第1章

Sing，Ogoddess，theangerofAchillessonofPeleus，thatbroughtcountlessillsupontheAchaeans。ManyabravesouldiditsendhurryingdowntoHades，andmanyaherodidityieldapreytodogsandvultures，forsowerethecounselsofJovefulfilledfromthedayonwhichthesonofAtreus，kingofmen，andgreatAchilles，firstfelloutwithoneanother。

Andwhichofthegodswasitthatsetthemontoquarrel？ItwasthesonofJoveandLeto；forhewasangrywiththekingandsentapestilenceuponthehosttoplaguethepeople，becausethesonofAtreushaddishonouredChryseshispriest。NowChryseshadcometotheshipsoftheAchaeanstofreehisdaughter，andhadbroughtwithhimagreatransom:moreoverheboreinhishandthesceptreofApollowreathedwithasuppliant’swreathandhebesoughttheAchaeans，butmostofallthetwosonsofAtreus，whoweretheirchiefs。

"SonsofAtreus，"hecried，"andallotherAchaeans，maythegodswhodwellinOlympusgrantyoutosackthecityofPriam，andtoreachyourhomesinsafety；butfreemydaughter，andacceptaransomforher，inreverencetoApollo，sonofJove。"

OnthistherestoftheAchaeanswithonevoicewereforrespectingthepriestandtakingtheransomthatheoffered；butnotsoAgamemnon，whospokefiercelytohimandsenthimroughlyaway。

"Oldman，"saidhe，"letmenotfindyoutarryingaboutourships，noryetcominghereafter。Yoursceptreofthegodandyourwreathshallprofityounothing。Iwillnotfreeher。SheshallgrowoldinmyhouseatArgosfarfromherownhome，busyingherselfwithherloomandvisitingmycouch；sogo，anddonotprovokemeoritshallbetheworseforyou。"

Theoldmanfearedhimandobeyed。Notawordhespoke，butwentbytheshoreofthesoundingseaandprayedaparttoKingApollowhomlovelyLetohadborne。"Hearme，"hecried，"Ogodofthesilverbow，thatprotectestChryseandholyCillaandrulestTenedoswiththymight，hearmeohthouofSminthe。IfIhaveeverdeckedyourtemplewithgarlands，orburnedyourthigh-bonesinfatofbullsorgoats，grantmyprayer，andletyourarrowsavengethesemytearsupontheDanaans。"

Thusdidhepray，andApolloheardhisprayer。HecamedownfuriousfromthesummitsofOlympus，withhisbowandhisquiveruponhisshoulder，andthearrowsrattledonhisbackwiththeragethattrembledwithinhim。Hesathimselfdownawayfromtheshipswithafaceasdarkasnight，andhissilverbowrangdeathasheshothisarrowinthemidstofthem。Firsthesmotetheirmulesandtheirhounds，butpresentlyheaimedhisshaftsatthepeoplethemselves，andalldaylongthepyresofthedeadwereburning。

Forninewholedaysheshothisarrowsamongthepeople，butuponthetenthdayAchillescalledtheminassembly-movedtheretobyJuno，whosawtheAchaeansintheirdeath-throesandhadcompassionuponthem。Then，whentheyweregottogether，heroseandspokeamongthem。

"SonofAtreus，"saidhe，"Ideemthatweshouldnowturnrovinghomeifwewouldescapedestruction，forwearebeingcutdownbywarandpestilenceatonce。Letusasksomepriestorprophet，orsomereaderofdreams(fordreams，too，areofJove)whocantelluswhyPhoebusApolloissoangry，andsaywhetheritisforsomevowthatwehavebroken，orhecatombthatwehavenotoffered，andwhetherhewillacceptthesavouroflambsandgoatswithoutblemish，soastotakeawaytheplaguefromus。"

Withthesewordshesatdown，andCalchassonofThestor，wisestofaugurs，whoknewthingspastpresentandtocome，rosetospeak。HeitwaswhohadguidedtheAchaeanswiththeirfleettoIlius，throughtheprophesyingswithwhichPhoebusApollohadinspiredhim。

Withallsincerityandgoodwillheaddressedthemthus:-

"Achilles，lovedofheaven，youbidmetellyouabouttheangerofKingApollo，Iwillthereforedoso；butconsiderfirstandswearthatyouwillstandbymeheartilyinwordanddeed，forIknowthatI

shalloffendonewhorulestheArgiveswithmight，towhomalltheAchaeansareinsubjection。Aplainmancannotstandagainsttheangerofaking，whoifheswallowhisdispleasurenow，willyetnurserevengetillhehaswreakedit。Consider，therefore，whetherornoyouwillprotectme。"

AndAchillesanswered，"Fearnot，butspeakasitisborneinuponyoufromheaven，forbyApollo，Calchas，towhomyoupray，andwhoseoraclesyourevealtous，notaDanaanatourshipsshalllayhishanduponyou，whileIyetlivetolookuponthefaceoftheearth-no，notthoughyounameAgamemnonhimself，whoisbyfartheforemostoftheAchaeans。"

Thereontheseerspokeboldly。"Thegod，"hesaid，"isangryneitheraboutvownorhecatomb，butforhispriest’ssake，whomAgamemnonhasdishonoured，inthathewouldnotfreehisdaughternortakearansomforher；thereforehashesenttheseevilsuponus，andwillyetsendothers。HewillnotdelivertheDanaansfromthispestilencetillAgamemnonhasrestoredthegirlwithoutfeeorransomtoherfather，andhassentaholyhecatombtoChryse。Thuswemayperhapsappeasehim。"

Withthesewordshesatdown，andAgamemnonroseinanger。Hisheartwasblackwithrage，andhiseyesflashedfireashescowledonCalchasandsaid，"Seerofevil，youneveryetprophesiedsmooththingsconcerningme，buthaveeverlovedtoforetellthatwhichwasevil。Youhavebroughtmeneithercomfortnorperformance；andnowyoucomeseeingamongDanaans，andsayingthatApollohasplaguedusbecauseIwouldnottakearansomforthisgirl，thedaughterofChryses。Ihavesetmyheartonkeepingherinmyownhouse，forI

loveherbettereventhanmyownwifeClytemnestra，whosepeersheisalikeinformandfeature，inunderstandingandaccomplishments。

StillIwillgiveherupifImust，forIwouldhavethepeoplelive，notdie；butyoumustfindmeaprizeinstead，orIaloneamongtheArgivesshallbewithoutone。Thisisnotwell；foryoubehold，allofyou，thatmyprizeistogoelsewhither。"

AndAchillesanswered，"MostnoblesonofAtreus，covetousbeyondallmankind，howshalltheAchaeansfindyouanotherprize？Wehavenocommonstorefromwhichtotakeone。Thosewetookfromthecitieshavebeenawarded；wecannotdisallowtheawardsthathavebeenmadealready。Givethisgirl，therefore，tothegod，andifeverJovegrantsustosackthecityofTroywewillrequiteyouthreeandfourfold。"

ThenAgamemnonsaid，"Achilles，valiantthoughyoube，youshallnotthusoutwitme。Youshallnotoverreachandyoushallnotpersuademe。

Areyoutokeepyourownprize，whileIsittamelyundermylossandgiveupthegirlatyourbidding？LettheAchaeansfindmeaprizeinfairexchangetomyliking，orIwillcomeandtakeyourown，orthatofAjaxorofUlysses；andhetowhomsoeverImaycomeshallruemycoming。Butofthiswewilltakethoughthereafter；forthepresent，letusdrawashipintothesea，andfindacrewforherexpressly；letusputahecatombonboard，andletussendChryseisalso；further，letsomechiefmanamongusbeincommand，eitherAjax，orIdomeneus，oryourself，sonofPeleus，mightywarriorthatyouare，thatwemayoffersacrificeandappeasethetheangerofthegod。"

Achillesscowledathimandanswered，"Youaresteepedininsolenceandlustofgain。WithwhatheartcananyoftheAchaeansdoyourbidding，eitheronforayorinopenfighting？IcamenotwarringhereforanyilltheTrojanshaddoneme。Ihavenoquarrelwiththem。Theyhavenotraidedmycattlenormyhorses，norcutdownmyharvestsontherichplainsofPhthia；forbetweenmeandthemthereisagreatspace，bothmountainandsoundingsea。Wehavefollowedyou，SirInsolence！foryourpleasure，notours-togainsatisfactionfromtheTrojansforyourshamelessselfandforMenelaus。Youforgetthis，andthreatentorobmeoftheprizeforwhichIhavetoiled，andwhichthesonsoftheAchaeanshavegivenme。

NeverwhentheAchaeanssackanyrichcityoftheTrojansdoIreceivesogoodaprizeasyoudo，thoughitismyhandsthatdothebetterpartofthefighting。Whenthesharingcomes，yourshareisfarthelargest，andI，forsooth，mustgobacktomyships，takewhatIcangetandbethankful，whenmylabouroffightingisdone。Now，therefore，IshallgobacktoPhthia；itwillbemuchbetterformetoreturnhomewithmyships，forIwillnotstayheredishonouredtogathergoldandsubstanceforyou。"

AndAgamemnonanswered，"Flyifyouwill，Ishallmakeyounoprayerstostayyou。Ihaveothersherewhowilldomehonour，andaboveallJove，thelordofcounsel。Thereisnokingheresohatefultomeasyouare，foryouareeverquarrelsomeandillaffected。Whatthoughyoubebrave？Wasitnotheaventhatmadeyouso？Gohome，then，withyourshipsandcomradestolorditovertheMyrmidons。Icareneitherforyounorforyouranger；andthuswillIdo:sincePhoebusApolloistakingChryseisfromme，Ishallsendherwithmyshipandmyfollowers，butIshallcometoyourtentandtakeyourownprizeBriseis，thatyoumaylearnhowmuchstrongerIamthanyouare，andthatanothermayfeartosethimselfupasequalorcomparablewithme。"

ThesonofPeleuswasfurious，andhisheartwithinhisshaggybreastwasdividedwhethertodrawhissword，pushtheothersaside，andkillthesonofAtreus，ortorestrainhimselfandcheckhisanger。Whilehewasthusintwominds，andwasdrawinghismightyswordfromitsscabbard，Minervacamedownfromheaven(forJunohadsentherinthelovesheboretothemboth)，andseizedthesonofPeleusbyhisyellowhair，visibletohimalone，foroftheothersnomancouldseeher。Achillesturnedinamaze，andbythefirethatflashedfromhereyesatonceknewthatshewasMinerva。"Whyareyouhere，"saidhe，"daughterofaegis-bearingJove？ToseetheprideofAgamemnon，sonofAtreus？Letmetellyou-anditshallsurelybe-heshallpayforthisinsolencewithhislife。"

AndMinervasaid，"Icomefromheaven，ifyouwillhearme，tobidyoustayyouranger。Junohassentme，whocaresforbothofyoualike。Cease，then，thisbrawling，anddonotdrawyoursword；railathimifyouwill，andyourrailingwillnotbevain，forItellyou-

anditshallsurelybe-thatyoushallhereafterreceivegiftsthreetimesassplendidbyreasonofthispresentinsult。Hold，therefore，andobey。"

"Goddess，"answeredAchilles，"howeverangryamanmaybe，hemustdoasyoutwocommandhim。Thiswillbebest，forthegodseverheartheprayersofhimwhohasobeyedthem。"

Hestayedhishandonthesilverhiltofhissword，andthrustitbackintothescabbardasMinervabadehim。ThenshewentbacktoOlympusamongtheothergods，andtothehouseofaegis-bearingJove。

ButthesonofPeleusagainbeganrailingatthesonofAtreus，forhewasstillinarage。"Wine-bibber，"hecried，"withthefaceofadogandtheheartofahind，youneverdaretogooutwiththehostinfight，noryetwithourchosenmeninambuscade。Youshunthisasyoudodeathitself。Youhadrathergoroundandrobhisprizesfromanymanwhocontradictsyou。Youdevouryourpeople，foryouarekingoverafeeblefolk；otherwise，sonofAtreus，henceforwardyouwouldinsultnoman。ThereforeIsay，andswearitwithagreatoath-nay，bythismysceptrewhichshaltsproutneitherleafnorshoot，norbudanewfromthedayonwhichitleftitsparentstemuponthemountains-fortheaxestrippeditofleafandbark，andnowthesonsoftheAchaeansbearitasjudgesandguardiansofthedecreesofheaven-sosurelyandsolemnlydoIswearthathereaftertheyshalllookfondlyforAchillesandshallnotfindhim。Inthedayofyourdistress，whenyourmenfalldyingbythemurderoushandofHector，youshallnotknowhowtohelpthem，andshallrendyourheartwithrageforthehourwhenyouofferedinsulttothebravestoftheAchaeans。"

WiththisthesonofPeleusdashedhisgold-bestuddedsceptreonthegroundandtookhisseat，whilethesonofAtreuswasbeginningfiercelyfromhisplaceupontheotherside。Thenuprosesmooth-tonguedNestor，thefacilespeakerofthePylians，andthewordsfellfromhislipssweeterthanhoney。TwogenerationsofmenbornandbredinPyloshadpassedawayunderhisrule，andhewasnowreigningoverthethird。Withallsincerityandgoodwill，therefore，headdressedthemthus:-

"Ofatruth，"hesaid，"agreatsorrowhasbefallentheAchaeanland。SurelyPriamwithhissonswouldrejoice，andtheTrojansbegladatheartiftheycouldhearthisquarrelbetweenyoutwo，whoaresoexcellentinfightandcounsel。Iamolderthaneitherofyou；

thereforebeguidedbyme。MoreoverIhavebeenthefamiliarfriendofmenevengreaterthanyouare，andtheydidnotdisregardmycounsels。

NeveragaincanIbeholdsuchmenasPirithousandDryasshepherdofhispeople，orasCaeneus，Exadius，godlikePolyphemus，andTheseussonofAegeus，peeroftheimmortals。Thesewerethemightiestmeneverbornuponthisearth:mightiestwerethey，andwhentheyfoughtthefiercesttribesofmountainsavagestheyutterlyoverthrewthem。I

camefromdistantPylos，andwentaboutamongthem，fortheywouldhavemecome，andIfoughtasitwasinmetodo。Notamannowlivingcouldwithstandthem，buttheyheardmywords，andwerepersuadedbythem。Sobeitalsowithyourselves，forthisisthemoreexcellentway。Therefore，Agamemnon，thoughyoubestrong，takenotthisgirlaway，forthesonsoftheAchaeanshavealreadygivenhertoAchilles；

andyou，Achilles，strivenotfurtherwiththeking，fornomanwhobythegraceofJovewieldsasceptrehaslikehonourwithAgamemnon。Youarestrong，andhaveagoddessforyourmother；butAgamemnonisstrongerthanyou，forhehasmorepeopleunderhim。SonofAtreus，checkyouranger，Iimploreyou；endthisquarrelwithAchilles，whointhedayofbattleisatowerofstrengthtotheAchaeans。"

AndAgamemnonanswered，"Sir，allthatyouhavesaidistrue，butthisfellowmustneedsbecomeourlordandmaster:hemustbelordofall，kingofall，andcaptainofall，andthisshallhardlybe。

Grantedthatthegodshavemadehimagreatwarrior，havetheyalsogivenhimtherighttospeakwithrailing？"

Achillesinterruptedhim。"Ishouldbeameancoward，"hecried，"wereItogiveintoyouinallthings。Orderotherpeopleabout，notme，forIshallobeynolonger。FurthermoreIsay-andlaymysayingtoyourheart-Ishallfightneitheryounoranymanaboutthisgirl，forthosethattakewerethosealsothatgave。Butofallelsethatisatmyshipyoushallcarryawaynothingbyforce。Try，thatothersmaysee；ifyoudo，myspearshallbereddenedwithyourblood。"

Whentheyhadquarrelledthusangrily，theyrose，andbrokeuptheassemblyattheshipsoftheAchaeans。ThesonofPeleuswentbacktohistentsandshipswiththesonofMenoetiusandhiscompany，whileAgamemnondrewavesselintothewaterandchoseacrewoftwentyoarsmen。HeescortedChryseisonboardandsentmoreoverahecatombforthegod。AndUlysseswentascaptain。

These，then，wentonboardandsailedtheirwaysoverthesea。ButthesonofAtreusbadethepeoplepurifythemselves；sotheypurifiedthemselvesandcasttheirfilthintothesea。Thentheyofferedhecatombsofbullsandgoatswithoutblemishonthesea-shore，andthesmokewiththesavouroftheirsacrificerosecurlinguptowardsheaven。

Thusdidtheybusythemselvesthroughoutthehost。ButAgamemnondidnotforgetthethreatthathehadmadeAchilles，andcalledhistrustymessengersandsquiresTalthybiusandEurybates。"Go，"saidhe，"tothetentofAchilles，sonofPeleus；takeBriseisbythehandandbringherhither；ifhewillnotgiveherIshallcomewithothersandtakeher-whichwillpresshimharder。"

Hechargedthemstraightlyfurtheranddismissedthem，whereontheywenttheirwaysorrowfullybytheseaside，tilltheycametothetentsandshipsoftheMyrmidons。TheyfoundAchillessittingbyhistentandhisships，andill-pleasedhewaswhenhebeheldthem。

Theystoodfearfullyandreverentlybeforehim，andneveraworddidtheyspeak，butheknewthemandsaid，"Welcome，heralds，messengersofgodsandmen；drawnear；myquarrelisnotwithyoubutwithAgamemnonwhohassentyouforthegirlBriseis。Therefore，Patroclus，bringherandgivehertothem，butletthembewitnessesbytheblessedgods，bymortalmen，andbythefiercenessofAgamemnon’sanger，thatifeveragaintherebeneedofmetosavethepeoplefromruin，theyshallseekandtheyshallnotfind。AgamemnonismadwithrageandknowsnothowtolookbeforeandafterthattheAchaeansmayfightbytheirshipsinsafety。"

Patroclusdidashisdearcomradehadbiddenhim。HebroughtBriseisfromthetentandgaveherovertotheheralds，whotookherwiththemtotheshipsoftheAchaeans-andthewomanwaslothtogo。ThenAchilleswentallalonebythesideofthehoarsea，weepingandlookingoutupontheboundlesswasteofwaters。Heraisedhishandsinprayertohisimmortalmother，"Mother，"hecried，"youboremedoomedtolivebutforalittleseason；surelyJove，whothundersfromOlympus，mighthavemadethatlittleglorious。Itisnotso。

Agamemnon，sonofAtreus，hasdonemedishonour，andhasrobbedmeofmyprizebyforce。"

Ashespokeheweptaloud，andhismotherheardhimwhereshewassittinginthedepthsoftheseahardbytheoldmanherfather。

Forthwithsheroseasitwereagreymistoutofthewaves，satdownbeforehimashestoodweeping，caressedhimwithherhand，andsaid，"Myson，whyareyouweeping？Whatisitthatgrievesyou？

Keepitnotfromme，buttellme，thatwemayknowittogether。"

Achillesdrewadeepsighandsaid，"Youknowit；whytellyouwhatyouknowwellalready？WewenttoThebethestrongcityofEetion，sackedit，andbroughthitherthespoil。ThesonsoftheAchaeansshareditdulyamongthemselves，andchoselovelyChryseisasthemeedofAgamemnon；butChryses，priestofApollo，cametotheshipsoftheAchaeanstofreehisdaughter，andbroughtwithhimagreatransom:moreoverheboreinhishandthesceptreofApollo，wreathedwithasuppliant’swreath，andhebesoughttheAchaeans，butmostofallthetwosonsofAtreuswhoweretheirchiefs。

"OnthistherestoftheAchaeanswithonevoicewereforrespectingthepriestandtakingtheransomthatheoffered；butnotsoAgamemnon，whospokefiercelytohimandsenthimroughlyaway。Sohewentbackinanger，andApollo，wholovedhimdearly，heardhisprayer。ThenthegodsentadeadlydartupontheArgives，andthepeoplediedthickononeanother，forthearrowswenteverywhitheramongthewidehostoftheAchaeans。AtlastaseerinthefulnessofhisknowledgedeclaredtoustheoraclesofApollo，andIwasmyselffirsttosaythatweshouldappeasehim。WhereonthesonofAtreusroseinanger，andthreatenedthatwhichhehassincedone。TheAchaeansarenowtakingthegirlinashiptoChryse，andsendinggiftsofsacrificetothegod；buttheheraldshavejusttakenfrommytentthedaughterofBriseus，whomtheAchaeanshadawardedtomyself。

"Helpyourbraveson，therefore，ifyouareable。GotoOlympus，andifyouhaveeverdonehimserviceinwordordeed，imploretheaidofJove。Ofttimesinmyfather’shousehaveIheardyougloryinthatyoualoneoftheimmortalssavedthesonofSaturnfromruin，whentheothers，withJuno，Neptune，andPallasMinervawouldhaveputhiminbonds。Itwasyou，goddess，whodeliveredhimbycallingtoOlympusthehundred-handedmonsterwhomgodscallBriareus，butmenAegaeon，forheisstrongereventhanhisfather；whenthereforehetookhisseatall-gloriousbesidethesonofSaturn，theothergodswereafraid，anddidnotbindhim。Go，then，tohim，remindhimofallthis，clasphisknees，andbidhimgivesuccourtotheTrojans。LettheAchaeansbehemmedinatthesternsoftheirships，andperishonthesea-shore，thattheymayreapwhatjoytheymayoftheirking，andthatAgamemnonmayruehisblindnessinofferinginsulttotheforemostoftheAchaeans。"

Thetisweptandanswered，"Myson，woeismethatIshouldhaveborneorsuckledyou。Wouldindeedthatyouhadlivedyourspanfreefromallsorrowatyourships，foritisalltoobrief；alas，thatyoushouldbeatonceshortoflifeandlongofsorrowaboveyourpeers:

woe，therefore，wasthehourinwhichIboreyou；neverthelessI

willgotothesnowyheightsofOlympus，andtellthistaletoJove，ifhewillhearourprayer:meanwhilestaywhereyouarewithyourships，nurseyourangeragainsttheAchaeans，andholdalooffromfight。ForJovewentyesterdaytoOceanus，toafeastamongtheEthiopians，andtheothergodswentwithhim。HewillreturntoOlympustwelvedayshence；Iwillthengotohismansionpavedwithbronzeandwillbeseechhim；nordoIdoubtthatIshallbeabletopersuadehim。"

Onthisshelefthim，stillfuriousatthelossofherthathadbeentakenfromhim。MeanwhileUlyssesreachedChrysewiththehecatomb。

Whentheyhadcomeinsidetheharbourtheyfurledthesailsandlaidthemintheship’shold；theyslackenedtheforestays，loweredthemastintoitsplace，androwedtheshiptotheplacewheretheywouldhaveherlie；theretheycastouttheirmooring-stonesandmadefastthehawsers。Theythengotoutuponthesea-shoreandlandedthehecatombforApollo；Chryseisalsolefttheship，andUlyssesledhertothealtartodeliverherintothehandsofherfather。

"Chryses，"saidhe，"KingAgamemnonhassentmetobringyoubackyourchild，andtooffersacrificetoApolloonbehalfoftheDanaans，thatwemaypropitiatethegod，whohasnowbroughtsorrowupontheArgives。"

Sosayinghegavethegirlovertoherfather，whoreceivedhergladly，andtheyrangedtheholyhecatomballorderlyroundthealtarofthegod。Theywashedtheirhandsandtookupthebarley-mealtosprinkleoverthevictims，whileChryseslifteduphishandsandprayedaloudontheirbehalf。"Hearme，"hecried，"O

godofthesilverbow，thatprotectestChryseandholyCilla，andrulestTenedoswiththymight。EvenasthoudidsthearmeaforetimewhenIprayed，anddidstpresshardlyupontheAchaeans，sohearmeyetagain，andstaythisfearfulpestilencefromtheDanaans。"

Thusdidhepray，andApolloheardhisprayer。Whentheyhaddoneprayingandsprinklingthebarley-meal，theydrewbacktheheadsofthevictimsandkilledandflayedthem。Theycutoutthethigh-bones，wrappedthemroundintwolayersoffat，setsomepiecesofrawmeatonthetopofthem，andthenChryseslaidthemonthewoodfireandpouredwineoverthem，whiletheyoungmenstoodnearhimwithfive-prongedspitsintheirhands。Whenthethigh-boneswereburnedandtheyhadtastedtheinwardmeats，theycuttherestupsmall，putthepiecesuponthespits，roastedthemtilltheyweredone，anddrewthemoff:then，whentheyhadfinishedtheirworkandthefeastwasready，theyateit，andeverymanhadhisfullshare，sothatallweresatisfied。Assoonastheyhadhadenoughtoeatanddrink，pagesfilledthemixing-bowlwithwineandwaterandhandeditround，aftergivingeverymanhisdrink-offering。

Thusalldaylongtheyoungmenworshippedthegodwithsong，hymninghimandchauntingthejoyouspaean，andthegodtookpleasureintheirvoices；butwhenthesunwentdown，anditcameondark，theylaidthemselvesdowntosleepbythesterncablesoftheship，andwhenthechildofmorning，rosy-fingeredDawn，appearedtheyagainsetsailforthehostoftheAchaeans。Apollosentthemafairwind，sotheyraisedtheirmastandhoistedtheirwhitesailsaloft。

Asthesailbelliedwiththewindtheshipflewthroughthedeepbluewater，andthefoamhissedagainstherbowsasshespedonward。

Whentheyreachedthewide-stretchinghostoftheAchaeans，theydrewthevesselashore，highanddryuponthesands，setherstrongpropsbeneathher，andwenttheirwaystotheirowntentsandships。

ButAchillesabodeathisshipsandnursedhisanger。Hewentnottothehonourableassembly，andsalliednotforthtofight，butgnawedathisownheart，piningforbattleandthewar-cry。

NowaftertwelvedaystheimmortalgodscamebackinabodytoOlympus，andJoveledtheway。Thetiswasnotunmindfulofthechargehersonhadlaiduponher，sosherosefromundertheseaandwentthroughgreatheavenwithearlymorningtoOlympus，whereshefoundthemightysonofSaturnsittingallaloneuponitstopmostridges。Shesatherselfdownbeforehim，andwithherlefthandseizedhisknees，whilewithherrightshecaughthimunderthechin，andbesoughthim，saying-

"FatherJove，ifIeverdidyouserviceinwordordeedamongtheimmortals，hearmyprayer，anddohonourtomyson，whoselifeistobecutshortsoearly。KingAgamemnonhasdishonouredhimbytakinghisprizeandkeepingher。Honourhimthenyourself，Olympianlordofcounsel，andgrantvictorytotheTrojans，tilltheAchaeansgivemysonhisdueandloadhimwithrichesinrequital。"

Jovesatforawhilesilent，andwithoutaword，butThetisstillkeptfirmholdofhisknees，andbesoughthimasecondtime。

"Inclineyourhead，"saidshe，"andpromisemesurely，orelsedenyme-foryouhavenothingtofear-thatImaylearnhowgreatlyyoudisdainme。"

AtthisJovewasmuchtroubledandanswered，"IshallhavetroubleifyousetmequarrellingwithJuno，forshewillprovokemewithhertauntingspeeches；evennowsheisalwaysrailingatmebeforetheothergodsandaccusingmeofgivingaidtotheTrojans。Gobacknow，lestsheshouldfindout。Iwillconsiderthematter，andwillbringitaboutaswish。See，Iinclinemyheadthatyoubelieveme。

ThisisthemostsolemnthatIcangivetoanygod。Ineverrecallmyword，ordeceive，orfailtodowhatIsay，whenIhavenoddedmyhead。"

AshespokethesonofSaturnbowedhisdarkbrows，andtheambrosiallocksswayedonhisimmortalhead，tillvastOlympusreeled。

Whenthepairhadthuslaidtheirplans，theyparted-Jovetohishouse，whilethegoddessquittedthesplendourofOlympus，andplungedintothedepthsofthesea。Thegodsrosefromtheirseats，beforethecomingoftheirsire。Notoneofthemdaredtoremainsitting，butallstoodupashecameamongthem。There，then，hetookhisseat。ButJuno，whenshesawhim，knewthatheandtheoldmerman’sdaughter，silver-footedThetis，hadbeenhatchingmischief，sosheatoncebegantoupbraidhim。"Trickster，"shecried，"whichofthegodshaveyoubeentakingintoyourcounselsnow？Youarealwayssettlingmattersinsecretbehindmyback，andhaveneveryettoldme，ifyoucouldhelpit，onewordofyourintentions。"

"Juno，"repliedthesireofgodsandmen，"youmustnotexpecttobeinformedofallmycounsels。Youaremywife，butyouwouldfindithardtounderstandthem。Whenitisproperforyoutohear，thereisnoone，godorman，whowillbetoldsooner，butwhenImeantokeepamattertomyself，youmustnotprynoraskquestions。"

"DreadsonofSaturn，"answeredJuno，"whatareyoutalkingabout？

I？Pryandaskquestions？Never。Iletyouhaveyourownwayineverything。Still，Ihaveastrongmisgivingthattheoldmerman’sdaughterThetishasbeentalkingyouover，forshewaswithyouandhadholdofyourkneesthisself-samemorning。Ibelieve，therefore，thatyouhavebeenpromisinghertogiveglorytoAchilles，andtokillmuchpeopleattheshipsoftheAchaeans。"

"Wife，"saidJove，"Icandonothingbutyoususpectmeandfinditout。Youwilltakenothingbyit，forIshallonlydislikeyouthemore，anditwillgoharderwithyou。Grantedthatitisasyousay；Imeantohaveitso；sitdownandholdyourtongueasIbidyouforifIoncebegintolaymyhandsaboutyou，thoughallheavenwereonyoursideitwouldprofityounothing。"

OnthisJunowasfrightened，soshecurbedherstubbornwillandsatdowninsilence。ButtheheavenlybeingsweredisquietedthroughoutthehouseofJove，tillthecunningworkmanVulcanbegantotryandpacifyhismotherJuno。"Itwillbeintolerable，"saidhe，"ifyoutwofalltowranglingandsettingheaveninanuproaraboutapackofmortals。Ifsuchillcounselsaretoprevail，weshallhavenopleasureatourbanquet。Letmethenadvisemymother-andshemustherselfknowthatitwillbebetter-tomakefriendswithmydearfatherJove，lestheagainscoldheranddisturbourfeast。IftheOlympianThundererwantstohurlusallfromourseats，hecandoso，forheisfarthestrongest，sogivehimfairwords，andhewillthensoonbeinagoodhumourwithus。"

Ashespoke，hetookadoublecupofnectar，andplaceditinhismother’shand。"Cheerup，mydearmother，"saidhe，"andmakethebestofit。Iloveyoudearly，andshouldbeverysorrytoseeyougetathrashing；howevergrievedImightbe，IcouldnothelpforthereisnostandingagainstJove。OncebeforewhenIwastryingtohelpyou，hecaughtmebythefootandflungmefromtheheavenlythreshold。Alldaylongfrommorntilleve，wasIfalling，tillatsunsetIcametogroundintheislandofLemnos，andthereIlay，withverylittlelifeleftinme，tilltheSintianscameandtendedme。"

Junosmiledatthis，andasshesmiledshetookthecupfromherson’shands。ThenVulcandrewsweetnectarfromthemixing-bowl，andserveditroundamongthegods，goingfromlefttoright；andtheblessedgodslaughedoutaloudapplauseastheysawhimingbustlingabouttheheavenlymansion。

Thusthroughthelivelongdaytothegoingdownofthesuntheyfeasted，andeveryonehadhisfullshare，sothatallweresatisfied。

Apollostruckhislyre，andtheMuseslifteduptheirsweetvoices，callingandansweringoneanother。Butwhenthesun’sgloriouslighthadfaded，theywenthometobed，eachinhisownabode，whichlameVulcanwithhisconsummateskillhadfashionedforthem。SoJove，theOlympianLordofThunder，hiedhimtothebedinwhichhealwaysslept；andwhenhehadgotontoithewenttosleep，withJunoofthegoldenthronebyhisside。

BOOKII

Nowtheothergodsandthearmedwarriorsontheplainsleptsoundly，butJovewaswakeful，forhewasthinkinghowtodohonourtoAchilles，anddestroyedmuchpeopleattheshipsoftheAchaeans。IntheendhedeemeditwouldbebesttosendalyingdreamtoKingAgamemnon；sohecalledonetohimandsaidtoit，"LyingDream，gototheshipsoftheAchaeans，intothetentofAgamemnon，andsaytohimwordtowordasInowbidyou。TellhimtogettheAchaeansinstantlyunderarms，forheshalltakeTroy。Therearenolongerdividedcounselsamongthegods；Junohasbroughtthemtoherownmind，andwoebetidestheTrojans。"

Thedreamwentwhenithadhearditsmessage，andsoonreachedtheshipsoftheAchaeans。ItsoughtAgamemnonsonofAtreusandfoundhiminhistent，wrappedinaprofoundslumber。IthoveredoverhisheadinthelikenessofNestor，sonofNeleus，whomAgamemnonhonouredaboveallhiscouncillors，andsaid:-

"Youaresleeping，sonofAtreus；onewhohasthewelfareofhishostandsomuchothercareuponhisshouldersshoulddockhissleep。Hearmeatonce，forIcomeasamessengerfromJove，who，thoughhebenotnear，yettakesthoughtforyouandpitiesyou。HebidsyougettheAchaeansinstantlyunderarms，foryoushalltakeTroy。Therearenolongerdividedcounselsamongthegods；Junohasbroughtthemovertoherownmind，andwoebetidestheTrojansatthehandsofJove。Rememberthis，andwhenyouwakeseethatitdoesnotescapeyou。"

Thedreamthenlefthim，andhethoughtofthingsthatwere，surelynottobeaccomplished。HethoughtthatonthatsamedayhewastotakethecityofPriam，buthelittleknewwhatwasinthemindofJove，whohadmanyanotherhard-foughtfightinstorealikeforDanaansandTrojans。Thenpresentlyhewoke，withthedivinemessagestillringinginhisears；sohesatupright，andputonhissoftshirtsofairandnew，andoverthishisheavycloak。Heboundhissandalsontohiscomelyfeet，andslunghissilver-studdedswordabouthisshoulders；thenhetooktheimperishablestaffofhisfather，andsalliedforthtotheshipsoftheAchaeans。

ThegoddessDawnnowwendedherwaytovastOlympusthatshemightheralddaytoJoveandtotheotherimmortals，andAgamemnonsentthecriersroundtocallthepeopleinassembly；sotheycalledthemandthepeoplegatheredthereon。ButfirsthesummonedameetingoftheeldersattheshipofNestorkingofPylos，andwhentheywereassembledhelaidacunningcounselbeforethem。

"Myfriends，"saidhe，"Ihavehadadreamfromheaveninthedeadofnight，anditsfaceandfigureresemblednonebutNestor’s。Ithoveredovermyheadandsaid，’Youaresleeping，sonofAtreus；onewhohasthewelfareofhishostandsomuchothercareuponhisshouldersshoulddockhissleep。Hearmeatonce，forIamamessengerfromJove，who，thoughhebenotnear，yettakesthoughtforyouandpitiesyou。HebidsyougettheAchaeansinstantlyunderarms，foryoushalltakeTroy。Therearenolongerdividedcounselsamongthegods；Junohasbroughtthemovertoherownmind，andwoebetidestheTrojansatthehandsofJove。Rememberthis。’ThedreamthenvanishedandIawoke。Letusnow，therefore，armthesonsoftheAchaeans。ButitwillbewellthatIshouldfirstsoundthem，andtothisendIwilltellthemtoflywiththeirships；butdoyouothersgoaboutamongthehostandpreventtheirdoingso。"

Hethensatdown，andNestortheprinceofPyloswithallsincerityandgoodwilladdressedthemthus:"Myfriends，"saidhe，"princesandcouncillorsoftheArgives，ifanyothermanoftheAchaeanshadtoldusofthisdreamweshouldhavedeclareditfalse，andwouldhavehadnothingtodowithit。Buthewhohasseenitistheforemostmanamongus；wemustthereforesetaboutgettingthepeopleunderarms。"

Withthisheledthewayfromtheassembly，andtheothersceptredkingsrosewithhiminobediencetothewordofAgamemnon；butthepeoplepressedforwardtohear。Theyswarmedlikebeesthatsallyfromsomehollowcaveandflitincountlessthrongamongthespringflowers，bunchedinknotsandclusters；evensodidthemightymultitudepourfromshipsandtentstotheassembly，andrangethemselvesuponthewide-wateredshore，whileamongthemranWildfireRumour，messengerofJove，urgingthemevertothefore。Thustheygatheredinapell-mellofmadconfusion，andtheearthgroanedunderthetrampofmenasthepeoplesoughttheirplaces。Nineheraldswentcryingaboutamongthemtostaytheirtumultandbidthemlistentothekings，tillatlasttheyweregotintotheirseveralplacesandceasedtheirclamour。ThenKingAgamemnonrose，holdinghissceptre。ThiswastheworkofVulcan，whogaveittoJovethesonofSaturn。JovegaveittoMercury，slayerofArgus，guideandguardian。KingMercurygaveittoPelops，themightycharioteer，andPelopstoAtreus，shepherdofhispeople。Atreus，whenhedied，leftittoThyestes，richinflocks，andThyestesinhisturnleftittobebornebyAgamemnon，thathemightbelordofallArgosandoftheisles。Leaning，then，onhissceptre，headdressedtheArgives。

"Myfriends，"hesaid，"heroes，servantsofMars，thehandofheavenhasbeenlaidheavilyuponme。CruelJovegavemehissolemnpromisethatIshouldsackthecityofPriambeforereturning，buthehasplayedmefalse，andisnowbiddingmegoingloriouslybacktoArgoswiththelossofmuchpeople。SuchisthewillofJove，whohaslaidmanyaproudcityinthedust，ashewillyetlayothers，forhispowerisaboveall。ItwillbeasorrytalehereafterthatanAchaeanhost，atoncesogreatandvaliant，battledinvainagainstmenfewerinnumberthanthemselves；butasyettheendisnotinsight。ThinkthattheAchaeansandTrojanshavesworntoasolemncovenant，andthattheyhaveeachbeennumbered-theTrojansbytherolloftheirhouseholders，andwebycompaniesoften；thinkfurtherthateachofourcompaniesdesiredtohaveaTrojanhouseholdertopourouttheirwine；wearesogreatlymoreinnumberthatfullmanyacompanywouldhavetogowithoutitscup-bearer。

Buttheyhaveinthetownalliesfromotherplaces，anditisthesethathindermefrombeingabletosacktherichcityofIlius。NineofJoveyearsaregone；thetimbersofourshipshaverotted；theirtacklingissoundnolonger。Ourwivesandlittleonesathomelookanxiouslyforourcoming，buttheworkthatwecamehithertodohasnotbeendone。Now，therefore，letusalldoasIsay:letussailbacktoourownland，forweshallnottakeTroy。"

Withthesewordshemovedtheheartsofthemultitude，somanyofthemasknewnotthecunningcounselofAgamemnon。TheysurgedtoandfrolikethewavesoftheIcarianSea，whentheeastandsouthwindsbreakfromheaven’scloudstolashthem；oraswhenthewestwindsweepsoverafieldofcornandtheearsbowbeneaththeblast，evensoweretheyswayedastheyflewwithloudcriestowardstheships，andthedustfromundertheirfeetroseheavenward。Theycheeredeachotherontodrawtheshipsintothesea；theyclearedthechannelsinfrontofthem；theybegantakingawaythestaysfromunderneaththem，andthewelkinrangwiththeirgladcries，soeagerweretheytoreturn。

ThensurelytheArgiveswouldhavereturnedafterafashionthatwasnotfated。ButJunosaidtoMinerva，"Alas，daughterofaegis-bearingJove，unweariable，shalltheArgivesflyhometotheirownlandoverthebroadsea，andleavePriamandtheTrojansthegloryofstillkeepingHelen，forwhosesakesomanyoftheAchaeanshavediedatTroy，farfromtheirhomes？Goaboutatonceamongthehost，andspeakfairlytothem，manbyman，thattheydrawnottheirshipsintothesea。"

Minervawasnotslacktodoherbidding。DownshedartedfromthetopmostsummitsofOlympus，andinamomentshewasattheshipsoftheAchaeans。ThereshefoundUlysses，peerofJoveincounsel，standingalone。Hehadnotasyetlaidahanduponhisship，forhewasgrievedandsorry；soshewentcloseuptohimandsaid，"Ulysses，noblesonofLaertes，areyougoingtoflingyourselvesintoyourshipsandbeoffhometoyourownlandinthisway？WillyouleavePriamandtheTrojansthegloryofstillkeepingHelen，forwhosesakesomanyoftheAchaeanshavediedatTroy，farfromtheirhomes？Goaboutatonceamongthehost，andspeakfairlytothem，manbyman，thattheydrawnottheirshipsintothesea。"

Ulyssesknewthevoiceasthatofthegoddess:heflunghiscloakfromhimandsetofftorun。HisservantEurybates，amanofIthaca，whowaitedonhim，tookchargeofthecloak，whereonUlysseswentstraightuptoAgamemnonandreceivedfromhimhisancestral，imperishablestaff。WiththishewentaboutamongtheshipsoftheAchaeans。

Wheneverhemetakingorchieftain，hestoodbyhimandspokehimfairly。"Sir，"saidhe，"thisflightiscowardlyandunworthy。Standtoyourpost，andbidyourpeoplealsokeeptheirplaces。YoudonotyetknowthefullmindofAgamemnon；hewassoundingus，anderelongwillvisittheAchaeanswithhisdispleasure。Wewerenotallofusatthecounciltohearwhathethensaid；seetoitlesthebeangryanddousamischief；fortheprideofkingsisgreat，andthehandofJoveiswiththem。"

Butwhenhecameacrossanycommonmanwhowasmakinganoise，hestruckhimwithhisstaffandrebukedhim，saying，"Sirrah，holdyourpeace，andlistentobettermenthanyourself。Youareacowardandnosoldier；youarenobodyeitherinfightorcouncil；wecannotallbekings；itisnotwellthatthereshouldbemanymasters；onemanmustbesupreme-onekingtowhomthesonofschemingSaturnhasgiventhesceptreofsovereigntyoveryouall。"

Thusmasterfullydidhegoaboutamongthehost，andthepeoplehurriedbacktothecouncilfromtheirtentsandshipswithasoundasthethunderofsurfwhenitcomescrashingdownupontheshore，andalltheseaisinanuproar。

Therestnowtooktheirseatsandkepttotheirownseveralplaces，butThersitesstillwentonwagginghisunbridledtongue-amanofmanywords，andthoseunseemly；amongerofsedition，araileragainstallwhowereinauthority，whocarednotwhathesaid，sothathemightsettheAchaeansinalaugh。HewastheugliestmanofallthosethatcamebeforeTroy-bandy-legged，lameofonefoot，withhistwoshouldersroundedandhunchedoverhischest。Hisheadranuptoapoint，buttherewaslittlehaironthetopofit。

AchillesandUlysseshatedhimworstofall，foritwaswiththemthathewasmostwonttowrangle；now，however，withashrillsqueakyvoicehebeganheapinghisabuseonAgamemnon。TheAchaeanswereangryanddisgusted，yetnonethelesshekeptonbrawlingandbawlingatthesonofAtreus。

"Agamemnon，"hecried，"whatailsyounow，andwhatmoredoyouwant？Yourtentsarefilledwithbronzeandwithfairwomen，forwheneverwetakeatownwegiveyouthepickofthem。Wouldyouhaveyetmoregold，whichsomeTrojanistogiveyouasaransomforhisson，whenIoranotherAchaeanhastakenhimprisoner？orisitsomeyounggirltohideandliewith？Itisnotwellthatyou，theruleroftheAchaeans，shouldbringthemintosuchmisery。Weaklingcowards，womenratherthanmen，letussailhome，andleavethisfellowhereatTroytostewinhisownmeedsofhonour，anddiscoverwhetherwewereofanyservicetohimorno。Achillesisamuchbettermanthanheis，andseehowhehastreatedhim-robbinghimofhisprizeandkeepingithimself。Achillestakesitmeeklyandshowsnofight；ifhedid，sonofAtreus，youwouldneveragaininsulthim。"

ThusrailedThersites，butUlyssesatoncewentuptohimandrebukedhimsternly。"Checkyourglibtongue，Thersites，"saidbe，"andbabblenotawordfurther。Chidenotwithprinceswhenyouhavenonetobackyou。ThereisnovilercreaturecomebeforeTroywiththesonsofAtreus。Dropthischatteraboutkings，andneitherrevilethemnorkeepharpingaboutgoinghome。Wedonotyetknowhowthingsaregoingtobe，norwhethertheAchaeansaretoreturnwithgoodsuccessorevil。HowdareyougibeatAgamemnonbecausetheDanaanshaveawardedhimsomanyprizes？Itellyou，therefore-anditshallsurelybe-thatifIagaincatchyoutalkingsuchnonsense，IwilleitherforfeitmyownheadandbenomorecalledfatherofTelemachus，orIwilltakeyou，stripyoustarknaked，andwhipyououtoftheassemblytillyougoblubberingbacktotheships。"

Onthishebeathimwithhisstaffaboutthebackandshoulderstillhedroppedandfella-weeping。Thegoldensceptreraisedabloodywealonhisback，sohesatdownfrightenedandinpain，lookingfoolishashewipedthetearsfromhiseyes。Thepeopleweresorryforhim，yettheylaughedheartily，andonewouldturntohisneighboursaying，"Ulysseshasdonemanyagoodthingerenowinfightandcouncil，butheneverdidtheArgivesabetterturnthanwhenhestoppedthisfellow’smouthfrompratingfurther。Hewillgivethekingsnomoreofhisinsolence。"

Thussaidthepeople。ThenUlyssesrose，sceptreinhand，andMinervainthelikenessofaheraldbadethepeoplebestill，thatthosewhowerefaroffmighthearhimandconsiderhiscouncil。Hethereforewithallsincerityandgoodwilladdressedthemthus:-

"KingAgamemnon，theAchaeansareformakingyouaby-wordamongallmankind。TheyforgetthepromisetheymadeyouwhentheysetoutfromArgos，thatyoushouldnotreturntillyouhadsackedthetownofTroy，and，likechildrenorwidowedwomen，theymurmurandwouldsetoffhomeward。Trueitisthattheyhavehadtoilenoughtobedisheartened。Amanchafesathavingtostayawayfromhiswifeevenforasinglemonth，whenheisonshipboard，atthemercyofwindandsea，butitisnowninelongyearsthatwehavebeenkepthere；

Icannot，therefore，blametheAchaeansiftheyturnrestive；stillweshallbeshamedifwegohomeemptyaftersolongastay-therefore，myfriends，bepatientyetalittlelongerthatwemaylearnwhethertheprophesyingsofCalchaswerefalseortrue。

"Allwhohavenotsinceperishedmustrememberasthoughitwereyesterdayorthedaybefore，howtheshipsoftheAchaeansweredetainedinAuliswhenwewereonourwayhithertomakewaronPriamandtheTrojans。Wewererangedroundaboutafountainofferinghecatombstothegodsupontheirholyaltars，andtherewasafineplane-treefrombeneathwhichtherewelledastreamofpurewater。Thenwesawaprodigy；forJovesentafearfulserpentoutoftheground，withblood-redstainsuponitsback，anditdartedfromunderthealtarontotheplane-tree。Nowtherewasabroodofyoungsparrows，quitesmall，uponthetopmostbough，peepingoutfromundertheleaves，eightinall，andtheirmotherthathatchedthemmadenine。Theserpentatethepoorcheepingthings，whiletheoldbirdflewaboutlamentingherlittleones；buttheserpentthrewhiscoilsaboutherandcaughtherbythewingasshewasscreaming。Then，whenhehadeatenboththesparrowandheryoung，thegodwhohadsenthimmadehimbecomeasign；forthesonofschemingSaturnturnedhimintostone，andwestoodtherewonderingatthatwhichhadcometopass。Seeing，then，thatsuchafearfulportenthadbrokeninuponourhecatombs，Calchasforthwithdeclaredtoustheoraclesofheaven。

’Why，Achaeans，’saidhe，’areyouthusspeechless？Jovehassentusthissign，longincoming，andlongereitbefulfilled，thoughitsfameshalllastforever。Astheserpentatetheeightfledglingsandthesparrowthathatchedthem，whichmakesnine，soshallwefightnineyearsatTroy，butinthetenthshalltakethetown。’Thiswaswhathesaid，andnowitisallcomingtrue。Stayhere，therefore，allofyou，tillwetakethecityofPriam。"

OnthistheArgivesraisedashout，tilltheshipsrangagainwiththeuproar。Nestor，knightofGerene，thenaddressedthem。"Shameonyou，"hecried，"tostaytalkingherelikechildren，whenyoushouldfightlikemen。Whereareourcovenantsnow，andwheretheoathsthatwehavetaken？Shallourcounselsbeflungintothefire，withourdrink-offeringsandtherighthandsoffellowshipwhereinwehaveputourtrust？Wewasteourtimeinwords，andforallourtalkinghereshallbenofurtherforward。Stand，therefore，sonofAtreus，byyourownsteadfastpurpose；leadtheArgivesontobattle，andleavethishandfulofmentorot，whoscheme，andschemeinvain，togetbacktoArgoseretheyhavelearnedwhetherJovebetrueoraliar。ForthemightysonofSaturnsurelypromisedthatweshouldsucceed，whenweArgivessetsailtobringdeathanddestructionupontheTrojans。Heshowedusfavourablesignsbyflashinghislightningonourrighthands；thereforeletnonemakehastetogotillhehasfirstlainwiththewifeofsomeTrojan，andavengedthetoilandsorrowthathehassufferedforthesakeofHelen。Nevertheless，ifanymanisinsuchhastetobeathomeagain，lethimlayhishandtohisshipthathemaymeethisdoominthesightofall。But，Oking，considerandgiveeartomycounsel，forthewordthatIsaymaynotbeneglectedlightly。Divideyourmen，Agamemnon，intotheirseveraltribesandclans，thatclansandtribesmaystandbyandhelponeanother。Ifyoudothis，andiftheAchaeansobeyyou，youwillfindoutwho，bothchiefsandpeoples，arebrave，andwhoarecowards；fortheywillvieagainsttheother。

Thusyoushallalsolearnwhetheritisthroughthecounselofheavenorthecowardiceofmanthatyoushallfailtotakethetown。"

AndAgamemnonanswered，"Nestor，youhaveagainoutdonethesonsoftheAchaeansincounsel。Would，byFatherJove，Minerva，andApollo，thatIhadamongthemtenmoresuchcouncillors，forthecityofKingPriamwouldthensoonfallbeneathourhands，andweshouldsackit。ButthesonofSaturnafflictsmewithbootlesswranglingsandstrife。AchillesandIarequarrellingaboutthisgirl，inwhichmatterIwasthefirsttooffend；ifwecanbeofonemindagain，theTrojanswillnotstaveoffdestructionforaday。Now，therefore，getyourmorningmeal，thatourhostsjoininfight。Whetwellyourspears；seewelltotheorderingofyourshields；givegoodfeedstoyourhorses，andlookyourchariotscarefullyover，thatwemaydobattlethelivelongday；forweshallhavenorest，notforamoment，tillnightfallstopartus。Thebandsthatbearyourshieldsshallbewetwiththesweatuponyourshoulders，yourhandsshallwearyuponyourspears，yourhorsesshallsteaminfrontofyourchariots，andifIseeanymanshirkingthefight，ortryingtokeepoutofitattheships，thereshallbenohelpforhim，butheshallbeapreytodogsandvultures。"

Thushespoke，andtheAchaeansroaredapplause。Aswhenthewavesrunhighbeforetheblastofthesouthwindandbreakonsomeloftyheadland，dashingagainstitandbuffetingitwithoutceasing，asthestormsfromeveryquarterdrivethem，evensodidtheAchaeansriseandhurryinalldirectionstotheirships。Theretheylightedtheirfiresattheirtentsandgotdinner，offeringsacrificeeverymantooneorotherofthegods，andprayingeachoneofthemthathemightlivetocomeoutofthefight。Agamemnon，kingofmen，sacrificedafatfive-year-oldbulltothemightysonofSaturn，andinvitedtheprincesandeldersofhishost。FirstheaskedNestorandKingIdomeneus，thenthetwoAjaxesandthesonofTydeus，andsixthlyUlysses，peerofgodsincounsel；butMenelauscameofhisownaccord，forheknewhowbusyhisbrotherthenwas。Theystoodroundthebullwiththebarley-mealintheirhands，andAgamemnonprayed，saying，"Jove，mostglorious，supreme，thatdwellestinheaven，andridestuponthestorm-cloud，grantthatthesunmaynotgodown，northenightfall，tillthepalaceofPriamislaidlow，anditsgatesareconsumedwithfire。GrantthatmyswordmaypiercetheshirtofHectorabouthisheart，andthatfullmanyofhiscomradesmaybitethedustastheyfalldyingroundhim。"

Thusheprayed，butthesonofSaturnwouldnotfulfilhisprayer。

Heacceptedthesacrifice，yetnonethelessincreasedtheirtoilcontinually。Whentheyhaddoneprayingandsprinklingthebarley-mealuponthevictim，theydrewbackitshead，killedit，andthenflayedit。Theycutoutthethigh-bones，wrappedthemroundintwolayersoffat，andsetpiecesofrawmeatonthetopofthem。Thesetheyburneduponthesplitlogsoffirewood，buttheyspittedtheinwardmeats，andheldthemintheflamestocook。Whenthethigh-boneswereburned，andtheyhadtastedtheinwardmeats，theycuttherestupsmall，putthepiecesuponspits，roastedthemtilltheyweredone，anddrewthemoff；then，whentheyhadfinishedtheirworkandthefeastwasready，theyateit，andeverymanhadhisfullshare，sothatallweresatisfied。Assoonastheyhadhadenoughtoeatanddrink，Nestor，knightofGerene，begantospeak。"KingAgamemnon，"

saidhe，"letusnotstaytalkinghere，norbeslackintheworkthatheavenhasputintoourhands。Lettheheraldssummonthepeopletogatherattheirseveralships；wewillthengoaboutamongthehost，thatwemaybeginfightingatonce。"

Thusdidhespeak，andAgamemnonheededhiswords。Heatoncesentthecriersroundtocallthepeopleinassembly。Sotheycalledthem，andthepeoplegatheredthereon。ThechiefsaboutthesonofAtreuschosetheirmenandmarshalledthem，whileMinervawentamongthemholdingherpricelessaegisthatknowsneitheragenordeath。

Fromittherewavedahundredtasselsofpuregold，alldeftlywoven，andeachoneofthemworthahundredoxen。WiththisshedartedfuriouslyeverywhereamongthehostsoftheAchaeans，urgingthemforward，andputtingcourageintotheheartofeach，sothathemightfightanddobattlewithoutceasing。Thuswarbecamesweeterintheireyeseventhanreturninghomeintheirships。Aswhensomegreatforestfireisraginguponamountaintopanditslightisseenafar，evensoastheymarchedthegleamoftheirarmourflashedupintothefirmamentofheaven。

Theywerelikegreatflocksofgeese，orcranes，orswansontheplainaboutthewatersofCayster，thatwingtheirwayhitherandthither，gloryingintheprideofflight，andcryingastheysettletillthefenisalivewiththeirscreaming。EventhusdidtheirtribespourfromshipsandtentsontotheplainoftheScamander，andthegroundrangasbrassunderthefeetofmenandhorses。Theystoodasthickupontheflower-bespangledfieldasleavesthatbloominsummer。

Ascountlessswarmsoffliesbuzzaroundaherdsman’shomesteadinthetimeofspringwhenthepailsaredrenchedwithmilk，evensodidtheAchaeansswarmontotheplaintochargetheTrojansanddestroythem。

Thechiefsdisposedtheirmenthiswayandthatbeforethefightbegan，draftingthemoutaseasilyasgoatherdsdrafttheirflockswhentheyhavegotmixedwhilefeeding；andamongthemwentKingAgamemnon，withaheadandfacelikeJovethelordofthunder，awaistlikeMars，andachestlikethatofNeptune。Assomegreatbullthatlordsitovertheherdsupontheplain，evensodidJovemakethesonofAtreusstandpeerlessamongthemultitudeofheroes。

Andnow，OMuses，dwellersinthemansionsofOlympus，tellme-

foryouaregoddessesandareinallplacessothatyouseeallthings，whileweknownothingbutbyreport-whowerethechiefsandprincesoftheDanaans？Asforthecommonsoldiers，theyweresothatIcouldnotnameeverysingleoneofthemthoughIhadtentongues，andthoughmyvoicefailednotandmyheartwereofbronzewithinme，unlessyou，OOlympianMuses，daughtersofaegis-bearingJove，weretorecountthemtome。Nevertheless，Iwilltellthecaptainsoftheshipsandallthefleettogether。

Peneleos，Leitus，Arcesilaus，Prothoenor，andCloniuswerecaptainsoftheBoeotians。TheseweretheythatdweltinHyriaandrockyAulis，andwhoheldSchoenus，Scolus，andthehighlandsofEteonus，withThespeia，Graia，andthefaircityofMycalessus。TheyalsoheldHarma，Eilesium，andErythrae；andtheyhadEleon，Hyle，andPeteon；OcaleaandthestrongfortressofMedeon；Copae，Eutresis，andThisbethehauntofdoves；Coronea，andthepasturesofHaliartus；

PlataeaandGlisas；thefortressofThebestheless；holyOnchestuswithitsfamousgroveofNeptune；Arnerichinvineyards；Midea，sacredNisa，andAnthedonuponthesea。Fromthesetherecamefiftyships，andineachtherewereahundredandtwentyyoungmenoftheBoeotians。

AscalaphusandIalmenus，sonsofMars，ledthepeoplethatdweltinAspledonandOrchomenustherealmofMinyas。AstyocheanoblemaidenboretheminthehouseofActorsonofAzeus；forshehadgonewithMarssecretlyintoanupperchamber，andhehadlainwithher。Withthesetherecamethirtyships。

ThePhoceanswereledbySchediusandEpistrophus，sonsofmightyIphitusthesonofNaubolus。TheseweretheythatheldCyparissus，rockyPytho，holyCrisa，Daulis，andPanopeus；theyalsothatdweltinAnemoreaandHyampolis，andaboutthewatersoftheriverCephissus，andLilaeabythespringsoftheCephissus；withtheirchieftainscamefortyships，andtheymarshalledtheforcesofthePhoceans，whichwerestationednexttotheBoeotians，ontheirleft。

Ajax，thefleetsonofOileus，commandedtheLocrians。Hewasnotsogreat，nornearlysogreat，asAjaxthesonofTelamon。Hewasalittleman，andhisbreastplatewasmadeoflinen，butinuseofthespearheexcelledalltheHellenesandtheAchaeans。ThesedweltinCynus，Opous，Calliarus，Bessa，Scarphe，fairAugeae，Tarphe，andThroniumabouttheriverBoagrius。WithhimtherecamefortyshipsoftheLocrianswhodwellbeyondEuboea。

ThefierceAbantesheldEuboeawithitscities，Chalcis，Eretria，Histiaearichinvines，Cerinthusuponthesea，andtherock-perchedtownofDium；withthemwerealsothemenofCarystusandStyra；

ElephenoroftheraceofMarswasincommandofthese；hewassonofChalcodon，andchiefoveralltheAbantes。Withhimtheycame，fleetoffootandwearingtheirhairlongbehind，bravewarriors，whowouldeverstrivetotearopenthecorsletsoftheirfoeswiththeirlongashenspears。Ofthesetherecamefiftyships。

AndtheythatheldthestrongcityofAthens，thepeopleofgreatErechtheus，whowasbornofthesoilitself，butJove’sdaughter，Minerva，fosteredhim，andestablishedhimatAthensinherownrichsanctuary。There，yearbyyear，theAthenianyouthsworshiphimwithsacrificesofbullsandrams。ThesewerecommandedbyMenestheus，sonofPeteos。Nomanlivingcouldequalhiminthemarshallingofchariotsandfootsoldiers。Nestorcouldalonerivalhim，forhewasolder。Withhimtherecamefiftyships。

AjaxbroughttwelveshipsfromSalamis，andstationedthemalongsidethoseoftheAthenians。

ThemenofArgos，again，andthosewhoheldthewallsofTiryns，withHermione，andAsineuponthegulf；Troezene，Eionae，andthevineyardlandsofEpidaurus；theAchaeanyouths，moreover，whocamefromAeginaandMases；thesewereledbyDiomedoftheloudbattle-cry，andSthenelussonoffamedCapaneus。WiththemincommandwasEuryalus，sonofkingMecisteus，sonofTalaus；butDiomedwaschiefoverthemall。Withthesetherecameeightyships。

ThosewhoheldthestrongcityofMycenae，richCorinthandCleonae；

Orneae，Araethyrea，andLicyon，whereAdrastusreignedofold；

Hyperesia，highGonoessa，andPellene；Aegiumandallthecoast-landroundaboutHelice；thesesentahundredshipsunderthecommandofKingAgamemnon，sonofAtreus。Hisforcewasfarbothfinestandmostnumerous，andintheirmidstwasthekinghimself，allgloriousinhisarmourofgleamingbronze-foremostamongtheheroes，forhewasthegreatestking，andhadmostmenunderhim。

AndthosethatdweltinLacedaemon，lyinglowamongthehills，Pharis，Sparta，withMessethehauntofdoves；Bryseae，Augeae，Amyclae，andHelosuponthesea；Laas，moreover，andOetylus；thesewereledbyMenelausoftheloudbattle-cry，brothertoAgamemnon，andofthemthereweresixtyships，drawnupapartfromtheothers。

AmongthemwentMenelaushimself，stronginzeal，urginghismentofight；forhelongedtoavengethetoilandsorrowthathehadsufferedforthesakeofHelen。

ThemenofPylosandArene，andThryumwhereisthefordoftheriverAlpheus；strongAipy，Cyparisseis，andAmphigenea；Pteleum，Helos，andDorium，wheretheMusesmetThamyris，andstilledhisminstrelsyforever。HewasreturningfromOechalia，whereEurytuslivedandreigned，andboastedthathewouldsurpasseventheMuses，daughtersofaegis-bearingJove，iftheyshouldsingagainsthim；

whereontheywereangry，andmaimedhim。Theyrobbedhimofhisdivinepowerofsong，andthenceforthhecouldstrikethelyrenomore。ThesewerecommandedbyNestor，knightofGerene，andwithhimtherecameninetyships。

AndthosethatheldArcadia，underthehighmountainofCyllene，nearthetombofAepytus，wherethepeoplefighthandtohand；themenofPheneusalso，andOrchomenusrichinflocks；ofRhipae，Stratie，andbleakEnispe；ofTegeaandfairMantinea；ofStymphelusandParrhasia；oftheseKingAgapenorsonofAncaeuswascommander，andtheyhadsixtyships。ManyArcadians，goodsoldiers，cameineachoneofthem，butAgamemnonfoundthemtheshipsinwhichtocrossthesea，fortheywerenotapeoplethatoccupiedtheirbusinessuponthewaters。

Themen，moreover，ofBuprasiumandofElis，somuchofitasisenclosedbetweenHyrmine，Myrsinusuponthesea-shore，therockOleneandAlesium。Thesehadfourleaders，andeachofthemhadtenships，withmanyEpeansonboard。TheircaptainswereAmphimachusandThalpius-theone，sonofCteatus，andtheother，ofEurytus-bothoftheraceofActor。ThetwootherswereDiores，sonofAmarynces，andPolyxenus，sonofKingAgasthenes，sonofAugeas。

AndthoseofDulichiumwiththesacredEchineanislands，whodweltbeyondtheseaoffElis；thesewereledbyMeges，peerofMars，andthesonofvaliantPhyleus，deartoJove，whoquarrelledwithhisfather，andwenttosettleinDulichium。Withhimtherecamefortyships。

UlyssesledthebraveCephallenians，whoheldIthaca，Neritumwithitsforests，Crocylea，ruggedAegilips，SamosandZacynthus，withthemainlandalsothatwasoveragainsttheislands。ThesewereledbyUlysses，peerofJoveincounsel，andwithhimtherecametwelveships。

Thoas，sonofAndraemon，commandedtheAetolians，whodweltinPleuron，Olenus，Pylene，Chalcisbythesea，androckyCalydon，forthegreatkingOeneushadnownosonsliving，andwashimselfdead，aswasalsogolden-hairedMeleager，whohadbeensetovertheAetolianstobetheirking。AndwithThoastherecamefortyships。

ThefamousspearsmanIdomeneusledtheCretans，whoheldCnossus，andthewell-walledcityofGortys；Lyctusalso，MiletusandLycastusthatliesuponthechalk；thepopuloustownsofPhaestusandRhytium，withtheotherpeoplesthatdweltinthehundredcitiesofCrete。AllthesewereledbyIdomeneus，andbyMeriones，peerofmurderousMars。Andwiththesetherecameeightyships。

Tlepolemus，sonofHercules，amanbothbraveandlargeofstature，broughtnineshipsoflordlywarriorsfromRhodes。ThesedweltinRhodeswhichisdividedamongthethreecitiesofLindus，Ielysus，andCameirus，thatliesuponthechalk。ThesewerecommandedbyTlepolemus，sonofHerculesbyAstyochea，whomhehadcarriedofffromEphyra，ontheriverSelleis，aftersackingmanycitiesofvaliantwarriors。WhenTlepolemusgrewup，hekilledhisfather’suncleLicymnius，whohadbeenafamouswarriorinhistime，butwasthengrownold。Onthishebuilthimselfafleet，gatheredagreatfollowing，andfledbeyondthesea，forhewasmenacedbytheothersonsandgrandsonsofHercules。Afteravoyage。duringwhichhesufferedgreathardship，hecametoRhodes，wherethepeopledividedintothreecommunities，accordingtotheirtribes，andweredearlylovedbyJove，thelord，ofgodsandmen；whereforethesonofSaturnshowereddowngreatrichesuponthem。

AndNireusbroughtthreeshipsfromSyme-Nireus，whowasthehandsomestmanthatcameupunderIliusofalltheDanaansafterthesonofPeleus-buthewasamanofnosubstance，andhadbutasmallfollowing。

AndthosethatheldNisyrus，Crapathus，andCasus，withCos，thecityofEurypylus，andtheCalydnianislands，thesewerecommandedbyPheidippusandAntiphus，twosonsofKingThessalusthesonofHercules。Andwiththemtherecamethirtyships。

ThoseagainwhoheldPelasgicArgos，Alos，Alope，andTrachis；andthoseofPhthiaandHellasthelandoffairwomen，whowerecalledMyrmidons，Hellenes，andAchaeans；thesehadfiftyships，overwhichAchilleswasincommand。Buttheynowtooknopartinthewar，inasmuchastherewasnoonetomarshalthem；forAchillesstayedbyhisships，furiousaboutthelossofthegirlBriseis，whomhehadtakenfromLyrnessusathisowngreatperil，whenhehadsackedLyrnessusandThebe，andhadoverthrownMynesandEpistrophus，sonsofkingEvenor，sonofSelepus。ForhersakeAchilleswasstillgrieving，buterelonghewasagaintojointhem。

AndthosethatheldPhylaceandtheflowerymeadowsofPyrasus，sanctuaryofCeres；Iton，themotherofsheep；Antrumuponthesea，andPteleumthatliesuponthegrasslands。OfthesebraveProtesilaushadbeencaptainwhilehewasyetalive，buthewasnowlyingundertheearth。HehadleftawifebehindhiminPhylacetotearhercheeksinsorrow，andhishousewasonlyhalffinished，forhewasslainbyaDardanianwarriorwhileleapingforemostoftheAchaeansuponthesoilofTroy。Still，thoughhispeoplemournedtheirchieftain，theywerenotwithoutaleader，forPodarces，oftheraceofMars，marshalledthem；hewassonofIphiclus，richinsheep，whowasthesonofPhylacus，andhewasownbrothertoProtesilaus，onlyyounger，Protesilausbeingatoncetheelderandthemorevaliant。Sothepeoplewerenotwithoutaleader，thoughtheymournedhimwhomtheyhadlost。Withhimtherecamefortyships。

AndthosethatheldPheraebytheBoebeanlake，withBoebe，Glaphyrae，andthepopulouscityofIolcus，thesewiththeirelevenshipswereledbyEumelus，sonofAdmetus，whomAlcestisboretohim，loveliestofthedaughtersofPelias。

AndthosethatheldMethoneandThaumacia，withMeliboeaandruggedOlizon，thesewereledbytheskilfularcherPhiloctetes，andtheyhadsevenships，eachwithfiftyoarsmenallofthemgoodarchers；butPhilocteteswaslyingingreatpainintheIslandofLemnos，wherethesonsoftheAchaeanslefthim，forhehadbeenbittenbyapoisonouswatersnake。Therehelaysickandsorry，andfullsoondidtheArgivescometomisshim。Buthispeople，thoughtheyfelthislosswerenotleaderless，forMedon，thebastardsonofOileusbyRhene，settheminarray。

Those，again，ofTriccaandthestonyregionofIthome，andtheythatheldOechalia，thecityofOechalianEurytus，thesewerecommandedbythetwosonsofAesculapius，skilledintheartofhealing，PodaliriusandMachaon。Andwiththemtherecamethirtyships。

Themen，moreover，ofOrmenius，andbythefountainofHypereia，withthosethatheldAsterius，andthewhitecrestsofTitanus，thesewereledbyEurypylus，thesonofEuaemon，andwiththemtherecamefortyships。

ThosethatheldArgissaandGyrtone，Orthe，Elone，andthewhitecityofOloosson，ofthesebravePolypoeteswasleader。HewassonofPirithous，whowassonofJovehimself，forHippodameiaborehimtoPirithousonthedaywhenhetookhisrevengeontheshaggymountainsavagesanddrovethemfromMt。PeliontotheAithices。ButPolypoeteswasnotsoleincommand，forwithhimwasLeonteus，oftheraceofMars，whowassonofCoronus，thesonofCaeneus。Andwiththesetherecamefortyships。

GuneusbroughttwoandtwentyshipsfromCyphus，andhewasfollowedbytheEnienesandthevaliantPeraebi，whodweltaboutwintryDodona，andheldthelandsroundthelovelyriverTitaresius，whichsendsitswatersintothePeneus。TheydonotminglewiththesilvereddiesofthePeneus，butflowonthetopofthemlikeoil；fortheTitaresiusisabranchofdreadOrcusandoftheriverStyx。

OftheMagnetes，ProthoussonofTenthredonwascommander。TheyweretheythatdweltabouttheriverPeneusandMt。Pelion。Prothous，fleetoffoot，wastheirleader，andwithhimtherecamefortyships。

SuchwerethechiefsandprincesoftheDanaans。Who，then，O

Muse，wastheforemost，whethermanorhorse，amongthosethatfollowedafterthesonsofAtreus？

Ofthehorses，thoseofthesonofPhereswerebyfarthefinest。

TheyweredrivenbyEumelus，andwereasfleetasbirds。Theywereofthesameageandcolour，andperfectlymatchedinheight。Apollo，ofthesilverbow，hadbredtheminPerea-bothofthemmares，andterribleasMarsinbattle。Ofthemen，Ajax，sonofTelamon，wasmuchtheforemostsolongasAchilles’angerlasted，forAchillesexcelledhimgreatlyandhehadalsobetterhorses；butAchilleswasnowholdingaloofathisshipsbyreasonofhisquarrelwithAgamemnon，andhispeoplepassedtheirtimeupontheseashore，throwingdiscsoraimingwithspearsatamark，andinarchery。

Theirhorsesstoodeachbyhisownchariot，champinglotusandwildcelery。Thechariotswerehousedundercover，buttheirowners，forlackofleadership，wanderedhitherandthitheraboutthehostandwentnotforthtofight。

Thusmarchedthehostlikeaconsumingfire，andtheearthgroanedbeneaththemwhenthelordofthunderisangryandlashesthelandaboutTyphoeusamongtheArimi，wheretheysayTyphoeuslies。Evensodidtheearthgroanbeneaththemastheyspedovertheplain。

AndnowIris，fleetasthewind，wassentbyJovetotellthebadnewsamongtheTrojans。Theyweregatheredinassembly，oldandyoung，atPriam’sgates，andIriscamecloseuptoPriam，speakingwiththevoiceofPriam’ssonPolites，who，beingfleetoffoot，wasstationedaswatchmanfortheTrojansonthetombofoldAesyetes，tolookoutforanysallyoftheAchaeans。InhislikenessIrisspoke，saying，"Oldman，youtalkidly，asintimeofpeace，whilewarisathand。Ihavebeeninmanyabattle，butneveryetsawsuchahostasisnowadvancing。Theyarecrossingtheplaintoattackthecityasthickasleavesorasthesandsofthesea。Hector，Ichargeyouaboveallothers，doasIsay。TherearemanyalliesdispersedaboutthecityofPriamfromdistantplacesandspeakingdiverstongues。

Therefore，leteachchiefgiveorderstohisownpeople，settingthemseverallyinarrayandleadingthemforthtobattle。"

Thusshespoke，butHectorknewthatitwasthegoddess，andatoncebrokeuptheassembly。Themenflewtoarms；allthegateswereopened，andthepeoplethrongedthroughthem，horseandfoot，withthetrampasofagreatmultitude。

Nowthereisahighmoundbeforethecity，risingbyitselfupontheplain。MencallitBatieia，butthegodsknowthatitisthetomboflitheMyrine。HeretheTrojansandtheiralliesdividedtheirforces。