 Section 6, Book the Sixth of the Iliad of Homer. This LibriBox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Stephen Carney. The Iliad of Homer by Homer. Translated by Theodore Alois Buckley. Section 6, Book the Sixth. Argument. The gods, having left the field, victory now inclines to the side of the Greeks, and Hellenus counsels Hector to order a public supplication to Minerva in the citadel. While Hector has gone to the city for that purpose, Diomedes and Glaucus recognized a friendship which had formerly existed between their fathers and exchanged armor in token of Amity. Acuba and the Trojan matrons present a robe to Minerva and offer up prayers for their country. Hector reproves Paris and brings him back to the field, having first taken and affecting farewell of his wife and child. And now the dreadful battle of the Trojans and the Greeks was abandoned. Often, here and there, the battle raged through the plain, the combatants directing against each other their brass-tipped spears between the rivers of Samoas and Xanthus. First helemonian Ajax, the bulwark of the Greeks, broke through the phalanx of the Trojans, and gave light to his companions, smiting the good and mighty hero Achaemus, son Ivesaurus, who was the bravest among the Thracians. First he struck him on the ridge of the horse-haired helmet, and the brazen spear fixed itself in his forehead and passed on within the bone. But darkness veiled his eyes. But Diomedes, brave in the din of war, slew Axilus, the son of Teuthorus, who dwelt in well-built irispa, rich in wealth, and he was beloved by men for dwelling in a house near the public way, he was wont to afford entertainment to all, but none of them, his guests coming up before him, warded off sad death. But Diomedes deprived both of life, himself and his attendant Calesius, who then was a charioteer of his steeds, and both these entered the earth. And Irealus slew Dressus and Opheltius, and afterwards went against Asipus and Pidassus, whom formerly the Nayad Nymph of Arborea brought forth to blameless Bucoleon. Bucoleon was the son of illustrious Leomedon, eldest by birth, but him his mother brought forth secretly. While Bucoleon was a shepherd, he was mingled in love and nuptials with her amongst the sheep. But she, becoming pregnant, brought forth twin sons, and truly the son of Mesistius relaxed their strength and their illustrious limbs, and tore the armour from their shoulders. And next, warlike Polypothes slew Astialis. Ulysses killed Percosian Pidaites with his brazen spear, and Agamemnon, king of men, slew Elatus. He dwelt at Lofti Pidassus, on the banks of fair-flowing Satniois. The hero-lightest slew Filacus flying, and Euripolis killed and spoiled Melentheus. In the next place, Menelaus, valiant in the din of war, took Adrastus alive for his two steeds flying bewildered over the plain, coming in violent contact with the branch of Tamarisk, and having broken the curved chariot at the extremity of the pole, themselves flew towards the city, with their others also fled terrified. But he was rolled from his chariot near the wheel, prone in the dust on his mouth, but near him stood Menelaus, the son of Atreus, holding his long-shadowed spear, and Adrastus then, embracing his knees, supplicated him, Take me alive, O son of Atreus, and receive a worthy ransom. In my wealthy father's house lie abundant stores, brass and gold, and well-wrought steel, out of which my sire will bestow on the countless ransom gifts, if he shall hear that I am alive at the ships of the Greeks. Thus he spoke, and persuaded his mind in his breast, and already he was on the point of consigning him to the care of his attendant to conduct him to the ships of the Greeks. But Agamemnon, running up, met him, and shouting in a chiding tone, spoke, O soft one, O Menelaus, why art thou thus so much concerned for these men? In sooth very kind offices were done to thee and thy family by the Trojans, of whom let none escape utter destruction, and our hands, not even him whom the mother carries, being an infant in her womb, that not even him escape, but let all the inhabitants of Ilium perish totally, without burial rites, and obscure. Thus having said, the hero changed his brother's mind, having advised right things, but he, with his hand, thrust back the hero adrastus from him, and him, King Agamemnon, smote in the belly, and he was cast supine. But the son of Atreus, planting his heel upon his breast, drew out the ashen spear. Then Nestor exhorted the Greeks, exclaiming aloud, O friends, Grecian heroes, servants of Mars, let no one now, desirous of spoil, linger behind, that he may return, bringing abundance to the ships, but let us slay the men, and afterwards at your leisure shall ye spoil the dead bodies through the plain. Thus having said, he aroused the might and courage of each, and then truly had the Trojans retreated into Ilium, under the influence of the Mars beloved Greeks, conquered through their own cowardice, had not Hellenus, son of Priam, by far the best of augurs, standing near, spoken these words to Aeneas, and to Hector. Aeneas and Hector, since upon you chiefly of the Trojans, and Lydians the labour devolves, because ye are the bravest for every purpose, both to fight and to take counsel, stand here, and stay the forces before the gates, running in all directions, before that on the contrary, flying they fall into the arms of their wives, and become a triumph to the enemies. But after ye have exhorted all the phalanxes, we remaining here will fight against the Greeks, though much pressed for necessity urges us. But Hector, do thou go to the city, and then speak to thy mother and mine, and let her, collecting it together the matrons of distinction into the temple of Azur-Aid Minerva, on the lofty citadel, and having opened the doors of the sacred house with the key, let her place on the knees of fair-haired Minerva, the robe which seems to her the most beautiful, and the largest in her palace, and which is much the most dear to her, and let her promise to sacrifice to that goddess in her temple twelve yearling heifers, as yet ungoded, if she will take compassion on the city, and on the wives and infant children of the Trojans. If indeed she will avert from sacred Ilium the son of Tideas, that ferocious warrior, the dire contriver of light, whom I declare to be the bravest of the Greeks, nor have we ever to such a degree dreaded Achilles, chiefest of men, whom they say is from a goddess, but this man rage is excessively, nor can any equal him in might. Thus he said, but Hector was by no means disobedient to his brother, and instantly from his chariot he leaped to the ground with his arms, and brandishing his sharp spears, he went in all directions through the army, inciting them to fight, and he stirred up dreadful battle, but they rallied round and stood opposite the Greeks. But the Greeks retreated and desisted from slaughter, for they thought that some of the immortals from the starry heaven had descended to aid the Trojans, in such a way did they rally. But Hector exhorted the Trojans, exclaiming aloud, courageous Trojans and far summoned allies, be men, my friends, and recall to mind your daring valor whilst I go to Ilium and tell to the aged counsellors and to our wives to pray to the gods and to vow them hecatombs. Thus having spoken, Crest tossing Hector departed, but about him the black hide, the border which surrounded his bossy shield, kept striking his angles and neck, son of Hippolocus and the son of Tideas met in the midst of both armies, eager to fight. But when now they were near, going against each other, Diomedi, brave in the din of war, first addressed him, Who of mortal men art thou, O most brave? For never yet have I beheld thee in the glorious fight, but now indeed thou hast far surpassed all in thy confidence, since thou hast awaited my long-shadowed spear. Certainly they are the sons of the hapless who meet my strength. But if one of the immortals thou art come from heaven, I would not fight with the celestial gods. For valiant Lycurgus, the son of Dryas, did not live long who contended with the heavenly gods. He who once pursued the nurses of raving Bacchus through sacred Nissa, but they all at once cast their sacred implements on the ground, smitten by man slaying Lycurgus with an oak-scode. But Bacchus too, terrified, sunk under the wave of the sea, and Thetis received him affrighted in her bosom. For dreadful trembling had seized him on account of the threat of the man, with him the peaceful living gods were afterwards enraged, and the son of Saturn rendered him blind, nor did he live much longer, for he became an object of aversion to all the immortal gods, wherefore I should not wish to fight with the blessed gods. But if thou art any one of mortals who eat the fruit of the earth, come hither, that thou mayest speedily reach the goal of death. Him then, the renowned son of Hippolocus addressed in turn, Magnanimous son of Tideus, why dost thou inquire of my race, as is a race of leaves, even such is a race of men. Some leaves the wind sheds upon the ground, but the fructifying wood produces others, and these grow up in the season of spring, such is a generation of men, one produces, another ceases to do so. But thou wouldst learn even these things that thou mayest well know my lineage, for many know it. There is a city, Ephyra, in a nook of horse-pasturing Argos, there dwelt Sisyphus, who was the most cunning of mortals, Sisyphus, son of Aeolus, and he begat a son Glaucus. But Glaucus begat blameless Belerophon, to whom the gods gave beauty and agreeable manliness. But against him Proatus devised evils in his soul, who accordingly banished him from the state, since he was far the best of the Greeks, for Jove had subjected them to his scepter. With him the wife of Proatus, Noble Antia, passionately longed to be united in secret love, but by no means could she persuade just-minded, wise-reflecting Belerophon. She, therefore, telling a falsehood, thus addressed King Proatus, mayest thou be dead, O Proatus, or do thou slay Belerophon, who desired to be united in love with me against my will. Thus she said, but rage possessed the king at what he heard, he was unwilling indeed to slay him, for he scrupled this in his mind, but he sent him into Lycea, and gave to him fatal characters, writing many things of deadly purport on a sealed tablet, and ordered him to show it to his father-in-law, to the end that he might perish. He, therefore, went into Lycea under the blameless escort of the gods, but when now he had arrived at Lycea and at the river Xanthus, the king of wide Lycea honoured him with a willing mind. Nine days did he entertain him hospitably, and sacrificed nine oxen, but when the tenth rosy-fingered morn appeared, then indeed he interrogated him and desired to see the token, whatever it was, that he brought from his son-in-law Proatus. But after he had received the fatal token of his son-in-law, first he commanded him to slay the invincible Chimera. But she was of divine race, not of men, in front of a lion, behind a dragon, in the middle a goat, breathing forth a dreadful might of gleaming fire. And her indeed he slew, relying on the signs of the gods. Next he fought with the illustrious Solimi, and he said that he entered on this as the fiercest fight among men. Thirdly he slew the man-opposing Amazons. But for him returning, the king wove another wily plot. Selecting the bravest men from wide Lycea, he placed an abuscade. But they never returned home again, for blameless B'Leferon slew them all. But when Iobates knew that he was the offspring of a god, he detained him there and gave him his daughter. He also gave him half of all his regal honor. The Lyceans also separated for him an enclosure of land, excelling all others, pleasant, vine-bearing, and arable, that he might cultivate it. But this woman brought four three children to war like B'Leferon, Isandrus, Hippolocus, and Leodamia. Providence Jove indeed had clandestine intercourse with Leodamia, and she brought forth god-like brazen helm to Sarpedon. But when now even he, B'Leferon, was become odious to all the gods, he on his part wandered alone through the Allian Plain, pining in his soul and shunning the path of men. But Mars, insatiable of war, slew his son Isandrus fighting against the illustrious Solimi. And golden-rained Diana, being enraged, slew his daughter. But Hippolocus begat me, and from him I say that I am born. Me he sent to Troy, and gave me very many commands, always to fight bravely, and to be superior to others, and not to disgrace the race of my fathers, who were by far the bravest Nefira and Ampolicia. From this race and blood do I boast to be. Thus he said, and Diomedi, valiant in the din of war, rejoiced. His spear indeed he fixed in the all-nurturing earth, and next addressed the shepherd of the people in courteous words. Certainly thou art my fathers' ancient guest, for in his halls noble Oenius once entertained blameless B'Leferon, having detained him for twenty days, and they bestowed valuable gifts of hospitality on each other. Oenius, on his part, gave a belt shining with purple, and B'Leferon, in turn, a golden double-cup. And this I left in my halls when I was coming hither. But Tideus, I remember not, for he left me whilst I was yet young, when the people of the Greeks perished at Thebes. Wherefore I am a guest friend to thee in the midst of Argos, and thou art the same to me in Lycea, whenever I shall visit their state. But let us also in the crowd avoid even each other's spears, for there are many Trojans and illustrious allies for me to slay, whomesoever the deity shall present, and I shall overtake with my feet, and there are many Greeks in turn for thee to slay, whomesoever thou canst. But let us exchange arms with each other, that even these may know that we profess to be friends by our ancestors. Thus having spoken, leaping down from their steeds, they took each other's hand and plighted faith. Then Saturnian Jove took away prudence from Glaucus, who exchanged armor with Iomedi, the son of Tideas, giving golden arms for Brazen, the value of a hundred beaves for the value of nine. But when Hector arrived at the Sceian gates and the beech tree, around him ran the Trojan wives and daughters inquiring for their sons, their brothers, their friends, and husbands. But he then ordered all in order to supplicate the gods, for evils were impending over many. But when now he had arrived at the very beautiful dwelling of Priam, built with well-polished porticoes, but in it were fifty chambers of polished marble built near one another, where lay the sons of Priam with their lawful wives, and opposite on the other side, within the hall, were the twelve roofed chambers of his daughters, of polished marble built near to one another, where the sons-in-law of Priam slept with their chaste wives. There his fond mother met him, as she was going to Leodici, the most excellent inform of her daughters, and she hung upon his hand and addressed him and spoke, My son, why hast thou come having left the bold fight? Certainly the abominable sons of the Greeks harass thee much, fighting around thy city? Thy mind hath urged thee to come hither to uplift thy hands to Jove from the lofty citadel. But wait till I bring the genial wine, that first thou may makest a libation to Jove, and to the other immortal gods, and then thou shalt refresh thyself if thou wilt drink. For to a wearied man wine greatly increases strength, since thou art wearied aiding thy kinsmen. But her mighty crest tossing hector then answered, Bring me not's genial wine, venerable mother, lest thou anervate me, and I forget my might and valor. But I dread to pour out dark red wine to Jove with unwashed hands, nor is it by any means lawful for me, to be denied with blood and gore, to offer vows to the cloud-compelling son of Saturn. But go thou to the temple of Minerva, the pillager, with victims having assembled the matrons of distinction, and the robe which is the most beautiful and the largest in the palace, and by far the most esteemed by thyself, that place on the knees of the fair-haired goddess, and the vow that thou wilt sacrifice to her in her temple, twelve heffers, yearlings, ungoded, if she will take compassion on the city, and the wives and infant children of the Trojans, if she will avert from sacred Iliam the son of Tideas that fierce warrior, the valiant author of terror. Do thou on thy part go to the temple of the pillager Minerva, but I will go after Paris, that I may call him if he is willing to hear me speaking. Would that the earth might there open for him? For him hath Olympian Jove reared as a great bane to the Trojans, to magnanimous Priam and to his sons. Could I but behold him descending to Hades, I might say that my soul had forgotten its joyless woe. Thus he spoke, but she, going to her palace, gave orders to her maids, and they assembled through the city the matrons of distinction. But she descended into a fragrant chamber, where were her variously embroidered robes, the works of Sidonian females, which God like Alexander himself had brought from Sidon, sailing over the broad ocean, in that voyage in which he carried off Helen, sprung from a noble sire. Hecuba, taking one of these, which was most beauteous with various hues, and largest, brought it as a gift to Minerva, and it glittered like a star, and lay the undermost of all. But she hastened to set out, and many venerable matrons hurried along with her. But when they had arrived at the temple of Minerva, in the lofty citadel, fair cheeked Theano, the daughter of Cicias, wife of horse-breaking Antonor, opened to them the gates, for the Trojans had made her priestess of Minerva. They all, with a loud wailing, upraised their hands to Minerva. But fair cheeked Theano, having received the garment, placed it on the knees of fair-haired Minerva, and, making bows, thus prayed to the daughter of mighty Jov. Venerable Minerva, guardian of the city, divine one of goddesses, break now the spear of Diomedi, and grant that he may fall prostrate before the skein gates, that we may for with sacrifice to thee and thy temple twelve yearlings untamed heifers, if thou wilt pity the city, and the wives of the Trojans, and their infant children. So she spake in prayer, but Pallas Minerva refused, thus they, on their part, offered vows to the daughter of mighty Jov. But Hector had gone to the beautiful halls of Alexander, which he himself had built with the aid of men, who then were the most skillful artisifers in fruitful Troy, who made for him a chamber, a dwelling room, and hall in the lofty citadel near the palaces of Priam and Hector. There Jov beloved Hector entered, and in his hand he held a spear of eleven cubits, the brazen point of the spear shown in front, and a golden ring encircled it. But him he found in his chamber preparing his very beauteous armor, his shield and coarselet, and fitting his curved bow. Argyve Helen sat amongst her female servants, and assigned their tasks to her maids of renowned work. But Hector, seeing, reproached him with foul words, infatuated not, not befittingly hast thou conceived this rage in thy mind, the people are perishing, fighting around the city and lofty wall, and on thy account the battle and war are blazing around the city. Truly thou wouldst thyself approve another, if ever thou sawest any person remiss in the hateful battle, but arise lest perchance the city should quickly blaze with hostile fire. But him, godlike Alexander then addressed, Hector, since thou hast with reason reproved me and not without reason, therefore will I tell thee, but do thou attend and hear me? I was sitting in my chamber, neither so much from anger nor indignation against the Trojans, but because I wished to give way to grief. But now my wife, advising me with soothing words, have urged me to go to the battle and to myself also which seems to be better, for victory alternates to men. But come now, wait, let me put on my martial arms, or go on and I will follow, and I think that I shall overtake thee. Thus he said, but Crest tossing Hector did not answer him, but Helen addressed Hector with soothing words. Brother-in-law of me, shameless authoris of mischief devising, fearful wretch would that on the day when first my mother brought me forth, a destructive tempest of wind had seized and borne me to a mountain, or into the waves of the much resounding ocean, where the billow would have swept me away before these doings had occurred. But since the gods have thus decreed these evils, I ought at least to have been the wife of a braver man who understood both the indignation and the many reproaches of men. But this man's sentiments are neither conscious now, nor will they be hereafter, wherefore I think he will reap the fruits of them. But come now, enter, and sit on this seat, brother-in-law, since toils have greatly encompassed thy mind on account of shameless me and of the guilt of Alexander, on whom Jove hath imposed an unhappy lot, that even in time to come we should be a subject of song to future men. But her mighty Crest tossing Hector then answered, Do not bid me sit, Helen, though courteous, for thou wilt not persuade me. For now was my mind urged on that I may aid the Trojans who have great regret for me absent, but do thou arouse Paris and let him hasten that he may overtake me being within the city. For I will go home that I may see my domestics, my beloved wife, and my infant son. For I know not whether I shall ever again return to them, or whether the gods will now subdue me under the hands of the Greeks. Thus having said, Crest tossing Hector departed, and immediately he then arrived at his well-situated palace, nor did he find white-armed and Romaki in the halls, but she stood lamenting and weeping on the tower with her son and her well-robed maid. But Hector, when he found not his blameless wife within, went and stood at the threshold and said to the female servants, I pray you, maids, tell me truly whither went white-armed and Romaki from the palace. Has she gone anywhere to the dwellings of her husband's sisters, or to those of any of her well-robed brother-in-laws' wives, or to the temple of Minerva, where the other fair-haired Trojan matrons are appeasing the dreadful goddess? Him then, the active housewife, in turn, answered, Hector, since thou bidest me to tell the truth, she has not gone to any of her husband's sisters, nor to any of her well-robed brother-in-laws' wives, nor to the temple of Minerva, where the other fair-haired Trojan matrons are appeasing the dreadful goddess. But she went to the lofty tower of Illium when she heard that the Trojans were worn out and that the valor of the Greeks was great. She is now on her way, hastening to the wall like unto one frenzied, and the nurse along with her bears the child. Thus spoke the housewife, but Hector hastened away from the palace the same way through the well-built streets, when he had arrived at the Skaen gates after passing through the great city for by this he was about to pass out onto the plain. There met him his richly-doward spouse, running, and Ramaki, daughter of the magnanimous Aetion, Aetion who dwelt in woody hypoplocus in hypoplacian thieves, reigning over Silician men. His daughter was then possessed by brazen helmed Hector. She then met him, and with her came a maid, carrying in her bosom the tender child, an infant quite, the only son of Hector, like unto a beauteous star. Him Hector had named Skamandrius, but others Estiannex, for Hector alone protected Illium. He indeed, gazing in silence upon his son, smiled, but Andromaki stood near him, weeping, and she hung upon his hand and addressed him and spoke, Strange man, this thy valor will destroy thee, nor dost thou pity thy infant child and unhappy me, who very soon will be bereft of thee, for presently the Greeks will slay thee, all attacking thee at once. For me much better it were to sink into the earth when bereft of thee, for there will no longer be any other comfort for me when thou shalt draw on thy destruction, but sorrows only, nor have I father or venerable mother. For divine Achilles slew my father, and laid waste the well-inhabited city of the Silicians, lofty-gated thieves. He slew Etion, but spoiled him not. He scrupled in his mind to do that, but he burned him together with his well-wrought arms and heaped a tomb over him, and around him the mountain nymphs, daughters of ages bearing Jove, planted elms, moreover the seven brothers besides whom I had at home. All these departed to Hades in one day, for divine, swift-footed Achilles slew them all amidst their crooked hooves, oxen, and their snowy sheep, and my mother, who ruled in woody Hippoplacus, after that he had led her hither with other treasures. He sent back at liberty, having received countless ransom-gifts. But her, the shaft rejoicing Diana, slew in my father's hall. But, O Hector, to me thou art both father and venerable mother and brother, thou art also my blooming consort, but come now, pity me, and abide here in the tower, nor make thy child an orphan and thy wife a widow, and place a company at the wild fig tree, where the city is chiefly easy of ascent, and the wall can be scaled. For going to this very quarter, the bravest of the Greeks have thrice assaulted, and the two Ojeses, and most renowned Edominaeus, and the sons of Atreus, and the brave son of Tydeus. Certainly some person well-skilled in prophecy mentioned it to them, or their own mind impels and orders them. But her then, in turn, the mighty crest-tossing Hector addressed, assuredly to me, also are all these things a subject of anxiety, dear wife. But I am exceedingly ashamed of the Trojans and the long-robed Trojan dames, if I, like a dastard keeping aloof, should avoid the battle. Nor does my mind incline me thus, for I have learned to be always brave and to fight in the foremost among the Trojans, seeking to gain both my father's great glory and mine own. For well I know this in my mind and soul, a day will arrive when sacred helium shall perish, and the Priam, and the people of Priam, skilled in the Ashen spear. But to me the grief that is to come will not be so great on account of the Trojans, neither for Hecuba herself, nor for King Priam, nor for my brothers, who, many an excellent, are destined to fall in a dust beneath hostile men. As for thee, when some one of the brazen male degree shall lead thee away weeping, having deprived thee of the day of freedom, and perchance being in Argos thou mayest weave the web at the command of some other dame, and bear water from the fountain of Messias, or Hyperia very unwillingly, and hard necessity will oppress thee, whilst some one, hereafter beholding the pouring forth tears, will say, this was the wife of Hector, who was a bravest in battle of the horse-breaking Trojans when they fought round Helium. Thus will some one hereafter say, but fresh anguish will be thine, from the want of such a husband to avert the day of servitude, but may the heaped earth cover me dead before I hear of this lamentation and abduction. Thus having said, illustrious Hector stretched out his arms for his son, but the child, screaming, shrunk back to the bosom of the well-zoned nurse, affrighted at the aspect of his dear sire, fearing the brass and the horse-haired crest, seeing it nodding dreadfully from the top of the helmet, gently his loving father smiled and his revered mother. Instantly illustrious Hector took the helmet from his head and laid it all glittering on the ground, and having kissed his beloved child and fondled him in his hands, thus spoke, praying to Jove and to the other gods. Jove and ye other gods, grant that this my son also may become, even as I am, distinguished amongst the Trojans, so powerful and might, and bravely to rule over Ilium, and may someone hereafter say concerning him, returning from the fight, he indeed is much braver than his sire, and let him bear away the bloody spoils, having slain the foe, and let his mother rejoice in her soul. Thus having said, he placed the boy in the hands of his beloved spouse, but she, smiling tearfully, deceived him in her fragrant bosom. Her husband, regarding her, pitied her, and soothed her with his hand, and addressed her and said, Beloved, be not at all too sad in thine heart on my account, for no man shall send me prematurely to the shades, but I think there is no one of men who has escaped fate, neither the coward nor the brave man, after he has once been born. But do thou going home, thy own works, thy web and to staff, and command thy mage to perform their task, but war shall be a care to all the men who are born in Ilium, and particularly to me. Thus having spoken, illustrious Hector took up the horse-haired helmet, and his beloved wife departed home, looking back from time to time, and shedding copious tears. Then immediately she reached the very commodious palace of the man-slaying Hector, and within she found many maids, and in all of them she excited grief. They indeed bewailed in his own palace Hector still alive, for they thought that he would never return back again from battle, escaping the might and the hands of the Greeks. Nor did Paris delay in his lofty halls, but he, after he had put on his famous arms variegated with brass, then hastened through the city, relying on his swift feet, and as when a stabled coarser, fed with barley at the stall, look in his cord, runs prancing over the plain, elate with joy, being accustomed to bathe in some fair-flowing river, he bears aloft his head, and his mane is tossed about on his shoulders, but he, relying on his beauty, his knees easily bear him to the accustomed pastures of the mares. Thus Paris, the son of Priam, shining in arms like the sun, exulting, descended down from the citadel of Pergamus, but his swift feet bore him, and immediately after, he found his noble brother Hector, when he was now about to depart from the palace where he was conversing with his spouse. Him, Godlike Alexander first addressed, Honoured brother, assuredly now I am altogether detaining thee, although hastening, nor have I come in due time as thou didst order. Him, then, crest tossing Hector answering, addressed, Strange man, not any man indeed who is just could dispraise thy deeds of war, for thou art brave, but willingly art thou remiss, and dost not wish to fight, and my heart is saddened in my breast when I hear of dishonourable things of thee from the Trojans, who have much toil on thy account. But let us away, these things we shall arrange hereafter, if ever Job shall grant us to place a free goblet in our halls to the heavenly everlasting gods, when we shall have repulsed the well-grieved Greeks from Troy. End of book the sixth, read by Stephen Carney. Argument. Hector challenges the bravest of the Greeks to a single combat, and nine of the chiefs, having cast lots, Ajax is appointed to meet him. Having protracted the contest till night, the combatants exchange gifts and separate. A truce is then made for the purpose of burying the dead, and the Greeks fortify their camp. Thus having said, illustrious Hector rushed forth from the gates, and with him went his brother Alexander, for both were eager in soul to wage war and to fight. As when the deity hath given a prosperous wind to expecting mariners, after they have become weary, agitating the deep with well-polished oars, and their limbs are relaxed with toil, thus then did those two appear to the expecting Trojans. Then they slew the one indeed, Manessius, son of King Arathus, whom the club-bearer Arathus and large-eyed Philomedusa brought forth. But Hector smote Aonius with his sharp spear upon the neck under his well-wrought brazen helmet, and relaxed his limbs. And Glaucus, son of Hippolocus, leader of the Lycian heroes, in fierce engagement smote Iphanus, son of Dexius, upon the shoulder with his spear, as he vaulted on his swift mares. But he fell from his mares to the ground, and his limbs were relaxed. But when the azure-eyed goddess Minerva saw them destroying the Greeks in fierce engagement, she descended straight way, rushing down from the tops of Olympus to Sacred Ilium. Then Apollo hastened to meet her, having perceived her from Pergamos, for he wished victory to the Trojans, and they met each other at the beach-tree. Her first, King Apollo, the son of Jove, addressed, Why again dost thou, O daughter of mighty Jove, come ardently from Olympus, and why hast thy mighty soul held thee? It is that thou mightest give to the Greeks the doubtful victory of battle, for thou dost not pity the Trojans' perishing. But if thou obeyest me in ought, which indeed would be much better, let us now make the war and conflict to cease this day. Afterwards shall they fight until they find an end of Ilium, since it is pleasing to the mind of you goddesses to overthrow this city. But him, in turn, the azure-eyed goddess Minerva thus addressed, Be it so far, daughter, for I myself meditating the same things came down from Olympus to the Trojans and the Greeks, but come, how dost thou intend to make the battle of men to cease? Her then, in turn, King Apollo, the son of Jove, addressed, Let us arouse the valiant spirit of horse-breaking Hector, if perchance he will challenge some one of the Greeks to fight against him singly, opposed in grievous combat, the well-grieved Greeks enraged will urge on some single man to fight with noble Hector. Thus he spoke, nor did the azure-eyed goddess disobey, but Hellenus, the dear son of Priam, perceived in his mind the council, which seemed good to the gods deliberating. He therefore went and stood near Hector, and thus accosted him, Hector, son of Priam, equal to Joven wisdom, will thou obey me in ought? Further, cause all the rest of the Trojans and the Greeks to sit down, but do thou thyself challenge whoever is the bravest of the Greeks to fight against thee in grievous combat, for it is not yet thy fate to die and draw on fate, for to this effect have I heard the voice of the immortal gods. Thus he spoke, but Hector in turn rejoiced exceedingly, having heard his advice, and accordingly advancing into the midst, grasping his spear in the middle, he restrained the long seas of the Trojans, and they all sat down. Agamemnon also caused the well-grieved Greeks to sit down, and Minerva also, and Silverboat Apollo, sat, like unto vulture birds, on a lofty beech tree of their sire, the ages-bearing Jove, delighted with the heroes. Of these the ranks sat thick, horribly bristling with shields and helmets and spears, and as the ripple of the west wind just risen is poured over the ocean and the sea begins to darken under it, such sat the ranks of the Greeks and Trojans in the plain. But Hector thus spoke in the midst of both armies, hear me ye Trojans, and ye well-grieved Greeks, whilst I speak what the mind in my breast commands me. Saturnian Jove, indeed, sitting aloft, has not ratified the leagues, but devising evils against both sides, ordains them till either ye take well-turned Troy, or yourselves to fall at your sea-traversing ships. Amongst you, indeed, there are the bravest of all the Greeks, of whom, whomesoever his mind orders to fight with me, let him come hither from amongst all to be a champion against noble Hector, this then do I propose, but let Jove be our witness, if on the other hand he shall slay me with his long-pointed spear, having stripped off my armor, let him bear it to the hollow ships, but send my body home, that the Trojans and the wives of the Trojans may make me deceased, a partaker of the funeral pyre, but if on the other hand I shall slay him, and Apollo shall give me glory, having stripped off his armor, I will bear it to sacred Ilium, and I will hang it up on the temple of far-darting Apollo, but his body I will send back to the well-benched ships, that the long-haired Greeks may perform his exec keys and pile up for him a tomb on the wide helispond, and hereafter will someone of the future men say as he sails over the sea in his many benched ship, this, indeed, is the tomb of a hero long since deceased, whom once bearing himself doubly illustrious Hector slew, thus hereafter will someone say but this my glory shall never perish. Thus he said, but all became mute in silence, ashamed, indeed, they were to refuse, and yet they dreaded to accept the challenge, at length, however, Menelaea stood up and spoke amongst them, rebuking them with reproaches, and he groaned greatly in spirit. Alas ye boasters, Greek dames, no longer Grecian men, certainly will these things be a disgrace, most grievously grievous if none of the Greeks will now go against Hector, but may ye all become water and earth, sitting there, each of you faint-hearted, utterly inglorious, but I myself will be armed against him, but the issues of victory are rested in the immortal gods. Thus having spoken he put on his beautiful arms, then indeed, O Menelaea, would the end of life have befallen thee at the hands of Hector, since he was much the better man, had not the princes of Greeks, starting up suddenly restrained thee, and the son of Atreus himself, wide-ruling Agamemnon, seized thee by the right hand, and addressed thee and spoke, thou art mad, Menelaea, offspring of Job, nor hast thou any need of such sadness, restrained thyself, although grieved, nor wished for the sake of contention to fight with a braver man than thyself, Hector, the son of Priam, whom others also dread. Nay, even Achilles, who was much braver than thou, dredged to meet him in the glorious fight, but now, going to the troop of thy companions, sit down. Against him the Greeks will set up some other champion, although he be intrepid and insatiable of battle, I think that he will gladly bend his knee if he shall escape from the hostile battle and grievous fight. Thus speaking, the hero dissuaded his brother's mind, advising him rightly, and he obeyed. His joyful attendance then stripped the armor from his shoulders, then Nestor arose amidst the Greeks and said, O gods, surely great grief comes upon the Grecian land. Certainly the aged knight Peleus, the excellent counselor and advisor of the Mirmidons, will greatly lament who formerly interrogated me, greatly rejoiced in his palace, inquiring the race and offspring of all the Greeks. If he now heard of them all crouching under Hector, often indeed would he lift up his hands to the immortals, praying that his soul separated from his limbs might depart into the house of Pluto. For wood, O father, Jove and Minerva and Apollo, I were young, as when the assembled Pylians and the spear-skilled Arcadians fought by the rapid Celadon at the walls of Fea about the streams of Jardin. With them Eryothalion, god-like hero, stood in the van, bearing on his shoulders the armor of king Ereathus, of noble Ereathus, whom men and beautious Gert women called by surname Coronatis, since he fought not with a bow, nor with a long spear, but used to break the phalanxes with an iron club. Him, Lycurgus, slew by stratagem, not by strength, in a narrow defile where his iron club did not ward off destruction from him, for Lycurgus anticipating pierced him right through the waist with his spear, and he was dashed to the ground on his back, and he spoiled him of the armor which Brazen Mars had given him, and he indeed afterwards bore them himself in the battle of Mars. But when Lycurgus had grown old in his palaces he gave them to his beloved attendant Ereothalion to be born, and he having his armor challenged all the bravest, but these trembled and feared very much, nor did any one dare to withstand him, but my bold mind by its confidence urged me on to fight him. Now I was the youngest of them all, and I fought with him, and Minera gave me glory, and I slew this most mighty and valiant hero, for vast he lay stretched out on this side and on that. Would that now I were thus young, and my strength entire so quickly should crest tossing hector meat with me, but those of you who are the bravest of all the Greeks, not even you promptly desire to go against hector. Thus did the old man up raid them, and nine heroes in all arose, much the first arose Agamemnon, the king of men, after him arose brave Diomedes, son of Tydeus, and after them the Ajacees, clad in impetuous valor. After them Edominaeus and Myrionus, the armor bearer of Edominaeus equal to men slaughtering Mars, after them Eropylus, the valiant son of Evemon, and there also arose Thoas, son of Andramadon, and divine Ulysses. All these wished to fight with noble hector, but these again the geranium knight Nestor addressed, Decide now exclusively by Lot who shall obtain the accepting of the challenge, for he indeed will aid the well-greaved Greeks, and he will also delight his own soul if he shall escape safe from the hostile war and the fate. Thus he spoke, and they marked each his own Lot, and they cast them into the helmet of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus. The people supplicated, and raised their hands to the gods, and thus would one of them say, looking towards the wide heaven, O father Jove, grant that Ajax obtain the Lot, or the son of Tydeus, or the king himself of rich Mycenaea. Thus they spake, and the geranium knight Nestor shook the Lot, and the Ajax, which indeed they wished for, leaped forth from the helmet. Then a herald bearing it around through the multitude, beginning at the right, showed it to all the chiefs of the Greeks. But they not recognizing it, disclaimed it severally, but when at last the herald carrying it round through the multitude came to him, illustrious Ajax, who had inscribed and cast it into the helmet, he stretched forth his hand, and the herald standing near placed it in it. He respected it, he knew his own mark, and rejoiced in his soul. He cast it on the ground at his feet and said, O friends, surely the Lot is mine, and I myself rejoice in my soul, since I think that I shall conquer noble Hector. But come, while I put on my warlike arms, do ye meantime pray to Jove, the Saturnian King, silently within yourselves, that the Trojans may not hear, or even openly, since we fear no one at all, for no one shall, by force, overcome me against my will, nor through my inexperience, since I hope I have not been so ignorantly born and bred at Salamis. Thus he spoke, but they prayed to Jove, the Saturnian King, and thus would one of them say, looking towards the wide heaven, O Father Jove, ruling from Ida, most glorious, most mighty, grant to Ajax to bear away victory and illustrious glory, but if thou lovest Hector carest for him, grant equal might and glory to both. Thus they spake, and Ajax was arming himself in splendid brass, but when he had put on all his armor round his body, then he rushed forward, as moves mighty Mars who goes to war amidst men, whom the son of Saturn has engaged to fight with the strength of soul gnawing strife, such mighty Ajax advanced, the bulwark of the Greeks, smiling with grim eyes, but he advanced, taking long stride with his feet beneath, brandishing his long-shadowed spear. The Greeks, on their part, rejoiced much on beholding him, but Dair dismay seized the Trojans, each one as to his limbs, and the soul panted in the breast of Hector himself, but now he could not in any wise retract through fear, nor retire back into the crowd of the people since he had challenged to the fight, but Ajax drew near, bearing like a tower, brazen, covered with seven ox hides, which for him the artist Taikeus, laboring had wrought, dwelling at his home in Hila, by far the most excellent of leather-cutters, who for him had made a movable shield of seven hides of very fat bulls, and drawn over it an eighth layer of brass. Carrying this before his breast, Telemonian Ajax stood very near Hector, and menacing addressed him, oh Hector, now thou alone with me alone shall plainly know what kind of chiefs are present with the Greeks, even besides Achilles, the breaker of ranks, the lion-hearted, but he indeed abides at his high-beaked sea-traversing ships enraged against Agamemnon, the shepherd of the people, yet we are such, even many of us, who can go against thee, but begin the battle, and the strife. Him then, in turn, the mighty Christossing Hector addressed, thou Job sprung Ajax, son of Telemon, ruler of the forces, tamper not with me as with a weak boy or a woman, who knows not war-like deeds, but I well know both battles and manslaughterings, I know how to shift my dry shield to the right and to the left, wherefore to me it belongs to tight, unwearyed. I am also skilled to rush to the battle of swift seeds, but I know too how, in hostile array, to move skillfully in honour of glowing Mars, but I do not desire to wound thee, being such, watching stealthily, but openly, if happily, I may strike thee. He spoke, and brandishing hurled forth his long-shadowed spear, and smote the mighty seven-hided shield of Ajax on the outside brass, which was the eighth layer thereon, and the unwearyed brass cutting through, penetrated six-folds, and was stuck aside. Next the jove-sprung Ajax intern sent forth his very long spear, and struck the all equal shield of Priam's son through the shining shield past the impetuous spear, and was fastened in his very ingeniously wrought coarselet, and from the opposite side of the spear cut his tunic near the flank, but he inclined himself and avoided black death. Then they both, having drawn out their long spears with their hands, joined battle, like unto devouring lions or wild boars whose strength is not feeble. Then indeed the son of Priam stuck the midst of Ajax's shield with his spear. It broke not through the brass, but the point of it was bent. But Ajax, bounding forward, pierced his shield, and the spear went right through, and repelled him as he rushed on. It glanced over his neck, cutting it, and black gore gushed forth. But not even thus did Crestosing Hector cease from the battle, but retiring back he seized in his hand a black, rough, huge stone lying in the plane. With it he struck the mighty, seven hiding shield of Ajax in the midst of the boss, and the brass rang around. Ajax, next taking up a much larger stone, whirling, discharged it, and applied immense strength, and he broke through the shield, having struck with a rock like unto a millstone, and he wounded him in the knee, and he was stretched supine, having come into violent contact with his shield. But Apollo quickly raised him, and now in close combat, hand to hand, they would have wounded each other with their swords, had not the heralds, the messenger of gods and men, arrived, one of the Trojans, the other the brazen mailed Greeks, Talthybius and Edeus, both prudent men, and between both armies they held their sceptres. But the herald Edeus, skilled in prudent councils, said, No longer, my dear it is war or fight, for cloud collecting jove loves you both. He both are warriors, and this we all know. Night is now approaching, and it is good to obey night. But him, Telemonian Ajax, entering, addressed, Edeus, order Hector to speak these words, for he challenged all the bravest of our side to battle. Let him begin, and I will entirely obey if he indeed does so. But him, Crest tossing Hector, addressed him, Ajax, since some god has given these size, and might and prudence, and thou art the most excellent of the Greeks at the spear, let us now cease from battle and contest for this day. Hereafter will we fight again, till the deity shall separate us, and give the victory to either. Now night is approaching, and it is good to obey night, that thou mayest gladden all the Greeks at the ships, and chiefly those friends and companions which are thine. But I will gladden the Trojans and the train-bearing Trojan matrons through the great city of King Priam, the Dames, who, praying for me, are entering the deities' temple. But come, let us both mutually give very glorious gifts, that some one of the Greeks and Trojans may say thus, they certainly fought in soul-nying strife, but then again, being reconciled, they parted in friendship. Thus then, having spoken, he gave him a silver-studded sword, presenting the sheet and the well-wrought belt. But Ajax gave to him a belt splendid with purple. Then they twain being separated, that one went to the people of the Greeks, and the other to the crowd of the Trojans. And they rejoiced when they saw him coming alive and safe, having escaped the strength and the invincible hands of Ajax, and led him to the city, not having had any hopes that he was safe. But the well-greaved Greeks, on the other hand, led away Ajax, rejoicing in the divine Agamemnon. When now they were in the tents of the son of Atreus, then Agamemnon, king of men, sacrificed for them an ox, a male five years old, to the most powerful son of Saturn. This they flayed and dressed it, made divisions of the whole of it, and skillfully divided these into smaller portions, and fixed on them spits, and roasted them very cleverly, and drew off all. But when they had ceased from labor, and had prepared the feast, nor did their soul in any wise lack a due proportion of the feast, the valiant son of Atreus, far-ruling Agamemnon honored Ajax with an entire chine. But when they had dismissed the desire of drink and of food, for them the aged man Nestor first of all began to frame advice, whose counsel before also had appeared the best, who wisely counseling harangued them, and said, Son of Atreus, and ye other many of the long haired Achaeans have perished, whose black blood fierce Mars has now shed near fair-flowing Scamander, and their souls have descended to the shades. Therefore it behooves you to cause the battle of the Greeks to cease with the dawn, and let us collected together carry the bodies hither on chariot, with oxen and mules, and burn them at a little distance from the ships, that each may carry home the bones of the deceased to return again to our fatherland. And let us going out heap up in the plain one common tomb for all, round the pyre, and beside it let us speedily erect lofty towers as a bulwark of our ships and of ourselves. And in it let us make a well-fitted gate, that through it there may be a passage for the chariots. But outside let us sink near at hand a deep trench, which being circular, may serve as a defense to both steeds and men. Any time the war of the haughty Trojans should press sorely. Thus he spoke, and all the princes approved of his council, but of the Trojans also was a panic struck, and turbulent council held in the lofty citadel of Ilium at the gates of Priam, and to them wise Antenor thus began to harang, hear me ye Trojans and Ardanians and allies, that I may tell you what the soul in my breast commands me, come then to restore our guide Helen and her treasures with her to the sons of Atreus to lead away, for now we are fighting after having violated the faithful leagues, wherefore I think that nothing better will be brought to pass by us, unless we act thus. He having thus said, sat down, but to them arose divine Alexander, the husband of fair haired Helen, who entering him spoke winged words, Oh Antenor, thou no longer speakest these things grateful to me, thou knowest how to devise another council better than this, but if in truth thou speakest this seriously, the gods themselves have now deprived thee of thy senses, but I will declare my opinion amidst the horses of doing Trojans, I openly declare I will not give up my wife, but the treasures, whatever I have brought home from Argos, all these I am willing to give and even to add others from my own home. Thus having spoken he sat down, but to them arose Priam, son of Dardanus, a counselor equal to the gods, who thus wisely harangued them and said, hear me Trojans and Dardanians and allies that I may tell you what the soul in my breast commands, now take rapace through the army as here to fore, and be attentive to the watch, and let each be mindful of guard, and in the morning let Edeus proceed the hollow ships to announce to the sons of Atreus, Agamemnon, and Menelaus the resolution of Alexander, on whose account the contention has arisen, and let him add this prudent request also, whether they wish to desist from horrid sounding war until we burn the dead, afterwards will we fight again till fate separate us, and give the victory to one or other of us. Thus he said, but they heard him very actively, and obeyed. Then they took their rapace throughout the city by companies, in the morning Edeus went to the hollow ships, he found the Greeks the servants of Mars in council at the stern of Agamemnon's ship, and the clear voiced herald standing in the midst of them spoke thus, he sons of Atreus, and the other chiefs of all the Greeks, Priam, and the other illustrious Trojans command me to tell you, if it be agreeable and pleasing to you, the coronation of Alexander on whose account this contention has arisen. Whatever treasures Alexander brought in the hollow ships to Troy would that he first had perished, all these is he willing to give up, and even to add others from his own home. But he says that he will not restore the wedded spouse of glorious Menelaus, certainly the Trojans at least advise him. They also order me to make this proposal to wit, whether we are willing to desist from dreadful sounding war until we shall burn the dead, afterwards we shall fight again till faith separate us, and give the victory to one of us. Thus he said what they all became mute in silence. At length Thyamedy, brave in the din of war, spoke thus amongst them, let none now receive the treasures of Alexander nor Helen for it is plain even to him who is a mere infant that the men of destruction impend over the Trojans. Thus he said at all the sons of the Greeks shouted, admiring the words of horse-breaking Thyamedy, and then Agamemnon, king of men thus addressed Edeus, Edeus, thou thyself hearest, indeed the sentiment of the Greeks how they enter thee and such also pleases me. But concerning the dead, I grudge not that you should burn them for there is no grudge towards dead bodies when they are dead hastily to perform their obsequies with fire, but let loud resounding Jove, the husband of Juno, be witness of the treaties. Thus having said he raised his scepter to all the gods, but Edeus returned to sacred Ilium, and the Trojans and Dardanians all sat assembled in council, expecting when Edeus might return. He came and declared his message, standing in the midst of them, but they greeted themselves very speedily for both purposes, some to carry away the bodies and others to gather wood. The Greeks also on the other side hastened from their well-benched ships, some to carry away the bodies and others to collect wood. Then indeed the sun freshly struck the fields with its rays, ascending heaven from the calmly flowing deep moving ocean, but they met one another. Then was it difficult to distinguish each man amongst the slain, but washing water the bloody gore and pouring over them warm tears, they placed them upon the chariot, nor did mighty Priam suffer them to give way to grief. In silence therefore they heaped the bodies on the pile, grieving at heart, but when they had burned them in the fire they returned to sacred Ilium, in like manner also on the other side the well-greaved Greeks heaped the bodies on the pile, grieving in their heart, and having burned them with fire they returned to the when it was not yet morning, but still twilight, then a chosen band of Greeks arose about the pile and going out from the plain they made around it one common tomb and near it they built a wall and lofty towers, a bulwark for their ships and of themselves. In them they made well-fitted gates that through them there might be a passage for the chariot. Without they dug a deep ditch near it, broad and large and in it fixed palisades. Thus the long-haired Greeks on their part labored, but the gods on the contrary, sitting beside a thundering jove, were admiring the mighty work of the brazen mailed Greeks. But to them, Neptune, the earthshaker, thus began to speak, O Father Jove, is there any mortal on the boundless earth who will any more disclose his mind and counsel to the immortals? Thus thou not perceive how the long-haired Greeks have built a wall before their shipping and have drawn a ditch around, nor have they given up splendid hecatombs to the gods? The fame of this work will certainly be wherever light is diffused, but they will forget that wall which I and Phoebus Apollo, toiling, built round the city for the hero Leomondon. Him, greatly enraged, the cloud-compelling jove addressed, Ha! thou far-ruling earthshaker, what has thou said? Another of the gods who is much weaker than thou in hands and in mind might have dreaded this idea, but thy glory shall assuredly extend as far as light is diffused. How be it when the crest-waving Greeks shall have departed with their ships into their dear Fatherland, do thou, overthrowing this wall, sink it all in the deep, and again cover the great shore with sand? Thus may this mighty rampart of the Greeks be wholly effaced. Thus were they conversing on such matters among themselves, but the sun had set, and the work of the Greeks was finished. They slaughtered the oxen through the tents and took their rapast. Many ships, which aunious, the son of Jason, whom hip-cypilly bore to Jason, shepherd of the people, sent, arrived from Lemnus, bringing wine. The son of Jason gave of wine a thousand measures to be brought separately, as a gift to the sons of Atreus, Agamemnon, and Menelaus. Thence the long-haired Greeks bought wine, some for brass, some for shining iron, others for hides, some for the oxen themselves, and some for slaves, and they prepared an abundant feast. Through the whole night, indeed, the long-haired Greeks feasted, and the Trojans, too, and their allies through the city, and all night, thundering fearfully, Provident Jove was devising evils for both parties, but pale fear seized them, and they poured wine from their cups on the earth, nor did anyone dare to drink before he had made a libation to the supreme son of Saturn. They then lay down, and enjoyed the boon of sleep. End of book 7 Read by Stephen Carney Section 8 Book 8 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 8 Book 8 Jove assembles the gods and forbids them to interfere between the Greeks and Trojans. He then repairs to Aida, where, having consulted the scales of destiny, he directs his lightning against the Greeks. Nestor in the chariot of Diomedes goes against Hector, whose charioteer is slain by Diomedes. Jove again interposes his thunders, and the Greeks seek refuge within the rampart. Upon a favorable omen accompanying the prayer of Agamemnon, Diomedes rests set out, and Tausser performs great exploits, but is disabled by Hector. Juno and Minerva are prevented interfering by Jove, and Hector takes measures to ensure the safety of Troi during the night. Now did Saffron Mantled mourn diffuse herself over all the earth, and thunder rejoicing Jove made an assembly of the gods on the highest peak of many topped Olympus, and he himself harangued them, and all the other deities harkened and said, Hear me, all ye gods, and all ye goddesses, that I may tell you what the soul in my breast prompts me, that no female deity therefore nor any male attempt to infringe this Mayan junction, but do ye all at once assent that I may very speedily bring these matters to their issue, Whomsoever of the gods I shall discover having gone apart from the rest wishing to aid either the Trojans or the Greeks, disgracefully shall he return to Olympus or seizing I will hurl him into gloomy Tartarus very far hence, where there is a very deep gulf beneath the earth and iron portals and a brazen threshold as far below Hades as heaven is from earth, then shall he know by how much I am the most powerful of all the gods, but come ye gods and try me, that he may all know. Having suspended a golden chain from heaven all ye gods and goddesses suspend yourselves therefrom, yet would ye not draw down from heaven to earth your supreme counselor, Jove, not even if ye labor ever so much, but whenever I, desiring, should wish to pull it, I could draw it up together, earth and ocean and all, then indeed would I bind the chain around the top of Olympus, and all these should hang aloft. By so much do I surpass both gods and men. Thus he said, but they all became mute in silence, wondering at his speech, or he spoke very menacingly, but at length the azure-eyed goddess Minerva thus spoke in the midst. O Sire of ours, son of Saturn, most supreme of kings, well do we all know that thy strength is irresistible, yet do we truly mourn for the warlike Greeks, who are now perishing, fulfilling their evil fate, but nevertheless we will refrain from war, since thou commandest. Yet will we suggest counsel to the Greeks, which will avail them, that they may not all perish because thou art wrathful, but her, the cloud-impelling jove, smiling, addressed, be of good cheer, Tritonia, my dear daughter. I speak not with a serious intent, but I am willing to be lenient towards thee. Thus having said, under his chariot he yoked his brazen-footed swift-flying steeds, adorned with golden mains, he himself put on gold about his person, and took his golden well-made whip, and ascended the chariot, and lashed them on to proceed, and they, not unwilling, flew midway between the earth and starry heaven. He came to spring-fed Aida, the mother of wild beasts, to Gargaris, where he had a consecrated enclosure and a fragrant altar. There the father of gods and men stopped his steeds, having loosed them from the chariot, and poured days around, but he sat upon the summits, exulting in glory, looking upon the city of the Trojans and the ships of the Greeks. Meanwhile the long-haired Greeks were taking their repast in a hurried manner through the tents, and after that they put on their armor, but the Trojans on the other side were arming themselves through the city fewer in number, yet even thus they were eager to fight in battle, compelled by necessity in defense of their children and their wives, open wide, and the forces rushed out, both chariot warriors and foot, and much tumult arose. But when these collecting together came into one place, they clashed together shields and spears, and the might of brace and mailed men, but the bossy shields approached one another, and much tumult arose. There at the same time were both lamentation and boasting of men destroying and destroyed, and the earth flowed with blood. As long as the four noon lasted and the sacred day was in progress, so long did the weapons touch both, and the people fell. But when the sun had ascended the middle heaven, then at length did Father Jove raise the golden scales, and placed in them two destinies of long reposing death. The destinies both of the horse-breaking Trojans and of the brace and mailed Greeks, and holding them in the middle, he poised them. But the fatal day of the Greeks inclined low. The destinies of the Greeks indeed rested on the earth, but those of the Trojans on the contrary were elevated to the wide heaven. But he himself mightily thundered from Ida, and sent his burning lightning against the army of the Greeks. They, having seen it, were amazed, and pale fear seized them all. Then neither a Dominaeus nor Agamemnon nor the two Ajacees, the servants of Mars, dared to remain. Jirenian Nestor alone, the guardian of the Greeks remained, not willingly, but one of his horses disabled, which noble Alexander, husband of fair-haired Helen, had pierced with an arrow in the top of the forehead, where the forlocks of horses grow out of the head and is most fatal. In torture he reared for the arrow had entered the brain and he disordered the other horses writhing round the brazen barb. Whilst the old man, Hastening, was cutting away the side range of the horse with his sword, then were the swift steeds of Hector coming through the crowd, bearing the bold spear Hector. And then the old man would certainly have lost his life, if Diomedi, brave in the din of battle, had not quickly observed it, and he shouted dreadfully exhorting Ulysses thus, Jove-born son of Laertes, much contriving Ulysses, wither dost thou fly, turning thy back in the throng like a coward, beware lest some man with a spear transpierce thee in the back flying, but stay that we may repel the pierce hero from the aged man, thus folk, but much-enduring noble Ulysses heard him not, but passed by to the hollow ships of the Greeks. But the son of Tideas, though being alone, was mixed with the van, and stood before the steeds of the aged son of Nelaus, and addressing him spoke winged words, O old man, certainly the youthful warriors greatly oppressed thee, but thy strength is relaxed and tiresome old age attends thee, thy servant is exhausted and thy steeds are slow, but come ascend, my chariot, that thou mayst see what kind are the steeds of Trose, skilled to fly and to pursue very rapidly here and there through the plain, which lately I took from Aeneas, the authors of flight, let the attendants take care of these steeds of thine, but let us direct these against the horse-breaking Trojans, that even Hector may know whether my spear also rages madly in my hands. Thus he said, but the geranium knight Nestor disobeyed him not. Accordingly at once their attendants brave, sothenless, and valorous Euremidon took care of Nestor's steeds, and the two chiefs ascended the chariot of Diomedi. Nestor took the shining reins in his hands and lashed the steeds, and soon they came near Hector, at him rushing impetuously forward. The son of Tideas launched a spear, but the weapon missed him and struck his attendant charioteer in the breast near the path who was holding him. Eniopias, the son of Magnanimus Thebeas, but he fell from the chariot and the swift steeds started back, and there his soul and his strength were dissolved. But excessive grief overshadowed Hector in his mind on account of the loss of his charioteer. There, though grieving for his companion, he let him lie and sought a bold charioteer, nor did his steeds long want a guide. For soon he found courageous Archiptolemus, the son of Tidus, whom then he made to mount the swift-footed steeds and gave the reins into his hands. Then indeed had slaughter arisen, and dreadful deeds had been done, and the Trojans had been pent up in Ilium like lambs, had not the father of both men and gods quickly perceived it. Therefore, dreadfully thundering, he sent forth his glowing thunderbolt, and cast it into the earth before the steeds of Diomedi. But there arose a terrible flame of burning sulfur, and the steeds crouched trembling beneath the chariot. Moreover, the beautiful reins fell from the hands of Nester, and he feared in his soul, and addressed Diomedi, son of Tidus, come now, turn thy solid hooved steeds to flight. Thus thou not perceived that victory from Job does not attend thee? For now this very day of a truth Saturnian Job awards him glory. Afterward again will he give it to us, if he shall be willing. By no means can a man impede the will of Job, not even a very mighty one, since he is by far the most powerful. But him, Diomedi, brave in the din of war, then answered, Old man, certainly thou hast said all this rightly, but this grievous sorrow invades my heart and my soul. For Hector at some time will say, haranging amongst the Trojans, the son of Tidus, routed by me, fled to his ships. Thus at some time will he boast, but then may the earth yawn wide for me. But him the Jerenian knight Nestor then answered, Alas, warlike son of Tidus, what hast thou said? Even though Hector called thee coward and unwarlike, yet the Trojans and Dardanians and the wives of the stout-hearted shield bearing Trojans whose vigorous husbands thou hast prostrated in a dust will not believe him. Thus having said, he turned the solid hooved steeds to flight back into the crowd. But the Trojans and Hector with a him, and then after him, loud roared mighty crest tossing Hector, son of Tidus, the swift-horst Greeks honored thee indeed above others with a seat with meat and full cups. But now will they dishonor thee, for thou hast become like a woman away, timorous girl, since thou shalt never climb our towers, I giving way, nor bear away our women in thy ships, first shall I give thee thy doom. Thus he said, but the son of Tidus debated whether to turn his steeds and to fight against him. Thrice indeed he thought in mind and soul, but Thrice on the other hand, the provident Jove, thundered from the Aedian mountains, giving a signal to the Trojans, the alternating success of battle. But Hector exhorted the Trojans, vociferating aloud, ye Trojans and Lysians, and close fighting Dardanians, be men, my friends, and be mindful of impetuous might. I know Saturn hath willingly accorded me victory and great renown, but to the Greeks destruction fools who indeed built those weak, worthless walls which shall not check my strength, but our steeds will easily overleap the dug trench. But when indeed I come to their hollow ships, then let there be some memory of burning fire, that I may consume their fleet with the flame and slay the Argives themselves at the ships bewildered by the smoke. Thus having spoken, he cheered on his steeds and said, Zandis and Thou Podargis and Aethon, and Noble Lampus, now repaid to me the attention with which in great abundance, Andromachie, the daughter of magnanimous Aetion, gave to you the sweet barley, mixing wine also for you to drink, whenever your mind ordered it, even before me, who boast to be her vigorous husband. But follow and hasten, that we may take the shield of Nestor, the fame of which has now reached the heaven, that it is entirely golden, the handles and itself. But from the shoulders of the horse-breaking Diomedes, the well-made Corselet, which the artist Vulcan wrought. If we can take these, I expect that the Greeks this very night will ascend their swift ships. Thus he said boasting, but Venerable Juno was indignant and shook herself on her throne and made great Olympus tremble openly across to the mighty deity Neptune. Alas, far-ruling earthshaker, thus thou not in thy soul pity the perishing Greeks? But they bring the many and grateful gifts to Halisi and Aegea. Do thou therefore will to them the victory, for if we were willing and as many of us as are assistants to the Greeks to repulse the Trojan and restrain far-sounding Job, then might he grieve sitting alone there on Ida. But her king Neptune, greatly excited, thus addressed, Juno, petulant in speech, what hast thou said? I would not wish indeed that we, the other gods, should fight with Saturnian Job, since he is by far most powerful, since he is by far most powerful. Thus indeed were they holding such converse with each other. But whatever space before the ships, the trench belonging to the tower enclosed, was filled with horses and shielded men but Hector, the son of Priam, equal to Swift Mars, had crowded them thus when Jupiter awarded him glory, and now would he have burned the equal ships with blazing fire, had not venerable Juno put it through the soul of Agamemnon himself actively engaged briskly to urge on the Greeks. He therefore hastened to go along the tents and ships of the Greeks, holding in his doubt hand his great purple robe. But in the huge black ship of Ulysses he stood, in the midst, that he might shout audibly to either side, as well to the tent of Telemonian Ajax, as to that of Achilles, for they had drawn up their equal ships at the extremities of the line, relying on their valor and the strength of their hands. Then he shouted distinctly calling upon the Greeks, Shame ye Greeks, foul subjects of disgrace, gallant in form alone! Where are those boasting gone when we professed ourselves the bravest, those which, once braggarts, ye did utter, eating much flesh of horned oxen and drinking goblets crowned with wine, that each would in battle be equivalent to a hundred and even two hundred of the Trojans. But now indeed we are not equal to Hector alone, who shortly will burn our ships with flaming fire. Oh father Jove, hast thou indeed ever yet afflicted with such destruction any one of mighty kings, and so deprived him of high renown? And yet I say that I'd never by thy fair altar in my many benched ships coming here with ill luck. But on all I burn the fat of oxen and the thighs desiring to sack well while Detroit. But oh Jove, accomplish for me this vow at least permit us to escape and get away, nor suffer the Greeks to be thus subdued by the Trojans. Thus he said, and the sire pitied him weeping and granted him that the army should be safe and not perish. And forthwith he sent an eagle, the most perfect of birds, holding a fawn in his talons, the offspring of a swift deer, and near the very beauteous altar of Jove he cast down the fawn where the Greeks were sacrificing to Panemphian Jove. When therefore they saw that the bird had come from Jove, they rushed the moor against the Trojans and were mindful of battle. Then none of the Greeks numerous as they were could have boasted that he had driven his swift steeds before them beyond the ditch and fought against the enemy. For far the first he slew a helmeted Trojan hero Agileus, son of Fradman. He indeed was turning his horses for the flight, but as he was turning Dio-Medi fixed his spear in his back between the shoulders and drove it through his breast. He fell from his chariot and his arms rattled upon him. After him the sons of Atreus Agamemnon and Menileus, after them the Ajaches clad in impetuous valor, after them Idomenaeus and Maryonus, the armor-bearer of Idomenaeus equal to men slaughtering Mars, and after them Eurypilus, the illustrious son of Evamon. Tiuser came the ninth stretching his bent bow and stood under the shield of Telemonian Ajax. Then Ajax indeed kept moving the shield aside and the hero looking around when shooting he had hit anyone in the crowd, the one falling there lost his life. But he retiring like a child to his mother sheltered himself beneath Ajax and he covered him with his blended shield then what Trojan first did blameless Tiuser slay, or Silocus first and then Ormenus and Ophelestes and Dater and Chromius and God like like Ophontes and Amopeon Sannapoleaemon and Menelipus all one after the other he stretched upon the bounteous earth but Agamemnon king of men rejoiced at seeing him destroying the phalanxes of the Trojans with his bow and advancing near him he stood and thus addressed him Tiuser, beloved one, son of Telemon ruler of forces shoot thus if perchance thou mayest become a light unto the Greeks and to thy father Telemon who brought thee up carefully being a little one and treated thee with care in his palace though being a spurious son. Him though far away do thou exalt with glory but I will declare to thee as it shall be brought to pass if ages bearing Jove and Minerva shall grant me to sack the well built city of Illium next to myself I will place an honourable reward in thy hands either a tripod or two steeds with their chariot or some fair one who may ascend the same couch with thee. But him, blameless Tiuser answering addressed most glorious son of Atreus why dost thou urge on me hastening nor as far as I have any strength do I loiter but from the time we have driven the Trojans toward Illium since that period have I slain men intercepting them with my shafts already have I discharged eight long bearded arrows and they have all been fixed in the bodies of war like youths but I cannot strike this raging dog he said and another arrow from the string he shot right against Hector for his mind was eager to strike him and him indeed he missed but in the breast he struck blameless Gurgithion with an arrow the brave son of Priam him his fair mother Castianera like unto a goddess in person brought forth being wedded from a Sema and as a puppy which in the garden is weighed down with fruit and vernal showers droops its head to one side so did his head incline aside depressed by the helmet but Tiuser discharged another arrow from the string against Hector for his mind longed to strike him yet even then he missed Apollo warded off the shaft but he struck in the breast near the Papp Archiptolemus the bold charioteer of Hector rushing to battle and he fell from his chariot and his swift steed sprang back there his soul and strength were dissolved but sad grief darkened the mind of Hector on account of his charioteer then indeed he left him although grieved for his companion and ordered his brother Sibryonis being near to take the range of the steeds but he was not disobedient having heard him then Hector himself leaped from his all shining chariot to the ground roaring dreadfully and he seized a large stone in his hand and went straight against Tiuser for his mind encouraged him to strike him he on his part took out a bitter arrow from his quiver and applied it to the string but him on the other hand near the shoulder where the collarbone separates the neck and breast and it is a particularly fatal spot there the active warrior Hector with a rugged stone struck him earnestly rushing against him he broke his bow string and his hand was numbed at the wrist joint falling on his knees he stood and the bow dropped from his hands but Ajax did not neglect his fallen brother for running up he protected him and stretched his shield before him afterwards his two dear companions Mycetius, Sonevechius and Noble Elastor coming up carried him groaning heavily to the hollow ships but again did Olympian Joe rouse the strength of the Trojans and they drove back the Greeks straight to the deep fos but Hector went in the van looking grimly through ferocity as when some dog relying on his swift feet seizes from the rear a wild boar or lion on the hunch and buttocks and marks him as he turns so Hector hung on the rear of the long haired Greeks always slaying the hind most and they fled but when they flying had passed through the steaks and the fos and many were subdued beneath the hands of the Trojans they on the other hand remaining at the ships were restrained and having exhorted one another and raised their hands to all the gods they prayed each with a loud voice but on the other hand Hector having the eyes of a gorgon or of manslaughtering Mars drove round his beautiest mained steeds in all directions but them the Greeks white armed goddess Juno having beheld pityed them and thus straightway to Minerva addressed winged words alas daughter of age sparing Job shall we no longer be anxious about the perishing Greeks although an extremity who now indeed fulfilling evil fate are perishing by the violence of one man for Hector the son of Priam rages no longer to be endured and already has he done many evils but her the azured eyed goddess Minerva in turn addressed and beyond doubt this warrior would lost his vigor and his life destroyed by the hands of the Greeks in his fatherland where it not that this my sire rages with no sound mind cruel ever unjust a counter-actor of my efforts nor does he remember ought of my services that I have very often preserved his son when oppressed by the labors of Eurystheus he truly wept to heaven but me Job sent down from heaven to aid him but had I known this in my prudent mind me to the dwelling of the Gaolar Pluto to drag from Erebus the dog of hateful Pluto he had not escaped the profound stream of the Stygian wave but now indeed he hates me and prefers the wish of Thetis who kissed his knees and took his beard in her hand beseeching him to honor city destroying Achilles the time will be when he will again call me his dear Minerva but do thou now harness for us thy solid hooves steeds while I having entered the palace of ages bearing Job equip myself with arms for war that I may see whether crest tossing Hector the son of Priam will rejoice at us as I appear in the walks of war certainly also some one of the Trojans will satiate the dogs and the birds with his fat and flesh having fallen at the ships of the Greeks thus she said nor did the white armed goddess Juno disobey her Juno on her part venerable goddess of mighty Saturn running in haste comparison to the golden bridled steeds but Minerva the daughter of ages bearing Job let fall upon the pavement of her father her beautyous variegated robe which she had wrought and labored with her own hands but she having put on the coat of mail and cloud compelling Job was equipped in armor for the tearful war she mounted her flaming chariot on her feet and took her heavy huge sturdy spear with which she is wants to subdue the ranks of heroic men with whom so ever she sprung from a powerful sire is enraged but Juno with a lash speedily urged on the steeds the portals of heaven opened spontaneously which the hours guarded to whom are entrusted the great heaven and Olympus either to open the dense cloud or to close it then through these they guided their goaded steeds but father Job when he beheld them from Ida was grievously enraged and roused to bring the iris to bear this message away depart swift iris turn them back nor suffer them to come against me for we shall not advantageously engage in battle for thus I speak and it shall moreover be accomplished I will lame their swift steeds under their chariot dislodge them from the chariot and break the chariot nor for ten revolving years shall ye be healed of the wounds which the thunderbolt shall inflict that Minerva may know when she is being with her sire but with Juno I am neither so indignant nor so angry for she is ever accustomed to counteract me in whatever I intend thus he said but iris swift as the storm hastened to bear the message down from the idsean mountain she went to great Olympus meeting them in the foremost gates of the many valley d'Olympus she restrained them and pronounced them the message of Job where do ye go where does your soul rage rest the son of Saturn does not suffer you to aid the Greeks for thus has the son of Saturn threatened and he will assuredly perform it to lament your swift steeds under your chariot and dislodge yourselves from the chariot and break the chariot nor for ten revolving years shall ye be healed of the wounds which his thunderbolt shall inflict that thou O azured eyed may as to know when thou art fighting with thy sire but with Juno he is neither so indignant nor so angry for she is always accustomed to counteract him in whatever he devises but thou most insolent and audacious hound if thou in reality shalt dare to raise thy mighty spear against Job thus indeed having said swift footed iris departed then Juno addressed these words to Minerva alas daughter of ages bearing Job I cannot any longer suffer that we ourselves shall fight against Job on account of mortals of whom let one perish and let another live whoever may chance but let him meditating his own affairs in his mind adjudicate to the Trojans and the Greeks as is fair thus then having said she turned back to the solid of its steeds the hours unyoked for them the fair mained steeds and bound them to the ambrosial mangers but they tilted the chariots against the splendid walls but they themselves sat mingled with the other deities on their golden sad at heart then father Job drove his beautiest wheeled chariot and steeds from Ida to Olympus and came to the seats of the gods his horses indeed the illustrious earth shaker loosed but he laid the chariot on its own support spreading a linen coverlet over it but loud sounding Job himself sat on his golden throne and the mighty Olympus was shaken under his feet but Minerva and Job by themselves sat apart from Job nor did they at all address him nor question him but he knew in his mind and said why are you so sad Minerva and Juno indeed you have not labored long and glorious battle to destroy the Trojans against whom you have taken grievous hatred not all the gods in Olympus could all together turned me to flight such are my strength and my invincible hands but trembling sees the shining limbs of both of you before you saw battle and the destructive deeds of war or so I tell you which would also have been performed no more should ye stricken with my thunder have returned in your chariots to Olympus where are the seats of the immortals thus he said but Minerva and Juno murmured they sat near each other and were devising evils for the Trojans Minerva indeed was silent nor said anything angry with father Job for wild rage possessed her but Juno contained not her wrath in her breast but addressed him most terrible son of Saturn what has you said well do we know that I might is invincible yet do we lament the war like Greeks who will now perish fulfilling their evil destiny but nevertheless we will desist from war if thou desirous but we will suggest counsel to the Greeks which will avail them that they may not all perish thou being wrathful but her cloud compelling Job entering addressed tomorrow of thou wilt all venerable large-eyed Juno thou shalt behold the very evil son of Saturn even with greater havoc destroying the mighty army of the war like Greeks for war like Hector will not cease from battle before that he arouse the swift-footed son of Peleus at the ships on that day when they indeed are fighting at the ships in a very narrow pass for patroclus fallen for thus it is faded but I do not make account of the enraged not if thou shouldst go to the furthest limits of land and ocean where Jupiter and Saturn sitting are delighted neither with the splendor of the sun that journeys on high nor with the winds but profound Tartarus is all around not even if wandering but thou shouldst go there have I regard for the enraged since there is nothing more impudent than thou thus he said but white-armed Juno answered not and the bright light of the sun fell into the ocean drawing dark night over the fruitful earth the light set to the Trojans indeed unwilling but gloomy and much desired light came on grateful to the Greeks but illustrious Hector then formed a council of the Trojans having led them apart from the ships at the Edying River in a clear space where the place appeared free from dead bodies but alighting to the ground from their horses they listened to the speech which Hector beloved of Job uttered in his hand he held a spear and before him shown the golden point of the spear and a golden ring surrounded it leaning on this he spoke winged words hear me Trojans and Dardanians and allies I lately thought that having destroyed the ships and all the Greeks I should return back to wind-swept Ilium but darkness has come on first which has now been the chief means of preserving the Greeks and their ships on the shore of the sea but however we now obey dark night and make ready our rip-asts and do ye loose from your chariot your beautiful maimed steeds and set fodder before them and quickly bring from the city oxen and fat sheep bring sweet wine and bread from your homes and besides collect many faggots that all night till aurora mother of dawn we may kindle many fires and the splendor may ascend to heaven lest happily in the night the long haired Greeks attempt to fly over the edge of the ocean that they may not at all events without toil and without harm ascend their ships but let us take care that each of them may have to heal a wound at home being stricken either with an arrow or with a sharp spear bounding into his ship that every other two may dread to wage tearful war against the horse-breaking Trojans let the heralds dear to jove proclaim through the city that the youths at the age of and the hoary temple to sages keep watch around the city in the god-built turrets and let the females also the feebler sex in their halls each kindle a mighty fire and let there be some strong guard lest a secret band enter the city the people being absent thus let it be magnanimous Trojans as I say and let the speech which is now most salutary be thus spoken but for that which will be most expedient in the morning I will then speak amongst the horse-breaking Trojans making vows both the jove and to the other gods I hope to banish hence those dogs born hither by the fates whom the fates bear in their black ships what let us keep watch during the night and in the morning at dawn equipped with arms let us stir up sharp conflict at the hollow ships I will see whether valiant diomedes the son of Tidias will force me back from the ships to our lands I shall bear away his bloody spoils having slain him with my brazen spear tomorrow shall he make manifest his valor if he shall withstand my assaulting spear but I think that he will lie wounded amongst the first at sunrise tomorrow and many companions around him would that I were so certainly immortal and free from old age all my days and honored as Minerva and Apollo are honored as I am certain that this day will be the day that I will be free from all evil upon the Greeks thus Hector harangued them but the Trojans applauded loud and they loosed from the yoke their sweating steeds and bound them with halters each to his own chariot quickly they brought from the city oxen and fat sheep and they brought sweet wine and bread from their homes and also collected many faggots but the winds raised a savor from the plane to heaven but they was blazed for them as when in heaven the stars appear very conspicuous around the lucid moon when the aether is wont to be without a breeze and all the pointed rocks and lofty summits and groves appear but in heaven the immense aether is disclosed and all the stars are seen and the shepherds rejoices in his soul thus did many fires of the Trojans kindling them appear before Ilium between the ships and the streams of Xanthus a thousand fires blazed in the plane and by each set fifty men at the light of the blazing fire but their steeds eating white barley and oats standing by the chariots awaited beautiful throned aurora end of book the eighth read by Stephen Carney