 Section 17. Book the 17th 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 17. Book the 17th. Argument. Euphorbus, attempting to dispoil Patroclus of his armor, is slain by Menelaus. It falls to the lot of Hector, but he retires on the account of Ajax, being rebuked by Glaucos, he returns, and a fierce contest is renewed over the body of Patroclus. The chariot of Achilles is bravely defended by Automedon, but the Greeks at last begin to give way, even Ajax being seized with Custer Nation. Meryonus and Menelaus, however, succeed in carrying off the body of Patroclus, although the Greeks are completely routed. Nor did Patroclus, subdued in fight by the Trojans, escape the notice of the son of Atreus, our beloved Menelaus. But he advanced through the foremost warriors, armed in glittering brass. And round him he walked like a dam around its calf, having brought forth for the first time moaning, not being before, conscious of parturition. Thus did yellow-haired Menelaus walk around Patroclus. But before him he extended his spear and his shield on all sides equal, anxious to slay him, whoever indeed should come against him, nor was the son of Panthus, of the good Ash and Spear, neglectful of blameless Patroclus fallen. But he stood near him and addressed war like Menelaus. O Menelaus, son of Atreus! Jove nurtured one, leader of the people, retire and leave the body and let alone the bloody spoils, for not any of the illustrious Trojans or allies smote Patroclus with a spear in the violent conflict before me, wherefore permit me to bear away the great glory amongst the Trojans, lest I should strike thee and take away thy sweet life. But him, yellow-haired Menelaus, very indignant addressed. Father Jove, certainly it is not fitting to boast inordinately. Not so great is a might of a panther, nor a lion, nor of a destructive wild boar, whose most mighty courage rages in his heart, violently in its strength, as much as the sons of Panthus, of the good Ash and Spear, breathe forth. Nor did the might of horse-breaking Haperanor enjoy his youth, when he reproached me and withstood me, and said that I was the most reproachful warrior amongst the Greeks, nor did he, I think, returning upon his feet, gratify his dear wife and respected parents. Thus certainly will I dissolve thy strength, if thou wilt stand against me. But I advise thee, retiring, to go back into the crowd, nor do thou stand against me, before thou suffer any harm, for it is a fool that perceives a thing when it is done. Thus he spoke, but persuaded him not. Now indeed, O Job nurtured Menelaus, thou shalt make atonement for thy brother, whom thou hast slain, and over whom thou speakest boastingly, and thou hast widdled his wife in the recess of her new bridal chamber, and caused a cursed mourning and sorrow to his parents. Certainly I should be some alleviation of woe to them wretched, if indeed, bearing back thy head and armor, I should place them in the hands of Panthus and noble Pranthus. Nor shall the labour of Valar or flight be untried or invincible any longer. So saying, he smote him upon the shield equal on all sides, nor did the brass break through, for the point was bent in the stout shield, and Menelaus, the son of Beatrice, next made the attack with his brazen spear, having prayed to Father Job. He smote him upon the lowest part of the gullet as he retired, and he himself forcibly impressed the spear, relying on his strong hand, and the point went quite through his soft neck. And falling, he made a crash, and his armor rang upon him, and his locks, like unto the graces, were bedewed with blood, and his curls which were bound with gold and silver, and as a man rears a widely blooming plant of olive, fair budding in a solitary place, where water is wont to spring up in abundance, and which the breezes of every wind agitate, and it buds forth with a white flower, but a wind is suddenly coming on with a mighty blast, overturns it from the furrow, and stretches it upon the earth. So the son of Panthus, Euphorbus, skilled in the use of the ashen spear, and the laus son of Atreus when he had slain him, spoiled of his armor, as when any mountain nurtured lion, relying on his strength, has carried off from the pasturing herd a heifer, which is the best, but first he breaks its neck, seizing it in his strong teeth, and then tearing it in pieces, laps up the blood in all the entrails, whilst around him dogs and herdsmen shout very frequently from a distance, nor do they wish to go against him, for pale fear violently seizes them, thus the soul of no one within his breast dares to advance against glorious Menelaus. Then indeed the son of Atreus had easily borne off the celebrated arms of the son of Panthus, had not Fiebus Apollo envied him, who immediately aroused Hector, equal to fleet Mars against him, assimilating himself to the hero Mentees, leader of the Sikonys, and addressing him, he spoke winged words, Hector, now indeed thou art thus running, pursuing things not to be overtaken, the steeds of war-like Achilles, they indeed are difficult to be managed by mortal men, or to be driven by any other than Achilles whom an immortal mother bore. In the meanwhile, Menelaus, the war-like son of Atreus, protecting Patroclus, has slain the bravest of the Trojans, Euphorbis, the son of Panthus, and made him cease from impetuous valor. Thus having spoken, the god on his part again departed into the labor of the men, but heavy grief oppressed Hector as to his dark soul. Then indeed he looked around through the ranks, and immediately observed the one bearing away mis-armour, and the other lying upon the ground, and the blood flowed through the inflicted wound, but he advanced through the foremost warriors, armed in shining brass, shrilly shouting, like unto the inextinguishable flame of Vulcan, nor did he escape the notice of the son of Atreus loudly exclaiming, but he deeply sighing, thus communed with his own great-hearted soul. Ah, me! If I leave the beautiful armor and Patroclus who lies here for the sake of my honour, I dreadlust someone of the Greeks whoever perceives it will be indignant. But if being alone I fight with Hector and the Trojans from shame I fear lest many surround me being alone, but Crest-talking Hector is leading all the Trojans hither. But wherefore has my soul been thus debating? Whenever a man desires it, in opposition to a deity, to fight with a hero whom a god honours, soon is a great destruction hurled upon him. Wherefore no one of the Greeks will blame me who may perceive me retiring from Hector since he wars under the impulse of a god. But if I could hear Ajax brave in a din of war, both of us again returning would be mindful of battle, even against a god. If by any means we could draw off the body for the sake of Achilles, the son of Pileus, of Evils, certainly it would be the better. While he was thus deliberating these things in his mind and soul, the ranks of the Trojans were mean while advancing and Hector led the way. But he retired back and quitted the corpse turning round as a shaggy-bearded lion which dogs and men drive from the stall with spears and clamour, out his valiant heart within his breast is shaken, and he unwilling departs from the fold, thus did yellow-haired Menelaus retire from Patroclus, and being turned round, he stood when he had reached the band of his companions, looking all around for mighty Ajax, the son of Telemann, whom he very quickly perceived upon the left of the whole battle, encouraging his companions and urging them to fight. Parfewis Apollo had cast a heaven-sent panic amongst them, but he made haste to run and immediately standing near spoke. Ajax, hither, friend, let us hasten in defense of slain Patroclus if we can bear his naked course, at least to Achilles, or his armour crest-tossing Hector possesses. Thus he spoke, but he roused the courage of warlike Ajax, and he advanced through the foremost warriors and with him yellow-haired Menelaus. Hector on his part after he had despoiled him of his beautiful armour was dragging Patroclus that he might sever the head from the shoulders with a sharp brass, and carrying off the body might give it to the Trojan dogs when Ajax came near, bearing his shield like a tower. Then Hector, retiring back, retreated into the throng of his companions, and sprung up into his chariot. But he gave the handsome armour to the Trojans to carry to the city to be a great glory to him. But Ajax, with his broad shield covering around the son of Minuitius, stood like a lion over her young, against which, when leading her welps, the huntsman rushed together in the wood, whilst he looks dreadful in his might and draws down all his eyebrows, concealing his eyes. So strode Ajax round the hero Patroclus. On the other side stood the son of Atreus, war-like Menelaus, augmenting the great grief in his bosom. But Glaucus, the son of Hippolocus, leader of the Lycian heroes, looking sternly at Hector, upgraded him with harsh language. Hector, most excellent as to appearance, certainly thou art greatly deficient in fighting. Doubtless good fame possesses thee men, since thou art a fugitive. Consider now how alone with the people who are born in Ilium, thou mayest preserve the state and city, for none of the Lycians at all events will go to fight with the Greeks for thy city, since indeed there is no gratitude for fighting ever incessantly with hostile men. How indeed, in glorious one, hast thou preserved an inferior man in the throng, and suffered Sarbadan at once thy guest and companion to become a prey and booty to the Greeks, who, when arrived, was a great advantage to thy city and thyself. But now, thou didst not attempt to drive away the dogs from him. Wherefore, if any of the Lycian warriors will now obey me, go home, and utter destruction will be manifest to Troy, for if now that confident, intrepid strength was in the Trojans, which enters heroes who in the defense of their country undertake toil and conflict with hostile men, immediately might we draw patroclus into Ilium. But if he, lifeless, should come to the great city of Ilium, and we had drawn him away from the battle, quickly indeed with the Greeks ransomed to us the beautiful armor of Sarbadan, and we might bear himself also into Troy. For the attendant of that man is slain, who is by far the bravest of the Greeks at the ships, and whose servants are close fighting warriors. But thou forsooth hast not dared to stand against magnanimous Ajax, beholding his eyes in the battle of the enemy, nor to fight against him, for he is more brave than thou. But him, sternly regarding, Christos in Hector addressed, O Glaucus, why hast thou been such as thou art, spoken hotly? If faith friend, I thought that thou didst excel in judgment the others, as many as inhabit, fertile Lycea, but now I altogether blame thy understanding, since thou hast thus spoken, thou who sayest that I do not withstand my Ajax, neither have I dreaded the battle, nor the tumult of steeds, but the council of ages bearing ever superior, who puts even the valiant man to flight, and easily takes away the victory, but at another time he himself impels him to fight. But come hither, my friend, stand by me, and behold my conduct, truly I shall always be a coward as thou sayest, or I will restrain even some of the Greeks, although very eager from keeping defense over dead patroclus. Thus saying he cheered on the Trojans loudly shouting, ye Trojans and Lycians and close fighting Dardanians, be men, my friends, and be mindful of impetual valor, whilst I put on the armor of illustrious Achilles, beautiful of which I despoiled mighty patroclus, having slain him. Thus having spoken, Crest tossing Hector departed from the glowing battle, and running very quickly overtook his companions not far off, following with swift feet those who were bearing towards the city the renowned arms of Achilles. Then standing apart from the mournful battle he changed his armor, his own armor he gave to the warlike Trojans to bear to sacred Ilium, but he put on the immortal arms of Achilles, the son of Helius, which the heavenly God had bestowed on his dear father, but he indeed, growing old, presented them to his son, but the son grew not old in the armor of his father. But when cloud-compelling Joe beheld him apart, a codered in the armor of divine Helides, then shaking his head, he said to his own soul, ah, luckless one, nor is death at all in thy thoughts, which is now near thee, but thou putest on the immortal armor of the bravest hero, at whom others also tremble, and thou hast slain his companion both gentle and brave, and thou hast taken the armor from his head and shoulders, not according to propriety. But now will I give into thy hands a great victory, a compensation for this, that Andromache shall never receive from thee, having returned from the battle the illustrious arms of the son of Helius. The son of Saturn spoke, and moreover nodded with his sable brows, but the armor fitted the person of Hector and Mars, the dreadful warrior entered him, and his limbs were inwardly filled with the might and strength, and he went after the illustrious allies exclaiming aloud, and glittering in his armor, to all of them he presented the appearance of the magnanimous son of Helius, but going among them he animated each with his words, Mestilis, Glaucus, Medon, and Thercilicus, Estropeus, Dysenor, and Hippothos, Hercus, Promeus, and Enemus, the augur, exhorting these he spoke winged words. Here ye countless troops of allies dwelling around, for I did not assemble you here, each from his own city, seeking or wanting a crowd, but that ye might willingly defend for me the wives and infant children of the Trojans from the warlike Greeks, thinking these things I wear away my people by gifts and provisions to you, and I satisfy the desire of each of you. Wherefore now let some one being turned round straight, either perish or be saved, for these are the chances of war, nevertheless whoever will drag Patroclus, although dead to the horse-breaking Trojans, and to whom Ajax shall yield to him, will I present one half of the spoils, but I myself will keep the other half, and glory shall be to him as much as to me. Thus he spoke, but they, lifting up their spears, advanced with condensed might direct the Greeks, and their mind eagerly hoped to draw away the dead body from Telemonian Ajax. Fools! Truly over it he took away the life from many, and then Ajax addressed Menelaus, good in the din of war. Oh my friend! O Job nurtured Menelaus, no longer do I expect that even we ourselves will return from battle, nor do I fear so much about the dead body of Patroclus, which will quickly satiate the dogs and the birds of the Trojans as much as I fear for my own head, and suffer anything, and for thine, for hector, that cloud of war overshadows all things, whilst to us, on the other hand, utter destruction appears. But come, call the bravest of the Greeks, if anyone will hear. Thus he spoke, nor did Menelaus good in the din of war disobey, but he shouted, crying with a loud voice to the Greeks. Oh friends! Leaders and chieftains of the Greeks, ye who with Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, and Menelaus, drink the public wine, and command each his forces, but honor and glory follows from Job. Difficult would it be for me to look to each of the leaders for so great a strife of battle burns, but let someone advance, and let him be indignant in his mind that Patroclus should become a sports to Trojan dogs. Thus he spoke, but quickly the swift Oilean Ajax heard, and first advanced opposite, running through the battle. After him, Adomeneus and Maryonus, the armor-bearer of Adomeneus, equal to men slaughtering but who in his mind could recount the names of the others as many as afterwards aroused the battle of the Greeks, but the Trojans in close array first made the onset, and Hector led them on, but as when, as the mouths of a river flowing from Job, the great wave roars against the stream while around the lofty shores resound the wave being ejected upon the beach with so loud a clamor did the Trojans advance, but the Greeks stood round the son of Minuitius, having one spirit protected by their hand shields whilst over their shining helmets the son of Saturn poured a thick haze, for he did not formally hate the son of Minuitius when being alive, he was the attendant of Achilles, therefore he was loathe that he should become a prey to the Trojan dogs of the enemy, and so he excited his companions to defend him. The Trojans however first dislodged the dark-eyed Greeks, and they, leaving the body retreated, nor did the magnanimous Trojan slay any of them with their spears, although desirous, but drew the body, but the Greeks were about to be absent from him a very short while, for very quickly did Ajax rally them who, next to the renowned son of Helaus excelled the other Greeks in beauty and in deeds, and he broke through the front ranks resembling a wild boar in strength, which amongst the mountains easily disperses the dogs and the blooming youths through the woods turning to bay, so the son of illustrious Telemon, noble Ajax, having made the attack easily routed the phalanxes of the Trojans who had surrounded and mostly expected to drag him to their city and bear away glory. Meanwhile Hippothus, the illustrious son of Pulaski and Lethus, was dragging him by the foot through the violent conflict having bound him with a strap at the ankle around the tendons, gratifying Hector and the Trojans, but soon came evil upon him, which no one, even of those desiring it, averted from him. Him, the son of Telemon, rushing through the crowd, smote in close fight through the brazen, cheeked helmet. The horse-haired helmet was cleft by the point of the weapon, stricken by the great spear and strong hand, and the brain, bloody, gushed out of the wound at the cone of the helmet, and his strength was there relaxed. Then he let fall from his hands the foot of Magnanimus Patroclus to lie upon the earth, and near him he himself fell, prone upon the dead body, far away from Fertilorissa. Nor did he repay the debt of nourishment to his beloved parents for his life was short, subdued by the spear of Magnanimus Ajax. But Hector again aimed at Ajax with his shining spear. He, however, seek and opposite avoided the brazen spear by a little, but he struck Skeedius, the magnanimous son of Iphetus, by far the bravest of the Fokians, who inhabited the dwellings in renowned Pinopias, ruling over many men. Him he smote under the middle of the clavicle, and the brazen point of the weapon went quite through, near the extremity of the shoulder. Falling he made a crash, and his arms rang upon him. Then Ajax again smote war-like forcus, the son of Ithus, in the middle of the belly, while defending Hippothus. And he broke the cavity of the corslet, and the brazen weapon drank his entrails through, and falling in the dust, he seized the earth with the palm of his hand. The foremost warriors and illustrious Hector retreated, but the Greeks shouted loudly, and drew off the bodies, both Forkus and Hippothus, and they loosed the armor from their shoulders. Then again would the Trojans, routed by the war-like Greeks, have gone up to Ilium, and ordered by their valor and might would have obtained glory, even contrary to the destined will of Job, had not Apollo himself excited Aeneas, and body-like unto Periphus the herald, son of Hippothus, who, knowing prudent counsels in his mind, had grown old as a herald with his aged sire. Assimilating himself to him, Apollo, the son of Job, addressed him, O Aeneas, how could ye preserve lofty Ilium against the deity, since I behold these other men relying on their bravery and might and valor, and their number and possessing a dauntless host? Yet Job wills the victory to us rather than to the deny, yet ye greatly tremble, nor fight. Thus he spoke, but Aeneas seeing him before him, recognized far-darting Apollo, and loudly shouting addressed Hector, O Hector, and the other leaders of the Trojans and allies, this now indeed is a shame that we subdued by cowardice should go up to Ilium, driven by the war-like Achaeans, for already even now some one of the gods, having stood near to me, declared that Job, the highest counselor, is an ally of the battle to us, wherefore let us go direct against the Greeks, nor let them quietly move the dead patroclus to the ships. Thus he spoke, and then springing forth stood far before the front ranks, but they rallied and stood opposed to the Greeks. Then Aeneas wounded with his spear, the Ocritus, son of Orisbus, the brave companion of Lycomedes, him falling war-like Lycomedes pitied, and advancing very near he stood, and hurled with his shining spear, and struck Epision, the son of Hepaceus, shepherd of the people, in the liver, beneath the diaphragm, and immediately relaxed his limbs. He had come from fertile Peonia, and next to Osteropaeus was the bravest to fight. War-like Osteropaeus pitied him fallen, and he rushed forward, willing to fight with the Greeks, but not yet could he do so, for those standing around patroclus were fenced in on every side of the shields, and held their spears before them, for Ajax went eagerly among all, greatly cheering them on. He suffered not any one either to retire from the body, nor any of the Greeks to fight in front, excelling the others, but vigorously to stalk around for defense, and to combat in close fight. Thus did mighty Ajax command, but the earth was moistened with purple gore, whilst upon each other fell the dead bodies of the Trojans, and courageous allies, and of the Greeks. For neither did they see, although far fewer perished, because they were ever mindful throughout the tumult to repel severe labor from each other. Thus indeed they fought like a fire, nor would you say that the sun was safe or the moon, for they were wrapped in dark haze in the combat, as many of the bravest as stood around the dead son of Manoetius. The other Trojans and well-armed Greeks however fought at ease beneath the atmosphere. The piercing splendor of the sun was expanded over them, and the cloud did not appear over all the earth, nor the heavens, rusting at intervals they fought, avoiding the cruel weapons of each other, standing far asunder, while those in the middle suffered hardships from darkness and from war, and were afflicted by the ruthless brass, as many as were most brave. But two heroes, illustrious men, Thursimides and Antelokas, had not yet heard that blameless Patroclus was dead, but thought that still alive, he was fighting with the Trojans in the foremost tumult. But these, watching the slaughter and the flight of their companions, fought apart, and Nestor had so ordered, urging them on to battle from the black ships. But to these, all day, a mighty contest of severe strife arose, and ever incessantly the knees, the legs, and the feet of each under him. The hands and the eyes of those fighting around the brave companion of swift-footed Achilles were defiled with fatigue and perspiration. And as when a man gives the hide of a huge ox saturated with grease to his people to stretch, but they having received stretch it, standing apart from each other in a circle, and straightway the moisture exudes, and the oily matter enters, many pulling it, till it is stretched in every direction. So they on both sides drag the body here and there in a small space. For the mind of the Trojans, on the one hand, eagerly hoped to draw him to Illium, but of the Greeks on the other, to the hollow ships. Around him arose a fierce tumult, nor could Mars, the exciter of troops, Norma Nerva having beheld it, have found default. Not even a wrath had particularly come here. Such an evil labour of men and horses did Jove extend over Patroclus that day, nor as yet did Noble Achilles at all know that Patroclus was dead, because they fought far from the swift ships beneath the wall of the Trojans. He never thought in his mind that he was dead. But that alive having approached the gates, he would return back, since he did not at all suppose that he could sack the city without him, for he had often heard this from his mother, hearing it apart, who used to tell him the truth. Yet his mother had not then told him so great an evil as had happened that the companion by far most dear to him had perished. But they ever around the dead body, holding their sharp spears, charged incessantly and slaughtered one another, and thus would some of the brazen male the Greeks say, oh friends, surely it will not be honourable for us to retreat to the hollow ships, but rather let the black earth here gate for us all. This indeed would at once be better for us than that we should permit the men to drag him to their city and obtain glory. And thus also would some one of the magnanimous Trojans say, oh friends, although it be our destiny that all be equally subdued beside this man, never let anyone retire from the battle. Thus then someone said and riles the spirit of each. Thus indeed were they fighting and the iron clanger reached the brazen heaven through the unfruitful air. But the horses of Akades being apart from the combat wept when they first perceived that their charioteer had fallen dust beneath men's slaughtering hector. Otomondon, indeed the brave son of Dioris, frequently urged them on, beating them with a sharp lash, and frequently addressed them in mild terms and in threats. But they chose neither to go back to the ships towards the wild helispont nor into the battle among the Greeks. But as a pillar remains firm, which stands at the tomb of a dead man or woman, so they remained, detaining the splendid chariot motionless and drooping their heads to the earth. But warm blood flowed from their eyelids to the earth, complaining from desire of their charioteer and their thick mane was defiled flowing down on both sides from the collar at the yoke. But the son of Saturn beholding them lamenting felt compassion and shaking his head communed with his own mind. Luckless pair, why did we give you to King Palaeus a mortal for ye are free from old age and immortal? Was it that ye might endure griefs with unhappy men? For there is not anything at all more wretched than man, of all as many as breathe and move over the earth. But hector the son of Priam shall not be borne by you, even in the curiously raw chariot, for I will not permit it. Is it not enough that he possesses those arms and vainly boasts? But into your knees and spirit will I cast vigor that he may safely bear automadan from the battle to the hollow ships, for still will I give glory to the trojans to slay until they reach the well- benched ships till the sunset and sacred darkness come on. So saying he breathed strong vigor into the steeds, and they shaken the dust from their mange to the ground, quickly bore the rabid car amongst the trojans and the Greeks, and against them fought automadan, though grieved for his companion, rushing along in his chariot like a vulture among the geese. For he fled easily from the tumult of the trojans, and easily did he rush on, pursuing through the dense throng. Yet did he not slay the men when he pressed onward to pursue, for by no means possible for him, being alone in a sacred car, to assault with the spear and to reign in the fleet's steeds. At length, however, a companion the hero Alchimadan, son of Lersias, the son of Amon, beheld him with his eyes, and stood behind his chariot and addressed automadan. Which of the gods, though automadan, has placed a foolish council in Naibuzm, and taken from the sound judgment, in as much as alone thou fightest in the foremost ranks with the trojans? A companion indeed is slain, and Hector himself vaunts, having upon his shoulders the armor of Aikides, him then automadan, the son of Dioris addressed. Alchimadan, what other of the Greeks then is likely to subdue and restrain the spirit of immortal steeds, unless patroclus whilst alive, a council equal to the gods? Now, however, death and fate possess him, nevertheless do thou take the lash and beautiful range, but I will descend from the chariot that I may fight. Thus he spoke, but Alchimadan, ascending the chariot, swift in war instantly took in his hands the lash and range, whilst automadan leaped down. But illustrious Hector perceived this, and immediately addressed Aeneas, being near. Aeneas, council of the brazen mailed trojans, I have observed these two steeds of Aikides proceeding to the battle with unskillful charioteers. I therefore may hope to capture them if thou at least desire it in thy mind. For standing opposite, they will not to withstand us rushing on to fight in battle. Thus he spoke, nor did the brave son of Angusese disobey, both advanced direct, covered as to their shoulders with bull's hides, dry, thick, and upon them much brass was plated, but along with them went both Chromius and Godlike Eritus, and their mind greatly hoped to slay them and to drive away the long-necked steeds. Foolish, for they were not destined to return back bloodlessly from automadan, for he having prayed to Father Jove was filled with gratitude and valor as to his dark mind, and immediately addressed Alchimodon, his faithful comrade. Oh Alchimodon, do not now detain the steeds far from me, but keep them breathing closely at my back, for I do not think that Hector, the son of Priam, will abstain from violence before that he has mounted the beautiful maimed horses of Achilles having slain both of us, and put to rout the ranks of Grecian heroes or himself be slain among the first. Thus saying he called upon the Ujeces, leaders of the Greeks and Menelaus, leave then the dead body to those as many as our bravest to defend it on all sides and to repulse the ranks of men, but from us who are alive avert the merciless day, for hither violently rush through the lamentable fight Hector and Aeneas, who are the best of the Trojans, but all these things rest upon the knees of the gods, for I also will hurl, and all these things will be a care to Jove. He said, and brandishing hurled his long shadowed spear, and struck upon the shield of Oritas, equal on all sides. It however did not repel the spear, but the brass went entirely through, and passed through the belt into the bottom of his belly, and as when a man in youthful vigor holding a sharp axe cuts through the whole tendon, striking behind the hordes of a wild bull, what it leaping forward falls, so he, springing forward, fell supine, and the sharp spear quivering in his entrails relaxed his limbs. Then Hector took Aime at command on with his shining spear, but he, seeing it in front of him, avoided the brazen weapon, for he bent forward, but the long spear was fixed in the ground behind him, and moreover the nether end of the spear was shaken, but there then the strong weapon spent its force. Then truly they would have engaged hand to hand with their sword, had not the eager Ajaysees who came through the crowd at the call of their companion separated them. But Hector, Aeneas, and godlike Chromias, greatly dreading them, retired back again, and left a retus lying there, lacerated as to his heart, but him on Tomadon equaled to Swift Mars, the spoil of his armor, and boasting uttered this speech, Surely now I have a little relieved my heart of sorrow for the dead son of Minuitius, although having slain but an inferior man. Thus having spoken, seizing the gore-stained spoils, he placed them in the chariot and mounted himself, bloody as to his feet and hands above, like some lion which has fed upon a bull. Again our patroclus was a direful battle extended, grievous lamentable, and Minerva excited the contention descending from heaven, for far-sounding Jove sent her forth to encourage the Greeks, as his intention was now changed. As Jove extends a purple rainbow from heaven to mortals, to be a signal either of war or of a chilling storm which causes men to cease from their works upon the earth, and afflicts the cattle, so she, having obscured herself in a purple cloud, entered the army of the Greeks, and aroused every man. First, however, she addressed the son of Atreus, Gallant Menelaus, inciting him, for he was near her, assimilating herself in her form and unwearyed voice to Phoenix. Thine of a truth will shame and disgrace now be, O Menelaus, if the swift dogs tear the faithful companion of illustrious Achilles beneath the wall of the Trojans. Therefore, bravely hold on and urge on all the people. Whom in return Menelaus, good in a den of war, addressed, Phoenix, father, old man, long since born, would that Menelaus would give me strength and ward off the force of the weapons, then indeed would I be willing to stand by and defend the patroclus for dying he greatly affected my mind with grief. But Hector has the dreadful force of fire, nor does he cease slaying with his spear for to him Jove affords glory. Thus he spoke, but the Azurid-Eid goddess Menelaus rejoiced because to her he had prayed first of all to God. But in his shoulders and knees she put strength and placed in his bosom the boldness of a fly which although frequently driven away from a human body persists in biding and the blood of man is sweet to it. With such confidence she filled his dark soul and he advanced towards patroclus and took aim with his splendid spear. Now there was among the Trojans one Podies, the son of Aetion, rich and brave whom of his people Hector chiefly honored for he was his dear companion in the banquet. Him yellow-haired Menelaus smote upon the belt while hastening to flight and drove the brazen weapon quite through. He falling gave a crash and Menelaus the son of Aetreus dragged away the body from the Trojans to the crowd of his companions. But Apollo standing near excited Hector in the likeness of Phaenops, son of Aeceus who inhabiting dwelling at Avedos was most dear to him of all his guests. Assimilating himself to him, far darting Apollo spoke Hector, what other of the Greeks will any more fear thee since now thou dreadest Menelaus who indeed before was but an effeminate warrior but now departs done bearing off the dead course for the Trojans he has slain in the front ranks Podies, the son of Aetion, thy comrade faithful and brave. Thus he spoke but him a dark cloud of grief overshadowed and he went through the front ranks armed in glittering brass and then the son of Saturn took his ages ranged and splendid and covered Ida with clouds but having flashed his lightning he thundered very loudly and shook the mountain and he gave victory to the Trojans but put the Greeks to flight. Penelaus the Boeotian first was leader of the flight for he was wounded slightly on the tip of the shoulder with a spear being always turned the frontwards. But the spear of Polydemus grazed even to the bone for he coming close had wounded him. Next Hector Electrion on the hand at the wrist and caused him to cease from battle then looking around him he trembled since he no longer hoped in his mind to be able to fight with the Trojans holding his spear in his hand but Edomeneus had struck on the coarselet upon the breast near the pep Hector rushing after Latus. The long spear however was broken at the socket and the Trojans shouted but Hector discharged his javelin at Edomeneus the son of Deucalion as he was standing in his midst by a little but struck Coranus the attendant and charioteer of Marionus who had followed him from well situated Lictus. For at first on foot having left his equally plied ships he came and would have secured a decided victory to the Trojans had not Coranus quickly driven on his swift footed steeds to him then Coranus came as a help and warded off the merciless day but he himself lost his life beneath manslaughtering Hector him he smote beneath the javelin the extremity of the spear forced out his teeth and cut through the middle of his tongue he fell from his chariot and the rains dropped to the ground and Marionus stooping lifted them from the plain in his own hands and addressed Edomeneus Lash on now until thou reached the swift ships for even thou thyself perceivest that victory is no longer on the side of the Achaeans. Thus he spake and Edomeneus lashed on the beautiful mained steeds to the hollow ships nor did Jove escape notice of magnanimous Ajax and Menelaus when he for the present gave the dubious victory to the Trojans but to them the mighty Ajax son of Telemann began to speak alas even who is very stupid might now know that father Jove himself is aiding the Trojans for the weapons of them all take effect whoever may throw them whether coward or brave man Jove certainly directs them all but the weapons of all of us fall in vain come however let us devise the best plan both how we may drag off the course and how we ourselves may be a source of joy to our beloved comrades having returned home they of a truth beholding us here are grieved and think that we shall no longer resist the might and invincible hands of manslaughtering Hector but would there were some companion who would quickly bring word to Achilles since I think he has not yet heard the mournful tidings but no where can I see such a person among the Greeks for they and their steeds are together enveloped in darkness a father Jove liberate at least the sons of the Greeks from darkness make a clear atmosphere and grant us to see with our eyes then destroy us in the light if thus it be pleasing to thee thus he spoke but the sire felt compassion for him weeping and immediately dissipated the haze and removed the cloud and the sun shone forth and the whole battle was displayed and Ajax addressed Menelaus good in the din of war look around now O Jove nurtured Menelaus if anywhere thou canst perceive yet alive and to locus the son of magnanimous Nester urge him going speedily to tell warlike Achilles that the comrade by far most dear to him has perished thus he spoke nor did Menelaus good in the din of war disobey but he hastened to go like some lion from a fold which after that he is fatigued harassing both dogs and men who living all night suffer him not to carry off the fat of the oxen but he desirous of flesh rushes on but nothing profits for many javelins fly against him from daring hands and blazing torches which eager as he is he dreads but early in the morning he goes apart with saddened mind so most unwilling from patroclus went Menelaus brave in the din of war because he greatly feared lest the Greeks through grievous terror should leave him a prey to the enemy and much therefore he exhorted the ajeces. The ajeces, leaders of the Greeks and marionas now let each one be mindful of the gentleness of wretched patroclus for when alive he knew how to be mild to all but now indeed death and fate overtake him thus then having spoken yellow-haired Menelaus departed gazing round in all directions like an eagle which they say sees most acutely of birds beneath the sky and which though being aloft the swift-footed hair does not escape when lying beneath the land's foliage thicket but he pounces upon it and quickly seizing it deprives it of life thus oh jove nurtured Menelaus were thy shining eyes turned around in all directions through the band of thy numerous companions if anywhere thou mightest behold the son of Nester yet living but him he very soon perceived upon the left of all the battle encouraging his companions and inciting them to fight and standing near yellow-haired Menelaus addressed him oh hither come and to locus entred that thou mayest hear the sad message which with it had not happened I think indeed that thou thyself looking perceivest that a god rose disaster upon the Greeks but that victory is on the side of the Trojans her patroclus the bravest of the Greeks is slain and the great longing after him has befallen the Greeks but do thou quickly tell it to Achilles running to the ships of the Greeks if perchance quickly he may bring in safety to his ships the unarmed body for Christ tossing Hector possesses the armor thus he spoke but then to locus shuttered hearing the news and long did a want of words possess him and his eyes were filled with tears and his liquid voice was interrupted yet not even thus did he neglect the command of Menelaus but he hastened to run and gave his armor to Leodocus his blamest companion who near him managed a solid hooved steeds him however his feet bore weeping from the battle about to communicate the evil news to Achilles son of Peleus nor old Jovenurtian Menelaus was thy mind willing to aid the harassed comrades in the place whence Antelocus had departed and great longing after him was caused to the Pylians but to them he sent noble Thurcimides and he himself went again towards the hero patroclus but arriving he stood beside the Ajeses and immediately addressed him him indeed I have now dispatched to the swift ships to go to swift footed Achilles yet I do not think that he will come although greatly enraged with noble Hector for being unarmed he could by no means fight with the Trojans let even us then ourselves deliberate upon the best plan as well how we shall draw off the body as also how we ourselves may escape death and fate from the clamour of the Trojans but him mighty telemonian Ajax and answered all things correctly has thou spoken or illustrious Menelaus but do thou and Mariona stooping quickly under it having lifted it up bear the body from the fight whilst we too like name possessing equal courage will fight with the Trojans and with noble Hector we who even formerly have sustained the sharp conflict remaining by each other thus he spoke but they with great exertion lifted up the body in their arms from the ground but the Trojan army shouted in their rear when they saw the Greeks raising up the dead body and rushed on like dogs which spring upon a wounded boar before the youthful hunters one while indeed they run eager to tear him under but again when he turns upon them or lying on his strength then they retreat and flying in different directions hither and thither so the Trojans sometimes steadily pursued in the body striking with their swords and two edged spears but when again the Ajax turning round upon them stood then was their colour changed nor dared anyone rushing forward to combat for the corpse thus they with alacrity bore the body from the fight towards the hollow ships but the fierce battle was extended to them like a flame sailing and being suddenly excited sets fire to a city of men and the houses diminish in the mighty blaze whilst the force of the wind roars through it so a horrid tumult of steeds and war like heroes followed them departing but as mules exerting vast strength drag from a mountain along a rugged path either a beam or a large piece of timber for shipbuilding but the spirit within them as a Haitian is wearied equally with fatigue and perspiration so they with alacrity bore away the body whilst the Ajac's behind them checked the enemy as a barrier of wood stretched straight across a plane restrains water which checks the furious courses even of rapid rivers and immediately turning them directs the streams of all into the plane nor can they at all burst through it though flowing with violence so the Ajac's in the rear always repulsed the attack of the Trojans who however following along with them but two amongst them in particular Aeneas son of Ancuses and illustrious Hector and as a cloud of starlings or Jack Dawes shrily chattering flies away when they perceive a hawk advancing which brings death to small birds so then from Aeneas and Hector departed the sons of the Greeks loudly clamoring and were forgetful of the fight and the much beautiful armor of the flying Greeks fell both in and about the trench but there was no cessation from the battle end of book the 17th read by Stephen Carney section 18 book the 18th of the Iliad of Homer this labor box recording is in the public domain recording by Stephen Carney the Iliad of Homer by Homer translated by Theodore Alois Buckley section 18 book the 18th argument the discomforts her son for the death of Petroklas and promises to procure him new armor from Vulcan at the command of Juno Achilles comes forth and strikes terror into the enemy the body of Petroklas is rescued and prepared for funeral rites and Vulcan forges a suite of armor and a splendid shield for Achilles thus they then were fighting like a blazing fire but Swithfooted Antelokas came as a messenger to Achilles him he found in front of his lofty proud ships revolving in his mind those things which had already been accomplished and then groaning he communed with his own mind why are the long-haired Achaeans driven back in confusion to the ships routed through the plain I fear lest the gods have accomplished evil sorrows to my soul as my mother once informed me and told me that the bravest of the myrmidons, I being yet alive would leave the light of the sun by the hands of the Trojans too surely now the valiant son of Minuitius is dead, obstinate one certainly I desired him having repelled the hostile fire heavily with Hector whilst he was revolving these things in his mind and in his soul in the meantime the son of illustrious Nestor jr. shedding warm tears and delivered his sad message alas, oh son of war like Pelius surely thou wilt hear a very grievous message which would that it had not taken place, but Troclus lies low and around his unarmed course they are now fighting whilst Crest tossing Hector a cloak but him a black cloud of grief overshadowed and taking the burnt ashes with both hands he poured them on his head and denied his comely countenance but the dark ashes everywhere adhered to his rich tunic but he mighty lay extended at great length in the dust and tearing he disordered his hair with his hands the handmaids whom Achilles and patroclus had taken grieved in their souls shrieked aloud and ran out the door round war like Achilles with their hands and the limbs of each were relaxed Antelokus on the other side lamented shedding tears holding the hands of Achilles and he kept groaning within his generous heart for he feared lest he should cut his throat with his sword then he moaned dreadfully and his venerable mother heard him sitting in the depths of the sea beside her aged father and immediately lamented and all the goddesses assembled around her as many nirids as were at the bottom of the sea there were Glaucy, Thalia and Cymodisi, Neseia, Spio, Thua and Largide, Helia Cymothoi, Actaea and Lemnoria, Melita Aerea and Pythoi and Agave, Dotho, Proto, Ferusa and Dinameny the Xameny, Amphanomy and Callianyra, Doris, Panope and Distinguished Galatia Numerities, Upsuides and Callianasa there were also Climini, Ayanira and Iannasa, Maera Orythia and Ferherda, Mathia and other nirids which were in the depths of the sea but the resplendent cave was full of them and all at once they beat their breasts but Thedas began the lamentation Here, sister nirids that hearing he may all well know what grieves are in my mind Woe is me wretched Woe is me who have in an evil hour brought forth the bravest of men I who after having borne a son blameless and valiant the chief of heroes and he grew up like a young tree having reared him like a sapling in a fruitful spot of a field I afterward sent him forth in the curved ships to Ilium to fight against the Trojans but I shall not receive him again having returned home to the palace of Pilius but whilst he lives and beholds the light of the sun he grieves nor can I going to him avail him ought will I go that I may see my beloved son and hear what grief comes upon him remaining away from the battle thus having spoken she left the cave but they all went along with her weeping and the wave of the ocean was cleft around for them but when they reached fertile Troy they in order ascended the shore where the fleet ships of the myrmidons were drawn up round swift Achilles then his venerable mother trilly wailing stood near to him deeply lamenting and took the head of her son and mourning addressed to him winged words oh son why weepest thou and what sorrow has come upon my mind speak out nor conceal it those things indeed are fulfilled for thee from jove as thou ditched formerly prey lifting up thy hands that all the sons of the Greeks wanting thee should be collected at the ships and suffer disgraceful deeds but her swift footed Achilles addressed deeply groaning mother mine these things indeed the Olympian king hath accomplished for me but what pleasure is there in them to me since patroclus my dear companion is dead whom I honored beyond all my companions equally with my own head him have I lost and Hector having slain him has stripped off his mighty armor a wonder to be seen beautiful which the other gods gave to Palaeus splendid gifts on that day when they laid thee in the bed of a mortal man would that thou hadst dwelt there among the immortal marine inhabitants and that Palaeus had wedded a mortal spouse but now thou hast been wedded to the end that immeasurable grief may be upon thy mind for thy sons slain whom thou shalt not again receive having returned home since even my mind urges me not to live nor have intercourse with men unless Hector first lose his life smitten by my spear and pay the penalty for the slaughter of patroclus the son of Minuitius but him, Thetis in turn addressed pouring forth tears short lived thou wilt be oh my son as thou sayest for fate is ready for thee immediately after Hector then heavily sighing swift would the Achilles address her may I die then immediately since it was not destined that I should aid my companion now slain but he indeed hath perished far away from his native land and longed for me to be an averture of his doom but now since I shall not return to my dear fatherland nor have been reservation to patroclus or to my other companions who have been subdued in great numbers by noble Hector but sit beside the ships unuseless weight on the earth being such as is none of the raisin male, the keyens and more though in council there are others superior would that therefore contention might be extinguished from gods and men and anger which is want to impaled even the very wisest to be harsh and which much sweeter than distilling honey like smoke rises in the breasts of men so now did I commend none king of men enraged me but although greatly grieved let us leave these things to pass by as done subduing from necessity our own spirit within our bosoms but now will I go that I may find Hector the destroyer of my friend and I will accept death whensoever jove and the other immortal god shall please to accomplish it for not even the might of Hercules escaped death who was very dear to king jove the son of Saturn but fate subdued him the grievous wrath of Juno so also shall I lie when I am dead if a similar fate be destined for me but now may I bear away illustrious glory and compel some one of the Trojan women and deep-robed Dardanians to sigh frequently wiping away the tears from her tender cheeks with both hands and may they know that I have long ceased from battle wherefore do not hinder me from the combat although loving me or thou wilt not persuade me him then the silver footed goddess Theetus answered certainly this is true oh son nor is it an evil thing to avert other destruction from our friends when afflicted but by beautiful arms a breeze in and shining are detained among the Trojans which crest tossing Hector himself having on his shoulders most sub it I suspect that he will not long glory in them for death is near to him but do thou by no means enter the slaughter of Mars before thou beholdest me with thine eyes coming hither for a dawn I will return with a rising sun bearing beautiful armor from King Vulcan thus having spoken she turned round from her son and being turned addressed her marine sisters entry now the broad bosom of the deep about to behold the marine old man and the mentions of my sire and tell him all things but I go to lofty Olympus to Vulcan the skillful artist to try if he is willing to give my son illustrious glittering armor thus she spoke but they immediately sank beneath the wave of the sea but the this the silver footed goddess again departed to Olympus that she might bear the illustrious armor to her beloved son her on the one hand her feet bore towards Olympus but the Greeks flying with the heaven sent up roar from mans ordering Hector reach the ships and the helispont nor had the well grieved Greeks drawn off the dead body of Petroklos the attendant of Achilles out of the reach of weapons for now again both infantry and cavalry pursued him and Hector the son of Priam like unto a flame in violence thrice did illustrious Hector sees him behind the feet eager to draw him away and loudly shouted to the Trojans and thrice to the two Aegees clad in impetuous might forcibly repulse him from the course whilst he was steady purpose ever relying on his might sometimes charged through the crowd and sometimes again stopped loudly shouting but never retreated all together but as night watching shepherds are by no means able to drive away from a tawny lion greatly hungry so were the two warriors the Aegees unable to drive away Hector the son of Priam from the body and now indeed would he have dragged it off and obtained great glory had not fleet wind-footed iris come as a messenger to the son of Pileus running down from Olympus that he should arm himself unknown to Joven the other gods for Juno sent her forth and standing near she addressed to him winged words arise son of Pileus most terrible of all men defend the patroclus for whom a dire contest is maintained before the ships but they are slaughtering each other the one party fighting for the same corpse while the other the Trojans rush on that they may drag him away to windswept Ilium and above all illustrious Hector desire to seize him for his mind promise him to fix his head upon stakes having cut it from the tender neck but up nor lie longer but let reverence touch thy soul that patroclus should be a source of delight to a disgrace would be to thee if the dead body should come at all defiled but her noble swift-footed Achilles then answered which of the gods of goddess iris sent thee as a messenger to me but him fleet wind-footed iris again addressed Juno sent me forth the glorious spouse of Joven nor does the losty throne son of Saturn know it nor were any of the immortals who inhabit snowy Olympus but her swift-footed Achilles answering addressed and how can I go to the slaughter for possess my armor besides my dear mother does not permit me to be armed before that with my eyes I behold her coming for she hath promised that she will bear me beautiful armor from Vulcan but I indeed not know of another whose splendid armor I could put on except the shield of Ajax son of Telemann but he I hope mingles in the front ranks slaying with his spear round the head of patroclus but him swift-footed iris again addressed well too do we know that they possess I distinguish armor yet even thus going towards the ditch show thyself to the Trojans if her chance of Trojans terrified may desist from battle and the war-like harassed sons of the Greeks may breathe again and there be a short respite from fighting thus indeed having spoken swift-footed iris departed but Achilles dear to Jove arose and around his strong shoulders Minerva through her fringed ages and the divine one of goddesses crowned his head around with a golden cloud and from it she kindled a shining flame and as when smoke ascending from a city reaches the ether from an island afar off which foes invest who pouring out from their city contend all day in hateful fight but with the setting sun torches blaze one after another and the splendor arises rushing upwards for their neighbors to behold if her chance they may come with ships as repellors of the war thus did the flame from the head of Achilles reach the sky he stood having advanced from the wall to the trench nor mingled the Greeks for he reverenced the prudent advice of his mother there standing he shouted and palace Minerva on the other side of the siphirated and stirred up immense tumult among the Trojans and as the tone is very clear when a trumpet sounds while deadly foes are investing a city so distinct then was the voice of the descendant of Acus but when they heard the brazen voice of Achilles the soul was disturbed to all whilst the beautiful mained steeds turned the chariots backwards for they pressured those in their mind the charioteers were panic struck when they beheld the terrific and the fatigable flame blazing over the head of magnanimous palities for the azirid eyed goddess Minerva lighted it thrice over the trench loudly shouted noble Achilles and thrice were the Trojans and their illustrious allies thrown into confusion there then perished 12 bravest heroes by their chariots and spears whilst the Greeks dragging patrocos with joy after the reach of weapons stretched him on a beer but his beloved companions stood round him mourning and with them followed swift footed Achilles shedding warm tears when he beheld his faithful comrade lying upon a beer lacerated with a sharp brass whom indeed he has sent forth with his horses and chariots to battle but he did not receive him again having returned but the large eyed venerable Juno sent the unwirried son to return to the flowing of the ocean against his inclination the son then set and noble Greeks desisted from the violent conflict and the equally destructive battle the Trojans again on the other side retiring from the violent combat loose their fleet steeds from their chariots but they assembled in the council before they b'thought them of their banquet the assembly consisted of persons standing up nor did anyone dare to sit or fear possessed all because Achilles had appeared who had long abstained for the direful combat among them prudent polydamus the son of Penthis began to speak for he alone the future and the past he was a companion of Hector and they were born in one night but the one excelled in council and the other greatly in the spear he wisely counseling harangued them and spoke my friends consider will on both sides or I advise that we now return to the city nor await the sacred mourn in the plain near the ships for we are far away from the wall as long indeed as this man was wroth with noble Agamemnon so long with the Greeks more easy with for even I was delighted passing the night by with the swift barks expecting that we should take the equally plied barks but now greatly do I fear swift footed pelleties so violent is his soul nor will he be content to remain in the plain where usually the Trojans and Greeks in the intervening space divide the force of war but he will combat for the city and our wives we will go then towards the city be persuaded by me for so it must be ambrosial night at made swift footed pelleties cease but if rushing forth tomorrow with his arms he shall find us here then will someone know him for gladly will he reach sacred Ilium whosoever shall escape but dogs and voters will devour many of the Trojans oh that such tidings may be far from our ears but if we be obedient to my words although sad we shall have protection in the assembly during the night and the towers and lofty gates and the valves fitted to them long well fashion together will protect the city but tomorrow at early dawn we will stand on the towers a raid and armor and it would be difficult for him even if he should wish it coming from the ships to fight with us around the wall back again will he go to the ships after he has satiated his high next steed with a varied course driving beneath the city but his mind will not permit him to rush within nor will he ever lay at waste sooner shall the fleet dogs devour him then crest tossing Hector sternly regarding addressed no longer oh Polydamus does thou speak these things agreeable to me thou who advises us returning to be cooped up in the city are you not yet satiated with being shot up within the towers formerly indeed all articulately speaking men pronounce the city of Priam rich in gold and in brass but now have the rich treasures of our houses perished and many possessions have already departed Fridja and agreeable Moeonia to be sold since mighty Joe was enraged but at this crisis when the son of politics Saturn has granted me to obtain glory at the ships and to hem in the Greeks by the sea no longer foolish man disclose these councils to the people for none of the Trojans will obey nor will I permit them but come let us all obey as I shall advise at present take supper into your ranks throughout the army be mindful of the watch and keep guard each of you but who's whoever the Trojans is absolutely anxious about his possessions collecting them together let him give to the people to be publicly consumed it is better that any of them should enjoy them than the Greeks but tomorrow with a dawn a raid in armor but this excite sharp conflict at the hollow ships and if truly noble Achilles has arisen at the ships it will be the worst for him if he wishes to fight I indeed will not fly him from the horrid sounding battle but will stand very obstinately against him whether he bear away the great glory or I bear it away Mars is common and even slays the slayer thus Hector harangued and the Trojans shouted in applause foolish men for palace Minerva had taken away their sentence from them for they assented to Hector advising destructive things whilst no one assented to polydamus who advised prudent council then they took supper through the army but the Greeks lamenting all night wept over patroclus but among them these led the ceaseless lamentation placing his manslaying hands upon the breast of his companion very frequently sighing as the well-bearded lion from whom the stag hunter has stolen the cubs out of the thick forest and he is grieved coming afterwards and through many valleys he goes tracking the footsteps of the man if anywhere he may find him for very keen rage possesses him so deeply sighing he addressed the mermidons alas what's the promise I uttered on that day encouraging the hero Minuitius in our halls for I said that I would bring back his illustrious son to opus having wasted Troi and obtained a share of the spoil but if Job fulfills not for men all their intentions were disfated that we shall both stain with blood the same earth here in Troi but neither shall aged horse driving Palleus receive me in his palace as returning nor my mother Thetis but the earth shall here hold me now however O patroclus since after thee I go beneath the earth I shall not perform thy funeral rites before that I bring hither the arms and head of magnanimous Hector, thy murderer and behead twelve illustrious sons of the Trojans before thy pile enraged on account of thee slain meanwhile thou shall lie thus at the crooked ships and round thee Trojan dames and deep bosomed Dardanians shall weep and shed tears night and day whom we ourselves have toiled to get by for Valar and the long spear laying waste the rich cities of articulate speaking men thus having spoken Noble Achilles ordered his companions to surround a large tripod with fire that as soon as possible they might wash away the bloody gore from patroclus they then placed a bathing tripod on the blazing fire and poured water into it and taking faggots lighted them under it the fire indeed encircled the belly of the tripod and the water was warmed but when the water boiled in the sonorous brass then they both washed him and anointed him with rich oil and they filled up his wounds with ointment nine years old and laying him upon a bed they covered him with fine linen from head to foot and overall with a white mantle all night then the myrmidons lamenting patroclus wept around swift footed Achilles but Jov addressed Juno his sister and wife and at length thou hast accomplished thy object o large eyed venerable Juno having aroused swift fooled Achilles surely the waving crested Greeks are born from thy very self but him large eyed venerable Juno then answered most imperious son of Saturn what a word has thou spoken surely now any man who is mortal and knows not so many designs might accomplish this against a man how therefore ought not I who boast myself to be the chief of the goddesses both from birth and also because I am called thy wife for all the immortals being enraged with atrogyns to be able to design evils against them thus they indeed conversed with one another but silver footed Thedys reached the abode of Vulcan incorruptible starry remarkable amongst the immortals brazen which the lame footed himself had constructed him she found sweating exerting himself at the bellows earnestly working for he was making full twenty tripods to send around the wall of his well built palace under the base of each he placed golden wheels that of their own accord they might enter the heavenly council and again return home a wonder to be seen so much finished had they but he had not yet added the well made handles which he was preparing and he was forging the rivets whilst he was toiling at these things with skillful mind meanwhile Thedys the silver footed goddess came to him but the beautiful and fair veiled chairs whom illustrious Vulcan had espoused advancing the held her and hung upon her hand and dressed her and spoke why oh long robed Thedys venerable beloved thus thou visit our abode formerly thou was not in the habit of coming frequently but follow farther onwards that I may set before the hospitable there thus having spoken the divine goddesses led on then indeed she placed her upon a silver studded throne beautiful variously wrought and there was a stool under her feet but she called Vulcan the distinguished artist and spoke this word come hither Vulcan Thedys now has need of thee but her illustrious Vulcan then answered assuredly then an awful and revered goddesses within who saved me when distress came upon me fallen down far by the contrivance of my shameless mother who wished to conceal me being lame then should I have suffered sorrows in my mind had not Uranomi and Thedys received me in their bosoms Uranomi daughter fluent ocean with them for nine years wrought I in brass many ingenious works of art buckles twisted bracelets and clasp tubes in the hollow cave whilst round us flowed the immense stream of ocean murmuring with foam nor did any other either of gods or mortal men know it but Thedys and Uranomi who preserved me knew it she now comes to my house where for there is need that I should repay all the rewards of my safety to fair haired Thedys but set now before her good hospitable fair whilst I lay aside my bellows and all my tools he spoke and rose a wondrous bulk from his anvil block limping and his weak legs moved actively beneath him the bellows he laid apart from the fire and all the tools with which he labored he collected into a silver chest with a sponge he wiped all over his face and both his hands his strong neck and shaggy breast then put eunuch and seized his tout scepter but he went out of the doors limping and golden handmaids like unto living maidens moved briskly about the king and in their bosoms was prudence with understanding and within them was voice and strength and they are instructed in works by the immortal gods these were busily occupied by the king's side but he hobbling along sat down upon a splendid throne near where Thedys was and hung upon her hand and spoke and addressed her why long robed Thedys venerable and dear has thou come to our abode for indeed thou didst not often come before make known what thou desirest for my mind orders me to perform it if in truth I can perform it and if it is to be performed him then Thedys pouring forth tears answered O Vulcan has any then as many as are the goddesses in Olympus endured so many bitter griefs in her mind as to me of all jove the son of Saturn has given sorrows me from among the other marine inhabitants has he subjected to a man to Palaeus son of Acus and I have endured the couch of a man very much against my will he indeed now lies in his palaces afflicted with grievous old age but now other woes are my lot after he had granted me to bring forth and nurture a son distinguished among heroes and who grew up like a plant him having reared as a plant in the out of the field I sent forth in the crooked barks to William to fight with the Trojans but him I shall not receive again having returned home to the mansion of Palaeus as long however as he lives to me and beholds the light of the sun he suffers sorrow nor am I going to him able to avail him art the maid whom the sons of the greek selected as a reward for him her hath King Agamemnon taken back again from his hands certainly grieving has been wasting his soul whilst the Trojans were hemming in the greeks at the ships nor suffered them to go beyond the gates but the elders of the greeks supplicated him and named many distinguished presence but then he refused to avert destruction yet he clad patroclus in his own armor and sent him forth to the battle and he gave with him much people all day they fought around this gay in gates and certainly on that day had overturned Troy had not a paul slain among the gallant son of Minuitius after having done much mischief and given glory to Hector on this account do I now approach thy knees if I would give to my short lived son a shield and helmet and beautiful greaves joined with clasps and a coarselet for what were his his faithful companion has lost subdued by the Trojans and Achilles lies upon the ground grieving in his soul her then illustrious Vulcan answered take courage nor let these things because of uneasiness in my mind for would that I could so surely conceal him from dread sounding death when grievous fate approaches him as that beautiful armor shall be ready for him such as any one of many men shall hear after admire whosoever may behold it so saying he left her there and went towards the bellows which he turned towards the fire and commanded them to work and full twenty bellows blew in the furnaces inciting a varied well regulated blast to be ready for him at one time busy at another the reverse as Vulcan pleased and that the work might be complete he cast into the fire impenetrable brass and tin precious gold and silver but next he placed a mighty anvil on the stock and took in one hand his strong hammer and with the other grasped the forceps first of all he formed a shield both large and solid decorating it all over and around it he threw a shining border triple and glittering and from it there hung a silver belt of the shield itself there were five folds but on it he formed many curious works with cunning skill on it he wrought the earth and the heaven and the sea the unwirried sun and the full moon on it also he represented all the constellations with which the heaven is crowned the Pleiades the Hyades and the strength of Orion and the bear which they also called the appellation the plane which there revolves and watches Orion but it alone is free from the baths of the ocean in it likewise he wrought two fair cities of articulate speaking men in the one indeed there were marriages and feasts and they were conducting the brides from their chambers through the city with brilliant torches and many a bridal song was raised the youthful dancers were wheeling round and amongst them pipes and liars uttered a sound and the women standing and people were crowded together in an assembly and there a contest had arisen for two men contended for the ransom money of a slain man the one affirmed that he had paid all appealing to the people but the other denied a varying that he had received not and both wished to find an end of the dispute before a judge the people were applauding both supporters of either party and the heralds were keeping back the people but the elders sat upon polished stones in a sacred circle and the pleaders held in their hands the staves of the clear voiced heralds with these then they arose and alternately pleaded their cause moreover in the midst lay two talents of gold to give to him who should best establish his claim among them but around the other city sat two armies of people good ring and arms and one of two plans was agreeable to them either to waste it or to divide all things into two parts the wealth whatever the pleasant city contained within it they however had not yet complied but were secretly arming themselves for an ambuscade meanwhile their beloved wives and young children kept watch standing above and amongst them the men whom old age possessed but the younger men advanced but Mars was their leader and the palace Minerva both golden and clad in golden dresses beautiful and large along with their armor radiant all around and indeed like gods but the people were of humbler size but when they now had reached a place where it appeared fit to lay an ambuscade where there was a watering place for all sorts of cattle there then they settled clad in shining steel there apart from the people sat two spies watching when they might perceive the sheep and crooked horned oxen these however soon advanced and two shepherds accompanied them amusing themselves with their pipes but they had not yet perceive the stratagem then they discerning them ran in upon them and immediately soldered on all sides the herds of oxen and the beautiful flocks of snow white sheep and slew the shepherds besides but they when they heard the great tumult amongst the oxen previously sitting in front of the assembly mounting their nimble footed steeds pursued and soon came up with them then having marshaled themselves they fought a battle on the banks of the river and wounded one another with their brazen spears amongst them mingled discord and tumult and destructive fate holding one alive recently wounded another unwounded but a third slain she drew the battle and had the garment around her shoulders crimson with the gore of men but they turned about like living mortals and fought and drew away the slaughtered bodies of each other on it he also placed a soft fallow field rich glabe wide thrice plowed and in it many plowmen drove hither and thither turning round their teams but when returning they reached the end of the field then a man advancing gave into their hands a cup of very sweet wine but they continued themselves in series eager to reach the other end of the deep fallow but it was all black behind similar to plowed land which indeed was a marvel beyond all others on it likewise he placed a field of deep corn where reapers were cutting having sharp sickles in their hands some handfuls fell one after the other upon the ground along the furrow and the binders of sheaves tied others with bands three binders followed the reapers whilst behind them boys gathering golds and bearing them in their arms continually supplied them and amongst them the master stood by the swabbed in silence holding a scepter delighted in heart but apart beneath an oak servants were preparing a banquet and sacrificing a huge ox they ministered whilst women sprinkled much white barley on the meat as a supper for the reapers on it likewise he placed a vineyard heavily laden with grapes beautiful golden but the cluster throughout were black and it was supported throughout by silver poles rounded he drew an azure trench and about it a hedge of tin but there was only one path to it by which the gatherers went when they collected the vintage young virgins and youths of tender minds bore the luscious fruit in woven baskets in the midst of whom a boy played sweetly on a shrill harp and with tender voice sang gracefully to the cord whilst they beating the ground in unison with dancing and shouts followed skipping with their feet in it he also wrought a herd of oxen with horns erect but the kind were made of gold and of tin and rushed out with a lowing from the stall to the pasture beside a murmuring stream along the breeze waving reeds four golden herdsmen accompanied the oxen and nine dogs swift a foot followed but two terrible lions detained the bull roaring among the foremost oxen and he was dragged away loudly bellowing and the dogs and youths followed for a rescue they indeed having torn off the skin of the great ox lapped up his entrails and black blood and the shepherds vainly pressed upon them urging on their fleet dogs these however refused to bite the lions but standing very near barked and shunned them on it illustrious Vulcan also formed a pasture in a beautiful grove full of white sheep and folds and covered huts and cottages illustrious Vulcan likewise adorned with a dance like unto that which in wide gnosis they Dallas contrived for fair haired their dance to youths and alluring virgins holding each other's hands at the wrist these were fine linen robes but those were dressed in well woven tunics shining as with oil these also had beautiful garlands and those wore golden swords hanging from silver belts sometimes with skillful feet they nimbly bounded round as when a potter sitting shall make trial of a wheel fitted to his hands whether it will run and at other times again they ran back to their side through one another but a great crowd surrounded the pleasing dance amusing themselves and amongst them two tumblers beginning their songs spun rounds through the midst but in it he also formed the vast strength of the river oceanus near the last border of the well formed shield but when he had finished the shield large and solid he next formed for him a coarselet brighter than a splendor of fire he also made for him a strong helmet fitted to his temples beautiful and variously ornamented placed a golden crest and made grieves for him of ductile tin but when renowned Vulcan had with toil made all the armor lifting it up he laid it before the mother of Achilles but she like a hawk darted down from snowy Olympus bearing from Vulcan the shining armor end of book the 18th read by Stephen Carney section 19 book the 19th 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 19 book the 19th argument Thedas having brought Achilles his new armor and promised to preserve the body of Patroclus from corruption he is reconciled to Agamemnon and being miraculously invigorated by Minerva goes forth to battle regardless of the prediction of his fate by his horse Xanthus Saffron robed morn was rising from the streams of ocean that she might bear light to immortals and mortals but Thedas came to the ships bearing the gifts from the god her dear son she found lying upon Patroclus bitterly lamenting and his numerous companions were lamenting around him but near to him stood the divine of goddesses and hung upon his hand and spoke and addressed him my son let us suffer him now to lie grieved although we be since first he has been laid low by the council of the gods but do thou receive these distinguished arms from Vulcan very beautiful such as no man has ever worn upon his shoulders having thus spoken the goddess placed the armor before Achilles and they all curiously wrought clashed aloud then Shremmer seized all the mermidons nor did anyone dare to look directly at them but they fled in fear but when Achilles saw them more rage entered him and his eyes shone terribly beneath his eyelids like a flame and he was delighted holding in his hands a splendid gifts of the god but after he had delighted his mind beholding these artificial works he immediately addressed to his mother winged words mother mine the god hath indeed given arms such as are fit to be works of immortals nor that a mortal man could make truly now will I arm myself but I very much fear in the meantime the flies having entered the gallant son of Minuitius by his spear inflicted wounds create maggots and pollute the course for life in it is destroyed and all the parts of the body grow putrid but him the silver footed goddess Thetis and answered my child let not these things be a care to thy mind I will endeavor to drive away from him the fear swarms the flies which devour heroes slain in battle for although he lie in a tire year his body shall always be uncorrupted or even better but do thou having someone the Grecian heroes to an assembly having renounced thy wrath towards Agamemnon at the shepherd of the people arm thyself quickly for war and put on thy might thus therefore having spoken she infused into him the most daring courage and then instilled into patroclus through the nostrils ambrosia and ruby nectar that his body might be uncorrupted but noble Achilles went along the shore of the sea fearfully and aroused the Grecian heroes so that even those who used formally to remain in the assemblage of the ships both those who were pilots and who held the rudders of the ships and the pursuers who were at the ships dispensers of food even these men indeed went to the assembly because Achilles appeared for he had long abstained from the grievous battle and two servants of Mars the war like son of Tideas and noble Ulysses went limping leaning upon the spear for they still had painful wounds advancing they sat in the front seats but last came the king of men Agamemnon having a wound for him also in the sharp battle the son of Antinor had wounded with his raisin spear then when all the Greeks were assembled swift footed Achilles rising up amongst them said son of Atreus this would surely have been somewhat better for both the and me when we too grieved at heart raged with soul devouring contention for the sake of a girl would that Diana had slain her with her arrow in the ships on that day when wasting I took Lyrnesses then indeed so many Greeks had not seized the mighty ground in their teeth under the hands of the enemy I being continually enraged this however was better for Hector and the Trojans but I think the Greeks will long remember the contention of you and me but let us leave these things as past although grieved subduing from necessity the soul within our bosoms and now I terminate my wrath nor is it at all fit that I always be enraged but come quickly incite the long hair to Keyens to battle in order that still I may make trial of the Trojans going against them if they wish to pass the night at the ships but of them I think that any will very gladly bend the knee whoever shall escape out of the destructive fight from my spear thus he spoke but the well grieved Greeks rejoiced the magnanimous son of Peleus renouncing his wrath but then the king of men Agamemnon also addressed out to the same place from his seat nor advancing into the midst oh friends heroes of the Greeks, servants of Mars it is becoming indeed that you should hearken to me thus rising nor is it convenient that thou shouldst interrupt for it is difficult even for one being skilled but in a great uproar of men how can anyone hear or speak but he is interrupted although being a clear toned orator I indeed will direct myself to the son of Peleus but do ye the other Greeks understand and carefully learn my meaning often already have the Greeks spoken this saying to me and have rebuked me but I am not to blame but Jove and Fait and Erinus roaming amid the shades who during the assembly cast into my mind a sad injury on that day when I myself took away the reward of Achilles but what could I do for the deity accomplishes all things pernicious ate the venerable daughter of Jove who ignores all her feet are tender for she does not approach the ground but she walks over the heads of men injuring mankind and one at least she fetters for at one time she injured even Jove who they say is the most powerful of men and gods but him Judo being a female deceived by her guile on that day when Elabene was about to bring forth mighty Hercules and well-walled Thebes he indeed boasting had said among all the gods hear me all ye gods and all ye goddesses whilst I speak those things which the mind within my bosom urges this day Elithia presiding over births shall bring into the light a certain man who shall be ruler over all his neighbors one of those men of the blood of my race but him the August Juno addressed devising guile thou shalt lie nor shalt thou insure accomplishment thy speech but come swear affirm oaths to me O Olympian that he shall indeed be ruler over all his neighbors who shall this day fall between the feet of a woman among those men who are of the blood of thy family though she spoke but Jove perceived not her crafty design but he swore the mighty oath and afterwards was much befooled then Juno springing forth quitted the top of Olympus and came speedily to a key in Argus where she knew the noble spouse of Suthenelus the son of Perseus pregnant of her beloved son and the seventh month was at hand and she brought him into light being deficient the number of months but kept back the delivery of a lemony and restrained the Elithiae and herself bearing the message addressed Jove the son of Saturn father Jove hurl of the red lightning I will put a certain matter in thy mind a noble man is now born who shall rule the Argus Eurystheus the son of Perseus thy offspring nor is it unbecoming that he should govern the Argus thus she spoke but sharp grief smote him in his deep mind and immediately he seized Atae by her head of shining curls enraged in his mind and swore a powerful oath that Atae who injures all should never again return to Olympus and the starry heaven thus saying he cast her from the starry heaven whirling her round in his hand but she quickly reached the works of men on her account he always groaned when he beheld his beloved son suffering unworthy toil under the labours of Eurystheus so I also when the great crest tossing hector was thus destroying the Greeks at the sterns of the ships was not able to forget the wrong which I had formally foolishly committed but since I have suffered harm and Jove has taken away my reason I am willing again to appease thee and to give infinite presence but arise to the battle and I myself will pledge myself to furnish all the presence as many as no will Ulysses yesterday going to the promised night tense yet if thou wilt wait a little although hastening to battle and my servants taking the presence from my ship shall bring them that thou mayest see that I will present thee with appeasing offerings but him swift footed Achilles answering addressed most glorious son of Atreus king of men Agamemnon whether thou wilt furnish gifts as his meat or keep them with me will be seen but now let us very quickly be mindful of the contest for it is not fitting to waste time in idle talk nor to delay as a mighty work is yet undone but as someone may again behold Achilles among the front ranks destroying the phalanxes of the Trojans with his brazen spear so also let someone of you keeping this in mind fight with his man but him Ulysses of many while answering addressed not thus brave as thou art O god like Achilles urge on the sons of the Greeks fasting towards Ilium about to fight with the Trojans for the conflict will not be for a short time only when once the phalanxes of men shall mingle and the god breathe might into both but command the Greeks to be fed at the ships with food and wine for this is might and vigor for a man unrefressed by food would not be able to fight against the enemy all day to the setting sun for although he might desire in his yet his limbs gradually grow languid and thirst and hunger come upon him and his knees fail him as he goes the man on the other hand who is satiated with wine and food fights all day with hostile men the heart within his breast is daring nor are his limbs at all fatigued before that all retire from battle and let the king of men Agamemnon bring the gifts into the midst of the assembly that all the Greeks may see them with their eyes and thou mayst be delighted in thy mind let him more overswear an oath to thee standing up among the Greeks that he has never ascended her bed nor has been mingled with her as is the custom king of men and wives and to thee thyself also let the soul within thy breast be placid then let him next conciliate thee by a rich banquet within his tense that thou mayst not have ought wanting of redress and for the future, O son of Atreus thou wilt be more just towards another for it is by no means unworthy that he should appease a man when he may first have given offence but him, the king of men Agamemnon in return addressed I rejoice so, son of Lertes having heard thy speech for with propiety hast thou gone through and enumerated all things these things I am willing to swear as my mind orders me in presence of a god nor will I perjure myself but let Achilles remain here at least for a little while thou hastening to battle and assembled until they bring the gifts from my tents and we strike faithful leagues to thyself, however, O Ulysses I give this charge and order thee selecting the principal use of all the Greeks to bear from my ship the gifts as many as we yesterday promised that we should give to Achilles and to lead hither the women but let Talthibias also quickly prepare for me through the wide army of the Greeks abhor to sacrifice to Jov and the son swift-footed Achilles then addressed most glorious, son of Atreus king of men, Agamemnon at some other time ought they rather to attend to these things when any cessation of battle hereafter be and so much ardor be not in my bosom but at present those lie mangled whom Hector, son of Priam subdued when Jov gave him the glory but he urged them to food now, indeed, I should excite the sons of the Greeks to fight, fasting but with the setting sun to prepare a large supper after we have revenged our disgrace before that neither drink nor food shall pass down my throat my companion being slain, who lies in my tent, torn with a sharp brass turned towards the vestibule whilst his comrades mourn around these things are not a care to my mind but slaughter and bloodshed and the dreadful groans of heroes but him, much scheming Ulysses entering addressed O Achilles, son of Peleus by far the bravest of the Greeks thou art superior indeed to me and not a little more valiant with the spear but I indeed excel thee much in prudence because I was born before thee and no more wherefore let thy mind be restrained by my words soon is there a satiety of contest to the men a most abundant crop of whom the brass pours upon the earth but the harvest is very small when Jov, who is the umpire of the battle of men inclines his scales it is by no means fit that the Greeks should lament the dead with a stomach for in great numbers and one upon the other are they every day falling when, therefore, could anyone respire from toil but it is necessary to bury him whosoever may die having a patient mind weeping for a day but as many as survive the hateful combat should be mindful of drinking and of food in order that we may ever the more ceaselessly contend with our enemies clad as to our bodies in impenetrable brass nor let any of the troops lie by expecting another exhortation for evilly will that exhortation come upon him whosoever may be left at the ships of the Greeks but advancing in a body let us stir up the keen battle against the horse-breaking Trojans he said, and chose as his companions the son of Glorious Nester, the Midgees son of Phileus, Thoas and Maryonus, Icomides son of Creon, and Menelippus and they proceeded to go towards a tent of Agamemnon son of Atreus immediately after the word was spoken the work was perfected. Seven tripods they bore from the tent which he had promised him, and twenty splendid goblets and twelve steeds and straight way led forth seven blameless women skilled in works but the Eighth was fair cheeked Bersaeus but Ulysses placing ten whole talents of gold led the way and with him the other youths of the Greeks bore the presence and place them in the midst of the assembly but Agamemnon rose up and Althibias like unto a god in his voice stood beside the shepherd of the people holding a bore in his hands then the son of Atreus drawing the knife with his hands which always hung by the great scabbard of his sword cutting off the forelock of the bore prayed lifting up his hands to Jove but all the Greeks sat in silence in the same spot listening in a becoming manner to the king but praying he spoke looking towards the wide heaven. Now first let Jove be witness and the most supreme and best of gods and the earth and son and ye furies who beneath the earth chastise men whoever may swear a falsehood never have I laid hands upon the maid Bersaeus needing her for the sake of the couch or any other purpose but in violet has she remained in my tents but if any of these things be false may the gods inflict on me those very many distresses which they inflict when men sin in swearing. He said and cut the throat of the bore with a ruthless brass which Talthybius whirling round cast into the mighty water of the Horey Sea as food for fishes but Achilles rising said among the war loving Greeks. Oh father Jove certainly thou givest great calamities to men for never could a treatise have so thoroughly aroused the indignation in my bosom nor foolish led away the girl I being unwilling but Jove for some intent wished death should happen to many Greeks but they joined battle. Thus then he spoke and dissolved the assembly in haste. They indeed were separated each to his own ship but the magnanimous meridans were occupied about the gifts and bearing them went to the ship of godlike Achilles. These they laid up in the tents and placed the women in seats but the illustrious attendants drove the horses to the stud but afterwards Bersaeus like unto golden Venus when she beheld Petroquus lacerated with a sharp spear throwing herself about him wept and with her hands tore her breast and tender neck and fair countenance then the woman like unto the goddesses weeping said oh Petroquus most dear to my wretched soul I left thee indeed alive departing from my tent but now returning I find thee dead oh chieftain of the people how in my case evil ever succeeds evil the hero indeed to whom my father and venerable mother had given me I saw pierced with a sharp brass before the city and three beloved brothers whom the same mother had brought forth to me all drew on the destructive day nevertheless thou didst not suffer me to weep when swift Achilles slew my husband and laid waste the city of divine minis but thou saidst thou would render me the wedded wife of noble Achilles lead me in the ships to Pythia and prepare the nuptial feast amongst the myrmidons therefore do I insatiably lament thee dead being ever gentle thus she spoke weeping and the women prevented for Petroquus as a pretext but really eats for her own ills and around him Achilles recollected the elders of the Greeks in treating him to take refreshment but he moaning refused I entreat you if any of my beloved companions would be obedient to me bid me not satiate my heart with food or drink since heavy grief hath invaded me but I will wait entirely till the setting sun and will endure so saying he dismissed the other kings but two sons of Atreus remained and noble Ulysses Nestor, Edomanius and the aged knight Phoenix constantly endeavoring to delight him sorrowing nor was he at all delighted before he should enter the mouth of bloody war but remembering Petroquus he frequently heaved a sigh and said surely once thou too O unhappy one dearest of my companions whatst I self have set before me a plentiful feast within my tent speedily and diligently when the Greeks hastened to make tearful war upon the horse-breaking Trojans but now thou liest mangled but my heart is without drink and food though they are within from regret for thee for I could not suffer anything worse nor even if I were to hear of my father being dead who now perhaps sheds the tender tear and pithia from the want of such a son while I in a foreign people wage war against the Trojans for the sake of detested Helen my beloved son who has nurtured for me at Skyros if indeed he still lives godlike neoptolomus for formerly the mind within my bosom hoped that I alone should perish here in Troy far from steed nourishing Argus and that thou shouldst return to pithia that thou mightest lead back my son and thy black ship from Skyros and mightest show him everything my property my servants and my great lofty domed abode for now I suppose Epileus is either totally deceased or that he barely alive suffers pain from hateful old age and that he is continually expecting bad news respecting me when he shall hear of my being dead thus he spoke weeping and the elders also groaned remembering each of them the things which they had left in their dwellings but the son of Saturn felt compassion seeing them weeping and immediately to Minerva addressed winged words O daughter mine, thou entirely now desertist thy valiant hero his Achilles then no longer at all care to thee and thy mind he himself is sitting before his lofty beaked ships bewailing his dear companion while the others have gone to a banquet but he is unrefreshed and unfed go therefore instill into his breast nectar and delightful ambrosia that hunger may not come upon him so saying he urged on Minerva who was before eager but she like unto abroad winged shrill voiced harpy leap down from the heavens through the air the Greeks however remembering themselves throughout the camp when she instilled into the bosom of Achilles nectar and delightful ambrosia that unpleasant hunger might not come upon his limbs then she went to the solid mansion of her powerful sire and they apart poured forth from the swift ships and as when thick snowflakes fly down from Jove beneath the force of the cold air clearing Boreus so from the ships were born out crowded helmets shining brightly and a bossed shield strong have a deed coarselyt in spears but the sheen reached to heaven and all the earth around smiled beneath the splendor of the brass and the trampling of the feet of men arose beneath in the midst noble Achilles was armed and there was a gnashing of his teeth and his eyes shown like a blaze of fire but intolerable grief entered his heart within him and then raged against the Trojans he put on the gifts of the god which Vulcan toiling had fabricated for him first around his legs he placed a beautiful grieves joined with silver clasps next he put on the coarselet around his breast and suspended from his shoulders the brazen silver studded sword then he seized the shield large and solid the sheen of which went to a great distance as of the moon and as when from the sea the blaze of a burning fire shines to mariners which is little off amongst the mountains in a solitary place but the storm bears them against their inclination away from their friends over the fishy deep so from the shield of Achilles beautiful and skillfully made the brightness reach the sky but raising it he placed a strong helmet upon his head and the helmet crested with horse hair shown like a star and the golden tufts which Vulcan had diffused thick around the cone were shaken the noble Achilles tried himself in his arms if they would fit him and if his fair limbs would move freely in them but they were like wings to him and lifted up the shepherd of the people and from its sheath he drew forth his paternal spear heavy great and stout which no other of the Greeks was able to brandish but Achilles alone knew how to hurl it a paleon ash which Chiron had cut for his father from the top of paleon to be a destruction to heroes but automadan and alchemists harnessing the steeds yoked them and beautiful collars were upon them they put the bridles into their jaws and drew back the reins towards the well-glued car when automadan seizing the shining lash fitted to his hand leaped into the car Achilles armed for battle mounted behind him glittering in his armor like the shining sun and terribly he gave command to the horses of his sire Jantus and Baldeus illustrious offspring of Podarges resolved now in a different manner to bring back your charioteer in safety to the body of the Greeks after we are satiated with battle nor leave him there dead like patroclus but from beneath the yoke Jantus his swift-footed steed addressed him and immediately hung down his head and his whole mane drooping from the ring which was near the yoke reached the ground but the white-armed goddess Juno gave him the power of speech now at least we will bear these safe oh impetuous Achilles but the fatal day draws nigh to thee nor are we to blame but a mighty deity and violent destiny for not by our laziness or sloth have the Trojan strip the armor from the shoulders of patroclus but the bravest of the gods whom fair-haired Latona brought forth blew him among the front ranks and gave glory to Hector and though we can run even with a blast of Zephyrus which they say is the most fleet yet to thyself it is fated that thou shouldst be violently subdued by a god and a man of him having thus spoken the Furies restrained the voice but him swift-footed Achilles greatly indignant addressed O Xanthus why does thou predict my death to me for it is not at all necessary for thee well do I myself know that is my fate to perish here far away from my dear father and mother nevertheless I will not cease before the Trojans are abundantly satiated with war he spoke and shouting amongst the front ranks directed on his solid hooved steeds end of book the 19th read by Stephen Carney