 Section 20. Book the 20th 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 20. Book the 20th. Argument. Joe permits the gods to join in the battle, and they take their respective places on either side. Aeneas engages Achilles, but is rescued by Neptune. Hector, in revenge for the death of his brother Polydorus, also attacks Achilles, and is only saved from death by the intervention of Apollo. Achilles then slays many Trojans. Thus around thee, O son of Palaeus, were the Achaeans armed, insatiable in fight beside their crooked ships, and the Trojans on the other side on the aclivity of the plain. But Job ordered Themis to summon the gods to an assembly from the top of many valleyed Olympus, and she, going round, ordered them to proceed to the palace of Job, nor was any one of the rivers absent, save Oceanus. Nor of the nymphs who inhabit the pleasant groves and springs of rivers and the grassy meads. Then, coming to the habitation of cloud-compelling Job, they sat down upon shining, polished benches, which Vulcan with cunning skill had made for Father Job. Thus were they assembled within the palace of Job, nor did Neptune disobey the goddess, but he came to them from the sea. Then he sat in the midst and inquired the design of Job. Why again, O hurler of the glowing lightning, hast thou summoned the gods to an assembly? Does thou deliberate anything respecting the Trojans and Greeks? For now their combat and the battle are on the point of being kindled. But him, cloud-compelling Job, answering addressed, Thou knowest O earthshaker, my design with my breast, and for whose sake I have assembled you, for though about to perish, they are a care to me. I will, however, remain sitting on the top of Olympus whence looking, I shall delight my soul, but depart the rest of you, that ye may go to the Trojans and the Greeks. Give aid to both, according as is the inclination of each, if Achilles alone shall fight against the Trojans, they will not, even for a little, sustain the swift-footed son of Palaeus, formerly even beholding him they fled terrified, but now when he is grievously enraged in his mind on the count of his companion, I fear lest he overthrow the wall, even contrary to fate. Thus spoke Saturnian Job, and he stirred up the unyielding contest, and the gods hastened to proceed to the battle, having discordant minds. Juneau indeed, and Palaeus Minerva, went to the assemblage of the ships, as well as earthsaking Neptune, and useful Mercury, who excelled in a prudent mind, with whom went Vulcan, looking savage in his might, limping, and under him his weak limbs moved with all their forces. But to the Trojans went Crest tossing Mars, and with him unshorn Phoebus, and Diana delighting in archery, Latona, Xanthus, and laughter-loving Venus, as long as the gods were apart from mortal men, so long the Greeks were greatly elated, because Achilles appeared, for he had long abstained from the dire battle, and a violent tremor came upon the Trojans, upon each of them as to their limbs, fearing because they beheld the sweet-footed son of Palaeus glittering in arms, equal to men slaughtering Mars. But after the Olympians had come to the crowd of men, then arose fierce contention, the exciter of the people, and Minerva shouted, sometimes standing beside the trench, outside the wall, at other times she loudly shouted along the echoing shores. But Mars yelled aloud on the other side, like unto a dark whirlwind, keenly animating the Trojans from the lofty city, at other times running along the Samoas over Calakalone. Thus the blessed gods inciting both sides engaged, and among them made severe contention to break out, but dreadfully from above, thundered the father of gods and men, whilst beneath Neptune shook the boundless earth and the lofty summons of the mountains, the roots and all the summons of many real dida were shaken, and the city of the Trojans and the ships of the Greeks. Pluto himself, king of the netherworld, trembled beneath, and leaped up from his throne, terrified, and shouted aloud, lest earth-shaking Neptune should rend asunder the earth over him, and disclosed to mortals and immortals his mansions terrible, squalid, which even the gods loathe. So great a tumult arose from the gods engaging in combat. Against King Neptune, indeed, stood Phoebus Apollo, having his winged shafts, and against Mars the Azur-eyed goddess Minerva, opposed to Junos to the goddess of the golden bow, Huntress Diana rejoicing in archery, the sister of Apollo, and opposite Letona, the preserver, useful Mercury. Against Vulcan also was a great deep eddying river, which the gods called Xanthus, and men the Scamander. Thus, indeed, gods went against gods, but Achilles chiefly longed to penetrate through the crowd against Hector, the son of Priam, for with his blood, his mind particularly ordered him to satiate Mars, the invincible warrior. But Apollo, exciter of troops, immediately aroused Aeneas against the son of Ilias, and infused into him strong courage, and he likened himself and voiced to Lycaon, the son of Priam, and having likened himself to him, Apollo, the son of Job, said, O Aeneas, counselor of the Trojans, where are thy threats, which whilst carousing thou didst promise to the leaders of the Trojans, that thou wouldst fight against Achilles, the son of Ilias? But him Aeneas answering, addressed in turn, Son of Priam, why just thou order me, not wishing it these things to fight against magnanimous Pellides, for shall I not now, for the first time, stand against two footed Achilles? But already, on another occasion, he chased me with his spear from Ida, when he attacked our cattle, and laid waste Lournesus and Pettisus. But Job preserved me, who excited my strained and nimble limbs. Certainly, I should have been subdued beneath the hands of Achilles, and Minerva, who preceding gave him victory, and encouraged him to slay the Legolans, and Trojans with his brazen spear. Wherefore, it is not possible that a man should fight against Achilles, because one of the gods is ever beside him, who averts destruction. Besides also, his weapon flies direct, nor stops before it has pierced through human flesh, though if the deity would extend an equal scale of victory, not very easily would he conquer me, although he boasts himself to be all brazen. But him again, King Apollo, the son of Job, addressed, But do thou also pray, O hero, to the immortal gods, for they say that thou too art sprung from Venus, the daughter of Job, but he from an inferior goddess, for the one is from Job, and the other from the aged see God, but direct thy invincible brass right against him, nor let him at all avert thee by haughty words and threats. Thus saying, he breathed great courage into the shepherd of the people, and he advanced through the front ranks, accoutred in shining brass, nor did the son of Angus he's escaped the notice of white-armed Juno, going against the son of Helius through the ranks of men, but calling the gods together, she addressed them. Consider now, both Neptune and Minerva, in your minds, how these things shall be. This aenius, accoutred in shining brass, has advanced against the son of Helius, and Phoebus Apollo has urged him on, but come, let us, however, turn him back again, or let some one of us stand by Achilles and give him great strength, nor let him at all be wanting and courage, that he may know that the mightiest of the immortals love him, and that those on the contrary are vain, who hitherto avert war and slaughter from the Trojans, but we have all come down from Olympus about to participate in this battle, lest he should suffer anything among the Trojans today, but hereafter he shall suffer those things, as many as fade at his birth-woeve in his thread of destiny, to him what time his mother brought him forth. But if Achilles shall not learn these things from the voice of a god, he will afterwards be afraid when any god comes against him in battle, for the gods when made manifest are terrible to be seen manifestly. But her, then, earth-shaking Neptune entered. Be not beyond reason enraged, nor is it at all necessary. I indeed would not desire that we should engage the other gods in a battle, since we are much more powerful. Rather, let us going out of the way sit down upon a place of observation, but the war shall be a care to mortals. But if Bar shall begin the combat or Apollo, or shall restrain Achilles and not suffer him to fight, then immediately shall the strife of contention there arise to us, and I think that they, having very speedily decided it, will return to Olympus and mix with the assembly of other gods, violently subdued by necessity under our hands. Thus, then, having spoken, the azure-haired god led the way to the lofty mound-raised wall of divine Hercules, which Atrogyns and Pallas Minerva had made, that flying he might escape from the sea monster when pursued from the shore to the plain. There, then, Neptune sat down and the other gods, and drew an indissoluble cloud round their shoulders, and just on the other side they sat upon the tops of Cali-Cologne, around thee, O archer Apollo, and Mars, the sacro-cities. Thus they sat on both sides, planning designs, yet both were unwilling to commence grievous war, but Job, sitting aloft, cheered them on. All the plain, however, was filled with them, and glittered with the brass of mane and horses, and the earth echoed under the feet of them rushing together. But two heroes, by far the most valiant, advanced towards each other into the midst of both armies, eager to fight, the enious son of Ancuses, and noble Achilles, and first a enious, threatening advance, nodding with his strong cask, and before his breast he held his impetuous shield and shook his brazen spear. But on the other side, Pelladies rushed against him like a destructive lion, which men assembled together, a whole village, or anxious to kill. He, however, at first despising them, proceeds, but when someone of vigorous youths has wounded him with a dart, yawning, he collects himself for a spring, and the foam arises round his teeth, and his valiant soul groans within his breast, and he lashes his sides, and thighs on both sides with his tail, and rouses himself to battle. Then grimly glaring, he is born straight on by his strength. If he can kill some of the men, or is himself destroyed in the first crowd, thus did his might and noble soul urge Achilles to go against a magnanimous enious. But when now advancing, they approached each other, swift-footed noble Achilles first addressed the other. Why, O enious, coming through so great a length of crowd, does thou stand against me? Does then thy soul urge thee to fight with me, hoping that thou wilt govern the horse-breaking Trojans in the place of Priam? Yet even if thou shalt slay me, not thus will Priam place this reward in thy hand, for he has sons, and he is himself steady, nor inconstant. Or, if thou slayest me, have the Trojans cut off for thee an enclosure of soil surpassing others, suited to vines and the plow that thou mayest cultivate it? Still, I hope thou wilt affect it with difficulty, for I think I have at some other time put thee to flight with my spear. Thus thou not remember when I impetuously drove thee when alone from the oxen with rabid feet down the Adean Mountains? Then indeed thou didst never turn round while flying, but didst escape thence into Lournesus. But I wasted it having attacked it with the aid of Minerva and Father Jov. The women also had led away captives having taken away their day of freedom, but Jov and the other gods preserved thee. However, I do not think they will protect thee now, as thou castest in thy mind, but I exhort thee, retiring, to go into the crowd, nor stand against me before thou suffer some evil, but it is a fool who knows a thing only when it is done. But him, Aeneas answered, in turn, and said, Do not think, O son of Palaeus, to affright me, like an infant boy with words, since I also well know how to utter both threats and reproaches, but we know each other's race, and we know our parents, hearing the words of mortal men long since uttered, although by sight, indeed, neither dost thou know mine, nor I thine. They say, indeed, that thou art the offspring of renowned Palaeus, and of thy mother Thetis, the fair-haired sea nymph, as I boast myself to be sprung from magnanimous encases, and Venus is my mother, of these the one or the other, shall this day lament their beloved son, for I think we shall not return from the battle, thus separated by childish words. But if thou desirest to be taught these matters, that thou mayst well know our race, for many men know it. Cloud-compelling Jove, indeed, first begat Dardanus, and he built Dardania for sacred Ilium, the city of articulate-speaking men, was not as yet built in the plain, and they still dwelt at the foot of many reeled Ida. Dardanus again begat a son, King Erectonius, who was then the richest of mortal men, whose three thousand mayors pastured through the marsh, rejoicing in their tender foes. Boreus, however, was enamored of some of these when pasturing, and having likened himself to an azure-maned steed, covered them, and they, becoming pregnant, brought forth twelve female foes, which, when they bounded upon the fruitful earth, ran over the highest fruit of the stalks of corn, nor did they break them, but when they sported over the broad back of the ocean, they ran along the surface of the ridge of the Horey Sea. But Erectonius begat Trose, King of the Trojans, from Trose again were descended three illustrious son, Ilus, Asaricus, and God-like Ganymede, who indeed was the handsomest of mortal men, and whom the gods caught up into heaven to pour out wine for Jove, that on account of his beauty he might be with the immortals. Ilus again begat his renowned son Leomedon, but Leomedon begat Tithonus and Priam, Lampus, Cliteus, and Hisateon, a branch of Mars, and Asaricus Capus, who also begat his son Ancheses, but Ancheses begat me and Priam, noble Hector, of this race and blood do I boast myself to be, but Jove increases and diminishes valor to men as he pleases, for he is the most powerful of all. But come, let us no longer talk of these things like little boys standing in the middle combat of the strife, for it is possible for both to utter very many reproaches, so that a hundred-ord galley would not contain the burden, for the language of mortals is valuable, and the discourse is in it numerous and varied, and vast is a distribution of words here and there. Whatsoever word thou mayest speak, such also wilt thou hear. But what need is there to us of disputes and railing, that we should quarrel with each other like women, being angry with a soul-destroying strife, proceeding into the middle of the way, chide each other with many things true and not true, for rage also suggests those things. With words, however, thou shalt not turn me courageous for my valor, before thou lightest against me with thy brass. But come quickly, let us make trial of each other with brazen spears. He spoke and hurled his brazen spear against a dreadful shield, terrible to be seen, and the huge buckler resounded with the stroke of the javelin, but the son of Palaeus alarmed, held the shield from him with his strong hand, for he supposed that the long spear of great hearted Aeneas would easily penetrate, foolish, nor did he reflect in his mind and soul that the glorious gifts of the gods are not easy to be subdued by mortal men, nor to yield, nor then did the heavy spear of warlike Aeneas penetrate the shield, but the gold stopped it, the gift of the god. It penetrated, however, through two folds, but there were still three, since Vulcan had drawn five folds over it, two brazen, three inside of tin, and one golden, in which the brazen spear was stopped, but Achilles' neck sent forth his long-shadowed spear and struck against the shield of Aeneas, equal on all sides, at the outside edge, where the thinnest brass ran round it, and the oxide was thinnest upon it, but the paleon ash broke through and the shield was crushed by it, but Aeneas crouched and, being terrified, held the shield from him, whilst the spear, passing over his back, stuck in the earth eager to go on, for it had burst through both orbs of the mighty shield, but he, having escaped the long spear, stood still, but a moderate sadness was poured over his eyes, terrified because the weapon had stuck so near him, but Achilles eagerly sprang upon him, drawing his sharp sword and shouting dreadfully, then Aeneas seized in his hand a stone, a great weight which not two men could bear, such as men now are, but he, though alone, easily wielded it, then indeed had Aeneas smitten him, rushing on with the stone, either upon the helmet or the shield, which kept off grievous destruction from him, and Pelides, in close fight, had taken away his life with the sword, had not earth-shaking Neptune quickly perceived it, and immediately addressed this speech to the immortal gods. Egot, certainly there is now grief to me on account of magnanimous Aeneas, who will quickly descend to Hades, subdued by the son of Peleus, foolish, being persuaded by the words of Far-Darthing Apollo, nor can he by any means avert sad destruction from him, but why now should this guiltless man suffer evils gratuitously on account of sorrows due to others, for he always presents gifts agreeable to the gods who inhabit the wide heaven? But come, let us withdraw from him death, lest even the son of Saturn be angry if indeed Achilles slay this man. Moreover, it is faded that he should escape, that the race of Dardanus, whom Jove loved above all the children that were descended from him and mortal women, may not perish without offspring and become extinct, for already had the son of Saturn hated the race of Priam and the might of Aeneas shall now rule over the Trojans and the sons of his sons who may be born in aftertimes. But him, large-eyed, venerable Juno, then answered, O earth-saker, do thou thyself reflect within thy mind with respect to Aeneas, whether thou wilt withdraw him or suffer him being brave to be subdued by Achilles, the son of Peleus? For already we too, I and Pallas Minerva, have sworn many oaths amongst all the immortals that we will never help to avert the evil day from the Trojans, not even when all Troy fired shall burn with consuming flame and the warlike sons of the Greeks fire it. But when the earth-saking Neptune heard this, he hastened to go through the battle and the clash of spears and came where were Aeneas and renowned Achilles, and immediately he shed a darkness upon the eyes of Achilles, son of Peleus, and he drew out the ashen spear well guarded with brass from the shield of Magnanimus Aeneas and laid it before the feet of Achilles and pushed on Aeneas, lifting him high up from the ground. But Aeneas leaped over many ranks of men and many of horses impelled by the hand of the god and came to the rear of the troubled fight where the Cacones were raid for war, but very near him came earth-shaking Neptune and the dressing him spoke winged words. O Aeneas, which of the gods commanded thee thus mad to combat against Achilles, who was at once more valiant than thou and more dear to the immortals, but retire whenever thou shalt be opposed to him, lest even contrary to fate thou arrive at the habitation of Pluto, but when Achilles shall have attained his death and destiny, then again being confident fight among the front ranks because no other of the Greeks shall slay thee. So saying he left him there when he had told him all and immediately afterwards dissipated the thick darkness from the eyes of Achilles and he then saw very clearly with his eyes whereupon groaning he addressed his magnanimous soul. Ye gods, certainly I behold this, a great marvel with mine eyes, the spear indeed lies upon the ground, nor do I at all perceive the man at whom I hurled it, desiring to kill him. Undoubtedly Aeneas too was dear to the immortal gods, although I suppose that he boasted thus idly. Let him go, there will be no spirit in him hereafter to make trial of me who even now rejoicing has escaped from death, but come, having encouraged the warlike Greeks, I will make trial of the other Trojans going against them. He spoke and sprang into the ranks and cheered on every man. No longer now stand off from the Trojans, O noble Greeks, but on, let man advance against man and let him be eager to engage. Difficult is it for me, although being valiant to attack so many warriors and to fight with them all, not even Mars who is an immortal god, nor yet Minerva could charge and toil against the force of such a conflict. Yet whatever I can do with hand, with feet and with strength, I declare that I will no longer be remiss, not ever so little, but I will go right through their line, nor do I think that any Trojan will rejoice whoever may come near my javelin. Thus he spoke, encouraging them. But illustrious Hector, upgrading, animated the Trojans and said that he would go against Achilles. You magnanimous Trojans, you're not the son of Palaeus. I too could fight with words, even with the immortals, but with the spear it is difficult, for they are far more powerful, nor shall Achilles give effect to all his words, but one part he shall fulfill, and the other leave half imperfect. Against him will I go, even though he were like to fire as to his hands, and a shining iron as to his might. Thus he spoke, inciting them. But the Trojans opposite quickly raised their spears, their strength was mingled together, and the shout arose. Then also Phoebus Apollo, standing near, addressed Hector, Hector, do not at all fight in the van with Achilles, but receive him in the crowd, and from the tumult, lest by any chance he hit thee, or strike thee with a sword in close combat. Thus he spoke, and Hector sunk back again into the thick body of men, dismayed when he heard the voice of the god speaking. But Achilles leaped among the Trojans, clad with courage as to his soul, shouting dreadfully, first slew Galant Ifetion, son of Otrintius, the leader of many people, whom the nymph Nias, born to Otrintius, the Sacker of Cities, under Snowy Tamales, in the rich district of Hyda. Him, eagerly rushing straight forward, Noble Achilles struck with his javelin in the middle of the head, and it was entirely split in two. He gave a crash as he fell, and Noble Achilles boasted over him. O son of Otrintius, most terrible of all men, thou liest, death is here upon thee, thy birth, however, is at the Jigeon Lake, where is thy paternal land, beside Fishy Hillis, and Edying Hermus. Thus he spoke boasting, but darkness covered Ifetion's eyes, but the horses of the Greeks tore him with the tires of the wheels and the front ranks. After him Achilles smote Demoleon, son of Antinor, a brave repeller of the fight in the temples through his brazen cheeked helmet, nor indeed did the brazen cask resist it, but through it the eager javelin broke the bone, and the whole brain within it was defiled, and he subdued him ardent. Next he wounded with his spear in the back Hippodamus as he was leaping down from his terriot while flying before him, but he breathed out his soul and groaned, like as when a bull dragged round the Heliconian king Bellows, as the youths dragged him, and the earth shaker is delighted with him. So as he moaned, his fierce soul left his bones, but he went with his spear against God-like Polydorus, the son of Priam, but him his father did not permit to fight because he was the youngest among all, and dearest to him, and surpassed all in speed. Then indeed through youthful folly, exhibiting the excellence of his speed, he ran among the front ranks till he lost his life. Him, noble swift-footed Achilles, smote rushing by, in the middle of the back, where the golden rings of his belt clasped together, and the double coarselet met. Right through at the navel pierced the point of the spear, and uttering a groan he fell upon his knees. A black cloud enveloped him, and stooping down, he gathered his intestines in his hands. But when Hector perceived his brother Polydorus holding his intestines in his hands, and rolled on the earth, a darkness was immediately poured over his eyes, nor could he any longer be employed to far off, but advanced towards Achilles, like unto a flame brandishing his sharp spear. On the other hand Achilles, as soon as he saw him, leaped up, and boasting, spoke, Near is a man who has most stung my soul, who has slain my cherished companion. No longer indeed let us dread each other through the bridges of war. He spoke, and sternly regarding him, addressed noble Hector, Come nearer, that thou mayest to sooner reach the end of death. But him, not daunted, Christossing Hector addressed, O son of Polyus, do not expect to terrify me now, like a little boy, at least with words, since I myself also well know how to speak both revilings and reproaches. I know that thou indeed art brave, and that I am inferior to thee. But these things indeed are placed at the knees of the gods, whether although being inferior, I shall take away thy life, striking thee with my spear, since my weapon also is sharp at the point. He spoke, and brandishing sent forth his spear, and Minerva with a breath turned it back from glorious Achilles, having breathed very gently, but it came back to noble Hector and lay before his feet. But Achilles, eager to slay him, rushed furiously on, shouting dreadfully. But Apollo, as a god, very easily snatched him away, and covered him with abundant haze. Thrice indeed, swift-footed noble Achilles, rushed on with his brazen spear, and Thrice he smelt the deep haze, but when he rushed on the fourth time, like unto a god, he dreadfully chiding, addressed to him winged words, Dog, now again hast thou escaped death? Assuredly evil came very near thee, but Phoebus Apollo has now again preserved thee, to whom thou art want to pray, when going into the clang of spears, yet while I certainly finish thee, meeting thee hereafter, if indeed any of the gods be an ally to me also. At present, however, I will go after others of the Trojans, whomsoever I can. So saying, he struck dry-ups with his spear in the middle of the neck, and he fell before his feet. Him then he left, and then detained Demucus, son of Philotaur, brave and great, wounding him in the knee with his spear, whom then striking with his great sword, he deprived of life. But attacking both, he pushed Leogonus and Dardanus, sons of Baes, from their chariot to the ground, wounding one with his spear, and striking the other in close combat with his sword. Also Trost, the son of Elastor, who came towards him, taking him by the knees, if on any terms he would spare him, and dismiss him alive, nor slay him, taking pity on their equal age. Fool, who knew not that he would not be persuaded, for he was by no means a tender-minded, nor gentle man, but very ferocious. Trost indeed clasped his knees with his hands, desiring to suffocate him, but Achilles wounded him in the liver with his sword, and his liver fell out, and the black blood from it filled his bosom, and darkness veiled his eyes, wanting life. But standing near Muleus, he smote him with his javelin on the ear, and immediately the bracing blade went through the other ear. Then with his large, hilted sword, he smote a checklist, son of Antonor, in the center of the head, and the whole sword became tepid with blood, but purple death and violent fate seized his eyes. Then Deucalion, where the tendons of the elbow unite, there he pierced him through his hand with his brazen spear, but he, weighed down as to his hand, awaited him, perceiving death before him, but Achilles, smiting his neck with his sword, knocked the head off afar with its helmet, and the marrow sprang forth from the spine, and Deucalion lay extended on the ground. Then he hastened to go towards Rhygmus, the renowned son of Pyreus, who had come from fertile Thrace, whom he smote in the middle with his javelin, and the brass was fixed in his stomach, and he fell from his chariot, and Achilles wounded in the back with his sharp javelin, a rathus, the attendant, while turning back the seeds, and threw him from the chariot, and the horses were thrown into confusion, and as the blazing fire burns through the deep delves of a dry mountain, and the dense forest is consumed, and the wind agitating turns round the flame on all sides, thus he raged in every direction with his spear, like unto a deity, following those that were to be slain, and the black earth flowed with blood, as when anyone yolks-broad four-headed bulls to trample out white barley on the well-leveled floor, and it easily becomes small beneath the feet of the bellowing oxen, so the solid-hoofed horses, driven by magnanimous Achilles, trod down together both horses and shield, and the hold axiltree beneath was polluted with gore, and the rings which were round the chariot seat, which the drops from the horses' hooves spattered, as well as from the fellows. But the son of Palaeus was eager to bear away glory, and was polluted with gore, as to his invincible hands. End of book the 20th Read by Stephen Carney Section 21 Book the 21st 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 21 Book the 21st Argument Having divided the Trojan army, Achilles drives one part towards the city, and the other into Xanthus, where he takes 12 youths alive in order to sacrifice them at the tomb of Patroclus. He then slays Lycaon, and the Steropeus, deriding the river god Xanthus, as unable to aid his friends. The river endeavors to overwhelm him by the aid of Samoas, but Vulcan defends him from the danger. Single combats of the gods then follow, but they afterwards retire to Olympus. Apollo then leads Achilles away, assuming the form of Agenor, and the Trojans are thus unable to regain the city. But when they at last reach the chorus of the fairly flowing river, the Edying Xanthus, which immortal Jovbe got, they are separating them. He pursued some, indeed, through the plain towards the city, by the same way that the Greeks on the preceding day being astounded had fled, when illustrious Hector raged. By that way were they poured forth terrified, but Juno expanded a dense cloud to check them, but the other half erode into the deep flowing river with silver eddies. But they fell in with a great noise, and the deep streams resounded, and the banks around murmured. But they with clamor swam here and there, whirled about in the eddies, as when locusts driven by the force of fire fly into the air to escape to a river, but the indefatigable fire suddenly kindled blazes, and they fall through terror into the water. Thus by Achilles was the resounding river Eddie Xanthus filled promiscuously with horses and men, but the jove sprung hero left his spear upon the banks, leaning against a tamarisk, and he leaped in like unto a god, having only his sword, and meditated destructive deeds in his mind, and he smelt on all sides, and a shocking lamentation arose of those who were stricken by the sword, and the water was reddened with blood, and as when the other fish, flying from a mighty dolphin, filled the inmost recesses of a safe anchoring harbor, frightened, for he totally devours whatever he can catch, so the Trojans hid themselves in caves along the streams of the terrible river, but he, when he was whirried as to his hands slaying, chose twelve youths alive out of the river, a penalty for dead patroclus the son of Minuitius. These he led out of the river stupefied like fond, and he bound their hands behind them with well-cut straps, which they themselves bore, and he bound their hands behind them with well-cut straps, which they themselves bore upon their twisted tunics, and gave them to his companions to conduct to the hollow ships, but he rushed on again desiring to slay. Then did he encounter the son of Dardanian Priam, Lycaion escaping from the river, whom he himself had formerly led away, taking him unwilling from his father's farm, having come upon him by night, but he with a sharp brass was trimming a wild fig tree of its tender branches, that they might become the sinchers of a chariot. But upon him came noble Achilles' unexpected evil, and then conveying him in his ships, he sold him into well-inhabited Lemnus, but the son of Jason gave his price, and from thence his guest Imbraean Etion ransomed him, and gave him many things, and sent him to noble Irizby, when secretly escaping he reached his father's house. Returning from Lemnus for eleven days he was delighted in his soul with his friends, but on the twelfth day the deity again placed him in the hands of Achilles, who was about to send him into the habitation of Achilles, although not willing to go. But when swift-footed noble Achilles perceived him naked without helmet and shield, neither had he a spear for all these indeed he had thrown to the ground, for the sweat overcame him flying from the river, and fatigue subdued his limbs beneath, but Achilles indignant thus addressed his own great-hearted soul. Oh God, surely I perceive this a great marvel with my eyes. Doubtless magnanimous Trojans, whom I have slain will rise again from the murky darkness where man has returned, escaping the merciless day, having been sold in sacred Lemnus, nor has a depth of the sea restrained him, which restrains many against their will. But come now, he shall taste the point of my spear that I may know in my mind, and learn whether he will in like manner return thence, or whether the fruitful earth will detain him, which detains even the mighty. Thus he pondered, remaining still, but near him came like Heon, incostrination, anxious to touch his knees, for he very much began his mind to escape evil death and black fate. Meanwhile Noble Achilles raised his long spear, desiring to wound him, but he ran in under it and stooping seized his knees, and the spear stuck fixed to knee-earth over his back, eager to be satiated with human flesh. But he, having grasped his knees with one hand, supplicated him, and with the other held the sharp spear, nor did he let it go, and supplicating addressed to him winged words. Oh Achilles, embracing thy knees, I supplicate thee, but expect in pity me. I am to thee in place of a suppliant to be revered. Oh Jove, nurtured one, for with thee I first tasted the fruit of series on that day, when thou tookest me in the well-cultivated field, and did sell me, leading me away from my father and friends unto sacred lameness, and I brought thee the price of a hundred oxen, but now will I redeem myself giving thrice as many. This is already the twelfth morning to me since I came to Troy, having suffered much, and now again pernicious fate has placed in thy hands. Certainly I must be hated by Father Jove, who has again given me to thee from my mother Leo Thoei. The daughter of aged Altis brought forth short lived me of Altis, who rules over the warlike Lillegans, possessing lofty podasis near the Satneo, and Priam possessed his daughter as well as many others, but from her we too were born, but thou wilt slay both. Him, God like Polydorus, thou hast subdued already among the foremost infantry, when thou smoteest him with a sharp spear, and now will evil be to me here, for I do not think that I shall escape thy hands, since a deity has brought me near thee, yet another thing will I tell thee, and do thou store it in thy mind. Do not slay me, for I am not of the same womb with Hector, who killed thy companion, both gentle and brave. Thus then, indeed the noble son of Priam addressed him, supplicating with words, but he heard a stern reply. Fool, talk not of me of ransom, nor indeed mention it, before Patroclus fulfilled the fatal day, so long to me was it more agreeable in my mind to spare the Trojans, and many I took alive and sold, but now there is not one of all the Trojans whom the deity shall put into my hands, before Illium, who shall escape death, but above all of the sons of Priam. But die, thou also, my friend, why weepest thou thus? Patroclus likewise died, who was much better than thou, seeest thou not how great I am, both fair and great, and I am from a noble sire, and a goddess mother bore me, but death and violent fate will come upon thee and me, whether it be mourning, evening, or midday, whenever any one shall take away my life with a weapon, either wounding me with a spear, or with an arrow from the string. Thus he spoke, but his knees and dear heart were relaxed. He let go the spear, indeed, and sat down, stretching out both hands, but Achilles, drawing his sharp sword, smote him at the clavicle near the neck. The two-edged sword penetrated totally, and he, prone upon the ground, lay stretched out, but the black blood flowed out and moistened the earth. Then Achilles, seizing him by the foot, threw him into the river to be carried along, and the boasting spoke winged words, lie there now with the fishes, which, without concern, will lap the blood of thy wound, nor shall thy mother weep placing thee upon the funeral couch, but the eddying's commander shall lay into the wide bosom of the ocean. Some fish, bounding through the wave, will escape to the dark ripple, in order that he may devour the white fat of Lycaeon, perish, ye Trojans, till we attain to the city of Sacred Ilium, you flying, and I slaughtering in the rear, nor shall the wide flowing silver eddying river profit you, to which ye have already sacrificed many bulls, and cast solid hooved steeds alive into its eddies, but even thus shall ye die on evil death, until ye all atone for the death of Patroclus, and the slaughter of the Greeks, whom ye have killed at the swift ships, I being absent. Thus ye spoke, but the river was the more enraged at heart, and revolved in his mind, how he might make noble Achilles cease from labour, and avert destruction from the Trojans. But meanwhile, the son of Peleus, holding his long-shadowed spear, leaped upon his Tyropaeus, son of Pelagon, desirous to kill him, whom the wide-flowing exeus Beget, and Paraboya, eldest of the daughters of Achesameus. For with her had the deep eddying river been mingled, against him Achilles rushed, but he, emerging from the river, stood opposite, holding two spears, for Xantas had placed courage in his mind, because he was enraged on the count of the youth slain in battle, whom Achilles had slain in the stream, nor pityed them, but when they were now near, advancing toward each other, him first swift-footed noble Achilles addressed Who and whence art thou of men, thou who darest to come against me? Truly they are the sons of unhappie men who encounter my might. Him again, the illustrious son of Pelagon addressed, O magnanimous son of Pelius, why dost thou ask my race? I am from fruitful Paonia, being far off, leading the long-speared Paonian heroes, and this is now the eleventh morning to me since I came to Troy, but my descent is from the wide-flowing exeus, who pours the fairest flood upon the earth. He who Beget Pelagon renowned for the spear, who men say begat me, but now, O illustrious Achilles, let us fight! Thus he spake threatening, but noble Achilles raised a Pelian ash, but the hero Asteropaeus took aim with both spears at the same time, for he was ambidextor. With the one spear he struck the shield, nor did it pierce the shield completely through, for the gold restrained it, the gift of a god, and the other slightly wounded him upon the elbow of the right arm, and the black blood gushed out, but the spear passing over him was fixed on the earth, longing to satiate itself with his body. But second Achilles hurled his straight, flying ashen spear at Asteropaeus, anxiously desiring to slay him. From him indeed he erred, and struck the lofty bank, and drove the ashen spear up to the middle in the bank. Then the son of Pelias, drawing his sharp sword from his thigh, eagerly leaped upon him, but he was not able to pluck out with his strong hand the ashen spear of Achilles from the bank. Thrice indeed he shook it, desiring to pluck it out, Thrice he failed in strength, and the fourth time he had determined in his mind bending to snap the ashen spear of Achilles, but Achilles first, close at hand, took away his life with the sword, for he smote him upon the belly at the navel, and all his bowels were poured out upon the ground, and darkness veiled him, dying as to his eyes. Then Achilles, sleeping upon his breast, despoiled him of his arms, and a boasting spoke, Lyso. It is a difficult thing for thee, though descended from a river, to contend with the sons of the most mightiest attorney in Jove. Thou saidst, thou wirt of the race of a wide-flowing river, but I boast myself to be of the race of mighty Jove. The hero ruling over many merbedons begat me, Pelias, son of Achilles, but Achilles was from Jove, wherefore Jove is more powerful than rivers flowing into the sea, and the race of Jove again is more powerful than that of a river. Besides, a very great river is at hand to thee, if it cannot lead thee, but it is not lawful to fight with Jove, the son of Saturn. With him neither does King Achilles vie, nor the mighty strength of deep-flowing oceanus, from which flow all rivers and every sea and all fountains and deep wells, and even he dreads the boat of the great Jove, and the dreadful thunder when it bellows from heaven. He said, and plucked his brazen spear from the bank, but him he left there after he had taken away his life, lying in the sand, and the dark water loved him. About him, indeed, the eels and fishes were busy eating and nibbling the fat around his kidneys, but Achilles hastened to go against the Paeonian equestrian warriors, who were already turned to flight beside the Etting River, when they saw the bravest in the violent conflict bravely subdued by the hands and sword of the son of Palaeus. Then he slew Thercilicus, Maedon, Astipulus, Menesus, Thracius, Aeneus, and Ophelestes, and now had swift Achilles slain even more Paeonians had not the deep eddying river enraged, addressed him, likening himself to a man, and uttered a voice from its deep vortex, O Achilles, Thou excellest, it is true, in strength, but thou doest unworthy acts above others, for the gods themselves always aid thee. If indeed the son of Saturn has granted to thee to destroy all the Trojans, at least having driven them from me, perform these arduous enterprises along the plain, for now are my agreeable streams full of dead bodies, nor can I any longer pour my tide into the vast sea choked up by the dead, whilst thou slayest unsparingly, but come, even cease, a stupor seizes me, O chieftain of the people. But him, swift footed Achilles, entering addressed, these things shall be, as our desirous old Joven urges commander, but I will not cease slaughtering the treaty-breaking Trojans before that I enclose them in the city, and make trial of Hector, face to face, me, or I him. Thus speaking he rushed upon the Trojans like unto a god, and the deep-eating river then addressed Apollo. Alas, O god of the silver-bow, child of Joven, thou hast not observed the councils of Joven, who very much enjoined thee to stand by and aid the Trojans, till the late-setting evening sun should come and overshadow the fruitful earth. He spoke, and spear and out Achilles leaped into the midst, rushing down from the bank, but the river rushed on, raging with a swollen flood, and turbid excited all his waves, and pushed along the numerous corpses which were in him in abundance, whom Achilles had slain. These he cast out, roaring like a bull upon the shore, but the living he preserved in his fair streams concealing them among his mighty deep-golds. And terrible around Achilles stood the disturbed wave, and the stream falling upon his shield oppressed him, nor could he stand steady on his feet, but he seized with his hands a thriving large elm, and it, falling from its roots, dislodged the whole bank, and interrupted the beautiful streams with its thick branches, and bridged over the river itself, falling completely in, then leaping up from the gulf he hastened to fly over the plain on his rabid feet, terrified, nor yet did the mighty god desist, but rushed after him blackening on the surface, that he might make noble Achilles cease from toil, and divert destruction from the Trojans, but the son of Peleus leaped back as far as is the cast of a spear, having the impetuosity of a dark eagle, a hunter, which is at once the strongest and the swiftest of birds, like unto it he rushed, but the brass clanked dreadfully upon his breast, but he, inclining obliquely, fled from it, and it, flowing from behind, followed with a mighty noise, as when a ditch worker leads a stream of water from a black flowing fountain through the plantations and gardens, holding a spade in his hands, and throwing out the obstructions from the channel, all the pebbles beneath are agitated as it flows along, and rapidly descending, it murmurs down a sloping declivity, and outstrips even him who directs it, so the water of the river always overtook Achilles, though being nimble, for the gods are more powerful than mortals, as often as swift-footed noble Achilles attempted to oppose it, and to know whether all the immortals who possessed the wide heaven put him to flight, so often did a great billow of the river, flowing from Jove, lobbed his shoulders from above, whilst he leaped up with his feet, sad in mind, and the rabbit-stream subdued his knees under him, and withdrew the sand from beneath his feet, but pelities groaned looking toward the wide heaven. Oh Father Jove, how does none of the gods undertake to save me miserable from the river? Here after indeed I would suffer anything, but no other of the heavenly inhabitants is so culpable to me as my mother who soothed me with falsehoods and said that I should perish by the fleet-arrows of Apollo, under the wall of the armed Trojans would that Hector had slain me, who here was nurtured the bravest, then a brave man would he have slain, and have despoiled a brave man, but now it is decreed that I be destroyed by an inglorious death, overwhelmed in a mighty river, like a swine-herds-boy whom, as he is fording it, the torrent overwhelms in wintry weather. Thus he spoke, but Neptune and Minerva, very quickly advancing, stood near him, but in body they had likened themselves to and taking his hands in their hands strengthened him with words, but to them earth-shaking Neptune began discourse. O son of Palaeus, neither now greatly fear, nor yet be at all dismayed, so great allies from among the gods are we to thee, jove approving it, I and Palaeus Minerva, so that it is not decreed that thou shouldst be overcome by a river. It indeed shall soon cease, and thou thyself shall see it, but let us prudently suggest that thou be obedient, not stop thy hands from equally destructive war, before thou shalt have enclosed the Trojan army within the renowned walls of Troy, whoever indeed can escape, but do thou having taken away the life of Hector, return again to the ships, for we grant to thee to bear away glory. They indeed having thus spoken departed to the immortals, but he proceeded towards the plain, for the command of the gods strongly impelled him, and it was all filled with the overflowed water. Much beautiful armor and corpses of youth slain in battle floated along, but his knees bounded up against the course of it, rushing straight forward, for Minerva had put great strength into him, nor did its commander remit his strength, but was the more enraged with the son of Palaeus, and he swelled the wave of the stream, and shouting, animated Samoas, oh dear brother, let us both at least restrain the force of the man, since he will quickly destroy the great city of King Priam, for the Trojans resist him not in battle, but take me to the source of water from thy fountains, and rouse all thy rivulets, raise a great wave, and stir up a mighty confusion of stems and stones, that we may restrain this furious man, who now already is victorious, and is bent on deeds equal to the gods, for I think that neither his strength will defend him, nor his beauty at all, nor those beautiful arms which shall lie everywhere in the bottom of my gulf covered with mud. Himself also will I involve in sand, pouring vast abundance silt around him, nor shall the Greeks know where to gather his bones, so much slime will I spread over him, and therefore with shall be his tomb, nor shall there be any want to him of entombing when the Greeks perform his obsequies. He spoke, and raging aloft turbid, he rushed upon Achilles, murmuring with foam, with blood, and with dead bodies. Immediately the purple water of the jove descended river being raised up stood, and seized the son of Palaeus, but Juno cried aloud, fearing for Achilles, lest the mighty deep eddying river should sweep him away, and immediately addressed Vulcan, her beloved son. Arise Vulcan, my son, for we suppose that eddying Xanthus was equally matched in battle against thee, but give aid with all haste, and exhibit thy abundant flame, but I will go excite a severe storm of Zephyrus, and rapid notice from the sea, which bearing a destructive conflagration, may consume the heads and armor of the Trojans. Do thou therefore burn the trees upon the banks of Xanthus, and her let himself with fire, nor let him at all avert thee by kind words, or threats, neither do thou previously restrain thy might, but when I shouting shall give the signal then restrain thy infatigable fire. Thus she spoke, but Vulcan darted forth his fierce burning fire. First indeed he kindled a fire in the plain, and burned many dead bodies, which were in abundance over it, whom Achilles had slain, so that the whole plain was dried up, and the clear water restrained, and as when an autumnal north wind gently dries a newly watered garden, and gratifies him who ever cultivated, so was the whole plain dried, and it consumed the dead, whereupon he turned his all-respondent flame against the river. The elms were burned up, and the willows and temrisks, the lotus was consumed, and the rushes and reeds, which grew in great abundance around the beautiful streams of the river, harassed were the eels and the fishes, which through the whirlpools, and which through the fair streams, dived here and there, exhausted by the breath of the disarticifer Vulcan, the might of the river was burnt up, and he spake and addressed him, none of the gods of Vulcan can oppose thee on equal terms, nor can I contend with thee, thus burning with fire, cease from combat, and let noble Achilles instantly expel the Trojans from their city. What have I to do with contest and assistance? He spoke, scorched, and his fair streams boiled up, as a cauldron pressed by much fire glows, bubbling up within on all sides, while melting the fat of a delicately fed sow, whilst the dry wood lies beneath it, so were his fair streams dried up with fire and the water boiled, nor could he flow on but was restrained, and the vapor raised by the might of crafty Vulcan harassed him, at length, supplicating much, he addressed to Juno winged words, Oh Juno, why does thy son press upon my stream to annoy me beyond others, nor truly am I so much to blame as all the others, as many as our assistants to the Trojans, but I will, however, desist at thou biddest, and let him also cease, and I moreover will swear this, that I never will avert the evil day from the Trojans, not even when all burning Troy shall be consumed with destructive fire, and the war-like sons of the Greeks shall burn it. But when the white-armed goddess Juno heard this, she straightway addressed her beloved son, Vulcan. Vulcan, my illustrious son, abstain, for it is not fitting thus to persecute an immortal for the sake that Vulcan extinguished his glowing fire, and the refluent water immediately lowered its fair streams, but when the might of Xanthus was subdued, then indeed they rested, for Juno restrained herself, though enraged. Among the other gods, however, grievous, troublesome contention fell out, and the inclination in their minds was borne in opposite directions. They engaged with the great tumult, and the wide earth re-echoed, and the mighty heaven resounded around, and Jove heard it sitting upon Olympus, and his heart laughed with joy, when he beheld the gods engaging in contest. Then they did not long stand apart, for shield-piercing Mars began, and rushed first against Minerva, holding his brazen spear, and uttered an upper-boreous speech. Why, thus, all most impudence having boundless audacity, does thou join the gods in battle? Has thy great soul incited thee? Does thou not remember when thou ditched Urge Diomedi the son of Tideas to strike me, and taking the spear to myself, thou ditched directed right against me, and ditched Lacerate my fair flesh? Now, therefore, I think that I will chastise thee, for all that thou has done against me. So saying, he struck her on the fringed ages, horrible, which not even the thunderbolt of Jove will subdue. On it, gore tainted Mars smote her with a long spear, but she, retiring, seized in her stout hand a stone lying in the plain, black, rugged and great, which men of former days had set to be the boundary of a field. Thus she struck fierce Mars upon the neck and relaxed his knees, seven acres he covered falling, as to his hair he was defiled with dust, and his armor rang round him, but Pallas Minerva laughed, and boasting over him addressed to him winged words, Fool, has thou not yet perceived how much I boast myself to be superior, that thou opposes thy strength to me? Thus indeed dost thou expiate the erroneous of thy mother, who designs mischief against thee, enraged because thou has deserted Greeks and dost aid the treaty-breaking Trojans? Thus having spoken, she turned back her bright eyes, but Venus, a daughter of Jove, taking him by the hand, led him away, groaning very frequently. But he, with difficulty, collected his spirit, but when the white-armed goddess Juno perceived him, immediately to Minerva she addressed winged words. Alas, oh child of ages bearing Jove invincible, see how again she, most impudent, leads manslaughtering Mars through the tumult of the glowing battle? But follow! Thus she spoke, but Minerva rushed after her, and rejoiced in her mind, and springing upon her, smote her with her stout hand on the breast, and dissolved her knees and dear heart, then both of them lay upon the fruitful earth. But she, boasting over them, spoke winged words. Would at all, as many as our allies to the Trojans, when they fight against the armed Greeks, were so bold and daring as Venus came and assisted to Mars to oppose my strength? Then had we long since ceased from battle, having overthrown the well-built city of Illium? Thus she spoke, but the white-armed goddess Juno smiled, and the earth-shaking king addressed Apollo. Phoebus, why do we two stand apart? Nor is it becoming since the others had begun. This would be disgraceful if we return without fight to Olympus and to the brazen, floored mansion of Jove. Commence for thou art younger by birth, for it would not be proper for me, since I am elder, and no more things. Fool, since thou possessed senseless heart, nor does it at all remember those things, how many evils we suffered round Illium, when we alone of the gods, coming from Jove to Haate Leomidon, labored for a year for a stipulated hire, and he commanding gave orders. I indeed built a city and wall for the Trojans extensive and very beautiful, that the city might be impregnable. Whilst thou, O Phoebus, did speed his stamping footed curved horn oxen among the lawns of many veiled woody Ida. But when now the jocund hours had brought round the period of payment, then did violent Leomidon forcibly defraud us both of all reward, and having threatened to dismiss us and defraud us, and beside he threatened that he would bind our feet and hands from above, and sell us into distant islands, and affirm that he would cut off the ears of both with the brass, but we immediately returned back with indignant mind, enraged on account of the rewards which having promised he did not make good. Is it for this thou dost now gratify the people? Why dost thou not strive along with us that the treaty breaking Trojans may basely perish from the root with their children and modest wives? But him, the far darting king Apollo, in turn addressed, O Neptune, wouldst thou not say that I am prudent, if I should now contend with thee for the sake of miserable mortals who, like the leaves, are at one time very blooming, feeding on the fruit of the soil, and at another again perish without life? Rather let us cease from combat as soon as possible and let them decide the matter themselves. Thus having spoken he turned himself back, for he was afraid to come to strife of hands with his uncle. But him, his sister, Rustic Diana, the mistress of wild beasts, harshly rebuked, and uttered this operating speech. Fly as thou, far darter, and hast thou yielded the whole victory to Neptune, and dost thou give easy glory to him? O fool, why in vain dost thou hold an useless bow? No longer now shall I hear the boasting in the halls of our sire, as formerly amongst the immortal gods, that thou wouldst fight in opposition to Neptune? Thus she spoke, but her, the far darting Apollo by no means addressed, but the venerable spouse of Jove enraged, rebuked her who rejoices in arrows with reproaching words. How darest thou now, fearless wretch, stand against me? A difficult match am I for thee to be opposed to my strength, although thou art a bow-bearer, for Jove has made a lioness among women, and suffered thee to kill whatever woman thou wilt. Certainly it is better to slay wild beasts among the mountains, or rustic stags than to fight bravely with thy betters, but if thou desirous to have a knowledge of battle, come on, that thou mayst well know how much the better I am, since thou opposest strength to me. She spoke, and with her left hand seized both Diana's hands at the wrist, and with her right hand plucked the bow from her shoulders. Smiling, she beat her about the ears and arrived herself, and the fleet arrows fell out of her quiver as she moved, then the goddess fled, weeping like a dove which flies from a hawk to a hollow rock, her hiding place, for neither was it faded that she should be taken by it, so she fled, weeping, and left her arrows there. But the messenger Mercury, the slayer of Argos, addressed Latona, Oh Latona, I will by no means fight with thee, for difficult indeed would it be to combat with the wives of Cloud-Compelling Jove, but rather, very forward among the foes that thou hast conquered me by violent force. Thus indeed he spoke, but Latona collected together the bent bow and the arrows which had fallen here and there amid the whirl of dust. She, having taken the arrows, followed her daughter, but the daughter had arrived at Olympus and at the brazen floored palace of Jove, and had sat down at the knees of her father, weeping, whilst her ambrosial robe trembled around, and her Saturnian father drew towards him, and, sweetly smiling, interrogated her. Which now of the heavenly inhabitants, my dear child, has rashly done such things to thee, as of having done some evil openly. But him, the fair crowned mistress of the chase addressed in turn, Thy spells, the white arms you know, has injured me, oh father, from whom contention and strife await the immortals. Thus they indeed spoke with one another, but Thevis Apollo came to sacred Ilium, for the wall of the well-built city was a care to him, lest a Greek's contrary to fate should overthrow it that day. The other ever gods, however, repaired to Olympus, some indeed indignant, but others greatly boasting, and they sat down beside their father, the collector of dark clouds. But Achilles slew at once the Trojans themselves, and their solid hooved steeds, and as when a smoke ascending from a burning city reaches the white heaven, but the wrath of the gods has excited it, it creates toil to all and sends grieves upon many, so did Achilles cause toil and grieves to the Trojans. Meanwhile aged Priams stood upon a lofty tower, and observed huge Achilles, but by him the rather Trojans were easily thrown into confusion, nor was there any might in them, then groaning he descended from the tower to the ground, in order to direct the illustrious guards at the gates along the wall. Ho, the gates, open in your hands until the people flying come into the city, for Achilles is at hand routing them, now I think that destructive deeds will be, but as soon as they revive, hemmed in within the wall, put to again the well-fitted doors, for I tremble lest this destructive man rush within the wall. Thus he spoke, but they opened the gates and pushed back the bolts and they being opened afforded safety, but Apollo leaped out to meet them that he might avert destruction from the Trojans, then they parched with thirst and covered with dust, fled from the plane directly towards the city and the lofty wall, but he furiously pursued with his spear, for fierce madness constantly possessed his heart, and he burned to bear away then indeed the sons of the Greeks had taken lofty gated Troy, had not feeless Apollo excited Noble Agenor, a hero, the son of Antenor both blameless and brave, and into his heart he threw courage, and he himself stood beside him, leaning against a beech tree, that he might avert the heavy hands of death, but he was overshadowed by much darkness, but he, when he perceived Achilles, the destroyer of cities stood still and much was his heart darkened as he remained, and sighing thus addressed his own great soul, Alas me, if indeed I fly from terrible Achilles, in the way by which the others routed are flying, even thus will he seize me and will slay me unwarlike, but if I suffer these to be thrown into confusion by Achilles, the son of Palaeus and fly in another direction on my feet from the wall through the hilly and plain, until I reach the Lons of Ida and enter its thickets, then indeed having bathed myself at evening in the river, I may return to cleanse from sweat, but why does my mind commune these things, truly he may observe me departing from the city towards the plain and quickly pursuing may overtake me on his swift feet, then will it no longer be possible to escape death and fate, for he is very powerful beyond all men, but if I go against him in front of the city for his body is also without doubt vulnerable by the sharp brass, there is one soul in it, and men say that he is mortal, although Joe, the son of Saturn, affords him glory. So saying, gathering himself up, he awaited Achilles, and his valiant heart within him burned to combat and to fight, as a panther advances from a deep thicket against a huntsman, nor is thought troubled in mind, nor put to flight, although it hears a yelling, and although anticipating it, he may have wounded or stricken it, nevertheless although pierced with a spear, it desists not from the combat till either it be engaged in close fight or be subdued, thus noble at nor the son of renowned and nor would not fight till he had made trial of Achilles, but on the contrary, held before him his shield equal on all sides, and took aim at him with his spear and shouted aloud, certainly now thou art great in hopes in thy mind, O illustrious Achilles, that thou wilt this day devastate the city of the magnanimous Trojans, fool, certainly many griefs will be affected over it, for in it we are numerous and valiant men, who will defend Ilium for our beloved parents, our wives, and our children, but thou fearful fill thy destiny, although being so terrible and a daring warrior, he spoke and hurled a sharp javelin from his heavy hand and struck him in the shin below the knee, nor missed, but the grieve of newly wrought tin around it horribly resounded, and the brazen weapon recoiled from its stricken, nor penetrated, for the gifts of the god prevented it, then the son of Pellius next attack god like Aginor, nor did Apollo permit him to obtain glory, but snatched him away and covered him with much peace, and sent him to return peacefully from the battle, but he, by a stratagem, averted the son of Pellius from the people, for the far darter having likened himself in every respect to Aginor stood before his feet, and he hastened to pursue him with his feet, whilst he was pursuing, running before at a small interval over the corn-bearing plain, turning towards a deep eddying reverse commander, for Apollo beguiled him by deceit, so that he always expected to overtake him on his feet, meanwhile the other Trojans being routed came delighted in a crowd to the city, and the city was full of them shut in, nor did they any longer dare to wait for each other without the city and the wall, and to inquire who had escaped, and who had fallen in the battle, but gladly they were poured into the city, whomesoever of them the feet and knees preserved. End of book the 21st, read by Stephen Carney. Section 22, book the 22nd of the Iliad of Homer. This livervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Stephen Carney. The Iliad of Homer by Homer. Translated by Theodore Alois Buckley. Section 22, book the 22nd. Argument. Hector persists in remaining outside the walls, despite the entreaties of his father. He flies thrice round Troy, fights and is slain by Achilles, who drags his body to the fleet at the wheels of his chariot. The lamentations of his wife and parents follow. Thus they indeed, driven by fright through the city like fawns, were refreshing themselves from sweat, and were drinking and delaying their thirst, leaning against the handsome battlements. But the Greeks were coming near the wall, resting their shields upon their shoulders. But Hector, his destructive fate fettered to remain there, before Ilium and the Skaen gates, and Phoebus Apollo thus addressed the Sonapileus. Why, O Sonapileus, dost thou pursue me, an immortal God, with swift feet, thyself being immortal? Nor yet hast thou at all discovered that I am a God, but thou insesently ragist, for certainly the labor of the Trojans is not now a care to thee, whom thou hast routed, and who are now enclosed within their city while thou art turned aside hither? Neither canst thou say me, since I am not mortal. But him swift-footed Achilles greatly indignant addressed. Thou hast injured me, O far darter, most destructive of all gods, having now turned me away hither from the wall. Certainly many had now seized the earth with their teeth, before they had arrived at Ilium, but now hast thou deprived me of great glory, and hast preserved them easily, for thou didst not at all dread vengeance after, certainly I would punish thee, if the power at least were mine. Thus saying, he went towards the city greatly elate, hastening like a steed, which bears away the prize with his chariot, which, driving hard run swiftly over the plain, so Achilles briskly moved his feet and his knees. But him, aged Priam, first beheld with his eyes, rushing over the plain, all shining like a star which rises an autumn, and its resplendent rays shine among many stars in the depth of the night, which by name they call the dog Orion. Very bright indeed is this, but it is a baleful sign, and brings violent heat upon miserable mortals, so shone the brass round the breast of him running, but the old man groaned, and smote his head with his hands, raising them on high, and groaning he cried out greatly, supplicating his dear son. But he stood before the scay and gates, insatiably eager to fight with Achilles, but the old man piteously addressed him, stretching out his hands. Oh Hector, do not, my beloved son, await this man alone without others, lest that thou should speedily draw on fate, subdued by the son of Peleus, since he is much more powerful, cruel with that he were only as dear to the gods as he is to me. Quickly then were the dogs and vultures devour him lying low, surely sad grief would then depart from my heart. He who has made me deprived of many and brave sons, slaying and selling them into far distant islands, for even now the Trojans being shut up in the city, I cannot see my two sons, like Aeon and Polydorus, whom Phaeoth bore to me, queen among women. But if indeed they live at the camp surely we will afterwards redeem them with brass and with gold, for it is within, for aged alties renowned by fame gave many things to his daughter. But if they are already dead and in the mansion of Hades, grief will be to my soul and to their mother, we who gave them birth. But to the other people the grief will be shorter if thou shouldst not die subdued by Achilles. But come inside the wall, oh my son, that thou mayst save the Trojan men and women, nor afford great glory to the son of Peleus and thou thyself be deprived of thy dear life. Moreover pity me wretched, yet still preserving my senses unhappy, whom the Saturnian sire will destroy by grievous fate upon the threshold of old age, having seen many evils, my sons slain, my daughters dragged captive, their chambers plundered, and my infant children dashed upon the earth in dire hostility, and my daughters in law torn away by the pernicious hands of the Greeks, and myself the last, the raw devouring dogs whom I have nourished in my palaces, the attendants of my table, the guards of my portals will tear at the entrance of the gates, after someone, having stricken or wounded me with a sharp brass, shall take away my soul from my limbs, and who drinking my blood will lie in the porch, infuriated in mind. To a young man indeed slain in battle, lacerated with a sharp brass, it is altogether becoming to lie, for all things honorable to him dead, whatever may appear, but when dogs dishonor the gray head, the hoary beard and privy members of an old man slain, that is indeed most pitiable among wretched mortals. The old man spoke, and tore out the hoary locks with his hands, plucking them from his head, nor did he persuade the mind of Hector, but his mother then on the other side, wailing shed tears, laying bare her bosom, whilst with the other hands she laid forth her breast, wailing tears addressed to him winged words, oh Hector, my son, reverence these things and pity me myself, if ever I afford thee the grief-lulling breast, remember these things, oh dear son, and being within the wall, repel this hostile man, nor stand aforemost adversary to him. Wretched one, for if he shall slay thee, neither shall I mourn thee on thy couch, my dear offspring, whom I myself brought forth, nor will thy rich-doward wife, but away from us both, the swift dogs will devour thee at the ships of the Greeks. Thus weeping, they twain addressed their dear son, supplicating him much, nor did they persuade the mind of Hector, but he awaited huge Achilles coming near, and as a fierce serpent at its den, fed on evil poisons, awaits a man, but direful rage enters it, and it glares horribly, coiling itself around its den, so Hector possessing an extinguishable courage, retired not, leaning his blended field against a projecting tower. But indignant, he thus addressed his own great-hearted soul, ah, me, if indeed I enter the gates and the wall, Polydemus will first cast reproach upon me, he who advised me to lead the Trojans towards the city in this disastrous night, when noble Achilles arose to battle, but I did not obey. Certainly it would have been much better, and now, since by my injurious obstinacy I have destroyed the people, I fear Trojan men, and the long-road Trojan women, lest someone inferior to me should say, Hector, relying on his own strength, hath destroyed the people. Thus will they say, but it would have been far better for me, slaying Achilles in the encounter, to return, or gloriously to be slain by him for the city, but if now I shall lay down my bossage shield and stout helmet, and resting my spear against the wall, I myself going shall come before renowned Achilles, and promise that we will give to the Atreides to lead away Helen, and all the numerous possessions along with her, whatever Paris brought to Troy in his hollow barks, and who was the origin of the contention, and at the same time that we will divide others as many as this city contains among the Greeks. But again, I should exact an oath from the elders of the Trojans that they would conceal nothing, but divide all things into two portions, whatever treasure this city contains within it. Yet why does my soul discuss such things? I dread lest I going should reach him, but he pity me not, nor at all respect me, but slay me, being thus naked as a woman after I have put off my armor. Nor indeed is it now allowed to converse with him from an oak, or from a rock, as a virgin and a youth, a virgin and youth converse with one another, but it is better to engage him in strife, that as soon as possible we may know that indeed the Olympian Jove will give glory. Thus he pondered, remaining, but near him came Achilles like unto the helmet shaking warrior Mars, brandishing upon his right shoulder the dreadful paleon ash, but the brass shone around, like unto the splendor either of a blazing fire, or of the rising sun. Then as tremor seized Hector, he perceived him, nor could he remain there any longer, but he left the gates behind him and fled affrighted, but the son of Peleus upon trusting to his swift feet, as a falcon in the mountains, the swiftest of birds, easily dashes after a timid pigeon, she indeed flying away. She indeed flies away obliquely, but he close at hand, shrily screaming frequently assails, and his spirit orders him to seize her, thus eager he flew right on, but Hector fled in terror under the wall of the Trojans and moved his fleet limbs, then they rushed by the prospect ground, and the wind waving fig tree always under the wall, along the public way, and reached the two flare and reached the two fair flowing springs, where the two springs of the ediang's commander rise. The one indeed flows with tepid water, and a steam arises from it around as a burning fire, while the other flows forth in the summertime, like unto hail, or cold snow, or ice from water. There, at them, are the wide, handsome stone basins, where the wives and fair daughters of the Trojans used to wash their splendid garments formally in time of peace before the sons of the Greeks arrived. In this direction they ran past the one flying, but the other pursuing from behind. A brave man, indeed, fled before, but a much braver swiftly pursued him, since they did not seek to obtain a victims or bulls hide, such as are the rewards of men for speed, but they ran for the life of horse-breaking Hector, and as when prize-winning solid-hooped steeds ran very swiftly round the walls, and a great reward is proposed, either a tripod or a woman in honor of a deceased hero, so they thrice made the circuit of the city of Priam with their swift feet, and all the gods beheld. Then to them the father of men and gods commenced an address. Alas, certainly I behold with my eyes a beloved hero pursued round the wall, and my heart is grieved on account of Hector, who has sacrificed many thighs of oxen to me, upon the tops of many veiled Ida, and other times again in the highest places of the city. But now, indeed, noble Achilles pursues him on swift feet around the city of Priam, but come, deliberate, O ye gods, and consider whether we shall preserve him from death, or shall subdue him now, being brave at the hands of Achilles, the son of Peleus. But him the blue-eyed goddess Minerva then addressed, O father, hurler of the white thunder, collector of dark clouds, what a word hast thou spoken, dost thou wish to liberate from sad death a man being mortal long ago destined to fate? Do it, but all we, the other gods, will not ascend to thee. Her then, the cloud compelling Jupiter answering addressed, take courage Tritonia, beloved child, I by no means speak with serious mind, but I wish to be mild to thee, do as is the inclination, nor delay at all. Thus speaking he incited Minerva already prepared, and springing forth down from the heights of Olympus. But swift Achilles pursued Hector, incessantly pressing upon him, and as when a dog pursues the fawn of a deer in the mountains, having roused it from its lair, through both glens and thickets, and although panic-stricken it crouches down beneath a break, yet tracking it he runs continually on until he finds it. So Hector eluded not the swift-footed son of Peleus, as often as he would rush against the Dardanian gates, towards under the well-built towers, if perchance missile weapons from above, so often previously anticipating him, he turned him away towards the plain, whilst he himself always flew on the side of the city, and as in a dream one cannot pursue a fugitive, neither can the one escape the other, nor the other pursue, so the one could not overtake the other in his speed, nor the other escape him. But how then could Hector have escaped the fates of death, if Apollo had not for the very last time met him, who aroused for him his courage and swift knees. But noble Achilles nodded to the people with his head, nor permitted them to cast their bitter weapons at Hector, lest someone, wounding him, should obtain the glory, and he himself come second. But when for the fourth time they arrived at the fountains, then indeed the sire raised aloft his golden scales and placed in them the two fates of death, bearing long sleep, this of Achilles, but that of horse-breaking Hector. Holding them by the middle, he poised them, and the fatal day of Hector inclined to sink to Hades, but Thebus Apollo left him. Then the blue-eyed goddess Minerva approached the son of Palaeus, and standing near addressed to him winged words. Now, O illustrious Achilles, dear to Jov, I hope that we too shall bear back great glory to the Greeks at the ships, having slain Hector, although being insatiate of war. Now certainly it is no longer possible for him to escape us, not even if far darting Apollo should toil much, throwing himself at the feet of the eight despairing father Jov, but do thou now stand and revive, but I, approaching with thee, will persuade him to engage thee face to face. Thus spoke Minerva, but he obeyed and rejoiced in his mind, and stood leaning upon his ashen, brass-pointed spear. But she then left him, and overtook noble Hector, likening herself to deophobus, unwirried in her body and voice, and standing near she addressed to him winged words. O brother dear, certainly swift Achilles greatly presses on thee, pursuing thee with rabid feet round the city of Priam, but come now, let us stand and awaiting repulse him. But her mighty crest tossing Hector in turn addressed, deophobus, certainly thou werest ever before, by far the dearest to me of my brothers, the sons whom Hector and Priam produced, but now I think in my mind that I honor thee still more, since thou hast dared for my sake, when thou dost behold me with thine eyes, to come out of the city, while others remain within. But him, the azure and eyed goddess Minerva in turn addressed, my brother dear, my father and venerable mother indeed greatly sublocated me, by turn embracing my knees and my companions around to remain there, so much do all tremble with fear, but my mind within was harassed with sad grief, but now let us forth with eagerly engage, nor let there any longer be a sparing of our spears, that we may know whether Achilles, having slain us both, shall bear our bloody spoils to the hollow barks, or be subdued by thy spear. Thus having spoken Minerva also with deception led on, but when they were near advancing towards each other, him might a crest tossing Hector first addressed, no longer O son of Palaeus will I fly as thee before, thrice have I fled round the great city of Priam, nor ever dare to await thee coming on, but now my mind urges me to stand against thee, certainly I shall slay or be slain, but come, let us attest the gods, for they will be the best witnesses and observers of agreements, for neither will I cruelly insult thee, if indeed Jo shall give me the victory and I take away thy life, but after I shall despoil thy beautiful armor, O Achilles, I will give back thy body to the Greeks, and so also do thou. But him, swift footed Achilles, sternly regarding addressed, talk not to me of covenants, O most cursed Hector, as there are not faithful leagues between lions and men, nor yet have wolves and lambs on according mind, but ever meditate evils against each other, so it is not possible for thee and me to contract a friendship, nor shall there at all be leagues between us, first shall one falling satiate the invincible warrior Mars with his blood call to mind all thy valor, now it is very necessary for thee to be born a spearman and a daring warrior, nor is there any longer any escape for thee, for Palaes may never at once subdue thee beneath the spear, and thou shalt now pay for all the accumulated sorrows of my companions whom thou hast slain raging with the spear. He spoke, and brandishing it sent forth his long-shadowed spear and illustrious Hector seeing it opposite avoided it, for looking before him he sunk down, and the brazen spear passed over him and was fixed in the earth, but Palaes Menerva plucked it out and gave it back to Achilles and escaped the notice of Hector, the shepherd of the people, then Palaes. Thou hast erred, O God, like Achilles, nor art thou yet acquainted with my fate from Jove, certainly thou didst say so, but thou art a praetor and very subtle in words in order that dreading be, I may be forgetful of my strength and courage, but not in my back whilst flying shall thou thrust thy spear, but shall drive it through my breast rushing right on if God grants this to thee, but now in turn avoid my brazen spear, but now in turn avoid my brazen spear, with that thou mightest now receive it all in thy body, then truly with the war become lighter to the Trojans, thou being slain, for thou art the greatest bane to them. He spoke and brandishing sent forth his long-shadowed spear and struck the center of Palaes' shield, nor missed, but the spear was repelled far away from the shield, but Hector was enraged because his swift weapon had fled in vain from his hand and stood dejected for he had not another and he called upon the white-shielded dephobus greatly shouting and he asked him for a long spear, but he was not near him and Hector perceived in his mind and said, alas, without doubt now the gods have summoned me to death, for I indeed thought the hero dephobus was by my side, but he is within the wall and Minerva has deceived me, but now was evil death near me, nor far away neither is there escape. Certainly this long sent was more agreeable to Jove our darting son of Jove who formerly propitious preserved me, but now on the contrary fate overtakes me. Nevertheless I will not pair as cowardly and ingloriously at least, but having done some great deed to be heard of even by posterity. Thus having spoken he drew his sharp sword which hung below his loins both huge and strong and with collected might rushed forward like a lofty soaring eagle which swoops to the plane through the gloomy clouds about to snatch a tender lamb or a timid hair. Thus Hector rushed forward, brandishing his sharp sword. Achilles also rushed on and filled his soul with fierce rage. He sheltered his breast in front with his shield, beautiful, curiously wrought and knotted with his shining helmet foreconed, but the beautiful golden tufts which Vulcan had diffused in great abundance around the cone were shaken. As a star Hesperus which is placed the brightest star in heaven proceeds amongst the other stars in the unsee night. So it's shown from the well sharpened spear which Achilles designing mischief to noble Hector eyeing his fair person where it would best yield, but the beautiful brazen armor of which he had despoiled great patroclus having slain him covered the rest of his body so much yet did there appear a part where the collar bone separated the neck from the shoulders and where the destruction of life is most speedy. There noble Achilles eager drove into him with a spear and the point went out quite through his tender neck however the ash heavy with brass did not cut away the windpipe so that entering in words he could address him but he fell in the dust and noble Achilles vaunted over him. Hector thou dist once suppose when spoiling patroclus that thou be safe nor dreaded me being absent. Fool for I apart a much braver avenger of him was left behind at the hollow ships I who have relaxed thy knees the dogs indeed and birds shall dishonorably tear thee but the form his funeral rites but him crest tossing Hector growing languid then addressed I supplicate thee by thy soul thy knees thy parents suffer not the dogs to tear me at the ships of the Greeks but do thou indeed receive brass and abundance and gold which my father and venerable mother will give thee and send my body home that the Trojans and wives of the Trojans may make me dead partaker of a funeral buyer but him swift footed Achilles certainly regarding addressed dog supplicate me not by my knees nor by my parents for what that my might and mind in any manner urged me myself tearing thy raw flesh to pieces to devour it such things has thou done to me so that there is not anyone who could drive away the dogs from thy head not even if they should place ten fold and twenty times such ransoms bringing them hither and even promise others not even if Dardanian pream should wish to compensate for thee not even thus shall I venerable mother lament thee whom she has born having laid thee upon a beer but dogs and foul shall entirely tear thee in pieces but him crest tossing hector dying addressed surely well knowing thee I foresaw this nor was I destined to persuade thee for truly within thee there is an iron soul reflect now lest to thee I be some cause of the wrath of the gods on that day when Paris and Phoebus Apollo shall kill thee though being brave at the skein gates as he spoke thus the end of death overshadowed him and his soul flying from his limbs descended to Hades bewailing its destiny relinquishing vigor and youth but him although dead nobola Achilles addressed die but I will then receive my fate whensoever Jove may please to accomplish it and the other immortal gods he spoke and plucked the spear from the corpse and then laid it aside but he spoiled the bloody armor from his shoulders but the other sons of the Greeks ran round who also admired the stature and wondrous form of hector nor did any stand by without inflicting a wound and thus would someone say looking to his neighbor, oh strange surely hector is now much more gentle to be touched than when he burned the ships with glowing fire thus would someone say and standing by would wound him but Swith footed Achilles after he had spoiled him standing amongst the Greeks spoke winged words oh friends, leaders and princes of the Greeks since the gods have granted us to subdue this hero he who did as many mischiefs has did not all the others together come let us make trial round the city with our arms that we may learn concerning the Trojans what mine they have whether they are about to desert the citadel he being slain or intend to remain hector being no more but why does my mind within me deliberate these things Patroclus lies at the ships an unwept unburied corpse I shall never forget as long as I am amongst the living and my dear knees move for me and though they forget the dead and Hades yet will I remember my beloved comrade even there but come now you use of the Greeks singing a pan let us return to the hollow ships and let us bring him we bear back great glory we have slain noble hector whom the Trojans throughout the city worshiped as a god he spoke and was meditating unseemly deeds against noble hector he perforated the tendons of both his feet behind from the heel to the instep and fastened in them leather thongs and bound him from the chariot but left his head to be trailed along then ascending his chariot and taking of the splendid armor he lashed the horses to go on and they not unwilling flew but the dust arose from him while trailed along and his azure locks around approached the ground and his entire head once graceful lay in the dust for Jupiter had then granted to his enemies to dishonor him in his own fatherland thus indeed his whole head was denied with dust but his mother plucked out her hair and cast away her shining veil and wept very loudly having beheld her son and his dear father groaned piteously and all the people around were occupied in wailing and lamentation through the city and it was very like to this as if all ileum from its summit were smoldering in fire with difficulty indeed did the people detain the old man indignant with grief anxious to rush out from the sardanian gate for rolling in the mud he was supplicating all addressing each by name desist my friend and permit me alone grieved as I am going out of the city to approach the ships of the Greeks I will supplicate this reckless violent man if for chance he may respect my time of life and have compassion on my old age for such is his father paleos to him he who begat and nurtured him a destruction to the Trojans but particularly to me above all has caused sorrows for so many booming youths has he slain to me for all of whom I do not lament so much although grieved as for this one hector keen grief for whom will bear me down even to Hades would that he had died in my hands for thus we should have been satisfied weeping and lamenting both his unhappy mother who bore him and I myself thus he spoke weeping but the citizens also groaned but among the Trojan dames Hecuba began her continued lamentation oh my son why do wretched I live having suffered grievous things thou being dead thou who by night and day washed my boast throughout the town and an advantage to the Trojan men and women throughout the city who received thee as a god for assuredly thou wasst a very great glory to them when alive now on the country death and fate possess thee thus she spoke weeping but the wife of hector had not learned anything no certain messenger going informed her that her husband had remained without the gates but she was weaving a web and a retired part of her lofty house double splendid and was spreading on at various painted works and she had ordered her fair haired attendants through the palace to place a large tripod on the fire that there might be a warm bath for hector returning from the battle foolish nor knew she that far away from baths azir eyed men ever had subdued him by the hands of Achilles she heard the shriek and wailing from the tower and her limbs were shaken and the shuttle fell from her to the ground and immediately she addressed her fair haired attendants come hither let you follow me that I may see what deeds have been done I heard the voice of my venerable mother-in-law into myself the heart within my breast leaps up to my mouth and the limbs under me are benumbed surely some evil is now near the sons of Priam oh that the word may be far from my ear I dread lest brave Achilles having already cut off her hector alone from the city may drive him towards the plain and even now have made him desist from the fatal valor which possessed him for he never remained among the throng of warriors but leaped out far before yielding in his valor to none thus having spoken she rushed through the palace like unto one deranged greatly palpitating in heart and her attendants went along with her but when she reached the tower and the crowd of men she stood looking round over the wall and beheld him dragged before the city but the fleet steeds drew him ruthlessly toward the ships of the Greeks then gloomy night veiled her over her eyes and she fell backwards and breathed out her soul in a swoon but from her head fell the beautiful headgear the garland the net and the twisted filet and the veil which golden venus had given to her on that day when crest tossing hector led her from the palace of Aetion after he had presented many marriage gifts around her in great numbers stood her sisters in law and sisters who supported her amongst them seized with stupor unto death but when she again revived and her soul was collected in her breast sobbing at intervals she spoke among the Trojan dames hector over etched me then we were both born to a like fate thou indeed in Troy in the mansions of Bream but I in Thebe beneath woody pelakas in the palace of Aetion who himself ill-fated reared me ill-fated being yet a little child would that he had not begotten me now however thou goest to the mansions of Hades beneath the recesses of the earth but leaveest me in hateful grief a widow in the dwelling and thy boy yet such an infant to whom thou and I unfortunate gave birth nor wilt thou be an advantage to him oh hector for thou art dead nor he to thee for even if he shall escape the mournful war of the Greeks still will labour and hardship ever be to him hereafter for others will deprive him of his fields by changing the landmarks but the bereaving day renders a boy destitute of his contemporaries he is ever dejected and his cheeks are bedewed with tears the boy in one shall go to the companions of his father pulling one by the cloak another by the tunic and some of these pideying shall present him with a very small cup and he shall moisten his lips him also someone enjoying both parents shall push away from the banquet striking him with his hands and reviling him with reproaches a marine on thee even thy father feasts not with us then shall the boy as Stinex return weeping to his widowed mother he who formerly indeed upon the knees of his own father ate marrow alone and the rich fat of sheep but when sleep came upon him and he ceased childishly crying used to sleep on couches and the arms of a nurse in a soft bed full as to his heart with delicacies but now indeed as Stinex whom the Trojans call by surname because thou alone didst defend their gates and lofty walls for them shall suffer many things missing his dear father but now shall the crawling worms devour thee naked at the curved ships far away from thy parents after the dog shall have satiated themselves by thy robes defying and graceful woven by the hands of women lie in thy palaces truly all the single I consume with burning fire being of no use to me for thou would not lie on them but let them be a glory to thee before the Trojans and the Trojan dames thus she spoke weeping and the females also mourned end of book the 22nd read by Stephen Carney