 Section 3, Book the Third of the Iliad of Homer. This Liberbox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Stephen Carney. The Iliad of Homer by Homer. Translated by Theodore Alois Buckley. Section 3, Book the Third. Argument. Just as the armies are on the point of engaging, Paris proposes a single combat, but on Menelaus advancing, retires in a fright. Being rebuked by Hector, he consents to engage Menelaus, and a treaty is arranged. Paris is vanquished, but is brought back safe to Ilium by Venus, who appeases the anger of Helen. Menelaus, as conqueror, calls upon the Trojans to fulfill the conditions of the challenge. But after they had each been marshaled along with their leaders, the Trojans, on the one hand, moved along with both clamor and battle-shout, like birds, just as is the noise of cranes forth under heaven, which, after they have escaped the winter and immeasurable shower, with a clamor, do these wing their way towards the streams of the ocean, bearing slaughter and fate to the pygmy and men. And they then, at early dawn, bring fatal strife. But the Greeks, on the other hand, breathing might, advanced in silence, anxious in mind to aid one another, as when the south wind sheds a mist over the top of a mountain by no means friendly to the shepherds, but more serviceable even than night to the robber, and one can see only so far as he hurls a stone, so under the feet of them proceeding an eddying dust kept rising, and very speedily they traversed the plain. But when they now were near, approaching each other, God, like Alexander, advanced in front of the Trojans, having a panther's skin on his shoulders, and his crooked bow and a sword, but he, brandishing two spears tipped with brass, challenged all the bravest of the Greeks to fight against him in grievous conflict. But when Mars' beloved Menelaus perceived him advancing before the host, taking long strides as a hungering lion exalts, when happening on a carcass of large size, having found either a horned stag or a wild goat, for he greedily devours it, all those swift hounds and vigorous youths pursue him. Thus Menelaus rejoiced, having beheld with his eyes God like Alexander, for he thought he would be revenged upon the guilty wretch, forthwith, therefore, with his arms he leaped from his chariot to the earth. But when, therefore, God like Alexander perceived him appearing among the foremost warriors, he was smitten in his heart and gave way back into the band of his companions, avoiding death. And as when anyone having seen a serpent in the thickets of a mountain has started back and a tremor has seized his limbs under him, and he has retired backwards and paleness seizes his cheeks, thus God like Alexander shrank back into the band of the haughty Trojans, dreading the son of Atreus. But Hector, having seen him, upbraided him with approbrious words, cursed Paris, most excellent in form, thou woman-raving seducer, would that thou hadst either not been born or that thou hadst perished unmarried. This indeed I would wish, and indeed it would be much better than that thou shouldst thus be a disgrace and scandal to others. In truth the long hair the Keyans may laugh, having suspected that thou wast a noble champion, a fine person belongs to thee, but there is not strength in thy soul nor any nerve. This thou being such a one, having sailed over the ocean in sea traversing ships, having collected congenial associates and mingled with foreigners, take away a beauteous lady from the Appian land, the spouse of martial men, a great detriment to thy father, to the city and to all the people, a joy indeed to our enemies, but a disgrace to thyself. Would thou not have a weighted war like Menelaus? Then shouldst thou have known of how brave a man thou dost possess the blooming spouse, nor will thy harp and the gifts of Venus and thy hair and thy figure avail thee, when thou shalt be mingled with the dust. But the Trojans are very pusillanimous else wouldst thou have been arrayed in a garment of stone on account of the evils which thou hast done. Him, then Godlike Alexander, in turn, addressed, Hector, since thou hast reproached me justly and not unjustly, I will submit. Ever is thy spirit unwirried like an axe which penetrates the wood, driven by the man who with art cuts out the naval plank, and it increases the force of the man, so when thy breast is there an intrepid heart. Reproach me not with the lovely gifts of golden Venus. The distinguished gifts of the gods are by no means to be rejected. Whatever indeed they give, for no one can choose them at his own pleasure. Now, however, if thou desirest me to wage war and to fight, cause the other Trojans and all the Greeks to sit down, but match me and Bar's beloved Menelaus to contend in the midst for Helen and all the treasures, and whichever of us shall conquer and shall be superior, having received all the treasures without reserve and the woman, let him conduct them home. But let the rest of you, striking a friendship and faithful league, inhabit fertile Troy, and let them return to the steed nourishing Argus and fair-damed Achaia. Thus he spoke, but Hector, on the other hand, rejoiced greatly, having heard his speech, and having advanced into the center, holding his spear by the middle, he restrained the phalanxes of the Trojans, and they all sat down. Against him the waving-haired Achaeans were directing their bows and taking him were going to hurl with shafts and with stones, but Agamemnon, he, the king of men, exclaimed aloud, Withhold, our guives, cast not ye sons of the Aenians, for Helm nodding Hector stands as if intending to propose something. Thus he spoke, but they abstained from battle and instantly became silent. But Hector, between both armies, spoke thus, Hear from me ye Trojans and well-greaved Greeks, the proposal of Alexander on whose account this strife has arisen. He advises that the other Trojans and all the Greeks should lay down their beauteous arms upon the bounteous earth, but that he and Mars' beloved Menelaus alone should fight in the midst for Helan and all the treasures, and whichever shall conquer and shall be superior, having received all the treasures without reserve and the woman, let him conduct them home. But let the rest of us strike a friendship and faithful league. Thus he said, and all became mute in silence, but amidst them Menelaus, valiant in a den of war, thus spoke, Now hear me also, for Anguish has invaded my soul most, but I propose that the Greeks and Trojans should now be separated, since ye have suffered many evils on account of my quarrel and the beginning of this strife through Alexander, and to whichever of us death and fate has been ordained, let him die, but do the rest of you be very speedily separated and bring lambs, one white, the other black, to the earth and to the sun, and we will bring another to Jov. Moreover ye shall bring the might of Priam that he may strike the league himself, for his sons are overbearing and faithless, lest anyone by transgression violate the covenant of Jov. For the minds of younger men are ever fluctuating, but for those among whom a senior is present, he looks at the same time both backward and forward, in order that the best results may accrue to both parties. Thus he spoke, but both Greeks and Trojans rejoiced, hoping to have respite from grievous war, and they accordingly reigned back their horses to the ranks of the foot, but dismounted themselves and put off their arms and laid them down on the ground near each other, and around each pile of arms there was a little space. But Hector dispatched two heralds to the city with speed to bring the lambs and to call Priam, while on the other hand King Agamemnon sent Talthybius to go to the hollow ships and order him to bring a lamb, and he did not disobey noble Agamemnon. And meantime came Iris, a messenger to white-armed Helen, likening herself to her husband's sister, the wife of Antenor's son, most excelling in beauty of the daughters of Priam, Lyodice, whom the son of Antenor, King Helikeon, possessed. But she found her in her palace, and she was weaving an ample web, a double mantle, resplendent, and on it was working many labours both of the horse-taming Trojans and the brazen mailed Greeks, which on her account they suffered at the hands of Mars. Sending near, the swift-footed Iris accosted her thus, come hither, dear lady, that thou mayest view the wondrous deeds of the horse-taming Trojans, and of the brazen mailed Greeks, who formerly against each other waged tearful war in the plain, eager for destructive battle. Now, however, they sit in silence, and the war has ceased, leaning on their shields, and near them their long spears are fixed. But Alexander and Mars' beloved Menelaus are about to fight for thy sake with their long spears, and thou shalt be called the dear wife of him who conquers. Thus, having spoken, the goddess infused a tender desire into her mind, both of her former husband, and of her city, and her parents, and instantly veiling herself in white linen robes, she rushed from her chamber, shedding a tender tear, not alone, for two domestics accompanied her, Oyethra, daughter of the Pythaeus, and large-eyed Climini. Then they quickly came to where the Scean gates were, but Priam and Panthus, and Thimoetis, Lampus, Cliteus, Iseteon, and offsuit of Mars, Ocalagon and Entenor, both prudent elders of the people, sat at the Scean gates, long since desisting from war through old age, but good orators, like unto the Sicadea, which, in the woods, sitting on a tree, sent forth a delicate voice. Such leaders of the Trojans at that time were sitting on the tower, but when they saw Helen coming to the tower, in low tone they addressed to each other winged words, It is not a subject for indignation that Trojans and well-greaved Greeks endure hardships for a long time on account of such a woman. In countenance she is wondrous like unto the immortal goddess, but even so, although being such, let her return in the ships, nor be left a destruction to us and to our children hereafter. Thus they spoke, but Priam called Helen, Coming hither before us, dear daughter, sit by me, that thou mayest see thy former husband, thy kindred, and thy friends, thou art not at all in fault towards me, the gods, in truth, are in fault towards me, who have sent against me the lamentable war of the Greeks, that thou mayest name for me this mighty man, who is this gallant and tall Grecian hero. Certainly there are others taller in height, but so graceful a man have I never yet be held with my eyes, nor so venerable, for he is like unto a kingly man. But him, Helen, one of the divine women, answered in these words, Revere thou, and feared by me, dear father-in-law, would that an evil death had pleased me when I followed thy son hither, having left my marriage-bed, my brothers, my darling daughter, and the congenial company of my equals, but these things were not done, therefore I pine away with weeping. But this will I tell thee, which thou seekest of me and inquirest, this is wide-ruling Agamemnon, son of Atreus, in both characters, a good king and a brave warrior. He was a brother-in-law moreover, of shameless me, if ever indeed he was. Thus she spoke, but him the old man admired, and said, O blessed son of Atreus, happy-born, fortunate, truly indeed were many Achaean youths made subject to thee. Before now I entered vine-bearing Phrygia, where I beheld many Phrygians, heroes on fleet-horses, the forces of Atreus and godlike Migdon, who encamped there near the banks of the Sangarius, for I also, being an ally, was numbered with them on that day when the man-opposing Amazons came. But not even these were so numerous as the black-eyed Greeks. But next perceiving Ulysses, the old man answered, Come, tell me of this one also, dear daughter, who he is. He is less indeed in height than Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, but is broader to behold in shoulders and breast. His arms lie up on the fertile earth, but he himself, like a ram, goes round the ranks of the men. I, for my part, compare him to a thick-fleeced ram, which wanders through a great flock of snowy sheep. But him, Helen, sprung from jove, answered, Now, this one again is the son of Lertes, much scheming Ulysses, who was bred in the country of Ithaca, rugged though it be, scaled in all kinds of stratagems and prudent councils. Her, then, the sage Antonor addressed in reply, O lady, assuredly hast thou spoken this word very truly. For already in former times divine Ulysses came hither also on an embassy concerning thee with Mars' beloved Menelaus. I received them as guests and entertained them in my palace and became acquainted with the genius of both and their prudent councils. But when they were mingled with the assembled Trojans, Menelaus indeed overtopped him, as they stood by his broad shoulders. But when both were sitting, Ulysses was more majestic. But when they began to weave words and councils for all, Menelaus on his part would herang very fluently, a few words indeed, but very sweetly, since he was not loquacious, nor a random talker, though he was younger in age. But when much-counseling Ulysses arose, he stood and looked down, fixing his eyes on the earth. But he neither moved his scepter backwards nor forwards, but held it unmoved like an unskillful man. You would say indeed that he was a very irritable man, as well as devoid of reason. But when he did send forth a mighty voice from his breast and words like unto wintery flakes of snow, no longer then would another mortal contend with Ulysses, and behold, we then marveled not so much at the aspect of Ulysses as at his words. Then in the third place, having beheld Ajax, the old man asked, Who is that other Achaean hero, valiant and great, out-topping the Argives by his head and broad shoulders? But him, long-robed Helen answered, divine of women. This indeed is mighty Ajax, the bulwark of the Achaeans. On the other side, amongst the Cretans, stands Edomeneus, like unto a god. But around him the leaders of the Cretans are collected. Often did Mars' beloved Menelius entertain him in our palace when he would come from Crete. But now I behold all the other rolling-eyed Greeks whom I could easily recognize and pronounce their names. But two leaders of the people I cannot see, Horsetaming Castor and Pollux, skilled in boxing, twin brothers, whom the same mother brought forth with me, either they have not followed from Pleasant Lysidemon, or they indeed have followed Hither in the sea traversing ships, but now are reluctant to enter the fight of the heroes, fearing the disgrace and the many reproaches which are mine. Thus she spoke, but them the life-bestowing earth already possessed, there in Lysidemon, in their dear native land. But heralds through the city were bearing the firm pledges of the gods, two lambs and joyous wine, the fruit of the earth in a goat-skin flagon. But the herald Edeus also brought a splendid goblet and golden cups, and standing by him incited the old man in these words. A rise, son of Lydemon, the chiefs of the horse-breaking Trojans and of the brazen mailed Greeks, called thee to descend into the plain, that thou mayst ratify a faithful league. For Alexander and Mars' beloved Menileus are about to fight with long spears for the woman, but let the woman and the effects attend the conqueror, but let the rest of us, having struck a friendship and faithful league, inhabit fruitful Troy, and they shall return to horse-feeding Argus and to Achaea, famed for fair dames. Thus he said, but the old man shuddered and ordered his attendants to yoke his horses, and they briskly obeyed. Priam then mounted his chariot and drew back the reins, and beside him Antonor mounted the beautiful chariot. So they guided their fleet-steeds through the Sceion gates towards the plain. But when they had now come between the Trojans and the Greeks, descending from their steeds to the fruitful earth, they advanced into the midst of the Trojans and the Greeks. Then Agamemnon, king of heroes, immediately arose, and a much-counseling Ulysses arose. But the illustrious heralds collected together the faithful pledges of the gods and mixed wine in a bowl and poured water upon the hands of the kings. And the son of Atreus, drawing with his hands his dagger, which was always suspended at the huge sheet of his sword, cut off hairs from the heads of the lambs, and then the heralds distributed them to the chiefs of the Trojans and the Greeks. Amongst them, the son of Atreus prayed earnestly, having stretched forth his hands, O Father Job, ruling from Ida, most glorious, most mighty, and thou, O son, who beholdest all things, and nearest all things, and ye rivers and thou earth, and ye below who punish men deceased, whosoever swears with perjury, be ye witnesses and preserve the faithful league. If on the one hand Alexander should slay Menelaus, let him thenceforth retain Helen and all her possessions. But let us return in our sea traversing ships. But if on the contrary, yellow-haired Menelaus slay Alexander, let the Trojans then restore Helen and all her treasures, and pay a fine to the Argives, such as is just, and which may be recorded amongst posterity. But if Priam and the sons of Priam will not pay me the fine on Alexander falling, then will I afterwards fight on account of the fine, remaining here till I find an end of the war. He spoke, and cut the throats of the lamb with the cruel steel, and he laid them on the earth panting, wanting life, for the brass had taken away their vital strength. Then, having drawn wine from the goblet, they poured it into the cups and prayed to the immortal gods. But thus some one of the Greeks and Trojans said, O Jilv, most glorious, most mighty, and ye other immortal gods, whoever first shall offend against the leagues, so let the brain of themselves and of their children stream upon the ground like this wine, and let their wives be mingled with other men. Thus they said, nor yet did the son of Saturn ratify their vows. Then Priam, the son of Dardanus, addressed them, Hear me, ye Trojans, and ye well-greaved Greeks, I indeed return again to Wind-swept Ileon, since I can by no means endure to behold with these eyes my dear son fighting with Mars' beloved Benelais. Jilv certainly knows this, and the other immortal gods, to which of them the event of death is destined. He spoke, and the godlike man placed the lambs in the chariot, and ascended himself, and drew back the reins, and beside him Antonor mounted the very beautiful chariot. They, on their part, returning, went back towards Ileon. But Hector, on the other hand, the son of Priam and Divine Ulysses, first measured the ground, then taking the lots, they shook them in the brazen helmet to decide which should hurl the brazen spear first. But the people, meantime, supplicated and stretched forth their hands to the gods, and thus some one of the Greeks and Trojans said, Oh Father Jilv, ruling from Ida, most glorious, most mighty, whichever has caused these evil works to both sides, grant that he, being slain, may enter the house of Pluto, but that to us, on the other hand, there may be friendship and a faithful league. Thus then they spoke, and now, mighty helm-equivering Hector, shook the lots, looking backward. And quickly the lot of Paris leaped forth. They then sat down in their ranks where the fleet steeds of each stood, and their varied arms lay. But Divine Alexander, the husband of Fairhaired Helen, put on his beauteous armor around his shoulders. In the first place, around his legs, he placed his beautiful greaves, fitted with silver clasps. Then again he put on his breast the coarselet of his brother Lacaion, for it fitted him. But around his shoulders he slung his brazen, silver-studded sword, and then his huge and solid shield. But on his valiant head he placed a well-wrought helmet, crested with horsehair, and the crest nodded dreadfully from above. And he grasped his dowty spear, which fitted to his hands. In the same manner the Marshal Menelaus put on his arms. But they, when they were armed from each side of the throne, advanced to the middle between the Trojans and Greeks, looking dreadfully. And amazement seized the beholders, both the horse-breaking Trojans and the well-greaved Greeks. They then stood near in the measured-out space, brandishing their spears, incensed against each other. Alexander first hurled his long-shadowed spear and smote the shield of the son of Atreus equal on all sides, nor did the brass break, for the point was bent upon the strong shield. But next Menelaus, son of Atreus, commenced the brazen spear, praying to Father Jove, O King Jove, grant me to avenge myself on him who first injured me, and subdue impious Alexander under my hands, that everyone, even of future men, may shudder to offer injury to a guest who may have afforded him an hospitable reception. He spoke, and, brandishing, he hurled his long-shadowed spear and smote the shield of the son of Priam equal on all sides, and through the glittering shield went the voluptuous spear, and was stuck firmly into the deftly wrought corslet, and the spear pierced right through his soft tunic beside the flank. But he bent sideways, and evaded black death. Next the son of Atreus, having drawn his silver-studded sword, raising it, struck the cone of his helmet, but it fell from his hand, shivered roundabout into three or four pieces, and the son of Atreus groaned aloud, looking towards the wide heaven, O Father Jove, none other of the gods is more baleful than thou. Certainly I hoped to be avenged upon Alexander for his wickedness, but now my sword has been broken in my hands, and my spear has been hurled from my hand in vain, nor have I smote him. He spoke, and rushing on, he seized him by the horsehair tufted helmet, and turning began to drag him to the well-greaved Greeks. But the richly embroidered band under his tender throat was choking him, which was drawn under his chin as a strap of his helmet, and now he had dragged him away, and obtained infinite glory, had not Venus, the daughter of Jove, quickly perceived it, who broke for him the thong made from the hide of an ox, slaughtered by violence, and thereupon the empty helmet followed with his strong hand. It then, the hero whirling round, cast through the well-greaved Greeks, and his dear companions picked it up, and he, Menelaus, again rushed on, desiring to slay him with his brazen hair, but him Paris Venus very easily, as being a goddess, rescued, and covered him in a thick mist, then placed him down in his fragrant chamber, exaling perfumes. But she herself, on the other hand, went to call Helen, and she found her on the lofty tower, and many Trojan dames around her. Then with her hand catching her by the fragrant mantle, she shook her, and likening herself to an ancient dame, a spinner of wool, who used to comb fair wool for her when dwelling at Lysidemon, and she loved her much, to her having likened herself, Divine Venus accosted Helen. Come hither, Alexander calls thee to return home. He himself is in his chamber and turned bed, shining both in beauty and attire, nor would thou say that he had returned after having fought with the hero, but that he was going to the dance, or that just ceasing from the dance he sat down. Thus she said, and agitated the heart in her breast, and when she beheld the all-beautiest neck of the goddess, and her lovely bosom, and her flashing eyes, she was awestruck, and spoke a word, and said, Strange one, why dost thou desire to deceive me in these things? Will thou lead me anywhere farther on to one of the well-inhabited cities, either of Fridja, or Pleasant Maonia, if there be any of articulately speaking men dear to thee there? Is it because Menelaus, having now conquered noble Alexander, wishes to bring hated me home, that therefore, with artful purpose, thou now standest near me? Going, sit with him thyself, and renounce the path of the gods, and mayest thou no more return on thy feet to Olympus, but always grieve beside him and watch him, until he either make thee his consort, or he indeed make thee his handmaid. But there I will not go to adorn his couch, for it would be reprehensible. All the Trojan ladies henceforth will reproach me, but I shall have woes without measure in my soul. But her divine Venus incensed, thus addressed, wretch, provoke me not, lest in my wrath I abandon thee, and detest thee as much as heretofore I have wonderfully loved thee, and lest I scatter destructive hate in the midst of the Trojans and the Greeks, and thou perish by an evil fate. Thus she spoke, but Helen sprung from Jove dreaded, and she went covered with a white transparent and escaped the notice of all the Trojan dames, for the goddess led the way. But when they reached the very beautiful palace of Alexander, then the maids on their part turned themselves speedily to their tasks. But she, divine of women, ascended into her lofty-roofed chamber, and then, after loving Venus, carrying, placed a seat for her opposite Alexander. There Helen, daughter of the ages bearing Jove, sat, averting her eyes, and approached her husband with these words. Thou hast come from the war, would that thou hast perished there, slain by that brave hero who was my former husband, certainly thou disformily boastt, that thou wast superior to Mars beloved Menelaus in might, in hands, and at the spear, but go now, challenge Mars beloved Menelaus to fight once more against thee. But I advise thee to refrain, nor unadvisedly wage war and fight against the fair-haired Menelaus, lest perchance thou mayest be subdued beneath his spear. But her, Paris answering addressed in words, woman, assail me not in soul with reproachful taunts, for now indeed has Menelaus conquered by Manerva's aid, but I in turn will vanquish him, for gods are with us also. But come, let us delight in dalliance, reclining together, for never before did love so fondly unwrap my soul, even when formerly, having borne thee away from Pleasant Lacedaemon, I sailed and sea traversing ships, and was united with thee in love, and in the couch in the island of Crneia. So now am I enamored of thee, and sweet desire possesses me. He spoke, and led the way, ascending the couch, but his wife followed with him, they therefore rested upon their perforated couch. Meanwhile the son of Atreus was wandering through the crowd, like a huge beast, if anywhere he could perceive God like Alexander, but none of the Trojans or their illustrious allies could then point out Alexander to Mars' beloved Menelaus, for neither through friendship would they have concealed him, if anyone did see him, for he was hateful to them all, like sable death. But amongst them spoke Agamemnon, king of heroes, hear me ye Trojans, Greeks and allies, the victory indeed appears to belong to Mars' beloved Menelaus. Do ye therefore restore Argyve Helen and her treasures with her, and pay the fine which is fitting, and which shall be remembered by future men? Thus spoke the son of Atreus, and the other Greeks approved. End of book III Read by Stephen Carney Section IV Book IV 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 IV Book IV Argument Harris, not being slain, the combat left it doubtful whether Helen should be returned or not, but Juno extorts a promise from Jove of the final destruction of Troy. Minerva then persuades Pandaris to break the truce by aiming an arrow at Atreus. The wound is, however, cured by Machaeon. The Trojans proceed to the battle while Ekamemnon exhorts the chieftains of the Greeks. The fight then commences, Mars and Apollo encouraging the Trojans, Minerva, and the other deities, the Greeks. Now they, the gods, sitting on the golden floor with Jove, were engaged in consultation, and amidst them Venerable Hebe poured out the pledge to one another with golden cups, looking towards the city of the Trojans, forthwith the son of Saturn attempted to irritate Juno, speaking with a covert illusion with reproachful words. Two goddesses, indeed, are exhilaries to Menelaus, Argyve, Juno and Minerva of Alalcomene, and yet these forsooth sitting apart amuse themselves with looking on, but to the other, on the contrary, Paris, laughter-loving Venus is ever and avert's fate from him. But even now has she saved him, thinking that he was about to die. But the victory indeed belongs to Mars' beloved Menelaus. Let us therefore consult how these things shall be, for we shall again excite the destructive war and dreadful battle in, or promote friendship between both parties. And if moreover this shall perchance be grateful and pleasing to all, the city of Priam, indeed, may be inhabited, but let Menelaus lead back again, Argyve Helen. Thus he spoke, but Minerva and Juno murmured with closed lips, for they were sitting near and were devising evils for the Trojans. Minerva indeed was silent, nor said anything, indignant with her father Jove, for dreadful rage possessed her, but Juno could not retain her fury in her breast, but addressed him, Most baleful son of Saturn, what a sentence has thou uttered! I now wish to render my labour vain and to my sweat fruitless, which I have sweated through with toil, for the steeds are tired to me assembling the hosts, evils to Priam and to his sons, do so, but all we, the other gods, do not approve. But her, cloud-compelling Jove in great wrath, answered, Strange one, how now to Priam and the sons of Priam work so many wrongs against thee, that thou desirest implacably to the well-built city of Ileon, but if thou entering the gates and the lofty walls couldst devour a live Priam and the sons of Priam and the other Trojans, then perhaps thou mightest satiate thy fury. Do as thou wilt, lest this contention be in future a great strife between thee and me, but another thing I tell thee, and do thou lay it up in thy soul, whenever happily I anxiously desiring shall wish to destroy some city where men dear to thee were born, retard not my rage, but suffer me, for I have given thee this of free will, though with unwilling mind. For of those cities of earthly men, which are situated under the sun and the starry heaven, sacred Ileon was most honoured by me in my heart, and Priam and the people of Priam skilled in the ashen sphere. For there, my altars never lacked a due banquet and libation and savor. For under were we allotted. Him, then, the venerable full-eyed Juno answered, there are three cities indeed, most dear to me, Argos and Sparta, and Wide-Waid Mycenae, destroy these whenever they become hateful to thy soul. In behalf of these, I neither stand forth, nor do I grudge them to thee, for even were I to grudge them, and not suffer thee to destroy them by grudging, I avail nothing, since I am powerful, and yet it becomes thee to render my labour not fruitless. For I am a goddess, and thence my race went thine and wily saddened begat me, very venerable unto accounts, both by my parentage, and because I have been called thy spouse, moreover thou rulest amongst all the immortals. But truly let us make these concessions to each other, I on my part to thee, and thou to me, and the other immortal gods will follow, thou without delay bid Minerva go to the dreadful battled in of the Trojans and Greeks, and contrive that the Trojans may first begin to injure the most renowned Greeks, contrary to the leagues. Thus she spoke, nor did the father of gods and men disobey. Instantly he addressed Minerva in winged words, go very quickly to the army, among the Trojans and Greeks, and contrive that the Trojans may first begin to injure the most renowned Greeks, contrary to the league. Thus having spoken, he urged on Minerva, already inclined, she, hastening, descended the heights of Olympus, such as the star which the son of Wiley Saturn sends, assigned either to mariners, or to a wide host of nations, and from it many sparks are emitted, like unto this palace Minerva hastened to the earth, and leaped into the midst of the army, and astonishment seized the horse-breaking Trojans and the well-greaved Greeks, looking on, and thus would one say, looking at some other near him, doubtless, evil war, and dreadful battle-din will take place again, or Job is establishing friendship between both sides, he who has been ordained the arbiter of war amongst men. Thus then did someone of the Greeks and Trojans say, but she, like a hero, entered the host of the Trojans, the brave warrior Leodocus, son of Antonor, seeking God-like Pandaris, if anywhere, she might find him. She found the blameless and valiant son of Lycaion standing, and around him the brave ranks of shielded warriors who had followed him from the streams of Asipus, and, standing near, she thus to him spoke winged words, Wouldst thou now hearken to me in anything oh war-like son of Lycaion? Thou wouldst venture then to aim a swift arrow at Menelaus, doubtless thou wouldst bear away both thanks and glory from all the Trojans, but of all, chiefly from the Prince Alexander, from whom, indeed, first of all, thou wouldst receive splendid gifts, if he should see Marshal Menelaus, the son of Atreus, subdued by this weapon, ascending the sad pile. But come, aim an arrow at renowned Menelaus, and vow to Lycaion-born Apollo, the renowned archer, that thou wilt sacrifice a splendid hecatum of firstling lambs, having returned home to the city of sacred Zelea. Thus spoke Minerva, and she persuaded his mind for him, unthinking one. Straightway he uncased his well-polished bow, made from the horn of a wild-bounding goat, which he, indeed, surprising once on a time in ambush, as it was coming out of a cavern, struck, aiming at it beneath the breast, but it fell supine on the rock. Its horns had grown sixteen palms from its head, and these, the horn polishing artist, having duly prepared, fitted together, and when he had well smoothed all, added a golden tip. And having bent the bow, he aptly lowered it, having inclined it against the ground. But his excellent companions held their shields before him, lest the Marshal sons of the Greeks should rise against him, before war like Menelaus, the chief of the Greeks was wounded. Then he drew off the cover of his quiver, and took out an arrow fresh, winged, a cause of gloomy ills. Fourth width he fitted the bitter arrow to the string, and vowed to Lycean born Apollo, the renowned archer, that he would sacrifice a splendid hecatum of firstling lambs, having returned home to the city of Sacred Zelea. Having seized them, he drew together the notch of the arrow, and the tied string. The string, indeed, he brought near to his breast, and the barb to the bow. But after he had bent the great bow into a circle, the bow twanged, the bow string rang loudly, and the sharp pointed shaft bounded forth, impatient to wing its flight through the host. Nor did the blessed immortal gods forget the Omenelaus, but chiefly, the spoil-hunting daughter of Job, who, standing before thee, averted the deadly weapon. She as much repelled it from thy body as a mother repels a fly from her infant when it shall have laid itself down in sweet sleep. But she herself guided it to that part where the golden clasp saw the girdle bound it, and the double-formed coarslet met. The bitter arrow fell on his well-fitted belt, and through the deftly wrought belt was it driven, and it struck in the variegated coarslet, and the brazen plated belt which he wore, the main defense of his body, a guard against weapons which protect him most. Through even this did it pass onwards, and the arrow grazed the surface of the hero's skin, and straight-way black gore flowed from the wound, and as when some Maonian orcarian woman tinges ivory with purple color to be a cheek-trapping for steeds, in her chamber it lies, and in many charioteers desire to bear it, but it lies by as an ornament for the king, both as a decoration to the steed, and a glory to the rider. So, Menelaus, were thy well-proportioned thighs and legs and fair feet below, stained with gore. Then, Agamemnon, the king of men, shuddered as he beheld the black gore flowing from the wound, and a mars below it Menelaus himself shuddered, but when he saw the string and the barb still outside, his courage was once more collected in his breast. But Agamemnon, deeply sighing and holding Menelaus with his hand, spoke thus amidst them, and all his companions kept groaning with him. O dear brother, now have I ratified a treaty which will prove thy death, exposing thee alone to fight with the Trojans for the Greeks, since the Trojans have thus wounded thee, and trampled on the faithful league. But by no means shall the league and the blood of the lambs be in vain, and the pure libations and the right hands in which we confided. For even although Olympian Job has not immediately brought them to pass, he will, however, bring them to pass at last. And at a great price have they paid the penalty to wit, with their own heads and their wives and children, for this I know well in mind and soul. A day will be when sacred Ilium shall perish, and Priam, and the people of Ashenspeard Priam, and when Saturnian Job, lofty thrown dwelling in the ether, will himself shake his gloomy ages over all, wrathful on account of this treachery. These things indeed shall not be unaccomplished, but to me there will be grief on thy account, O Manilaus, if thou shalt die and fulfill the fate of life. Then indeed branded with shame shall I return to much longed for Argus, for quickly the Greeks will be think themselves of this land, and we shall leave Argyve Helen a boast to Priam and to the Trojans, and the earth will rot thy bones lying in Troy, near to an unfinished work, and thus will some one of the haughty Trojans exclaim, leaping upon the tune of glorious Manilaus, would that Agamemnon thus reeked his vengeance against all, as even now he has led hither an army of the Greeks in vain, and has now returned home into his dear native mighty ships, having left behind him brave Manilaus. Thus will some one hereafter say, then made the wide earth yawn for me. But him fair-haired Manilaus accosted, cheering him, have courage, nor in any wise fright in the people of their Keyans, the sharp arrow has not stuck in a vital part, but before it reached a vital part the variegated belt and the girdle beneath and the plate which brass-working men forged, warded off. King Agamemnon answering him replied, would that it were so, O beloved Manilaus, but the physician shall probe the wound and apply remedies which may ease thee of thy acute pains. He spoke, and thus accosted Talthibius, the divine herald. Talthibius, some one hither with all speed the hero Machion, son of the blameless physician, Escolapius, that he may see Marshal Manilaus, the chief of the Greeks, whom some skillful of the Trojans or of the Lycians has wounded with a shaft, a glory indeed to him, but a grief to us. He spoke, nor did the herald disobey when he had heard, but he proceeded to go through the forces of the brazen mailed Greeks, looking around for the hero Machion. Him he saw standing, and round him the brave ranks of the shield-bearing hosts, who followed him from steed nourishing Tricca, standing near he spoke winged words, Come, host son of Escolapius, like a memnon king of men Colzi, that thou mayest see Marshal Manilaus, the son of Atreus, whom some skillful archer of the Trojans or of the Lycians has wounded with a dart, a glory indeed to him, but a grief to us. Thus he spoke, and incited his soul within his breast, and they proceeded to go through the host, through the wide army of the Greeks, but when they had now arrived where Manilaus had been wounded, but around him were collected as many as were bravest in a circle, while the godlike hero stood in the midst. Instantly, thereupon, he extracted the arrow from the well-fitted belt. But while it was being extracted, the sharp barbs were broken, then he loosed the variegated belt and the girdle beneath, and the plated belt which brass workers had forged. But when he perceived the wound where the bitter shaft had fallen, he willfully sprinkled on it soothing remedies which Benevolent Chiron had formally given to his father. Whilst they were thus occupied around war like Manilaus, meantime the ranks of the shielded Trojans advanced, and these again put on their arms and were mindful of battle. Then would you not see divine Agamemnon slumbering, nor trembling, nor refusing to fight, but hastening quickly to the glorious fight. He left his steeds indeed and his servant Eurimodon, son of Ptolemaeus, the son of Piraeus held apart panting. Him he strictly enjoined to keep them near him against the time when weariness should seize his limbs, commanding over many. But he on foot traversed the ranks of the heroes, and whichever of the swift hoarse Greeks he saw hastening, them standing beside, he encouraged with words, Argyves, remit not of your fierce order, for father Jovo will not be unabettered to falsehood, but certainly vultures will devour the tender bodies of those very persons who first offered injury contrary to the league, and we, after we shall have taken the city, will carry off in our ships their dear wives and their infant children. But whomsoever on the other hand he saw declining hateful battle, them he much rebuked with angry words. Argyves, e-arrow fighters, subjects for disgrace, are he not ashamed? Why stand ye here astounded, like fawns which, when they are wearied running through the extensive plain stand, and have no strength in their hearts? Thus do ye stand amazed, nor fight? Do ye await the Trojans until they come near, where your fair proud galleys are moored on the shore of the Hori Sea, that ye may know whether the son of Saturn will stretch forth his hand over you? Thus he, acting as commander, kept going through the ranks of those, and he came to the Cretans going through the throng of men, but they were armed around war like Indominaeus. Indominaeus on his part commanded in the van, like a bore in strength. But Maryonus urged on the hind most phalanges for him. Seeing these, Agamemnon, the king of men rejoiced, and instantly accosted Indominaeus in bland words. O Indominaeus, I honour thee, indeed, above the swift-horsed Greeks, as well in war as in any other work, and at the banquet, when the nobles of the Argyves mix in their cups the dark red honourable wine. For though the other crested Greeks drink by certain measures, thy cup always stands full, as mine to me, that thou mayest drink when thy mind desires it. But hasten into war, such as formerly thou didst boast to be. But him, Indominaeus, the leader of the Cretans, in turn answered, son of Aetreus, a very congenial ally will I be to thee, as first I promised and dissented, but exhort the other crested Greeks that we may fight with all haste, since the Trojans have a confounded the league, death and grief shall be theirs hereafter, since they first offered injury contrary to the league. Thus he spoke, and the son of Aetreus passed on, joyous at heart, and he came to the Ajaces, going to the troops of the heroes, but they were then followed a cloud of infantry, as when a goat herd from a hilltop perceives a cloud traversing the deep beneath the north-western blast, and to him, standing at a distance, it appears, while coming over the ocean, darker than pitch, and brings with it a mighty whirlwind. He both shudders on seeing it and drives his flock into a cave. Such, with the Ajaces, moved into hostile battle, the dense dark phalanxes of Jove nurtured youths, bristling death shields and spears, and King Agamemnon seeing them rejoiced, and accosting them spoke winged words. Ye Ajaces, leaders of the brazen mailed archives, ye too indeed, for it becomes me not, I in no respect desire to incite, for ye yourselves mightily instigate the people to fight valiantly. Would that old father Jove, Manerva, and Apollo such courage were in the breasts of all? Soon, then, would the city of King Priam bend to its fall, taken and destroyed by our hands. Thus having said, he left them there and went to the others. There he found Nestor, the harmonious orator of the Pylians, marshalling his associates, and exhorting them to battle, mighty Pelagon, Alastor, Chromius, and Prince Haemon, and Bias, the shepherd of the people. In front, indeed, he placed their horses and chariots, but the foot both numerous and brave in the rear, to be the stay of the battle. But the coward he drove into the middle, that every man, even unwilling, might fight from necessity. At first, indeed, he gave orders to the horsemen, these he commanded to reign in their horses, nor to be confused with the crowd, and let no person relying on his skill in horsemanship and on his strength desire alone before the rest of the origins, nor let him retreat. For if so, ye will be weaker, and whatever man from his own chariot can reach that of another, let him stretch out with his spear, for so it is much better, for thus the ancients overturned cities and walls, keeping this purpose and resolution in their breasts. Thus the old man, long since well skilled in wars, exhorted them, and King Agamemnon rejoiced when he saw him, and winging at words, Oh old man, would that thy knees could so follow thee, and thy strength were firm as is the courage in thy breast. But old age, common alike to all weary's thee, would that some other man had thy age, and that thou wert amongst the more youthful. Him then, the gerinian knight Nester answered, Son of Atreus, I myself would much wise to be so, as when I killed Euthelion, I would give all things at the same time to men, if I were a young man then, now in turn old age invades me, yet even so I will be with the horse, and will exhort them with counsel and words, for this is the office of old men, but let the youths who are younger than I am, and confide in their strength brandish their spears. Thus he spoke, and the Son of Atreus passed him by, rejoicing at heart. Next Euthelius, Son of Piteus, standing, and around him the Athenians, skilled in the warshout, but crafty Ulysses stood near, and around him stood the ranks of the Cephalinians not feeble, for not yet had the troops of these heard the shout, since lately the roused phalanxes of the horse of doing Trojans, and of the Greeks moved along. But they stood waiting till another division of the Greeks coming on should have seen these, therefore, Agamemnon the king of men reproved them, and accosting them spoke winged words. O Son of Piteus, Joven nurtured king, and thou accomplished evil wiles, crafty minded Ulysses, why trembling do ye refrain from battle and wait for others? It became you indeed, being amongst the first, to stand and meet the ardent battle. For ye are the first invited by me to the feast and prepare a banquet for the chiefs, then it is pleasant to ye to eat the roasted meats and to quaff cups of sweet wine as long as ye please. But now would ye in preference be spectators, though ten divisions of the Greeks should fight in your presence with the ruthless brass? But him sternly regarding crafty Ulysses answered thus, Son of Piteus, what a word has escaped the barrier of thy remiss in fighting. Whenever we Greeks stir up fierce conflict against the horse-taming Trojans, thou shalt see if thou desirest, and if these things are a care to thee, the beloved father of the Telemachus mingled with the foremost of the horse-taming Trojans. But thou sayest these things rashly. But him, king Agamemnon, when he perceived that he was angry, smiling, addressed, and he retracted his words, noble Son of Lertes, much like the Ulysses, I neither chide thee in terms above-measured nor exhort thee, for I am aware that thy mind and thy breastkins friendly counsels. For thou thinkest the same that I do. But come, we shall settle these disputes at a future time, should anything evil have now been uttered. But may the gods render all these things vain. Thus having spoken, he left them there and went to others. He found a magnanimous Diomedes, Son of Piteus, standing by his horses mounted chariot. Near him stood Sathenolus, Son of Capeneus. And having seen him too, king Agamemnon reproved him and accosting him thus spoke winged words. Alas, O Son of War, like horse-breaking Tideus, why dost thou tremble? Why dost thou explore the intervals of the ranks? It was not with Tideus thus customary to tremble, but to fight with the enemy far before his dear companions. So they have said who beheld him for I never met, nor have I beheld him. But they say that he excelled all others. For certainly with God like Polineses he entered Mycenae without war like a ray, a guest collecting forces. They were then preparing an expedition against the sacred walls of Thebes and supplicated much that they would give renowned auxiliaries. But they, the Mycenaeans, were willing to give them and approved of it as they urged. But Job changed their design, showing unpropitious homens. But after they departed and proceeded on their way, they came to rushy, grassy Asopus, then the Achaeans sent Tideus upon an embassy. Accordingly he went and found many cadmians feasting in the palace of brave Etiocles. Then the night's Tideus, though being a stranger, feared not being alone amongst many cadmians but challenged them to contend in games and easily conquered in all, so mighty a second was Minerva to him. But the cadmians, goders of steeds being enraged, leading fifty youths, laid a crafty ambuscade for him returning. But there were two leaders, Maeon of Haman, like unto the immortals, and like Afontes persevering in fight, the son of Otophonus. Tideus, however, brought cruel death upon them. He killed them all but sent one only to return for he dismissed Maeon obeying the portents of the gods. Such was the Etolian Tideus, but he begat a son inferior to himself in battle but superior in council. Thus he spoke, but brave Diomedi answered nothing, reverencing the rebuke of the venerable king. But him, the son of renowned Cappanius answered, son of Atreus, lie not knowing how to tell truth. We boast to be far better than our fathers. We, too, have taken the citadel of seven gated thieves, leading fewer troops under the wall sacred to Mars, confiding in the portents of the gods and in the aid of Jove. But they perished through their own infatuation, wherefor never placed my ancestors in the same rank with me. Him sternly regarding brave Diomedia costed thus, my friend, Sathenilus, sit in silence and obey my words, for I blame not the shepherd of the people, for thus exhorting the well-grieved Greeks to fight. Glory shall attend him if indeed the Greeks shall conquer the Trojans and take sacred Ilium, but great grief shall be his on the other hand, the Greeks being cut off. But come now and let us be mindful of impetuous valor. He spoke, and from his chariot leaped with his arms upon the earth and dreadfully sounded the brass on the breast of the prince, as he was wrong. Then truly would fear have seized even a brave spirit, as when on the loud resounding shore a wave of the sea is impaled in continuous succession beneath the northwest wind, which has set it in motion, at first indeed it raises itself aloft in the deep, but then dashed against the land it roars mightily and being swollen it rises high around the projecting points and spits from it the foam of the sea. Thus then, the thick phalanxies of the Greeks moved incessantly on to battle. Each leader commanded his own troops, the rest went in silence nor would you have said that so numerous an army followed having the power of speech in their breasts, silently reverencing their leaders and around them all their arms of various workmanship shone brightly clad with which they proceeded in order. But the Trojans as the sheep of a rich man stand countless in the fold whilst they are milked of their white milk continually bleating having heard the voice of their lambs, thus was a clamor of the Trojans excited through the wide army. For there was not the same shout of all, nor the same voice, but their language was mixed for the men were called from many climes. These, Mars urged on, but those blue-eyed Minerva and terror and rout and strife insatiably raging, the sister and attendant of homicide Mars, she raises her head small indeed at first but afterwards she has fixed her head in heaven and stalks along the earth. Then also she going through the crowd increasing the groaning of the men cast into the midst upon them contention alike destruction to all. But they when now meeting had reached the same place at once joined their oxide shields and their spears and the might of brazen mailed warriors and the Basi shields met one another and much battled in a rose. There at the same time were heard both the groans and the shouts of men slaying and being slain and the earth flowed with blood as when wintry torrents flowing down from the mountains mix in a basin the impetuous water from their great springs in a hollow ravine and the shepherd in the mountains hears the distant roar so arose a shouting and panic of them mixed together. Antillicus first killed a Trojan warrior and heopolis, son of Elyseus valiant in the van. Him he first struck on the cone of his horse-plumed helmet and the brazen point fixed itself in his forehead then pierced the bone and darkness veiled his eyes and he fell like a tower in fierce conflict. Him fallen king Elephanor the offspring of Chalcadon chief of the magnanimous Abantes seized by the feet and was drawing him beyond the reach of darts in haste that with all haste he waited to spoil him of his armor but that attempt was short for magnanimous Agenor having discreet him dragging the body wounded him with a brazen spear in his side which as he stopped appeared from beneath the covert of his shield and he relaxed his limbs in death his soul therefore left him but over him arose a fierce conflict of Trojans and of Greeks but they like wolves rushed on each other and man bore down man then Telemonian Ajax the looming youth Simoesius son of Anthemian whom formally his mother descending from Ida brought forth on the banks of Simoes when to wit she followed her parents to view the flocks wherefore they called him Simoesus nor did he repay to his dear parents the price of his early nurture for his life was short he being slain with a spear by magnanimous Ajax for him advancing first he Ajax struck on the breast and the brazen spear passed out through his shoulder on the opposite side he fell on the ground in the dust like a poplar winch has sprung up in the moist grassland of an extensive marsh branches grow smooth yet upon the very top which the chariot maker lops with the shining steel that he might bend it as a fellow for a beautiest chariot drying it lies indeed on the banks of the river so did the high born Ajax spoil Simoesius the descendant of Anthemian but at him antiphous of the varied courselet the son of Priam took aim to the crowd with a sharp spear from whom indeed it aired but he struck Leukas the faithful companion of Ulysses in the groin as he was drawing the body aside but he fell near it and the body dropped from his hand for him slain Ulysses was much enraged in mind and he rushed through the van armed in shining brass and advancing very near he stood and casting his eyes all around him hurled with his glittering spear but the Trojans retired in confusion as the hero hurled he did not however hurl the spear in vain but struck Demokun the spurious son of Priam who came from Abidus from tending the swift mares him Ulysses enraged for his companion struck with his spear in the temple and the brazen point penetrated through the other temple and darkness veiled his eyes falling he made a crash and his arms resounded upon him both the foremost bands and illustrious Hector fell back the archives shouted aloud and dragged the bodies away then they rushed farther forward and Apollo was enraged looking down from Pergamus and shouting out exhorted the Trojans Arousie, a horse-breaking Trojans nor yield the battle to the Greeks since their flesh is not of stone nor of iron that when they are struck it should withstand the flesh-rending brass on the fair-haired Thetis fight but at the ships he nourishes his vexatious spleen thus spoke the dreadful God from the city but most glorious Tritonian palace the daughter of Jove going through the host roused the Greeks wherever she saw them relaxing then fate ensnared Dioris son of Emerincius for he was struck with a jagged handstone at the ankle on the right leg but Pyrus son of Embraces who came from Aenus the leader of the Thracian warriors struck him the reckless stone entirely crushed both tendons and bones supine in the dust he fell stretching forth both hands to his dear companions and breathing forth his soul but Pyrus he who struck him ran up and pierced him in the navel with his spear and there upon all his entrails poured forth upon the ground and darkness veiled his eyes but him Etolian Thoas struck rushing on with his spear in the breast over the pap he was fastened in his lungs Thoas came near to him and drew the mighty spear out of his breast then he unsheathed his sharp sword and with it smote him in the midst of the belly and took away his life but he did not spoil him of his armor for his companions stood round him the hair tufted Thracians holding long spears in their hands who drove him from them though being mighty and valiant and glorious but he retreating was repulsed with force thus these two were stretched in the dust near to each other Pyrus indeed the leader of the Thracians and Dioris the leader of the brazen mailed Epaeians and many others also were slain around then no longer could any man having come into the field find fault with the action who even as yet neither wounded from distant blows nor pierced close at hand with a sharp brass might be busyed in the midst and whom spear brandishing Minerva might lead by the hand and might avert from him the violence of the darts for many of the Thracians and of the Greeks on that day were stretched prone in the dust beside one another and of book the fourth read by Stephen Carney section five book the fifth of the Iliad of Homer this Slibervox recording is in the public domain recording by Stephen Carney the Iliad of Homer by Homer translated by Theodore Alois Buckley section five book the fifth argument the exploits of Diomedes who irritated by a wound from Pandaris fights with unremitted fury and even the wounds Venus and Mars who were aiding the Thracians then moreover Pallas Minerva gave strength and daring to Diomedes the son of Tidias that he might become conspicuous amongst all the Argyves and might bear off for himself excellent renown and she kindled from his helmet and his shield an unwearyed fire like unto the summer star which shines very brightly having been bathed in the ocean such a fire she kindled from his head and shoulders and she urged him into the midst where the greatest numbers were in commotion now there was amongst the Trojans one Darius rich, blameless, the priest of Vulcan and he had two sons Fidius and Edeus killed in all kinds of battle these Twain apart from their companions rushed to meet Diomedes they on their part from their two horse chariot but he from the ground made the attack on foot when these therefore advancing against each other were now near Fidius first hurled forth his long shadowed spear and the point of the spear went over the left shoulder of the son of Tidias nor did it strike him but the son of Tidias next rushed on with his brazen javelin nor did the weapon fly in vain from his hand but struck Fidius' breast between the paps and forced him from his chariot then Edeus leaped down having left the very beautiful chariot nor ventured to protect his slain brother in vain for not even he would have escaped gloomy fate but Vulcan snatched him away and saved him having enveloped him in darkness that the old man might not be altogether sad but the son of magnanimous Tidias having taken the horses gave them to his companions to lead to the hollow ships when the magnanimous Trojans beheld the sons of Darius the one flying, the other slain at the chariot the hearts of all were discomforted but as your item in Nerva seizing him by the hand thus addressed impetuous Mars Mars, Mars, Manslayer Gorstain, Stormer of Walls should we not suffer the Trojans and the Greeks to fight to which sides however father Jove may give glory but let us retire and avoid the wrath of Jove thus having said she led impetuous Mars from the battle and afterwards seated him on grassy's commander then the Greeks returned to the Trojans to flight and each of the leaders slew his man first Agamemnon king of men hurled from his chariot huge Hodeus, chief of the Halazonians for in the back of him first turned in flight between his shoulders he fixed the spear and drove it through his breast then he made a crash and his arms resounded upon him but next Edominaeus killed Festius the son of Maeonian Borus who had come from the fertile Tarny him, just as he was mounting his chariot spear famed Edominaeus with his long lance wounded in the right shoulder he fell from his chariot and hateful darkness seized him then the attendants of Edominaeus despoiled him of his arms Manilaeus the son of Atreus slew with his sharp spear Scamandreus, son of Strophius clever in the chase, an excellent huntsman for Diana herself taught him to shoot all kinds of beasts which the wood in the mountains nurtures but then at least Erore rejoicing Diana availed him not nor his skill in distant shooting in which he had been formally instructed but spear renowned Manilaeus son of Atreus wounded him flying before him with the spear in the back between the shoulders and drove the spear through his breast he fell and his arms resounded upon him Marionus slew Fereclus, son of the artist Harman who knew how to form with his hands all ingenious things for Palis Manerba loved him exceedingly who also for Alexander had built the equal ships source of woes which were obeying to all the Trojans and to himself since he did not understand the oracles of the gods Marionus indeed when following he overtook him struck him in the right hip he went right through beneath the bone near the bladder and on his knees he fell lamenting and death overshadowed him but mages next slew Padaeus son of Antenor who indeed was a spurious son its noble Theano brought him up with care equally with her own dear children gratifying her husband him the spear famed son of Phileus on his part coming near smote on the back of the head with his sharp spear the steel cut through his teeth under his tongue in the dust he fell and cut the cold steel in his teeth but Eurypilus son of Evamon slew Noble Hypsenor son of Magnanimus Dolopion who was priest of Scamander and was honored as a god by the people him as he was flying before him Eurypilus then the illustrious son of Evamon struck in the shoulder in his flight rushing on with his sword and cut off his heavy hand then the gory hand fell in the field but blood red death and stern fate seized his eyes thus they on their part labored in the violent fight but you would not have known the son of Tideas to which side he belonged whether he was mixed with the Trojans or with the Greeks for he rushed through the plain like unto a river swollen by mountain streams which flowing rapidly throws down bridges and this neither the fortified dams can restrain nor the fences of the richly blooming fields check as it comes suddenly when the rainstorm of Jove bears down heavily many hopeful works of vigorous youths are once to fall by it thus by the son of Tideas were the close phalanxies of the Trojans thrown into confusion nor did they withstand him although being numerous when therefore Pandaris the illustrious son of Lycaon saw him rushing through the field discomforting the phalanxies before him he drew his crooked bow and smote him rushing on striking him upon the right shoulder on the cavity of the corslet the bittershaft flew on and broke through to the other side and the corslet was stained with blood whereupon the illustrious son of Lycaon exclaimed aloud Roshan e magnanimous Trojans spurs of steeds for the bravest of the Greeks is wounded nor do I think that he will long endure the violent arrow of King Apollo the son of Jove really urged me proceeding from Lycea thus he spoke, vaunting but him, Diomedi, the swift arrow did not subdue but having retreated he stood before his horses and chariot thus accosted Sathenelus, son of Copaeneus haste, dear son of Copaeneus descend from thy chariot that thou mayest draw from my shoulder the bittershaft thus he spoke and Sathenelus leaped from his chariot to the ground and standing by him drew the swift deeply pierced arrow forth from his shoulder and the blood spurted out through the twisted mail then Diomedi brave in battle prayed, hear me, oh daughter of Aegis bearing Jove unwirried if ever favouring he stood just by me and my sire in the hostile fight now in turn befriended me, oh Minerva and grant me to slay this man and that he may approach within the aim of my spear, who being beforehand has struck me and boasts and says that I shall not long behold the brilliant light of the sun thus he spoke praying and Pallas Minerva heard him and made light his limbs, his feet and his hands above and standing near him spoke winged words of confidence now Diomedi fight against the Trojans for into thy soul have I sent that intrepid ancestral might such as the shield brandishing night-tideas was want to possess and moreover I have taken away the darkness from thine eyes which before was upon them that thou mayest discern a god and also a man wherefore now if any divinity come hither making trial of thee do thou by no means fight against any other immortal gods but if Venus daughter of Jove come into battle wound her at all events with the sharp brass thus on her part having spoken Azir-Eid Minerva departed but the son of Tideas returning again was mixed with the van and ardent as he was before in spirit to fight against the Trojans then indeed thrice as much courage possessed him like as a lion whom the shepherd in the country by his fleecy sheep has grazed indeed while over leaping the courtyard but has not killed he the shepherd has merely roused his ardor but afterwards he ventures no farther aid but on the contrary retires within the fold while the sheep deserted fly in consternation these indeed are huddled in masses one upon another but he the lion leaps joyfully from the lofty fold so was brave Diomedi joyfully mixed with the Trojans then he slew Astonis and Hapenor the shepherd of the people having smote the one above the pap with the brazen lance and the other he smote with its huge sword on the collarbone at the shoulder and separated the shoulder from the neck and back these indeed he left but rushed on Abbas and Polyadis the sons of Eurydimus the aged interpreter of dreams to whom going to the war the old man did not interpret their dreams but brave Diomedi spoiled them when slain then he went against Xanthus and Thun the sons of Phaenops both dearly cherished but he was warned by sad old age to get another son to leave over his possessions these then Diomedi slew and took their life from both but to their father left grief and mournful cares since he did not receive them returning a life from battle but his next of kin divided the inheritance amongst them then he seized Ecumen and Chromius two sons of the Dardanian Priam being in one chariot as when a lion leaping amidst the herd has broken the neck of a heifer or of an ox pasturing in a thicket the son of Tidius forcibly dislodged them both from the chariot against their wills and then spoiled them of their arms but the seeds he gave to his companions to drive to the ships but him Aeneas beheld devastating the ranks of men and he hastened to go both through the battle and the din of spears seeking God like Pandaris if anywhere he might find him he found the blameless and valiant son of Lycaon and stood before him and spoke this word to him O Pandaris, where are thy bow and thy winged shafts and thy renown with which no man here at least contends with thee nor does any person in Lycia boast to be braver than thou? but come having raised thy hands to Jove aim an arrow against this man whoever he be who is thus prevailing and who has already wrought many ills against the Trojans since he has relaxed the knees of many and of brave unless he be some god wrathful against the Trojans angry on account of sacrifices not offered and unless the severe wrath of a deity be upon us him the illustrious son of Lycaon answered in turn Aeneas, counselor of the brazen male Trojans I assimilate him in all respects to the warlike son of Tideas recognizing him by his shield and a blond helmet and looking on his steeds but I do not know certainly whether he be a god but if this man whom I speak of be the warlike son of Tideas he does not perform these frantic deeds without divine aid but some one of the immortal stands near wrapped around as to his shoulders in a cloud who has turned into another course the swift shaft just about to hit him for but just now I aimed an arrow at him and struck him on the right shoulder entirely through the cavity of his corset and I thought I should hurl him down to Plato yet did I not altogether subdue him some god of a truth is wrathful the steeds and chariots are not present which I might ascend but somewhere in the palaces of Lycaon are eleven chariots beautiful, newly built, lately made coverings are spread around them and beside each of them stands steeds yoked in pairs eating white barley and wheat of a truth the aged warrior Lycaon gave me on setting out very many commands in his well-built palaces he ordered me having ascended my steeds and my chariot but I heeded him not and truly it would have been much better sparing my steeds less they accustomed to feed largely should want food to my cost the men being shot up in the city thus I left them but I have come on foot to Troy relying on my bow and arrows but these were not destined to profit me for lately I aimed a shaft at two chiefs at the sons of Tideus and the son of Atreus and having struck I drew blood manifestly from both but I roused them the more therefore with evil fate I took down my curved bow from the peg and on that day when I led the Trojans to Pleasant Helium doing a favor to Divine Hector but if I shall return and shall with these eyes behold my country and my wife and my lofty roofed great palace immediately may some hostile man cut off my head if I do not put this bow into the shining fire having broken it with my hands for it attends on me to no purpose him then Aeneas the leader of the Trojans addressed in turn speak not so but it will not be otherwise before that we twain with horses and chariot going against this man make trial of him with arms but come ascend my chariot that thou mayest see of what kind are the steeds of Troes skillful in the plane to pursue rapidly here and there and to retreat they also shall bring us safe again to the city if Joe will a second time afford glory to Diomedi the son of Tideas but come take the whip now and the shining reins and I will descend from the chariot that I may fight or do thou await this man and the steeds shall be my care him then the illustrious son of Lycaion answered in turn Aeneas do thou thyself hold the reins and thy own steeds the better will they bear along the curved chariot under their accustomed charioteer if we shall fly back from the son lest they taking fright should become restive and be unwilling to bear us away from the war missing thy voice and the son of magnanimous Tideas rushing on us should slay ourselves and drive away thy solid hooves steeds but do thou thyself drive the chariot and thy own steeds but with my sharp spear will I receive him advancing thus having said ascended the variegated chariot they directed the swift steeds impetuously against the son of Tideas but Sathenolus, the illustrious son of Cephenius, perceived them and immediately to the son of Tideas he spoke to winged words Diamidi, son of Tideas, most dear to my soul I perceive two valiant men eager to fight against thee possessing immense might one indeed well skilled in the bow Pandaris and moreover he boast to be the son of Lycaion and Aeneas who boast to be born the son of magnanimous Ankhises Aeneas is his mother but come let us now retire having ascended our horses nor thus I pray thee run furiously through the van lest thou shouldst lose thy dear life but him sternly regarding brave Diamidi thus addressed talk not to me of retreat since I think thou wilt not persuade me it becomes not my nature to fight in a skulking manner nor to tremble as yet my strength is unimpaired I am averse to mount the chariot I am will I advance to meet them spear brandishing Minerva does not suffer me to tremble neither shall the swift horses bear these twain both back again from us supposing even one of them shall escape but another thing I tell thee and do thou lay it up in thy soul if most prudent Minerva should grant me the glory to kill both then do thou detain here these swift steeds stretching forth the reins from the rim and mindful rush upon the horses of Aeneas from the Trojans to the well-grieved Greeks for they are of that breed which gave far-seeing Jove as a price to Troz or his own son Ganymede wherefore they are the best of seeds as many as are under the east and the sun from this breed Ancheses king of men stole them having supplied mares without the knowledge of Leomedon of the breed of these six were fold in his courts reserving for himself he nursed them at the manger two skilled in rousing terror he gave to Aeneas if we can take these we shall have borne away excellent glory thus they were speaking such things to each other but the other soon drew near urging onward their swift steeds the illustrious son of Lycaeon first accosted Dymede stout-hearted warlike minded son of illustrious Tideas certainly my swift shaft my bitter arrow has not slain thee now again will I try with my spear to hit my mark he said and brandishing it he sent forth his long-shadowed spear and struck the shield of Tideas but the brazen spear flying straight through approached the corselit then the son of Lycaeon shouted thou the over him thou art wounded in the flank through and through nor do I think thou wilt endure it much longer but to me has thou given great glory but him the valiant son of Tideas thou hast aired nor has thou reached thy name but I certainly think thou wilt not seize till one of you at least having fallen salsatiate Mars the warrior of the bull's hide shield with his blood thus having spoken he hurried forth his lance and Minerva directed the weapon to his nose near the eye and it passed quite through his white teeth and then unwirried the brass cut the root of his tongue and the point came out at the bottom of his chin from his chariot he fell and his variegated shining arms resounded upon him but his swift-footed steed started aside through fright and there were his soul and strength dissolved Aeneas then bounded down with his shield and long spear fearing lest the Greeks by any mean should take the body away from him he walked round it therefore like a lion confiding in his strength and before him he stretched out his lance and his shield equal on all sides shouting dreadfully eager to slay him whoever might come against him but the son of Tideas seized in his grasp a handstone a huge affair such as no two men could carry such as least as mortals are now but he even alone easily wielded it with it he struck Aeneas on the hip where the thigh is turned in the hip they call it the socket the socket he smote violently and broke besides both tendons and the rugged stone tore off the skin but the hero having fallen on his knees remained so and supported himself with his strong hand upon the ground and dark night veiled his eyes and there of a truth Aeneas the king of men had perished unless Venus the daughter of Jove had quickly perceived him his mother who brought him forth to Ancheses as he fed his oxen but around her own dear son she spread her white arms and before him she extended the fold of her shining robe as a fence against arrows and many of the swift-horsed Greeks having cast the steel into his breast should take away his life she indeed stealthily bore off her beloved son from the battle nor was the son of Copaeneas forgetful of those commands which war like they immediately gave him but he detained his own solid hooved steeds apart from the tumult having stretched forth the reins from the rim and rushing forward drove from the Trojans to the well-grieved Greeks the beautiful maimed steeds of Aeneas and gave them to Diopolis whom he honored above all his co-evils because he possessed in his mind sentiment congenial with himself to drive them to the hollow ships but the hero himself having ascended his chariot took the splendid reins and instantly drove his solid hooved steeds after the son of Tideas with Arder but Diomedes pursued Venus with the cruel steel knowing that she was an un-war-like goddess nor one of those goddesses who had ministered the war of men nor city-destroying Belona but when he had now overtaken her having pursued her through a great crowd then the son of Magnanimous Tideas having stretched forward wounded the feeble goddess in the extremity of the hand bounding on with a sharp brass instantly the spear pierced through the skin through her ambrosial robe which the graces themselves had wrought at the extremity of the hand above the palm immortal blood flowed from the goddess Icartis such a witt as flows from the blessed gods for they eat not bread nor drink dark wine therefore are they bloodless and are called immortal but she started screaming a loud cast her son from her and him Phoebus Apollo rescued in his hands in a sable cloud lest any of the swift-horst Greeks casting the steel into his breast should take away his life but war-like Diomedes shouted loudly after her with draw daughter of jove from war and battle is it not sufficient that thou dost practice deception upon feeble women but if thou wilt go to the war I certainly think thou wilt hear after dread battle even though thou but hearest of it elsewhere thus he spoke but she departed distracted with pain for she was grievously exhausted but swift-footed Iris having taken her let her outside the crowd oppressed with griefs but she began to turn livid as to her beautiest skin then she found petuous Mars sitting at the left of the battle and his spear and swift-horses had been enveloped in darkness but she falling on her knees with many entreaties besought from her dear brother his golden front-leaded steeds dear brother render me a surface and give me thy steeds that I might go to Olympus where is the seat of the immortals I am grievously oppressed with the wound which immortal man the son of Tydeus inflicted on me who now would fight even with father Jove thus she spoke but Mars gave her the golden front-leaded steeds but she mounted the chariot grieving in her heart and Iris mounted beside her and took the reins in her hands and scourged them to go on and they flew not unwillingly and immediately then they reached the seat of the gods the lofty Olympus there nimble swift-footed Iris stayed the steeds having loosed them from the chariot and set before them ambrosial fodder but the goddess Venus fell at the knees of her brother Diony and she embraced her daughter in her arms and soothed her with her hand and addressed her and said which of the heavenly gods beloved daughter has wantonly done such things to thee as if thou hadst openly wrought some evil but her laughter-loving Venus answered the son of Tydeus haughty Diomedes has wounded me because I was withdrawing from battle my beloved son Aeneus who is by far most dear to me of all for it is no longer the destructive contest of Trojans and of Greeks but now the Greeks fight even with the immortals but her Diony, divine one of the goddesses, answered endure my daughter and bear up although grieved for many of us possessing Olympian habitations have in these times passed endured pains at the hands of men imposing heavy grieves on one another Mars in the first place endured it when Otis and Valiant Iphialtes the son of Ilius found him in a strong chain he was chained in a brazen prison for thirteen months and perhaps Mars in satiate of war had perished there had not his stepmother all fair Arabia told it to Mercury but he stole Mars away already exhausted for the cruel chain subdued him Juno also suffered when the brave son of Amphimetron smote her in the right breast with a three pronged shaft then most mortal pain seized her amongst these Pluto also endured a swift shaft when the same hero the son of Aegis bearing Jove afflicted him with pains at Pylos amongst the dead having wounded him but he went to the palace of Jove and the lofty Olympus grieving in his heart and transfixed it with pains where the shaft had pierced into his huge shoulder and tortured his soul but Paeon healed him sprinkling pain he was not at all mortal audacious regardless one who felt no compunction in doing lawless deeds who with his bow violated the gods that dwell in Olympus but against the azure-eyed goddess Minerva has excited this man infatuate nor does the son of Tidias know this in his mind that he is by no means long lived who fights with the immortals nor ever at his knees will sons lisp a father's name as he returns from war and dreadful battle therefore let the son of Tidias now though he be very brave have a care lest a better than thou fight with him lest at the future time Aegalia the very prudent daughter of Adrastus the noble spouse of horse-taming Diomedi grieving should rouse her servants from sleep longing for the husband of her youth the bravest of the Greeks and with her palms wiped off the Icar from her hand the hand was healed and the severe pains mitigated but then Minerva and Juno looking on provoked Saturnian Jove with heart-cutting words but amidst them azure-eyed goddess Minerva thus began speaking Father Jove, will thou indeed be angry with me on account of what I shall say surely it must be that Venus inspiring some one of the Grecian women with the desire of accompanying the Trojans whom now she exceedingly loves while caressing one of those fair-robed Grecian women has torn her delicate hand against golden buckle thus she spoke but the father of men and gods smiled and having called he thus accosted golden Venus not to thee, daughter mine are entrusted war-like works but do thou confine thyself to the desirable offices of marriage and all these things shall be a care to swift Mars and to Minerva thus they indeed were speaking such things to each other but Diomedi, dowdy in the din of battle rushed upon Aeneas anxious that Apollo himself held over him his hands but he revered not the mighty god for he always longed to slay Aeneas and despoiled him of his glorious armor thrice then immediately he rushed on eager to slay him and thrice Apollo repelled his shield with violence but when at length the fourth time he rushed on like a god the far darting Apollo menacing terribly addressed him consider oh son of Tideas and retire nor wish to think things equal with the gods for the race of the immortal gods and of men walking on the earth is in no wise similar thus he spoke but the son of Tideas retired a little fighting the wrath of far darting Apollo but Apollo placed Aeneas apart from the crowd in the sacred Perigamus where his temple was Latona and Shaft rejoicing Diana healed him in the mighty shrine and adorned him with glory but silver bowed Apollo formed a phantom like unto Aeneas himself and such in arms around the phantom the Trojans and the noble greeks smote on each others his breast the well battered ox hide shields and the light bucklers then at length Phoebus Apollo addressed the impetuous Mars Mars Mars manslaughterer gore tainted well batterer what's not thou now meeting this man the son of Venus withdraw him from battle who would even now cope with father Jove first indeed in close combat he wounded Venus in the hand at the wrist but then he assailed me like unto a god thus having spoken he sat down on lofty Perigamus but destructive Mars aroused the ranks of the Trojans going through them assimilating himself to Achaemus the swift leader of the Thracians and thus he heranged the Jove nourished sons of Priam ye sons of Priam Jove nourished king how long will ye suffer the people to be slain by the Greeks is it until they fight around the well made gates a hero lies prostate whom we honoured equally with noble Hector the son of magnanimous Ancheses but come let us rescue from the assault our excellent companion thus having spoken he excited the might and courage of heart then Sarpadon much rebuked noble Hector Hector where now has that strength gone which thou disformily possess thou saidst I wean that thou which thy kindred and thy brothers defend the city without the forces and allies now I can neither see nor perceive any of these but when they crouch down like dogs but a lion we on the contrary who are here mere allies bear the brunt of the fight even I being thine ally have come from a very great distance for far off is Lycea at lying Xanthus where I left my beloved wife and my infant son and many possessions which he who is poor covets but I nevertheless exhort the Lyceans and ready myself to fight with that hero and yet there is here to me such store as the Greeks can carry or let but thou standest still and does not exhort even the forces to stand and to defend their wives beware perchance as though ensnared in the meshes of an atturing net thou become a prey and a spoil to hostile for quickly will they destroyed thy well inhabited city as it behooves thee both night and day to interst thyself in these matters beseeching the chiefs of thy far summoned force to persevere with ardor and forgo their violent strife thus spoke Sarpidon but his speech gnawed the heart of Hector and immediately he leaped from his chariot with his armor to the ground and the brinishing his sharp spear went in all directions through the army exhorting the battle and he stirred up a grievous conflict the Trojans rallied and stood against the Greeks but the Greeks stood in close array with stood them nor fled and as the wind scatters a chaff about the threshing floors when men are winnowing it and yellow series is separating both the grain and the chaff the winds rush along and the chaff heaps grow white beneath thus then the Greeks became white with a chaff from above which indeed through them as they again mingled in the combat the feet of the steeds struck up the ground to the brazen heaven for the charioteers turning back but they directed the strength of theirs straight forward and fierce Mars spread a vapor over the battle aiding the Trojans going about everywhere echoing the commands of golden sordid Phoebus Apollo and ordered him to excite the courage of the Trojans whenever he should see Pallas Vanerba departing for she was an ally of the Greeks but he sent forth Aeneas from his very rich shrine and infused strength into the breast of the shepherd of the people then Aeneas placed himself his companions and they rejoiced when they saw him approaching alive unhurt and having excellent strength they did not ever ask any questions for a different labor did not pale which the silver bowed God and the manslaughtering war and strife insatiably raging had excited but then Greeks the two adjacent and Ulysses and Diomedes urged on to fight but they even by themselves feared neither the violent attacks of the Trojans nor their shouts but remained firm like unto clouds which the son of Saturn during a calm has placed upon the lofty mountains at rest when the might of Boreas sleeps and of the other impetuous winds which blowing with shrill blasts disperse the shadowy clouds thus the Greeks awaited the Trojans standing firm nor fled but the son of Aetreus kept hurrying through the host exhorting them much O friends be men and assume a valiant heart and feel shame towards each other through the fierce engagements for more of those men who dread shame are safe than are slain but from fugitives neither does any glory arise nor any assistance he spoke and darted with his spear quickly and struck Daikun son of Pergasus a warrior chief the companion of magnanimous Aeneas whom the Trojans honored equally with the sons of Priam since he was prompt to fight amidst the van him then king Agamemnon struck in the shield with his spear but it the shield did not repel the spear for even through this it passed onward and pierced him through the belt and at the lower part of the stomach and he made a crash as he fell and his arms rattled over him here then Aeneas slew some brave heroes of the Greeks Cretan and Orcillicus the sons of Dioclese their father indeed rich in sustenance dwelt in well-built fury but his origin was from the river Alpheus which flows widely through the land of the Pylians Alpheus begat Orcillicus a prince over many men but Orcillicus begat magnanimous Dioclese and of Dioclese were born two sons Cretan and Orcillicus well skilled in all kinds of battle these indeed in the bloom of youth in their saberships followed with the Argives to Ilium famed for noble steeds seeking honor for the sons of Atreus Agamemnon and Menelaus but there the end of death overshadowed them they too just as two lions have been reared under their dam amid the thickets of a deep wood on a mountain's heights they in process of time seizing oxen and fat sheep lay waste the stalls of men till at length they are themselves killed by the hands of men with a sharp brass such these two subdued by the hands of Aeneas fell like lofty furs then Menelaus brave in the din of war pitied them fallen and went through the van equipped in shining brass brandishing his spear for Mars kindled his strength with the design that he should be subdued by the hands of Aeneas but him and Tillicus son of magnanimous Nestor beheld and proceeded through the van for he feared much for the shepherd of the people lest he should suffer anything and greatly disappoint them the fruit of their labor and now they were stretching forth their hands and sharp spears against each other eager to fight but Antilicus stood very near the shepherd of the people but Aeneas though a brisk warrior remained not when he beheld the two heroes standing near each other when therefore they had drawn the dead bodies to the people of the Greeks they gave the miserable pair into the hands of their companions and they themselves returning back fought in the van then they slew Palaminus equal to Mars general of the magnanimous shielded pathologonians him indeed the son of Atreus spear-renowned Menelaus wounded with the spear as he stood having smote him on the collar bone but Antilicus on his part smote the charioteer Maidon his brave attendant the son of Antimneus now he was in the act of turning his solid hooved steeds having struck him with a handstone on the elbow immediately the rains white with ivory fell from his hands on the ground in the dust but Antilicus rushing on smote him with his sword in the temple and panting he fell from the well-made chariote headlong in the dust on his head and his shoulders very long he stood for he fell on deep sand till the two horses striking him cast him to the ground in the dust but Antilicus lashed them on and drove them to the army of the Greeks but them Hector discerned through the ranks and rushed on them vociferating and with him followed the brave phalanxied of the Trojans Mars and venerable Belona led them she on the one hand bearing with her tumultuous din but Mars on the other hand brandished a huge spear in his hands at one time indeed he paced before Hector at another time after him but him Diomedi brave in fight seeing trembled as when a man uncertain of his course passing over a great plane has stopped at a swift flowing river running into the sea beholding and boiling with foam retreats back in haste so then did the son of Tideus retire and he said to the host oh friends how do we all admire noble Hector that he is both a spearman and a daring warrior but with him one at least of the gods is ever present who wards off death even now Mars in person stands by him like unto a mortal man but retreat back with your faces turned always to the Trojans nor desire to fight valiantly gods thus then he said but the Trojans advanced very near them there Hector slew two heroes Guilden battle, Menestus and Anchilius being in one chariot but mighty Telemonian Ajax pitted them falling and advancing he stood very near them and launched with his shining spear and smote Ampheus, son of Selegus who exceedingly rich in property and crops dwelt in Paisus but fate had led him to lie to Priam and his sons him Telemonian Ajax smote on the belt and the long shadowed spear was fixed in the pit of his stomach falling he made a crash and illustrious Ajax ran up to him about to spoil him of his armor but the Trojans poured upon him sharp spears shining all around and his shield received many but he pressing on him with his heel drew from the body his brazen spear however he was not able to take off his shoulders any other beautiful armor where he was pressed upon with weapons he also dreaded the stout defense of haughty Trojans who both numerous and dotty stood around stretching forth their spears and who drove him away from them although being mighty and valiant and renowned but he retiring was repelled by force thus they on the one hand toiled through the violent conflict but violent fate urged on Telepolemus the brave and the great son of Hercules against God like Sarpadon but when they the son and grandson of cloud collecting Jove were now rushing against one another Telepolemus first addressed him Sarpadon Sarpadon, chief of the Lycians what necessity is there for the being a man unskilled at war to tremble here falsely do they say that thou art the offspring of ages bearing Jove since thou art far inferior to those heroes who are of Jove in the time of ancient men but what sort do they say that Hercules was my bold-minded lion-hearted father who formally coming hither on account of the stage of Leomondon with six ships only and with a few men laid waste the city of Ilium and widowed its streets but thou hast an ignoble mind and thy forces are perishing away nor do I think that thou wilt be an assistant to the Trojans having come from Lycia not even if thou be exceedingly valiant but that slain by me thou wilt pass through the gates of Hades but him, Sarpadon, leader of Lycians in return accosted to the bolemus he indeed overturned sacred Ilium through the folly of the hero, famous Leomondon who reproved with harsh language him who had deserved well nor did he give back the steeds on account of which he came from afar but I tell thee that here slaughter and gloomy death will befall thee at my hands and that subdued by my spear thou wilt give glory to me and the spirit to steed-famed Pluto thus spoke Sarpadon but Aleppolemus raised his ashen spear and from their hands at the same moment flew the long spears Sarpadon on his part struck the center of his adversary's neck and the grievous weapon passed right through and gloomy night overspread his eyes but Aleppolemus in the meantime had struck Sarpadon in the left thigh with his long spear and the spear rushing with violence passed through, grazing the bone but his father as yet averted death his noble companions bore godlike Sarpadon from the battle but the long spear trailed along with him pained him but this no one of them hastening noticed nor thought of extracting from his side the ashen spear that he might ascend the chariot for such anxiety did his attendant entertain for him but on the other side the well-grieved Greeks carried to Aleppolemus from the fight and divine Ulysses possessing an enduring heart perceived them and his soul was stirred within him and then he anxiously pondered in his mind and soul whether he should pursue farther the son of loud thundering Job or should take away the lives of many more Lyceans but it was not faded for magnanimous Ulysses to slay the brave son of Job with a sharp spear therefore Minerva turned his thoughts towards the multitudes of the Lyceans then he slew Corainus and Elastor and Chromius and Alcandor and Haleus and Noemon and Britannus and yet more Lyceans would noble Ulysses have slain had not mighty crest tossing Hector quickly perceived him he therefore went through the van armed in shining brass bearing terror to the Greeks then Sarpadon the son of Job rejoiced at him approaching and spoke this mournful address O son of Priam, I pray thee suffer me not to lie a prey to the Greeks but aid me even then let life forsake me in thy city since I was not destined to glad my infant son returning home to my dear fatherland thus he spoke but him plume waving Hector answered not but flew past him in order that he might repel the Greeks with all haste and take away the lives of many his noble companions meantime placed God like Sarpadon under a very beautiful beach of ages bearing Job Staltpelagon then who was his beloved companion forced out the Ashen spear from his thigh there upon animation left him and darkness was poured over his eyes but he again revived for the breeze of Orias breathing upon him around refreshed in spirit him panting with difficulty but the Greeks on the count of Mars and Brazen helmed Hector neither were driven at any time back to their saberships nor did they advance forward to battle but always kept giving ground since they had heard that Mars was with atrogens then whom first whom last did Hector the son of Priam and Mars lay the god like to Euthrus and moreover the knight Orestes and the Etolian spearman Trekkus and Oenomius and Hellenus of the race of the Oenops and Oresbius of flexible belt who dwelt in Hyla near the lake of Cephasis very intent on wealth and near him dwelt other Boeotians having a very rich territory when therefore the white armed goddess Juno perceived these Greeks perishing in the violent engagement straightway to Minerva she addressed winged words strange a daughter of ages bearing Jove on the weird one certainly we have made a vain promise to Minileus that he should return after having destroyed well walled ileum if we suffer destructive Mars thus to rage but come let us too rethink ourselves of some powerful aid thus she spoke nor did the azure eyed goddess Minerva disobey her Juno on her part venerable goddess daughter of the mighty Saturn quickly moving harnessed her gold comparison the steeds but hebe speedily applied to the chariot to the iron axeltree on both sides the curved wheels golden with eight spokes of these indeed the fellow is of gold imperishable but above our brazen tires fastened on them wonderful to be seen but the circular knaves on both sides are of silver and the body was stretched on with gold and silver thongs there was a double circular rim from this projected a silver pole at its extremity she bound the golden beautiest yoke and to it attached the beautiful golden poitrals but Juno longing for conquest and battle led the swift-footed steed under the yoke Minerva on the other hand the daughter of ages bearing jove let flow down on her father's floor her dainty robe of vericated hue which she herself had wrought and worked with her own hands then she having put on her tunic equipped herself for the tearful war of the armor of cloud compelling jove and around her shoulders she then through the fringed ages dreadful around which on all sides terror appears plumbed there on was strife there on fortitude and there on was chilling pursuit on it was a gorgonian head of the dreadful monster dire horrible a portent of ages bearing jove on her head she placed her forecasted helmet with a spreading metal ridge golden sufficient for the heavy armed of a hundred cities she then stepped into her shining chariot with her feet and took her spear heavy huge and sturdy with which she sprung from a dredge sire subdues the ranks of heroic men with whomsoever she is wroth but Juno with a lash quickly urged on the steeds the gates of heaven creaked spontaneously the gates which the hours guarded to whom are entrusted the mighty heaven and Olympus as well to open the dense cloud as to close it in this way indeed through these gates they drove their steeds urged on with a goad and they found the son of Saturn sitting apart from the other gods on the highest summit of many peaked Olympus there staying her steeds the white armed goddess Juno interrogated supreme Saturnian jove and thus addressed him oh father jove aren't thou not indignant at mars for these bold how numerous and how choice a multitude of Greeks he has destroyed rashly nor has became him a grief indeed to me but venus and silver bold apollo and quiet are delighted having let slip this frantic god who knows no right father jove wilt thou be angry with me if I drive mars from the battle having dreadfully wounded him but her answering cloud compelling jove addressed come incite the pillaging Minerva against him who was very wants to cause him to approach grievous woes thus he spoke nor did the white armed goddess Juno disobey but she lashed on her steeds they flew not unwillingly midway between the earth and the starry heaven now as much haze as a man sees with his eyes sitting upon some lofty point and looking over the darkling ocean so far to the high sounding steeds of the gods clear at one bound but when they now reached Troy and the two flowing rivers where Simoas and Scamander unite their streams there the white armed goddess Juno stayed her steeds having loosed them from the chariot and shed a dense mist around them but to them Simoas offered ambrosial food to feed on but they went on like unto timid doves in their pace hastening to assist the Grecian heroes but when they had now arrived where the most numerous and the bravest stood collected in dense array round horse breaking Diomedi like raw roaring lions or wild boars whose strength is not feeble there standing the white armed goddess Juno shouted aloud having likened herself to great hearted brazen voiced stenter who was accustomed to shout as loud as 50 other men shame ye Greeks bow subjects of disgrace admirable inform alone as long indeed as divine Achilles was want to be engaged in the war the Trojans were not in the habit of advancing beyond the Darden Gates for they dreaded his mighty spear but now they fight at the hollow ships far away from the city thus saying she aroused the strength and courage of each the Azurid-eyed goddess Minerva rushed towards the son of Tideas but she found that prince by his steeds and chariot cooling the wound which Pandaris had inflicted on him with a shaft for perspiration had afflicted him beneath a broad belt of his well-orbed shield with this was he afflicted and he was fatigued as to his hand and raising the belt he wiped away the black gore then the goddess touched the yoke of the horses and said little like himself as Tideas begotten a son Tideas was certainly small in body but a warrior and even when I suffered him not to fight nor to rush furiously to battle when he came far from the Greeks an ambassador to Thebes to the numerous Cadmians I commanded him to feast quietly in the palaces but he retaining his doubly spirit as before challenged the youths the Cadmians and easily conquer them in everything so great an auxiliary was I to him but thee indeed I stand by and preserve and I exhort thee freely to fight against the Trojans but either weariness from great toil has entered thy limbs or at least disheartening fear in some manner possesses thee thou art not henceforth to be deemed at least the son of Tideas the gallant son of Aeneas but her valiant Diomedi answering I know thee oh goddess daughter of age sparing Jove therefore will I willingly tell this word to thee nor will I conceal it neither does any disheartening fear possess me nor any sloth but as yet I am mindful of thy mandate which thou didst enjoin thou didst not suffer me to fight with the other happy gods but if Venus the daughter of Jove should come into the battle to wound her at least with a sharp steel wherefore now I myself retire but all the other Greeks to be collected here for I perceive Mars dispensing the battle but him the Azurid I'd goddess Minerva then entered Diomedi son of Tideas most dear to my soul neither fear this Mars at all nor any of the immortals such an auxiliary am I to thee but come first direct thy solid hooves the steeds against Mars strike him in close combat nor regard impetuous Mars this frenzied and unnatural pest year from one to another who lately haranguing promised me and Juno that he would fight against the Trojans and aid the Greeks but now he mixes with the Trojans and has forgotten these thus having said, she forced Sathenolus from his horses to the ground dragging him back with her hand but he promptly leaped down then the goddess herself Inferite ascended the chariot beside Noble Diomedi and greatly did the Beech and Axel groan under the weight dreadful goddess and a very brave hero then palace Minerva sees the scourge and the reins straightway she drove the solid hooved steeds against Mars first he indeed had just slain huge Perifas the illustrious son of Oceas by far the bravest of the Italians him indeed gore stained Mars slew but Minerva put on the helmet of Pluto that impetuous Mars might not see her but when manslaughtering Mars Noble Diomedi he suffered huge Perifas to lie there where first slaying him he had taken away his life but he went straight against horse breaking Diomedi and when these came near advancing against each other Mars first over the yoke and the reins of the steeds stretched himself forward with his brazen spear eager to take away his life it then the azuridid goddess Minerva having caught in her hand turned from the chariot so as to be born away in vain but next Diomedi, valiant in the din of war made the attack with his brazen spear and palace Minerva firmly fastened it in his lowest flank where he was girt with his belt in that very part striking she wounded him and tore his beautiful skin and drew out the spear again then roared brazen Mars as loud as nine or ten thousand men roar in war joining the strife of battle and then fear seized the terrified Greeks and Trojans so loud rebelled Mars in satiate of war and as when from the clouds gloomy haze appears a heavy blowing wind rising from heat such did brazen Mars appear to Diomedi son of Tideas going amid the clouds into the broad heaven quickly he reached lofty Olympus the seat of the gods and sat near Saturnian Jove grieving in his heart and showing the immortal blood flowing down from the wound and complaining he spoke winged words father Jove are thou not incensed beholding these violent deeds ever of a truth are we deities suffering most grievous woes from the machinations of each other and whilst conferring favor upon men we all are indignant with thee for thou has to be gotten a mad pernicious daughter to whom evil works are ever a care for all the other gods as many as are in Olympus obey thee and unto thee each of us his subject but her restrain is not by words nor by any act but dust indulge her since thou thyself didst be get this destructive daughter who now has urged on Diomedi the overbearing son of Tideas to rage against the immortal gods Venus he first wounded in close fight in the hand at the wrist and equal to a god he afterwards rushed on myself but my swift feet withdrew me otherwise I should certainly for a long time have endured woes there amidst the dreadful of slain or living should have been exhausted by the strokes of the brass him sternly regarding cloud compelling jove addressed complain not to me in constant one sitting by me for thou art most hateful to me of all the gods that possess Olympus for to thee discord is ever grateful and wars and battles thou has thy mother Juno's insufferable and unbending disposition which I myself can scarcely repress with words wherefore I think thou suffers these things by her instigation yet no longer can I endure thy suffering pain for thou art my offspring and to me thy mother brought thee forth but hadst thou destructive as thou art been born of any other of the gods even long since hadst thou been far lower than the sons of Uranus thus he spoke and ordered peon to heal him and peon healed him spreading on his wound pain assuaging medicines for he was not by any means mortal as when fig tree juice on being stirred about curdles the white milk fluid before and it very rapidly coagulates while one is mixing it thus at that same time did he speedily heal impetuous Mars he then washed him and put on him beautiful garments then exulting in glory near Saturnian jove he sat down and now again Argyve Juno and the powerful assistant Minerva returned to the palace of after having stayed man slaying Mars from his deeds of slaughter end of book the fifth read by Stephen Carney