatheredroundUlysseslikeravenousmountainjackalsroundthecarcaseofsomehomedstagthathasbeenhitwithanarrow-thestaghasfledatfullspeedsolongashisbloodwaswarmandhisstrengthhaslasted，butwhenthearrowhasovercomehim，thesavagejackalsdevourhimintheshadygladesoftheforest。Thenheavensendsafiercelionthither，whereonthejackalsflyinterrorandthelionrobsthemoftheirprey-evensodidTrojansmanyandbravegatherroundcraftyUlysses，buttheherostoodatbayandkeptthemoffwithhisspear。Ajaxthencameupwithhisshieldbeforehimlikeawall，andstoodhardby，whereontheTrojansfledinalldirections。MenelaustookUlyssesbythehand，andledhimoutofthepresswhilehissquirebroughtuphischariot，butAjaxrushedfuriouslyontheTrojansandkilledDoryclus，abastardsonofPriam；thenhewoundedPandocus，Lysandrus，Pyrasus，andPylartes； assomeswollentorrentcomesrushinginfullfloodfromthemountainsontotheplain，bigwiththerainofheaven-manyadryoakandmanyapinedoesitengulf，andmuchmuddoesitbringdownandcastintothesea-evensodidbraveAjaxchasethefoefuriouslyovertheplain，slayingbothmenandhorses。 HectordidnotyetknowwhatAjaxwasdoing，forhewasfightingontheextremeleftofthebattlebythebanksoftheriverScamander，wherethecarnagewasthickestandthewar-cryloudestroundNestorandbraveIdomeneus。AmongtheseHectorwasmakinggreatslaughterwithhisspearandfuriousdriving，andwasdestroyingtheranksthatwereopposedtohim；stilltheAchaeanswouldhavegivennoground，hadnotAlexandrushusbandoflovelyHelenstayedtheprowessofMachaonshepherdofhispeople，bywoundinghimintherightshoulderwithatriple-barbedarrow。TheAchaeanswereingreatfearthatasthefighthadturnedagainstthemtheTrojansmighttakehimprisoner，andIdomeneussaidtoNestor，\"NestorsonofNeleus，honourtotheAchaeanname，mountyourchariotatonce；takeMachaonwithyouanddriveyourhorsestotheshipsasfastasyoucan。Aphysicianisworthmorethanseveralothermenputtogether，forhecancutoutarrowsandspreadhealingherbs。\" NestorknightofGerenedidasIdomeneushadcounselled；heatoncemountedhischariot，andMachaonsonofthefamedphysicianAesculapiuswentwithhim。Helashedhishorsesandtheyflewonwardnothinglothtowardstheships，asthoughoftheirownfreewill。 ThenCebrionesseeingtheTrojansinconfusionsaidtoHectorfromhisplacebesidehim，\"Hector，herearewetwofightingontheextremewingofthebattle，whiletheotherTrojansareinpell-mellrout，theyandtheirhorses。AjaxsonofTelamonisdrivingthembeforehim； Iknowhimbythebreadthofhisshield:letusturnourchariotandhorsesthither，wherehorseandfootarefightingmostdesperately，andwherethecryofbattleisloudest。\" Withthishelashedhisgoodlysteeds，andwhentheyfeltthewhiptheydrewthechariotfullspeedamongtheAchaeansandTrojans，overthebodiesandshieldsofthosethathadfallen:theaxlewasbespatteredwithblood，andtherailroundthecarwascoveredwithsplashesbothfromthehorses’hoofsandfromthetyresofthewheels。 Hectortorehiswaythroughandflunghimselfintothethickofthefight，andhispresencethrewtheDanaansintoconfusion，forhisspearwasnotlongidle；neverthelessthoughhewentamongtherankswithswordandspear，andthrowinggreatstones，heavoidedAjaxsonofTelamon，forJovewouldhavebeenangrywithhimifhehadfoughtabettermanthanhimself。 ThenfatherJovefromhishighthronestruckfearintotheheartofAjax，sothathestoodtheredazedandthrewhisshieldbehindhim- lookingfearfullyatthethrongofhisfoesasthoughheweresomewildbeast，andturninghitherandthitherbutcrouchingslowlybackwards。Aspeasantswiththeirhoundschasealionfromtheirstockyard，andwatchbynighttopreventhiscarryingoffthepickoftheirherd-hemakeshisgreedyspring，butinvain，forthedartsfrommanyastronghandfallthickaroundhim，withburningbrandsthatscarehimforallhisfury，andwhenmorningcomesheslinksfoiledandangryaway-evensodidAjax，sorelyagainsthiswill，retreatangrilybeforetheTrojans，fearingfortheshipsoftheAchaeans。Orassomelazyassthathashadmanyacudgelbrokenabouthisback，whenheintoafieldbeginseatingthecorn-boysbeathimbutheistoomanyforthem，andthoughtheylayaboutwiththeirstickstheycannothurthim；stillwhenhehashadhisfilltheyatlastdrivehimfromthefield-evensodidtheTrojansandtheiralliespursuegreatAjax，eversmitingthemiddleofhisshieldwiththeirdarts。Nowandagainhewouldturnandshowfight，keepingbackthebattalionsoftheTrojans，andthenhewouldagainretreat； buthepreventedanyofthemfrommakinghiswaytotheships。 Single-handedhestoodmidwaybetweentheTrojansandAchaeans:thespearsthatspedfromtheirhandsstucksomeoftheminhismightyshield，whilemany，thoughthirstingforhisblood，felltothegrounderetheycouldreachhimtothewoundingofhisfairflesh。 NowwhenEurypylusthebravesonofEuaemonsawthatAjaxwasbeingoverpoweredbytherainofarrows，hewentuptohimandhurledhisspear。HestruckApisaonsonofPhausiusintheliverbelowthemidriff，andlaidhimlow。Eurypylusspranguponhim，andstrippedthearmourfromhisshoulders；butwhenAlexandrussawhim，heaimedanarrowathimwhichstruckhimintherightthigh；thearrowbroke，butthepointthatwasleftinthewounddraggedonthethigh；hedrewback，therefore，undercoverofhiscomradestosavehislife，shoutingashedidsototheDanaans，\"Myfriends，princesandcounsellorsoftheArgives，rallytothedefenceofAjaxwhoisbeingoverpowered，andIdoubtwhetherhewillcomeoutofthefightalive。Hither，then，totherescueofgreatAjaxsonofTelamon。\" Evensodidhecrywhenhewaswounded；thereontheotherscamenear，andgatheredroundhim，holdingtheirshieldsupwardsfromtheirshoulderssoastogivehimcover。Ajaxthenmadetowardsthem，andturnedroundtostandatbayassoonashehadreachedhismen。 Thusthendidtheyfightasitwereaflamingfire。MeanwhilethemaresofNeleus，allinalatherwithsweat，werebearingNestoroutofthefight，andwithhimMachaonshepherdofhispeople。Achillessawandtooknote，forhewasstandingonthesternofhisshipwatchingthehardstressandstruggleofthefight。HecalledfromtheshiptohiscomradePatroclus，whoheardhiminthetentandcameoutlookinglikeMarshimself-hereindeedwasthebeginningoftheillthatpresentlybefellhim。\"Why，\"saidhe，\"Achillesdoyoucallme？whatdoyouwhatdoyouwantwithme？\"AndAchillesanswered，\"NoblesonofMenoetius，manaftermyownheart，ItakeitthatI shallnowhavetheAchaeansprayingatmyknees，fortheyareingreatstraits；go，Patroclus，andaskNestorwhoisthatheisbearingawaywoundedfromthefield；fromhisbackIshouldsayitwasMachaonsonofAesculapius，butIcouldnotseehisfaceforthehorseswentbymeatfullspeed。\" Patroclusdidashisdearcomradehadbiddenhim，andsetoffrunningbytheshipsandtentsoftheAchaeans。 WhenNestorandMachaonhadreachedthetentsofthesonofNeleus，theydismounted，andanesquire，Eurymedon，tookthehorsesfromthechariot。Thepairthenstoodinthebreezebytheseasidetodrythesweatfromtheirshirts，andwhentheyhadsodonetheycameinsideandtooktheirseats。FairHecamede，whomNestorhadhadawardedtohimfromTenedoswhenAchillestookit，mixedthemamess；shewasdaughterofwiseArsinous，andtheAchaeanshadgivenhertoNestorbecauseheexcelledallofthemincounsel。Firstshesetforthemafairandwell-madetablethathadfeetofcyanus；onittherewasavesselofbronzeandanoniontogiverelishtothedrink，withhoneyandcakesofbarley-meal。Therewasalsoacupofrareworkmanshipwhichtheoldmanhadbroughtwithhimfromhome，studdedwithbossesofgold；ithadfourhandles，oneachofwhichthereweretwogoldendovesfeeding，andithadtwofeettostandon。Anyoneelsewouldhardlyhavebeenabletoliftitfromthetablewhenitwasfull，butNestorcoulddosoquiteeasily。Inthisthewoman，asfairasagoddess，mixedthemamesswithPramnianwine；shegratedgoat’smilkcheeseintoitwithabronzegrater，threwinahandfulofwhitebarley-meal，andhavingthuspreparedthemessshebadethemdrinkit。Whentheyhaddonesoandhadthusquenchedtheirthirst，theyfelltalkingwithoneanother，andatthismomentPatroclusappearedatthedoor。 Whentheoldmansawhimhesprangfromhisseat，seizedhishand，ledhimintothetent，andbadehimtakehisplaceamongthem；butPatroclusstoodwherehewasandsaid，\"Noblesir，Imaynotstay，youcannotpersuademetocomein；hethatsentmeisnotonetobetrifledwith，andhebademeaskwhothewoundedmanwaswhomyouwerebearingawayfromthefield。IcannowseeformyselfthatheisMachaonshepherdofhispeople。ImustgobackandtellAchilles。You，sir，knowwhataterriblemanheis，andhowreadytoblameevenwherenoblameshouldlie。\" AndNestoranswered，\"WhyshouldAchillescaretoknowhowmanyoftheAchaeansmaybewounded？Herecksnotofthedismaythatreignsinourhost；ourmostvaliantchieftainsliedisabled，braveDiomedsonofTydeusiswounded；soareUlyssesandAgamemnon；Eurypylushasbeenhitwithanarrowinthethigh，andIhavejustbeenbringingthismanfromthefield-hetoowounded-withanarrow；neverthelessAchilles，sovaliantthoughhebe，caresnotandknowsnoruth。Willhewaittilltheships，dowhatwemay，areinablaze，andweperishoneupontheother？Asforme，Ihavenostrengthnorstayinmeanylonger；wouldthatIWerestillyoungandstrongasinthedayswhentherewasafightbetweenusandthemenofElisaboutsomecattle-raiding。IthenkilledItymoneusthevaliantsonofHypeirochusadwellerinElis，asIwasdrivinginthespoil；hewashitbyadartthrownmyhandwhilefightinginthefrontrankindefenceofhiscows，sohefellandthecountrypeoplearoundhimwereingreatfear。 Wedroveoffavastquantityofbootyfromtheplain，fiftyherdsofcattleandasmanyflocksofsheep；fiftydrovesalsoofpigs，andasmanywide-spreadingflocksofgoats。Ofhorsesmoreoverweseizedahundredandfifty，allofthemmares，andmanyhadfoalsrunningwiththem。AllthesedidwedrivebynighttoPylusthecityofNeleus，takingthemwithinthecity；andtheheartofNeleuswasgladinthatIhadtakensomuch，thoughitwasthefirsttimeIhadeverbeeninthefield。AtdaybreaktheheraldswentroundcryingthatallinElistowhomtherewasadebtowingshouldcome；andtheleadingPyliansassembledtodividethespoils。ThereweremanytowhomtheEpeansowedchattels，forwemenofPyluswerefewandhadbeenoppressedwithwrong；informeryearsHerculeshadcome，andhadlaidhishandheavyuponus，sothatallourbestmenhadperished。Neleushadhadtwelvesons，butIalonewasleft；theothershadallbeenkilled。TheEpeanspresuminguponallthishadlookeddownuponusandhaddoneusmuchevil。Myfatherchoseaherdofcattleandagreatflockofsheep-threehundredinall-andhetooktheirshepherdswithhim，fortherewasagreatdebtduetohiminElis，towitfourhorses，winnersofprizes。Theyandtheirchariotswiththemhadgonetothegamesandweretorunforatripod，butKingAugeastookthem，andsentbacktheirdrivergrievingforthelossofhishorses。Neleuswasangeredbywhathehadbothsaidanddone，andtookgreatvalueinreturn，buthedividedtherest，thatnomanmighthavelessthanhisfullshare。 \"Thusdidweorderallthings，andoffersacrificestothegodsthroughoutthecity；butthreedaysafterwardstheEpeanscameinabody，manyinnumber，theyandtheirchariots，infullarray，andwiththemthetwoMolionesintheirarmour，thoughtheywerestillladsandunusedtofighting。Nowthereisacertaintown，Thryoessa，percheduponarockontheriverAlpheus，thebordercityPylus；thistheywoulddestroy，andpitchedtheircampaboutit，butwhentheyhadcrossedtheirwholeplain，MinervadarteddownbynightfromOlympusandbadeussetourselvesinarray；andshefoundwillingsoldiersinPylos，forthemenmeantfighting。Neleuswouldnotletmearm，andhidmyhorses，forhesaidthatasyetIcouldknownothingaboutwar； neverthelessMinervasoorderedthefightthat，allonfootasI was，Ifoughtamongourmountedforcesandviedwiththeforemostofthem。ThereisariverMinyeiusthatfallsintotheseanearArene，andtheretheythatweremounted(andIwiththem)waitedtillmorning，whenthecompaniesoffootsoldierscameupwithusinforce。 ThenceinfullpanoplyandequipmentwecametowardsnoontothesacredwatersoftheAlpheus，andthereweofferedvictimstoalmightyJove，withabulltoAlpheus，anothertoNeptune，andaherd-heifertoMinerva。Afterthiswetooksupperinourcompanies，andlaidusdowntoresteachinhisarmourbytheriver。 \"TheEpeanswerebeleagueringthecityandweredeterminedtotakeit，buterethismightbetherewasadesperatefightinstoreforthem。Whenthesun’sraysbegantofallupontheearthwejoinedbattle，prayingtoJoveandtoMinerva，andwhenthefighthadbegun，Iwasthefirsttokillmymanandtakehishorses-towitthewarriorMulius。Hewasson-in-lawtoAugeas，havingmarriedhiseldestdaughter，golden-hairedAgamede，whoknewthevirtuesofeveryherbwhichgrowsuponthefaceoftheearth。Ispearedhimashewascomingtowardsme，andwhenhefellheadlonginthedust，Ispranguponhischariotandtookmyplaceinthefrontranks。TheEpeansfledinalldirectionswhentheysawthecaptainoftheirhorsemen(thebestmantheyhad)laidlow，andIsweptdownonthemlikeawhirlwind，takingfiftychariots-andineachofthemtwomenbitthedust，slainbymyspear。IshouldhaveevenkilledthetwoMolionessonsofActor，unlesstheirrealfather，Neptunelordoftheearthquake，hadhiddentheminathickmistandbornethemoutofthefight。ThereonJovevouchsafedthePyliansagreatvictory，forwechasedthemfarovertheplain，killingthemenandbringingintheirarmour，tillwehadbroughtourhorsestoBuprasiumrichinwheatandtotheOlenianrock，withthehillthatiscalledAlision，atwhichpointMinervaturnedthepeopleback。ThereIslewthelastmanandlefthim；thentheAchaeansdrovetheirhorsesbackfromBuprasiumtoPylosandgavethankstoJoveamongthegods，andamongmortalmentoNestor。 \"SuchwasIamongmypeers，assurelyaseverwas，butAchillesisforkeepingallhisvalourforhimself；bitterlywillherueithereafterwhenthehostisbeingcuttopieces。Mygoodfriend，didnotMenoetiuschargeyouthus，onthedaywhenhesentyoufromPhthiatoAgamemnon？UlyssesandIwereinthehouse，inside，andheardallthathesaidtoyou；forwecametothefairhouseofPeleuswhilebeatinguprecruitsthroughoutallAchaea，andwhenwegottherewefoundMenoetiusandyourself，andAchilleswithyou。TheoldknightPeleuswasintheoutercourt，roastingthefatthigh-bonesofaheifertoJovethelordofthunder；andheheldagoldchaliceinhishandfromwhichhepoureddrink-offeringsofwineovertheburningsacrifice。Youtwowerebusycuttinguptheheifer，andatthatmomentwestoodatthegates，whereonAchillessprangtohisfeet，ledusbythehandintothehouse，placedusattable，andsetbeforeussuchhospitableentertainmentasguestsexpect。Whenwehadsatisfiedourselveswithmeatanddrink，Isaidmysayandurgedbothofyoutojoinus。Youwerereadyenoughtodoso，andthetwooldmenchargedyoumuchandstraitly。OldPeleusbadehissonAchillesfighteveramongtheforemostandoutviehispeers，whileMenoetiusthesonofActorspokethustoyou:’Myson，’saidhe，’Achillesisofnoblerbirththanyouare，butyouareolderthanhe，thoughheisfarthebettermanofthetwo。Counselhimwisely，guidehimintherightway，andhewillfollowyoutohisownprofit。’Thusdidyourfatherchargeyou，butyouhaveforgotten；nevertheless，evennow，sayallthistoAchillesifhewilllistentoyou。Whoknowsbutwithheaven’shelpyoumaytalkhimover，foritisgoodtotakeafriend’sadvice。If，however，heisfearfulaboutsomeoracle，orifhismotherhastoldhimsomethingfromJove，thenlethimsendyou，andlettherestoftheMyrmidonsfollowwithyou，ifperchanceyoumaybringlightandsavingtotheDanaans。Andlethimsendyouintobattlecladinhisownarmour，thattheTrojansmaymistakeyouforhimandleaveofffighting；thesonsoftheAchaeansmaythushavetimetogettheirbreath，fortheyarehardpressedandthereislittlebreathingtimeinbattle。You，whoarefresh，mighteasilydriveatiredenemybacktohiswallsandawayfromthetentsandships。\" WiththesewordshemovedtheheartofPatroclus，whosetoffrunningbythelineoftheshipstoAchilles，descendantofAeacus。 WhenhehadgotasfarastheshipsofUlysses，wherewastheirplaceofassemblyandcourtofjustice，withtheiraltarsdedicatedtothegods，EurypylussonofEuaemonmethim，woundedinthethighwithanarrow，andlimpingoutofthefight。Sweatrainedfromhisheadandshoulders，andblackbloodwelledfromhiscruelwound，buthisminddidnotwander。ThesonofMenoetiuswhenhesawhimhadcompassionuponhimandspokepiteouslysaying，\"OunhappyprincesandcounsellorsoftheDanaans，areyouthendoomedtofeedthehoundsofTroywithyourfat，farfromyourfriendsandyournativeland？ say，nobleEurypylus，willtheAchaeansbeabletoholdgreatHectorincheck，orwilltheyfallnowbeforehisspear？\" WoundedEurypylusmadeanswer，\"NoblePatroclus，thereisnohopeleftfortheAchaeansbuttheywillperishattheirships。AlltheythatwereprincesamongusarelyingstruckdownandwoundedatthehandsoftheTrojans，whoarewaxingstrongerandstronger。Butsavemeandtakemetoyourship；cutoutthearrowfrommythigh；washtheblackbloodfromoffitwithwarmwater，andlayuponitthosegraciousherbswhich，sotheysay，havebeenshownyoubyAchilles，whowashimselfshownthembyChiron，mostrighteousofallthecentaurs。ForofthephysiciansPodaliriusandMachaon，Ihearthattheoneislyingwoundedinhistentandishimselfinneedofhealing，whiletheotherisfightingtheTrojansupontheplain。\" \"HeroEurypylus，\"repliedthebravesonofMenoetius，\"howmaythesethingsbe？WhatcanIdo？IamonmywaytobearamessagetonobleAchillesfromNestorofGerene，bulwarkoftheAchaeans，butevensoI willnotbeunmindfulyourdistress。\" Withthisheclaspedhimroundthemiddleandledhimintothetent，andaservant，whenhesawhim，spreadbullock-skinsonthegroundforhimtolieon。Helaidhimatfulllengthandcutoutthesharparrowfromhisthigh；hewashedtheblackbloodfromthewoundwithwarmwater；hethencrushedabitterherb，rubbingitbetweenhishands，andspreadituponthewound；thiswasavirtuousherbwhichkilledallpain；sothewoundpresentlydriedandthebloodleftoffflowing。 BOOKXII SOTHEsonofMenoetiuswasattendingtothehurtofEurypyluswithinthetent，buttheArgivesandTrojansstillfoughtdesperately，norwerethetrenchandthehighwallaboveit，tokeeptheTrojansinchecklonger。Theyhadbuiltittoprotecttheirships，andhaddugthetrenchallrounditthatitmightsafeguardboththeshipsandtherichspoilswhichtheyhadtaken，buttheyhadnotofferedhecatombstothegods。Ithadbeenbuiltwithouttheconsentoftheimmortals，andthereforeitdidnotlast。SolongasHectorlivedandAchillesnursedhisanger，andsolongasthecityofPriamremaineduntaken，thegreatwalloftheAchaeansstoodfirm；butwhenthebravestoftheTrojanswerenomore，andmanyalsooftheArgives，thoughsomewereyetleftalivewhen，moreover，thecitywassackedinthetenthyear，andtheArgiveshadgonebackwiththeirshipstotheirowncountry-thenNeptuneandApollotookcounseltodestroythewall，andtheyturnedontoitthestreamsofalltheriversfromMountIdaintothesea，Rhesus，Heptaporus，Caresus，Rhodius，Grenicus，Aesopus，andgoodlyScamander，withSimois，wheremanyashieldandhelmhadfallen，andmanyaherooftheraceofdemigodshadbittenthedust。 PhoebusApolloturnedthemouthsofalltheseriverstogetherandmadethemflowforninedaysagainstthewall，whileJoverainedthewholetimethathemightwashitsoonerintothesea。Neptunehimself，tridentinhand，surveyedtheworkandthrewintotheseaallthefoundationsofbeamsandstoneswhichtheAchaeanshadlaidwithsomuchtoil；hemadealllevelbythemightystreamoftheHellespont，andthenwhenhehadsweptthewallawayhespreadagreatbeachofsandovertheplacewhereithadbeen。Thisdoneheturnedtheriversbackintotheiroldcourses。 ThiswaswhatNeptuneandApolloweretodoinaftertime；butasyetbattleandturmoilwerestillragingroundthewalltillitstimbersrangundertheblowsthatraineduponthem。TheArgives，cowedbythescourgeofJove，werehemmedinattheirshipsinfearofHectorthemightyministerofRout，whoasheretoforefoughtwiththeforceandfuryofawhirlwind。Asalionorwildboarturnsfiercelyonthedogsandmenthatattackhim，whiletheseformsolidwallandshowertheirjavelinsastheyfacehim-hiscourageisallundaunted，buthishighspiritwillbethedeathofhim；manyatimedoeshechargeathispursuerstoscatterthem，andtheyfallbackasoftenashedoesso-evensodidHectorgoaboutamongthehostexhortinghismen，andcheeringthemontocrossthetrench。 Butthehorsesdarednotdoso，andstoodneighinguponitsbrink，forthewidthfrightenedthem。Theycouldneitherjumpitnorcrossit，forithadoverhangingbanksallrounduponeitherside，abovewhichtherewerethesharpstakesthatthesonsoftheAchaeanshadplantedsocloseandstrongasadefenceagainstallwhowouldassailit；ahorse，therefore，couldnotgetintoitanddrawhischariotafterhim，butthosewhowereonfootkepttryingtheirveryutmost。ThenPolydamaswentuptoHectorandsaid，\"Hector，andyouothercaptainsoftheTrojansandallies，itismadnessforustotryanddriveourhorsesacrossthetrench；itwillbeveryhardtocross，foritisfullofsharpstakes，andbeyondthesethereisthewall。Ourhorsesthereforecannotgetdownintoit，andwouldbeofnouseiftheydid；moreoveritisanarrowplaceandweshouldcometoharm。If，indeed，greatJoveismindedtohelptheTrojans，andinhisangerwillutterlydestroytheAchaeans，IwouldmyselfgladlyseethemperishnowandherefarfromArgos；butiftheyshouldrallyandwearedrivenbackfromtheshipspell-mellintothetrenchtherewillbenotsomuchasamangetbacktothecitytotellthetale。Now，therefore，letusalldoasIsay；letoursquiresholdourhorsesbythetrench，butletusfollowHectorinabodyonfoot，cladinfullarmour，andifthedayoftheirdoomisathandtheAchaeanswillnotbeabletowithstandus。\" ThusspokePolydamasandhissayingpleasedHector，whospranginfullarmourtotheground，andalltheotherTrojans，whentheysawhimdoso，alsolefttheirchariots。Eachmanthengavehishorsesovertohischarioteerinchargetoholdthemreadyforhimatthetrench。Thentheyformedthemselvesintocompanies，madethemselvesready，andinfivebodiesfollowedtheirleaders。ThosethatwentwithHectorandPolydamaswerethebravestandmostinnumber，andthemostdeterminedtobreakthroughthewallandfightattheships。Cebrioneswasalsojoinedwiththemasthirdincommand，forHectorhadlefthischariotinchargeofalessvaliantsoldier。ThenextcompanywasledbyParis，Alcathous，andAgenor；thethirdbyHelenusandDeiphobus，twosonsofPriam，andwiththemwastheheroAsius- AsiusthesonofHyrtacus，whosegreatblackhorsesofthebreedthatcomesfromtheriverSelleishadbroughthimfromArisbe。 AeneasthevaliantsonofAnchisesledthefourth；heandthetwosonsofAntenor，ArchelochusandAcamas，menwellversedinalltheartsofwar。Sarpedonwascaptainovertheallies，andtookwithhimGlaucusandAsteropaeuswhomhedeemedmostvaliantafterhimself-forhewasfarthebestmanofthemall。Thesehelpedtoarrayoneanotherintheirox-hideshields，andthenchargedstraightattheDanaans，fortheyfeltsurethattheywouldnotholdoutlongerandthattheyshouldthemselvesnowfallupontheships。 TherestoftheTrojansandtheiralliesnowfollowedthecounselofPolydamasbutAsiussonofHyrtacuswouldnotleavehishorsesandhisesquirebehindhim；inhisfoolhardinesshetookthemonwithhimtowardstheships，nordidhefailtocomebyhisendinconsequence。Nevermorewashetoreturntowind-beatenIlius，exultinginhischariotandhishorses；erehecoulddoso，deathofill-omenednamehadovershadowedhimandhehadfallenbythespearofIdomeneusthenoblesonofDeucalion。Hehaddriventowardstheleftwingoftheships，bywhichwaytheAchaeansusedtoreturnwiththeirchariotsandhorsesfromtheplain。Hitherhedroveandfoundthegateswiththeirdoorsopenedwide，andthegreatbardown-forthegatemenkeptthemopensoastoletthoseoftheircomradesenterwhomightbeflyingtowardstheships。Hitherofsetpurposedidhedirecthishorses，andhismenfollowedhimwithaloudcry，fortheyfeltsurethattheAchaeanswouldnotholdoutlonger，andthattheyshouldnowfallupontheships。Littledidtheyknowthatatthegatestheyshouldfindtwoofthebravestchieftains，proudsonsofthefightingLapithae-theone，Polypoetes，mightysonofPirithous，andtheotherLeonteus，peerofmurderousMars。Thesestoodbeforethegatesliketwohighoaktreesuponthemountains，thattowerfromtheirwide-spreadingroots，andyearafteryearbattlewithwindandrain-evensodidthesetwomenawaittheonsetofgreatAsiusconfidentlyandwithoutflinching。TheTrojansledbyhimandbyIamenus，Orestes，AdamasthesonofAsius，ThoonandOenomaus，raisedaloudcryofbattleandmadestraightforthewall，holdingtheirshieldsofdryox-hideabovetheirheads；forawhilethetwodefendersremainedinsideandcheeredtheAchaeansontostandfirminthedefenceoftheirships；when，however，theysawthattheTrojanswereattackingthewall，whiletheDanaanswerecryingoutforhelpandbeingrouted，theyrushedoutsideandfoughtinfrontofthegatesliketwowildboarsuponthemountainsthatabidetheattackofmenanddogs，andchargingoneithersidebreakdownthewoodallroundthemtearingitupbytheroots，andonecanheartheclatteringoftheirtusks，tillsomeonehitsthemandmakesanendofthem-evensodidthegleamingbronzerattleabouttheirbreasts，astheweaponsfelluponthem；fortheyfoughtwithgreatfury，trustingtotheirownprowessandtothosewhowereonthewallabovethem。Thesethrewgreatstonesattheirassailantsindefenceofthemselvestheirtentsandtheirships。Thestonesfellthickastheflakesofsnowwhichsomefierceblastdrivesfromthedarkcloudsandshowersdowninsheetsupontheearth-evensofelltheweaponsfromthehandsalikeofTrojansandAchaeans。Helmetandshieldrangoutasthegreatstonesraineduponthem，andAsiusthesonofHyrtacusinhisdismaycriedaloudandsmotehistwothighs。\"FatherJove，\"hecried，\"ofatruthyoutooarealtogethergiventolying。ImadesuretheArgiveheroescouldnotwithstandus，whereaslikeslim-waistedwasps，orbeesthathavetheirnestsintherocksbythewayside-theyleavenottheholeswhereintheyhavebuiltundefended，butfightfortheirlittleonesagainstallwhowouldtakethem-evensothesemen，thoughtheybebuttwo，willnotbedrivenfromthegates，butstandfirmeithertoslayorbeslain。\" Hespoke，butmovednotthemindofJove，whosecounselitthenwastogiveglorytoHector。MeanwhiletherestoftheTrojanswerefightingabouttheothergates；I，however，amnogodtobeabletotellaboutallthesethings，forthebattleragedeverywhereaboutthestonewallasitwereafieryfurnace。TheArgives，discomfitedthoughtheywere，wereforcedtodefendtheirships，andallthegodswhoweredefendingtheAchaeanswerevexedinspirit；buttheLapithaekeptonfightingwithmightandmain。 ThereonPolypoetes，mightysonofPirithous，hitDamasuswithaspearuponhischeek-piercedhelmet。Thehelmetdidnotprotecthim，forthepointofthespearwentthroughit，andbrokethebone，sothatthebraininsidewasscatteredabout，andhediedfighting。HethenslewPylonandOrmenus。Leonteus，oftheraceofMars，killedHippomachusthesonofAntimachusbystrikinghimwithhisspearuponthegirdle。HethendrewhisswordandsprangfirstuponAntiphateswhomhekilledincombat，andwhofellfaceupwardsontheearth。AfterhimhekilledMenon，Iamenus，andOrestes，andlaidthemlowoneaftertheother。 Whiletheywerebusystrippingthearmourfromtheseheroes，theyouthswhowereledonbyPolydamasandHector(andthesewerethegreaterpartandthemostvaliantofthosethatweretryingtobreakthroughthewallandfiretheships)werestillstandingbythetrench，uncertainwhattheyshoulddo；fortheyhadseenasignfromheavenwhentheyhadessayedtocrossit-asoaringeaglethatflewskirtingtheleftwingoftheirhost，withamonstrousblood-redsnakeinitstalonsstillaliveandstrugglingtoescape。Thesnakewasstillbentonrevenge，wrigglingandtwistingitselfbackwardstillitstruckthebirdthatheldit，ontheneckandbreast；whereonthebirdbeinginpain，letitfall，droppingitintothemiddleofthehost，andthenflewdownthewindwithasharpcry。TheTrojanswerestruckwithterrorwhentheysawthesnake，portentofaegis-bearingJove，writhinginthemidstofthem，andPolydamaswentuptoHectorandsaid，\"Hector，atourcouncilsofwaryouareevergiventorebukeme，evenwhenIspeakwisely，asthoughitwerenotwell，forsooth，thatoneofthepeopleshouldcrossyourwilleitherinthefieldoratthecouncilboard；youwouldhavethemsupportyoualways: neverthelessIwillsaywhatIthinkwillbebest；letusnotnowgoontofighttheDanaansattheirships，forIknowwhatwillhappenifthissoaringeaglewhichskirtedtheleftwingofourwithamonstrousblood-redsnakeinitstalons(thesnakebeingstillalive)wasreallysentasanomentotheTrojansontheiressayingtocrossthetrench。Theeagleletgoherhold；shedidnotsucceedintakingithometoherlittleones，andsowillitbe-withourselves；eventhoughbyamightyeffortwebreakthroughthegatesandwalloftheAchaeans，andtheygivewaybeforeus，stillweshallnotreturningoodorderbythewaywecame，butshallleavemanyamanbehinduswhomtheAchaeanswilldotodeathindefenceoftheirships。Thuswouldanyseerwhowasexpertinthesematters，andwastrustedbythepeople，readtheportent。\" Hectorlookedfiercelyathimandsaid，\"Polydamas，Ilikenotofyourreading。Youcanfindabettersayingthanthisifyouwill。 If，however，youhavespokeningoodearnest，thenindeedhasheavenrobbedyouofyourreason。YouwouldhavemepaynoheedtothecounselsofJove，nortothepromiseshemademe-andhebowedhisheadinconfirmation；youbidmeberuledratherbytheflightofwild-fowl。WhatcareIwhethertheyflytowardsdawnordark，andwhethertheybeonmyrighthandoronmyleft？LetusputourtrustratherinthecounselofgreatJove，kingofmortalsandimmortals。 Thereisoneomen，andoneonly-thatamanshouldfightforhiscountry。Whyareyousofearful？ThoughwebeallofusslainattheshipsoftheArgivesyouarenotlikelytobekilledyourself，foryouarenotsteadfastnorcourageous。Ifyouwill。notfight，orwouldtalkothersoverfromdoingso，youshallfallforthwithbeforemyspear。\" Withthesewordsheledtheway，andtheothersfollowedafterwithacrythatrenttheair。ThenJovethelordofthundersenttheblastofamightywindfromthemountainsofIda，thatborethedustdowntowardstheships；hethuslulledtheAchaeansintosecurity，andgavevictorytoHectorandtotheTrojans，who，trustingtotheirownmightandtothesignshehadshownthem，essayedtobreakthroughthegreatwalloftheAchaeans。Theytoredownthebreastworksfromthewalls，andoverthrewthebattlements；theyupheavedthebuttresses，whichtheAchaeanshadsetinfrontofthewallinordertosupportit；whentheyhadpulledthesedowntheymadesureofbreakingthroughthewall，buttheDanaansstillshowednosignofgivingground；theystillfencedthebattlementswiththeirshieldsofox-hide，andhurledtheirmissilesdownuponthefoeassoonasanycamebelowthewall。 ThetwoAjaxeswentabouteverywhereonthewallscheeringontheAchaeans，givingfairwordstosomewhiletheyspokesharplytoanyonewhomtheysawtoberemiss。\"Myfriends，\"theycried，\"Argivesoneandall-goodbadandindifferent，fortherewasneverfightyet，inwhichallwereofequalprowess-thereisnowworkenough，asyouverywellknow，forallofyou。Seethatyounoneofyouturninflighttowardstheships，dauntedbytheshoutingofthefoe，butpressforwardandkeeponeanotherinheart，ifitmaysobethatOlympianJovethelordoflightningwillvouchsafeustorepelourfoes，anddrivethembacktowardsthecity。\" ThusdidthetwogoaboutshoutingandcheeringtheAchaeanson。 Astheflakesthatfallthickuponawinter’sday，whenJoveismindedtosnowandtodisplaythesehisarrowstomankind-helullsthewindtorest，andsnowshourafterhourtillhehasburiedthetopsofthehighmountains，theheadlandsthatjutintothesea，thegrassyplains，andthetilledfieldsofmen；thesnowliesdeepupontheforelands，andhavensofthegreysea，butthewavesastheycomerollinginstayitthatitcancomenofurther，thoughallelseiswrappedaswithamantlesoheavyaretheheavenswithsnow-eventhusthicklydidthestonesfallononesideandontheother，somethrownattheTrojans，andsomebytheTrojansattheAchaeans；andthewholewallwasinanuproar。 StilltheTrojansandbraveHectorwouldnotyethavebrokendownthegatesandthegreatbar，hadnotJoveturnedhissonSarpedonagainsttheArgivesasalionagainstaherdofhornedcattle。 Beforehimheheldhisshieldofhammeredbronze，thatthesmithhadbeatensofairandround，andhadlinedwithoxhideswhichhehadmadefastwithrivetsofgoldallroundtheshield；thisheheldinfrontofhim，andbrandishinghistwospearscameonlikesomelionofthewilderness，whohasbeenlongfamishedforwantofmeatandwilldarebreakevenintoawell-fencedhomesteadtotryandgetatthesheep。Hemayfindtheshepherdskeepingwatchovertheirflockswithdogsandspears，butheisinnomindtobedrivenfromthefoldtillhehashadatryforit；hewilleitherspringonasheepandcarryitoff，orbehitbyaspearfromstronghand-evensowasSarpedonfaintoattackthewallandbreakdownitsbattlements。 ThenhesaidtoGlaucussonofHippolochus，\"Glaucus，whyinLyciadowereceiveespecialhonourasregardsourplaceattable？Whyarethechoicestportionsservedusandourcupskeptbrimming，andwhydomenlookuptousasthoughweweregods？MoreoverweholdalargeestatebythebanksoftheriverXanthus，fairwithorchardlawnsandwheat-growingland；itbecomesus，therefore，totakeourstandattheheadofalltheLyciansandbearthebruntofthefight，thatonemaysaytoanother，OurprincesinLyciaeatthefatofthelandanddrinkbestofwine，buttheyarefinefellows；theyfightwellandareeveratthefrontinbattle。’Mygoodfriend，if，whenwewereonceoutofthisfight，wecouldescapeoldageanddeaththenceforwardandforever，Ishouldneitherpressforwardmyselfnorbidyoudoso，butdeathintenthousandshapeshangseveroverourheads，andnomancaneludehim；thereforeletusgoforwardandeitherwingloryforourselves，oryieldittoanother。\" Glaucusheededhissaying，andthepairforthwithledonthehostofLycians。MenestheussonofPeteoswasdismayedwhenhesawthem，foritwasagainsthispartofthewallthattheycame-bringingdestructionwiththem；helookedalongthewallforsomechieftaintosupporthiscomradesandsawthetwoAjaxes，menevereagerforthefray，andTeucer，whohadjustcomefromhistent，standingnearthem； buthecouldnotmakehisvoiceheardbyshoutingtothem，sogreatanuproarwastherefromcrashingshieldsandhelmetsandthebatteringofgateswithadinwhichreachedtheskies。Forallthegateshadbeenclosed，andtheTrojanswerehammeringatthemtotryandbreaktheirwaythroughthem。Menestheus，therefore，sentThooteswithamessagetoAjax。\"Run，goodThootes，\"saidandcallAjax，orbetterstillbidbothcome，foritwillbealloverwithusheredirectly； theleadersoftheLyciansareuponus，menwhohaveeverfoughtdesperatelyheretofore。Butifthehavetoomuchontheirhandstoletthemcome，atanyrateletAjaxsonofTelamondoso，andletTeucerthefamousbowmancomewithhim。\" Themessengerdidashewastold，andsetoffrunningalongthewalloftheAchaeans。WhenhereachedtheAjaxeshesaidtothem，\"Sirs，princesoftheArgives，thesonofnoblePeteosbidsyoucometohimforawhileandhelphim。Youhadbetterbothcomeifyoucan，oritwillbealloverwithhimdirectly；theleadersoftheLyciansareuponhim，menwhohaveeverfoughtdesperatelyheretofore；ifyouhavetoomuchonyourhandstoletbothcome，atanyrateletAjaxsonofTelamondoso，andletTeucerthefamousbowmancomewithhim。\" GreatAjax，sonofTelamon，heededthemessage，andatoncespoketothesonofOileus。\"Ajax，\"saidhe，\"doyoutwo，yourselfandbraveLycomedes，stayhereandkeeptheDanaansinhearttofighttheirhardest。Iwillgooveryonder，andbearmypartinthefray，butI willcomebackhereatonceassoonasIhavegiventhemthehelptheyneed。\" Withthis，AjaxsonofTelamonsetoff，andTeucerhisbrotherbythesamefatherwentalso，withPandiontocarryTeucer’sbow。Theywentalonginsidethewall，andwhentheycametothetowerwhereMenestheuswas(andhardpressedindeeddidtheyfindhim)thebravecaptainsandleadersoftheLycianswerestormingthebattlementsasitwereathickdarkcloud，fightinginclosequarters，andraisingthebattle-cryaloud。 First，AjaxsonofTelamonkilledbraveEpicles，acomradeofSarpedon，hittinghimwithajaggedstonethatlaybythebattlementsattheverytopofthewall。Asmennoware，evenonewhoisinthebloomofyouthcouldhardlyliftitwithhistwohands，butAjaxraisedithighaloftandflungitdown，smashingEpicles’four-crestedhelmetsothatthebonesofhisheadwerecrushedtopieces，andhefellfromthehighwallasthoughhewerediving，withnomorelifeleftinhim。ThenTeucerwoundedGlaucusthebravesonofHippolochusashewascomingontoattackthewall。Hesawhisshoulderbareandaimedanarrowatit，whichmadeGlaucusleaveofffighting。ThereonhesprangcovertlydownforfearsomeoftheAchaeansmightseethathewaswoundedandtaunthim。SarpedonwasstungwithgriefwhenhesawGlaucusleavehim，stillhedidnotleaveofffighting，butaimedhisspearatAlcmaonthesonofThestorandhithim。HedrewhisspearbackagainAlcmaoncamedownheadlongafteritwithhisbronzedarmourrattlingroundhim。ThenSarpedonseizedthebattlementinhisstronghands，andtuggedatittillitangavewaytogether，andabreachwasmadethroughwhichmanymightpass。 AjaxandTeucerthenbothofthemattackedhim。Teucerhithimwithanarrowonthebandthatboretheshieldwhichcoveredhisbody，butJovesavedhissonfromdestructionthathemightnotfallbytheships’sterns。MeanwhileAjaxsprangonhimandpiercedhisshield，butthespeardidnotgocleanthrough，thoughithustledhimbackthathecouldcomeonnofurther。Hethereforeretiredalittlespacefromthebattlement，yetwithoutlosingallhisground，forhestillthoughttocoverhimselfwithglory。ThenheturnedroundandshoutedtothebraveLycianssaying，\"Lycians，whydoyouthusfailme？ForallmyprowessIcannotbreakthroughthewallandopenawaytotheshipssingle-handed。Comecloseonbehindme，forthemorethereareofusthebetter。\" TheLycians，shamedbyhisrebuke，pressedcloserroundhimwhowastheircounsellortheirking。TheArgivesontheirpartgottheirmeninfightingorderwithinthewall，andtherewasadeadlystrugglebetweenthem。TheLycianscouldnotbreakthroughthewallandforcetheirwaytotheships，norcouldtheDanaansdrivetheLyciansfromthewallnowthattheyhadoncereachedit。Astwomen，measuring-rodsinhand，quarrelabouttheirboundariesinafieldthattheyownincommon，andsticklefortheirrightsthoughtheybebutinamerestrip，evensodidthebattlementsnowserveasaboneofcontention，andtheybeatoneanother’sroundshieldsfortheirpossession。Manyaman’sbodywaswoundedwiththepitilessbronze，asheturnedroundandbaredhisbacktothefoe，andmanywerestruckcleanthroughtheirshields；thewallandbattlementswereeverywheredelugedwiththebloodalikeofTrojansandofAchaeans。 ButevensotheTrojanscouldnotrouttheAchaeans，whostillheldon；andassomehonesthard-workingwomanweighswoolinherbalanceandseesthatthescalesbetrue，forshewouldgainsomepitifulearningsforherlittleones，evensowasthefightbalancedevenlybetweenthemtillthetimecamewhenJovegavethegreaterglorytoHectorsonofPriam，whowasfirsttospringtowardsthewalloftheAchaeans。Ashedidso，hecriedaloudtotheTrojans，\"Up，Trojans，breakthewalloftheArgives，andflingfireupontheirships。\" Thusdidhehoundthemon，andinonebodytheyrushedstraightatthewallashehadbiddenthem，andscaledthebattlementswithsharpspearsintheirhands。Hectorlaidholdofastonethatlayjustoutsidethegatesandwasthickatoneendbutpointedattheother； twoofthebestmeninatown，asmennoware，couldhardlyraiseitfromthegroundandputitontoawaggon，butHectorlifteditquiteeasilybyhimself，forthesonofschemingSaturnmadeitlightforhim。Asashepherdpicksuparam’sfleecewithonehandandfindsitnoburden，soeasilydidHectorliftthegreatstoneanddriveitrightatthedoorsthatclosedthegatessostrongandsofirmlyset。Thesedoorsweredoubleandhigh，andwerekeptclosedbytwocross-barstowhichtherewasbutonekey。Whenhehadgotcloseuptothem，Hectorstrodetowardsthemthathisblowmightgaininforceandstrucktheminthemiddle，leaninghiswholeweightagainstthem。Hebrokebothhinges，andthestonefellinsidebyreasonofitsgreatweight。Theportalsre-echoedwiththesound，thebarsheldnolonger，andthedoorsflewopen，oneoneway，andtheothertheother，throughtheforceoftheblow。ThenbraveHectorleapedinsidewithafaceasdarkasthatofflyingnight。Thegleamingbronzeflashedfiercelyabouthisbodyandhehadtowspearsinhishand。Nonebutagodcouldhavewithstoodhimasheflunghimselfintothegateway，andhiseyesglaredlikefire。ThenheturnedroundtowardstheTrojansandcalledonthemtoscalethewall，andtheydidashebadethem-someofthematonceclimbingoverthewall，whileotherspassedthroughthegates。TheDanaansthenfledpanic-strickentowardstheirships，andallwasuproarandconfusion。 BOOKXIII NOWwhenJovehadthusbroughtHectorandtheTrojanstotheships，heleftthemtotheirnever-endingtoil，andturnedhiskeeneyesaway，lookingelsewhithertowardsthehorse-breedersofThrace，theMysians，fightersatclosequarters，thenobleHippemolgi，wholiveonmilk，andtheAbians，justestofmankind。HenolongerturnedsomuchasaglancetowardsTroy，forhedidnotthinkthatanyoftheimmortalswouldgoandhelpeitherTrojansorDanaans。 ButKingNeptunehadkeptnoblindlook-out；hehadbeenlookingadmiringlyonthebattlefromhisseatonthetopmostcrestsofwoodedSamothrace，whencehecouldseeallIda，withthecityofPriamandtheshipsoftheAchaeans。Hehadcomefromundertheseaandtakenhisplacehere，forhepitiedtheAchaeanswhowerebeingovercomebytheTrojans；andhewasfuriouslyangrywithJove。 Presentlyhecamedownfromhispostonthemountaintop，andashestrodeswiftlyonwardsthehighhillsandtheforestquakedbeneaththetreadofhisimmortalfeet。Threestrideshetook，andwiththefourthhereachedhisgoal-Aegae，whereishisglitteringgoldenpalace，imperishable，inthedepthsofthesea。Whenhegotthere，heyokedhisfleetbrazen-footedsteedswiththeirmanesofgoldallflyinginthewind；heclothedhimselfinraimentofgold，graspedhisgoldwhip，andtookhisstanduponhischariot。Ashewenthiswayoverthewavesthesea-monsterslefttheirlairs，fortheyknewtheirlord，andcamegambollingroundhimfromeveryquarterofthedeep，whiletheseainhergladnessopenedapathbeforehischariot。Solightlydidthehorsesflythatthebronzeaxleofthecarwasnotevenwetbeneathit；andthushisboundingsteedstookhimtotheshipsoftheAchaeans。 NowthereisacertainhugecaverninthedepthsoftheseamidwaybetweenTenedosandrockyImbrus；hereNeptunelordoftheearthquakestayedhishorses，unyokedthem，andsetbeforethemtheirambrosialforage。Hehobbledtheirfeetwithhobblesofgoldwhichnonecouldeitherunlooseorbreak，sothattheymightstaythereinthatplaceuntiltheirlordshouldreturn。ThisdonehewenthiswaytothehostoftheAchaeans。 NowtheTrojansfollowedHectorsonofPriaminclosearraylikeastorm-cloudorflameoffire，fightingwithmightandmainandraisingthecrybattle；fortheydeemedthattheyshouldtaketheshipsoftheAchaeansandkillalltheirchiefestheroesthenandthere。 Meanwhileearth-encirclingNeptunelordoftheearthquakecheeredontheArgives，forhehadcomeupoutoftheseaandhadassumedtheformandvoiceofCalchas。 FirsthespoketothetwoAjaxes，whoweredoingtheirbestalready，andsaid，\"Ajaxes，youtwocanbethesavingoftheAchaeansifyouwillputoutallyourstrengthandnotletyourselvesbedaunted。IamnotafraidthattheTrojans，whohavegotoverthewallinforce，willbevictoriousinanyotherpart，fortheAchaeanscanholdallofthemincheck，butImuchfearthatsomeevilwillbefallusherewherefuriousHector，whoboastshimselfthesonofgreatJovehimself，isleadingthemonlikeapillarofflame。Maysomegod，then，putitintoyourheartstomakeafirmstandhere，andtoinciteotherstodothelike。InthiscaseyouwilldrivehimfromtheshipseventhoughhebeinspiredbyJovehimself。\" Ashespoketheearth-encirclinglordoftheearthquakestruckbothofthemwithhissceptreandfilledtheirheartswithdaring。 Hemadetheirlegslightandactive，asalsotheirhandsandtheirfeet。Then，asthesoaringfalconpoisesonthewinghighabovesomesheerrock，andpresentlyswoopsdowntochasesomebirdovertheplain，evensodidNeptunelordoftheearthquakewinghisflightintotheairandleavethem。Ofthetwo，swiftAjaxsonofOileuswasthefirsttoknowwhoitwasthathadbeenspeakingwiththem，andsaidtoAjaxsonofTelamon，\"Ajax，thisisoneofthegodsthatdwellonOlympus，whointhelikenessoftheprophetisbiddingusfighthardbyourships。ItwasnotCalchastheseeranddivinerofomens；Iknewhimatoncebyhisfeetandkneesasheturnedaway，forthegodsaresoonrecognised。MoreoverIfeelthelustofbattleburnmorefiercelywithinme，whilemyhandsandmyfeetundermearemoreeagerforthefray。\" AndAjaxsonofTelamonanswered，\"Itoofeelmyhandsgraspmyspearmorefirmly；mystrengthisgreater，andmyfeetmorenimble； Ilong，moreover，tomeetfuriousHectorsonofPriam，eveninsinglecombat。\"