第2章

Priam’sson，greatHectorofthegleaminghelmet，commandedtheTrojans，andwithhimwerearrayedbyfarthegreaternumberandmostvaliantofthosewhowerelongingforthefray。

TheDardanianswereledbybraveAeneas，whomVenusboretoAnchises，whenshe，goddessthoughshewas，hadlainwithhimuponthemountainslopesofIda。Hewasnotalone，forwithhimwerethetwosonsofAntenor，ArchilochusandAcamas，bothskilledinalltheartsofwar。

TheythatdweltinTeleaunderthelowestspursofMt。Ida，menofsubstance，whodrinkthelimpidwatersoftheAesepus，andareofTrojanblood-thesewereledbyPandarussonofLycaon，whomApollohadtaughttousethebow。

TheythatheldAdresteiaandthelandofApaesus，withPityeia，andthehighmountainofTereia-thesewereledbyAdrestusandAmphius，whosebreastplatewasoflinen。ThesewerethesonsofMeropsofPercote，whoexcelledinallkindsofdivination。Hetoldthemnottotakepartinthewar，buttheygavehimnoheed，forfateluredthemtodestruction。

TheythatdweltaboutPercoteandPractius，withSestos，Abydos，andArisbe-thesewereledbyAsius，sonofHyrtacus，abravecommander-

Asius，thesonofHyrtacus，whomhispowerfuldarkbaysteeds，ofthebreedthatcomesfromtheriverSelleis，hadbroughtfromArisbe。

HippothousledthetribesofPelasgianspearsmen，whodweltinfertileLarissa-Hippothous，andPylaeusoftheraceofMars，twosonsofthePelasgianLethus，sonofTeutamus。

AcamasandthewarriorPeirouscommandedtheThraciansandthosethatcamefrombeyondthemightystreamoftheHellespont。

Euphemus，sonofTroezenus，thesonofCeos，wascaptainoftheCiconianspearsmen。

PyraechmesledthePaeonianarchersfromdistantAmydon，bythebroadwatersoftheriverAxius，thefairestthatflowupontheearth。

ThePaphlagonianswerecommandedbystout-heartedPylaemanesfromEnetae，wherethemulesrunwildinherds。TheseweretheythatheldCytorusandthecountryroundSesamus，withthecitiesbytheriverParthenius，Cromna，Aegialus，andloftyErithini。

OdiusandEpistrophuswerecaptainsovertheHalizonifromdistantAlybe，wherethereareminesofsilver。

Chromis，andEnnomustheaugur，ledtheMysians，buthisskillinauguryavailednottosavehimfromdestruction，forhefellbythehandofthefleetdescendantofAeacusintheriver，whereheslewothersalsooftheTrojans。

Phorcys，again，andnobleAscaniusledthePhrygiansfromthefarcountryofAscania，andbothwereeagerforthefray。

MesthlesandAntiphuscommandedtheMeonians，sonsofTalaemenes，borntohimoftheGygaeanlake。TheseledtheMeonians，whodweltunderMt。Tmolus。

NastesledtheCarians，menofastrangespeech。TheseheldMiletusandthewoodedmountainofPhthires，withthewateroftheriverMaeanderandtheloftycrestsofMt。Mycale。ThesewerecommandedbyNastesandAmphimachus，thebravesonsofNomion。Hecameintothefightwithgoldabouthim，likeagirl；foolthathewas，hisgoldwasofnoavailtosavehim，forhefellintheriverbythehandofthefleetdescendantofAeacus，andAchillesboreawayhisgold。

SarpedonandGlaucusledtheLyciansfromtheirdistantland，bytheeddyingwatersoftheXanthus。

BOOKIII

Whenthecompanieswerethusarrayed，eachunderitsowncaptain，theTrojansadvancedasaflightofwildfowlorcranesthatscreamoverheadwhenrainandwinterdrivethemovertheflowingwatersofOceanustobringdeathanddestructiononthePygmies，andtheywrangleintheairastheyfly；buttheAchaeansmarchedsilently，inhighheart，andmindedtostandbyoneanother。

Aswhenthesouthwindspreadsacurtainofmistuponthemountaintops，badforshepherdsbutbetterthannightforthieves，andamancanseenofurtherthanhecanthrowastone，evensorosethedustfromundertheirfeetastheymadeallspeedovertheplain。

Whentheywerecloseupwithoneanother，AlexandruscameforwardaschampionontheTrojanside。Onhisshouldersheboretheskinofapanther，hisbow，andhissword，andhebrandishedtwospearsshodwithbronzeasachallengetothebravestoftheAchaeanstomeethiminsinglefight。Menelaussawhimthusstrideoutbeforetheranks，andwasgladasahungrylionthatlightsonthecarcaseofsomegoatorhornedstag，anddevoursitthereandthen，thoughdogsandyouthssetuponhim。EventhuswasMenelausgladwhenhiseyescaughtsightofAlexandrus，forhedeemedthatnowheshouldberevenged。Hesprang，therefore，fromhischariot，cladinhissuitofarmour。

AlexandrusquailedashesawMenelauscomeforward，andshrankinfearofhislifeundercoverofhismen。Asonewhostartsbackaffrighted，tremblingandpale，whenhecomessuddenlyuponaserpentinsomemountainglade，evensodidAlexandrusplungeintothethrongofTrojanwarriors，terror-strickenatthesightofthesonAtreus。

ThenHectorupbraidedhim。"Paris，"saidhe，"evil-heartedParis，fairtosee，butwoman-mad，andfalseoftongue，wouldthatyouhadneverbeenborn，orthatyouhaddiedunwed。Betterso，thanlivetobedisgracedandlookedaskanceat。WillnottheAchaeansmockatusandsaythatwehavesentonetochampionuswhoisfairtoseebutwhohasneitherwitnorcourage？Didyounot，suchasyouare，getyourfollowingtogetherandsailbeyondtheseas？Didyounotfromyourafarcountrycarryoffalovelywomanweddedamongapeopleofwarriors-tobringsorrowuponyourfather，yourcity，andyourwholecountry，butjoytoyourenemies，andhang-dogshamefacednesstoyourself？AndnowcanyounotdarefaceMenelausandlearnwhatmannerofmanheiswhosewifeyouhavestolen？Whereindeedwouldbeyourlyreandyourlove-tricks，yourcomelylocksandyourfairfavour，whenyouwerelyinginthedustbeforehim？TheTrojansareaweak-kneedpeople，orerethisyouwouldhavehadashirtofstonesforthewrongsyouhavedonethem。"

AndAlexandrusanswered，"Hector，yourrebukeisjust。Youarehardastheaxewhichashipwrightwieldsathiswork，andcleavesthetimbertohisliking。Astheaxeinhishand，sokeenistheedgeofyourscorn。Still，tauntmenotwiththegiftsthatgoldenVenushasgivenme；theyareprecious；letnotamandisdainthem，forthegodsgivethemwheretheyareminded，andnonecanhavethemfortheasking。IfyouwouldhavemedobattlewithMenelaus，bidtheTrojansandAchaeanstaketheirseats，whileheandIfightintheirmidstforHelenandallherwealth。Lethimwhoshallbevictoriousandprovetobethebettermantakethewomanandallshehas，tobearthemtohishome，butlettherestsweartoasolemncovenantofpeacewherebyyouTrojansshallstayhereinTroy，whiletheothersgohometoArgosandthelandoftheAchaeans。"

WhenHectorheardthishewasglad，andwentaboutamongtheTrojanranksholdinghisspearbythemiddletokeepthemback，andtheyallsatdownathisbidding:buttheAchaeansstillaimedathimwithstonesandarrows，tillAgamemnonshoutedtothemsaying，"Hold，Argives，shootnot，sonsoftheAchaeans；Hectordesirestospeak。"

Theyceasedtakingaimandwerestill，whereonHectorspoke。"Hearfrommymouth，"saidhe，"TrojansandAchaeans，thesayingofAlexandrus，throughwhomthisquarrelhascomeabout。HebidstheTrojansandAchaeanslaytheirarmourupontheground，whileheandMenelausfightinthemidstofyouforHelenandallherwealth。Lethimwhoshallbevictoriousandprovetobethebettermantakethewomanandallshehas，tobearthemtohisownhome，butlettherestsweartoasolemncovenantofpeace。"

Thushespoke，andtheyallheldtheirpeace，tillMenelausoftheloudbattle-cryaddressedthem。"Andnow，"hesaid，"hearmetoo，foritisIwhoamthemostaggrieved。IdeemthatthepartingofAchaeansandTrojansisathand，aswellitmaybe，seeinghowmuchhavesufferedformyquarrelwithAlexandrusandthewronghedidme。Lethimwhoshalldie，die，andlettheothersfightnomore。

Bring，then，twolambs，awhiteramandablackewe，forEarthandSun，andwewillbringathirdforJove。Moreover，youshallbidPriamcome，thathemaysweartothecovenanthimself；forhissonsarehigh-handedandilltotrust，andtheoathsofJovemustnotbetransgressedortakeninvain。Youngmen’smindsarelightasair，butwhenanoldmancomeshelooksbeforeandafter，deemingthatwhichshallbefairestuponbothsides。"

TheTrojansandAchaeansweregladwhentheyheardthis，fortheythoughtthattheyshouldnowhaverest。Theybackedtheirchariotstowardtheranks，gotoutofthem，andputofftheirarmour，layingitdownupontheground；andthehostswereneartooneanotherwithalittlespacebetweenthem。HectorsenttwomessengerstothecitytobringthelambsandtobidPriamcome，whileAgamemnontoldTalthybiustofetchtheotherlambfromtheships，andhedidasAgamemnonhadsaid。

MeanwhileIriswenttoHelenintheformofhersister-in-law，wifeofthesonofAntenor，forHelicaon，sonofAntenor，hadmarriedLaodice，thefairestofPriam’sdaughters。Shefoundherinherownroom，workingatagreatwebofpurplelinen，onwhichshewasembroideringthebattlesbetweenTrojansandAchaeans，thatMarshadmadethemfightforhersake。Iristhencamecloseuptoherandsaid，"Comehither，child，andseethestrangedoingsoftheTrojansandAchaeanstillnowtheyhavebeenwarringupontheplain，madwithlustofbattle，butnowtheyhaveleftofffighting，andareleaningupontheirshields，sittingstillwiththeirspearsplantedbesidethem。

AlexandrusandMenelausaregoingtofightaboutyourself，andyouaretothethewifeofhimwhoisthevictor。"

Thusspokethegoddess，andHelen’sheartyearnedafterherformerhusband，hercity，andherparents。Shethrewawhitemantleoverherhead，andhurriedfromherroom，weepingasshewent，notalone，butattendedbytwoofherhandmaids，Aethrae，daughterofPittheus，andClymene。AndstraightwaytheywereattheScaeangates。

Thetwosages，UcalegonandAntenor，eldersofthepeople，wereseatedbytheScaeangates，withPriam，Panthous，Thymoetes，Lampus，Clytius，andHiketaonoftheraceofMars。Theseweretoooldtofight，buttheywerefluentorators，andsatonthetowerlikecicalesthatchirrupdelicatelyfromtheboughsofsomehightreeinawood。

WhentheysawHelencomingtowardsthetower，theysaidsoftlytooneanother，"SmallwonderthatTrojansandAchaeansshouldenduresomuchandsolong，forthesakeofawomansomarvellouslyanddivinelylovely。Still，fairthoughshebe，letthemtakeherandgo，orshewillbreedsorrowforusandforourchildrenafterus。"

ButPriambadeherdrawnigh。"Mychild，"saidhe，"takeyourseatinfrontofmethatyoumayseeyourformerhusband，yourkinsmenandyourfriends。Ilaynoblameuponyou，itisthegods，notyouwhoaretoblame。ItistheythathavebroughtaboutthisterriblewarwiththeAchaeans。Tellme，then，whoisyonderhugeherosogreatandgoodly？Ihaveseenmentallerbyahead，butnonesocomelyandsoroyal。Surelyhemustbeaking。"

"Sir，"answeredHelen，"fatherofmyhusband，dearandreverendinmyeyes，wouldthatIhadchosendeathratherthantohavecomeherewithyourson，farfrommybridalchamber，myfriends，mydarlingdaughter，andallthecompanionsofmygirlhood。Butitwasnottobe，andmylotisoneoftearsandsorrow。Asforyourquestion，theheroofwhomyouaskisAgamemnon，sonofAtreus，agoodkingandabravesoldier，brother-in-lawassurelyasthathelives，tomyabhorredandmiserableself。"

Theoldmanmarvelledathimandsaid，"HappysonofAtreus，childofgoodfortune。IseethattheAchaeansaresubjecttoyouingreatmultitudes。WhenIwasinPhrygiaIsawmuchhorsemen，thepeopleofOtreusandofMygdon，whowerecampinguponthebanksoftheriverSangarius；Iwastheirally，andwiththemwhentheAmazons，peersofmen，cameupagainstthem，buteventheywerenotsomanyastheAchaeans。"

TheoldmannextlookeduponUlysses；"Tellme，"hesaid，"whoisthatother，shorterbyaheadthanAgamemnon，butbroaderacrossthechestandshoulders？Hisarmourislaidupontheground，andhestalksinfrontoftheranksasitweresomegreatwoollyramorderinghisewes。"

AndHelenanswered，"HeisUlysses，amanofgreatcraft，sonofLaertes。HewasborninruggedIthaca，andexcelsinallmannerofstratagemsandsubtlecunning。"

OnthisAntenorsaid，"Madam，youhavespokentruly。Ulyssesoncecamehereasenvoyaboutyourself，andMenelauswithhim。Ireceivedtheminmyownhouse，andthereforeknowbothofthembysightandconversation。WhentheystoodupinpresenceoftheassembledTrojans，Menelauswasthebroadershouldered，butwhenbothwereseatedUlysseshadthemoreroyalpresence。Afteratimetheydeliveredtheirmessage，andthespeechofMenelausrantrippinglyonthetongue；hedidnotsaymuch，forhewasamanoffewwords，buthespokeveryclearlyandtothepoint，thoughhewastheyoungermanofthetwo；

Ulysses，ontheotherhand，whenherosetospeak，wasatfirstsilentandkepthiseyesfixedupontheground。Therewasnoplaynorgracefulmovementofhissceptre；hekeptitstraightandstifflikeamanunpractisedinoratory-onemighthavetakenhimforamerechurlorsimpleton；butwhenheraisedhisvoice，andthewordscamedrivingfromhisdeepchestlikewintersnowbeforethewind，thentherewasnonetotouchhim，andnomanthoughtfurtherofwhathelookedlike。"

PriamthencaughtsightofAjaxandasked，"WhoisthatgreatandgoodlywarriorwhoseheadandbroadshoulderstowerabovetherestoftheArgives？"

"That，"answeredHelen，"ishugeAjax，bulwarkoftheAchaeans，andontheothersideofhim，amongtheCretans，standsIdomeneuslookinglikeagod，andwiththecaptainsoftheCretansroundhim。

OftendidMenelausreceivehimasaguestinourhousewhenhecamevisitingusfromCrete。Isee，moreover，manyotherAchaeanswhosenamesIcouldtellyou，buttherearetwowhomIcannowherefind，Castor，breakerofhorses，andPolluxthemightyboxer；theyarechildrenofmymother，andownbrotherstomyself。EithertheyhavenotleftLacedaemon，orelse，thoughtheyhavebroughttheirships，theywillnotshowthemselvesinbattlefortheshameanddisgracethatIhavebroughtuponthem。"

SheknewnotthatboththeseheroeswerealreadylyingundertheearthintheirownlandofLacedaemon。

Meanwhiletheheraldswerebringingtheholyoath-offeringsthroughthecity-twolambsandagoatskinofwine，thegiftofearth；

andIdaeusbroughtthemixingbowlandthecupsofgold。HewentuptoPriamandsaid，"SonofLaomedon，theprincesoftheTrojansandAchaeansbidyoucomedownontotheplainandsweartoasolemncovenant。AlexandrusandMenelausaretofightforHeleninsinglecombat，thatsheandallherwealthmaygowithhimwhoisthevictor。

WearetosweartoasolemncovenantofpeacewherebyweothersshalldwellhereinTroy，whiletheAchaeansreturntoArgosandthelandoftheAchaeans。"

Theoldmantrembledasheheard，butbadehisfollowersyokethehorses，andtheymadeallhastetodoso。Hemountedthechariot，gatheredthereinsinhishand，andAntenortookhisseatbesidehim；theythendrovethroughtheScaeangatesontotheplain。WhentheyreachedtheranksoftheTrojansandAchaeanstheyleftthechariot，andwithmeasuredpaceadvancedintothespacebetweenthehosts。

AgamemnonandUlyssesbothrosetomeetthem。Theattendantsbroughtontheoath-offeringsandmixedthewineinthemixing-bowls；theypouredwateroverthehandsofthechieftains，andthesonofAtreusdrewthedaggerthathungbyhissword，andcutwoolfromthelambs’

heads；thisthemen-servantsgaveaboutamongtheTrojanandAchaeanprinces，andthesonofAtreuslifteduphishandsinprayer。

"FatherJove，"hecried，"thatrulestinIda，mostgloriousinpower，andthouohSun，thatseestandgivesteartoallthings，EarthandRivers，andyewhointherealmsbelowchastisethesoulofhimthathasbrokenhisoath，witnesstheseritesandguardthem，thattheybenotvain。IfAlexandruskillsMenelaus，lethimkeepHelenandallherwealth，whilewesailhomewithourships；butifMenelauskillsAlexandrus，lettheTrojansgivebackHelenandallthatshehas；letthemmoreoverpaysuchfinetotheAchaeansasshallbeagreedupon，intestimonyamongthosethatshallbebornhereafter。

AidifPriamandhissonsrefusesuchfinewhenAlexandrushasfallen，thenwillIstayhereandfightontillIhavegotsatisfaction。"

Ashespokehedrewhisknifeacrossthethroatsofthevictims，andlaidthemdowngaspinganddyingupontheground，fortheknifehadreftthemoftheirstrength。Thentheypouredwinefromthemixing-bowlintothecups，andprayedtotheeverlastinggods，saying，TrojansandAchaeansamongoneanother，"Jove，mostgreatandglorious，andyeothereverlastinggods，grantthatthebrainsofthemwhoshallfirstsinagainsttheiroaths-ofthemandtheirchildren-

maybesheduponthegroundevenasthiswine，andlettheirwivesbecometheslavesofstrangers。"

Thustheyprayed，butnotasyetwouldJovegrantthemtheirprayer。

ThenPriam，descendantofDardanus，spoke，saying，"Hearme，TrojansandAchaeans，Iwillnowgobacktothewind-beatencityofIlius:I

darenotwithmyowneyeswitnessthisfightbetweenmysonandMenelaus，forJoveandtheotherimmortalsaloneknowwhichshallfall。"

Onthishelaidthetwolambsonhischariotandtookhisseat。Hegatheredthereinsinhishand，andAntenorsatbesidehim；thetwothenwentbacktoIlius。HectorandUlyssesmeasuredtheground，andcastlotsfromahelmetofbronzetoseewhichshouldtakeaimfirst。Meanwhilethetwohostslifteduptheirhandsandprayedsaying，"FatherJove，thatrulestfromIda，mostgloriousinpower，grantthathewhofirstbroughtaboutthiswarbetweenusmaydie，andenterthehouseofHades，whileweothersremainatpeaceandabidebyouroaths。"

GreatHectornowturnedhisheadasidewhileheshookthehelmet，andthelotofParisflewoutfirst。Theotherstooktheirseveralstations，eachbyhishorsesandtheplacewherehisarmswerelying，whileAlexandrus，husbandoflovelyHelen，putonhisgoodlyarmour。Firsthegreavedhislegswithgreavesofgoodmakeandfittedwithancle-claspsofsilver；afterthishedonnedthecuirassofhisbrotherLycaon，andfittedittohisownbody；hehunghissilver-studdedswordofbronzeabouthisshoulders，andthenhismightyshield。Onhiscomelyheadhesethishelmet，well-wrought，withacrestofhorse-hairthatnoddedmenacinglyaboveit，andhegraspedaredoubtablespearthatsuitedhishands。InlikefashionMenelausalsoputonhisarmour。

Whentheyhadthusarmed，eachamidhisownpeople，theystrodefierceofaspectintotheopenspace，andbothTrojansandAchaeanswerestruckwithaweastheybeheldthem。Theystoodnearoneanotheronthemeasuredground，brandishingtheirspears，andeachfuriousagainsttheother。Alexandrusaimedfirst，andstrucktheroundshieldofthesonofAtreus，butthespeardidnotpierceit，fortheshieldturneditspoint。Menelausnexttookaim，prayingtoFatherJoveashedidso。"KingJove，"hesaid，"grantmerevengeonAlexandruswhohaswrongedme；subduehimundermyhandthatinagesyettocomeamanmayshrinkfromdoingilldeedsinthehouseofhishost。"

Hepoisedhisspearashespoke，andhurleditattheshieldofAlexandrus。Throughshieldandcuirassitwent，andtoretheshirtbyhisflank，butAlexandrusswervedaside，andthussavedhislife。

ThenthesonofAtreusdrewhissword，anddroveattheprojectingpartofhishelmet，buttheswordfellshiveredinthreeorfourpiecesfromhishand，andhecried，lookingtowardsHeaven，"FatherJove，ofallgodsthouartthemostdespiteful；Imadesureofmyrevenge，buttheswordhasbrokeninmyhand，myspearhasbeenhurledinvain，andIhavenotkilledhim。"

WiththisheflewatAlexandrus，caughthimbythehorsehairplumeofhishelmet，andbegandragginghimtowardstheAchaeans。Thestrapofthehelmetthatwentunderhischinwaschokinghim，andMenelauswouldhavedraggedhimofftohisowngreatgloryhadnotJove’sdaughterVenusbeenquicktomarkandtobreakthestrapofoxhide，sothattheemptyhelmetcameawayinhishand。ThisheflungtohiscomradesamongtheAchaeans，andwasagainspringinguponAlexandrustorunhimthroughwithaspear，butVenussnatchedhimupinamoment(asagodcando)，hidhimunderacloudofdarkness，andconveyedhimtohisownbedchamber。

ThenshewenttocallHelen，andfoundheronahightowerwiththeTrojanwomencrowdingroundher。ShetooktheformofanoldwomanwhousedtodresswoolforherwhenshewasstillinLacedaemon，andofwhomshewasveryfond。Thusdisguisedshepluckedherbyperfumedrobeandsaid，"Comehither；Alexandrussaysyouaretogotothehouse；heisonhisbedinhisownroom，radiantwithbeautyanddressedingorgeousapparel。Noonewouldthinkhehadjustcomefromfighting，butratherthathewasgoingtoadance，orhaddonedancingandwassittingdown。"

WiththesewordsshemovedtheheartofHelentoanger。Whenshemarkedthebeautifulneckofthegoddess，herlovelybosom，andsparklingeyes，shemarvelledatherandsaid，"Goddess，whydoyouthusbeguileme？AreyougoingtosendmeafieldstillfurthertosomemanwhomyouhavetakenupinPhrygiaorfairMeonia？MenelaushasjustvanquishedAlexandrus，andistotakemyhatefulselfbackwithhim。Youarecomeheretobetrayme。GositwithAlexandrusyourself；henceforthbegoddessnolonger；neverletyourfeetcarryyoubacktoOlympus；worryabouthimandlookafterhimtillhemakeyouhiswife，or，forthematterofthat，hisslave-butme？Ishallnotgo；Icangarnishhisbednolonger；Ishouldbeaby-wordamongallthewomenofTroy。Besides，Ihavetroubleonmymind。"

Venuswasveryangry，andsaid，"Boldhussy，donotprovokeme；ifyoudo，IshallleaveyoutoyourfateandhateyouasmuchasI

havelovedyou。IwillstirupfiercehatredbetweenTrojansandAchaeans，andyoushallcometoabadend。"

AtthisHelenwasfrightened。Shewrappedhermantleaboutherandwentinsilence，followingthegoddessandunnoticedbytheTrojanwomen。

WhentheycametothehouseofAlexandrusthemaid-servantssetabouttheirwork，butHelenwentintoherownroom，andthelaughter-lovinggoddesstookaseatandsetitforherfacingAlexandrus。OnthisHelen，daughterofaegis-bearingJove，satdown，andwitheyesaskancebegantoupbraidherhusband。

"Soyouarecomefromthefight，"saidshe；"wouldthatyouhadfallenratherbythehandofthatbravemanwhowasmyhusband。YouusedtobragthatyouwereabettermanwithhandsandspearthanMenelaus。go，butIthen，anchallengehimagain-butIshouldadviseyounottodoso，forifyouarefoolishenoughtomeethiminsinglecombat，youwillsoonallbyhisspear。"

AndParisanswered，"Wife，donotvexmewithyourreproaches。

Thistime，withthehelpofMinerva，Menelaushasvanquishedme；

anothertimeImaymyselfbevictor，forItoohavegodsthatwillstandbyme。Come，letusliedowntogetherandmakefriends。NeveryetwasIsopassionatelyenamouredofyouasatthismoment-notevenwhenIfirstcarriedyouofffromLacedaemonandsailedawaywithyou-

notevenwhenIhadconversewithyouuponthecouchofloveintheislandofCranaewasIsoenthralledbydesireofyouasnow。"Onthisheledhertowardsthebed，andhiswifewentwithhim。

Thustheylaidthemselvesonthebedtogether；butthesonofAtreusstrodeamongthethrong，lookingeverywhereforAlexandrus，andnoman，neitheroftheTrojansnoroftheallies，couldfindhim。Iftheyhadseenhimtheywereinnomindtohidehim，fortheyallofthemhatedhimastheydiddeathitself。ThenAgamemnon，kingofmen，spoke，saying，"Hearme，Trojans，Dardanians，andallies。ThevictoryhasbeenwithMenelaus；thereforegivebackHelenwithallherwealth，andpaysuchfineasshallbeagreedupon，intestimonyamongthemthatshallbebornhereafter。"

ThusspokethesonofAtreus，andtheAchaeansshoutedinapplause。

BOOKIV

NowthegodsweresittingwithJoveincounciluponthegoldenfloorwhileHebewentroundpouringoutnectarforthemtodrink，andastheypledgedoneanotherintheircupsofgoldtheylookeddownuponthetownofTroy。ThesonofSaturnthenbegantoteaseJuno，talkingathersoastoprovokeher。"Menelaus，"saidhe，"hastwogoodfriendsamongthegoddesses，JunoofArgos，andMinervaofAlalcomene，buttheyonlysitstillandlookon，whileVenuskeepseverbyAlexandrus’sidetodefendhiminanydanger；indeedshehasjustrescuedhimwhenhemadesurethatitwasalloverwithhim-

forthevictoryreallydidliewithMenelaus。Wemustconsiderwhatweshalldoaboutallthis；shallwesetthemfightinganewormakepeacebetweenthem？IfyouwillagreetothislastMenelauscantakebackHelenandthecityofPriammayremainstillinhabited。"

MinervaandJunomutteredtheirdiscontentastheysatsidebysidehatchingmischieffortheTrojans。Minervascowledatherfather，forshewasinafuriouspassionwithhim，andsaidnothing，butJunocouldnotcontainherself。"DreadsonofSaturn，"saidshe，"what，pray，isthemeaningofallthis？Ismytrouble，then，togofornothing，andthesweatthatIhavesweated，tosaynothingofmyhorses，whilegettingthepeopletogetheragainstPriamandhischildren？Doasyouwill，butweothergodsshallnotallofusapproveyourcounsel。"

Jovewasangryandanswered，"Mydear，whatharmhavePriamandhissonsdoneyouthatyouaresohotlybentonsackingthecityofIlius？WillnothingdoforyoubutyoumustwithintheirwallsandeatPriamraw，withhissonsandalltheotherTrojanstoboot？Haveityourownwaythen；forIwouldnothavethismatterbecomeaboneofcontentionbetweenus。Isayfurther，andlaymysayingtoyourheart，ifeverIwanttosackacitybelongingtofriendsofyours，youmustnottrytostopme；youwillhavetoletmedoit，forIamgivingintoyousorelyagainstmywill。Ofallinhabitedcitiesunderthesunandstarsofheaven，therewasnonethatIsomuchrespectedasIliuswithPriamandhiswholepeople。Equitablefeastswereneverwantingaboutmyaltar，northesavourofburningfat，whichishonourduetoourselves。"

"Myownthreefavouritecities，"answeredJuno，"areArgos，Sparta，andMycenae。Sackthemwheneveryoumaybedispleasedwiththem。IshallnotdefendthemandIshallnotcare。EvenifIdid，andtriedtostayyou，Ishouldtakenothingbyit，foryouaremuchstrongerthanIam，butIwillnothavemyownworkwasted。Itooamagodandofthesameracewithyourself。IamSaturn’seldestdaughter，andamhonourablenotonthisgroundonly，butalsobecauseIamyourwife，andyouarekingoverthegods。Letitbeacase，then，ofgive-and-takebetweenus，andtherestofthegodswillfollowourlead。TellMinervatogoandtakepartinthefightatonce，andlethercontrivethattheTrojansshallbethefirsttobreaktheiroathsandsetupontheAchaeans。"

Thesireofgodsandmenheededherwords，andsaidtoMinerva，"GoatonceintotheTrojanandAchaeanhosts，andcontrivethattheTrojansshallbethefirsttobreaktheiroathsandsetupontheAchaeans。"

ThiswaswhatMinervawasalreadyeagertodo，sodownshedartedfromthetopmostsummitsofOlympus。SheshotthroughtheskyassomebrilliantmeteorwhichthesonofschemingSaturnhassentasasigntomarinersortosomegreatarmy，andafierytrainoflightfollowsinitswake。TheTrojansandAchaeanswerestruckwithaweastheybeheld，andonewouldturntohisneighbour，saying，"Eitherweshallagainhavewaranddinofcombat，orJovethelordofbattlewillnowmakepeacebetweenus。"

Thusdidtheyconverse。ThenMinervatooktheformofLaodocus，sonofAntenor，andwentthroughtheranksoftheTrojanstofindPandarus，theredoubtablesonofLycaon。ShefoundhimstandingamongthestalwartheroeswhohadfollowedhimfromthebanksoftheAesopus，soshewentcloseuptohimandsaid，"BravesonofLycaon，willyoudoasItellyou？IfyoudaresendanarrowatMenelausyouwillwinhonourandthanksfromalltheTrojans，andespeciallyfromprinceAlexandrus-hewouldbethefirsttorequiteyouveryhandsomelyifhecouldseeMenelausmounthisfuneralpyre，slainbyanarrowfromyourhand。Takeyourhomeaimthen，andpraytoLycianApollo，thefamousarcher；vowthatwhenyougethometoyourstrongcityofZeleayouwillofferahecatomboffirstlinglambsinhishonour。"

Hisfool’sheartwaspersuaded，andhetookhisbowfromitscase。

Thisbowwasmadefromthehornsofawildibexwhichhehadkilledasitwasboundingfromarock；hehadstalkedit，andithadfallenasthearrowstruckittotheheart。Itshornsweresixteenpalmslong，andaworkerinhornhadmadethemintoabow，smoothingthemwelldown，andgivingthemtipsofgold。WhenPandarushadstrunghisbowhelaiditcarefullyontheground，andhisbravefollowersheldtheirshieldsbeforehimlesttheAchaeansshouldsetuponhimbeforehehadshotMenelaus。Thenheopenedthelidofhisquiverandtookoutawingedarrowthathadyetbeenshot，fraughtwiththepangsofdeath。HelaidthearrowonthestringandprayedtoLycianApollo，thefamousarcher，vowingthatwhenhegothometohisstrongcityofZeleahewouldofferahecatomboffirstlinglambsinhishonour。

Helaidthenotchofthearrowontheoxhidebowstring，anddrewbothnotchandstringtohisbreasttillthearrow-headwasnearthebow；thenwhenthebowwasarchedintoahalf-circleheletfly，andthebowtwanged，andthestringsangasthearrowflewgladlyonovertheheadsofthethrong。

Buttheblessedgodsdidnotforgetthee，OMenelaus，andJove’sdaughter，driverofthespoil，wasthefirsttostandbeforetheeandwardoffthepiercingarrow。Sheturneditfromhisskinasamotherwhisksaflyfromoffherchildwhenitissleepingsweetly；

sheguidedittothepartwherethegoldenbucklesofthebeltthatpassedoverhisdoublecuirasswerefastened，sothearrowstruckthebeltthatwenttightlyroundhim。Itwentrightthroughthisandthroughthecuirassofcunningworkmanship；italsopiercedthebeltbeneathit，whichheworenexthisskintokeepoutdartsorarrows；

itwasthisthatservedhiminthebeststead，neverthelessthearrowwentthroughitandgrazedthetopoftheskin，sothatbloodbeganflowingfromthewound。

AswhensomewomanofMeoniaorCariastrainspurpledyeontoapieceofivorythatistobethecheek-pieceofahorse，andistobelaidupinatreasurehouse-manyaknightisfaintobearit，butthekingkeepsitasanornamentofwhichbothhorseanddrivermaybeproud-evenso，OMenelaus，wereyourshapelythighsandyourlegsdowntoyourfairanclesstainedwithblood。

WhenKingAgamemnonsawthebloodflowingfromthewoundhewasafraid，andsowasbraveMenelaushimselftillhesawthatthebarbsofthearrowandthethreadthatboundthearrow-headtotheshaftwerestilloutsidethewound。Thenhetookheart，butAgamemnonheavedadeepsighasheheldMenelaus’shandinhisown，andhiscomradesmademoaninconcert。"Dearbrother，"hecried，"Ihavebeenthedeathofyouinpledgingthiscovenantandlettingyoucomeforwardasourchampion。TheTrojanshavetrampledontheiroathsandhavewoundedyou；neverthelesstheoath，thebloodoflambs，thedrink-offeringsandtherighthandsoffellowshipinwhichhaveputourtrustshallnotbevain。IfhethatrulesOlympusfulfilitnothereandnow，he。willyetfulfilithereafter，andtheyshallpaydearlywiththeirlivesandwiththeirwivesandchildren。ThedaywillsurelycomewhenmightyIliusshallbelaidlow，withPriamandPriam’speople，whenthesonofSaturnfromhishighthroneshallovershadowthemwithhisawfulaegisinpunishmentoftheirpresenttreachery。Thisshallsurelybe；buthow，Menelaus，shallImournyou，ifitbeyourlotnowtodie？IshouldreturntoArgosasaby-word，fortheAchaeanswillatoncegohome。WeshallleavePriamandtheTrojansthegloryofstillkeepingHelen，andtheearthwillrotyourbonesasyouliehereatTroywithyourpurposenotfulfilled。ThenshallsomebraggartTrojanleapuponyourtombandsay，’EverthusmayAgamemnonwreakhisvengeance；hebroughthisarmyinvain；heisgonehometohisownlandwithemptyships，andhasleftMenelausbehindhim。’Thuswilloneofthemsay，andmaytheearththenswallowme。"

ButMenelausreassuredhimandsaid，"Takeheart，anddonotalarmthepeople；thearrowhasnotstruckmeinamortalpart，formyouterbeltofburnishedmetalfirststayedit，andunderthismycuirassandthebeltofmailwhichthebronze-smithsmademe。"

AndAgamemnonanswered，"Itrust，dearMenelaus，thatitmaybeevenso，butthesurgeonshallexamineyourwoundandlayherbsuponittorelieveyourpain。"

HethensaidtoTalthybius，"Talthybius，tellMachaon，sontothegreatphysician，Aesculapius，tocomeandseeMenelausimmediately。

SomeTrojanorLycianarcherhaswoundedhimwithanarrowtoourdismay，andtohisowngreatglory。"

Talthybiusdidashewastold，andwentaboutthehosttryingtofindMachaon。PresentlyhefoundstandingamidthebravewarriorswhohadfollowedhimfromTricca；thereonhewentuptohimandsaid，"SonofAesculapius，KingAgamemnonsaysyouaretocomeandseeMenelausimmediately。SomeTrojanorLycianarcherhaswoundedhimwithanarrowtoourdismayandtohisowngreatglory。"

Thusdidhespeak，andMachaonwasmovedtogo。TheypassedthroughthespreadinghostoftheAchaeansandwentontilltheycametotheplacewhereMenelaushadbeenwoundedandwaslyingwiththechieftainsgatheredinacircleroundhim。Machaonpassedintothemiddleoftheringandatoncedrewthearrowfromthebelt，bendingitsbarbsbackthroughtheforcewithwhichhepulleditout。Heundidtheburnishedbelt，andbeneaththisthecuirassandthebeltofmailwhichthebronze-smithshadmade；then，whenhehadseenthewound，hewipedawaythebloodandappliedsomesoothingdrugswhichChironhadgiventoAesculapiusoutofthegoodwillheborehim。

WhiletheywerethusbusyaboutMenelaus，theTrojanscameforwardagainstthem，fortheyhadputontheirarmour，andnowrenewedthefight。

YouwouldnothavethenfoundAgamemnonasleepnorcowardlyandunwillingtofight，buteagerratherforthefray。HelefthischariotrichwithbronzeandhispantingsteedsinchargeofEurymedon，sonofPtolemaeusthesonofPeiraeus，andbadehimholdtheminreadinessagainstthetimehislimbsshouldwearyofgoingaboutandgivingorderstosomany，forhewentamongtheranksonfoot。Whenhesawmenhastingtothefronthestoodbythemandcheeredthemon。

"Argives，"saidhe，"slackennotonewhitinyouronset；fatherJovewillbenohelperofliars；theTrojanshavebeenthefirsttobreaktheiroathsandtoattackus；thereforetheyshallbedevouredofvultures；weshalltaketheircityandcarryofftheirwivesandchildreninourships。"

Butheangrilyrebukedthosewhomhesawshirkinganddisinclinedtofight。"Argives，"hecried，"cowardlymiserablecreatures，haveyounoshametostandherelikefrightenedfawnswho，whentheycannolongerscudovertheplain，huddletogether，butshownofight？Youareasdazedandspiritlessasdeer。WouldyouwaittilltheTrojansreachthesternsofourshipsastheylieontheshore，tosee，whetherthesonofSaturnwillholdhishandoveryoutoprotectyou？"

Thusdidhegoaboutgivinghisordersamongtheranks。Passingthroughthecrowd，hecamepresentlyontheCretans，armingroundIdomeneus，whowasattheirhead，fierceasawildboar，whileMerioneswasbringingupthebattalionsthatwereintherear。

Agamemnonwasgladwhenhesawhim，andspokehimfairly。"Idomeneus，"

saidhe，"ItreatyouwithgreaterdistinctionthanIdoanyothersoftheAchaeans，whetherinwarorinotherthings，orattable。Whentheprincesaremixingmychoicestwinesinthemixing-bowls，theyhaveeachofthemafixedallowance，butyourcupiskeptalwaysfulllikemyown，thatyoumaydrinkwheneveryouareminded。Go，therefore，intobattle，andshowyourselfthemanyouhavebeenalwaysproudtobe。"

Idomeneusanswered，"Iwillbeatrustycomrade，asIpromisedyoufromthefirstIwouldbe。UrgeontheotherAchaeans，thatwemayjoinbattleatonce，fortheTrojanshavetrampledupontheircovenants。Deathanddestructionshallbetheirs，seeingtheyhavebeenthefirsttobreaktheiroathsandtoattackus。"

ThesonofAtreuswenton，gladatheart，tillhecameuponthetwoAjaxesarmingthemselvesamidahostoffoot-soldiers。Aswhenagoat-herdfromsomehighpostwatchesastormdriveoverthedeepbeforethewestwind-blackaspitchistheoffingandamightywhirlwinddrawstowardshim，sothatheisafraidanddriveshisflockintoacave-eventhusdidtheranksofstalwartyouthsmoveinadarkmasstobattleundertheAjaxes，horridwithshieldandspear。GladwasKingAgamemnonwhenhesawthem。"Noneed，"hecried，"togiveorderstosuchleadersoftheArgivesasyouare，forofyourownselvesyouspuryourmenontofightwithmightandmain。Would，byfatherJove，Minerva，andApollothatallweresomindedasyouare，forthecityofPriamwouldthensoonfallbeneathourhands，andweshouldsackit。"

WiththisheleftthemandwentonwardtoNestor，thefacilespeakerofthePylians，whowasmarshallinghismenandurgingthemon，incompanywithPelagon，Alastor，Chromius，Haemon，andBiasshepherdofhispeople。Heplacedhisknightswiththeirchariotsandhorsesinthefrontrank，whilethefoot-soldiers，bravemenandmany，whomhecouldtrust，wereintherear。Thecowardshedroveintothemiddle，thattheymightfightwhethertheywouldorno。Hegavehisorderstotheknightsfirst，biddingthemholdtheirhorseswellinhand，soastoavoidconfusion。"Letnoman，"hesaid，"relyingonhisstrengthorhorsemanship，getbeforetheothersandengagesinglywiththeTrojans，noryetlethimlagbehindoryouwillweakenyourattack；butleteachwhenhemeetsanenemy’schariotthrowhisspearfromhisown；thisbemuchthebest；thisishowthemenofoldtooktownsandstrongholds；inthiswiseweretheyminded。"

Thusdidtheoldmanchargethem，forhehadbeeninmanyafight，andKingAgamemnonwasglad。"Iwish，"hesaidtohim，thatyourlimbswereassuppleandyourstrengthassureasyourjudgmentis；butage，thecommonenemyofmankind，haslaidhishanduponyou；wouldthatithadfallenuponsomeother，andthatyouwerestillyoung。"

AndNestor，knightofGerene，answered，"SonofAtreus，ItoowouldgladlybethemanIwaswhenIslewmightyEreuthalion；butthegodswillnotgiveuseverythingatoneandthesametime。Iwasthenyoung，andnowIamold；stillIcangowithmyknightsandgivethemthatcounselwhicholdmenhavearighttogive。ThewieldingofthespearIleavetothosewhoareyoungerandstrongerthanmyself。"

Agamemnonwenthiswayrejoicing，andpresentlyfoundMenestheus，sonofPeteos，tarryinginhisplace，andwithhimweretheAtheniansloudoftongueinbattle。NearhimalsotarriedcunningUlysses，withhissturdyCephalleniansroundhim；theyhadnotyetheardthebattle-cry，fortheranksofTrojansandAchaeanshadonlyjustbeguntomove，sotheywerestandingstill，waitingforsomeothercolumnsoftheAchaeanstoattacktheTrojansandbeginthefighting。WhenhesawthisAgamemnonrebukedthemandsaid，"SonofPeteos，andyouother，steepedincunning，heartofguile，whystandyouherecoweringandwaitingonothers？Youtwoshouldbeofallmenforemostwhenthereishardfightingtobedone，foryouareeverforemosttoacceptmyinvitationwhenwecouncillorsoftheAchaeansareholdingfeast。Youaregladenoughthentotakeyourfillofroastmeatsandtodrinkwineaslongasyouplease，whereasnowyouwouldnotcarethoughyousawtencolumnsofAchaeansengagetheenemyinfrontofyou。"

Ulyssesglaredathimandanswered，"SonofAtreus，whatareyoutalkingabout？Howcanyousaythatweareslack？WhentheAchaeansareinfullfightwiththeTrojans，youshallsee，ifyoucaretodoso，thatthefatherofTelemachuswilljoinbattlewiththeforemostofthem。Youaretalkingidly。"

WhenAgamemnonsawthatUlysseswasangry，hesmiledpleasantlyathimandwithdrewhiswords。"Ulysses，"saidhe，"noblesonofLaertes，excellentinallgoodcounsel，Ihaveneitherfaulttofindnororderstogiveyou，forIknowyourheartisright，andthatyouandIareofamind。Enough；IwillmakeyouamendsforwhatIhavesaid，andifanyillhasnowbeenspokenmaythegodsbringittonothing。"

Hethenleftthemandwentontoothers。PresentlyhesawthesonofTydeus，nobleDiomed，standingbyhischariotandhorses，withSthenelusthesonofCapaneusbesidehim；whereonhebegantoupbraidhim。"SonofTydeus，"hesaid，"whystandyoucoweringhereuponthebrinkofbattle？Tydeusdidnotshrinkthus，butwaseveraheadofhismenwhenleadingthemonagainstthefoe-so，atleast，saytheythatsawhiminbattle，forIneverseteyesuponhimmyself。

Theysaythattherewasnomanlikehim。HecameoncetoMycenae，notasanenemybutasaguest，incompanywithPolynicestorecruithisforces，fortheywerelevyingwaragainstthestrongcityofThebes，andprayedourpeopleforabodyofpickedmentohelpthem。

ThemenofMycenaewerewillingtoletthemhaveone，butJovedissuadedthembyshowingthemunfavourableomens。Tydeus，therefore，andPolyniceswenttheirway。Whentheyhadgotasfarthedeep-meadowedandrush-grownbanksoftheAesopus，theAchaeanssentTydeusastheirenvoy，andhefoundtheCadmeansgatheredingreatnumberstoabanquetinthehouseofEteocles。Strangerthoughhewas，heknewnofearonfindinghimselfsingle-handedamongsomany，butchallengedthemtocontestsofallkinds，andineachoneofthemwasatoncevictorious，somightilydidMinervahelphim。TheCadmeanswereincensedathissuccess，andsetaforceoffiftyyouthswithtwocaptains-thegodlikeheroMaeon，sonofHaemon，andPolyphontes，sonofAutophonus-attheirhead，tolieinwaitforhimonhisreturnjourney；butTydeussleweverymanofthem，saveonlyMaeon，whomheletgoinobediencetoheaven’somens。SuchwasTydeusofAetolia。Hissoncantalkmoreglibly，buthecannotfightashisfatherdid。"

Diomedmadenoanswer，forhewasshamedbytherebukeofAgamemnon；

butthesonofCapaneustookuphiswordsandsaid，"SonofAtreus，tellnolies，foryoucanspeaktruthifyouwill。Weboastourselvesasevenbettermenthanourfathers；wetookseven-gatedThebes，thoughthewallwasstrongerandourmenwerefewerinnumber，forwetrustedintheomensofthegodsandinthehelpofJove，whereastheyperishedthroughtheirownsheerfolly；holdnot，then，ourfathersinlikehonourwithus。"

Diomedlookedsternlyathimandsaid，"Holdyourpeace，myfriend，asIbidyou。ItisnotamissthatAgamemnonshouldurgetheAchaeansforward，fortheglorywillbehisifwetakethecity，andhistheshameifwearevanquished。Thereforeletusacquitourselveswithvalour。"

Ashespokehesprangfromhischariot，andhisarmourrangsofiercelyabouthisbodythatevenabravemanmightwellhavebeenscaredtohearit。

Aswhensomemightywavethatthundersonthebeachwhenthewestwindhaslasheditintofury-ithasreareditsheadafarandnowcomescrashingdownontheshore；itbowsitsarchingcresthighoverthejaggedrocksandspewsitssaltfoaminalldirections-

evensodidtheserriedphalanxesoftheDanaansmarchsteadfastlytobattle。Thechiefsgaveorderseachtohisownpeople，butthemensaidneveraword；nomanwouldthinkit，forhugeasthehostwas，itseemedasthoughtherewasnotatongueamongthem，sosilentweretheyintheirobedience；andastheymarchedthearmourabouttheirbodiesglistenedinthesun。ButtheclamouroftheTrojanrankswasasthatofmanythousandewesthatstandwaitingtobemilkedintheyardsofsomerichflockmaster，andbleatincessantlyinanswertothebleatingoftheirlambs；fortheyhadnotonespeechnorlanguage，buttheirtongueswerediverse，andtheycamefrommanydifferentplaces。ThesewereinspiredofMars，buttheothersbyMinerva-andwiththemcamePanic，Rout，andStrifewhosefurynevertires，sisterandfriendofmurderousMars，who，frombeingatfirstbutlowinstature，growstillsheuprearsherheadtoheaven，thoughherfeetarestillonearth。Sheitwasthatwentaboutamongthemandflungdowndiscordtothewaxingofsorrowwithevenhandbetweenthem。

Whentheyweregottogetherinoneplaceshieldclashedwithshieldandspearwithspearintherageofbattle。Thebossedshieldsbeatoneuponanother，andtherewasatrampasofagreatmultitude-death-cryandshoutoftriumphofslainandslayers，andtheearthranredwithblood。Astorrentsswollenwithraincoursemadlydowntheirdeepchannelstilltheangryfloodsmeetinsomegorge，andtheshepherdthehillsidehearstheirroaringfromafar-

evensuchwasthetoilanduproarofthehostsastheyjoinedinbattle。

FirstAntilochusslewanarmedwarrioroftheTrojans，Echepolus，sonofThalysius，fightingintheforemostranks。Hestruckattheprojectingpartofhishelmetanddrovethespearintohisbrow；thepointofbronzepiercedthebone，anddarknessveiledhiseyes；

headlongasatowerhefellamidthepressofthefight，andashedroppedKingElephenor，sonofChalcodonandcaptainoftheproudAbantesbegandragginghimoutofreachofthedartsthatwerefallingaroundhim，inhastetostriphimofhisarmour。Buthispurposewasnotforlong；Agenorsawhimhalingthebodyaway，andsmotehiminthesidewithhisbronze-shodspear-forashestoopedhissidewasleftunprotectedbyhisshield-andthusheperished。ThenthefightbetweenTrojansandAchaeansgrewfuriousoverhisbody，andtheyflewuponeachotherlikewolves，manandmancrushingoneupontheother。

ForthwithAjax，sonofTelamon，slewthefairyouthSimoeisius，sonofAnthemion，whomhismotherborebythebanksoftheSimois，asshewascomingdownfromMt。Ida，whereshehadbeenwithherparentstoseetheirflocks。ThereforehewasnamedSimoeisius，buthedidnotlivetopayhisparentsforhisrearing，forhewascutoffuntimelybythespearofmightyAjax，whostruckhiminthebreastbytherightnippleashewascomingonamongtheforemostfighters；

thespearwentrightthroughhisshoulder，andhefellasapoplarthathasgrownstraightandtallinameadowbysomemere，anditstopisthickwithbranches。Thenthewheelwrightlayshisaxetoitsrootsthathemayfashionafelloeforthewheelofsomegoodlychariot，anditliesseasoningbythewaterside。InsuchwisedidAjaxfelltoearthSimoeisius，sonofAnthemion。ThereonAntiphusofthegleamingcorslet，sonofPriam，hurledaspearatAjaxfromamidthecrowdandmissedhim，buthehitLeucus，thebravecomradeofUlysses，inthegroin，ashewasdraggingthebodyofSimoeisiusovertotheotherside；sohefelluponthebodyandloosedhisholduponit。UlysseswasfuriouswhenhesawLeucusslain，andstrodeinfullarmourthroughthefrontrankstillhewasquiteclose；thenheglaredroundabouthimandtookaim，andtheTrojansfellbackashedidso。Hisdartwasnotspedinvain，foritstruckDemocoon，thebastardsonofPriam，whohadcometohimfromAbydos，wherehehadchargeofhisfather’smares。Ulysses，infuriatedbythedeathofhiscomrade，hithimwithhisspearononetemple，andthebronzepointcamethroughontheothersideofhisforehead。Thereondarknessveiledhiseyes，andhisarmourrangrattlingroundhimashefellheavilytotheground。Hector，andtheythatwereinfront，thengaveroundwhiletheArgivesraisedashoutanddrewoffthedead，pressingfurtherforwardastheydidso。ButApollolookeddownfromPergamusandcalledaloudtotheTrojans，forhewasdispleased。

"Trojans，"hecried，"rushonthefoe，anddonotletyourselvesbethusbeatenbytheArgives。Theirskinsarenotstonenorironthatwhenhitthemyoudothemnoharm。Moreover，Achilles，thesonoflovelyThetis，isnotfighting，butisnursinghisangerattheships。"

Thusspokethemightygod，cryingtothemfromthecity，whileJove’sredoubtabledaughter，theTrito-born，wentaboutamongthehostoftheAchaeans，andurgedthemforwardwhenevershebeheldthemslackening。

ThenfatefelluponDiores，sonofAmarynceus，forhewasstruckbyajaggedstoneneartheancleofhisrightleg。HethathurleditwasPeirous，sonofImbrasus，captainoftheThracians，whohadcomefromAenus；thebonesandboththetendonswerecrushedbythepitilessstone。Hefelltothegroundonhisback，andinhisdeaththroesstretchedouthishandstowardshiscomrades。ButPeirous，whohadwoundedhim，sprangonhimandthrustaspearintohisbelly，sothathisbowelscamegushingoutupontheground，anddarknessveiledhiseyes。Ashewasleavingthebody，ThoasofAetoliastruckhiminthechestnearthenipple，andthepointfixeditselfinhislungs。Thoascamecloseuptohim，pulledthespearoutofhischest，andthendrawinghissword，smotehiminthemiddleofthebellysothathedied；buthedidnotstriphimofhisarmour，forhisThraciancomrades，menwhoweartheirhairinatuftatthetopoftheirheads，stoodroundthebodyandkepthimoffwiththeirlongspearsforallhisgreatstatureandvalour；sohewasdrivenback。

Thusthetwocorpseslaystretchedonearthneartooneanother，theonecaptainoftheThraciansandtheotheroftheEpeans；andmanyanotherfellroundthem。

Andnownomanwouldhavemadelightofthefightingifhecouldhavegoneaboutamongitscathelessandunwounded，withMinervaleadinghimbythehand，andprotectinghimfromthestormofspearsandarrows。FormanyTrojansandAchaeansonthatdaylaystretchedsidebysidefacedownwardsupontheearth。

BOOKV

ThenPallasMinervaputvalourintotheheartofDiomed，sonofTydeus，thathemightexcelalltheotherArgives，andcoverhimselfwithglory。ShemadeastreamoffireflarefromhisshieldandhelmetlikethestarthatshinesmostbrilliantlyinsummerafteritsbathinthewatersofOceanus-evensuchafiredidshekindleuponhisheadandshouldersasshebadehimspeedintothethickesthurly-burlyofthefight。

NowtherewasacertainrichandhonourablemanamongtheTrojans，priestofVulcan，andhisnamewasDares。Hehadtwosons，PhegeusandIdaeus，bothofthemskilledinalltheartsofwar。ThesetwocameforwardfromthemainbodyofTrojans，andsetuponDiomed，hebeingonfoot，whiletheyfoughtfromtheirchariot。Whentheywerecloseuptooneanother，Phegeustookaimfirst，buthisspearwentoverDiomed’sleftshoulderwithouthittinghim。Diomedthenthrew，andhisspearspednotinvain，forithitPhegeusonthebreastnearthenipple，andhefellfromhischariot。Idaeusdidnotdaretobestridehisbrother’sbody，butsprangfromthechariotandtooktoflight，orhewouldhavesharedhisbrother’sfate；whereonVulcansavedhimbywrappinghiminacloudofdarkness，thathisoldfathermightnotbeutterlyoverwhelmedwithgrief；butthesonofTydeusdroveoffwiththehorses，andbadehisfollowerstakethemtotheships。TheTrojanswerescaredwhentheysawthetwosonsofDares，oneoftheminfrightandtheotherlyingdeadbyhischariot。Minerva，therefore，tookMarsbythehandandsaid，"Mars，Mars，baneofmen，bloodstainedstormerofcities，maywenotnowleavetheTrojansandAchaeanstofightitout，andseetowhichofthetwoJovewillvouchsafethevictory？Letusgoaway，andthusavoidhisanger。"

Sosaying，shedrewMarsoutofthebattle，andsethimdownuponthesteepbanksoftheScamander。UponthistheDanaansdrovetheTrojansback，andeachoneoftheirchieftainskilledhisman。FirstKingAgamemnonflungmightyOdius，captainoftheHalizoni，fromhischariot。ThespearofAgamemnoncaughthimonthebroadofhisback，justashewasturninginflight；itstruckhimbetweentheshouldersandwentrightthroughhischest，andhisarmourrangrattlingroundhimashefellheavilytotheground。

ThenIdomeneuskilledPhaesus，sonofBorustheMeonian，whohadcomefromVarne。MightyIdomeneusspearedhimontherightshoulderashewasmountinghischariot，andthedarknessofdeathenshroudedhimashefellheavilyfromthecar。

ThesquiresofIdomeneusspoiledhimofhisarmour，whileMenelaus，sonofAtreus，killedScamandriusthesonofStrophius，amightyhuntsmanandkeenloverofthechase。Dianaherselfhadtaughthimhowtokilleverykindofwildcreaturethatisbredinmountainforests，butneithershenorhisfamedskillinarcherycouldnowsavehim，forthespearofMenelausstruckhiminthebackashewasflying；itstruckhimbetweentheshouldersandwentrightthroughhischest，sothathefellheadlongandhisarmourrangrattlingroundhim。

MerionesthenkilledPhereclusthesonofTecton，whowasthesonofHermon，amanwhosehandwasskilledinallmannerofcunningworkmanship，forPallasMinervahaddearlylovedhim。HeitwasthatmadetheshipsforAlexandrus，whichwerethebeginningofallmischief，andbroughtevilalikebothontheTrojansandonAlexandrushimself；forheheedednotthedecreesofheaven。Merionesovertookhimashewasflying，andstruckhimontherightbuttock。Thepointofthespearwentthroughtheboneintothebladder，anddeathcameuponhimashecriedaloudandfellforwardonhisknees。

Meges，moreover，slewPedaeus，sonofAntenor，who，thoughhewasabastard，hadbeenbroughtupbyTheanoasoneofherownchildren，forthelovesheboreherhusband。ThesonofPhyleusgotcloseuptohimanddroveaspearintothenapeofhisneck:itwentunderhistongueallamonghisteeth，sohebitthecoldbronze，andfelldeadinthedust。

AndEurypylus，sonofEuaemon，killedHypsenor，thesonofnobleDolopion，whohadbeenmadepriestoftheriverScamander，andwashonouredamongthepeopleasthoughhewereagod。Eurypylusgavehimchaseashewasflyingbeforehim，smotehimwithhissworduponthearm，andloppedhisstronghandfromoffit。Thebloodyhandfelltotheground，andtheshadesofdeath，withfatethatnomancanwithstand，cameoverhiseyes。

Thusfuriouslydidthebattleragebetweenthem。AsforthesonofTydeus，youcouldnotsaywhetherhewasmoreamongtheAchaeansortheTrojans。Herushedacrosstheplainlikeawintertorrentthathasburstitsbarrierinfullflood；nodykes，nowallsoffruitfulvineyardscanembankitwhenitisswollenwithrainfromheaven，butinamomentitcomestearingonward，andlaysmanyafieldwastethatmanyastrongmanhandhasreclaimed-evensowerethedensephalanxesoftheTrojansdriveninroutbythesonofTydeus，andmanythoughtheywere，theydarednotabidehisonslaught。

NowwhenthesonofLycaonsawhimscouringtheplainanddrivingtheTrojanspell-mellbeforehim，heaimedanarrowandhitthefrontpartofhiscuirassneartheshoulder:thearrowwentrightthroughthemetalandpiercedtheflesh，sothatthecuirasswascoveredwithblood。OnthisthesonofLycaonshoutedintriumph，"KnightsTrojans，comeon；thebravestoftheAchaeansiswounded，andhewillnotholdoutmuchlongerifKingApollowasindeedwithmewhenIspedfromLyciahither。"

Thusdidhevaunt；buthisarrowhadnotkilledDiomed，whowithdrewandmadeforthechariotandhorsesofSthenelus，thesonofCapaneus。

"DearsonofCapaneus，"saidhe，"comedownfromyourchariot，anddrawthearrowoutofmyshoulder。"

Sthenelussprangfromhischariot，anddrewthearrowfromthewound，whereonthebloodcamespoutingoutthroughtheholethathadbeenmadeinhisshirt。ThenDiomedprayed，saying，"Hearme，daughterofaegis-bearingJove，unweariable，ifeveryoulovedmyfatherwellandstoodbyhiminthethickofafight，dothelikenowbyme；grantmetocomewithinaspear’sthrowofthatmanandkillhim。Hehasbeentooquickformeandhaswoundedme；andnowheisboastingthatIshallnotseethelightofthesunmuchlonger。"

Thusheprayed，andPallasMinervaheardhim；shemadehislimbssuppleandquickenedhishandsandhisfeet。Thenshewentupclosetohimandsaid，"Fearnot，Diomed，todobattlewiththeTrojans，forIhavesetinyourheartthespiritofyourknightlyfatherTydeus。

Moreover，Ihavewithdrawntheveilfromyoureyes，thatyouknowgodsandmenapart。If，then，anyothergodcomeshereandoffersyoubattle，donotfighthim；butshouldJove’sdaughterVenuscome，strikeherwithyourspearandwoundher。"

WhenshehadsaidthisMinervawentaway，andthesonofTydeusagaintookhisplaceamongtheforemostfighters，threetimesmorefierceeventhanhehadbeenbefore。Hewaslikealionthatsomemountainshepherdhaswounded，butnotkilled，asheisspringingoverthewallofasheep-yardtoattackthesheep。Theshepherdhasrousedthebrutetofurybutcannotdefendhisflock，sohetakesshelterundercoverofthebuildings，whilethesheep，panic-strickenonbeingdeserted，aresmotheredinheapsoneontopoftheother，andtheangrylionleapsoutoverthesheep-yardwall。EventhusdidDiomedgofuriouslyaboutamongtheTrojans。

HekilledAstynous，andshepherdofhispeople，theonewithathrustofhisspear，whichstruckhimabovethenipple，theotherwithasword-cutonthecollar-bone，thatseveredhisshoulderfromhisneckandback。Heletbothofthemlie，andwentinpursuitofAbasandPolyidus，sonsoftheoldreaderofdreamsEurydamas:theynevercamebackforhimtoreadthemanymoredreams，formightyDiomedmadeanendofthem。HethengavechasetoXanthusandThoon，thetwosonsofPhaenops，bothofthemverydeartohim，forhewasnowwornoutwithage，andbegatnomoresonstoinherithispossessions。ButDiomedtookboththeirlivesandlefttheirfathersorrowingbitterly，forhenevermoresawthemcomehomefrombattlealive，andhiskinsmendividedhiswealthamongthemselves。

ThenhecameupontwosonsofPriam，EchemmonandChromius，astheywerebothinonechariot。Hespranguponthemasalionfastensontheneckofsomecoworheiferwhentheherdisfeedinginacoppice。Foralltheirvainstrugglesheflungthembothfromtheirchariotandstrippedthearmourfromtheirbodies。Thenhegavetheirhorsestohiscomradestotakethembacktotheships。

WhenAeneassawhimthusmakinghavocamongtheranks，hewentthroughthefightamidtherainofspearstoseeifhecouldfindPandarus。WhenhehadfoundthebravesonofLycaonhesaid，"Pandarus，whereisnowyourbow，yourwingedarrows，andyourrenownasanarcher，inrespectofwhichnomanherecanrivalyounoristhereanyinLyciathatcanbeatyou？LiftthenyourhandstoJoveandsendanarrowatthisfellowwhoisgoingsomasterfullyabout，andhasdonesuchdeadlyworkamongtheTrojans。Hehaskilledmanyabraveman-unlessindeedheissomegodwhoisangrywiththeTrojansabouttheirsacrifices，andandhassethishandagainsttheminhisdispleasure。"

AndthesonofLycaonanswered，"Aeneas，ItakehimfornoneotherthanthesonofTydeus。Iknowhimbyhisshield，thevisorofhishelmet，andbyhishorses。Itispossiblethathemaybeagod，butifheisthemanIsayheis，heisnotmakingallthishavocwithoutheaven’shelp，buthassomegodbyhissidewhoisshroudedinacloudofdarkness，andwhoturnedmyarrowasidewhenithadhithim。Ihavetakenaimathimalreadyandhithimontherightshoulder；myarrowwentthroughthebreastpieceofhiscuirass；andImadesureI

shouldsendhimhurryingtotheworldbelow，butitseemsthatI

havenotkilledhim。Theremustbeagodwhoisangrywithme。

MoreoverIhaveneitherhorsenorchariot。Inmyfather’sstablesthereareelevenexcellentchariots，freshfromthebuilder，quitenew，withclothsspreadoverthem；andbyeachofthemtherestandapairofhorses，champingbarleyandrye；myoldfatherLycaonurgedmeagainandagainwhenIwasathomeandonthepointofstarting，totakechariotsandhorseswithmethatImightleadtheTrojansinbattle，butIwouldnotlistentohim；itwouldhavebeenmuchbetterifIhaddoneso，butIwasthinkingaboutthehorses，whichhadbeenusedtoeattheirfill，andIwasafraidthatinsuchagreatgatheringofmentheymightbeill-fed，soIleftthemathomeandcameonfoottoIliusarmedonlywithmybowandarrows。Theseitseems，areofnouse，forIhavealreadyhittwochieftains，thesonsofAtreusandofTydeus，andthoughIdrewbloodsurelyenough，I

haveonlymadethemstillmorefurious。IdidilltotakemybowdownfromitspegonthedayIledmybandofTrojanstoIliusinHector’sservice，andifeverIgethomeagaintoseteyesonmynativeplace，mywife，andthegreatnessofmyhouse，maysomeonecutmyheadoffthenandthereifIdonotbreakthebowandsetitonahotfire-suchpranksasitplaysme。"

Aeneasanswered，"Saynomore。Thingswillnotmendtillwetwogoagainstthismanwithchariotandhorsesandbringhimtoatrialofarms。Mountmychariot，andnotehowcleverlythehorsesofTroscanspeedhitherandthitherovertheplaininpursuitorflight。IfJoveagainvouchsafesglorytothesonofTydeustheywillcarryussafelybacktothecity。Takehold，then，ofthewhipandreinswhileIstanduponthecartofight，orelsedoyouwaitthisman’sonsetwhileIlookafterthehorses。"

"Aeneas。"repliedthesonofLycaon，"takethereinsanddrive；ifwehavetoflybeforethesonofTydeusthehorseswillgobetterfortheirowndriver。Iftheymissthesoundofyourvoicewhentheyexpectittheymaybefrightened，andrefusetotakeusoutofthefight。ThesonofTydeuswillthenkillbothofusandtakethehorses。ThereforedrivethemyourselfandIwillbereadyforhimwithmyspear。"

Theythenmountedthechariotanddrovefull-speedtowardsthesonofTydeus。Sthenelus，sonofCapaneus，sawthemcomingandsaidtoDiomed，"Diomed，sonofTydeus，manaftermyownheart，Iseetwoheroesspeedingtowardsyou，bothofthemmenofmighttheoneaskilfularcher，PandarussonofLycaon，theother，Aeneas，whosesireisAnchises，whilehismotherisVenus。Mountthechariotandletusretreat。Donot，Iprayyou，presssofuriouslyforward，oryoumaygetkilled。"

Diomedlookedangrilyathimandanswered:"Talknotofflight，forIshallnotlistentoyou:Iamofaracethatknowsneitherflightnorfear，andmylimbsareasyetunwearied。Iaminnomindtomount，butwillgoagainstthemevenasIam；PallasMinervabidsmebeafraidofnoman，andeventhoughoneofthemescape，theirsteedsshallnottakebothbackagain。Isayfurther，andlaymysayingtoyourheart-ifMinervaseesfittovouchsafemethegloryofkillingboth，stayyourhorseshereandmakethereinsfasttotherimofthechariot；thenbesureyouspringAeneas’horsesanddrivethemfromtheTrojantotheAchaeanranks。TheyareofthestockthatgreatJovegavetoTrosinpaymentforhissonGanymede，andarethefinestthatliveandmoveunderthesun。KingAnchisesstolethebloodbyputtinghismarestothemwithoutLaomedon’sknowledge，andtheyborehimsixfoals。Fourarestillinhisstables，buthegavetheothertwotoAeneas。Weshallwingreatgloryifwecantakethem。"

Thusdidtheyconverse，buttheothertwohadnowdrivencloseuptothem，andthesonofLycaonspokefirst。"Greatandmightyson，"

saidhe，"ofnobleTydeus，myarrowfailedtolayyoulow，soIwillnowtrywithmyspear。"

Hepoisedhisspearashespokeandhurleditfromhim。ItstrucktheshieldofthesonofTydeus；thebronzepointpierceditandpassedontillitreachedthebreastplate。ThereonthesonofLycaonshoutedoutandsaid，"Youarehitcleanthroughthebelly；youwillnotstandoutforlong，andthegloryofthefightismine。"

ButDiomedallundismayedmadeanswer，"Youhavemissed，nothit，andbeforeyoutwoseetheendofthismatteroneorotherofyoushallgluttough-shieldedMarswithhisblood。"

Withthishehurledhisspear，andMinervaguideditontoPandarus’snoseneartheeye。Itwentcrashinginamonghiswhiteteeth；thebronzepointcutthroughtherootofhistotongue，comingoutunderhischin，andhisglisteningarmourrangrattlingroundhimashefellheavilytotheground。Thehorsesstartedasideforfear，andhewasreftoflifeandstrength。

Aeneassprangfromhischariotarmedwithshieldandspear，fearinglesttheAchaeansshouldcarryoffthebody。Hebestrodeitasalionintheprideofstrength，withshieldandonspearbeforehimandacryofbattleonhislipsresolutetokillthefirstthatshoulddarefacehim。ButthesonofTydeuscaughtupamightystone，sohugeandgreatthatasmennowareitwouldtaketwotoliftit；

neverthelessheboreitaloftwitheaseunaided，andwiththishestruckAeneasonthegroinwherethehipturnsinthejointthatiscalledthe"cup-bone。"Thestonecrushedthisjoint，andbrokeboththesinews，whileitsjaggededgestoreawayalltheflesh。Theherofellonhisknees，andproppedhimselfwithhishandrestingonthegroundtillthedarknessofnightfelluponhiseyes。AndnowAeneas，kingofmen，wouldhaveperishedthenandthere，hadnothismother，Jove’sdaughterVenus，whohadconceivedhimbyAnchiseswhenhewasherdingcattle，beenquicktomark，andthrownhertwowhitearmsaboutthebodyofherdearson。Sheprotectedhimbycoveringhimwithafoldofherownfairgarment，lestsomeDanaanshoulddriveaspearintohisbreastandkillhim。

Thus，then，didshebearherdearsonoutofthefight。ButthesonofCapaneuswasnotunmindfuloftheordersthatDiomedhadgivenhim。Hemadehisownhorsesfast，awayfromthehurly-burly，bybindingthereinstotherimofthechariot。ThenhespranguponAeneas’shorsesanddrovethemfromtheTrojantotheAchaeanranks。

WhenhehadsodonehegavethemovertohischosencomradeDeipylus，whomhevaluedaboveallothersastheonewhowasmostlike-mindedwithhimself，totakethemontotheships。Hethenremountedhisownchariot，seizedthereins，anddrovewithallspeedinsearchofthesonofTydeus。

NowthesonofTydeuswasinpursuitoftheCypriangoddess，spearinhand，forheknewhertobefeebleandnotoneofthosegoddessesthatcanlorditamongmeninbattlelikeMinervaorEnyothewasterofcities，andwhenatlastafteralongchasehecaughtherup，heflewatherandthrusthisspearintothefleshofherdelicatehand。ThepointtorethroughtheambrosialrobewhichtheGraceshadwovenforher，andpiercedtheskinbetweenherwristandthepalmofherhand，sothattheimmortalblood，orichor，thatflowsintheveinsoftheblessedgods，camepouringfromthewound；forthegodsdonoteatbreadnordrinkwine，hencetheyhavenobloodsuchasours，andareimmortal。Venusscreamedaloud，andlethersonfall，butPhoebusApollocaughthiminhisarms，andhidhiminacloudofdarkness，lestsomeDanaanshoulddriveaspearintohisbreastandkillhim；andDiomedshoutedoutashelefther，"DaughterofJove，leavewarandbattlealone，canyounotbecontentedwithbeguilingsillywomen？Ifyoumeddlewithfightingyouwillgetwhatwillmakeyoushudderattheverynameofwar。"

Thegoddesswentdazedanddiscomfitedaway，andIris，fleetasthewind，drewherfromthethrong，inpainandwithherfairskinallbesmirched。ShefoundfierceMarswaitingontheleftofthebattle，withhisspearandhistwofleetsteedsrestingonacloud；whereonshefellonherkneesbeforeherbrotherandimploredhimtoletherhavehishorses。"Dearbrother，"shecried，"saveme，andgivemeyourhorsestotakemetoOlympuswherethegodsdwell。Iambadlywoundedbyamortal，thesonofTydeus，whowouldnowfightevenwithfatherJove。"

Thusshespoke，andMarsgaveherhisgold-bedizenedsteeds。Shemountedthechariotsickandsorryatheart，whileIrissatbesideherandtookthereinsinherhand。Shelashedherhorsesonandtheyflewforwardnothingloth，tillinatricetheywereathighOlympus，wherethegodshavetheirdwelling。Thereshestayedthem，unloosedthemfromthechariot，andgavethemtheirambrosialforage；butVenusflungherselfontothelapofhermotherDione，whothrewherarmsaboutherandcaressedher，saying，"Whichoftheheavenlybeingshasbeentreatingyouinthisway，asthoughyouhadbeendoingsomethingwronginthefaceofday？"

Andlaughter-lovingVenusanswered，"ProudDiomed，thesonofTydeus，woundedmebecauseIwasbearingmydearsonAeneas，whomI

lovebestofallmankind，outofthefight。ThewarisnolongeronebetweenTrojansandAchaeans，fortheDanaanshavenowtakentofightingwiththeimmortals。"

"Bearit，mychild，"repliedDione，"andmakethebestofit。WedwellersinOlympushavetoputupwithmuchatthehandsofmen，andwelaymuchsufferingononeanother。MarshadtosufferwhenOtusandEphialtes，childrenofAloeus，boundhimincruelbonds，sothathelaythirteenmonthsimprisonedinavesselofbronze。MarswouldhavethenperishedhadnotfairEeriboea，stepmothertothesonsofAloeus，toldMercury，whostolehimawaywhenhewasalreadywell-nighwornoutbytheseverityofhisbondage。Juno，again，sufferedwhenthemightysonofAmphitryonwoundedherontherightbreastwithathree-barbedarrow，andnothingcouldassuageherpain。So，also，didhugeHades，whenthissameman，thesonofaegis-bearingJove，hithimwithanarrowevenatthegatesofhell，andhurthimbadly。

ThereonHadeswenttothehouseofJoveongreatOlympus，angryandfullofpain；andthearrowinhisbrawnyshouldercausedhimgreatanguishtillPaeeonhealedhimbyspreadingsoothingherbsonthewound，forHadeswasnotofmortalmould。Daring，head-strong，evildoerwhoreckednotofhissininshootingthegodsthatdwellinOlympus。AndnowMinervahaseggedthissonofTydeusonagainstyourself，foolthatheisfornotreflectingthatnomanwhofightswithgodswilllivelongorhearhischildrenprattlingabouthiskneeswhenhereturnsfrombattle。Let，then，thesonofTydeusseethathedoesnothavetofightwithonewhoisstrongerthanyouare。ThenshallhisbravewifeAegialeia，daughterofAdrestus，rouseherwholehousefromsleep，wailingforthelossofherweddedlord，DiomedthebravestoftheAchaeans。"

Sosaying，shewipedtheichorfromthewristofherdaughterwithbothhands，whereonthepainlefther，andherhandwashealed。ButMinervaandJuno，whowerelookingon，begantotauntJovewiththeirmockingtalk，andMinervawasfirsttospeak。"FatherJove，"

saidshe，"donotbeangrywithme，butIthinktheCyprianmusthavebeenpersuadingsomeoneoftheAchaeanwomentogowiththeTrojansofwhomsheissoveryfond，andwhilecaressingoneorotherofthemshemusthavetornherdelicatehandwiththegoldpinofthewoman’sbrooch。"

Thesireofgodsandmensmiled，andcalledgoldenVenustohisside。"Mychild，"saidhe，"ithasnotbeengivenyoutobeawarrior。

Attend，henceforth，toyourowndelightfulmatrimonialduties，andleaveallthisfightingtoMarsandtoMinerva。"

Thusdidtheyconverse。ButDiomedspranguponAeneas，thoughheknewhimtobeintheveryarmsofApollo。Notonewhitdidhefearthemightygod，sosetwasheonkillingAeneasandstrippinghimofhisarmour。Thricedidhespringforwardwithmightandmaintoslayhim，andthricedidApollobeatbackhisgleamingshield。Whenhewascomingonforthefourthtime，asthoughhewereagod，Apolloshoutedtohimwithanawfulvoiceandsaid，"Takeheed，sonofTydeus，anddrawoff；thinknottomatchyourselfagainstgods，formenthatwalktheearthcannotholdtheirownwiththeimmortals。"

ThesonofTydeusthengavewayforalittlespace，toavoidtheangerofthegod，whileApollotookAeneasoutofthecrowdandsethiminsacredPergamus，wherehistemplestood。There，withinthemightysanctuary，LatonaandDianahealedhimandmadehimglorioustobehold，whileApolloofthesilverbowfashionedawraithinthelikenessofAeneas，andarmedashewas。RoundthistheTrojansandAchaeanshackedatthebucklersaboutoneanother’sbreasts，hewingeachother’sroundshieldsandlighthide-coveredtargets。ThenPhoebusApollosaidtoMars，"Mars，Mars，baneofmen，blood-stainedstormerofcities，canyounotgotothisman，thesonofTydeus，whowouldnowfightevenwithfatherJove，anddrawhimoutofthebattle？HefirstwentuptotheCyprianandwoundedherinthehandnearherwrist，andafterwardsspranguponmetoo，asthoughhewereagod。"

HethentookhisseatonthetopofPergamus，whilemurderousMarswentaboutamongtheranksoftheTrojans，cheeringthemon，inthelikenessoffleetAcamaschiefoftheThracians。"SonsofPriam，"saidhe，"howlongwillyouletyourpeoplebethusslaughteredbytheAchaeans？WouldyouwaittilltheyareatthewallsofTroy？AeneasthesonofAnchiseshasfallen，hewhomweheldinashighhonourasHectorhimself。Helpme，then，torescueourbravecomradefromthestressofthefight。"

Withthesewordsheputheartandsoulintothemall。ThenSarpedonrebukedHectorverysternly。"Hector，"saidhe，"whereisyourprowessnow？Youusedtosaythatthoughyouhadneitherpeoplenoralliesyoucouldholdthetownalonewithyourbrothersandbrothers-in-law。Iseenotoneofthemhere；theycowerashoundsbeforealion；itiswe，yourallies，whobearthebruntofthebattle。Ihavecomefromafar，evenfromLyciaandthebanksoftheriverXanthus，whereIhaveleftmywife，myinfantson，andmuchwealthtotemptwhoeverisneedy；nevertheless，IheadmyLyciansoldiersandstandmygroundagainstanywhowouldfightmethoughI

havenothingherefortheAchaeanstoplunder，whileyoulookon，withoutevenbiddingyourmenstandfirmindefenceoftheirwives。