 Section 9. Book the Ninth of the Iliad of Homer. Argument. By advice of Nestor Agamemnon sends Ulysses, Phoenix, and Ajax to the Tent of Achilles to sue for a reconciliation. Notwithstanding the earnest appeal of Phoenix, their errand proves fruitless. Thus the Trojans indeed kept guard, but a mighty flight, the companion of chill fear, seized upon the Greeks, and all the chiefs were afflicted with intolerable grief. And as two winds the north and south, which both blow from Thrace, rouse the fishy deep, coming suddenly upon it, but the black billows are elevated together, and they dash much seaweed out of the ocean, so was the mind of the Greeks distracted within their bosoms. But Atreides, wounded to the heart with great sorrow, kept going round, giving orders to the clear-voiced heralds to summon each man by name to an assembly, but not to call aloud, and he himself toiled among the first. And they sat in council, grieved, and Agamemnon arose, shedding tears like a black water fountain which pours its gloomy stream from a lofty rock. Thus he, deeply sighing, spoke a word to the Greeks. O friends, leaders and chieftains over the Greeks' jove, the son of Saturn has greatly entangled me in a grievous calamity, cruel who once promised me, and assented that I should return, having destroyed well-built Ilium. But now has he plotted an evil fraud, and ordered me to return inglorious to Argos, after I have lost much people. Thus doubtless will it be agreeable to Almighty Jove, who has already overthrown the heights of many cities, and will still overthrow them, for his power is greatest. But come, let us all obey as I advise, let us fly with the ships to our dear fatherland, for now we shall not take wide-wage Troy. Thus he spoke, but they were all still in silence, and the sons of the Greeks being sad kept silent long. At length, Diomedi, brave in the din of battle, spoke, Son of Atreus, thee will I first oppose, speaking inconsiderately, as is lawful in the assembly. But be not thou the least offended, first among the Greeks didst thou disparage my valor, saying that I was unwarlike and weak, and all this as well, the young as the old of the Greeks know. One of the two things hath the son of Crafty Saturn given thee, he has granted that thou shouldst be honored by the scepter above all, but valor hath he not given thee, which is the greatest strength. Strange man, dost thou then certainly think that the sons of the Greeks are unwarlike and weak, as thou sayest? If indeed thy mind impels thee, that thou shouldst return, go. The way lies open to thee, and thy ships stand near the sea, which very many followed thee from Mycenaea, but the other long-haired Greeks will remain until we overthrow Troy. But if they also choose, let them fly with their ships to their dear fatherland, But we twain, I, and Sathenolus will fight, unless we find an end of Troy, for under the auspices of the deity we came. Thus he spoke, but all the sons of the Greeks applauded, admiring the speech of steed-breaking Diomedes, but then the night nester rising up addressed, Son of Tideas, preeminently indeed art thou brave in battle, and the best in counsel amongst all thine equals. No one has censured thy discourse, nor contradicts it, as many as are the Greeks, but thou comest not to an end of discussion. Assuredly thou art youthful, and mightst be my youngest son for age, yet thou speakest prudent words to the kings of the Greeks, for thou hast said a right. But come, I who boast to be older than thou will speak out and discuss everything, nor will anyone not even King Agamemnon disregard my speech. Tribeless, lawless, homeless is he who loves horrid civil war, but now, however, let us obey dark night and make ready suppers, But let the respective guards lie down beside the trench dug without the wall. To the youth indeed I enjoin these things, but next a treatise do thou begin for thou art supreme, give a banquet to the elders, it becomes thee, and is not unseemly. Full are thy tents of wine, which the ships of the Greeks daily bring over the wide sea from Thrace. Thou hast every accommodation and rule list over many people, but when many are assembled, do thou obey him who shall give the best advice, for there is great need of good and prudent advice to all the Greeks, since the enemy are burning many fires near the ships. And who can rejoice at these things? But this night will either ruin the army or preserve it. Thus he spoke, and they heard him very attentively and obeyed. But the guards rushed forward with their arms, those around Thrasymides, the son of Nestor, the shepherd of the people, Ascalapus and Eulmenus, sons of Mars, Marionus, Aferius, and De Pyrus, as well as the sons of Creeon, noble Lycomades. These were seven leaders of the guards, and a hundred youths marched along with each, holding long spears in their hands, proceeding to the space between the trench and the wall, there they sat down, and there kindled a fire and prepared each his supper. But the treaties conducted the assembled elders of the Greeks to his tent, and set before them a strength-recruiting banquet, and they laid their hands upon the Vians placed before them. But when they had dismissed the desire of eating and drinking, to them first of all did aged Nestor, whose advice had previously appeared best, begin to interweave advice, who wisely counseling addressed them and said, Most glorious a treaties, king of men, Agamemnon, with thee shall I end, and with thee shall I commence, since thou art a king of many nations, and Job hath placed in thine hands both asceptor and laws, that thou mayest consult for their advantage. Therefore is it necessary that thou in particular shouldst deliver and hear an opinion, and also accomplish that of another, when his mind urges any one to speak for the public good, but on thee will depend whatever it takes to lead. Yet will I speak, as appears to me, to be best, for no other person will propound a better opinion than that which I meditate, both of old and also now, from that period when thou, O nobly born, ditched apart, carrying off the maid Briseis from the tent of the enraged Achilles by no means according to my judgment, for I very strenuously dissuaded thee from it, but having yielded to thy haughty temper, thou didst dishonor the bravest hero, whom even the immortals have honored, for taking away his reward, thou still retainest it, yet even now let us deliberate how we may succeed in persuading him, appeasing him with agreeable gifts and soothing words. But him, the king of men Agamemnon, again addressed, Old man, thou hast not falsely enumerated my errors, I have erred, nor do I myself deny it. That man indeed is equivalent to many troops whom Job loves in his heart, as now he hath honored this man and subdued the people of the Greeks, but since I erred, having yielded to my wayward disposition, I desire again to appease him and to give him invaluable presents. Before you all will I enumerate the distinguished gifts, seven tripods untouched by fire, and ten talons of gold, and twenty shining cauldrons, and twelve stout steeds, victorious in the race, which have borne off prizes by their feet. No pauper would the man be, nor in want of precious gold, to whom as many prizes belong, as these solid hooved steeds have brought to me. I will likewise give seven beautiful lesbian women, skillful and faultless works, whom I selected when he himself took well inhabited lesbians, who excelled the race of women in beauty. These will I give him, and amongst them will be her whom then I took away, the daughter of Verceus, and I will swear moreover a mighty oath, that I never ascended her bed nor embraced her, as is the custom of human beings of men and women. All these shall immediately be ready, and if moreover the gods grant that we destroy the city of Priam, let him fill his ships abundantly with gold and brass, entering in when we the Greeks divide the spoil. Let him also choose twenty Trojan women, who may be fairest next to Argyve Helen. But if we reach Achaean Argus, the udder of the land, he may become my son-in-law, and I will honor him equally with Arestes, who is nurtured as my darling son, in great affluence. Now I have three daughters in my well-built palace, Chrysothemus, Leodici, and Ifianassa. Of these let him lead the beloved one, whichsoever he may choose, without marriage-dower, to the house of Palaeus. But I will give very many dowries, so many as no man ever yet gave to his daughter. I will, moreover, give him seven well-inhabited cities, Cardamile, Anope, and Grassy Ira, Glorious Piraea, with deep-pastured Anthea, Fair Apeia, and vine-bearing padasses, which are all near the sea, the last towards Sandipilus. But in them dwell men rich in flocks and herds, who will honor him like a god with gifts, and beneath his scepter will pay rich tributes. These will I bestow upon him, ceasing from his anger. Let him be prevailed upon. Pluto indeed is implacable and inexorable, wherefore he is the most hateful of all the gods to men. Let him likewise yield to me, inasmuch as I am more kingly, and because I boast to be older than he. But him, the Jirenian knight Nestor then answered, Most glorious son of Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon, thou indeed offerst gifts by no means despicable to King Achilles. But come, let us urge chosen men who may go with all speed to the tent of Achilles, the son of Helaus. Come then, these will I select, but let them obey. First of all, indeed, let Phoenix, dear to Jove, be the leader. Next, then, mighty Ajax and divine Ulysses, and of the heralds? Let Hodeus and Eurabaites follow with them, but bring water for the hands, and command to observe well-omined words, that we may supplicate Saturnian Job, if for chance he will take pity. Thus he spake, and delivered an opinion agreeable to them all. Immediately, indeed, the heralds poured water upon their hands, and the youths crowned the goblets with wine. Then they distributed them to all, having poured the first of the wine into the cups. But when they had made libations, and drank them as much as their minds desired, they hastened from the tent of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus. To them, the Jirenian knight Nestor gave many charges, looking wistfully upon each, particularly upon Ulysses, that they should endeavor to persuade the blameless son of Helaus. They twain then went along to the shore of the loud-sounding sea, praying earnestly to earth-shaking Neptune, who encompasses the earth, that they might easily persuade the great mind of the grandson of Aecus. But they came to the tents and ships of the myrmidons, and they found him delighting his soul with the clear-toned harp, beautiful, curiously wrought, and upon it was a silver comb. This he had taken from amongst the spoils, having destroyed the city of Etion. And with it he was delighting his soul, and singing the glorious deeds of heroes. Patroclus alone sat opposite to him in silence, waiting upon the descendant of Aecus when he should cease to sing. Then they advanced farther, and divine Ulysses proceeded. And they stood before him, whilst Achilles, astonished, leaped up with his lyre, quitting the seat where he had been sitting. In like manner Patroclus, when he beheld the heroes, arose, and swift-footed Achilles, taking them by the hand, addressed them. Hey, warriors, ye indeed have come as friends! Surely there is some great necessity when ye come, who are to me, although enraged, dearest of the Greeks. Thus having spoken, divine Achilles led them forward, and seated them upon couches and purple coverlets. Then straightway he addressed Patroclus, who was near. Place a larger goblet, O son of Menuatius, mix pure wine, and prepare a cup for each, for men most dear to me are beneath my roof. Thus he spoke, and Patroclus obeyed his dear companion. But he, Achilles, placed in the flame of the fire a large dressing-block, and upon it he laid the chine of a sheep and of a fat goat, with the back of a fatted sow, abounding in fat. Atomadan then held them for him, and noble Achilles cut them up, and divided them skillfully into small pieces, and transfixed them with spits. While the son of Menuatius, a god-like hero, kindled a large fire. But when the fire had burned away, and the flame grew languid, strewing the embers, he extended the spits over them, and sprinkled them with sacred salt, raising them up from the racks. But when he had dressed them, and had thrown them upon kitchen tables, Patroclus, taking bread, served it out upon the board in beautiful baskets, but Achilles distributed the flesh. But he himself sat opposite to noble Ulysses against the other wall, and ordered Patroclus, his companion, to sacrifice to the gods, and he accordingly cast the first morsels into the fire, and they stretched forth their hands to the prepared beons which lay before them. But when they had dismissed a desire of eating and drinking, Ajax nodded to Phoenix, but noble Ulysses observed it, and having filled his goblet with wine, he pledged Achilles. Health Achilles! We are not wanting of a complete feast, either in the tent of Agamemnon, Son of Atreus, or even here also, for many strength-recruiting dainties are here, but the business of an agreeable feast is not our care. We, O thou jove nurtured one, contemplating it, rather dread a very great disaster, as it is a matter of doubt whether the well-benched ships be saved or destroyed, unless thou puttest on thy might. For near the ships and the wall, the high-minded Trojans and their far-summoned allies have pitched their camp, kindling many fires throughout the host, and they say that they will no longer restrain themselves, but that they will fall upon our black vessels. And Saturnian Jove, exhibiting to them propitious signs, darts his lightning, and Hector, looking fiercely round in valor, rages terribly, trusting in Jove, nor reverences at all either men or gods, but great madness hath come upon him. He prays that divine mourn may speedily come, for he declares that he will cut off the poop ends of the ship and burn the ships themselves with ravaging fire, and slaughter the Greeks beside them, discomforted by the smoke. Wherefore do I greatly fear in my mind lest the gods may fulfill his threats, and it be destined for us to perish in Troy, far from steed nourishing Argos. Rise then, if thou hast the intention, although late, to defend the harassed sons of the Greeks from the violent onslaught of the Trojans. To thyself it will hereafter be a cause of sorrow, nor is it possible in any manner to discover a remedy for a disaster when received. Wherefore reflect much beforehand, how thou mayest avert the evil day from the Greeks. O my friend, surely thy father Palaeus charged thee on that day when he sent thee from Pythia to Agamemnon. My son, Minerva and Juno will bestow valor if they choose, but restrain thy great-hearted soul within thy breast because humanity is better, and abstain from injurious contention, that both the youth and elders of the Greeks may honor thee the more. Thus did the old man give charge, but thou art forgetful, yet even now desist, and lay aside thy mind-corroding wrath, to thee Agamemnon gives worthy gifts ceasing from indignation, but thou wilt hear from me, and I will repeat to thee how many presents Agamemnon in his tense hath promised the seven tripods untouched by the fire, and ten talons of gold, twenty shining cauldrons, and twelve stout steeds, victorious in the rays which have borne off prices by their feet. No, Popper, nor in want of precious gold would that a man be to whom so many prices belonged to the steeds of Agamemnon have borne off by their fleetness. He will likewise give seven beautiful women skillful and faultless works, lesbians whom he selected when thou thyself didst take well-inhabited lesbos, who then excelled the race of women in beauty. These will he give thee, and amongst them will be her whom once he took away, the daughter of Versailles, and he will moreover swear a mighty oath that he never ascended her in bed nor embraced her as is the custom. O king, both of men and women, all these shall immediately be in waiting, and if moreover the gods grant that we pillage the vast city of Priam entering, thou mayst fill thy ships abundantly with gold and brass, when we, the Greeks, divide the spoil. Thou shalt also choose twenty Trojan women who may be fairest next to Argaipelan, but if we reach a Cayenne Argos, the udder of the land, thou mayst become his son-in-law, and he will honor thee equally with arestes, who is nurtured as his darling son in great affluence. But he has three daughters in his well-built palace, Chrysothamus, Leodice, and Iphianassa. Of these thou shalt conduct the most beloved whomsoever thou mayst choose, without marriage gifts, to the house of Palaeus. But he will give very many dowries, such as no man yet gave his daughter. He will moreover give thee seven well-inhabited cities, Cardamile, Enope, and Graciaira, the glorious Phyrea, with deep pastured anthea, fair Apeia, and vine-bearing Padaeus, which are all near the sea, the last towards sandy Pylus. But in them dwell men abounding in flocks and herds, who will honor thee with gifts like a god, and under thy scepter pay rich tributes, these will he fulfill to thee ceasing from thy wrath. But if indeed the son of Atreus himself and his gifts be more hateful to thee from thine heart, at least have pity upon all the other Greeks harassed throughout the army, who will honor thee as a god, for surely thou wilt obtain very great honor among them. But for now mayest thou slay Hector, since he hath already come very near thee, possessing destructive fury, since he declares that no one of the Greeks whom the ships have conveyed hither in his equal. But him, swift-footed Achilles answering addressed, most noble son of laertes, much scheming Ulysses, it behooves me indeed to speak my opinion without reserve, even as I think, and as will be accomplished, that he may not sitting beside me keep whining one after another. Hateful to me as a gate of Hades is he who conceals one thing in his mind and utters another. But I will speak as appears to me to be best, and I think that neither Agamemnon the son of Atreus nor the other Greeks will persuade me, since there is no gratitude to him who fights ever ceaselessly with hostile men. An equal portion falls to him who loiter as if one continually fight, and the coward is in equal honor with the brave. The man of no deeds and the man of many are want equally to die, nor does anything lie by me as a store, because I have suffered sorrows in my soul ever risking my life to fight. And as the bird brings food to her unfledged young when she hath found it, although she fares badly herself, so have I too spent many sleepless nights and gone through bloody days in combat fighting with heroes for their wives' sakes. Twelve cities indeed of men have I wasted with my ships, and on foot I say eleven throughout the fertile droid. From all these have I carried off many and precious spoils, and bearing them have given all to Agamemnon the son of Atreus, whilst he, remaining behind at the swift ships receiving them, hath distributed but few, but retained many. To the chiefs and kings hath he given other prizes, to whom indeed they remain entire. But from me alone of the Greeks hath he taken it away, and he possesses my spouse dear to my soul, with whom reclining let him delight himself. But why is it necessary that the Greeks wage war with atrogens, or from what necessity did the son of Atreus assembling an army lead it hither? Was it not on account of fair-haired Helen? Do the sons of Atreus alone of articulate-speaking men love their wives? Surely not, since whatever man is good and prudent loves and cherishes his spouse. Thus I too loved her from my soul, though the captive of my spear. And now, since he hath snatched my reward from my hands and deceived me, let him not make trial of me, already well-informed, for he will not persuade me. But let him consider with thee, O Ulysses, and the other kings, how he may repel the hostile fire from the ships. Assuredly he has already accomplished many labours without me. He has already built a ramfart and drawn a trench broad and large beside it, and planted in it palisades, but not even thus can he restrain the might of men slaughtering Hector. Whilst I indeed fought amongst the Greeks, Hector chose not to arouse the battle at a distance from the wall, but he came only as far as a scay in gates and the beach-tree. There once he awaited me alone, and with difficulty escaped my attack. But since I choose not to war with noble Hector, tomorrow, having performed sacrifices to Jove and all the gods, and having well laid in my ships, when I shall have drawn them down to the sea, thou shalt behold, if thou wilt, and if such things be a care to thee, my ships early in the morn sailing upon the fishy helispond, and men within them eager for rowing, and if glorious Neptune Grant put a prosperous voyage on the third day, I shall surely reach fertile Pythia. Now there I have very many possessions which I left coming hither to my loss, and I will carry hints, other gold and ruddy brass, well-girdled women, and hoary iron, which I have obtained by lot. But the reward which he gave, King Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, had himself insultingly taken from me, to whom do I tell all things as I charge thee openly, that the other Greeks also may be indignant, if he ever clad in impudence, still hope to deceive any of the Greeks, nor let him dare, dog-like as he is, to look in my face. I will neither join in councils nor in any action with him, for he hath already deceived and offended me, nor shall he again overreach me with words. It is enough for him to do so once, but in quiet let him perish, for provident Jove hath deprived him of reason. Hateful to me are his gifts, and himself I value not a hair. Not if he were to give me ten and twenty times as many gifts as he now has, and if others were to be added from any other quarter, nor as many as arrive at a commonest, or Egyptian thieves, where numerous possessions are laid up in the mansions, and where are one hundred gates from each of which rush out two hundred men with horses and chariots. Nor if he were to give me as many as are the sands and dust. Not even thus shall Agamemnon persuade my mind, until he indemnified me for all his mind-grieving insult. But I will not wed the daughter of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, not if she were fit to contend in beauty with golden Venus, or were an equal in accomplishments to a zero-dyed Minerva. Not even thus will I wed her. Let him then select another of the Greeks who may suit him, and who is more the king, for if the gods preserve me and I reach home, then will Palaeus himself hereafter bestow upon me a lady in marriage. There are many Grecian women throughout Hellas and Thithia, daughters of Chieftain who defend the cities, whomsoever of these I may choose, I will make my beloved wife, and there my generous soul very much desires that I, wedding a betrothed spouse, a fit partner of my bed, should enjoy the possessions which aged Palaeus hath acquired, for not worth my life are all the treasures which they say the well-inhabited city Ilium possessed, whilst formally at peace before the sons of the Greeks arrived, nor all which a stony threshold of the archer Phoebus Apollo contains within it in rocky pytho. By plunder, oxen and fat sheep are to be procured, tripods are to be procured, and the yellow heads of steeds, but the life of man cannot be obtained nor seized, so as to return again when once it has passed the enclosure of the teeth. For my goddess mother, Silverfooted Thithus, declares that double destinies lead me on to the end of death. If on the other hand, remaining here, I wage war around the city of the Trojans, return is lost to me, but my glory will be immortal. But if on the other hand I return home to my dear fatherland, my excellent glory is lost, but my life will be lasting, nor will the end of death speedily seize upon me, and to others also would I give advice to sail home. For ye will not find an end of lofty Ilium, for far-sounding Jove hath stretched over it his hand, and the people have taken courage. But do ye departing bear back this message to the chiefs of the Greeks, for such is the office of ambassadors, that they devise within their minds some other better plan, which for them may preserve their ships and the army of the Greeks in the hollow barks. Since this, which they have now devised, is not expedient for them, while I cherish my wrath. But let Phoenix, remaining here, recline beside us, that tomorrow, if he will, he may follow me in the ships to my dear fatherland, although I will by no means lead him away by compulsion. Thus he spoke, but they all became mute in silence, marveling at his speech, for he answered with much vehemence. At length, however, the age-night Phoenix addressed him, shedding tears, for he greatly feared for the ships of the Greeks. If indeed, O illustrious Achilles, thou dost now meditate a return within thy mind, nor art at willing to repel the destructive fire from the swift ships, because indignation hath fallen upon thy soul, how then can I, my dear child, be left here alone by thee? For aged Palaeus, the breaker of steeds, sent me forth with thee on that day, when he dispatched thee from Pythia to Agamemnon, a boy not yet killed, either in equally destroying war, nor in councils, where men also become illustrious, on which account he sent me forth to teach thee all these things, that thou mightst become both an orator in words, and a performer in deeds. Thus then, my dear child, I wish not at length to be left by thee, not even if a God himself having divested me of old age, should promise that he would render me a blooming youth, such as I was when first I quitted fair-damed Hellas, flying the contingent of my father Amontor, son of Ormenus, who was enraged with me in account of a fair-haired concubine whom he himself loved, but dishonored his wife, my mother. But she continually would embrace my knees in supplication that I first should have connection with a concubine that she might loathe the old man. Her I obeyed, and did so, but my father immediately perceiving it uttered many execrations, and invoked the hateful Orinus, that no dear son sprung from me should ever be placed upon his knees, and the gods ratified his execrations, both in fernel jove and dread prosipony. Then my soul within my mind could no longer endure that I should sojourn in the palace whilst my father was enraged. My friends, indeed, and relations being much about me, detained me there within the halls, entreating me to stay. Many fat sheep and stamping-footed, crooked-horned oxen they slaughtered. Many swine-abounding and fat were stretched out to be roasted in the flame of Vulcan, and much of the old man's wine was drunk out of earthen vessels. Nine nights did they sleep around me, whilst taking it in turns, they kept watch, nor was the fire ever extinguished, one in the portico of the well-fenced hall, and another in the vestibule, before the chamber doors. But when at length the tenth shady night had come upon me, then indeed I rushed forth, having burst skillfully joined doors of the apartment, and I easily overleap the fence of the hall, escaping the notice of the watchmen and the female domestics. Afterward I fled thence through spacious hellas and came to fertile Pythia, the mother of sheep, to King Peleus, who kindly received me and loved me, even as a father loves his only son, born in his old age, to ample possessions. He made me opulent, and bestowed upon me much people, and I inhabited the extreme shores of Pythia, ruling over the Dolopians. These, too, oh God-like Achilles, have I rendered what thou art, loving thee from my soul, since thou wouldst not go with another to the feast, nor take food in the mansion until I, placing thee upon my knees, satisfied thee with vians, previously carving them, and supplied thee with wine. Often hath thou wedded the tunic upon my breast, ejecting the wine in infant peevishness. Thus have I borne very many things from thee, and much have I labored, thinking this, that since the gods have not granted an offspring to me from myself, I should at least make thee my son, oh Achilles, like unto the gods, that thou mightest yet repel from me unworthy destiny. But, oh Achilles, subdue thy mighty rage. It is by no means necessary for thee to have a merciless heart. Flexible are even the gods themselves whose virtue, honor, and might are greater than thine. Even these, when any one transgresses and heirs, do men divert from their wrath, by sacrifices and appeasing vows, and frankincense and savor. For prayers also are the daughters of Supreme Jove, both halt and wrinkled, and squintide, which following on Ate from behind are fall of care. But Ate is robust and sound in limb, wherefore she far outstrips all, and arrives first at every land, doing injury to men, whilst these afterwards cure them. Whosoever will reverence the daughters of Jove approaching, him they are want greatly to aid, and hear when praying. But whosoever will deny and obstinately refuse them, then indeed drawing near they entreat Saturnian Jove, that Ate may follow along with them, that being injured in turn he may pay the penalty. But, oh Achilles, do thou too yield honor to accompany the daughters of Jove, which bends the minds of other brave men, for if a treatise brought not gifts and did not mention others in futurity, but would ever rage vehemently, I for my part would not advise that, casting away wrath, thou shouldst defend the Greeks, although greatly in need. But now he at once gives both many immediately, and promises others hereafter. Moreover he hath dispatched the best men to supplicate thee, having selected throughout the Grecian army those who are dearest to thyself, whos entreaty do not thou despise, nor their mission, although formerly fault was not to be found with thee, because thou wert enraged. Thus also have we heard the renown of heroes of former days, when vehement wrath came upon any, that they were both appeasable by gifts and to be reconciled by words. I remember this ancient and by no means modern deed of what sort it was, and I will repeat it among you all, being friends. The curatees and Etolians, obstinate in battle, fought around the city of Caledon and slaughtered each other. The Etolians in defense of lofty Caledon, the curatees eager to lay at waste in war, for between them had golden-throne Diana excited mischief, indignant because Oenius had not offered the first fruits in sacrifice in the fertile spot of ground, whilst the other gods feasted on hecatombs, but to the daughter of mighty Jove alone he sacrificed not. Either he forgot, or did not think of it, but he did greatly ere in his mind. But she, the daughter of Jove, delighting in arrows enraged, sent against him a silvan wild boar with white tusks, which did much detriment as is the want of boars to the land of Oenius, and of many tall trees, one after another, did he prostrate on the ground with their very roots and blossom of their fruit. But him, Lager, son of Oenius, slew, assembling huntsmen and dogs from many cities, for he would not have been subdued by a few mortals so mighty was he, and he caused many to ascend the sad funeral pile. Still she, Diana, excited around him a great tumult and war between the curatees and magnanimous Etolians for the head and bristly skin of the boar. Whilst warlike Malager fought so long were the curatees unsuccessful, nor were they able, although numerous, to remain without the wall. But when wrath, which swells the minds of others, though very prudent within their breasts, came upon Malager, for enraged at heart with his dear mother, Althea, he remained inactive beside his wedded wife, fair Cleopatra, daughter of Marpesa, the handsome footed child of Avenus and Aedus, who was then the bravest of earthly men, and even lifted the bow against King Phaibus Apollo for the sake of his bare-ankled spouse. Heracliopatra, then father and venerable mother in the palace were accustomed to call by the surname of Alcyony, because her mother, having the plaintive note of sad Alcyony lamented with far darting Phaibus Apollo, stole her away. Beside her he, Malager, remained inactive, brooding over his sad anger and rage because of the curses of his mother, who, much grieving, prayed to the gods on account of the murder of her brethren. Often with her hands did she strike the fruitful earth, calling upon Pluto and dread persepony, reclining upon her knees, whilst her bosom was bedewed with tears to give death to her son. But her, the Irenes, wandering in gloom, possessing an implacable heart, heard from Aribus, then immediately was their noise and tumult of these excited round the gates, the towers being battered. Then did the elders of the Italians entreat him and sent chosen priests to the gods that he would come forth and defend them, promising a great gift. Where the soil of fertile Caledon was richest there they ordered him to choose a beautiful enclosure of fifty acres, the one half of land fit for vines, to cut off the other half of plain land free from wood, for tillage. Much did aged Oenius, breaker of steeds, beseech him, having ascended to the threshold of his lofty roofed chamber, shaking the well-glued doorpost, supplicating his son, and much also his sisters and a venerable mother entreated him, but he the more refused and much prayed the companions who were dearest and most friendly of all. But not even thus did they persuade the soul within his breast, until his chamber was violently assailed, and the curates were in the act of scaling the ramparts and firing the great city. Then indeed at length his fair girdled spouse weeping, supplicated Malaga, and recounted all the disasters as many as happened to men whose city may be taken. In the first place they slay the men whilst fire reduces the city to ashes and others carry off the children and deep-zoned women. Then was his soul disturbed when he heard of evil deeds, and he hastened to go out and gird the all-glittering armor around his body. Thus he repelled the evil day from the Etolians, yielding to his own inclination, but they did not make good to him the many and pleasing gifts, but he nevertheless warded off evil. But revolve not such things within thy mind, oh my friend, nor let the deity thus turn thee since it would be more dishonorable to assist the ships when already set on fire. Rather come forth the gifts for the Greeks will honour thee equally with a god. If again without gifts thou enter the man-destroying battle, thou wilt not receive equal honour all the warding off the war. But him, swift-footed Achilles entering addressed, Phoenix, respected father, old man, Job nurtured to me, there is no need of this honour, for I can see that I have been honoured by the best of Job, which will detain me at the crooked ships whilst breath remains in my bosom, and my knees have the power of motion. But I will tell thee something else, and do thou revolve it in thy mind, disturb not my soul, weeping and lamenting, gratifying the hero atreides, it is not at all necessary that thou love him, that thou mayst not be hated by me, who love thee. It is power for thee with me to give annoyance to him who have annoyed me, rule equally with me, and receive me here in half, these will bear back my message. But do thou remaining here, recline upon the soft bed, and with mourn appearing, let us consult whether we shall return to our native land or remain. He said, and in silence nodded to betroclists from beneath his brows, that he should strew a thick bed for Phoenix whilst they were meditating to withdraw as quickly as possible from the tent. But them, godlike O jove born son of laertes, crafty Ulysses, let us go, for the object of our address appears not to me to be attainable, in this way at least, and we must report the message to the Greeks with all haste, although it be not good. They now sit expecting us, but Achilles stores up within his breast a fierce and haughty soul, unyielding, nor does he regard the friendship of his companions, with which we have honored him at the ships beyond others, merciless one, and truly someone hath accepted compensation even for our brother's death, or his own son, Slane, whilst the murderer remained at home among his people, having paid many expiations, and the mind and noble soul of the other is appeased upon his having received compensation. But in thy breast the gods have put an unyielding and evil mind for the sake of a maid only, whereas we now offer thee seven far excelling and many other beside them, do thou then assume a propitious disposition and have respect to thy house for we are guests beneath thy roof from the multitude of the Greeks, and desire to be most dear and friendly to thee beyond all the Achaeans as many as they are. But him, swift for the Achilles answering addressed, most noble Ajax, son of Telemann, chief of the people, thou appears to me to have said all this from thy soul, yet does my heart swell with compassion as often as I recollect those things, how the son of Atreus hath rendered me dishonored among the Greeks as if it were some contemptible stranger. But go ye and carry back my message, for I shall not think of bloody war before the son of war like Priam, noble Hector, slaughtering the Greeks shall reach the ships of the Myrmidons, and burn the ships with fire. But about my tent and black ship, however, I think that Hector, although eager, will be each having seized a double goblet, having made libations, went back by the side of the fleet, and Ulysses led the way. But Petroklas gave orders to his companions and female domestics to strew with all haste a thick couch for Phoenix, and they obedient spread a bed as he desired, sheepskins, coverlets, and the fine fabric of flax. There lay the old man, and awaited heavenly mourn. But Achilles slept in the recesses of his well-made tent, and beside him lay a lady, fair cheeks Diomedi, daughter of Forbus, whom he had brought from Lesbus. And Petroklas on the other side reclined, and by him also lay fair wasted Aethas, whom noble Achilles gave him, having taken Lofty Skyros, a city of Aeneas. But when they were within the tents of a treatise, the son of the Greeks, rising one after another, received with them the golden cups, and interrogated thus, at first the king of men Agamemnon inquired, Come, tell me, O Ulysses, much praised, great glory of the Greeks, whether does he wish to ward off the hostile fire from the ships, or has he refused, and does wrath still possess his haughty soul? But him much-enduring noble Ulysses then addressed, Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, he wills not to extinguish his wrath, but is the more filled with anger, and despises thee as well as thy gifts. He bids thee thyself consult with the Greeks in what manner mayest preserve both the ships and the army of the Greeks, but has himself threatened that with the rising dawn he will launch into the main his well-benched, equally-plied vessels, and he has declared that he would advise others also to sail home, since he will not now affect the destruction of lofty Ilium. For far resounding Jove have greatly stretched forth his hand over it, and the people have taken courage. Thus he spoke, and here are these who followed me, Ajax and the two heralds, both prudent men, to tell these things. But age Phoenix hath lain down there, for thus he ordered that in the morning if he chose he might follow him in the ships to his dear fatherland, but he will by no means carry him off against his will. Thus he spoke, and they all became mute in silence, marveling at his speech, for he harangued with great vehemence, long with the sorrowing sons of the Greeks' mute, to let length, valiant in the din of battle, address them. Most glorious son of Atreus, king of men Agamemnon, would that thou hast not sublocated the illustrious son of Palaeus, offering countless gifts, for he is haughty even otherwise. Now again has thou excited him much more to insolence. Let us however leave him alone, whether he go or remain, for he will fight again at that time when his mind within his breast urges and the deity incites him. But come, let us all obey, as I shall advise, go now to rest, having satisfied your hearts with food and wine, for this is force and vigor. But when fair rosy-fingered mourn has shown forth, draw up the infantry and cavalry with all haste before the ships, cheering them, and do thou thyself likewise fight in the foremost ranks. Thus he spoke, but all the kings approved, admiring the speech of Diomedi, the breaker of steeds, having then offered libations, and there they lay due to rest and enjoy the boon of sleep. End of Book the Ninth Read by Stephen Carney Section 10 Book the Tenth of the Iliad of Homer This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Stephen Carney The Iliad of Homer by Homer, translated by Theodore Alois Buckley Section 10 Book the Tenth Diomedi and Ulysses, as spies, penetrate the camp of the Trojans by night, and first entrap and slay Dolan, who had set out on the same errand for the Trojans. Having obtained from him the desired information, they then attacked the Thracians and slay their king, Rhesus, while asleep. At the suggestion of Minerva, they then returned to the camp. The other chiefs, indeed, of all the Greeks were sleeping the whole night at the ships, overcome by soft slumber. A sweet sleep possessed not Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, shepherd of the people, revolving many things in his mind, as when the husband of fair-haired Juno thunders, preparing either an abundant immense shower or hail or snow, when the snow whitens the fields or somewhere preparing the wide mouth of bitter war, so frequently groaned Agamemnon in his breast from the bottom of his heart, and his mind was troubled within him. As often indeed as he looked toward the Trojan plain, he wondered at the fires which were burning before Ilium, the sound of flutes and pipes, and the tumult of men. But when he looked towards the ships and the army of the Greeks, he tore up many hairs from his head by the roots, enraged at Job who dwells aloft, and deeply groaned in his noble heart. But this plan appeared best to him in his judgment, to repair first to Nilean Nestor, and to see whether with him he might contrive some blameless council, which might be an avertor of evil. Rising he wrapped his coat around his breast, and beneath his smooth feet bound the beautiful sandals, next he threw around him the bloodstained skin of a huge tawny lion, stretching to his ankles and grasped his spear. In like manner a tremor possessed Menelaus for neither did sleep rest upon his eyelids, through fear lest the Greek should suffer ought, who on his account had come over the wide sea to Troy, waging daring war. First with a spotted leopard skin he covered his broad back, and next in his brazen helmet placed it upon his head, and grasped a spear in his stout hand. But he went to awaken his brother who had the chief command of all the Greeks, and was honored by the people like a god. Him he found by the prow of his ship, putting his bright armor around his shoulders, and arriving he was welcome to him. Him, first Menelaus, valiant in the den of war addressed, Why arm thus my respected brother, or whom thus thou urge of thy companions to go as a spy amongst the Trojans. In truth I very much fear that no one will undertake this deed, going alone through the dead of night to reconnoiter the enemy. Anyone who does so will be bold-hearted indeed. But him, King Agamemnon, answering addressed, O Joven urgent Menelaus, need a fruit and council comes upon both thee and me, which will protect and preserve the Greeks and their ships, since the mind of Joven is altered. Surely he has rather given his attention to divine sacrifices, for never have I beheld nor heard a person who related that one man has devised so many arduous deeds, and one day as Hector, dear to Joven, hath performed upon the sons of the Greeks in such a manner, although the dear child neither of a god is nor of a god, but such deeds hath he done as I conceive will long and for many a day be a cause of care to the Greeks. So many evils hath he wrought against the Greeks. But go now, call Ajax and Edomeneus, running quickly to their ships, but I will go to Noble Nestor, and exhort him to arise, if he be willing to go to the sacred company of guards and give orders, for to him will they most attentively listen, because his son commands the guards, along with Maryonus, the armor-bearer of Edomeneus, for to them we entrusted the chief charge. But him, Menelaus, valiant in a din of war, then answered, In what manner dost thou command and exhort me in speech? Shall I remain there with them, waiting till thou come, or shall I run back again to thee, after I have duly given them orders? But him, interred Angamemnon, king of men addressed, Wait there, lest as we come, we miss one another, for there are many ways through the camp, but shout aloud with us whoever thou goest, and enjoin them to be watchful, accosting each man by a name from his paternal race, honorably addressing all, nor be thou haughty in thy mind, nay even us ourselves labor, whatever be our station, so heavy a calamity hath jove laid upon us at our birth. Thus saying, he dismissed his brother, having duly charged him, but he hastened to go to Nester, but he hastened to go to Nester, the shepherd of the people, him he found on his soft couch beside his tent and black ship, and by him lay his variegated arms, a shield, two spears, and a glittering helmet, beside him also lay a flexible belt, with which the old man girded himself, when he was arming for man destroying war, leading on his people, since he by no means yielded to sad old age. Being supported on his elbow, and lifting up his head, he addressed the son of Atreus, and questioned him in these words, who art thou who comest thus alone by the ships along the army, during the gloomy night when other mortals are asleep, whether seeking any of the guards or any of thy companions, speak, nor approach me in silence of what is there need to thee, but him, Agamemnon, king of men, then answered, O Nester, Sodom Delius, great glory of the Greeks, thou wilt recognize Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, whom beyond all Jove had plunged into toils continually, whilst breath remains in my breast, or my knees have the power of motion, I wander thus because sweet sleep sits not on my eyes, but war, and the calamities of the Greeks are my care, for I greatly fear for the Greeks, neither is my heart firm, but I am confounded, my heart leaps without my breast, and my fair limbs tremble beneath, but if thou canst do ought since neither doth sleep come upon thee. Come, let us go down to the guards, that we may see whether worn out by toil and overpowered by sleep they slumber, and are altogether forgetful of the watch, and hostile men are encamped near, nor do we at all know, but that they perhaps meditate in their mind to engage even during the night. But him, Nestor, the geranium knight that answered, Aigamemnon, most glorious son of Atreus, king of men, assuredly provident Jove will not accomplish to hector all those devices, which now perhaps he expects, but I think that he will labor under even more cares if Achilles shall but turn away his heart from heavy wrath, yet will I willingly follow thee, and let us moreover incite others, both spear-renowned Diomedi, and Ulysses, Swift Ajax, and the valiant son of Ilius, but if anyone going would call godlike Ajax and king Domineus, for their ships are the farthest off, and by no means near at hand, but I will chide Menelaus, dear and respected though he be, nor will I conceal, even if thou shouldst be displeased with me since thus he sleeps, and has permitted thee alone to labor, for now ought he to labor, supplicating among all the chiefs for a necessity no longer tolerable invades us. But him, Agamemnon, king of men, in turn addressed, old man, at other times I would even bid thee blame him, for he is frequently remiss, and is not willing to labor, yielding neither to sloth nor thoughtlessness of mind, but looking to me and awaiting my commencement, but now he arose long before me and stood beside me, him I have sent before to call those whom thou seekest, but let us go, and we shall find the gates among the guards, for there I bade them be assembled. But him, the Jirenian knight Nestor, then answered, if so, none of the Greeks will be angry, nor disobey when he may exhort or give orders to any. Thus saying, he put on his tunic around his breast, and beneath his shining feet he placed the beautiful sandals, and fastened about him his burpel cloak with a clasp, double, ample, and the shaggy pile was thick upon it, and he sees a doubly spear pointed with sharp brass. He proceeded first to the ships of the brazen male the Keyens, then the Jirenian knight Nestor, vociferating a rouse from his sleep Ulysses equal to Joven Council, but the voice immediately penetrated his mind, and he came out from the tent and addressed them, Why, I pray, wander ye thus alone through the ambrosial night, near the ships, through the army? What so great necessity now comes upon you? But him, Nestor, the Jirenian knight, then answered, Jov sprung son of Lertes, much scheming Ulysses to be not indignant, for so great a sorrow hath oppressed the Greeks, but follow that we may arouse even another whomsoever it is fit to deliberate whether to fly or fight. Thus he spake, and much counseling Ulysses returning into his tent flung around his shoulders his variegated shield, and followed them, but they proceeded to die a meady, the son of Tideus, and him they found without before his tent with his arms, and his companions slept around him. Beneath their heads they had their shield, and their ears were fixed erect upon the nether point, and afar off glittered the brass, like the lightning of father Jov. The hero himself, however slumbered, and beneath him was drew the hide of a wild bull, but under his head was spread a splendid piece of tapestry. Standing by him the Jirenian knight Nestor awoke him, moving him on the heel with his foot. He roused him, and upgraded him openly. Arise, son of Tideus, why dost thou indulge in sleep all night? Here the Trojans are encamped upon an eminence in the plain near the ships, and that now but a small space keeps them off? Thus he spoke, but he leaped up very quickly from slumber, and addressing him spoke winged words. Indefatigable art thou, old man, never indeed dost thou cease from labour. Are there not even other younger sons of the Greeks who, going about in every direction, might arouse each of the kings? But, old man, thou art impossible to be indeed. But him then the Jirenian knight Nestor in turn addressed, Truly, my friend, thou hast spoken all these things all right. I have to be sure blameless sons, and I have numerous troops, some of whom indeed, going round, might give the summons, but a very great necessity hath oppressed the Greeks, and now are the affairs of all balanced on a razor's edge, whether there be most sad destruction to the Greeks or life. Yet go now, since thou art younger, arouse swift Ajax and the son of Phileus, if thou hast pity on me. Thus he spake, but the other threw around his shoulders the skin of a huge tawny lion, reaching to his feet, and took his spear. He hastened forth, and the hero having aroused the rest, led them thence. But when they now came to the assembled guards, they found not the leaders of the guards slumbering, but all were sitting vigilantly with their arms. As dogs with care keep watch around the sheep in a fold, hearing the furious beast, which comes through the wood from the mountains, but much clamor of men and dogs is against it, and sleep is utterly lost to them. So was sweet slumber lost to their eyelids, keeping guard during the sad night. For they were ever turned towards the plain whence however they heard the Trojans advancing, but the old man seeing them rejoiced, and encouraged them with a speech, and addressing them spoke winged words. Thus now, dear children, keep watch, nor let sleep be upon any, lest we become a mockery to the enemy. Thus saying he crossed the trench, and with him followed the chiefs of the Greeks, as many as had been summoned to the council. Along with these went Marionis, and the illustrious son of Nestor, for they had invited them that they might consult with them. Having therefore passed over the dug trench, they sat down in a clear space where a piece of ground appeared free from fallen dead bodies. Whence impetuous Hector had turned back, having destroyed the Greeks when night had lengthen velled up to them. There sitting down they addressed words to each other, and to them the Gerenian knight Nestor began discourse. O friends, would not now some man put such confidence in his own daring mind as to go against the magnanimous Trojans if perchance he might take some of the enemy straying in the outskirts of the camp, or perhaps even learn some report among the Trojans what they deliberate among themselves. Whether they intend to remain here for instance, or are about to return to the city since they have subdued the Greeks. Could he but hear all this and come back to us unscathed great glory would be his under heaven amongst all men, and he shall have a good reward for as many chiefs as command the vessels of all these each will give a black sheep, a you having a lamb at its others to which indeed no possession will be like, and he will ever be present at our banquets and feasts. Thus he spoke, and they were all mute in silence, but to them Diomedi valiant in the dinner battle said, Nestor, my heart and gallant spirit urge me to enter the camp of the hostile Trojans which is near, but if some other man were to go along with me there would be more pleasure, and it would be more encouraging, for when two go together the one perceives before the other how the advantage may be, but if one being alone should observe anything, his perception is nevertheless more tardy, and his judgment weak. Thus he spoke, and the greater number wished to follow Diomedi, the two Ajeses wished it, servants of Mars, Mariones wished it, the son of Nestor very earnestly desired it, the spear renowned son of Atreus, Mendelaus desired it, and Hardy Ulysses was eager to penetrate the crowd of the Trojans. Forever daring was his mind within his breast. Among them however, Agamemnon the king of men spoke, Diomedi, son of Tideus most dear to my soul, select the companion whom thou desirest, the bravest of those who present themselves, since many are ready. Nor do thou, paying deference in thy mind, leave indeed the better, and select as follower the worse, through respect for rank, looking neither to family, nor whether one is more the king. Thus he spoke, for he feared the yellow-haired Menelaus, but amongst them Diomedi, brave in the deaden battle, again spoke, if then ye now order me to select the companion myself, how can I now forget God like Ulysses whose heart is prudent, and spirit gallant in all labours, and whom Pellus Minerva loves? He following we should both return even from burning fire, for he is skilled in planning beyond all others. But him, much enduring noble Ulysses in turn entered, son of Tideus, neither praise me beyond measure, nor at all blame, for thou speakest these things amongst our guives, who are acquainted with us, but let us go for night hastens on, and mourn is at hand. The stars have already far advanced, and the greater portion of the night by two parts has gone by, but the third portion remains. Thus having spoken, they clad themselves in their terrible arms. To Diomedi Thrasomedi's firm in war gave his two-edged sword, because his own was left at the ships, and a shield. Upon his head he placed his bull's hide helmet, codeless crestless, which is called, and the heads of blooming youths, and Maryonus gave a bow, quiver, and sword to Ulysses, and put upon his head a cask of hide, and within it was firmly bound with many straps, whilst without, the white teeth of an ivory-tushed bore set thick together on all sides fenced it well, and skillfully, and in the midst, a woollen headpiece was sewed, yet Otolicus once bought from Eleon, the city of Ementor, son of Hormonus, having broken into his large mansion, he gave it, however, to Amphimidus, the Scytherian, to Baerskandaea, and Amphimidus bestowed it upon Molus to be a gift of hospitality, but he gave it to his son Maryonus to be worn, then at last, being placed around, it covered the head of Ulysses. But they, when they had girthed themselves in dreadful arms, hastened to advance, and left all the chiefs at the same place, and to them near the way Pelsman ever sent a heron upon the right hand, they did not discern it with their eyes because of the gloomy night, but heard it rustling, and Ulysses was delighted on account of the bird, and prayed to Minerva, Hear me, thou daughter of ages bearing Jove, who stand by me in all labours, nor do I escape thy notice having moved, now again do thou, O Minerva, especially befriend me, and grant that covered with glory we may return back to the well-benched Barks, having performed a mighty deed, which will surely occasion care to the Trojans. Then Diomedi, brave in the dinner battle, next prayed, Now hear me too, O daughter of Jove, invincible, attend me as once thou didst attend my sire, the noble Tideas, to Thebes, what time he went as an ambassador for the Achaeans. He left the brazen-mailed Achaeans at the Esopas, and he himself bore thither a mild message to the Cadmians, but when returning he performed many arduous deeds with thy aid, O noble goddess, when thou propitious did stand beside him, thus now willingly stand by and protect me, and in return I will sacrifice to the Ahepa of a year-old with broad forehead, untamed, which no man hath yet brought under the oak, this will I sacrifice to thee, encircling its horns with gold. Thus they spoke, praying, and Pallas Minerva heard them, but when they had supplicated the daughter of mighty Jove, they hastened to advance, like two lions through the dark night, through slaughter, through bodies, through arms, and black blood. Nor did Hector allow the gallant Trojans to sleep, but he summoned all the chiefs together, as many as were leaders and rulers over the Trojans, having summoned them together, he framed Prudent Council, who, undertaking it for me, will accomplish this deed for a great reward, and there shall be sufficient payment for him, for I will give a chariot and two rough-maned steeds, which excel in speed at the swift sailing ships of the Greeks, to him whosoever would dare, he will also obtain glory for himself, to approach near the swift sailing ships, and learn whether the fleet ships are guarded as formerly, or whether now subdued by our hands, they meditate flight among themselves, nor wish to keep watch during the night, overcome with grievous toil. Thus he spoke, but they were all still in silence, but among the Trojans there was one, Dolan, the son of Humides, a divine herald, rich in gold and wealthy in brass, who an aspect indeed was deformed, but was swift-footed, and he was an only son among five sisters, who then, standing by, addressed the Trojans and Hector, Hector, my heart and gallant spirit urge me to approach the swift sailing ships, and gain information, but come, raise up thy scepter to me, and swear that thou wilt assuredly give me the horses and chariot, variegated with brass, which now bear the illustrious chaos, and I will not be a vain spy to thee, nor frustrate thy expectation, for I will go so far into the camp, till I reach the ship of Agamemnon, where the chiefs will perchance be consulting whether to fly or fight. Thus he spoke, but he took the scepter in his hands and swore to him, let Jove himself now be my witness, the loudly thundering spouse of Juno, that no other man of the Trojans shall be carried by these horses, but I declare now shalt entirely have the glory of them. Thus he spoke, and indeed swore a vain oath, nevertheless he encouraged him. Immediately he threw around his shoulders his crooked bow, and put on above the height of a grey wolf, with a cask of weaselskin upon his head, and seized a sharp javelin, and he set out to go from the camp towards the ships, nor was he destined to bring back intelligence to Hector, returning from the ships, but when now he eagerly held on his way, but him got like Ulysses observed advancing, and addressed Ayamedy, Hark! Ayamedy! A man comes from the camp, I know not whether as a spy upon our vessels, or to plunder some of the dead bodies, but let us suffer him first to pass by a little through the plane, and afterwards hastily rushing upon him, let us take him. If however he surpasses us in speed, attacking him with the spear, let us continually drive him from the camp towards the ships, lest by chance he escape towards the city, then having thus spoken they lay down out of the pathway among the dead, but he in thoughtlessness ran hastily past, but when now he was as far off as his space plowed at one effort by mules, for they are preferable to oxen in drawing the well-made plow through the deep fallow, they indeed ran towards him, but he stood still, hearing a noise, for he hoped within his mind that his companions had come from the future having ordered, but when now they were distant as spears cast, or even less, he perceived that they were enemies, and moved his active knees to fly, and they immediately hastened to follow, as when two rough-toothed hounds, skilled in the chase, ever incessantly pursue through the woody ground either a fawn or hare, while screaming it flies before, thus did tidides and ulysses, sacchar of cities, pursue him ever steadily, having cut him off from his own people, but when he was flying towards the ships, he would speedily have mingled with the watch, then indeed Minerva infused strength into tidides, that none of the brazen mailed Greeks might be beforehand in boasting that he had wounded him, but he himself come second, then Galen's Diomedi, rushing on him with his spear, addressed him, either stop, or I will overtake thee with my spear, nor do I think that thou wilt long escape certain destruction from my hand, he said, and hurled his spear, but eventually missed the man, over the right shoulder the point of the well polished spear stuck in the ground, then indeed he stood still and trembled, stammering, and there arose a chattering of the teeth in his mouth pale through fear, panting they overtook him, and seized his hands, but he, weeping, spoke thus, take me alive, and I will ransom myself, for within my house I have brass and gold and well wrought iron, from which my father will bestow upon you countless ransoms, if I shall hear that I am alive at the ships of the Greeks, but him, much planning Ulysses answering, addressed, take courage, nor suffer death at all to enter thy mind, but come tell me this, and state it correctly, why comeest thou thus alone from the camp towards the fleet, through the gloomy night when other mortals sleep, whether that thou mightest plunder any of the dead bodies, or did Hector send thee forth to reconnature everything at the hollow ships, or did thy mind urge thee on? but him Dolan then answered, and his limbs trembled under him. Contrary to my wish, Hector hath brought me into great detriment, who promised that he would give me the solid hooves' deeds of the illustrious son of Palaeus, and his chariot adorned with brass, and he enjoined me, going through the dark and dangerous night, to approach the enemy, and learn accurately whether the swift ships be guarded as before, or whether already subdued by our hands, ye planned flight with yourselves, nor choose to keep during the night overcome by severe toil. But him, crafty Ulysses, smiling addressed, assuredly thy mind aimed at mighty gifts, the horses of war-like yacities, but these are difficult to be governed by mortal men, and to be driven by any other than Achilles whom an immortal mother bore. But come, tell me this, and state correctly, where now, when coming hither, did thou leave Hector, the shepherd of the people? Where lie his marsh alarms, and where his steeds, and how patient are the watches and tents of the other Trojans? What do they consult among themselves? Do they meditate to remain there at a short distance from the ships, or will they return again to the city, since, forsooth, they have subdued the Greeks? But him, Dolan, the son of Umides, again addressed, therefore will I indeed detail these things to thee very correctly, Hector with those as many as our counselors is deliberating upon plans at the tomb of Divine Illus, apart from the tumult, but for the watches of which thou inquirest, O hero, no chosen band defends or watches the camp, but as many as are the hearts of fires among the Trojans, those at them are they to whom there is compulsion, and they are both wakeful and exhort one another to keep watch, but the allies on the contrary, summoned from afar, are sleeping, for they committed to the Trojans to keep watch, for their children and wives lie not near them. But him, much planning Ulysses answering, addressed, in what manner now do they sleep, mingled with the horse-breaking Trojans, or apart? Tell me that I may know. But him, Dolan, the son of Umides, answered, therefore will I indeed detail these things also very correctly, on the one hand, towards the sea, are the Carians and Poenians, armed with crooked bows, the Lelagans and Coconians and Nova Pulasgians, towards Simbra, on the other, the Lycians are allotted their place and the Hati Mycians, the horse-breaking Phrygians and the Maonian cavalry warriors, but why inquire ye of me these things separately, for if ye are now eager to penetrate the hosts of the Trojans, those Thracians, lately arrived or apart, the last of all the others, and among them is their king Rhesus, son of Aeonius, and his horses are the most beautiful and largest I have seen, they are wider than snow and like to the winds in speed, and his chariot is well adorned with both gold and silver, and he himself came during golden armor of mighty splendor, a marvel to behold, which does not indeed suit mortal men to wear, but the immortal gods. But now remove me to the swift ships, or having bound me with a cruel bond, leave me here until ye return, and make trial of me, whether I have indeed spoken to you truly or not. But him, then valiant Diomedes sternly regarding a dress, take not within thy mind to escape from me, Odolan, although thou has reported good tidings since thou has once come into my hands, for if indeed we shall now release thee, at the at liberty, hereafter thou wouldst surely return to the swift ships of the Achaeans, either in order to become a spy, or to fight against us, but if subdued by my hands thou lose thy life, thou wilt not ever afterwards be a bane to the Greeks. He said, and the other was preparing to supplicate him, taking him by the chin with his strong hand, but he, rushing at him with his sword, smote the middle of his neck and cut through both the tendons, and the head of the dust. From his head they took the weasel skin helmet and the wolf skin, and with the bent bow and long spear, and noble Ulysses raised them on high with his hand to Minerva, the goddess of plunder, and praying spake, Rejoice, O goddess, in these for thee first of all the mortals in Olympus do we invoke, but guide us likewise to the horses and tents of the Thracian men. Thus he said, and raising them high above himself, he hung them on a tamarisk branch, but guided he placed a conspicuous mark, pulling up handfuls of reeds, and the wide-spreading branches of the tamarisk, lest they should escape their notice whilst they were returning through the dark and dangerous night. Then both advanced onwards through arms and black blood, and proceeding they came immediately to the band of the Thracian heroes, but they were sleeping, overpowered with fatigue, and their beautiful armor lay upon the ground beside them, carefully in order, in order, the yoke of horses. Rhesus slept in the midst, and beside him his swift horses were fastened by the reins to the outer rim of the chariot, and Ulysses, first observing, pointed him out to Diomedi. This is a man O Diomedi, and these are the horses which Dolan, whom we slew, pointed out to us, but come now, exert thy mighty strength, nor does it at all become thee to stand leisurely with thy armor. Loose therefore the steeds, or do thou slay the men, and the horses shall be my care. Thus the yoke, but into him azure-eyed Minerva breathed valor, and he slaughtered, turning himself on every side, and a dreadful groaning arose of those smitten with the sword, and the earth grew red with blood. As when a lion coming upon unprotected flocks of goats or sheep rushes upon them, designing evils, so fell the son of Tydeus upon the Thracian men, until he had slain twelve. But much counseling Ulysses, whomsoever Diomedi standing beside, struck with a sword, him, Ulysses dragged backwards, seizing by the foot, meditating these things in his mind that the fair mained steeds should pass through easily, nor should tremble in spirit, treading upon the corpses, for as yet they were unused to them. But when now the son of Tydeus had reached the king, him, the thirteenth, he deprived of sweet life, panting. For by the counsel of Minerva, an evil dream had stood over his head during the night in likeness of the son of Oenius. But in the meantime, patient Ulysses was untying the solid hooved steeds. With the rains, he bound them together and drove them from the crowd, lashing them with his bow, because he thought not of taking with his hands the splendid lash from the well-wrought chariot seat, and then he whistled as a signal to noble Diomedi. But he, remaining, was meditating what most daring deed he should do, whether seizing the car, where lay the embroidered armor, he should drag it out by the pole or bear it away, raising it aloft, or take away the life of more of the iterations. Whilst he was revolving these things within his mind, Minerva in the meantime, standing near, addressed noble Diomedi, be mindful now of a return to the hollow ships, O son of Magnanimus Tideas, lest thou reach them, having been put to flight, or lest some other god perchance arouse the Trojans. Thus she spoke, and he understood the voice of the goddess speaking, and he quickly ascended the chariot, and Ulysses lashed on the horses with his bow, and they fled to the swift ships of the Greeks. Nor did Silvabode Apollo keep a vein watch, when he beheld Minerva accompanying the son of Tideas, and raged with her, he descended into the vast army of the Trojans, and roused Hippokun, a counsellor of the Thracians, the gallant cousin of Rhesus, and he, leaping up from sleep, when he beheld the place empty where the fleet horses had stood, and the men panting amidst the dreadful slaughter, immediately then wept aloud, and called upon his dear companion by name, a clamour and immeasurable tumult of the Trojans running together arose, and they looked with wonder at the marvellous steeds which men, having perpetrated, had returned to the hollow ships. But when now they came where they had slain the spy of Hector, their Ulysses, dear to Jove, reigned in his fleet's steeds, but the son of Tideas, leaping to the ground, placed the bloody spoils in the hands of Ulysses, and then ascended the chariot, and he lashed on the steeds, and both not unwilling fled towards the hollow ships, for thither it was agreeable to their minds to go. But Nestor first heard the sound, and said, O friends, leaders and rulers over the Greeks, shall I speak falsely, or say the truth? Still my mind impels me, the noise of swift-footed steeds strikes upon my ears, O that now Ulysses and Galantia Medea would immediately drive some solid Hoovitz steeds from the Trojans, but greatly do I fear in mind less these bravest of the Greeks suffer from the rude host of Trojans? Not yet was the whole speech uttered when they themselves arrived, then indeed they descended to the ground, and their friends rejoicing saluted them with the right hand and kind expressions. But first a geranium knight, Nestor, asked them, Come, tell me most excellent Ulysses, great glory of the Greeks, how took ye these horses, whether penetrating the camp of the Trojans, or did some god meeting supply you with them? They are very like unto the rays of the sun, I indeed always mingle with the Trojans nor can I say that I remain at the ships, although being an old warrior, yet have I never beheld nor remarked such horses, but I think that some god meeting you hath given them, for cloud-compelling Jove loves you both and the daughter of ages bearing Jove, Azurid Minerva. But him crafty Ulysses answering addressed, O Nestor, offspring of the belliest great glory of the Greeks, a god indeed, if willing, could easily have given better horses even than these, since they, the gods, are much more powerful. But those steeds about which thou inquirest, old man, are Thracian, lately arrived, and valiant Diomedes slew their lord and beside him 12 companions, all of the bravest. The 13th spy we killed near the ships whom Hector sent forth, and the other illustrious Trojans to be a spy for sooth of our army. Thus saying he drove the solid hooves' steeds across the ditch, exulting, and with him went the other Greeks rejoicing. But when they came to the well-constructed tent of Diomedes, they tied the steeds by the skillfully cut range to the horses' stall, where stood the swift-footed steeds of Diomedes, eating sweet corn. In the stern of his vessel Ulysses laid the bloody spoils of Dolon, until they could present them as a sacred gift to Minerva. Then having gone into the sea, they washed off the abundant sweat from around their legs, their neck, and thighs. But when the wave of the sea had washed away the abundant sweat from their bodies, and they were refreshed in their dear heart, entering the well-polished baths, they bathed. But having bathed and anointed themselves with rich oil, they sat down to a repast, and, drawing forth sweet wine from a full bowl, they poured it out in libation to Minerva. End of Book X Read by Stephen Carney