第10章

letwhatwillbeseen，allishonourableindeath，butwhenanoldmanisslainthereisnothinginthisworldmorepitiablethanthatdogsshoulddefilehisgreyhairandbeardandallthatmenhideforshame。\" Theoldmantorehisgreyhairashespoke，buthemovednottheheartofHector。Hismotherhardbyweptandmoanedaloudasshebaredherbosomandpointedtothebreastwhichhadsuckledhim。\"Hector，\" shecried，weepingbitterlythewhile，\"Hector，myson，spurnnotthisbreast，buthavepityuponmetoo:ifIhaveevergivenyoucomfortfrommyownbosom，thinkonitnow，dearson，andcomewithinthewalltoprotectusfromthisman；standnotwithouttomeethim。Shouldthewretchkillyou，neitherInoryourrichlydoweredwifeshalleverweep，dearoffshootofmyself，overthebedonwhichyoulie，fordogswilldevouryouattheshipsoftheAchaeans。\" Thusdidthetwowithmanytearsimploretheirson，buttheymovednottheheartofHector，andhestoodhisgroundawaitinghugeAchillesashedrewnearertowardshim。Asserpentinitsdenuponthemountains，fullfedwithdeadlypoisons，waitsfortheapproachofman-heisfilledwithfuryandhiseyesglareterriblyashegoeswrithingroundhisden-evensoHectorleanedhisshieldagainstatowerthatjuttedoutfromthewallandstoodwherehewas，undaunted。 \"Alas，\"saidhetohimselfintheheavinessofhisheart，\"ifIgowithinthegates，Polydamaswillbethefirsttoheapreproachuponme，foritwashethaturgedmetoleadtheTrojansbacktothecityonthatawfulnightwhenAchillesagaincameforthagainstus。Iwouldnotlisten，butitwouldhavebeenindeedbetterifIhaddoneso。Nowthatmyfollyhasdestroyedthehost，IdarenotlookTrojanmenandTrojanwomenintheface，lestaworsemanshouldsay，’Hectorhasruinedusbyhisself-confidence。’SurelyitwouldbebetterformetoreturnafterhavingfoughtAchillesandslainhim，ortodiegloriouslyherebeforethecity。What，again，ifweretolaydownmyshieldandhelmet，leanmyspearagainstthewallandgostraightuptonobleAchilles？WhatifIweretopromisetogiveupHelen，whowasthefountainheadofallthiswar，andallthetreasurethatAlexandrusbroughtwithhiminhisshipstoTroy，aye，andtolettheAchaeansdividethehalfofeverythingthatthecitycontainsamongthemselves？ ImightmaketheTrojans，bythemouthsoftheirprinces，takeasolemnoaththattheywouldhidenothing，butwoulddivideintotwosharesallthatiswithinthecity-butwhyarguewithmyselfinthisway？WereItogouptohimhewouldshowmenokindofmercy；hewouldkillmethenandthereaseasilyasthoughIwereawoman，whenIhadoffmyarmour。Thereisnoparleyingwithhimfromsomerockoroaktreeasyoungmenandmaidensprattlewithoneanother。 Betterfighthimatonce，andlearntowhichofusJovewillvouchsafevictory。\" Thusdidhestandandponder，butAchillescameuptohimasitwereMarshimself，plumedlordofbattle。FromhisrightshoulderhebrandishedhisterriblespearofPelianash，andthebronzegleamedaroundhimlikeflashingfireortheraysoftherisingsun。FearfelluponHectorashebeheldhim，andhedarednotstaylongerwherehewasbutfledindismayfrombeforethegates，whileAchillesdartedafterhimathisutmostspeed。Asamountainfalcon，swiftestofallbirds，swoopsdownuponsomecoweringdove-thedovefliesbeforehimbutthefalconwithashrillscreamfollowscloseafter，resolvedtohaveher-evensodidAchillesmakestraightforHectorwithallhismight，whileHectorfledundertheTrojanwallasfastashislimbscouldtakehim。 Ontheyflewalongthewaggon-roadthatranhardbyunderthewall，pastthelookoutstation，andpasttheweather-beatenwildfig-tree，tilltheycametotwofairspringswhichfeedtheriverScamander。Oneofthesetwospringsiswarm，andsteamrisesfromitassmokefromaburningfire，buttheothereveninsummerisascoldashailorsnow，ortheicethatformsonwater。Here，hardbythesprings，arethegoodlywashing-troughsofstone，whereinthetimeofpeacebeforethecomingoftheAchaeansthewivesandfairdaughtersoftheTrojansusedtowashtheirclothes。Pastthesedidtheyfly，theoneinfrontandtheothergivingha。behindhim:goodwasthemanthatfled，butbetterfarwashethatfollowedafter，andswiftlyindeeddidtheyrun，fortheprizewasnomerebeastforsacrificeorbullock’shide，asitmightbeforacommonfoot-race，buttheyranforthelifeofHector。Ashorsesinachariotracespeedroundtheturning-postswhentheyarerunningforsomegreatprize- atripodorwoman-atthegamesinhonourofsomedeadhero，sodidthesetworunfullspeedthreetimesroundthecityofPriam。Allthegodswatchedthem，andthesireofgodsandmenwasthefirsttospeak。 \"Alas，\"saidhe，\"myeyesbeholdamanwhoisdeartomebeingpursuedroundthewallsofTroy；myheartisfullofpityforHector，whohasburnedthethigh-bonesofmanyaheiferinmyhonour，atonewhileontheofmany-valleyedIda，andagainonthecitadelofTroy；andnowIseenobleAchillesinfullpursuitofhimroundthecityofPriam。Whatsayyou？Consideramongyourselvesanddecidewhetherweshallnowsavehimorlethimfall，valiantthoughhebe，beforeAchilles，sonofPeleus。\" ThenMinervasaid，\"Father，wielderofthelightning，lordofcloudandstorm，whatmeanyou？Wouldyoupluckthismortalwhosedoomhaslongbeendecreedoutofthejawsofdeath？Doasyouwill，butweothersshallnotbeofamindwithyou。\" AndJoveanswered，\"Mychild，Trito-born，takeheart。Ididnotspeakinfullearnest，andIwillletyouhaveyourway。Dowithoutletorhindranceasyouareminded。\" ThusdidheurgeMinervawhowasalreadyeager，anddownshedartedfromthetopmostsummitsofOlympus。 AchilleswasstillinfullpursuitofHector，asahoundchasingafawnwhichhehasstartedfromitscovertonthemountains，andhuntsthroughgladeandthicket。Thefawnmaytrytoeludehimbycrouchingundercoverofabush，buthewillscentheroutandfollowherupuntilhegetsher-evensotherewasnoescapeforHectorfromthefleetsonofPeleus。WheneverhemadeasettogetneartheDardaniangatesandunderthewalls，thathispeoplemighthelphimbyshoweringdownweaponsfromabove，Achilleswouldgainonhimandheadhimbacktowardstheplain，keepinghimselfalwaysonthecityside。Asamaninadreamwhofailstolayhandsuponanotherwhomheispursuing-theonecannotescapenortheotherovertake-evensoneithercouldAchillescomeupwithHector，norHectorbreakawayfromAchilles；neverthelesshemightevenyethaveescapeddeathhadnotthetimecomewhenApollo，whothusfarhadsustainedhisstrengthandnervedhisrunning，wasnownolongertostaybyhim。AchillesmadesignstotheAchaeanhost，andshookhisheadtoshowthatnomanwastoaimadartatHector，lestanothermightwinthegloryofhavinghithimandhemighthimselfcomeinsecond。Then，atlast，astheywerenearingthefountainsforthefourthtime，thefatherofallbalancedhisgoldenscalesandplacedadoomineachofthem，oneforAchillesandtheotherforHector。Asheheldthescalesbythemiddle，thedoomofHectorfelldowndeepintothehouseofHades-andthenPhoebusApollolefthim。ThereonMinervawentcloseuptothesonofPeleusandsaid，\"NobleAchilles，favouredofheaven，wetwoshallsurelytakebacktotheshipsatriumphfortheAchaeansbyslayingHector，forallhislustofbattle。DowhatApollomayasheliesgrovellingbeforehisfather，aegis-bearingJove，Hectorcannotescapeuslonger。Stayhereandtakebreath，whileIgouptohimandpersuadehimtomakeastandandfightyou。\" ThusspokeMinerva。Achillesobeyedhergladly，andstoodstill，leaningonhisbronze-pointedashenspear，whileMinervalefthimandwentafterHectorintheformandwiththevoiceofDeiphobus。Shecamecloseuptohimandsaid，\"Dearbrother，IseeyouarehardpressedbyAchilleswhoischasingyouatfullspeedroundthecityofPriam，letusawaithisonsetandstandonourdefence。\" AndHectoranswered，\"Deiphobus，youhavealwaysbeendearesttomeofallmybrothers，childrenofHecubaandPriam，buthenceforthIshallrateyouyetmorehighly，inasmuchasyouhaveventuredoutsidethewallformysakewhenalltheothersremaininside。\" ThenMinervasaid，\"Dearbrother，myfatherandmotherwentdownontheirkneesandimploredme，asdidallmycomrades，toremaininside，sogreatafearhasfallenuponthemall；butIwasinanagonyofgriefwhenIbeheldyou；now，therefore，letustwomakeastandandfight，andlettherebenokeepingourspearsinreserve，thatwemaylearnwhetherAchillesshallkillusandbearoffourspoilstotheships，orwhetherheshallfallbeforeyou。\" ThusdidMinervainveiglehimbyhercunning，andwhenthetwowerenowclosetooneanothergreatHectorwasfirsttospeak。\"I will-nolongerflyyou，sonofPeleus，\"saidhe，\"asIhavebeendoinghitherto。ThreetimeshaveIfledroundthemightycityofPriam，withoutdaringtowithstandyou，butnow，letmeeitherslayorbeslain，forIaminthemindtofaceyou。Letus，then，givepledgestooneanotherbyourgods，whoarethefittestwitnessesandguardiansofallcovenants；letitbeagreedbetweenusthatifJovevouchsafesmethelongerstayandItakeyourlife，Iamnottotreatyourdeadbodyinanyunseemlyfashion，butwhenIhavestrippedyouofyourarmour，IamtogiveupyourbodytotheAchaeans。Anddoyoulikewise。\" Achillesglaredathimandanswered，\"Fool，pratenottomeaboutcovenants。Therecanbenocovenantsbetweenmenandlions，wolvesandlambscanneverbeofonemind，buthateeachotheroutandoutanthrough。Thereforetherecanbenounderstandingbetweenyouandme，normaytherebeanycovenantsbetweenus，tilloneorothershallfallandglutgrimMarswithhislife’sblood。Putforthallyourstrength；youhaveneednowtoproveyourselfindeedaboldsoldierandmanofwar。Youhavenomorechance，andPallasMinervawillforthwithvanquishyoubymyspear:youshallnowpaymeinfullforthegriefyouhavecausedmeonaccountofmycomradeswhomyouhavekilledinbattle。\" Hepoisedhisspearashespokeandhurledit。Hectorsawitcomingandavoidedit；hewatcheditandcroucheddownsothatitflewoverhisheadandstuckinthegroundbeyond；MinervathensnatcheditupandgaveitbacktoAchilleswithoutHector’sseeingher；HectorthereonsaidtothesonofPeleus，\"Youhavemissedyouraim，Achilles，peerofthegods，andJovehasnotyetrevealedtoyouthehourofmydoom，thoughyoumadesurethathehaddoneso。Youwereafalse-tonguedliarwhenyoudeemedthatIshouldforgetmyvalourandquailbeforeyou。Youshallnotdrivespearintothebackofarunaway-driveit，shouldheavensograntyoupower，driveitintomeasImakestraighttowardsyou；andnowforyourownpartavoidmyspearifyoucan-wouldthatyoumightreceivethewholeofitintoyourbody；ifyouwereoncedeadtheTrojanswouldfindthewaraneasiermatter，foritisyouwhohaveharmedthemmost。\" Hepoisedhisspearashespokeandhurledit。HisaimwastrueforhehitthemiddleofAchilles’shield，butthespearreboundedfromit，anddidnotpierceit。Hectorwasangrywhenhesawthattheweaponhadspedfromhishandinvain，andstoodthereindismayforhehadnosecondspear。WithaloudcryhecalledDiphobusandaskedhimforone，buttherewasnoman；thenhesawthetruthandsaidtohimself，\"Alas！thegodshaveluredmeontomydestruction。I deemedthattheheroDeiphobuswasbymyside，butheiswithinthewall，andMinervahasinveigledme；deathisnowindeedexceedinglynearathandandthereisnowayoutofit-forsoJoveandhissonApollothefar-darterhavewilledit，thoughheretoforetheyhavebeeneverreadytoprotectme。Mydoomhascomeuponme；letmenotthendieingloriouslyandwithoutastruggle，butletmefirstdosomegreatthingthatshallbetoldamongmenhereafter。\" Ashespokehedrewthekeenbladethathungsogreatandstrongbyhisside，andgatheringhimselftogetherbesprangonAchilleslikeasoaringeaglewhichswoopsdownfromthecloudsontosomelambortimidhare-evensodidHectorbrandishhisswordandspringuponAchilles。Achillesmadwithragedartedtowardshim，withhiswondrousshieldbeforehisbreast，andhisgleaminghelmet，madewithfourlayersofmetal，noddingfiercelyforward。ThethicktressesofgoldwiwhichVulcanhadcrestedthehelmetfloatedroundit，andastheeveningstarthatshinesbrighterthanallothersthroughthestillnessofnight，evensuchwasthegleamofthespearwhichAchillespoisedinhisrighthand，fraughtwiththedeathofnobleHector。Heeyedhisfairfleshoverandovertoseewherehecouldbestwoundit，butallwasprotectedbythegoodlyarmourofwhichHectorhadspoiledPatroclusafterhehadslainhim，saveonlythethroatwherethecollar-bonesdividetheneckfromtheshoulders，andthisisamostdeadlyplace:herethendidAchillesstrikehimashewascomingontowardshim，andthepointofhisspearwentrightthroughthefleshypartoftheneck，butitdidnotseverhiswindpipesothathecouldstillspeak。Hectorfellheadlong，andAchillesvauntedoverhimsaying，\"Hector，youdeemedthatyoushouldcomeoffscathelesswhenyouwerespoilingPatroclus，andreckednotofmyselfwhowasnotwithhim。Foolthatyouwere:forI，hiscomrade，mightierfarthanhe，wasstillleftbehindhimattheships，andnowIhavelaidyoulow。TheAchaeansshallgivehimallduefuneralrites，whiledogsandvulturesshallworktheirwilluponyourself。\" ThenHectorsaid，asthelifeebbedoutofhim，\"Iprayyoubyyourlifeandknees，andbyyourparents，letnotdogsdevourmeattheshipsoftheAchaeans，butaccepttherichtreasureofgoldandbronzewhichmyfatherandmotherwillofferyou，andsendmybodyhome，thattheTrojansandtheirwivesmaygivememyduesoffirewhenIamdead。\" Achillesglaredathimandanswered，\"Dog，talknottomeneitherofkneesnorparents；wouldthatIcouldbeassureofbeingabletocutyourfleshintopiecesandeatitraw，fortheillhavedoneme，asIamthatnothingshallsaveyoufromthedogs-itshallnotbe，thoughtheybringtenortwenty-foldransomandweighitoutformeonthespot，withpromiseofyetmorehereafter。ThoughPriamsonofDardanusshouldbidthemoffermeyourweightingold，evensoyourmothershallneverlayyououtandmakelamentoverthesonshebore，butdogsandvulturesshalleatyouutterlyup。\" Hectorwithhisdyingbreaththensaid，\"Iknowyouwhatyouare，andwassurethatIshouldnotmoveyou，foryourheartishardasiron；looktoitthatIbringnotheaven’sangeruponyouonthedaywhenParisandPhoebusApollo，valiantthoughyoube，shallslayyouattheScaeangates。\" Whenhehadthussaidtheshroudsofdeathenfoldedhim，whereonhissoulwentoutofhimandflewdowntothehouseofHades，lamentingitssadfatethatitshoulden’youthandstrengthnolonger。ButAchillessaid，speakingtothedeadbody，\"Die；formypartIwillacceptmyfatewhensoeverJoveandtheothergodsseefittosendit。\" Ashespokehedrewhisspearfromthebodyandsetitononeside；thenhestrippedtheblood-stainedarmourfromHector’sshoulderswhiletheotherAchaeanscamerunninguptoviewhiswondrousstrengthandbeauty；andnoonecamenearhimwithoutgivinghimafreshwound。Thenwouldoneturntohisneighbourandsay，\"ItiseasiertohandleHectornowthanwhenhewasflingingfireontoourships\"andashespokehewouldthrusthisspearintohimanew。 WhenAchilleshaddonespoilingHectorofhisarmour，hestoodamongtheArgivesandsaid，\"Myfriends，princesandcounsellorsoftheArgives，nowthatheavenhasvouchsafedustoovercomethisman，whohasdoneusmorehurtthanalltheotherstogether，considerwhetherweshouldnotattackthecityinforce，anddiscoverinwhatmindtheTrojansmaybe。WeshouldthuslearnwhethertheywilldeserttheircitynowthatHectorhasfallen，orwillstillholdouteventhoughheisnolongerliving。Butwhyarguewithmyselfinthisway，whilePatroclusisstilllyingattheshipsunburied，andunmourned-heWhomIcanneverforgetsolongasIamaliveandmystrengthfailsnot？ThoughmenforgettheirdeadwhenoncetheyarewithinthehouseofHades，yetnoteventherewillIforgetthecomradewhomIhavelost。Now，therefore，Achaeanyouths，letusraisethesongofvictoryandgobacktotheshipstakingthismanalongwithus；forwehaveachievedamightytriumphandhaveslainnobleHectortowhomtheTrojansprayedthroughouttheircityasthoughhewereagod。\" OnthishetreatedthebodyofHectorwithcontumely:hepiercedthesinewsatthebackofbothhisfeetfromheeltoancleandpassedthongsofox-hidethroughtheslitshehadmade:thushemadethebodyfasttohischariot，lettingtheheadtrailupontheground。Thenwhenhehadputthegoodlyarmouronthechariotandhadhimselfmounted，helashedhishorsesonandtheyflewforwardnothingloth。ThedustrosefromHectorashewasbeingdraggedalong，hisdarkhairflewallabroad，andhisheadoncesocomelywaslaidlowonearth，forJovehadnowdeliveredhimintothehandsofhisfoestodohimoutrageinhisownland。 ThuswastheheadofHectorbeingdishonouredinthedust。Hismothertoreherhair，andflungherveilfromherwithaloudcryasshelookeduponherson。Hisfathermadepiteousmoan，andthroughoutthecitythepeoplefelltoweepingandwailing。ItwasasthoughthewholeoffrowningIliuswasbeingsmirchedwithfire。 HardlycouldthepeopleholdPriambackinhishothastetorushwithoutthegatesofthecity。Hegrovelledinthemireandbesoughtthem，callingeachoneofthembyhisname。\"Letbe，myfriends，\"hecried，\"andforallyoursorrow，suffermetogosingle-handedtotheshipsoftheAchaeans。Letmebeseechthiscruelandterribleman，ifmaybehewillrespectthefeelingofhisfellow-men，andhavecompassiononmyoldage。Hisownfatherisevensuchanotherasmyself-Peleus，whobredhimandrearedhimto-bethebaneofusTrojans，andofmyselfmorethanofallothers。Manyasonofminehasheslainintheflowerofhisyouth，andyet，grievefortheseasI may，Idosoforone-Hector-morethanforthemall，andthebitternessofmysorrowwillbringmedowntothehouseofHades。 Wouldthathehaddiedinmyarms，forsobothhisill-starredmotherwhoborehim，andmyself，shouldhavehadthecomfortofweepingandmourningoverhim。\" Thusdidhespeakwithmanytears，andallthepeopleofthecityjoinedinhislament。HecubathenraisedthecryofwailingamongtheTrojans。\"Alas，myson，\"shecried，\"whathaveIlefttolivefornowthatyouarenomore？NightanddaydidIgloryin。youthroughoutthecity，foryouwereatowerofstrengthtoallinTroy，andbothmenandwomenalikehailedyouasagod。Solongasyoulivedyouweretheirpride，butnowdeathanddestructionhavefallenuponyou。\" Hector’swifehadasyetheardnothing，fornoonehadcometotellherthatherhusbandhadremainedwithoutthegates。Shewasatherloominaninnerpartofthehouse，weavingadoublepurpleweb，andembroideringitwithmanyflowers。Shetoldhermaidstosetalargetripodonthefire，soastohaveawarmbathreadyforHectorwhenhecameoutofbattle；poorwoman，sheknewnotthathewasnowbeyondthereachofbaths，andthatMinervahadlaidhimlowbythehandsofAchilles。Sheheardthecrycomingasfromthewall，andtrembledineverylimb；theshuttlefellfromherhands，andagainshespoketoherwaiting-women。\"Twoofyou，\"shesaid，\"comewithmethatImaylearnwhatitisthathasbefallen；Iheardthevoiceofmyhusband’shonouredmother；myownheartbeatsasthoughitwouldcomeintomymouthandmylimbsrefusetocarryme；somegreatmisfortuneforPriam’schildrenmustbeathand。MayIneverlivetohearit，butIgreatlyfearthatAchilleshascutofftheretreatofbraveHectorandhaschasedhimontotheplainwherehewassinglehanded；Ifearhemayhaveputanendtotherecklessdaringwhichpossessedmyhusband，whowouldneverremainwiththebodyofhismen，butwoulddashonfarinfront，foremostofthemallinvalour。\" Herheartbeatfast，andasshespokesheflewfromthehouselikeamaniac，withherwaiting-womenfollowingafter。Whenshereachedthebattlementsandthecrowdofpeople，shestoodlookingoutuponthewall，andsawHectorbeingborneawayinfrontofthecity-thehorsesdragginghimwithoutheedorcareoverthegroundtowardstheshipsoftheAchaeans。Hereyeswerethenshroudedaswiththedarknessofnightandshefellfaintingbackwards。Shetorethetiringfromherheadandflungitfromher，thefrontletandnetwithitsplaitedband，andtheveilwhichgoldenVenushadgivenheronthedaywhenHectortookherwithhimfromthehouseofEetion，afterhavinggivencountlessgiftsofwooingforhersake。Herhusband’ssistersandthewivesofhisbrotherscrowdedroundherandsupportedher，forshewasfaintodieinherdistraction；whensheagainpresentlybreathedandcametoherself，shesobbedandmadelamentamongtheTrojanssaying，’Woeisme，OHector；woe，indeed，thattoshareacommonlotwewereborn，youatTroyinthehouseofPriam，andIatThebesunderthewoodedmountainofPlacusinthehouseofEetionwhobroughtmeupwhenIwasachild-ill-starredsireofanill-starreddaughter-wouldthathehadneverbegottenme。YouarenowgoingintothehouseofHadesunderthesecretplacesoftheearth，andyouleavemeasorrowingwidowinyourhouse。Thechild，ofwhomyouandIaretheunhappyparents，isasyetamereinfant。Nowthatyouaregone，OHector，youcandonothingforhimnorheforyou。 EventhoughheescapethehorrorsofthiswofulwarwiththeAchaeans，yetshallhislifehenceforthbeoneoflabourandsorrow，forotherswillseizehislands。Thedaythatrobsachildofhisparentssevershimfromhisownkind；hisheadisbowed，hischeeksarewetwithtears，andhewillgoaboutdestituteamongthefriendsofhisfather，pluckingonebythecloakandanotherbytheshirt。 Someoneorotherofthesemaysofarpityhimastoholdthecupforamomenttowardshimandlethimmoistenhislips，buthemustnotdrinkenoughtowettheroofofhismouth；thenonewhoseparentsarealivewilldrivehimfromthetablewithblowsandangrywords。 ’Outwithyou，’hewillsay，’youhavenofatherhere，’andthechildwillgocryingbacktohiswidowedmother-he，Astyanax，whoerewhilewouldsituponhisfather’sknees，andhavenonebutthedaintiestandchoicestmorselssetbeforehim。Whenhehadplayedtillhewastiredandwenttosleep，hewouldlieinabed，inthearmsofhisnurse，onasoftcouch，knowingneitherwantnorcare，whereasnowthathehaslosthisfatherhislotwillbefullofhardship-he，whomtheTrojansnameAstyanax，becauseyou，OHector，weretheonlydefenceoftheirgatesandbattlements。Thewrigglingwrithingwormswillnoweatyouattheships，farfromyourparents，whenthedogshavegluttedthemselvesuponyou。Youwilllienaked，althoughinyourhouseyouhavefineandgoodlyraimentmadebyhandsofwomen。ThiswillInowburn；itisofnousetoyou，foryoucanneveragainwearit，andthusyouwillhaverespectshownyoubytheTrojansbothmenandwomen。\" Insuchwisedidshecryaloudamidhertears，andthewomenjoinedinherlament。 BOOKXXIII THUSdidtheymaketheirmoanthroughoutthecity，whiletheAchaeanswhentheyreachedtheHellespontwentbackeverymantohisownship。ButAchilleswouldnotlettheMyrmidonsgo，andspoketohisbravecomradessaying，\"Myrmidons，famedhorsemenandmyowntrustedfriends，notyet，forsooth，letusunyoke，butwithhorseandchariotdrawneartothebodyandmournPatroclus，induehonourtothedead。Whenwehavehadfullcomfortoflamentationwewillunyokeourhorsesandtakesupperallofushere。\" OnthistheyalljoinedinacryofwailingandAchillesledthemintheirlament。Thricedidtheydrivetheirchariotsallsorrowingroundthebody，andThetisstirredwithinthemastilldeeperyearning。 Thesandsoftheseashoreandthemen’sarmourwerewetwiththeirweeping，sogreataministeroffearwashewhomtheyhadlost。 ChiefinalltheirmourningwasthesonofPeleus:helaidhisbloodstainedhandonthebreastofhisfriend。\"Farewell，\"hecried，\"Patroclus，eveninthehouseofHades。IwillnowdoallthatIerewhilepromisedyou；IwilldragHectorhitherandletdogsdevourhimraw；twelvenoblesonsofTrojanswillIalsoslaybeforeyourpyretoavengeyou。\" AshespokehetreatedthebodyofnobleHectorwithcontumely，layingitatfulllengthinthedustbesidethebierofPatroclus。Theothersthenputoffeverymanhisarmour，tookthehorsesfromtheirchariots，andseatedthemselvesingreatmultitudebytheshipofthefleetdescendantofAeacus，whothereonfeastedthemwithanabundantfuneralbanquet。Manyagoodlyox，withmanyasheepandbleatinggoatdidtheybutcherandcutup；manyatuskedboarmoreover，fatandwell-fed，didtheysingeandsettoroastintheflamesofVulcan；andrivuletsofbloodflowedallroundtheplacewherethebodywaslying。 ThentheprincesoftheAchaeanstookthesonofPeleustoAgamemnon，buthardlycouldtheypersuadehimtocomewiththem，sowrothwasheforthedeathofhiscomrade。AssoonastheyreachedAgamemnon’stenttheytoldtheserving-mentosetalargetripodoverthefireincasetheymightpersuadethesonofPeleus’towashtheclottedgorefromthisbody，buthedeniedthemsternly，andsworeitwithasolemnoath，saying，\"Nay，byKingJove，firstandmightiestofallgods，itisnotmeetthatwatershouldtouchmybody，tillI havelaidPatroclusontheflames，havebuilthimabarrow，andshavedmyhead-forsolongasIlivenosuchsecondsorrowshalleverdrawnighme。Now，therefore，letusdoallthatthissadfestivaldemands，butatbreakofday，KingAgamemnon，bidyourmenbringwood，andprovideallelsethatthedeadmaydulytakeintotherealmofdarkness；thefireshallthusburnhimoutofoursightthesooner，andthepeopleshallturnagaintotheirownlabours。\" Thusdidhespeak，andtheydidevenashehadsaid。Theymadehastetopreparethemeal，theyate，andeverymanhadhisfullsharesothatallweresatisfied。Assoonastheyhadhadhadenoughtoeatanddrink，theotherswenttotheirresteachinhisowntent，butthesonofPeleuslaygrievingamonghisMyrmidonsbytheshoreofthesoundingsea，inanopenplacewherethewavescamesurginginoneafteranother。Hereaverydeepslumbertookholduponhimandeasedtheburdenofhissorrows，forhislimbswerewearywithchasingHectorroundwindyIlius。PresentlythesadspiritofPatroclusdrewnearhim，likewhathehadbeeninstature，voice，andthelightofhisbeamingeyes，clad，too，ashehadbeencladinlife。Thespirithoveredoverhisheadandsaid- \"Yousleep，Achilles，andhaveforgottenme；youlovedmeliving，butnowthatIamdeadyouthinkformenofurther。BurymewithallspeedthatImaypassthegatesofHades；theghosts，vainshadowsofmenthatcanlabournomore，drivemeawayfromthem；theywillnotyetsuffermetojointhosethatarebeyondtheriver，andIwanderalldesolatebythewidegatesofthehouseofHades。GivemenowyourhandIprayyou，forwhenyouhaveoncegivenmemyduesoffire，nevershallIagaincomeforthoutofthehouseofHades。Nevermoreshallwesitapartandtakesweetcounselamongtheliving；thecruelfatewhichwasmybirth-righthasyawneditswidejawsaroundme-nay，youtooAchilles，peerofgods，aredoomedtodiebeneaththewallofthenobleTrojans。 \"OneprayermorewillImakeyou，ifyouwillgrantit；letnotmybonesbelaidapartfromyours，Achilles，butwiththem；evenaswewerebroughtuptogetherinyourownhome，whattimeMenoetiusbroughtmetoyouasachildfromOpoeisbecausebyasadspiteIhadkilledthesonofAmphidamas-notofsetpurpose，butinchildishquarreloverthedice。TheknightPeleustookmeintohishouse，entreatedmekindly，andnamedmetobeyoursquire；thereforeletourboneslieinbutasingleurn，thetwo-handledgoldenvasegiventoyoubyyourmother。\" AndAchillesanswered，\"Why，trueheart，areyoucomehithertolaythesechargesuponme？willofmyownselfdoallasyouhavebiddenme。Drawclosertome，letusoncemorethrowourarmsaroundoneanother，andfindsadcomfortinthesharingofoursorrows。\" Heopenedhisarmstowardshimashespokeandwouldhaveclaspedhiminthem，buttherewasnothing，andthespiritvanishedasavapour，gibberingandwhiningintotheearth。Achillessprangtohisfeet，smotehistwohands，andmadelamentationsaying，\"OfatrutheveninthehouseofHadesthereareghostsandphantomsthathavenolifeinthem；allnightlongthesadspiritofPatroclushashoveredoverheadmakingpiteousmoan，tellingmewhatIamtodoforhim，andlookingwondrouslylikehimself。\" Thusdidhespeakandhiswordssetthemallweepingandmourningaboutthepoordumbdead，tillrosy-fingeredmornappeared。ThenKingAgamemnonsentmenandmulesfromallpartsofthecamp，tobringwood，andMeriones，squiretoIdomeneus，wasinchargeoverthem。Theywentoutwithwoodmen’saxesandstrongropesintheirhands，andbeforethemwentthemules。Uphillanddowndaledidtheygo，bystraightwaysandcrooked，andwhentheyreachedtheheightsofmany-fountainedIda，theylaidtheiraxestotherootsofmanyatallbranchingoakthatcamethunderingdownastheyfelledit。Theysplitthetreesandboundthembehindthemules，whichthenwendedtheirwayastheybestcouldthroughthethickbrushwoodontotheplain。Allwhohadbeencuttingwoodborelogs，forsoMerionessquiretoIdomeneushadbiddenthem，andtheythrewthemdowninalineupontheseashoreattheplacewhereAchilleswouldmakeamightymonumentforPatroclusandforhimself。 Whentheyhadthrowndowntheirgreatlogsofwoodoverthewholeground，theystayedallofthemwheretheywere，butAchillesorderedhisbraveMyrmidonstogirdontheirarmour，andtoyokeeachmanhishorses；theythereforerose，girdedontheirarmourandmountedeachhischariot-theyandtheircharioteerswiththem。Thechariotswentbefore，andtheythatwereonfootfollowedasacloudintheirtensofthousandsafter。InthemidstofthemhiscomradesborePatroclusandcoveredhimwiththelocksoftheirhairwhichtheycutoffandthrewuponhisbody。LastcameAchilleswithhisheadbowedforsorrow，sonobleacomradewashetakingtothehouseofHades。 WhentheycametotheplaceofwhichAchilleshadtoldthemtheylaidthebodydownandbuiltupthewood。Achillesthenbethoughthimofanothermatter。Hewentaspaceawayfromthepyre，andcutofftheyellowlockwhichhehadletgrowfortheriverSpercheius。Helookedallsorrowfullyoutuponthedarksea，andsaid，\"Spercheius，invaindidmyfatherPeleusvowtoyouthatwhenIreturnedhometomylovednativelandIshouldcutoffthislockandofferyouaholyhecatomb；fiftyshe-goatswasItosacrificetoyouthereatyoursprings，whereisyourgroveandyouraltarfragrantwithburnt-offerings。Thusdidmyfathervow，butyouhavenotfulfilledhisprayer；now，therefore，thatIshallseemyhomenomore，IgivethislockasakeepsaketotheheroPatroclus。\" Ashespokeheplacedthelockinthehandsofhisdearcomrade，andallwhostoodbywerefilledwithyearningandlamentation。ThesunwouldhavegonedownupontheirmourninghadnotAchillespresentlysaidtoAgamemnon，\"SonofAtreus，foritistoyouthatthepeoplewillgiveear，thereisatimetomournandatimetoceasefrommourning；bidthepeoplenowleavethepyreandsetaboutgettingtheirdinners:we，towhomthedeadisdearest，willseetowhatiswantedhere，andlettheotherprincesalsostaybyme。\" WhenKingAgamemnonheardthishedismissedthepeopletotheirships，butthosewhowereaboutthedeadheapedupwoodandbuiltapyreahundredfeetthiswayandthat；thentheylaidthedeadallsorrowfullyuponthetopofit。Theyflayedanddressedmanyfatsheepandoxenbeforethepyre，andAchillestookfatfromallofthemandwrappedthebodythereinfromheadtofoot，heapingtheflayedcarcasesallroundit。Againstthebierheleanedtwo-handledjarsofhoneyandunguents；fourproudhorsesdidhethencastuponthepyre，groaningthewhilehedidso。Thedeadherohadhadhouse-dogs；twoofthemdidAchillesslayandthrewuponthepyre； healsoputtwelvebravesonsofnobleTrojanstotheswordandlaidthemwiththerest，forhewasfullofbitternessandfury。Thenhecommittedalltotheresistlessanddevouringmightofthefire；hegroanedaloudandcallidonhisdeadcomradebyname。\"Farewell，\" hecried，\"Patroclus，eveninthehouseofHades；IamnowdoingallthatIhavepromisedyou。TwelvebravesonsofnobleTrojansshalltheflamesconsumealongwithyourself，butdogs，notfire，shalldevourthefleshofHectorsonofPriam。\" Thusdidhevaunt，butthedogscamenotaboutthebodyofHector，forJove’sdaughterVenuskeptthemoffhimnightandday，andanointedhimwithambrosialoilofrosesthathisfleshmightnotbetornwhenAchilleswasdragginghimabout。PhoebusApollomoreoversentadarkcloudfromheaventoearth，whichgaveshadetothewholeplacewhereHectorlay，thattheheatofthesunmightnotparchhisbody。 NowthepyreaboutdeadPatrocluswouldnotkindle。Achillesthereforebethoughthimofanothermatter；hewentapartandprayedtothetwowindsBoreasandZephyrusvowingthemgoodlyofferings。Hemadethemmanydrink-offeringsfromthegoldencupandbesoughtthemtocomeandhelphimthatthewoodmightmakehastetokindleandthedeadbodiesbeconsumed。FleetIrisheardhimprayingandstartedofftofetchthewinds。TheywereholdinghighfeastinthehouseofboisterousZephyruswhenIriscamerunninguptothestonethresholdofthehouseandstoodthere，butassoonastheyseteyesonhertheyallcametowardsherandeachofthemcalledhertohim，butIriswouldnotsitdown。\"Icannotstay，\"shesaid，\"ImustgobacktothestreamsofOceanusandthelandoftheEthiopianswhoareofferinghecatombstotheimmortals，andIwouldhavemyshare； butAchillespraysthatBoreasandshrillZephyruswillcometohim，andhevowsthemgoodlyofferings；hewouldhaveyoublowuponthepyreofPatroclusforwhomalltheAchaeansarelamenting。\" Withthissheleftthem，andthetwowindsrosewithacrythatrenttheairandsweptthecloudsbeforethem。Theyblewonandonuntiltheycametothesea，andthewavesrosehighbeneaththem，butwhentheyreachedTroytheyfelluponthepyretillthemightyflamesroaredundertheblastthattheyblew。Allnightlongdidtheyblowhardandbeatuponthefire，andallnightlongdidAchillesgrasphisdoublecup，drawingwinefromamixing-bowlofgold，andcallinguponthespiritofdeadPatroclusashepouredituponthegrounduntiltheearthwasdrenched。Asafathermournswhenheisburningthebonesofhisbridegroomsonwhosedeathhaswrungtheheartsofhisparents，evensodidAchillesmournwhileburningthebodyofhiscomrade，pacingroundthebierwithpiteousgroaningandlamentation。 AtlengthastheMorningStarwasbeginningtoheraldthelightwhichsaffron-mantledDawnwassoontosuffuseoverthesea，theflamesfellandthefirebegantodie。ThewindsthenwenthomebeyondtheThraciansea，whichroaredandboiledastheysweptoverit。ThesonofPeleusnowturnedawayfromthepyreandlaydown，overcomewithtoil，tillhefellintoasweetslumber。PresentlytheywhowereaboutthesonofAtreusdrewnearinabody，androusedhimwiththenoiseandtrampoftheircoming。Hesatuprightandsaid，\"SonofAtreus，andallotherprincesoftheAchaeans，firstpourredwineeverywhereuponthefireandquenchit；letusthengatherthebonesofPatroclussonofMenoetius，singlingthemoutwithcare；theyareeasilyfound，fortheylieinthemiddleofthepyre，whileallelse，bothmenandhorses，hasbeenthrowninaheapandburnedattheouteredge。Wewilllaythebonesinagoldenurn，intwolayersoffat，againstthetimewhenIshallmyselfgodownintothehouseofHades。Asforthebarrow，labournottoraiseagreatonenow，butsuchasisreasonable。Afterwards，letthoseAchaeanswhomaybeleftattheshipswhenIamgone，builditbothbroadandhigh。\" ThushespokeandtheyobeyedthewordofthesonofPeleus。Firsttheypouredredwineuponthethicklayerofashesandquenchedthefire。Withmanytearstheysingledoutthewhitenedbonesoftheirlovedcomradeandlaidthemwithinagoldenurnintwolayersoffat:theythencoveredtheurnwithalinenclothandtookitinsidethetent。Theymarkedoffthecirclewherethebarrowshouldbe，madeafoundationforitaboutthepyre，andforthwithheapeduptheearth。Whentheyhadthusraisedamoundtheyweregoingaway，butAchillesstayedthepeopleandmadethemsitinassembly。Hebroughtprizesfromtheships-cauldrons，tripods，horsesandmules，nobleoxen，womenwithfairgirdles，andswartiron。 Thefirstprizeheofferedwasforthechariotraces-awomanskilledinallusefularts，andathree-leggedcauldronthathadearsforhandles，andwouldholdtwenty-twomeasures。Thiswasforthemanwhocameinfirst。Forthesecondtherewasasix-yearoldmare，unbroken，andinfoaltoahe-ass；thethirdwastohaveagoodlycauldronthathadneveryetbeenonthefire；itwasstillbrightaswhenitleftthemaker，andwouldholdfourmeasures。Thefourthprizewastwotalentsofgold，andthefifthatwo-handledurnasyetunsoiledbysmoke。ThenhestoodupandspokeamongtheArgivessaying- \"SonofAtreus，andallotherAchaeans，thesearetheprizesthatliewaitingthewinnersofthechariotraces。AtanyothertimeI shouldcarryoffthefirstprizeandtakeittomyowntent；youknowhowfarmysteedsexcelallothers-fortheyareimmortal； NeptunegavethemtomyfatherPeleus，whoinhisturngavethemtomyself；butIshallholdaloof，Iandmysteedsthathavelosttheirbraveandkinddriver，whomanyatimehaswashedtheminclearwaterandanointedtheirmaneswithoil。Seehowtheystandweepinghere，withtheirmanestrailingonthegroundintheextremityoftheirsorrow。Butdoyouotherssetyourselvesinorderthroughoutthehost，whosoeverhasconfidenceinhishorsesandinthestrengthofhischariot。\" ThusspokethesonofPeleusandthedriversofchariotsbestirredthemselves。FirstamongthemalluproseEumelus，kingofmen，sonofAdmetus，amanexcellentinhorsemanship。NexttohimrosemightyDiomedsonofTydeus；heyokedtheTrojanhorseswhichhehadtakenfromAeneas，whenApolloborehimoutofthefight。Nexttohim，yellow-hairedMenelaussonofAtreusroseandyokedhisfleethorses，Agamemnon’smareAethe，andhisownhorsePodargus。ThemarehadbeengiventoAgamemnonbyechepolussonofAnchises，thathemightnothavetofollowhimtoIlius，butmightstayathomeandtakehisease；forJovehadendowedhimwithgreatwealthandhelivedinspaciousSicyon。Thismare，alleagerfortherace，didMenelausputundertheyoke。 FourthinorderAntilochus，sontonobleNestorsonofNeleus，madereadyhishorses。ThesewerebredinPylos，andhisfathercameuptohimtogivehimgoodadviceofwhich，however，hestoodinbutlittleneed。\"Antilochus，\"saidNestor，\"youareyoung，butJoveandNeptunehavelovedyouwell，andhavemadeyouanexcellenthorseman。Ineednotthereforesaymuchbywayofinstruction。Youareskilfulatwheelingyourhorsesroundthepost，butthehorsesthemselvesareveryslow，anditisthisthatwill，Ifear，maryourchances。Theotherdriversknowlessthanyoudo，buttheirhorsesarefleeter；therefore，mydearson，seeifyoucannothituponsomeartificewherebyyoumayinsurethattheprizeshallnotslipthroughyourfingers。Thewoodmandoesmorebyskillthanbybruteforce；byskillthepilotguideshisstorm-tossedbarqueoverthesea，andsobyskillonedrivercanbeatanother。Ifamangowideinroundingthiswayandthat，whereasamanwhoknowswhatheisdoingmayhaveworsehorses，buthewillkeepthemwellinhandwhenheseesthedoubling-post；heknowstheprecisemomentatwhichtopulltherein，andkeepshiseyewellonthemaninfrontofhim。Iwillgiveyouthiscertaintokenwhichcannotescapeyournotice。Thereisastumpofadeadtree-oakorpineasitmaybe-somesixfeetabovetheground，andnotyetrottedawaybyrain；itstandsattheforkoftheroad；ithastwowhitestonessetoneoneachside，andthereisaclearcourseallroundit。Itmayhavebeenamonumenttosomeonelongsincedead，oritmayhavebeenusedasadoubling-postindaysgoneby；now，however，ithasbeenfixedonbyAchillesasthemarkroundwhichthechariotsshallturn；hugitascloseasyoucan，butasyoustandinyourchariotleanoveralittletotheleft；urgeonyourright-handhorsewithvoiceandlash，andgivehimalooserein，butlettheleft-handhorsekeepsoclosein，thatthenaveofyourwheelshallalmostgrazethepost；butmindthestone，oryouwillwoundyourhorsesandbreakyourchariotinpieces，whichwouldbesportforothersbutconfusionforyourself。Therefore，mydearson，mindwellwhatyouareabout，forifyoucanbefirsttoroundthepostthereisnochanceofanyonegivingyouthegobylater，noteventhoughyouhadAdrestus’shorseArionbehindyouhorsewhichisofdivinerace-orthoseofLaomedon，whicharethenoblestinthiscountry。\" WhenNestorhadmadeanendofcounsellinghissonhesatdowninhisplace，andfifthinorderMerionesgotreadyhishorses。Theythenallmountedtheirchariotsandcastlots-Achillesshookthehelmet，andthelotofAntilochussonofNestorfelloutfirst；nextcamethatofKingEumelus，andafterhis，thoseofMenelaussonofAtreusandofMeriones。ThelastplacefelltothelotofDiomedsonofTydeus，whowasthebestmanofthemall。Theytooktheirplacesinline；Achillesshowedthemthedoubling-postroundwhichtheyweretoturn，somewayoffupontheplain；herehestationedhisfather’sfollowerPhoenixasumpire，tonotetherunning，andreporttruly。 Atthesameinstanttheyallofthemlashedtheirhorses，struckthemwiththereins，andshoutedatthemwithalltheirmight。Theyflewfullspeedovertheplainawayfromtheships，thedustrosefromunderthemasitwereacloudorwhirlwind，andtheirmaneswereallflyinginthewind。Atonemomentthechariotsseemedtotouchtheground，andthenagaintheyboundedintotheair；thedriversstooderect，andtheirheartsbeatfastandfuriousintheirlustofvictory。Eachkeptcallingonhishorses，andthehorsesscouredtheplainamidthecloudsofdustthattheyraised。 Itwaswhentheyweredoingthelastpartofthecourseontheirwaybacktowardstheseathattheirpacewasstrainedtotheutmostanditwasseenwhateachcoulddo。ThehorsesofthedescendantofPheresnowtookthelead，andclosebehindthemcametheTrojanstallionsofDiomed。TheyseemedasifabouttomountEumelus’schariot，andhecouldfeeltheirwarmbreathonhisbackandonhisbroadshoulders，fortheirheadswereclosetohimastheyflewoverthecourse。Diomedwouldhavenowpassedhim，ortherewouldhavebeenadeadheat，butPhoebusApollotospitehimmadehimdrophiswhip。 Tearsofangerfellfromhiseyesashesawthemaresgoingonfasterthanever，whilehisownhorseslostgroundthroughhishavingnowhip。MinervasawthetrickwhichApollohadplayedthesonofTydeus，soshebroughthimhiswhipandputspiritintohishorses；moreovershewentafterthesonofAdmetusinarageandbrokehisyokeforhim；themareswentonetoonesidethecourse，andtheothertotheother，andthepolewasbrokenagainsttheground。 Eumeluswasthrownfromhischariotclosetothewheel；hiselbows，mouth，andnostrilswerealltorn，andhisforeheadwasbruisedabovehiseyebrows；hiseyesfilledwithtearsandhecouldfindnoutterance。ButthesonofTydeusturnedhishorsesasideandshotfarahead，forMinervaputfreshstrengthintothemandcoveredDiomedhimselfwithglory。 MenelaussonofAtreuscamenextbehindhim，butAntilochuscalledtohisfather’shorses。\"Onwithyouboth，\"hecried，\"anddoyourveryutmost。IdonotbidyoutrytobeatthesteedsofthesonofTydeus，forMinervahasputrunningintothem，andhascoveredDiomedwithglory；butyoumustovertakethehorsesofthesonofAtreusandnotbeleftbehind，orAethewhoissofleetwilltauntyou。Why，mygoodfellows，areyoulagging？Itellyou，anditshallsurelybe-Nestorwillkeepneitherofyou，butwillputbothofyoutothesword，ifwewinanytheworseaprizethroughyourcarelessness，flyafterthematyourutmostspeed；Iwillhitonaplanforpassingtheminanarrowpartoftheway，anditshallnotfailme。\" Theyfearedtherebukeoftheirmaster，andforashortspacewentquicker。PresentlyAntilochussawanarrowplacewheretheroadhadsunk。Thegroundwasbroken，forthewinter’srainhadgatheredandhadworntheroadsothatthewholeplacewasdeepened。Menelauswasmakingtowardsitsoastogettherefirst，forfearofafoul，butAntilochusturnedhishorsesoutoftheway，andfollowedhimalittleononeside。ThesonofAtreuswasafraidandshoutedout，\"Antilochus，youaredrivingrecklessly；reininyourhorses；theroadistoonarrowhere，itwillbewidersoon，andyoucanpassmethen； ifyoufoulmychariotyoumaybringbothofustoamischief。\" ButAntilochuspliedhiswhip，anddrovefaster，asthoughhehadnotheardhim。Theywentsidebysideforaboutasfarasayoungmancanhurladiscfromhisshoulderwhenheistryinghisstrength，andthenMenelaus’smaresdrewbehind，forheleftoffdrivingforfearthehorsesshouldfouloneanotherandupsetthechariots；thus，whilepressingoninquestofvictory，theymightbothcomeheadlongtotheground。MenelausthenupbraidedAntilochusandsaid，\"Thereisnogreatertricksterlivingthanyouare；go，andbadluckgowithyou；theAchaeanssaynotwellthatyouhaveunderstanding，andcomewhatmayyoushallnotbearawaytheprizewithoutswornprotestonmypart。\" Thenhecalledonhishorsesandsaidtothem，\"Keepyourpace，andslackennot；thelimbsoftheotherhorseswillwearysoonerthanyours，fortheyareneitherofthemyoung。\" Thehorsesfearedtherebukeoftheirmaster，andwentfaster，sothattheyweresoonnearlyupwiththeothers。 MeanwhiletheAchaeansfromtheirseatswerewatchinghowthehorseswent，astheyscouredtheplainamidcloudsoftheirowndust。 IdomeneuscaptainoftheCretanswasfirsttomakeouttherunning，forhewasnotinthethickofthecrowd，butstoodonthemostcommandingpartoftheground。Thedriverwasalongwayoff，butIdomeneuscouldhearhimshouting，andcouldseetheforemosthorsequiteplainly-achestnutwitharoundwhitestar，likethemoon，onitsforehead。HestoodupandsaidamongtheArgives，\"Myfriends，princesandcounsellorsoftheArgives，canyouseetherunningaswellasIcan？Thereseemstobeanotherpairinfrontnow，andanotherdriver；thosethatledoffatthestartmusthavebeendisabledoutontheplain。Isawthematfirstmakingtheirwayroundthedoubling-post，butnow，thoughIsearchtheplainofTroy，I cannotfindthem。Perhapsthereinsfellfromthedriver’shandsothathelostcommandofhishorsesatthedoubling-post，andcouldnotturnit。Isupposehemusthavebeenthrownoutthere，andbrokenhischariot，whilehismareshaveleftthecourseandgoneoffwildlyinapanic。Comeupandseeforyourselves，Icannotmakeoutforcertain，butthedriverseemsanAetolianbydescent，rulerovertheArgives，braveDiomedthesonofTydeus。\" AjaxthesonofOileustookhimuprudelyandsaid，\"Idomeneus，whyshouldyoubeinsuchahurrytotellusallaboutit，whenthemaresarestillsofaroutupontheplain？Youarenoneoftheyoungest，noryoureyesnoneofthesharpest，butyouarealwayslayingdownthelaw。Youhavenorighttodoso，fortherearebettermenherethanyouare。Eumelus’shorsesareinfrontnow，astheyalwayshavebeen，andheisonthechariotholdingthereins。\" ThecaptainoftheCretanswasangry，andanswered，\"Ajaxyouareanexcellentrailer，butyouhavenojudgement，andarewantinginmuchelseaswell，foryouhaveaviletemper。Iwillwageryouatripodorcauldron，andAgamemnonsonofAtreusshalldecidewhosehorsesarefirst。Youwillthenknowtoyourcost。\" AjaxsonofOileuswasformakinghimanangryanswer，andtherewouldhavebeenyetfurtherbrawlingbetweenthem，hadnotAchillesriseninhisplaceandsaid，\"CeaseyourrailingAjaxandIdomeneus； itisnotyouwouldbescandalisedifyousawanyoneelsedothelike:sitdownandkeepyoureyesonthehorses；theyarespeedingtowardsthewinning-postandwillbeberedirectly。Youwillthenbothofyouknowwhosehorsesarefirst，andwhosecomeafter。\" Ashewasspeaking，thesonofTydeuscamedrivingin，plyinghiswhiplustilyfromhisshoulder，andhishorsessteppinghighastheyflewoverthecourse。Thesandandgritrainedthickonthedriver，andthechariotinlaidwithgoldandtinranclosebehindhisfleethorses。Therewaslittletraceofwheel-marksinthefinedust，andthehorsescameflyinginattheirutmostspeed。Diomedstayedtheminthemiddleofthecrowd，andthesweatfromtheirmanesandchestsfellinstreamsontotheground。Forthwithhesprangfromhisgoodlychariot，andleanedhiswhipagainsthishorses’yoke；braveSthenelusnowlostnotime，butatoncebroughtontheprize，andgavethewomanandtheear-handledcauldrontohiscomradestotakeaway。 Thenheunyokedthehorses。 NextafterhimcameinAntilochusoftheraceofNeleus，whohadpassedMenelausbyatrickandnotbythefleetnessofhishorses；butevensoMenelauscameinasclosebehindhimasthewheelistothehorsethatdrawsboththechariotanditsmaster。Theendhairsofahorse’stailtouchthetyreofthewheel，andthereisnevermuchspacebetweenwheelandhorsewhenthechariotisgoing；MenelauswasnofurtherthanthisbehindAntilochus，thoughatfirsthehadbeenafulldisc’sthrowbehindhim。Hehadsooncaughthimupagain，forAgamemnon’smareAethekeptpullingstrongerandstronger，sothatifthecoursehadbeenlongerhewouldhavepassedhim，andtherewouldnotevenhavebeenadeadheat。Idomeneus’sbravesquireMerioneswasaboutaspear’scastbehindMenelaus。Hishorseswereslowestofall，andhewastheworstdriver。LastofthemallcamethesonofAdmetus，dragginghischariotanddrivinghishorsesoninfront。WhenAchillessawhimhewassorry，andstoodupamongtheArgivessaying，\"Thebestmaniscominginlast。Letusgivehimaprizeforitisreasonable。Heshallhavethesecond，butthefirstmustgotothesonofTydeus。\" Thusdidhespeakandtheothersallofthemapplaudedhissaying，andwerefordoingashehadsaid，butNestor’ssonAntilochusstoodupandclaimedhisrightsfromthesonofPeleus。\"Achilles，\"saidhe，\"Ishalltakeitmuchamissifyoudothisthing；youwouldrobmeofmyprize，becauseyouthinkEumelus’schariotandhorseswerethrownout，andhimselftoo，goodmanthatheis。Heshouldhaveprayeddulytotheimmortals；hewouldnothavecomeinfastifhehaddoneso。Ifyouaresorryforhimandsochoose，youhavemuchgoldinyourtents，withbronze，sheep，cattleandhorses。TakesomethingfromthisstoreifyouwouldhavetheAchaeansspeakwellofyou，andgivehimabetterprizeeventhanthatwhichyouhavenowoffered；butIwillnotgiveupthemare，andhethatwillfightmeforher，lethimcomeon。\" Achillessmiledasheheardthis，andwaspleasedwithAntilochus，whowasoneofhisdearestcomrades。Sohesaid- \"Antilochus，ifyouwouldhavemefindEumelusanotherprize，IwillgivehimthebronzebreastplatewitharimoftinrunningallrounditwhichItookfromAsteropaeus。Itwillbeworthmuchmoneytohim。\" HebadehiscomradeAutomedonbringthebreastplatefromhistent，andhedidso。AchillesthengaveitovertoEumelus，whoreceiveditgladly。 ButMenelausgotupinarage，furiouslyangrywithAntilochus。AnattendantplacedhisstaffinhishandsandbadetheArgiveskeepsilence:theherothenaddressedthem。\"Antilochus，\"saidhe，\"whatisthisfromyouwhohavebeensofarblameless？Youhavemademecutapoorfigureandbaulkedmyhorsesbyflingingyourowninfrontofthem，thoughyoursaremuchworsethanmineare；therefore，O princesandcounsellorsoftheArgives，judgebetweenusandshownofavour，lestoneoftheAchaeanssay，’Menelaushasgotthemarethroughlyingandcorruption；hishorseswerefarinferiortoAntilochus’s，buthehasgreaterweightandinfluence。’Nay，Iwilldeterminethemattermyself，andnomanwillblameme，forIshalldowhatisjust。Comehere，Antilochus，andstand，asourcustomis，whipinhandbeforeyourchariotandhorses；layyourhandonyoursteeds，andswearbyearth-encirclingNeptunethatyoudidnotpurposelyandguilefullygetinthewayofmyhorses。\" AndAntilochusanswered，\"Forgiveme；Iammuchyounger，KingMenelaus，thanyouare；youstandhigherthanIdoandarethebettermanofthetwo；youknowhoweasilyyoungmenarebetrayedintoindiscretion；theirtempersaremorehastyandtheyhavelessjudgement；makedueallowancestherefore，andbearwithme；IwillofmyownaccordgiveupthemarethatIhavewon，andifyouclaimanyfurtherchattelfrommyownpossessions，Iwouldratheryieldittoyou，atonce，thanfallfromyourgoodgraceshenceforth，anddowronginthesightofheaven。\" ThesonofNestorthentookthemareandgaveherovertoMenelaus，whoseangerwasthusappeased；aswhendewfallsuponafieldofripeningcorn，andthelandsarebristlingwiththeharvest-evenso，OMenelaus，wasyourheartmadegladwithinyou。 HeturnedtoAntilochusandsaid，\"Now，Antilochus，angrythoughI havebeen，Icangivewaytoyouofmyownfreewill；youhaveneverbeenheadstrongnorill-disposedhitherto，butthistimeyouryouthhasgotthebetterofyourjudgement；becarefulhowyououtwityourbettersinfuture；nooneelsecouldhavebroughtmeroundsoeasily，butyourgoodfather，yourbrother，andyourselfhaveallofyouhadinfinitetroubleonmybehalf；Ithereforeyieldtoyourentreaty，andwillgiveupthemaretoyou，minethoughitindeedbe；thepeoplewillthusseethatIamneitherharshnorvindictive。\"