第8章

BOOKXVII BRAVEMenelaussonofAtreusnowcametoknowthatPatroclushadfallen，andmadehiswaythroughthefrontrankscladinfullarmourtobestridehim。Asacowstandslowingoverherfirstcalf，evensodidyellow-hairedMenelausbestridePatroclus。Heheldhisroundshieldandhisspearinfrontofhim，resolutetokillanywhoshoulddarefacehim。ButthesonofPanthoushadalsonotedthebody，andcameuptoMenelaussaying，\"Menelaus，sonofAtreus，drawback，leavethebody，andletthebloodstainedspoilsbe。IwasfirstoftheTrojansandtheirbravealliestodrivemyspearintoPatroclus，letme，therefore，havemyfullgloryamongtheTrojans，orIwilltakeaimandkillyou。\" TothisMenelausansweredingreatanger\"ByfatherJove，boastingisanillthing。Thepardisnotmorebold，northelionnorsavagewild-boar，whichisfiercestandmostdauntlessofallcreatures，thanaretheproudsonsofPanthous。YetHyperenordidnotseeoutthedaysofhisyouthwhenhemadelightofmeandwithstoodme，deemingmethemeanestsoldieramongtheDanaans。Hisownfeetneverborehimbacktogladdenhiswifeandparents。EvensoshallImakeanendofyoutoo，ifyouwithstandme；getyoubackintothecrowdanddonotfaceme，oritshallbeworseforyou。Evenafoolmaybewiseaftertheevent。\" Euphorbuswouldnotlisten，andsaid，\"Nowindeed，Menelaus，shallyoupayforthedeathofmybrotheroverwhomyouvaunted，andwhosewifeyouwidowedinherbridalchamber，whileyoubroughtgriefunspeakableonhisparents。IshallcomfortthesepoorpeopleifI bringyourheadandarmourandplacetheminthehandsofPanthousandnoblePhrontis。Thetimeiscomewhenthismattershallbefoughtoutandsettled，formeoragainstme。\" AshespokehestruckMenelausfullontheshield，butthespeardidnotgothrough，fortheshieldturneditspoint。Menelausthentookaim，prayingtofatherJoveashedidso；Euphorbuswasdrawingback，andMenelausstruckhimabouttherootsofhisthroat，leaninghiswholeweightonthespear，soastodriveithome。Thepointwentcleanthroughhisneck，andhisarmourrangrattlingroundhimashefellheavilytotheground。HishairwhichwaslikethatoftheGraces，andhislockssodeftlyboundinbandsofsilverandgold，wereallbedrabbledwithblood。Asonewhohasgrownafineyoungolivetreeinaclearspacewherethereisabundanceofwater-theplantisfullofpromise，andthoughthewindsbeatuponitfromeveryquarteritputsforthitswhiteblossomstilltheblastsofsomefiercehurricanesweepdownuponitandlevelitwiththeground-evensodidMenelausstripthefairyouthEuphorbusofhisarmourafterhehadslainhim。Orassomefiercelionuponthemountainsintheprideofhisstrengthfastensonthefinestheiferinaherdasitisfeeding-firsthebreaksherneckwithhisstrongjaws，andthengorgesonherbloodandentrails；dogsandshepherdsraiseahueandcryagainsthim，buttheystandaloofandwillnotcomeclosetohim，fortheyarepalewithfear-evensonoonehadthecouragetofacevaliantMenelaus。ThesonofAtreuswouldhavethencarriedoffthearmourofthesonofPanthouswithease，hadnotPhoebusApollobeenangry，andintheguiseofMenteschiefoftheCiconsincitedHectortoattackhim。\"Hector，\"saidhe，\"youarenowgoingafterthehorsesofthenoblesonofAeacus，butyouwillnottakethem； theycannotbekeptinhandanddrivenbymortalman，saveonlybyAchilles，whoissontoanimmortalmother。MeanwhileMenelaussonofAtreushasbestriddenthebodyofPatroclusandkilledthenoblestoftheTrojans，EuphorbussonofPanthous，sothathecanfightnomore。\" Thegodthenwentbackintothetoilandturmoil，butthesoulofHectorwasdarkenedwithacloudofgrief；helookedalongtheranksandsawEuphorbuslyingonthegroundwiththebloodstillflowingfromhiswound，andMenelausstrippinghimofhisarmour。Onthishemadehiswaytothefrontlikeaflameoffire，cladinhisgleamingarmour，andcryingwithaloudvoice。WhenthesonofAtreusheardhim，hesaidtohimselfinhisdismay，\"Alas！whatshallIdo？ImaynotlettheTrojanstakethearmourofPatrocluswhohasfallenfightingonmybehalf，lestsomeDanaanwhoseesmeshouldcryshameuponme。Stillifformyhonour’ssakeIfightHectorandtheTrojanssingle-handed，theywillprovetoomanyforme，forHectorisbringingthemupinforce。Why，however，shouldIthushesitate？ Whenamanfightsindespiteofheavenwithonewhomagodbefriends，hewillsoonrueit。LetnoDanaanthinkillofmeifI giveplacetoHector，forthehandofheaveniswithhim。Yet，ifI couldfindAjax，thetwoofuswouldfightHectorandheaventoo，ifwemightonlysavethebodyofPatroclusforAchillessonofPeleus。 This，ofmanyevilswouldbetheleast。\" Whilehewasthusintwominds，theTrojanscameuptohimwithHectorattheirhead；hethereforedrewbackandleftthebody，turningaboutlikesomebeardedlionwhoisbeingchasedbydogsandmenfromastockyardwithspearsandhueandcry，whereonheisdauntedandslinkssulkilyoff-evensodidMenelaussonofAtreusturnandleavethebodyofPatroclus。Whenamongthebodyofhismen，helookedaroundformightyAjaxsonofTelamon，andpresentlysawhimontheextremeleftofthefight，cheeringonhismenandexhortingthemtokeeponfighting，forPhoebusApollohadspreadagreatpanicamongthem。Heranuptohimandsaid，\"Ajax，mygoodfriend，comewithmeatoncetodeadPatroclus，ifsobethatwemaytakethebodytoAchilles-asforhisarmour，Hectoralreadyhasit。\" ThesewordsstirredtheheartofAjax，andhemadehiswayamongthefrontranks，Menelausgoingwithhim。HectorhadstrippedPatroclusofhisarmour，andwasdragginghimawaytocutoffhisheadandtakethebodytoflingbeforethedogsofTroy。ButAjaxcameupwithhisshieldlikewallbeforehim，onwhichHectorwithdrewundershelterofhismen，andsprangontohischariot，givingthearmourovertotheTrojanstotaketothecity，asagreattrophyforhimself；Ajax，therefore，coveredthebodyofPatrocluswithhisbroadshieldandbestrodehim；asalionstandsoverhiswhelpsifhuntershavecomeuponhiminaforestwhenheiswithhislittleones-intheprideandfiercenessofhisstrengthhedrawshisknitbrowsdowntilltheycoverhiseyes-evensodidAjaxbestridethebodyofPatroclus，andbyhissidestoodMenelaussonofAtreus，nursinggreatsorrowinhisheart。 ThenGlaucussonofHippolochuslookedfiercelyatHectorandrebukedhimsternly。\"Hector，\"saidhe，\"youmakeabraveshow，butinfightyouaresadlywanting。Arunawaylikeyourselfhasnoclaimtosogreatareputation。ThinkhowyoumaynowsaveyourtownandcitadelbythehandsofyourownpeopleborninIlius；foryouwillgetnoLycianstofightforyou，seeingwhatthankstheyhavehadfortheirincessanthardships。Areyoulikely，sir，todoanythingtohelpamanoflessnote，afterleavingSarpedon，whowasatonceyourguestandcomradeinarms，tobethespoilandpreyoftheDanaans？Solongashelivedhedidgoodservicebothtoyourcityandyourself；yetyouhadnostomachtosavehisbodyfromthedogs。IftheLycianswilllistentome，theywillgohomeandleaveTroytoitsfate。IftheTrojanshadanyofthatdaringfearlessspiritwhichlaysholdofmenwhoarefightingfortheircountryandharassingthosewhowouldattackit，weshouldsoonbearoffPatroclusintoIlius。CouldwegetthisdeadmanawayandbringhimintothecityofPriam，theArgiveswouldreadilygiveupthearmourofSarpedon，andweshouldgethisbodytoboot。ForhewhosesquirehasbeennowkilledistheforemostmanattheshipsoftheAchaeans-heandhisclose-fightingfollowers。NeverthelessyoudarednotmakeastandagainstAjax，norfacehim，eyetoeye，withbattleallroundyou，forheisabravermanthanyouare。\" Hectorscowledathimandanswered，\"Glaucus，youshouldknowbetter。IhaveheldyousofarasamanofmoreunderstandingthananyinallLycia，butnowIdespiseyouforsayingthatIamafraidofAjax。Ifearneitherbattlenorthedinofchariots，butJove’swillisstrongerthanours；Joveatonetimemakesevenastrongmandrawbackandsnatchesvictoryfromhisgrasp，whileatanotherhewillsethimontofight。Comehitherthen，myfriend，standbymeandseeindeedwhetherIshallplaythecowardthewholedaythroughasyousay，orwhetherIshallnotstaysomeevenoftheboldestDanaansfromfightingroundthebodyofPatroclus。\" AshespokehecalledloudlyontheTrojanssaying，\"Trojans，Lycians，andDardanians，fightersinclosecombat，bemen，myfriends，andfightmightandmain，whileIputonthegoodlyarmourofAchilles，whichItookwhenIkilledPatroclus。\" WiththisHectorleftthefight，andranfullspeedafterhismenwhoweretakingthearmourofAchillestoTroy，buthadnotyetgotfar。Standingforawhileapartfromthewoefulfight，hechangedhisarmour。HisownhesenttothestrongcityofIliusandtotheTrojans，whileheputontheimmortalarmourofthesonofPeleus，whichthegodshadgiventoPeleus，whoinhisagegaveittohisson； butthesondidnotgrowoldinhisfather’sarmour。 WhenJove，lordofthestorm-cloud，sawHectorstandingaloofandarminghimselfinthearmourofthesonofPeleus，hewaggedhisheadandmutteredtohimselfsaying，\"A！poorwretch，youarminthearmourofahero，beforewhommanyanothertrembles，andyourecknothingofthedoomthatisalreadycloseuponyou。Youhavekilledhiscomradesobraveandstrong，butitwasnotwellthatyoushouldstripthearmourfromhisheadandshoulders。Idoindeedendowyouwithgreatmightnow，butasagainstthisyoushallnotreturnfrombattletolaythearmourofthesonofPeleusbeforeAndromache。\" ThesonofSaturnbowedhisportentousbrows，andHectorfittedthearmourtohisbody，whileterribleMarsenteredintohim，andfilledhiswholebodywithmightandvalour。Withashouthestrodeinamongtheallies，andhisarmourflashedabouthimsothatheseemedtoallofthemlikethegreatsonofPeleushimself。Hewentaboutamongthemandcheeredthemon-Mesthles，Glaucus，Medon，Thersilochus，Asteropaeus，DeisenorandHippothous，Phorcys，ChromiusandEnnomustheaugur。Allthesedidheexhortsaying，\"Hearme，alliesfromothercitieswhoarehereinyourthousands，itwasnotinordertohaveacrowdaboutmethatIcalledyouhithereachfromhisseveralcity，butthatwithheartandsoulyoumightdefendthewivesandlittleonesoftheTrojansfromthefierceAchaeans。ForthisdoIoppressmypeoplewithyourfoodandthepresentsthatmakeyourich。Thereforeturn，andchargeatthefoe，tostandorfallasisthegameofwar；whoevershallbringPatroclus，deadthoughhebe，intothehandsoftheTrojans，andshallmakeAjaxgivewaybeforehim，IwillgivehimonehalfofthespoilswhileIkeeptheother。Hewillthussharelikehonourwithmyself。\" WhenhehadthusspokentheychargedfullweightupontheDanaanswiththeirspearsheldoutbeforethem，andthehopesofeachranhighthatheshouldforceAjaxsonofTelamontoyieldupthebody-foolsthattheywere，forhewasabouttotakethelivesofmany。ThenAjaxsaidtoMenelaus，\"MygoodfriendMenelaus，youandIshallhardlycomeoutofthisfightalive。IamlessconcernedforthebodyofPatroclus，whowillshortlybecomemeatforthedogsandvulturesofTroy，thanforthesafetyofmyownheadandyours。Hectorhaswrappedusroundinastormofbattlefromeveryquarter，andourdestructionseemsnowcertain。CallthenupontheprincesoftheDanaansifthereisanywhocanhearus。\" Menelausdidashesaid，andshoutedtotheDanaansforhelpatthetopofhisvoice。\"Myfriends，\"hecried，\"princesandcounsellorsoftheArgives，allyouwhowithAgamemnonandMenelausdrinkatthepubliccost，andgiveorderseachtohisownpeopleasJovevouchsafeshimpowerandglory，thefightissothickaboutmethatIcannotdistinguishyouseverally；comeon，therefore，everymanunbidden，andthinkitshamethatPatroclusshouldbecomemeatandmorselforTrojanhounds。\" FleetAjaxsonofOileusheardhimandwasfirsttoforcehiswaythroughthefightandruntohelphim。NextcameIdomeneusandMerioneshisesquire，peerofmurderousMars。Asfortheothersthatcameintothefightafterthese，whoofhisownselfcouldnamethem？ TheTrojanswithHectorattheirheadchargedinabody。Asagreatwavethatcomesthunderinginatthemouthofsomeheaven-bornriver，andtherocksthatjutintothesearingwiththeroarofthebreakersthatbeatandbuffetthem-evenwithsucharoardidtheTrojanscomeon；buttheAchaeansinsinglenessofheartstoodfirmaboutthesonofMenoetius，andfencedhimwiththeirbronzeshields。Jove，moreover，hidthebrightnessoftheirhelmetsinathickcloud，forhehadbornenogrudgeagainstthesonofMenoetiuswhilehewasstillaliveandsquiretothedescendantofAeacus； thereforehewaslothtolethimfallapreytothedogsofhisfoestheTrojans，andurgedhiscomradesontodefendhim。 AtfirsttheTrojansdrovetheAchaeansback，andtheywithdrewfromthedeadmandaunted。TheTrojansdidnotsucceedinkillinganyone，neverthelesstheydrewthebodyaway。ButtheAchaeansdidnotloseitlong，forAjax，foremostofalltheDanaansafterthesonofPeleusalikeinstatureandprowess，quicklyralliedthemandmadetowardsthefrontlikeawildboaruponthemountainswhenhestandsatbayintheforestgladesandroutsthehoundsandlustyyouthsthathaveattackedhim-evensodidAjaxsonofTelamonpassingeasilyinamongthephalanxesoftheTrojans，dispersethosewhohadbestriddenPatroclusandweremostbentonwinningglorybydragginghimofftotheircity。AtthismomentHippothousbravesonofthePelasgianLethus，inhiszealforHectorandtheTrojans，wasdraggingthebodyoffbythefootthroughthepressofthefight，havingboundastraproundthesinewsneartheancle；butamischiefsoonbefellhimfromwhichnoneofthosecouldsavehimwhowouldhavegladlydoneso，forthesonofTelamonsprangforwardandsmotehimonhisbronze-cheekedhelmet。Theplumedheadpiecebrokeaboutthepointoftheweapon，struckatoncebythespearandbythestronghandofAjax，sothatthebloodybraincameoozingoutthroughthecrest-socket。HisstrengththenfailedhimandheletPatroclus’ footdropfromhishand，ashefellfulllengthdeaduponthebody； thushediedfarfromthefertilelandofLarissa，andneverrepaidhisparentsthecostofbringinghimup，forhislifewascutshortearlybythespearofmightyAjax。HectorthentookaimatAjaxwithaspear，buthesawitcomingandjustmanagedtoavoidit；thespearpassedonandstruckSchediussonofnobleIphitus，captainofthePhoceans，whodweltinfamedPanopeusandreignedovermuchpeople；itstruckhimunderthemiddleofthecollar-bonethebronzepointwentrightthroughhim，comingoutatthebottomofhisshoulder-blade，andhisarmourrangrattlingroundhimashefellheavilytotheground。 AjaxinhisturnstrucknoblePhorcyssonofPhaenopsinthemiddleofthebellyashewasbestridingHippothous，andbroketheplateofhiscuirass；whereonthespeartoreouthisentrailsandheclutchedthegroundinhispalmashefelltoearth。Hectorandthosewhowereinthefrontrankthengaveground，whiletheArgivesraisedaloudcryoftriumph，anddrewoffthebodiesofPhorcysandHippothouswhichtheystrippedpresentlyoftheirarmour。 TheTrojanswouldnowhavebeenworstedbythebraveAchaeansanddrivenbacktoIliusthroughtheirowncowardice，whiletheArgives，sogreatwastheircourageandendurance，wouldhaveachievedatriumphevenagainstthewillofJove，ifApollohadnotrousedAeneas，inthelikenessofPeriphassonofEpytus，anattendantwhohadgrownoldintheserviceofAeneas’agedfather，andwasatalltimesdevotedtohim。Inhislikeness，then，Apollosaid，\"Aeneas，canyounotmanage，eventhoughheavenbeagainstus，tosavehighIlius？Ihaveknownmen，whosenumbers，courage，andself-reliancehavesavedtheirpeopleinspiteofJove，whereasinthiscasehewouldmuchrathergivevictorytousthantotheDanaans，ifyouwouldonlyfightinsteadofbeingsoterriblyafraid。\" AeneasknewApollowhenhelookedstraightathim，andshoutedtoHectorsaying，\"HectorandallotherTrojansandallies，shameonusifwearebeatenbytheAchaeansanddrivenbacktoIliusthroughourowncowardice。AgodhasjustcomeuptomeandtoldmethatJovethesupremedisposerwillbewithus。ThereforeletusmakefortheDanaans，thatitmaygohardwiththemeretheybearawaydeadPatroclustotheships。\" Ashespokehesprangoutfarinfrontoftheothers，whothenralliedandagainfacedtheAchaeans。AeneasspearedLeiocritussonofArisbas，avaliantfollowerofLycomedes，andLycomedeswasmovedwithpityashesawhimfall；hethereforewentcloseup，andspearedApisaonsonofHippasusshepherdofhispeopleintheliverunderthemidriff，sothathedied；hehadcomefromfertilePaeoniaandwasthebestmanofthemallafterAsteropaeus。AsteropaeusflewforwardtoavengehimandattacktheDanaans，butthismightnolongerbe，inasmuchasthoseaboutPatrocluswerewellcoveredbytheirshields，andheldtheirspearsinfrontofthem，forAjaxhadgiventhemstrictordersthatnomanwaseithertogiveground，ortostandoutbeforetheothers，butallweretoholdwelltogetheraboutthebodyandfighthandtohand。ThusdidhugeAjaxbidthem，andtheearthranredwithbloodasthecorpsesfellthickononeanotheralikeonthesideoftheTrojansandallies，andonthatoftheDanaans；fortheselast，too，foughtnobloodlessfightthoughmanyfewerofthemperished，throughthecaretheytooktodefendandstandbyoneanother。 Thusdidtheyfightasitwereaflamingfire；itseemedasthoughithadgonehardevenwiththesunandmoon，fortheywerehiddenoverallthatpartwherethebravestheroeswerefightingaboutthedeadsonofMenoetius，whereastheotherDanaansandAchaeansfoughtattheireaseinfulldaylightwithbrilliantsunshineallroundthem，andtherewasnotacloudtobeseenneitheronplainnormountain。 Theselastmoreoverwouldrestforawhileandleaveofffighting，fortheyweresomedistanceapartandbeyondtherangeofoneanother’sweapons，whereasthosewhowereinthethickofthefraysufferedbothfrombattleanddarkness。Allthebestofthemwerebeingwornoutbythegreatweightoftheirarmour，butthetwovaliantheroes，ThrasymedesandAntilochus，hadnotyetheardofthedeathofPatroclus，andbelievedhimtobestillaliveandleadingthevanagainsttheTrojans；theywerekeepingthemselvesinreserveagainstthedeathorroutoftheirowncomrades，forsoNestorhadorderedwhenhesentthemfromtheshipsintobattle。 Thusthroughthelivelongdaydidtheywagefiercewar，andthesweatoftheirtoilrainedeverontheirlegsunderthem，andontheirhandsandeyes，astheyfoughtoverthesquireofthefleetsonofPeleus。Itwasaswhenamangivesagreatox-hidealldrenchedinfattohismen，andbidsthemstretchit；whereontheystandrounditinaringandtugtillthemoistureleavesit，andthefatsoaksinforthemanythatpullatit，anditiswellstretched-evensodidthetwosidestugthedeadbodyhitherandthitherwithinthecompassofbutalittlespace-theTrojanssteadfastlysetondragingitintoIlius，whiletheAchaeanswerenolesssoontakingittotheirships；andfiercewasthefightbetweenthem。NotMarshimselfthelordofhosts，noryetMinerva，evenintheirfullestfurycouldmakelightofsuchabattle。 SuchfearfulturmoilofmenandhorsesdidJoveonthatdayordainroundthebodyofPatroclus。MeanwhileAchillesdidnotknowthathehadfallen，forthefightwasunderthewallofTroyalongwayofftheships。Hehadnoidea，therefore，thatPatrocluswasdead，anddeemedthathewouldreturnaliveassoonashehadgonecloseuptothegates。Heknewthathewasnottosackthecityneitherwithnorwithouthimself，forhismotherhadoftentoldhimthiswhenhehadsatalonewithher，andshehadinformedhimofthecounselsofgreatJove。Now，however，shehadnottoldhimhowgreatadisasterhadbefallenhiminthedeathoftheonewhowasfardearesttohimofallhiscomrades。 Theothersstillkeptonchargingoneanotherroundthebodywiththeirpointedspearsandkillingeachother。Thenwouldonesay，\"Myfriends，wecanneveragainshowourfacesattheships-better，andgreatlybetter，thatearthshouldopenandswallowushereinthisplace，thanthatweshouldlettheTrojanshavethetriumphofbearingoffPatroclustotheircity。\" TheTrojansalsoontheirpartspoketooneanothersaying，\"Friends，thoughwefalltoamanbesidethisbody，letnoneshrinkfromfighting。\"Withsuchwordsdidtheyexhorteachother。Theyfoughtandfought，andanironclankrosethroughthevoidairtothebrazenvaultofheaven。ThehorsesofthedescendantofAeacusstoodoutofthefightandweptwhentheyheardthattheirdriverhadbeenlaidlowbythehandofmurderousHector。Automedon，valiantsonofDiores，lashedthemagainandagain；manyatimedidhespeakkindlytothem，andmanyatimedidheupbraidthem，buttheywouldneithergobacktotheshipsbythewatersofthebroadHellespont，noryetintobattleamongtheAchaeans；theystoodwiththeirchariotstockstill，asapillarsetoverthetombofsomedeadmanorwoman，andbowedtheirheadstotheground。Hottearsfellfromtheireyesastheymournedthelossoftheircharioteer，andtheirnoblemanesdroopedallwetfromundertheyokestrapsoneithersidetheyoke。 ThesonofSaturnsawthemandtookpityupontheirsorrow。Hewaggedhishead，andmutteredtohimself，saying，\"Poorthings，whydidwegiveyoutoKingPeleuswhoisamortal，whileyouareyourselvesagelessandimmortal？Wasitthatyoumightsharethesorrowsthatbefallmankind？forofallcreaturesthatliveandmoveupontheearththereisnonesopitiableasheis-still，HectorsonofPriamshalldriveneitheryounoryourchariot。Iwillnothaveit。 Itisenoughthatheshouldhavethearmouroverwhichhevauntssovainly。FurthermoreIwillgiveyoustrengthofheartandlimbtobearAutomedonsafelytotheshipsfrombattle，forIshalllettheTrojanstriumphstillfurther，andgoonkillingtilltheyreachtheships； whereonnightshallfallanddarknessovershadowtheland。\" Ashespokehebreathedheartandstrengthintothehorsessothattheyshookthedustfromoutoftheirmanes，andboretheirchariotswiftlyintothefightthatragedbetweenTrojansandAchaeans。BehindthemfoughtAutomedonfullofsorrowforhiscomrade，asavultureamidaflockofgeese。Inandout，andhereandthere，fullspeedhedashedamidthethrongoftheTrojans，butforallthefuryofhispursuithekillednoman，forhecouldnotwieldhisspearandkeephishorsesinhandwhenaloneinthechariot；atlast，however，acomrade，Alcimedon，sonofLaercessonofHaemoncaughtsightofhimandcameupbehindhischariot。\"Automedon，\"saidhe，\"whatgodhasputthisfollyintoyourheartandrobbedyouofyourrightmind，thatyoufighttheTrojansinthefrontranksingle-handed？Hewhowasyourcomradeisslain，andHectorplumeshimselfonbeingarmedinthearmourofthedescendantofAeacus。\" AutomedonsonofDioresanswered，\"Alcimedon，thereisnooneelsewhocancontrolandguidetheimmortalsteedssowellasyoucan，saveonlyPatroclus-whilehewasalive-peerofgodsincounsel。Takethenthewhipandreins，whileIgodownfromthecarandfight。 Alcimedonsprangontothechariot，andcaughtupthewhipandreins，whileAutomedonleapedfromoffthecar。WhenHectorsawhimhesaidtoAeneaswhowasnearhim，\"Aeneas，counsellorofthemail-cladTrojans，IseethesteedsofthefleetsonofAeacuscomeintobattlewithweakhandstodrivethem。Iamsure，ifyouthinkwell，thatwemighttakethem；theywillnotdarefaceusifwebothattackthem。\" ThevaliantsonofAnchiseswasofthesamemind，andthepairwentrighton，withtheirshoulderscoveredundershieldsoftoughdryox-hide，overlaidwithmuchbronze。ChromiusandAretuswentalsowiththem，andtheirheartsbeathighwithhopethattheymightkillthemenandcapturethehorses-foolsthattheywere，fortheywerenottoreturnscathelessfromtheirmeetingwithAutomedon，whoprayedtofatherJoveandwasforthwithfilledwithcourageandstrengthabounding。HeturnedtohistrustycomradeAlcimedonandsaid，\"Alcimedon，keepyourhorsessocloseupthatImayfeeltheirbreathuponmyback；IdoubtthatweshallnotstayHectorsonofPriamtillhehaskilledusandmountedbehindthehorses；hewilltheneitherspreadpanicamongtheranksoftheAchaeans，orhimselfbekilledamongtheforemost。\" OnthishecriedouttothetwoAjaxesandMenelaus，\"AjaxescaptainsoftheArgives，andMenelaus，givethedeadbodyovertothemthatarebestabletodefendit，andcometotherescueofusliving；forHectorandAeneaswhoarethetwobestmenamongtheTrojans，arepressingushardinthefulltideofwar。Neverthelesstheissueliesonthelapofheaven，IwillthereforehurlmyspearandleavetheresttoJove。\" Hepoisedandhurledashespoke，whereonthespearstrucktheroundshieldofAretus，andwentrightthroughitfortheshieldstayeditnot，sothatitwasdriventhroughhisbeltintothelowerpartofhisbelly。Aswhensomesturdyyouth，axeinhand，dealshisblowbehindthehornsofanoxandseversthetendonsatthebackofitsnecksothatitspringsforwardandthendrops，evensodidAretusgiveoneboundandthenfallonhisbackthespearquiveringinhisbodytillitmadeanendofhim。HectorthenaimedaspearatAutomedonbuthesawitcomingandstoopedforwardtoavoidit，sothatitflewpasthimandthepointstuckintheground，whilethebutt-endwentonquiveringtillMarsrobbeditofitsforce。TheywouldthenhavefoughthandtohandwithswordshadnotthetwoAjaxesforcedtheirwaythroughthecrowdwhentheyheardtheircomradecalling，andpartedthemforalltheirfury-forHector，Aeneas，andChromiuswereafraidanddrewback，leavingAretustolietherestrucktotheheart。Automedon，peeroffleetMars，thenstrippedhimofhisarmourandvauntedoverhimsaying，\"IhavedonelittletoassuagemysorrowforthesonofMenoetius，forthemanIhavekilledisnotsogoodashewas。\" Ashespokehetooktheblood-stainedspoilsandlaidthemuponhischariot；thenhemountedthecarwithhishandsandfeetallsteepedingoreasalionthathasbeengorginguponabull。 AndnowthefiercegroanfulfightagainragedaboutPatroclus，forMinervacamedownfromheavenandrouseditsfurybythecommandoffar-seeingJove，whohadchangedhismindandsenthertoencouragetheDanaans。AswhenJovebendshisbrightbowinheavenintokentomankindeitherofwarorofthechillstormsthatstaymenfromtheirlabourandplaguetheflocks-evenso，wrappedinsuchradiantraiment，didMinervagoinamongthehostandspeakmanbymantoeach。FirstshetooktheformandvoiceofPhoenixandspoketoMenelaussonofAtreus，whowasstandingnearher。\"Menelaus，\"saidshe，\"itwillbeshameanddishonourtoyou，ifdogstearthenoblecomradeofAchillesunderthewallsofTroy。Thereforebestaunch，andurgeyourmentobesoalso。\" Menelausanswered，\"Phoenix，mygoodoldfriend，mayMinervavouchsafemestrengthandkeepthedartsfromoffme，forsoshallI standbyPatroclusanddefendhim；hisdeathhasgonetomyheart，butHectorisasaragingfireanddealshisblowswithoutceasing，forJoveisnowgrantinghimatimeoftriumph。\" Minervawaspleasedathishavingnamedherselfbeforeanyoftheothergods。Thereforesheputstrengthintohiskneesandshoulders，andmadehimasboldasafly，which，thoughdrivenoffwillyetcomeagainandbiteifitcan，sodearlydoesitloveman’sblood- evensoboldasthisdidshemakehimashestoodoverPatroclusandthrewhisspear。NowtherewasamongtheTrojansamannamedPodes，sonofEetion，whowasbothrichandvaliant。Hectorheldhiminthehighesthonourforhewashiscomradeandbooncompanion；thespearofMenelausstruckthismaninthegirdlejustashehadturnedinflight，andwentrightthroughhim。Whereonhefellheavilyforward，andMenelaussonofAtreusdrewoffhisbodyfromtheTrojansintotheranksofhisownpeople。 ApollothenwentuptoHectorandspurredhimontofight，inthelikenessofPhaenopssonofAsiuswholivedinAbydosandwasthemostfavouredofallHector’sguests。InhislikenessApollosaid，\"Hector，whooftheAchaeanswillfearyouhenceforwardnowthatyouhavequailedbeforeMenelauswhohaseverbeenratedpoorlyasasoldier？ YethehasnowgotacorpseawayfromtheTrojanssingle-handed，andhasslainyourowntruecomrade，amanbraveamongtheforemost，PodessonofEetion。 AdarkcloudofgrieffelluponHectorasheheard，andhemadehiswaytothefrontcladinfullarmour。ThereonthesonofSaturnseizedhisbrighttasselledaegis，andveiledIdaincloud:hesentforthhislightningsandhisthunders，andasheshookhisaegishegavevictorytotheTrojansandroutedtheAchaeans。 ThepanicwasbegunbyPeneleostheBoeotian，forwhilekeepinghisfaceturnedevertowardsthefoehehadbeenhitwithaspearontheupperpartoftheshoulder；aspearthrownbyPolydamashadgrazedthetopofthebone，forPolydamashadcomeuptohimandstruckhimfromcloseathand。ThenHectorinclosecombatstruckLeitussonofnobleAlectryoninthehandbythewrist，anddisabledhimfromfightingfurther。Helookedabouthimindismay，knowingthatneveragainshouldhewieldspearinbattlewiththeTrojans。WhileHectorwasinpursuitofLeitus，Idomeneusstruckhimonthebreastplateoverhischestnearthenipple；butthespearbrokeintheshaft，andtheTrojanscheeredaloud。HectorthenaimedatIdomeneussonofDeucalionashewasstandingonhischariot，andverynarrowlymissedhim，butthespearhitCoiranus，afollowerandcharioteerofMerioneswhohadcomewithhimfromLyctus。IdomeneushadlefttheshipsonfootandwouldhaveaffordedagreattriumphtotheTrojansifCoiranushadnotdrivenquicklyuptohim，hethereforebroughtlifeandrescuetoIdomeneus，buthimselffellbythehandofmurderousHector。ForHectorhithimonthejawundertheear；theendofthespeardroveouthisteethandcuthistongueintwopieces，sothathefellfromhischariotandletthereinsfalltotheground。Merionesgatheredthemupfromthegroundandtookthemintohisownhands，thenhesaidtoIdomeneus，\"Layon，tillyougetbacktotheships，foryoumustseethatthedayisnolongerours。\" OnthisIdomeneuslashedthehorsestotheships，forfearhadtakenholduponhim。 AjaxandMenelausnotedhowJovehadturnedthescaleinfavouroftheTrojans，andAjaxwasfirsttospeak。\"Alas，\"saidhe，\"evenafoolmayseethatfatherJoveishelpingtheTrojans。Alltheirweaponsstrikehome；nomatterwhetheritbeabravemanoracowardthathurlsthem，Jovespeedsallalike，whereasoursfalleachoneofthemwithouteffect。What，then，willbebestbothasregardsrescuingthebody，andourreturntothejoyofourfriendswhowillbegrievingastheylookhitherwards；fortheywillmakesurethatnothingcannowchecktheterriblehandsofHector，andthathewillflinghimselfuponourships。IwishthatsomeonewouldgoandtellthesonofPeleusatonce，forIdonotthinkhecanhaveyetheardthesadnewsthatthedearestofhisfriendshasfallen。ButIcanseenotamanamongtheAchaeanstosend，fortheyandtheirchariotsarealikehiddenindarkness。OfatherJove，liftthiscloudfromoverthesonsoftheAchaeans；makeheavenserene，andletussee；ifyouwillthatweperish，letusfallatanyratebydaylight。\" FatherJoveheardhimandhadcompassionuponhistears。Forthwithhechasedawaythecloudofdarkness，sothatthesunshoneoutandallthefightingwasrevealed。AjaxthensaidtoMenelaus，\"Look，Menelaus，andifAntilochussonofNestorbestillliving，sendhimatoncetotellAchillesthatbyfarthedearesttohimofallhiscomradeshasfallen。\" Menelausheededhiswordsandwenthiswayasalionfromastockyard-thelionistiredofattackingthemenandhounds，whokeepwatchthewholenightthroughandwillnotlethimfeastonthefatoftheirherd。Inhislustofmeathemakesstraightatthembutinvain，fordartsfromstronghandsassailhim，andburningbrandswhichdaunthimforallhishunger，sointhemorningheslinkssulkilyaway-evensodidMenelaussorelyagainsthiswillleavePatroclus，ingreatfearlesttheAchaeansshouldbedrivenbackinroutandlethimfallintothehandsofthefoe。HechargedMerionesandthetwoAjaxesstraitlysaying，\"AjaxesandMeriones，leadersoftheArgives，nowindeedrememberhowgoodPatrocluswas；hewasevercourteouswhilealive，bearitinmindnowthatheisdead。\" WiththisMenelausleftthem，lookingroundhimaskeenlyasaneagle，whosesighttheysayiskeenerthanthatofanyotherbird- howeverhighhemaybeintheheavens，notaharethatrunscanescapehimbycrouchingunderbushorthicket，forhewillswoopdownuponitandmakeanendofit-evenso，OMenelaus，didyourkeeneyesrangeroundthemightyhostofyourfollowerstoseeifyoucouldfindthesonofNestorstillalive。PresentlyMenelaussawhimontheextremeleftofthebattlecheeringonhismenandexhortingthemtofightboldly。Menelauswentuptohimandsaid，\"Antilochus，comehereandlistentosadnews，whichIwouldindeedwereuntrue。YoumustseewithyourowneyesthatheavenisheapingcalamityupontheDanaans，andgivingvictorytotheTrojans。Patroclushasfallen，whowasthebravestoftheAchaeans，andsorelywilltheDanaansmisshim。RuninstantlytotheshipsandtellAchilles，thathemaycometorescuethebodyandbearittotheships。Asforthearmour，Hectoralreadyhasit。\" Antilochuswasstruckwithhorror。Foralongtimehewasspeechless；hiseyesfilledwithtearsandhecouldfindnoutterance，buthedidasMenelaushadsaid，andsetoffrunningassoonashehadgivenhisarmourtoacomrade，Laodocus，whowaswheelinghishorsesround，closebesidehim。 Thus，then，didherunweepingfromthefield，tocarrythebadnewstoAchillessonofPeleus。Norwereyou，OMenelaus，mindedtosuccourhisharassedcomrades，whenAntilochushadleftthePylians-andgreatlydidtheymisshim-buthesentthemnobleThrasymedes，andhimselfwentbacktoPatroclus。HecamerunninguptothetwoAjaxesandsaid，\"IhavesentAntilochustotheshipstotellAchilles，butrageagainstHectorashemay，hecannotcome，forhecannotfightwithoutarmour。Whatthenwillbeourbestplanbothasregardsrescuingthedead，andourownescapefromdeathamidthebattle-criesoftheTrojans？\" Ajaxanswered，\"Menelaus，youhavesaidwell:doyou，then，andMerionesstoopdown，raisethebody，andbearitoutofthefray，whilewetwobehindyoukeepoffHectorandtheTrojans，oneinheartasinname，andlongusedtofightingsidebysidewithoneanother。\" OnthisMenelausandMerionestookthedeadmanintheirarmsandliftedhimhighaloftwithagreateffort。TheTrojanhostraisedahueandcrybehindthemwhentheysawtheAchaeansbearingthebodyaway，andflewafterthemlikehoundsattackingawoundedboaratthelooofabandofyounghuntsmen。Forawhilethehoundsflyathimasthoughtheywouldtearhiminpieces，butnowandagainheturnsontheminafury，scaringandscatteringtheminalldirections-evensodidtheTrojansforawhilechargeinabody，strikingwithswordandwithspearspointedaiboththeends，butwhenthetwoAjaxesfacedthemandstoodatbay，theywouldturnpaleandnomandaredpressontofightfurtheraboutthedead。 Inthiswisedidthetwoheroesstraineverynervetobearthebodytotheshipsoutofthefight。Thebattleragedroundthemlikefierceflamesthatwhenoncekindledspreadlikewildfireoveracity，andthehousesfallintheglareofitsburning-evensuchwastheroarandtrampofmenandhorsesthatpursuedthemastheyborePatroclusfromthefield。Orasmulesthatputforthalltheirstrengthtodrawsomebeamorgreatpieceofship’stimberdownaroughmountain-track，andtheypantandsweatasthey，goevensodidMenelausandpantandsweatastheyborethebodyofPatroclus。 BehindthemthetwoAjaxesheldstoutlyout。Assomewoodedmountain-spurthatstretchesacrossaplainwillturnwaterandchecktheflowevenofagreatriver，noristhereanystreamstrongenoughtobreakthroughit-evensodidthetwoAjaxesfacetheTrojansandsternthetideoftheirfightingthoughtheykeptpouringontowardsthemandforemostamongthemallwasAeneassonofAnchiseswithvaliantHector。Asaflockofdawsorstarlingsfalltoscreamingandchatteringwhentheyseeafalcon，foetoi’llsmallbirds，comesoaringnearthem，evensodidtheAchaeanyouthraiseababelofcriesastheyfledbeforeAeneasandHector，unmindfuloftheirformerprowess。IntheroutoftheDanaansmuchgoodlyarmourfellroundaboutthetrench，andoffightingtherewasnoend。 BOOKXVIII THUSthendidtheyfightasitwereaflamingfire。MeanwhilethefleetrunnerAntilochus，whohadbeensentasmessenger，reachedAchilles，andfoundhimsittingbyhistallshipsandbodingthatwhichwasindeedtoosurelytrue。\"Alas，\"saidhetohimselfintheheavinessofhisheart，\"whyaretheAchaeansagainscouringtheplainandflockingtowardstheships？HeavengrantthegodsbenotnowbringingthatsorrowuponmeofwhichmymotherThetisspoke，sayingthatwhileIwasyetalivethebravestoftheMyrmidonsshouldfallbeforetheTrojans，andseethelightofthesunnolonger。IfearthebravesonofMenoetiushasfallenthroughhisowndaringandyetI badehimreturntotheshipsassoonashehaddrivenbackthosethatwerebringingfireagainstthem，andnotjoinbattlewithHector。\" Ashewasthuspondering，thesonofNestorcameuptohimandtoldhissadtale，weepingbitterlythewhile。\"Alas，\"hecried，\"sonofnoblePeleus，Ibringyoubadtidings，wouldindeedthattheywereuntrue。Patroclushasfallen，andafightisragingabouthisnakedbody-forHectorholdshisarmour。\" AdarkcloudofgrieffelluponAchillesashelistened。Hefilledbothhandswithdustfromofftheground，andpoureditoverhishead，disfiguringhiscomelyface，andlettingtherefusesettleoverhisshirtsofairandnew。Heflunghimselfdownallhugeandhugelyatfulllength，andtorehishairwithhishands。ThebondswomenwhomAchillesandPatroclushadtakencaptivescreamedaloudforgrief，beatingtheirbreasts，andwiththeirlimbsfailingthemforsorrow。 Antilochusbentoverhimthewhile，weepingandholdingbothhishandsashelaygroaningforhefearedthathemightplungeaknifeintohisownthroat。ThenAchillesgavealoudcryandhismotherheardhimasshewassittinginthedepthsoftheseabytheoldmanherfather，whereonshescreamed，andallthegoddessesdaughtersofNereusthatdweltatthebottomofthesea，camegatheringroundher。TherewereGlauce，ThaliaandCymodoce，Nesaia，Speo，thoeanddark-eyedHalie，Cymothoe，ActaeaandLimnorea，Melite，Iaera，AmphithoeandAgave，DotoandProto，PherusaandDynamene，Dexamene，AmphinomeandCallianeira，Doris，Panope，andthefamoussea-nymphGalatea，Nemertes，ApseudesandCallianassa。TherewerealsoClymene，IaneiraandIanassa，Maera，OreithuiaandAmatheiaofthelovelylocks，withotherNereidswhodwellinthedepthsofthesea。ThecrystalcavewasfilledwiththeirmultitudeandtheyallbeattheirbreastswhileThetisledthemintheirlament。 \"Listen，\"shecried，\"sisters，daughtersofNereus，thatyoumayheartheburdenofmysorrows。Alas，woeisme，woeinthatIhavebornethemostgloriousofoffspring。Iborehimfairandstrong，heroamongheroes，andheshotupasasapling；Itendedhimasaplantinagoodlygarden，andsenthimwithhisshipstoIliustofighttheTrojans，butnevershallIwelcomehimbacktothehouseofPeleus。Solongashelivestolookuponthelightofthesunheisinheaviness，andthoughIgotohimIcannothelphim。NeverthelessI willgo，thatImayseemydearsonandlearnwhatsorrowhasbefallenhimthoughheisstillholdingalooffrombattle。\" Sheleftthecaveasshespoke，whiletheothersfollowedweepingafter，andthewavesopenedapathbeforethem。WhentheyreachedtherichplainofTroy，theycameupoutoftheseainalonglineontothesands，attheplacewheretheshipsoftheMyrmidonsweredrawnupincloseorderroundthetentsofAchilles。Hismotherwentuptohimashelaygroaning；shelaidherhanduponhisheadandspokepiteously，saying，\"Myson，whyareyouthusweeping？Whatsorrowhasnowbefallenyou？Tellme；hideitnotfromme。SurelyJovehasgrantedyoutheprayeryoumadehim，whenyouliftedupyourhandsandbesoughthimthattheAchaeansmightallofthembepentupattheirships，andrueitbitterlyinthatyouwerenolongerwiththem。\" Achillesgroanedandanswered，\"Mother，OlympianJovehasindeedvouchsafedmethefulfilmentofmyprayer，butwhatbootsittome，seeingthatmydearcomradePatroclushasfallen-hewhomIvaluedmorethanallothers，andlovedasdearlyasmyownlife？Ihavelosthim；aye，andHectorwhenhehadkilledhimstrippedthewondrousarmour，soglorioustobehold，whichthegodsgavetoPeleuswhentheylaidyouinthecouchofamortalman。Wouldthatyouwerestilldwellingamongtheimmortalsea-nymphs，andthatPeleushadtakentohimselfsomemortalbride。Fornowyoushallhavegriefinfinitebyreasonofthedeathofthatsonwhomyoucanneverwelcomehome- nay，IwillnotlivenorgoaboutamongmankindunlessHectorfallbymyspear，andthuspaymeforhavingslainPatroclussonofMenoetius。\" Thetisweptandanswered，\"Then，myson，isyourendnearathand- foryourowndeathawaitsyoufullsoonafterthatofHector。\" ThensaidAchillesinhisgreatgrief，\"Iwoulddiehereandnow，inthatIcouldnotsavemycomrade。Hehasfallenfarfromhome，andinhishourofneedmyhandwasnottheretohelphim。Whatisthereforme？ReturntomyownlandIshallnot，andIhavebroughtnosavingneithertoPatroclusnortomyothercomradesofwhomsomanyhavebeenslainbymightyHector；Istayherebymyshipsabootlessburdenupontheearth，I，whoinfighthavenopeeramongtheAchaeans，thoughincounciltherearebetterthanI。Therefore，perishstrifebothfromamonggodsandmen，andanger，whereinevenarighteousmanwillhardenhisheart-whichrisesupinthesoulofamanlikesmoke，andthetastethereofissweeterthandropsofhoney。EvensohasAgamemnonangeredme。Andyet-sobeit，foritisover；IwillforcemysoulintosubjectionasIneedsmust；I willgo；IwillpursueHectorwhohasslainhimwhomIlovedsodearly，andwillthenabidemydoomwhenitmaypleaseJoveandtheothergodstosendit。EvenHercules，thebestbelovedofJove-evenhecouldnotescapethehandofdeath，butfateandJuno’sfierceangerlaidhimlow，asItooshallliewhenIamdeadifalikedoomawaitsme。TillthenIwillwinfame，andwillbidTrojanandDardanianwomenwringtearsfromtheirtendercheekswithboththeirhandsinthegrievousnessoftheirgreatsorrow；thusshalltheyknowthathewhohasheldaloofsolongwillholdaloofnolonger。 Holdmenotback，therefore，intheloveyoubearme，foryoushallnotmoveme。\" Thensilver-footedThetisanswered，\"Myson，whatyouhavesaidistrue。Itiswelltosaveyourcomradesfromdestruction，butyourarmourisinthehandsoftheTrojans；Hectorbearsitintriumphuponhisownshoulders。FullwellIknowthathisvauntshallnotbelasting，forhisendiscloseathand；gonot，however，intothepressofbattletillyouseemereturnhither；to-morrowatbreakofdayI shallbehere，andwillbringyougoodlyarmourfromKingVulcan。\" Onthissheleftherbraveson，andassheturnedawayshesaidtothesea-nymphshersisters，\"Diveintothebosomoftheseaandgotothehouseoftheoldsea-godmyfather。Tellhimeverything；asforme，IwillgotothecunningworkmanVulcanonhighOlympus，andaskhimtoprovidemysonwithasuitofsplendidarmour。\" Whenshehadsosaid，theydivedforthwithbeneaththewaves，whilesilver-footedThetiswentherwaythatshemightbringthearmourforherson。 Thus，then，didherfeetbearthegoddesstoOlympus，andmeanwhiletheAchaeanswereflyingwithloudcriesbeforemurderousHectortilltheyreachedtheshipsandtheHellespont，andtheycouldnotdrawthebodyofMars’sservantPatroclusoutofreachoftheweaponsthatwereshowereduponhim，forHectorsonofPriamwithhishostandhorsemenhadagaincaughtuptohimliketheflameofafieryfurnace；thricedidbraveHectorseizehimbythefeet，strivingwithmightandmaintodrawhimawayandcallingloudlyontheTrojans，andthricedidthetwoAjaxes，clothedinvalouraswithagarment，beathimfromoffthebody；butallundauntedhewouldnowchargeintothethickofthefight，andnowagainhewouldstandstillandcryaloud，buthewouldgivenoground。Asuplandshepherdsthatcannotchasesomefamishedlionfromacarcase，evensocouldnotthetwoAjaxesscareHectorsonofPriamfromthebodyofPatroclus。 Andnowhewouldevenhavedraggeditoffandhavewonimperishableglory，hadnotIrisfleetasthewind，wingedherwayasmessengerfromOlympustothesonofPeleusandbiddenhimarm。ShecamesecretlywithouttheknowledgeofJoveandoftheothergods，forJunosenther，andwhenshehadgotclosetohimshesaid，\"Up，sonofPeleus，mightiestofallmankind；rescuePatroclusaboutwhomthisfearfulfightisnowragingbytheships。Menarekillingoneanother，theDanaansindefenceofthedeadbody，whiletheTrojansaretryingtohaleitaway，andtakeittowindIlius:Hectoristhemostfuriousofthemall；heisforcuttingtheheadfromthebodyandfixingitonthestakesofthewall。Up，then，andbideherenolonger；shrinkfromthethoughtthatPatroclusmaybecomemeatforthedogsofTroy。Shameonyou，shouldhisbodysufferanykindofoutrage。\" AndAchillessaid，\"Iris，whichofthegodswasitthatsentyoutome？\" Irisanswered，\"ItwasJunotheroyalspouseofJove，butthesonofSaturndoesnotknowofmycoming，noryetdoesanyotheroftheimmortalswhodwellonthesnowysummitsofOlympus。\" ThenfleetAchillesansweredhersaying，\"HowcanIgoupintothebattle？Theyhavemyarmour。MymotherforbademetoarmtillIshouldseehercome，forshepromisedtobringmegoodlyarmourfromVulcan；IknownomanwhosearmsIcanputon，saveonlytheshieldofAjaxsonofTelamon，andhesurelymustbefightinginthefrontrankandwieldinghisspearaboutthebodyofdeadPatroclus。\" Irissaid，’Weknowthatyourarmourhasbeentaken，butgoasyouare；gotothedeeptrenchandshowyourelfbeforetheTrojans，thattheymayfearyouandceasefighting。ThuswillthefaintingsonsoftheAchaeansgainsomebriefbreathing-time，whichinbattlemayhardlybe。\" Irislefthimwhenshehadsospoken。ButAchillesdeartoJovearose，andMinervaflunghertasselledaegisroundhisstrongshoulders；shecrownedhisheadwithahaloofgoldencloudfromwhichshekindledaglowofgleamingfire。Asthesmokethatgoesupintoheavenfromsomecitythatisbeingbeleagueredonanislandfaroutatsea-alldaylongdomensallyfromthecityandfighttheirhardest，andatthegoingdownofthesunthelineofbeacon-firesblazesforth，flaringhighforthosethatdwellnearthemtobehold，ifsobethattheymaycomewiththeirshipsandsuccourthem-evensodidthelightflarefromtheheadofAchilles，ashestoodbythetrench，goingbeyondthewall-butheaidnotjointheAchaeansforheheededthechargewhichhismotherlaiduponhim。 Theredidhestandandshoutaloud。Minervaalsoraisedhervoicefromafar，andspreadterrorunspeakableamongtheTrojans。Ringingasthenoteofatrumpetthatsoundsalarmthenthefoeisatthegatesofacity，evensobrazenwasthevoiceofthesonofAeacus，andwhentheTrojanshearditsclariontonestheyweredismayed；thehorsesturnedbackwiththeirchariotsfortheybodedmischief，andtheirdriverswereawe-struckbythesteadyflamewhichthegrey-eyedgoddesshadkindledabovetheheadofthegreatsonofPeleus。 ThricedidAchillesraisehisloudcryashestoodbythetrench，andthriceweretheTrojansandtheirbravealliesthrownintoconfusion；whereontwelveoftheirnoblestchampionsfellbeneaththewheelsoftheirchariotsandperishedbytheirownspears。TheAchaeanstotheirgreatjoythendrewPatroclusoutofreachoftheweapons，andlaidhimonalitter:hiscomradesstoodmourningroundhim，andamongthemfleetAchilleswhoweptbitterlyashesawhistruecomradelyingdeaduponhisbier。Hehadsenthimoutwithhorsesandchariotsintobattle，buthisreturnhewasnottowelcome。 ThenJunosentthebusysun，loththoughhewas，intothewatersofOceanus；soheset，andtheAchaeanshadrestfromthetugandturmoilofwar。 NowtheTrojanswhentheyhadcomeoutofthefight，unyokedtheirhorsesandgatheredinassemblybeforepreparingtheirsupper。Theykepttheirfeet，norwouldanydaretositdown，forfearhadfallenuponthemallbecauseAchilleshadshownhimselfafterhavingheldaloofsolongfrombattle。PolydamassonofPanthouswasfirsttospeak，amanofjudgement，whoaloneamongthemcouldlookbothbeforeandafter。HewascomradetoHector，andtheyhadbeenbornuponthesamenight；withallsincerityandgoodwill，therefore，headdressedthemthus:- \"Looktoitwell，myfriends；Iwouldurgeyoutogobacknowtoyourcityandnotwaitherebytheshipstillmorning，forwearefarfromourwalls。SolongasthismanwasatenmitywithAgamemnontheAchaeanswereeasiertodealwith，andIwouldhavegladlycampedbytheshipsinthehopeoftakingthem；butnowIgoingreatfearofthefleetsonofPeleus；heissodaringthathewillneverbidehereontheplainwhereontheTrojansandAchaeansfightwithequalvalour，buthewilltrytostormourcityandcarryoffourwomen。DothenasIsay，andletusretreat。Forthisiswhatwillhappen。ThedarknessofnightwillforatimestaythesonofPeleus，butifhefindushereinthemorningwhenhesalliesforthinfullarmour，weshallhaveknowledgeofhimingoodearnest。GladindeedwillhebewhocanescapeandgetbacktoIlius，andmanyaTrojanwillbecomemeatfordogsandvulturesmayIneverlivetohearit。IfwedoasIsay，littlethoughwemaylikeit，weshallhavestrengthincounselduringthenight，andthegreatgateswiththedoorsthatclosethemwillprotectthecity。Atdawnwecanarmandtakeourstandonthewalls；hewillthenrueitifhesalliesfromtheshipstofightus。Hewillgobackwhenhehasgivenhishorsestheirfillofbeingdrivenallwhithersunderourwalls，andwillbeinnomindtotryandforcehiswayintothecity。Neitherwillheeversackit，dogsshalldevourhimerehedoso。\" Hectorlookedfiercelyathimandanswered，\"Polydamas，yourwordsarenottomylikinginthatyoubidusgobackandbepentwithinthecity。Haveyounothadenoughofbeingcoopedupbehindwalls？Intheold-daysthecityofPriamwasfamousthewholeworldoverforitswealthofgoldandbronze，butourtreasuresarewastedoutofourhouses，andmuchgoodshavebeensoldawaytoPhrygiaandfairMeonia，forthehandofJovehasbeenlaidheavilyuponus。Now，therefore，thatthesonofschemingSaturnhasvouchsafedmetowingloryhereandtohemtheAchaeansinattheirships，pratenomoreinthisfool’swiseamongthepeople。Youwillhavenomanwithyou；itshallnotbe；doallofyouasInowsay；-takeyoursuppersinyourcompaniesthroughoutthehost，andkeepyourwatchesandbewakefuleverymanofyou。IfanyTrojanisuneasyabouthispossessions，lethimgatherthemandgivethemoutamongthepeople。Betterletthese，ratherthantheAchaeans，havethem。Atdaybreakwewillarmandfightabouttheships；grantedthatAchilleshasagaincomeforwardtodefendthem，letitbeashewill，butitshallgohardwithhim。Ishallnotshunhim，butwillfighthim，tofallorconquer。Thegodofwardealsoutlikemeasuretoall，andtheslayermayyetbeslain。\" ThusspokeHector；andtheTrojans，foolsthattheywere，shoutedinapplause，forPallasMinervahadrobbedthemoftheirunderstanding。 TheygaveeartoHectorwithhisevilcounsel，butthewisewordsofPolydamasnomanwouldheed。Theytooktheirsupperthroughoutthehost，andmeanwhilethroughthewholenighttheAchaeansmournedPatroclus，andthesonofPeleusledthemintheirlament。Helaidhismurderoushandsuponthebreastofhiscomrade，groaningagainandagainasabeardedlionwhenamanwhowaschasingdeerhasrobbedhimofhisyounginsomedenseforest；whenthelioncomesbackheisfurious，andsearchesdingleanddelltotrackthehunterifhecanfindhim，forheismadwithrage-evensowithmanyasighdidAchillesspeakamongtheMyrmidonssaying，\"Alas！vainwerethewordswithwhichIcheeredtheheroMenoetiusinhisownhouse；IsaidthatIwouldbringhisbravesonbackagaintoOpoeisafterhehadsackedIliusandtakenhisshareofthespoils-butJovedoesnotgiveallmentheirheart’sdesire。ThesamesoilshallbereddenedhereatTroybythebloodofusboth，forItooshallneverbewelcomedhomebytheoldknightPeleus，norbymymotherThetis，buteveninthisplaceshalltheearthcoverme。Nevertheless，OPatroclus，nowthatIamleftbehindyou，Iwillnotburyyou，tillIhavebroughthithertheheadandarmourofmightyHectorwhohasslainyou。 TwelvenoblesonsofTrojanswillIbeheadbeforeyourbiertoavengeyou；tillIhavedonesoyoushalllieasyouarebytheships，andfairwomenofTroyandDardanus，whomwehavetakenwithspearandstrengthofarmwhenwesackedmen’sgoodlycities，shallweepoveryoubothnightandday。\" ThenAchillestoldhismentosetalargetripoduponthefirethattheymightwashtheclottedgorefromoffPatroclus。Thereontheysetatripodfullofbathwaterontoaclearfire:theythrewsticksontoittomakeitblaze，andthewaterbecamehotastheflameplayedaboutthebellyofthetripod。Whenthewaterinthecauldronwasboilingtheywashedthebody，anointeditwithoil，andcloseditswoundswithointmentthathadbeenkeptnineyears。Thentheylaiditonabierandcovereditwithalinenclothfromheadtofoot，andoverthistheylaidafairwhiterobe。ThusallnightlongdidtheMyrmidonsgatherroundAchillestomournPatroclus。 ThenJovesaidtoJunohissister-wife，\"So，QueenJuno，youhavegainedyourend，andhaverousedfleetAchilles。OnewouldthinkthattheAchaeanswereofyourownfleshandblood。\" AndJunoanswered，\"DreadsonofSaturn，whyshouldyousaythisthing？Maynotamanthoughhebeonlymortalandknowslessthanwedo，dowhathecanforanotherperson？AndshallnotI-foremostofallgoddessesbothbydescentandaswifetoyouwhoreigninheaven-deviseevilfortheTrojansifIamangrywiththem？\" Thusdidtheyconverse。MeanwhileThetiscametothehouseofVulcan，imperishable，star-bespangled，fairestoftheabodesinheaven，ahouseofbronzewroughtbythelamegod’sownhands。Shefoundhimbusywithhisbellows，sweatingandhardatwork，forhewasmakingtwentytripodsthatweretostandbythewallofhishouse，andhesetwheelsofgoldunderthemallthattheymightgooftheirownselvestotheassembliesofthegods，andcomebackagain-marvelsindeedtosee。Theywerefinishedallbuttheearsofcunningworkmanshipwhichyetremainedtobefixedtothem:thesehewasnowfixing，andhewashammeringattherivets。Whilehewasthusatworksilver-footedThetiscametothehouse。Charis，ofgracefulhead-dress，wifetothefar-famedlamegod，cametowardsherassoonasshesawher，andtookherhandinherown，saying，\"Whyhaveyoucometoourhouse，Thetis，honouredandeverwelcome-foryoudonotvisitusoften？Comeinsideandletmesetrefreshmentbeforeyou。\" Thegoddessledthewayasshespoke，andbadeThetissitonarichlydecoratedseatinlaidwithsilver；therewasafootstoolalsounderherfeet。ThenshecalledVulcanandsaid，\"Vulcan，comehere，Thetiswantsyou\"；andthefar-famedlamegodanswered，\"Thenitisindeedanaugustandhonouredgoddesswhohascomehere；sheitwasthattookcareofmewhenIwassufferingfromtheheavyfallwhichIhadthroughmycruelmother’sanger-forshewouldhavegotridofmebecauseIwaslame。ItwouldhavegonehardlywithmehadnotEurynome，daughteroftheever-encirclingwatersofOceanus，andThetis，takenmetotheirbosom。NineyearsdidIstaywiththem，andmanybeautifulworksinbronze，brooches，spiralarmlets，cups，andchains，didImakeforthemintheircave，withtheroaringwatersofOceanusfoamingastheyrushedeverpastit；andnooneknew，neitherofgodsnormen，saveonlyThetisandEurynomewhotookcareofme。If，then，ThetishascometomyhouseImustmakeherduerequitalforhavingsavedme；entertainher，therefore，withallhospitality，whileIputbymybellowsandallmytools。\" Onthisthemightymonsterhobbledofffromhisanvil，histhinlegsplyinglustilyunderhim。Hesetthebellowsawayfromthefire，andgatheredhistoolsintoasilverchest。Thenhetookaspongeandwashedhisfaceandhands，hisshaggychestandbrawnyneck；hedonnedhisshirt，graspedhisstrongstaff，andlimpedtowardsthedoor。 Thereweregoldenhandmaidsalsowhoworkedforhim，andwerelikerealyoungwomen，withsenseandreason，voicealsoandstrength，andallthelearningoftheimmortals；thesebusiedthemselvesasthekingbadethem，whilehedrewneartoThetis，seatedheruponagoodlyseat，andtookherhandinhisown，saying，\"Whyhaveyoucometoourhouse，Thetishonouredandeverwelcome-foryoudonotvisitusoften？Saywhatyouwant，andIwilldoitforyouatonceifIcan，andifitcanbedoneatall。\" Thetisweptandanswered，\"Vulcan，isthereanothergoddessinOlympuswhomthesonofSaturnhasbeenpleasedtotrywithsomuchafflictionashehasme？Mealoneofthemarinegoddessesdidhemakesubjecttoamortalhusband，PeleussonofAeacus，andsorelyagainstmywilldidIsubmittotheembracesofonewhowasbutmortal，andwhonowstaysathomewornoutwithage。Neitheristhisall。Heavenvouchsafedmeason，heroamongheroes，andheshotupasasapling。ItendedhimasaplantinagoodlygardenandsenthimwithhisshipstoIliustofighttheTrojans，butnevershallI welcomehimbacktothehouseofPeleus。Solongashelivestolookuponthelightofthesun，heisinheaviness，andthoughIgotohimIcannothelphim；KingAgamemnonhasmadehimgiveupthemaidenwhomthesonsoftheAchaeanshadawardedhim，andhewasteswithsorrowforhersake。ThentheTrojanshemmedtheAchaeansinattheirships’sternsandwouldnotletthemcomeforth；theelders，therefore，oftheArgivesbesoughtAchillesandofferedhimgreattreasure，whereonherefusedtobringdeliverancetothemhimself，butputhisownarmouronPatroclusandsenthimintothefightwithmuchpeopleafterhim。AlldaylongtheyfoughtbytheScaeangatesandwouldhavetakenthecitythereandthen，hadnotApollovouchsafedglorytoHectorandslainthevaliantsonofMenoetiusafterhehaddonetheTrojansmuchevil。ThereforeIamsuppliantatyourkneesifhaplyyoumaybepleasedtoprovidemyson，whoseendisnearathand，withhelmetandshield，withgoodlygreavesfittedwithancle-clasps，andwithabreastplate，forhelosthisownwhenhistruecomradefellatthehandsoftheTrojans，andhenowliesstretchedonearthinthebitternessofhissoul。\" AndVulcananswered，\"Takeheart，andbenomoredisquietedaboutthismatter；wouldthatIcouldhidehimfromdeath’ssightwhenhishouriscome，sosurelyasIcanfindhimarmourthatshallamazetheeyesofallwhobeholdit。\" Whenhehadsosaidheleftherandwenttohisbellows，turningthemtowardsthefireandbiddingthemdotheiroffice。Twentybellowsblewuponthemelting-pots，andtheyblewblastsofeverykind，somefiercetohelphimwhenhehadneedofthem，andotherslessstrongasVulcanwilleditinthecourseofhiswork。Hethrewtoughcopperintothefire，andtin，withsilverandgold；hesethisgreatanvilonitsblock，andwithonehandgraspedhismightyhammerwhilehetookthetongsintheother。 Firstheshapedtheshieldsogreatandstrong，adorningitalloverandbindingitroundwithagleamingcircuitinthreelayers；andthebaldricwasmadeofsilver。Hemadetheshieldinfivethicknesses，andwithmanyawonderdidhiscunninghandenrichit。 Hewroughttheearth，theheavens，andthesea；themoonalsoatherfullandtheuntiringsun，withallthesignsthatglorifythefaceofheaven-thePleiads，theHyads，hugeOrion，andtheBear，whichmenalsocalltheWainandwhichturnsroundeverinoneplace，facing。 Orion，andaloneneverdipsintothestreamofOceanus。 Hewroughtalsotwocities，fairtoseeandbusywiththehumofmen。Intheonewereweddingsandwedding-feasts，andtheyweregoingaboutthecitywithbrideswhomtheywereescortingbytorchlightfromtheirchambers。LoudrosethecryofHymen，andtheyouthsdancedtothemusicoffluteandlyre，whilethewomenstoodeachatherhousedoortoseethem。 Meanwhilethepeopleweregatheredinassembly，fortherewasaquarrel，andtwomenwerewranglingabouttheblood-moneyforamanwhohadbeenkilled，theonesayingbeforethepeoplethathehadpaiddamagesinfull，andtheotherthathehadnotbeenpaid。Eachwastryingtomakehisowncasegood，andthepeopletooksides，eachmanbackingthesidethathehadtaken；buttheheraldskeptthemback，andtheelderssateontheirseatsofstoneinasolemncircle，holdingthestaveswhichtheheraldshadputintotheirhands。 Thentheyroseandeachinhisturngavejudgement，andthereweretwotalentslaiddown，tobegiventohimwhosejudgementshouldbedeemedthefairest。 Abouttheothercitytherelayencampedtwohostsingleamingarmour，andtheyweredividedwhethertosackit，ortospareitandacceptthehalfofwhatitcontained。Butthemenofthecitywouldnotyetconsent，andarmedthemselvesforasurprise；theirwivesandlittlechildrenkeptguarduponthewalls，andwiththemwerethemenwhowerepastfightingthroughage；buttheotherssalliedforthwithMarsandPallasMinervaattheirhead-bothofthemwroughtingoldandcladingoldenraiment，greatandfairwiththeirarmourasbefittinggods，whiletheythatfollowedweresmaller。Whentheyreachedtheplacewheretheywouldlaytheirambush，itwasonariverbedtowhichlivestockofallkindswouldcomefromfarandneartowater；here，then，theylayconcealed，cladinfullarmour。Somewayoffthemthereweretwoscoutswhowereonthelook-outforthecomingofsheeporcattle，whichpresentlycame，followedbytwoshepherdswhowereplayingontheirpipes，andhadnotsomuchasathoughtofdanger。Whenthosewhowereinambushsawthis，theycutofftheflocksandherdsandkilledtheshepherds。Meanwhilethebesiegers，whentheyheardmuchnoiseamongthecattleastheysatincouncil，sprangtotheirhorses，andmadewithallspeedtowardsthem；whentheyreachedthemtheysetbattleinarraybythebanksoftheriver，andthehostsaimedtheirbronze-shodspearsatoneanother。WiththemwereStrifeandRiot，andfellFatewhowasdraggingthreemenafterher，onewithafreshwound，andtheotherunwounded，whilethethirdwasdead，andshewasdragginghimalongbyhisheel:andherrobewasbedrabbledinmen’sblood。Theywentinandoutwithoneanotherandfoughtasthoughtheywerelivingpeoplehalingawayoneanother’sdead。 Hewroughtalsoafairfallowfield，largeandthriceploughedalready。Manymenwereworkingattheploughwithinit，turningtheiroxentoandfro，furrowafterfurrow。Eachtimethattheyturnedonreachingtheheadlandamanwouldcomeuptothemandgivethemacupofwine，andtheywouldgobacktotheirfurrowslookingforwardtothetimewhentheyshouldagainreachtheheadland。Thepartthattheyhadploughedwasdarkbehindthem，sothatthefield，thoughitwasofgold，stilllookedasifitwerebeingploughed-verycurioustobehold。 Hewroughtalsoafieldofharvestcorn，andthereaperswerereapingwithsharpsicklesintheirhands。Swatheafterswathefelltothegroundinastraightlinebehindthem，andthebindersboundtheminbandsoftwistedstraw。Therewerethreebinders，andbehindthemtherewereboyswhogatheredthecutcorninarmfulsandkeptonbringingthemtobebound:amongthemalltheownerofthelandstoodbyinsilenceandwasglad。Theservantsweregettingamealreadyunderanoak，fortheyhadsacrificedagreatox，andwerebusycuttinghimup，whilethewomenweremakingaporridgeofmuchwhitebarleyforthelabourers’dinner。 Hewroughtalsoavineyard，goldenandfairtosee，andthevineswereloadedwithgrapes。Thebunchesoverheadwereblack，butthevinesweretrainedonpolesofsilver。Heranaditchofdarkmetalallroundit，andfenceditwithafenceoftin；therewasonlyonepathtoit，andbythisthevintagerswentwhentheywouldgatherthevintage。Youthsandmaidensallblitheandfullofglee，carriedthelusciousfruitinplaitedbaskets；andwiththemtherewentaboywhomadesweetmusicwithhislyre，andsangtheLinus-songwithhisclearboyishvoice。 Hewroughtalsoaherdofhomedcattle。Hemadethecowsofgoldandtin，andtheylowedastheycamefullspeedoutoftheyardstogoandfeedamongthewavingreedsthatgrowbythebanksoftheriver。Alongwiththecattletherewentfourshepherds，allofthemingold，andtheirninefleetdogswentwiththem。Twoterriblelionshadfastenedonabellowingbullthatwaswiththeforemostcows，andbellowashemighttheyhaledhim，whilethedogsandmengavechase:thelionstorethroughthebull’sthickhideandweregorgingonhisbloodandbowels，buttheherdsmenwereafraidtodoanything，andonlyhoundedontheirdogs；thedogsdarednotfastenonthelionsbutstoodbybarkingandkeepingoutofharm’sway。 Thegodwroughtalsoapastureinafairmountaindell，andlargeflockofsheep，withahomesteadandhuts，andshelteredsheepfolds。 Furthermorehewroughtagreen，likethatwhichDaedalusoncemadeinCnossusforlovelyAriadne。Hereontheredancedyouthsandmaidenswhomallwouldwoo，withtheirhandsononeanother’swrists。Themaidensworerobesoflightlinen，andtheyouthswellwovenshirtsthatwereslightlyoiled。Thegirlswerecrownedwithgarlands，whiletheyoungmenhaddaggersofgoldthathungbysilverbaldrics；sometimestheywoulddancedeftlyinaringwithmerrytwinklingfeet，asitwereapottersittingathisworkandmakingtrialofhiswheeltoseewhetheritwillrun，andsometimestheywouldgoallinlinewithoneanother，andmuchpeoplewasgatheredjoyouslyaboutthegreen。Therewasabardalsotosingtothemandplayhislyre，whiletwotumblerswentaboutperforminginthemidstofthemwhenthemanstruckupwithhistune。 AllroundtheoutermostrimoftheshieldhesetthemightystreamoftheriverOceanus。 Thenwhenhehadfashionedtheshieldsogreatandstrong，hemadeabreastplatealsothatshonebrighterthanfire。Hemadehelmet，closefittingtothebrow，andrichlyworked，withagoldenplumeoverhangingit；andhemadegreavesalsoofbeatentin。 Lastly，whenthefamedlamegodhadmadeallthearmour，hetookitandsetitbeforethemotherofAchilles；whereonshedartedlikeafalconfromthesnowysummitsofOlympusandboreawaythegleamingarmourfromthehouseofVulcan。 BOOKXIX NOWwhenDawninrobeofsaffronwashastingfromthestreamsofOceanus，tobringlighttomortalsandimmortals，Thetisreachedtheshipswiththearmourthatthegodhadgivenher。ShefoundhersonfallenaboutthebodyofPatroclusandweepingbitterly。Manyalsoofhisfollowerswereweepingroundhim，butwhenthegoddesscameamongthemsheclaspedhishandinherown，saying，\"Myson，grieveaswemaywemustletthismanlie，foritisbyheaven’swillthathehasfallen；now，therefore，acceptfromVulcanthisrichandgoodlyarmour，whichnomanhaseveryetborneuponhisshoulders。\" AsshespokeshesetthearmourbeforeAchilles，anditrangoutbravelyasshedidso。TheMyrmidonswerestruckwithawe，andnonedaredlookfullatit，fortheywereafraid；butAchilleswasrousedtostillgreaterfury，andhiseyesgleamedwithafiercelight，forhewasgladwhenhehandledthesplendidpresentwhichthegodhadmadehim。Then，assoonashehadsatisfiedhimselfwithlookingatit，hesaidtohismother，\"Mother，thegodhasgivenmearmour，meethandiworkforanimmortalandsuchasnolivingcouldhavefashioned；Iwillnowarm，butImuchfearthatflieswillsettleuponthesonofMenoetiusandbreedwormsabouthiswounds，sothathisbody，nowheisdead，willbedisfiguredandthefleshwillrot。\" Silver-footedThetisanswered，\"Myson，benotdisquietedaboutthismatter。Iwillfindmeanstoprotecthimfromtheswarmsofnoisomefliesthatpreyonthebodiesofmenwhohavebeenkilledinbattle。 Hemaylieforawholeyear，andhisfleshshallstillbeassoundasever，orevensounder。Call，therefore，theAchaeanheroesinassembly；unsayyourangeragainstAgamemnon；armatonce，andfightwithmightandmain。\" Asshespokesheputstrengthandcourageintohisheart，andshethendroppedambrosiaandrednectarintothewoundsofPatroclus，thathisbodymightsuffernochange。 ThenAchilleswentoutupontheseashore，andwithaloudcrycalledontheAchaeanheroes。Onthiseventhosewhoasyethadstayedalwaysattheships，thepilotsandhelmsmen，andeventhestewardswhowereabouttheshipsandservedoutrations，allcametotheplaceofassemblybecauseAchilleshadshownhimselfafterhavingheldaloofsolongfromfighting。TwosonsofMars，UlyssesandthesonofTydeus，camelimping，fortheirwoundsstillpainedthem；neverthelesstheycame，andtooktheirseatsinthefrontrowoftheassembly。LastofallcameAgamemnon，kingofmen，hetoowounded，forCoonsonofAntenorhadstruckhimwithaspearinbattle。 WhentheAchaeansweregottogetherAchillesroseandsaid，\"SonofAtreus，surelyitwouldhavebeenbetteralikeforbothyouandme，whenwetwowereinsuchhighangeraboutBriseis，surelyitwouldhavebeenbetter，hadDiana’sarrowslainherattheshipsonthedaywhenItookherafterhavingsackedLyrnessus。Forso，manyanAchaeanthelesswouldhavebittendustbeforethefoeinthedaysofmyanger。IthasbeenwellforHectorandtheTrojans，buttheAchaeanswilllongindeedrememberourquarrel。Now，however，letitbe，foritisover。Ifwehavebeenangry，necessityhasschooledouranger。Iputitfromme:Idarenotnurseitforever； therefore，bidtheAchaeansarmforthwiththatImaygooutagainsttheTrojans，andlearnwhethertheywillbeinamindtosleepbytheshipsorno。Glad，Iween，willhebetoresthiskneeswhomayflymyspearwhenIwieldit。\" Thusdidhespeak，andtheAchaeansrejoicedinthathehadputawayhisanger。 ThenAgamemnonspoke，risinginhisplace，andnotgoingintothemiddleoftheassembly。\"Danaanheroes，\"saidhe，\"servantsofMars，itiswelltolistenwhenamanstandsuptospeak，anditisnotseemlytointerrupthim，oritwillgohardevenwithapractisedspeaker。Whocaneitherhearorspeakinanuproar？Eventhefinestoratorwillbedisconcertedbyit。IwillexpoundtothesonofPeleus，anddoyouotherAchaeansheedmeandmarkmewell。OftenhavetheAchaeansspokentomeofthismatterandupbraidedme，butitwasnotIthatdidit:Jove，andFate，andErinysthatwalksindarknessstruckmemadwhenwewereassembledonthedaythatItookfromAchillesthemeedthathadbeenawardedtohim。WhatcouldI do？Allthingsareinthehandofheaven，andFolly，eldestofJove’sdaughters，shutsmen’seyestotheirdestruction。Shewalksdelicately，notonthesolidearth，buthoversovertheheadsofmentomakethemstumbleortoensnarethem。 \"TimewaswhenshefooledJovehimself，whotheysayisgreatestwhetherofgodsormen；forJuno，womanthoughshewas，beguiledhimonthedaywhenAlcmenawastobringforthmightyHerculesinthefaircityofThebes。Hetolditoutamongthegodssaying，’Hearmeallgodsandgoddesses，thatImayspeakevenasIamminded；thisdayshallanIlithuia，helperofwomenwhoareinlabour，bringamanchildintotheworldwhoshallbelordoverallthatdwellabouthimwhoareofmybloodandlineage。’ThensaidJunoallcraftyandfullofguile，’Youwillplayfalse，andwillnotholdtoyourword。 Swearme，OOlympian，swearmeagreatoath，thathewhoshallthisdayfallbetweenthefeetofawoman，shallbelordoverallthatdwellabouthimwhoareofyourbloodandlineage。’ \"Thusshespoke，andJovesuspectedhernot，butsworethegreatoath，tohismuchruingthereafter。ForJunodarteddownfromthehighsummitofOlympus，andwentinhastetoAchaeanArgoswheresheknewthatthenoblewifeofSthenelussonofPerseusthenwas。Shebeingwithchildandinherseventhmonth，Junobroughtthechildtobirththoughtherewasamonthstillwanting，butshestayedtheoffspringofAlcmena，andkeptbacktheIlithuiae。ThenshewenttotellJovethesonofSaturn，andsaid，’FatherJove，lordofthelightning-I haveawordforyourear。Thereisafinechildbornthisday，Eurystheus，sontoSthenelusthesonofPerseus；heisofyourlineage；itiswell，therefore，thatheshouldreignovertheArgives。’ \"OnthisJovewasstungtotheveryquick，andinhisragehecaughtFollybythehair，andsworeagreatoaththatnevershouldsheagaininvadestarryheavenandOlympus，forshewasthebaneofall。