 Section 13, Book the Thirteenth of the Iliad of Homer. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Stephen Carney. The Iliad of Homer by Homer, translated by Theodore Alois Buckley. Section 13, Book the Thirteenth. Argument. Neptune engages on the Grecian side and the battle proceeds. Dave Phobos is repulsed by Marionus to use her kills Imbrius and Hector Emphimachus. Neptune, assuming the likeness of Thoas, exhorts Dominaeus who goes forth with Marionus to battle, when the former slays Othrionius and Aseus. Dave Phobos attacks Dominaeus but misses him and slays Hypsenor. A Dominaeus slays Alcathus over whose body a sharp contest ensues. But after Jov then had brought the Trojans and Hector near the ships, he left them to endure labor and toil at them incessantly. But he himself turned back his shining eyes apart, looking towards the land of the equestrian Thracians and the close fighting Mycians, and the illustrious Hippomulgi, milk-nourished, simple and living, and most just men. But to Troy he no longer now turned his bright eyes, for he did not suppose in his mind that any one of the mortals going would aid either the Trojans or the Greeks. Nor did King Neptune keep a vain watch, for he sat aloft upon the highest summit of the woody Thracian Samuels, admiring the war and the battle, for from thence all Ida was visible, and the city of Priam was visible, and the ships of the Greeks. Then coming out of the sea he sat down and pitied the Greeks, subdued by the Trojans, and was very indignant with Jov. But presently he descended down from the rugged mountain, rapidly advancing on foot, and the high hills and woods trembled beneath the immortal feet of Neptune advancing. Thracian deed he strode, advancing, and with the fourth step he reached Agia, his destined goal. There distinguished mansions, golden, glittering, ever incorruptible, were erected to him in the depths of the sea. Coming thither he yoked beneath his chariot, the brazen-footed steeds, swiftly flying, crested with golden mains. But he himself placed gold around his person, took his golden lash, well-wrought, and descended his chariot. He proceeded to drive over the billows, and the monsters of the deep sported beneath him on all sides from their recesses, nor were ignorant of their king. For joy the sea departed, and they flew very rapidly, nor was the brazen axel moist beneath. And his well-bounding steeds bore him to the ships of the Greeks. Now there is an ample cave in the recesses of the deep sea between Tinnitus and rugged Imbrus. There, earth-shaking Neptune stopped his horses, loosing them from the chariot, and cast beside them and Broshel fodder to eat. And round their feet he threw golden fetters, irrefragable, indissoluble, that they might there steadily await their king returning, but he departed towards the army of the Greeks. The Trojans, however, in crowds, like unto a flame or a whirlwind, followed Hector, the son of Priam, with insatiable ardour, shouting loudly and exclaiming, for they helped to capture the ships of the Greeks and slay all the Greeks beside them. But earth-ruling, earth-shaking Neptune, coming from the deep sea, aroused the Greeks, assimilating his person, and indefatigable voice took Halkus, the adjacent he first addressed, though themselves, were earnest. Ye jacies, ye indeed, mindful of valor, not of direful flight, will preserve the people of the Greeks. For in any other place indeed I do not dread the audacious hands of the Trojans, who in great numbers have surmounted the Great Wall, because the well-grieved Greeks will sustain them all. But in that place I grievously fear lest we suffer anything, where infuriated Hector, like unto a flame, leads on who boasts to be the son of Almighty Jov, but may some of the gods thus put it in your minds, that ye stand firmly yourselves and exhort others, thus may ye drive him, although impetuous, from the swift sailing ships, even if Jov himself excites him. He said, and earth-ruling Neptune, striking both with his scepter filled them with violent might, and made their limbs light and their feet and hands above. But he, like as a swift winged hawk, is impelled to fly, which, lifted up from a rugged lofty rock, has hastened to pursue another bird over the plain, so darted earth-shaking Neptune from them. But fleet Ajax, the son of Oileus, recognized him first of the two, and straightway addressed Ajax, the son of Telemann. Oh Ajax, since some one of the gods who possesses Olympus, likening himself to the soothsayer, exhorts us to fight beside the ships, neither is this Calcas the prophesying augur, for I readily recognize the traces of his feet and legs when departing, for thus the gods are easily distinguished. Even to myself, the soul within my bosom is more incited to war and to fight, and my feet beneath and hands above eagerly desire it. But him, Telemann Ajax, answering addressed, so also to me are by strong hands upon my spear eager, and my courage is aroused, and I am hurried along by both my feet under me, and I eagerly long, even alone, to combat with Hector, the son of Priam, insatiably raging. Thus they addressed these words to each other, joyful in a desire of battle, which the god had infused into their minds. In the meanwhile, the earth-ruler Neptune aroused the Achaeans in the rear, who were recruiting their spirit at the swift ships, whose limbs were at the same time relaxed with toilsome labor, and the grief was arising in their minds, beholding the Trojans, who with a tumult had surmounted the vast wall. But beholding them, they poured forth tears from beneath their eyebrows, for they expected not to escape destruction, but the earth-shaker, intervening, easily aroused the brave phalanxes. To Teucer and Leias, he first came, exhorting them, and to the hero Penileus and Thoas, and De Pyrus, and to Marionus and Antelokus skillful in war, these he-encouraging spoke winged words. O shame! Argyves, young men, I trust that our ships will be preserved by your fighting, but if ye be remiss in the destructive battle, the day is now come for us to be subdued by the Trojans. Ye gods, surely I behold with my eyes a great marvel, terrible, which I never expected would be brought to pass, that the Trojans should approach our ships, who formerly like unto timid stags, which through the wood are the prey of lynxes, pards, and wolves, foolishly straying about, weak, nor fit for combat, so the Trojans formerly would not stand even for little against the might and prowess of the Greeks. But now, far away from the city, they combat at the hollow ships through the perverseness of our general and the indifference of the troops, who, disputing with him, are unwilling to defend the swift ships, but are slain among them, yet, although in reality the hero, the son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, be altogether in fault, in that he hath dishonored the swift-footed son of Peleus. Still, it is by no means our duty to be remiss in battle, but let us sooner repair the mischief, the minds of the brave are easily appeased. But they by no means honorably remit your impetuous fowler, being all the bravest in the army. I, indeed, would not quarrel with a man who should desist from combat, being un-warlike, but with you I am indignant from my heart. O soft ones, surely will ye soon create some greater evil by this inertness, but do each of you in his mind ponder on the shame and reproach, for certainly a mighty contest hath arisen. Now, indeed, brave Hector, going good in a din of war, combats at the ships, and hath burst through the gates and the long bar. Thus, then, Neptune exhorting aroused the Greeks, but round the two adjacent firm Philanxes stood, which not even Mars, coming against them, would have found fault with Norma Nerva, the confounder of armies, for the bravest selected awaited the Trojans and noble Hector, knitting spear with spear, shield with shield, one upon another, so that shield pressed upon shield, helmet upon helmet, and man upon man, and the horse-haired helmets of them nodding touched each other with their splendid ridges, so closely stood they to one another, and spears in the act of being hurled were brandishing from their dearing hands, while they wished to go straight against the enemy, and were eager to fight. But the combined Trojans first made the attack, and impetuous Hector first rushed against them, as a destructively rolling stone from a rock, which a wintry torrent drives down the brow, having burst with the mighty shower the stays of the rugged rock, and bounding along its rolls and the forest resounds beneath it, but straightway it runs on interruptedly until it reach the plain, but then it rolls no longer, though impelled. So Hector for a while threatened that he would easily come as far as the sea to the tents and ships of the Greeks, slaughtering. But when now he met the firm phalanxies, he stopped, being come into close contact, and the sons of the Greeks opposing reposed him from them, striking him with their swords and two-edged spears, but retiring he was compelled to withdraw, and he cried out, shouting audibly to the Trojans, the Trojans and Lycians, and close fighting Dardanians, stand firm, not long will the Greeks withstand me, although they have drawn themselves up in very dense array, but I can see they will retire from my spear, if in truth the most powerful of the gods, the high-thundering husband of Juno hath urged me on. So saying he aroused the might and courage of each, but day Phobos, the son of Priam, walked amongst them, high-minded, and he held his shield equal on all sides before him, proceeding with light-step and advancing under protection of his shield. Then Maryonus took aim with his shining spear, and struck him, nor did he miss, upon the bull's hide shield, equal on all sides, which he did not pierce, for the long spear far before was broken at the socket. But day Phobos held his bull's hide shield far from him, for he dreaded in his mind a spear of war like Maryonus, but that hero fell back into the column of his companions, for he was grievously enraged on both accounts, both for the loss of the victory and of the spear which he had broken. Accordingly, he proceeded to pass by the tents and ships of the Greeks to bring a long spear which had been left in his tent, whilst the others fought, and a mighty tumult arose. Then Telemonion Teucer first slew a hero, the warrior Imbrius, son of Mentor, rich in steeds, and he dwelt at Padaeum before the sons of the Greeks arrived, and had married Medesicasti, the illegitimate daughter of Priam. But when the equally plied ships of the Greeks arrived, he came back to Ilium and excelled among the Trojans, and dwelt with Priam, who honored him equally with his sons. He and the son of Telemon smote under the ear with his long javelin, and plucked out the spear, but he indeed fell like an ash, which on the summit of a mountain, conspicuous from afar, cut down with a brazen axe, strews its tender foliage on the earth. Thus he fell, and his armor, variegated with brass, rang about him. Then Teucer rushed on, eager to strip him of his armor, but Hector hurled his shining spear at him, hastening. He, however, seeing it from the opposite side, avoided by a small space the brazen spear, and Hector wounded with his javelin on the breast, Amphimachus, son of Citeus, the son of Actor, advancing to the battle, and following he gave a crash, and his arms rang upon him. Then Hector rushed to tear from the head of magnanimous Amphimachus the helmet fitted to his temples, but Ajax hurled with his shining spear at Hector, rushing on. It had never reached his body, for he was protected all over with terrible brass, but he smote him upon the boss of the shield, and repulsed him with great violence, and he retired from both bodies, and the Greeks drew them away. Then Stikeus, as noble Menestius, the leaders of the Athenians, carried Amphimachus to the army of the Greeks, but the two Ajaces, eager for impetuous combat, carried Imbrius, as two lions bare a goat through the thick corpse wood, snatching it from the sharp-toothed dogs, holding it high above the earth in their jaws, so the two warriors, the Ajaces, holding him, Imbrius aloft, stripped off his armor, but the son of Oileus, enraged on the count of Amphimachus, severed his head from his tender neck, and sent it rolling like a ball through the crowd, but it fell before the feet of Hector in the dust. Then indeed was Neptune grieved at heart for his grandson, Slane, in the grievous fight, and he proceeded to go along the tents and ships of the Greeks, exhorting the Greeks, and preparing disasters for the Trojans, but spear-renowned Adominaus then met him, returning from a companion who had lately come to him from the battle, wounded in the ham with a sharp brass, whom his comrades had carried in, and he, having given directions to the surgeons, was returning from his tent, for he still desired to participate in the fight. Him, King Neptune, addressed, assimilating himself as to his voice to Theus, son of Andraemon, who governed the Etolians throughout all Pluron and Lofti Caledon, and who was honored by the people as a god. Adominaus, thou counselor of the Cretans, where indeed are the threats gone, with which the sons of the Greeks threatened the Trojans, whom again in turn Adominaus, the leaders of the Cretans, addressed, No man, Otheus, as far as I know, is at present to blame, for we are all skilled in warring. Neither does this heartening fear detain anyone, nor does anyone yielding to sloth shirk evil strife. But thus doubtless it will be agreeable to the all-powerful son of Saturn, that here, far away from Argus, the Greeks shall perish in glorious. But thou as, for formerly thou wasst warlike, and urged on others, when thou didst behold them negligent, so now desist not thyself, but exhort each man. But him, earth-shaking Neptune, then answered, Never may that man, Odominius, return from Troy, but let him here be the sport of the dogs, whosoever voluntarily this day shall relax from fighting, but come, taking up arms, advance hither. For it behooves us to hasten these things, if we may be of any service, although but two, for useful is the valor of men, even the very pusillanimous if combined, whereas we both understand how to fight even with the brave. So saying, the god departed again to the toil of heroes, but Odominius, when now he had reached his well-made tent, put on his rich armor around his body, and seized two spears and hastened to go, like unto the lightning, which the son of Saturn, seizing in his hand, brinishes from glittering Olympus, showing a sign to mortals, and brilliant are its rays, so shone the brass around the breast of him running. Then Maryonus, his good attendant, met him yet near the tent, for he was going to fetch a brazen spear, and the strength of Odominius addressed him. Maryonus, son of Molus, swift of foot, dearest of my companions, why comeest thou thus, quitting the war and the contest? Are thou at all wounded, and does the point of a spear afflict thee? Or comeest thou to me on my message, for I myself am not desirous to sit within my tent, but to fight? But him, prudent Maryonus in turn, answered, Odominius, thou counselor of the brazen mailed cretins, I come, if there be any spear left within, I tend to take it, because I indeed have broken that which I formerly had, having struck the shield of ferocious deophobus, whom again, in turn, Odominius, leader of the cretins, addressed, Thou wilt find, if thou desirest, to select from them one and twenty spears standing in my tent against the shining walls, which I have taken from the slain Trojans, for I affirm that I do not fight with hostile men, standing at a distance from them. Hence I have both spears, and bossy shields, and helmets, and courselets, brightly polished. But him again, prudent Maryonus, addressed in turn, my tent also, and black ship, are there many spoils of the Trojans, but they are not near, so that I might take them, for neither do I concede that I am forgetful of Valor, but I stand among the foremost in glory giving battle, whenever the contest of war has arisen. I am rather unobserved, perhaps, when fighting by some other of the brazen mailed Greeks, but I think that thou knowest me. Whom again, Odominius, leader of the cretins, addressed in turn, I know what thou art as to Valor. What necessity is there for thee to enumerate these things? For if now all we, the bravest at the ship, should be selected for an ambuscade, where the courage of men is especially distinguished, where both the coward as well as the brave man is made apparent, for the complexion of the coward on the one hand is changed from this to that, nor is his heart calm within his bosom, so that he can rest without trembling, but he shifts his position, and sits upon both his feet, whilst his heart greatly palpitates within his breast, as he is expecting death. And the chattering of his teeth arises, but neither is a complexion of the brave man changed, nor is he at all disturbed, after he first sits down in the ambush of heroes, but he burns to be mingled with all hasten, direful fight. No one, in that case, would find fault with thy courage and might. For if laboring in the battle thou wert wounded from a distance, or smitten in close fight, the weapon would not fall upon thy neck behind, nor upon thy back, but it would pierce through either thy breast or thy stomach as thou wast rushing forward amid the conflict of foremost combatants. But come, no longer let us speak of these things, standing like infatuated persons, lest perhaps someone chides us inordinately, but do thou going to the tent take a strong spear? Thus he spake, and Maryonus, equal to swift Mars, quickly took from the tent a brazen spear, and he went along with the Dominaeus, very eager for war. But as man destroying Mars enters the battle, with whom terror his dear son at the same time powerful and undismayed follows, who strikes fear into the warrior even of resolute soul, these indeed are armed from Thrace, along with the Ephiri, or with the magnanimous Phlegians. Neither do they hear both, but they give glory to one or the other. So Maryonus, in a Dominaeus, leaders of heroes advance to battle, equipped with helmets of glittering brass, and Maryonus first addressed him in these words, Son of Deukalion, where dost thou meditate to enter the throng? To the right of all the army, or at the center or upon the left? Since nowhere else in the battle do I conceive that the long-haired Greeks so much require support. But him, a Dominaeus, the leader of the Cretans, in turn addressed, Among the center ships indeed there are others to aid them, both the Ajeses and Theosur, who is the most skillful of the Greeks in archery, and brave also in standing fight, who will sufficiently harass, even to satiate hector, the son of Priam, all the most urgent of battle, and all the being very gallant. Hard will it be for him, although very desirous of fighting, having overpowered their strength and invincible hands, to fire the ships, unless the son of Saturn himself cast a flaming torch upon the swift ships, nor indeed will mighty telemonian Ajax yield to any man who may be immortal, and who may eat the fruit of Ceres, who is vulnerable by brass and by large stones, not even to warlike Achilles would he give way, at least in standing fight, but in speed he is by no means able to contend with him, guide us, therefore, to the left of the army, that we may quickly know whether we shall afford glory to anyone or anyone to us. Thus he spoke, but Maryonus, equal to Rapid Mars, began to recede, until he came to that part of the army, whether he had ordained him, but they, when they beheld the Dominaeus, like unto a flame in might, both him and his attended in variously wrought armor, they all, exhorting one another along the crowd, advanced against him, and an equal contest arose at the sterns of their ships. And as when storms sweep along, driven by the shrill winds, on a day when the dust around the roads is very abundant, and they, at the same time, raise up a large cloud of dust, so came on the battle of these together, and they were eager in their minds to slaughter one another throughout the throng, with a sharp brass, and the mortal destroying combat bristles with the long spears which they held, flesh-rending, and the brazen splendor from the gleaming helmets, the newly burnished coarslets, and the shining shields coming together dazzled their eyes. Very brave-hearted would he be who, when beholding their toil, could ever joist, and would not be disturbed. But the two powerful sons of Saturn, favouring different sides, planned grievous toils for the heroes. On the one hand, drove willed victory to the Trojans, and to Hector glorifying swift-footed Achilles, yet he desired not entirely to destroy the Grecian people before Ilium, but was honouring Thetis and her magnanimous son. On the other hand, Neptune, coming amongst them, encouraged the Greeks, having secretly emerged from the Hori Deep, for he grieved that they should be subdued by the Trojans, and he was greatly indignant with Job. The same race indeed was to both, and the same lineage, but Job was born first, and knew more. For this reason, Neptune avoided aiding them openly, but always kept privately inciting them through the army, assimilated to a man. They indeed alternately stretched over both the cord of vehement contest and equally destructive war, irrefragable and indissoluble, which relaxed the knees of many. Then, although half-Horia Domineus encouraging the Greeks, rushing upon the Trojans, created night, for he slew Orithionius, who had come from Cabeces, staying within Priam's house. He had lately come after the rumour of the war, and demanded Cassandra, the most beautiful informer of the daughters of Priam, without a dowry, and he had promised a mighty deed to repulse in spite of themselves the sons of the Greeks from Troy. But to him, aged Priam had promised her, and pledged himself to give her. Therefore, he fought, trusting in these promises, but the Domineus took aim at him with his shining spear, and hurling it struck him, strutting proudly, nor did the brazen coarselet which he wore resist it, but he fixed it in the middle of his stomach, and falling he gave a crash, and the other boasted and said, Othrionius, above all men indeed, do I praise thee, if thou wilt now and truth accomplish all which thou has undertaken for Dredinian Priam, but he also promised thee his daughter. We likewise, promising these things, will accomplish them to thee. We will give thee the most beautiful informer the daughters of the son of Atreus to wed, bringing her from Argus, if along with thus thou wilt destroy the well-inhabited city of Illium, but follow, that we may treat with thee respecting the marriage of sea-traversing ships, since we are by no means bad brothers-in-law. So saying, the heroe Domineus dragged him by the foot through the brisk battle, but to him a seaus came as an avenger on foot before his seeds, which his attendant charioteer always cut breathing over his shoulders, and in his mind he longed to strike Domineus, but Domineus anticipating him smote him with his spear in the throat below the chin, and drove the brass quite through, and he fell as when some oak falls or white poplar or towering pine, which timber-workers have cut down upon the mountains with lately wedded axes to become ship timber. So he lay, stretched out before his horses, and chariote, gnashing his teeth, grasping the bloody dust. But the charioteer was deprived of the senses which he previously had, nor dared he turn back the horses that he might escape from the hands of the enemy. But him, more like Antelokus striking, transfixed in the middle with his spear, nor did the brazen coarselet which he wore resist. But he fixed it in the center of his stomach, then panting he fell from the well-made chariote's feet, and Antelokus, the son of magnanimous Nestor, drove away the horses from the Trojans to the well-armed Greeks. But De Phobos, enraged on the count of Eseus, drew very near to Edominaeus and hurled with his shining spear. Edominaeus, however having perceived it opposite, avoided the brazen spear for he was concealed behind his shield equal on all sides, which he bore constructed of the hides of bowls and glittering brass, fitted with two handles. Behind this he collected himself entirely, and the brazen spear flew over him. But the shield returned a dry sound, the spear grazing it obliquely. Yet he, De Phobos, scented not in vain from his heavy hand, but he struck Hypsenor, son of Hypaces, the shepherd of the people upon the liver with all the breast, and straightway relaxed his knees under him. But De Phobos vainly bolstered over him, loudly exclaiming, Surely not, avenge, lies Eseus! I rather think that he will rejoice in his mind, the going into the strong-gated, messy dwelling of Hades, since I have given him a guide! Thus he spoke, but grief came upon the Greeks at his boasting, and it particularly agitated the mind of warlike Antelokus. Yet grieved as he was, he neglected not his companion, but running he protected him, and covered him over with his shield. Him then, his two dear companions, Mesistius, son of Achaeus, and noble Elaster supporting, bore to the hollow ships, deeply groaning. In the meantime Edomeneus ceased not his mighty father, but always burned either to cover some of the Trojans with pitchy night, or himself, to fall with a crash, repelling destruction from the Greeks. Then the hero Alcathus, the beloved son of Acytes, and he was a son-in-law of Ancheses, for he had married Hippodamia, the eldest of his daughters, whom their father and venerable mother loved from their hearts whilst in their home, because she excelled all of her age and beauty, and accomplishments, and prudence, for which reason also the most distinguished man in wide Troy had wedded her. Him, Neptune subdued under Edomeneus, having dimmed his shining eyes, and fettered his fair limbs, for he was able neither to fly back nor to turn aside, but him standing motionless like a pillar or lofty branching tree, the hero Edomeneus wounded with his spear in the middle of his breast, and burst the brazen coat around him, which formally warded off destruction from his body. But then it sent forth a dry sound severed by the spear, falling he gave a crash, and the spear was fixed in his heart, which palpitating, shook even the extremity of the spear, and there at length the impetuous Mars spent its force. But Edomeneus boasted prodigiously over him, loudly exclaiming, Dephobas, do we judge rightly that it is a fair return that three should be slain for one, since thus thou boastest, but do thou thyself also, wretch, stand against me, that thou mayest know of what nature I am, who have come hither the offspring of Jove who first begat Minos, the guardian of Crete. Minos again begat Deucalion, his blameless son, and Deucalion begat me, king over many men in wide Crete, but now the ships have brought me hither, unevil both to thee, and to thy father, and the other Trojans. Thus he spoke. But Dephobas hesitated between two opinions, whether falling back, he should join to himself some one of the magnanimous Trojans, or make trial although alone. But to him, thus standing, it appeared preferable to go in search of Aenius, whom he found standing at the rear of the army, for he was ever indignant with noble pream, because he by no means honored him, though being valiant among heroes, and standing near he addressed to him winged words. Aenius, thou counselor of the Trojans, now does it greatly behoove thee to aid thy brother-in-law, if indeed any regard reaches thee. But follow, let us bring aid to Alcathus, who being thy brother-in-law, nourished thee among in his palace, and whom spear famed Edomeneus hath slain. Thus he spoke, and roused the courage in his breast, and he greatly desires a battle when to meet Edomeneus. Yet fierce he is not Edomeneus like a tender boy, but he stood still like a boar in the mountains, confident in his prowess, and who abides a mighty din of men, advancing against him in a desert place, and bristles up his back. His eyes too gleamed with fire, and he wets his teeth near to keep at bay both dogs and men. So spear-renowned Edomeneus awaited Aenius, swift in a battle din, coming against him, nor retired. But he shouted to his companions, looking to Alcathus, and Aferius, and Apirus, and Marionus, and Antelokas, skillful in fight. Exorting these, he addressed to them winged words. Hither, my friend, and aid me alone, for I greatly dread swift-footed Aenius rushing on, who is coming upon thee, who is very powerful to slay men in possesses a bloom of youth, which is the greatest strength. For if we were of the same age, with the spirit that I now possess, quickly would either he bear off great glory, or I would. Thus he spoke. But they all, having one determination in their minds, stood near him, inclining their shields upon their shoulders. Aenius, on the other hand, animated his companions looking towards day Phobos, Perus, and Noble Agenor, who together with himself were leaders of the Trojans. These also the people followed, as sheep follow from their pasture after the ram in order to drink, and the shepherd then is rejoiced in his mind. So was the soul of Aenius gladdened in his breast, when he beheld a body of troops falling himself. These, therefore, engaged in close fight, round-alcate this with long spears, whilst the brass resounded horribly on the rest of them, aiming at each other through the crowd. But two warlike men, conspicuous among the rest, Aenius and Edomanius, equal to Mars, longed to lacerate flesh with a ruthless brass. But Aenius first hurled his javelin at Edomanius, but he, perceiving it opposite, avoided the brazen spear, and the spear of Aenius sank, quivering into the earth, for it fled in vain from his sturdy hand. Edomanius next smote Oenomus in the middle of the stomach, and the spear burst the cavity of his coarselet, and penetrating drank his entrails through. But falling amid the dust, he grasped the earth with the hollow of his hand. Then Edomanius plucked out the long spear from his body, but was unable to tear off the other rich armor from his shoulders, for he was pressed hard by weapons. For no longer were the cenus of his feet firm as he rushed, either to hasten on after his own dart, or avoid that of another. Wherefore also in standing fight, he warded off the fatal day, nor did his feet any longer bear him with ease in retreating from the battle. But against him, gradually retiring, Dephobus took aim with his glittering spear, for he rooted hatred towards him. But then too he missed, and struck with his javelin as Calphus, the son of Mars, and drove the stout spear through his shoulder, and tailing amid the dust, he grasped the earth with his hand. Not yet, however, had loudly roaring and petuous Mars heard that his son had fallen in the violent fight, but he sat upon the summit of Olympus beneath golden clouds excluded from the battle by the will of Jove, where also the other mortal gods were restrained from the war. In the meantime they engaged around Ascalapus. Dephobus indeed tore the shining helmet from Ascalapus, and Maryonus equaled to swift Mars, springing upon him, smote him with his spear in the arm, and the crested cask, falling from his hand, rang upon the earth. Immediately Maryonus, sleeping upon him like a vulture, plucked out the tough spear from the lower part of his arm, and retired back again into the crowd of his comrades. But him polities, his own brother, throwing his hands around his waist, carried out to reach his fleet's steeds, which awaited him in the rear of the combat, and the war, having both a charioteer and a variegated car, which then carried him towards the city, groaning heavily and afflicted, and the blood flowed from his recently wounded hand, but the others kept fighting, and an unquenchable clamor arose. Then Aeneas, rushing upon Aferius, the son of Calator, smote him with his sharp spear upon the throat, when turned towards him, and his head was bent to one side, and then his shield clung to him, and his helmet, and around him, life destroying death was spread. Antelokas, however, observing Thawass turning around, attacking, wound him, and cut away all the vein which running quite along the back reaches to the neck. All this he cut off, but he fell back on his back, in the dust, stretching out both hands to his beloved companions. Then Antelokas sprang upon him, and stripped the armor from his shoulders, looking around, but the Trojans surrounding him struck his ornamented shield with their darts, nor were they able to graze with the dire brass the tender body of Antelokas within it, because earth-shaking Neptune protected the son of Nestor all round, even amongst many weapons, for never indeed was he apart from the enemy, but he turned himself about among them, nor did he hold his spear without motion, but continually moving it was world about, and he prepared within his mind either to hurl it at someone afar off, or to rush upon someone close at hand. But meditating these things amid the throng, he escaped not the notice of Ademus, the son of Eceus, who smote him in the middle of his shield with a sharp brass, attacking him in close combat, but Azir-haired Neptune weakened the spear, grudging him the life of Antelokas. Part of it remained there like a stake burned in the fire, in the shield of Antelokas, and the other half lay upon the ground, whilst he gave backwards into the crowd of his companions, shunning death. Where Jonas, however following him, departing, smote him with his spear between the private parts and the naval, where a wound is particularly painful to miserable mortals. There he fixed the spear in him, and he, falling, struggling, panting around the spear as an ox when cowherge and mountains, forcibly binding him with twisted cords, lead him away unwilling. So he wounded, throbbed, though for a short time, and not very long, until the hero Mary Jonas coming near plucked the spear from his body, and darkness failed his eyes. But Hellenus, close at hand, struck a pyrus upon the temple with his huge thration sword, and cut away the three-coned helmet, which being dashed off, fell upon the ground, and some one of the combatting Greeks lifted it up, having rolled between his feet whilst dim night enveloped his eyes. Then grief seized the son of Atreus Manilaus brave in the dead of battle, and he advanced, threatening the hero, King Hellenus, brandishing his sharp spear, whilst the other drew the horn of his bow. Together then they darted, the one eager to launch his fir tree spear, and the other an arrow from the string. Then indeed the son of Priam smelt him in the breast with an arrow, on the cavity of the coarselet, but the bitter shaft rebounded, as when from the broad, winnowing fan in the large threshing floor, the black coated beans, or vetch's leap at the shrill blast, and the force of the winner, so strongly repulsed by the coarselet of glorious Manilaus, the bitter arrow flew afar. But Manilaus, the son of Atreus, brave in the dead of battle, smelt him upon the hand, which held his well polished bow, and in the bow the brazen spear was fixed from the opposite side, through his hand, then he retired back into the crowd of his companions, avoiding death, hanging down his hand at his side, but the ashen spear was trailed along with him, and then magnanimous Ajanor extracted it from his hand, and bound the hand itself, sling ways in well twisted sheep's wool, which his attendant carried for the shepherd of the people. But Pizander went direct against glorious Manilaus, because evil fate led him towards the end of death, to be subdued by the Omanilaus in the dire battle, when therefore they were near, advancing against each other, the son of Atreus indeed missed, and his spear was turned aside from him, but Pizander smelt the shield of glorious Manilaus, nor could he drive the spear quite through, because the broad shield kept it off, and the spear was broken at the extremity. Still he rejoiced in his mind, and hoped for victory. The son of Atreus, however, drawing his silver-studded sword, sprang upon Pizander, but he drew from beneath his shield a handsome battle axe of well-wrought brass, fixed upon either side of an olive handle, long, well polished, and at once they struck each other, then he Pizander cut away the cone of the helmet, thick with horsehair, under their very crest, but Manilaus smote him, approaching upon the forehead, above the root of the nose, and the bones crashed, and his blood-stained eyes fell at his feet upon the ground, in the dust, and falling he writhed, then he Manilaus placing his heel upon his breast, despoiled him of his armor, and boasting spoke this speech, Thus then shall ye abandon the ships of the Greeks, who possess swift steeds, ye treaty-breaking Trojans, in satiate of dire battle, of other injury and disgrace, ye indeed lack nothing with which ye have injured dogs, nor have ye at all dreaded in your minds the heavy wrath of high-thundering hospitable Jove, who will yet destroy for you your lofty city, ye who unprovoked departed, carrying off my virgin spouse, and much wealth after ye had been hospitably received by her, now again do ye eagerly desire to hurl destructive fire upon the sea-traversing ships, and to slay the Grecian heroes, but ye shall yet be restrained, impetuous as ye be from war. O father Jove, assuredly they say that thou excelest all others, men and gods, in prudence, yet from thee do all these things proceed. How much dost thou gratify these insolent Trojan men, whose violence is ever pernicious, and who cannot be satisfied with war, equally destructive to all? Of all things is their satiety, of sleep, of love, of sweet singing, and of faultless dancing, with which one would much more readily satisfy his desire than with war. But the Trojans are insatiate of battle. So saying, having stripped the bloody armor from the body, illustrious Menelaus gave it to his companions, whilst he advancing was again mixed with the foremost combatants. Then Harpalion, the son of King Pilemonies, who had then followed his dear father to wage war at Troy, leaped upon him, nor returned he back to his native land. He it was, who then, close at hand, struck the middle of Atreides' shield with his lance, nor was he able to drive it quite through the brass. But he retired back into the crowd of his companions, avoiding death, looking around on all sides, lest anyone should touch his body with a spear. Marionus, however, shot a brazen pointed arrow at him, retreating, and struck him upon the right hip, and the arrow penetrated to the other side, through the bladder below the bone, sinking down, therefore, in the same place, breathing out his life in the arms of his beloved companions. Like a worm, he lay out his blood, flowed, and moistened the earth. Around him the magnanimous Paflagonians were employed, and lifting him up upon a chariot, they bore him to Sacred Ilium, grieving, and with them went his father, shedding tears, but no vengeance was taken for his dead son. But Paris was greatly enraged in his soul on account of his being slain, for he had been his guest among many Paflagonians, wherefore enraged on his account, he sent forth a brazen arrow. Now there was one, Yukaionor, son of the Diviner Polydus, wealthy and brave, inhabiting a dwelling at Corinth, who well-knowing his fatal destiny had arrived in a ship, for often had Polydus, good old man, told him that he would perish in his halls of a grievous disease, or be subdued by the Trojans among the ships of the Greeks, wherefore he avoided at once a severe moat of the Yukaions, and odious disease, that he might not suffer sorrows in his mind. Him, Paris smote below the jaw and the ear, and his spirit quickly departed from his chambers, and hateful darkness seized him. Thus indeed they fought like unto a burning fire, but Hector, dear to Jove, had not learned, nor knew at all how at the left of the ships his people were being slaughtered by the Greeks, for the victory was on the point of being the Grecians. So much did earth-shaking Neptune encourage the Greeks, and moreover himself assisted with his strength, but he Hector pressed on where first he had sprung within the gates and walls, breaking the thick ranks of the Jax and Protysyllus drawn up upon the shore of the Hori Sea, but above them the wall was built very low. There themselves and their horses were most impetuous in the combat. There the Boetians, and long-robed Ionians, the Locrians, the Pythians, and the illustrious Epians restrained him from the ships, fiercely rushing on, but were unable to drive away from them noble Hector, like unto a flame. The chosen men of the Athenians stood in the van, among whom Manessius, son of Phaelius, had the command, and with him followed Fetus, Stakeus, and Brave Bias, Mages, the son of Phaelius, Ampheon, and Dracius led the Epians, and over the Pythians were Medon and Hedarches, steady in fight. Medon was indeed the spurious offspring of God-like Oileus, and the brother of Ajax, but he dwelt at Phylasi, away from his native country, having slain a man, the brother of his step-mother Aeropis, whom Oileus had married, but the other was the brother of Phylasi. These in arms, before the magnanimous Pythians fought among the Boetians, defending the ships. But Ajax, the swift son of Oileus, never separated from Telemonian Ajax, not even for a little time, but as in a fallow field, two black bullocks possessing equal spirit, draw a well-joined plough, but meanwhile copious sweat breaks forth around the roots of their horns, and them, the well-polished yoke alone along the furrows, and the plough cuts up the bottom of the soil, so they twain joined together, stood very near to each other, and then many and brave troops followed the son of Telemon, as companions, who received from him his shield, whenever fatigue and sweat came upon his limbs. But the Locrians followed not the great sold son of Oileus, for their heart remained not firm to them in the standing fight, because they had not brazen helmets crested with horsehair, nor had they well-orbed shields but they followed along with him to Ilium, trusting in the bows and the well-twisted sheep's wool, with which frequently hurling they broke the phalanxies of the Trojans. At that time, indeed, these the Ajacis in the van, with their variously wrought armor, fought against the Trojans and raised an arm to Hector, while the Locrians shooting from the rear lay concealed, nor were the Trojans any longer mindful of combat, for the arrows put them in confusion. Then surely would the Trojans have to Ilium had not Polly Deimos standing near a dressed bold Hector. Hector, thou art impossible to be persuaded by advice, because indeed a God hath given thee above others war-like deeds, for this reason dost thou also desire to be more skilled than others in counsel, but by no means canst thou thyself obtain all things at once. To one indeed hath the deity of given war-like deeds, to another dancing, and to another the harp and singing. To another, again, far-sounding Jove implants a prudent mind in his bosom, of which many men reap the advantage, as prudence even preserves cities, and he himself who possesses it especially knows its value. Yet will I speak as appears to me best, because the encircling host of war burns round thee on all sides, and the magnanimous Trojans, since they have crossed the walls, some indeed stand apart with their arms and others fight, but the fewer against the greater number, scattered amongst the ships. But retiring back, we often hither all the chiefs, and then we can better discuss the whole plan, whether we shall enter upon the many benched ships, if indeed the deity will give us victory, or depart uninjured from the barks, because of a truth I fear lest the Greeks repay their debt of yesterday, since a man in satiate in war still remains at the ships, who I conceive will no longer abstain entirely from battle. Thus spoke Polydamus, but the faultless advice pleased Hector, and immediately he leaped with his armor from the chariots around, and addressing him spoke winged words, Polydamus, do thou retain here all the bravest whilst I will come back again immediately after I have given proper orders to the troops. He said and shouting, he rushed on, like unto a snowy mountain, and flew through the Trojans and the allies, but they all crowded round, valor loving Polydamus, the son of Panthus, as soon as they heard the voice of Hector, he however ranged through the foremost combatants, seeking if he could anywhere find the mighty king of Hellenus and Adamus, the son of Eceas and Eceus, the son of Hertaecus. Some he found no longer quite unhurt, nor yet destroyed, whilst others again lay at the sterns of the ships of the Greeks, having lost their lives by the hands of the Greeks. And others were stricken or wounded within the wall, but he quickly found Noble Alexander, the husband of Fairhaired Helen, on the left of the lamentable battle, cheering of his companions, and encouraging them to fight, and standing near he addressed him with reproachful words. A cursed Paris, fine only in person, woman mad, seducer, where are Dephubus and the might of King Hellenus and Adamus, the son of Eceas and Eceus, the son of Hertaecus, where also is Othrionius. Now lofty Ilium all perishes from its summit, now is its final destruction certain. But him, godlike Alexander, in turn addressed Hector, sent it as thy intention to find fault with me when innocent, at some other time perhaps I may be more neglectful of the fight, but not now, since neither did my mother bear me altogether un-warlike. For from the time when thou did stir of the battle of thy companions at the ships, from that time remaining here have we engaged incessantly with the Greeks, and those comrades are dead for whom thou inquirest. Dephubus and the might of King Hellenus alone have withdrawn, both wounded in the hand with long spears, but the son of Saturn hath warded death from them. But now lead on wheresoever thy heart and soul urge thee, and we will follow with determined minds, nor do I think that thou wilt be at all in want of valor, as much strained as in us. It is not possible even for one, although keenly desirous, to fight beyond his strength. So saying, the hero persuaded the mind of his brother, and they hastened to advance towards that place where especially was the battle and contest. Round Cebrianus and excellent Polydemus, Falkes and Ortheus, and Godlike Polyphotes and Palmos, and Ascanius and Moris, the sons of Hippotion, who the day before had come as a relief guard from fertile Ascania, and Jove then urged them to fight, but they marched like unto the blasts of boisterous winds, which rushes down to the plain, urged by the thunder of Father Jove, and with a dreadful tumult is mingled with the ocean, and in it rise many boiling billows of the much-resounding sea, swollen, whitened with foam, first indeed some, and then others following. So the Trojans, first indeed some in battle array, and then others, glittering in brass, followed along with their leaders, but Hector, the son of Priam, equal to manslaughtering Mars, led the van, and held before him his shield equal on all sides, thick with skins, and much brass was laid over it, and around his temples his gleaming helmet was shaken. Stepping forward he tried the phalanxes around on every side, if perchance they would give way to him, advancing under cover of his shield, yet he disturbed not the courage of the Greeks in their breasts, but Ajax far-striding first challenged him O noble sir, draw nearer, why dost thou thus frighten the Greeks? We Greeks are by no means unskillful in battle, although we are subdued by the evil scourge of Jove. Thy soul, forsooth, hopes I suppose to plunder the ships, but we also have hands ready to repulse thee immediately. Assuredly long before shall thy well-inhabited city be taken and destroyed by our hands, but to thee thyself I say the time draws near when flying thou shalt pray to Father Jove and the other immortals, that thy fair main steeds, which shall bear thee to the city raising dust over the plain, may become swifter than hawks. Whilst he was thus speaking, a bird flew over him on the right, a lofty flying eagle upon which the people of the Greeks shouted, encouraged by the ill-men, but illustrious Hector replied, O babbling and vain Jax, what hast thou said? Would that I were as sure of becoming forever the child of ages bearing Jove, that the venerable Juno had borne me, and that I were honored as Minerva and Apollo are honored, as that this day now certainly brings destruction upon all the Greeks, and among others thou shalt be slain, if thou wilt dare to abide my long spear, which shalt tear for thee thy dainty person, and thou shalt satiate the dogs and birds of the Trojans with thy fat and flesh falling at the ships of the Greeks. Thus then, having spoken, he led on, and they followed along with him with a mighty shout, and the troops likewise shouted in the rear, the Greeks on the other side raised a shout, nor were they forgetful of their valor, but they awaited the bravest of the Trojans assaulting, but the clamour of both reached to the aether, and the shining splendor of Jove. End of book the 13th read by Stephen Carney Section 14, book the 14th of the Iliad of Homer This Librivox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Stephen Carney The Iliad of Homer by Homer translated by Theodore Alois Buckley Section 14, book the 14th Argument Agamemnon and the other wounded chiefs visit the battle with Nestor, Gino having borrowed the cestus of Venus first obtains the assistance of sleep and then hastens to Aida to Jove. She prevails, Jove sleeps, and Neptune seizes the opportunity to aid the Trojans, but the shouting did not entirely escape the notice of Nestor, although drinking, but he addressed winged word to the son of Aescolapius. Consider noble Machion how well these things will be, greater certainly grows the shouting of the blooming youths at the ships, but sitting here at present drink indeed the dark wine, until fair-haired Hechemmedi has warmed the baths, and washed away the bloody gore, whilst I, going with speed to a watchtower, will gain information. So saying he took the well-made shield of his own son, horse-breaking Thresemides, which was lying in the tent, all shining with brass, for he had the shield of his sire, and the sea is a strong spear, pointed with sharp brass, and stood without the tent, and soon beheld an unseemly deed. These the Greeks in confusion and those the haughty Trojans routing them to rear, but the wall of the Greeks had fallen, and as when the vast deep blackens with a noiseless wave, foreboding with no effect, the rapid courses of the shrill blasts, nor yet is it rolled forwards or backwards before some decisive blast comes down from Jove, so meditated the old man, distracted in his mind between two opinions, whether he should go amongst the throng of fleet-horst Greeks, or to Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, shepherd of the people, but to him thus reflecting it appeared better to go in quest of the son of Atreus. Meanwhile, they kept slaughtering each other, contending, and the solid brass around their bodies rang, as they were stricken with the swords, and two edged spears, but the Jove cherished kings coming up from the vessels of Metanester, as many as had been moonded with the brass, Tidades, and Ulysses, and Agamemnon, the son of Atreus. Their ships, indeed, were drawn up upon the shore of the Hori Deep, very far away from the battle, for they had drawn the ships as far as the plain, and had built a wall at their sterns. For broad as it was, the shore was by no means able to contain their vessels, and the people were crowded, wherefore they drew them up and rose one behind the other, and filled the wide mouth of the whole shore, as much as a promontory's enclosed. There, then, were they walking together, leaning upon the spear, in order to behold the tumult and the battle, and the heart in their bosoms was grieved, but aged Nestor met them, and terrified the breasts of the Greeks, whom first King Agamemnon addressing said, O Neleon Nestor, great glory of the Greeks, why, leaving the man destroying battle, comest thou hither? Truly I fear lest impetuous Hector make good his speech, as once he threatened, haranging among the Trojans that he would not return to Ilium from the ships, before that he had burned the ships with fire, and slain us also. Thus indeed he haranged, and now are all things fulfilling. Ye gods, surely the other well-grieved Greeks, as well as Achilles, store up wrath against me in their minds, nor are they willing to fight at the sterns of the ships. But him, the Draenian knight Nestor, then answered, Assuredly these things are in active accomplishment, nor could even lofty thundering Job himself contrive them otherwise. For the wall in which we trusted that it would be an impregnable defense to the ships, and to ourselves, has now fallen, but they are sustaining an obstinate contest at the swift ships, nor couldst thou any longer distinguish, though examining particularly, on which side the Greeks confounded are routed. So promiscuously are they slain, whilst the shout reaches heaven. Let us, however, deliberate how these things will be, if council avail anything, although I advise not that we enter the battle, for it is by no means proper that a wounded man should fight. But him then answered Agamemnon king of men, Nestor, since they are combating at the sterns of the ships, and the constructed rampart avails not, nor the ditch, at which the Greeks suffered much, and hoped in their minds that it would be an impregnable defense to the ships, and to themselves, surely it will be agreeable to all powerful Job that the Greeks perish there, in glorious far away from Argus, for I was conscious when he unwillingly gave assistance to the Greeks, and I know now that he honors those the Trojans equally with the happy courage and our hands. But come, let us all obey, as I shall advise. Let us draw down the ships as many as are drawn off first near the sea, and launch them all into the vast ocean. Let us moor them at the anchor in the deep, till mortal deceiving night arrive, if even then the Trojans may abstain from battle, and then we may perhaps draw down all the vessels, for there is no disgrace in flying from evil, not even during the night. It is better then to escape from evil than to be taken. But him sternly regarding why is Ulysses then addressed, son of Atreus, what speech had escaped thy lips? Lost man, thou shouldst command some worthless army and not rule over us, to whom Job hath granted, from youth even unto old age, to accomplish toil some wars, until we each of us shall perish. Thus thou then desire thus to leave wide weighed Troy, on account of which we have endeared so many woes, lest some other of the Greeks hear a speech which a man ought not to have brought through his mouth, whosoever understands in his mind how to speak prudent things, who is a scepter bearer and whom so many people obey, as many as thou dost govern among the Greeks. For now do I reprobate thy judgment in what thou hast said, who command us, whilst the war and battle are waged, to draw down the well benched ships to the sea, in order that the wishes of the Trojans may be still better fulfilled, victorious and dire destruction fall upon us, for the Greeks will not maintain the fight whilst the ships are being dragged to the sea, but will look back and retire from the combat, then will thy council be injurious a leader of the people? But him, Agamemnon, the king of men then answered, Much, O Ulysses, has thou touched me to the soul with thy severe reproof, yet I commanded not the sons of the Greeks against their will to draw the well benched ships down to the sea. But now would that there were one, either young or an opinion better than this, it would be to my joy. But among them Diomedi, valiant in the dinner battle, also spoke, The man is near, we need not seek far, if indeed ye are willing to be persuaded, and do not find fault each through wrath, because I am by birth the youngest among you, for I boast that my race is from a noble sire, Tideus, whom the heaped up earth covers at Thebes. For to Portheus were born three distinguished sons, and they dwelt in Pluron and Lofti Caledon, Agrius and Melis. But the third was the knight Oenius, the father of my father, who was conspicuous among them for Valor. He indeed remained there, but my father, as an exile, dwelt at Argus, for so Jove willed and the other gods. But he married one of the daughters of Adrastus, and he inhabited a mansion opulent in resources, and corn-bearing fields were his inabundant, and there were many rows of plants around him, numerous were his herds, and he surpassed the Greeks in the use of the spear. But these things he ought to know, since it is a truth. Do not therefore dispute the opinion freely delivered, which I gave advisedly, deeming that I am base by birth and un-more like. Come then, let us go to battle, wounded as we are, from necessity. There, then, let us ourselves approach the combat out of the reach of weapons, lest anyone receive wound upon wound, and encouraging others, we will urge them on, who hitherto gratifying their souls have stood apart, nor fought. Thus he spoke, and to him they all listened readily and obeyed. Wherefore they hastened to advance, and the king of men Agamemnon led them, nor did the illustrious earthshaker keep a negligent look out, but he went amongst them like unto an aged man, and he caught the right hand of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, and addressing him spoke winged words. Son of Atreus now perchance the rageful heart of Achilles rejoices in his breast, beholding the slaughter and rout of the Greeks, since there is no feeling in him, not even a little. May he, however, thus perish, and may a god cover him with disgrace. But with thee the blessed gods are not yet altogether enraged, but again the leaders and chiefs of the Trojans will perchance raise the dust upon the wide plain, and thou wilt behold them, flying towards the city from the ships and the tents. So saying, he shouted loud, rushing over the plain, as loud as nine or ten thousand men shout, beginning the contest of Mars, so loud a cry that King Neptune sent forth from his breast, and he cast great resolution into every heart among the Greeks, to war and to fight incessantly. But Golden Throne Juno standing looked down with her eyes from the summit of Olympus, and immediately recognized her own brother, who was also her brother-in-law, exerting himself through the glorious battle, and she rejoiced in her mind. She also beheld Joves, sitting upon the highest top of many-reeled Ida, and he was hateful to her soul. Then the venerable, large-eyed Juno next anxiously considered how she could beguile the mind of age-sparing Jove, and now this plan appeared best to her mind, to proceed to Ida, having well arrayed herself, if perchance he might desire is to lie beside her form, indalience, so that she might pour upon his eyelids and vigilant mind, careless and asleep. And she proceeded to her chamber, which Vulcan, her dear son, had made for her, and had fitted the thick doors to the lintels with a secret bolt, and this no other god could remove. There, entering in, she closed the shining doors. First, she washed all impurities from her lovely person and anointed herself with rich oil, ambrosial, and agreeable, which was odoriferous to her, and the perfume of which, when shaken in the brazen floored mansion of Jove, reached even to earth and to heaven. With this having anointed her body, and having also combed her hair with her hands she arranged her shining locks, beautiful, ambrosial which flowed from her immortal head. Next she threw around her an ambrosial robe, which whenever had wrought for her in needlework, and had embroidered much varied work upon it, and she fastened it upon her breast with golden clasps. Then she girded herself with a zone adorned with a hundred fringes, and in her well perforated ears placed her triple elaborate earrings, and much grace shown from her. From above she, divine of goddesses, covered herself with a veil, beautiful, newly wrought, and it was bright as the sun, and beneath her shining feet she fastened her beautiful sandals, but when she had arranged all her ornaments around her person, she proceeded straight from her chamber, and having called Venus apart from the other gods, addressed her in speech. Will thou now be at all obedience to me, dear child, in what I shall say? Or will thou refuse, enraged in thy mind on this account, because I aid the Greeks whilst thou aidest the Trojans? But her, Venus, the daughter of Jove, then answered, Juno, venerable goddess, daughter of mighty Saturn, declare whatsoever thou dost meditate, for my mind urges me to accomplish it, if indeed I can accomplish it, and if it be practicable. But her, the venerable Juno, meditating Gael, addressed, give now to me that loveliness and desire with which thou dost subdue all immortals and mortal men, for I go to visit the limits of the fertile earth, and Oceanus, the parent of the gods, and Mother Tethys, who, receiving me from Rhea, nurtured and educated me with care in their abodes, when far resounding Jove cast down Saturn beneath the earth, and the fruitless sea. These I go to visit, and I will put an end to eternal quarrels, for already have they abstained for a length of time from the couch and embrace of each other, since anger is blind. But if, by persuading their hearts by my words, I should lead them back to the bed to be united in love, then should I always be called by them beloved and revered. But her, laughter-loving Venus in turn addressed, it is not possible nor becoming to refuse thy request, for thou reclinus in the arms of mightiest Jove. Take this, now place in thy bosom this variegated belt in which all things are contained, and I think that thou wilt not return unaccomplished whatsoever thou desirest in thy mind. Thus she spake, and the large-eyed, venerable Juno smiled, and smiling then placed it in her bosom. But Venus, the daughter of Jove, departed to the palace, and Juno hastening, quitted the summit of Olympus, and having passed over Pairia and Fertilemethia, she hastened over the snowy mountains of the equestrian Thrace, most lofty summits, nor did she touch the ground with her feet. From Athos she came to Lemnus, the city of Divine Thoas, where she met Sleep, the brother of Death, to whose hand she then clung, and spoke, and addressed him. O Sleep, King of all gods and all men, if ever indeed thou didst listen to my entreaty, now too be persuaded, and I will acknowledge gratitude to thee all my days. Close immediately in sleep for me the bright eyes of Jove under his eyelids, after I couch with him in love, and I will give thee as gifts a handsome golden throne, forever incorruptible, and my limping son Vulcan adorning it shall make it, and below thy feet he shall place a footstool upon which thou mayest rest thy shining feet while feasting. But her sweet sleep answering addressed Juno, venerable goddess, daughter of great Saturn. Any other of the everlasting gods could I easily lull to sleep, and even the flowing of rapid ocean, who is the parent of all, but I could not approach Saturnian Jove, nor lull him to sleep unless at least he did. For once already at least as he terrified me by his threats on that day when the magnanimous son of Jove, Hercules, sailed from Helium, having sacked the city of the Trojans, then I lulled the mind of Aegisbearing Jove being poured gently around him, whilst thou wast planning evils in thy mind against a hero, rousing the blasts of bitter winds over the deep, and thou didst afterwards carry him away apart from all his friends to well-inhabited coast. When awakened was enraged, hurling about the gods through his mansion, and me chiefly of all he sought, and would have cast me down a lost one from the ether into the deep, had not night vanquisher of gods and men preserved me, to whom I came flying. So he restrained himself angry as he was, for he dreaded lest he should do things which were disagreeable to swift night. And now again dost thou urge me to perform this another dangerous deed. But him, the venerable barge-eyed Juno in turn, answered, O sleep, why thinkest thou these things within my mind? Canst thou suppose that far-sounding Job favours the Trojans as he was enraged on account of Hercules, his own son? But come, do this, and I will give thee one of the younger graces to wed, and to be called thy spouse, Facidia, whom thou fondly desirest, day after day? Thus she spoke. But sleep was delighted, and answering addressed her. Come now, swear to me by the involiable water of the sticks, and touch with one hand the fertile earth, and with the other the marble sea, so that all the gods beneath, around Saturn may be witnesses between us, that thou wilt surely give me one of the younger graces, Facidia, whom I will desire all my days. Thus she spoke, nor did the white-armed goddess Juno disobey, but she swore as he desired, and named all gods who dwell under Tartarus, which are called Titans. When then she had sworn and performed her oath, they both proceeded, leaving the city of Lemnos and Imbrus, mantled in haze, quickly making their way. And they came to Aida of many rills, the mother of wild beasts, Tulectus, where first they quitted the sea, but they both advanced over the land, and the summit of the wood was shaken beneath their feet. Their sleep on his part remained before the eyes of Job should perceive him. Ascending a lofty Aida, following the highest upon Aida, sprung up through the air to the clouds. There he sat, thickly covered with the fur branches, like unto a shrill bird, which, living in the mountains, the gods called Chalkis, and men Cymindus. But Juno proceeded hastily to Gargarus, the summit of lofty Aida, and cloud compelling Job beheld her. But the instant he beheld her, that instant desire entirely shadowed around his august mind, just as when they first were united in love, they started carrying to the bed without the knowledge of their dear parents, and he stood before her and spoke and addressed her. Wherefore hastening from Olympus Juno comeest thou hither, but thy horses and chariots are not near which thou mayest ascend. But him, the venerable Juno, meditating Giles, addressed, I go to visit the limits of the fertile earth, and Oceanus, the parents of the gods, and Mother Tethus, who nurtured and trained me with care in their palaces, them I go to their bitter quarrels, for already they abstain a long while from the couch and embrace of each other, since anger has invaded their minds. But my steeds, which will bear me overdry and wet, stand near the base of Aida with many rills. Now, however, on thy account have I come hither from Olympus, lest perchance thou shouldst afterwards be angry with me, were I to depart in secret to the abode of deep flowing Oceanus? But her cloud collecting Job answering addressed, Juno, hither thou canst go even by and by, but come now, let us reclining be delighted with love, for never at any time did the love of a goddess or a woman poured around the heart within thy breast so subdued me. Neither when I loved the wife of Ocean, who bore Pyrithus, a counselor equal to the gods, nor when I loved fair ankleed Dania, the daughter of Ocrissius, who bore Perseus, the most illustrious of all men, nor when, with that of the celebrated daughter of Phoenix, who bore me to Minus, and the godlike Rudamanthus, nor yet when I loved Simile, nor Alchemina in Thebes, who brought forth my valiant son Hercules, but Simile bore me, Bacchus, a joy to mortals, nor when I loved Cirrus, the fair-haired queen, nor when glorious Latona, nor thyself, as I now love thee and sweet desire seizes me. But him, venerable Juno, meditating guiles, addressed, most shameless son of Saturn, what word has thou spoken? If now thou desire to recline in love upon the summit of Ida, where all places are exposed, how will it be if any of the immortal gods shall perceive us sleeping and going amongst all the gods disclose it? I, for my part, could never return to thy mansion, arising from the couch, for surely it would be unbecoming. But if in truth thou desirest it, and it be agreeable to thy soul, there is a chamber of thine which Vulcan, thy beloved son, formed for thee, and fitted its secure doors to its lintels. Dither, let us repair, about to recline, since an embrace is indeed thy desire. But her cloud-collecting Jove, answering, addressed, Fear not, O Juno, that any of either gods or men shall behold this. Such a golden cloud will I spread around, that not even the sun may see us through it, although we are keen to behold. Thus he spake, and the son of Saturn encircled his wife in his arms, and the divine earth produced fresh herbage under them, the dewy lotus, and the crocus, and the highest clothe and soft, which elevated them from the earth. Upon this couch they reclined, and clothe themselves above, with a beautiful cloud, and lucid dew drops fell from it. Thus quietly slumbered the sire upon the summit of Gargerus, subdued by sleep and love, and held his spouse in his arms. But sweet sleep hastened to run to the ships of the Greeks, that he might deliver a message to Neptune, the shaker of the earth, and standing near he addressed to him winged words. Now Neptune hardly give aid to the Greeks, and bestow glory upon them, at least for a little while, whilst yet Jove sleeps, since I have enveloped him in a veil of soft slumber, and Juno hath deceived him, that he might sleep in love. So saying indeed departed to the illustrious tribes of men, but he still more impelled Neptune to assist the Greeks, and immediately, springing forward far into the van, he exhorted them, O Greeks, yet again do we yield the victory to Hector, the son of Priam, that he may seize the ships and bear away glory? For so indeed he supposes and boasts, because Achilles remains at the hollow ships, enraged at heart. However there would not be a great need of him if the rest of us were incited to assist one another, but come, let us all obey as I shall advise. Let us clad with shields, as many as our best and greatest in the army, who are covered as to our heads with glittering helmets, and hold the longest spears in our hands advance, and I will lead the way, nor do I think that Hector, the son of Priam, will await us, though very eager. Whatsoever man also is obstinate in the fight, and bears but a small shield upon his shoulder, let him give it to an inferior man, and let him clothe himself in a larger shield. Thus he spoke, but they listened to him readily and obeyed. The kings themselves, Tidides, Ulysses, and Agamemnon, son of Atreus, marshaled the troops, wounded as they were, and going about them all, exchanged their marshal arms, the brave soldier put on the good armor, and the worst they gave to the inferior man. But when they had girded the splendid brass around their bodies, they began to advance, and earth-shaking Neptune led them on, grasping in his firm hand a dreadful firing sword, like unto a thunderbolt, with which sword it is not possible to engage in destructive battle, for the fear of it restrains men. On the other side again, illustrious Hector drew up the Trojans, then truly a zero-haired Neptune, and illustrious Hector drew forth the severest struggle of war, the one indeed aiding the Trojans and the other the Greeks. But the sea was dashed up to the tents and ships of the Greeks, and they engaged with a mighty shout, not so as the billow of the ocean roar against a main land, when driven from the deep by the rough blast of Boreus. Nor so great is the crackling of blazing fire in the glens of a mountain, when it is raised aloft to consume the wood. Nor so loud howls the wind amidst the high-foliaged oaks, which in particular loudly roars in its wrath, as was the cry of the Trojans and Greeks shouting dreadfully when they rushed one upon the other. At Ajax illustrious Hector first took aim with his spear as he was turned right against him, nor did he miss. He struck him where the two belts were crossed upon his rest, both that of the shield and that of the silver-studded sword, for these protected the tender skin. But Hector was enraged because his swift weapon had fled from his hand in vain, and he retired back into the crowd of his companions, shunning death. At him then retiring, mighty Telemonian Ajax threw with a stone for stones and great numbers rolled about among the feet of the combatants props for the fleet-barks. Lifting up one of these, he struck him on the breast, above the orb of the shield, near the neck. And throwing, he twirled it like a top, and the stone rolled round on all sides. As when, beneath a violent stroke from Father Jove, an oak falls uprooted and the terrible smell of sulfur arises from it, but confidence no longer possesses the man, whosoever being near beholds it because the thunderbolt of mighty Jove is terrible, so rapidly upon the ground fell the might of Hector in the dust, and he dropped his spear from his hand, his shield and helmet followed above him, and his armor, verigated with brass, rang upon him. Then the sons of the Greeks, loudly shouting, rushed in, hoping to draw him off, and they hurled numerous javelins, but no one was able either to strike from a distance, or to smite close at hand the shepherd of the people, for the bravest of the warriors, Polydemus, Aeneas, and Noble Agenor, Sarbadan, leader of Lyceans, Celestrius Glaucus, first threw themselves round him, and no one of the rest neglected him, but they held their well-orbed shields before him, but his companions, upraising him in their hands, bore him out of the conflict, till they reached his fleet horses, which stood for him in rear of the combat and the war, holding both the charioteer and the verigated car, which then carried him towards the city, groaning heavily, but when now they came to the ford of the rapid-flowing current of Aeneas whom immortal Jove Begat, where they removed him from his car to the ground, and poured water over him, but he breathed again and looked up with his eyes, and sitting upon his knees, disgorged black blood, again he fell back upon the ground, and dark night overshadowed his eyes, for the blow still subdued his spirits, but when the Greeks saw Hector going apart, they pressed the moor on the Trojans and were mindful of contest, then swift oily in Ajax before others, moving forward with his fur-tree spear wounded Satanius, son of Enobs, whom Aeneid, the fairest nymph, bore to Enobs, when keeping his flocks by the bank of Satanius, him the spear-renowned son of Aelias, drawing near, wounded in a flank, but he fell supine, and round him the Trojans and Greeks engaged in a valiant battle, but to him spear-brandishing Polydamus, son of Panthus, came as an Avenger, and smote Prothoanor, son of Aerilocus, upon the right shoulder, the tough spear passed on through his shoulder, but falling in the dust, he grasped the earth with his hand, and Polydamus boasted mightily over him, shouting aloud, I do not think indeed that the weapon hath fled vainly from the sturdy hand of the magnanimous son of Panthus, but some one of the Greeks has received it in his body, and I think that he, leaning upon it, will descend to the mansion of Fluto. Thus he spoke, but grief arose among the Greeks at his boasting, and particularly agitated the mind of warlike Ajax, the son of Telemon, for he had fallen very near him, and he immediately hurled with his shining spear at him departing. Polydamus himself indeed avoided black fate, springing off obliquely, but Archilocus, son of Antinor, received the blow, for to him the gods had doomed destruction. Him then he struck upon the last vertebra, in the joining of the head and neck, and he disjoined both tendons, but the head, the mouth, and the nostrils of him falling met the ground much sooner than his legs and knees. Then Ajax, in turn, cried out to Blamus Polydamus, Reflect, O Polydamus, and tell me the truth, is not this man worthy to be slain in exchange of Frothoanor? He appears not to me indeed a coward, nor sprung from coward, but to be the brother, or the son of horse-breaking Antinor, for he seems most like him as to his race. Thus he spoke well knowing him, but grief possessed the minds of the Trojans. Then Achimus, stalking round his brother, wounded with his spear Promacus, the Boetian, whilst he was dragging him off by the feet. But over him Achimus greatly boasted, calling aloud, Ye Argyve archers, insatiable in threat, assuredly not to us alone will toil and sorrow accrue, but thus thou wilt at some time be slain. Consider how your Promacus sleeps, subdued by my spear, that a requital for my brother might not be long unpaid, therefore should a man wish a brother to be left in his family as an avenger of his death. Thus he spoke, but grief arose among the Greeks as he boasted, and he particularly agitated the mind of war like Penileus. Accordingly he rushed upon Achimus, who awaited not the charge of King Penileus, but he wounded Ileonius, son of Forbus, rich in flocks, whom Mercury loved most of all the Trojans, and had presented with possessions, and to whom his mother bore Ileonius alone. Him then he wounded below the brow, in the socket of the eye, and he forced out the pupil, but the spear went forward through the eye and through the back of the head, and he sat down, stretching out both his hands. But Penileus, drawing his sharp sword, smote him upon the middle of the neck, and lopped off his head with his helmet to the ground, and the strong spear still remained in his eye, but Penileus, holding it up like a puppy, shouted to the Trojans, boasting, spoke thus, Tell for me, ye Trojans, the beloved father and mother of Ileonius, that they may lament him in their halls, for neither shall the wife of Promacus, the son of Elegionor, present herself with joy to her dear husband coming back, when we, sons of the Greeks return from Troy with our ships. Thus he spoke, but pale fear seized upon them all, and each gazed about seeking where he might escape utter destruction. Tell me now, ye muses, possessing Olympian dwellings, which of the Greeks now first bore away gore-stained spoils of men, when the illustrious earthshaker turned the tide of battle? Telemonian Ajax then first wounded Hirtius, son of Gertius, leader of the undaunted Mycians, and Antelocus spoiled Falsies and Mirmurus, Marionis, Sleum, Morus, and Hippotion, and Eusersleu, Prothus, and Paraphoetius. But the son of Atreus next wounded upon the flank, Hepurinor, the shepherd of the people, and the spear cutting its way drank his entrails, and his soul expelled, fled in haste through the inflicted wound, and darkness veiled his eyes. But Ajax, the swift son of Oileus, slew the most, because there was not one equal to him on foot to follow the flying men when Job had excited flight amongst them. End of book the 14th Read by Stephen Carney