第6章

Thusdidtheyconverse，exultinginthehungerafterbattlewithwhichthegodhadfilledthem。Meanwhiletheearth-encirclerrousedtheAchaeans，whowererestingintherearbytheshipsovercomeatoncebyhardfightingandbygriefatseeingthattheTrojanshadgotoverthewallinforce。Tearsbeganfallingfromtheireyesastheybeheldthem，fortheymadesurethattheyshouldnotescapedestruction；butthelordoftheearthquakepassedlightlyaboutamongthemandurgedtheirbattalionstothefront。

FirsthewentuptoTeucerandLeitus，theheroPeneleos，andThoasandDeipyrus；MerionesalsoandAntilochus，valiantwarriors；

alldidheexhort。"ShameonyouyoungArgives，"hecried，"itwasonyourprowessIreliedforthesavingofourships；ifyoufightnotwithmightandmain，thisverydaywillseeusovercomebytheTrojans。OfatruthmyeyesbeholdagreatandterribleportentwhichIhadneverthoughttosee-theTrojansatourships-they，whowereheretoforelikepanic-strickenhinds，thepreyofjackalsandwolvesinaforest，withnostrengthbutinflightfortheycannotdefendthemselves。HithertotheTrojansdarednotforonemomentfacetheattackoftheAchaeans，butnowtheyhavesalliedfarfromtheircityandarefightingatourveryshipsthroughthecowardiceofourleaderandthedisaffectionofthepeoplethemselves，whointheirdiscontentcarenottofightindefenceoftheshipsbutarebeingslaughterednearthem。True，KingAgamemnonsonofAtreusisthecauseofourdisasterbyhavinginsultedthesonofPeleus，stillthisisnoreasonwhyweshouldleaveofffighting。Letusbequicktoheal，fortheheartsofthebravehealquickly。Youdoilltobethusremiss，you，whoarethefinestsoldiersinourwholearmy。Iblamenomanforkeepingoutofbattleifheisaweakling，butIamindignantwithsuchmenasyouare。Mygoodfriends，matterswillsoonbecomeevenworsethroughthisslackness；think，eachoneofyou，ofhisownhonourandcredit，forthehazardofthefightisextreme。

GreatHectorisnowfightingatourships；hehasbrokenthroughthegatesandthestrongboltthatheldthem。"

Thusdidtheearth-encircleraddresstheAchaeansandurgethemon。ThereonroundthetwoAjaxestheregatheredstrongbandsofmen，ofwhomnotevenMarsnorMinerva，marshallerofhostscouldmakelightiftheywentamongthem，fortheywerethepickedmenofallthosewhowerenowawaitingtheonsetofHectorandtheTrojans。

Theymadealivingfence，speartospear，shieldtoshield，bucklertobuckler，helmettohelmet，andmantoman。Thehorse-haircrestsontheirgleaminghelmetstouchedoneanotherastheynoddedforward，socloselyseffiedwerethey；thespearstheybrandishedintheirstronghandswereinterlaced，andtheirheartsweresetonbattle。

TheTrojansadvancedinadensebody，withHectorattheirheadpressingrightonasarockthatcomesthunderingdownthesideofsomemountainfromwhosebrowthewintertorrentshavetornit；thefoundationsofthedullthinghavebeenloosenedbyfloodsofrain，andasitboundsheadlongonitswayitsetsthewholeforestinanuproar；itswervesneithertorightnorlefttillitreacheslevelground，butthenforallitsfuryitcangonofurther-evensoeasilydidHectorforawhileseemasthoughhewouldcareerthroughthetentsandshipsoftheAchaeanstillhehadreachedtheseainhismurderouscourse；butthecloselyserriedbattalionsstayedhimwhenhereachedthem，forthesonsoftheAchaeansthrustathimwithswordsandspearspointedatbothends，anddrovehimfromthemsothathestaggeredandgaveground；thereonheshoutedtotheTrojans，"Trojans，Lycians，andDardanians，fightersinclosecombat，standfirm:theAchaeanshavesetthemselvesasawallagainstme，buttheywillnotcheckmeforlong；theywillgivegroundbeforemeifthemightiestofthegods，thethunderingspouseofJuno，hasindeedinspiredmyonset。"

Withthesewordsheputheartandsoulintothemall。DeiphobussonofPriamwentaboutamongthemintentondeedsofdaringwithhisroundshieldbeforehim，undercoverofwhichhestrodequicklyforward。Merionestookaimathimwithaspear，nordidhefailtohitthebroadorbofox-hide；buthewasfarfrompiercingitforthespearbrokeintwopieceslongerehecoulddoso；moreoverDeiphobushadseenitcomingandhadheldhisshieldwellawayfromhim。Merionesdrewbackundercoverofhiscomrades，angryalikeathavingfailedtovanquishDeiphobus，andhavingbrokenhisspear。Heturnedthereforetowardstheshipsandtentstofetchaspearwhichhehadleftbehindinhistent。

Theotherscontinuedfighting，andthecryofbattleroseupintotheheavens。TeucersonofTelamonwasthefirsttokillhisman，towit，thewarriorImbriussonofMentorrichinhorses。UntiltheAchaeanscamehehadlivedinPedaeum，andhadmarriedMedesicasteabastarddaughterofPriam；butonthearrivaloftheDanaanfleethehadgonebacktoIlius，andwasagreatmanamongtheTrojans，dwellingnearPriamhimself，whogavehimlikehonourwithhisownsons。ThesonofTelamonnowstruckhimundertheearwithaspearwhichhethendrewbackagain，andImbriusfellheadlongasanash-treewhenitisfelledonthecrestofsomehighmountainbeacon，anditsdelicategreenfoliagecomestopplingdowntotheground。Thusdidhefallwithhisbronze-dightarmourringingharshlyroundhim，andTeucersprangforwardwithintenttostriphimofhisarmour；butashewasdoingso，Hectortookaimathimwithaspear。Teucersawthespearcomingandswervedaside，whereonithitAmphimachus，sonofCteatussonofActor，inthechestashewascomingintobattle，andhisarmourrangrattlingroundhimashefellheavilytotheground。HectorsprangforwardtotakeAmphimachus’shelmetfromoffhistemples，andinamomentAjaxthrewaspearathim，butdidnotwoundhim，forhewasencasedalloverinhisterriblearmour；neverthelessthespearstruckthebossofhisshieldwithsuchforceastodrivehimbackfromthetwocorpses，whichtheAchaeansthendrewoff。StichiusandMenestheus，captainsoftheAthenians，boreawayAmphimachustothehostoftheAchaeans，whilethetwobraveandimpetuousAjaxesdidthelikebyImbrius。Astwolionssnatchagoatfromthehoundsthathaveitintheirfangs，andbearitthroughthickbrushwoodhighabovethegroundintheirjaws，thusdidtheAjaxesbearaloftthebodyofImbrius，andstripitofitsarmour。ThenthesonofOileusseveredtheheadfromtheneckinrevengeforthedeathofAmphimachus，andsentitwhirlingoverthecrowdasthoughithadbeenaball，tillfellinthedustatHector’sfeet。

NeptunewasexceedinglyangrythathisgrandsonAmphimachusshouldhavefallen；hethereforewenttothetentsandshipsoftheAchaeanstourgetheDanaansstillfurther，andtodeviseevilfortheTrojans。Idomeneusmethim，ashewastakingleaveofacomrade，whohadjustcometohimfromthefight，woundedintheknee。Hisfellow-soldiersborehimoffthefield，andIdomeneushavinggivenorderstothephysicianswentontohistent，forhewasstillthirstingforbattle。NeptunespokeinthelikenessandwiththevoiceofThoassonofAndraemonwhoruledtheAetoliansofallPleuronandhighCalydon，andwashonouredamonghispeopleasthoughhewereagod。"Idomeneus，"saidhe，"lawgivertotheCretans，whathasnowbecomeofthethreatswithwhichthesonsoftheAchaeansusedtothreatentheTrojans？"

AndIdomeneuschiefamongtheCretansanswered，"Thoas，noone，sofarasIknow，isinfault，forwecanallfight。Noneareheldbackneitherbyfearnorslackness，butitseemstobetheofalmightyJovethattheAchaeansshouldperishingloriouslyherefarfromArgos:you，Thoas，havebeenalwaysstaunch，andyoukeepothersinheartifyouseeanyfailinduty；benotthenremissnow，butexhortalltodotheirutmost。"

TothisNeptunelordoftheearthquakemadeanswer，"Idomeneus，mayheneverreturnfromTroy，butremainherefordogstobattenupon，whoisthisdaywilfullyslackinfighting。Getyourarmourandgo，wemustmakeallhastetogetherifwemaybeofanyuse，thoughweareonlytwo。Evencowardsgaincouragefromcompanionship，andwetwocanholdourownwiththebravest。"

Therewiththegodwentbackintothethickofthefight，andIdomeneuswhenhehadreachedhistentdonnedhisarmour，graspedhistwospears，andsalliedforth。AsthelightningwhichthesonofSaturnbrandishesfrombrightOlympuswhenhewouldshowasigntomortals，anditsgleamflashesfarandwide-evensodidhisarmourgleamabouthimasheran。Merioneshissturdysquiremethimwhilehewasstillnearhistent(forhewasgoingtofetchhisspear)andIdomeneussaid"Meriones，fleetsonofMolus，bestofcomrades，whyhaveyouleftthefield？Areyouwounded，andisthepointoftheweaponhurtingyou？orhaveyoubeensenttofetchme？Iwantnofetching；Ihadfarratherfightthanstayinmytent。"

"Idomeneus，"answeredMeriones，"Icomeforaspear，ifIcanfindoneinmytent；IhavebrokentheoneIhad，inthrowingitattheshieldofDeiphobus。"

AndIdomeneuscaptainoftheCretansanswered，"Youwillfindonespear，ortwentyifyousoplease，standingupagainsttheendwallofmytent。IhavetakenthemfromTrojanswhomIhavekilled，forIamnotonetokeepmyenemyatarm’slength；thereforeIhavespears，bossedshields，helmets，andburnishedcorslets。"

ThenMerionessaid，"ItooinmytentandatmyshiphavespoilstakenfromtheTrojans，buttheyarenotathand。Ihavebeenatalltimesvalorous，andwherevertherehasbeenhardfightinghaveheldmyownamongtheforemost。TheremaybethoseamongtheAchaeanswhodonotknowhowIfight，butyouknowitwellenoughyourself。"

Idomeneusanswered，"Iknowyouforabraveman:youneednottellme。Ifthebestmenattheshipswerebeingchosentogoonanambush-

andthereisnothinglikethisforshowingwhatamanismadeof；itcomesoutthenwhoiscowardlyandwhobrave；thecowardwillchangecolourateverytouchandturn；heisfulloffears，andkeepsshiftinghisweightfirstononekneeandthenontheother；hisheartbeatsfastashethinksofdeath，andonecanhearthechatteringofhisteeth；whereasthebravemanwillnotchangecolournorbeonfindinghimselfinambush，butisallthetimelongingtogointoaction-ifthebestmenwerebeingchosenforsuchaservice，noonecouldmakelightofyourcouragenorfeatsofarms。Ifyouwerestruckbyadartorsmitteninclosecombat，itwouldnotbefrombehind，inyournecknorback，buttheweaponwouldhityouinthechestorbellyasyouwerepressingforwardtoaplaceinthefrontranks。

Butletusnolongerstayheretalkinglikechildren，lestwebeillspokenof；go，fetchyourspearfromthetentatonce。"

OnthisMeriones，peerofMars，wenttothetentandgothimselfaspearofbronze。HethenfollowedafterIdomeneus，bigwithgreatdeedsofvalour。AswhenbanefulMarssalliesforthtobattle，andhissonPanicsostronganddauntlessgoeswithhim，tostriketerrorevenintotheheartofahero-thepairhavegonefromThracetoarmthemselvesamongtheEphyriorthebravePhlegyans，buttheywillnotlistentoboththecontendinghosts，andwillgivevictorytoonesideortotheother-evensodidMerionesandIdomeneus，captainsofmen，goouttobattlecladintheirbronzearmour。Merioneswasfirsttospeak。"SonofDeucalion，"saidhe，"wherewouldyouhaveusbeginfighting？Ontherightwingofthehost，inthecentre，orontheleftwing，whereItakeittheAchaeanswillbeweakest？"

Idomeneusanswered，"Thereareotherstodefendthecentre-thetwoAjaxesandTeucer，whoisthefinestarcherofalltheAchaeans，andisgoodalsoinahand-to-handfight。ThesewillgiveHectorsonofPriamenoughtodo；fightashemay，hewillfindithardtovanquishtheirindomitablefury，andfiretheships，unlessthesonofSaturnflingafirebranduponthemwithhisownhand。GreatAjaxsonofTelamonwillyieldtonomanwhoisinmortalmouldandeatsthegrainofCeres，ifbronzeandgreatstonescanoverthrowhim。HewouldnotyieldeventoAchillesinhand-to-handfight，andinfleetnessoffootthereisnonetobeathim；letusturnthereforetowardstheleftwing，thatwemayknowforthwithwhetherwearetogiveglorytosomeother，orhetous。"

Meriones，peeroffleetMars，thenledthewaytilltheycametothepartofthehostwhichIdomeneushadnamed。

NowwhentheTrojanssawIdomeneuscomingonlikeaflameoffire，himandhissquirecladintheirrichlywroughtarmour，theyshoutedandmadetowardshimallinabody，andafurioushand-to-handfightragedundertheships’sterns。Fierceastheshrillwindsthatwhistleuponadaywhendustliesdeepontheroads，andthegustsraiseitintoathickcloud-evensuchwasthefuryofthecombat，andmightandmaindidtheyhackateachotherwithspearandswordthroughoutthehost。Thefieldbristledwiththelonganddeadlyspearswhichtheybore。Dazzlingwasthesheenoftheirgleaminghelmets，theirfresh-burnishedbreastplates，andglitteringshieldsastheyjoinedbattlewithoneanother。Ironindeedmustbehiscouragewhocouldtakepleasureinthesightofsuchaturmoil，andlookonitwithoutbeingdismayed。

ThusdidthetwomightysonsofSaturndeviseevilformortalheroes。JovewasmindedtogivevictorytotheTrojansandtoHector，soastodohonourtofleetAchilles，neverthelesshedidnotmeantoutterlyoverthrowtheAchaeanhostbeforeIlius，andonlywantedtoglorifyThetisandhervaliantson。NeptuneontheotherhandwentaboutamongtheArgivestoincitethem，havingcomeupfromthegreyseainsecret，forhewasgrievedatseeingthemvanquishedbytheTrojans，andwasfuriouslyangrywithJove。Bothwereofthesameraceandcountry，butJovewaselderbornandknewmore，thereforeNeptunefearedtodefendtheArgivesopenly，butinthelikenessofman，hekeptonencouragingthemthroughouttheirhost。Thus，then，didthesetwodeviseaknotofwarandbattle，thatnonecouldunlooseorbreak，andsetbothsidestuggingatit，tothefailingofmen’skneesbeneaththem。

AndnowIdomeneus，thoughhishairwasalreadyfleckedwithgrey，calledloudontheDanaansandspreadpanicamongtheTrojansasheleapedinamongthem。HeslewOthryoneusfromCabesus，asojourner，whohadbutlatelycometotakepartinthewar。HesoughtCassandrathefairestofPriam’sdaughtersinmarriage，butofferednogiftsofwooing，forhepromisedagreatthing，towit，thathewoulddrivethesonsoftheAchaeanswillynillyfromTroy；oldKingPriamhadgivenhisconsentandpromisedhertohim，whereonhefoughtonthestrengthofthepromisesthusmadetohim。Idomeneusaimedaspear，andhithimashecamestridingon。Hiscuirassofbronzedidnotprotecthim，andthespearstuckinhisbelly，sothathefellheavilytotheground。ThenIdomeneusvauntedoverhimsaying，"Othryoneus，thereisnooneintheworldwhomIshalladmiremorethanIdoyou，ifyouindeedperformwhatyouhavepromisedPriamsonofDardanusinreturnforhisdaughter。Wetoowillmakeyouanoffer；wewillgiveyoutheloveliestdaughterofthesonofAtreus，andwillbringherfromArgosforyoutomarry，ifyouwillsackthegoodlycityofIliusincompanywithourselves；socomealongwithme，thatwemaymakeacovenantattheshipsaboutthemarriage，andwewillnotbeharduponyouaboutgiftsofwooing。"

WiththisIdomeneusbegandragginghimbythefootthroughthethickofthefight，butAsiuscameuptoprotectthebody，onfoot，infrontofhishorseswhichhisesquiredrovesoclosebehindhimthathecouldfeeltheir’breathuponhisshoulder。HewaslongingtostrikedownIdomeneus，buterehecoulddosoIdomeneussmotehimwithhisspearinthethroatunderthechin，andthebronzepointwentcleanthroughit。Hefellasanoak，orpoplar，orpinewhichshipwrightshavefelledforship’stimberuponthemountainswithwhettedaxes-

eventhusdidheliefulllengthinfrontofhischariotandhorses，grindinghisteethandclutchingatthebloodstainedjust。Hischarioteerwasstruckwithpanicanddidnotdareturnhishorsesroundandescape:thereuponAntilochushithiminthemiddleofhisbodywithaspear；hiscuirassofbronzedidnotprotecthim，andthespearstuckinhisbelly。HefellgaspingfromhischariotandAntilochusgreatNestor’sson，drovehishorsesfromtheTrojanstotheAchaeans。

DeiphobusthencamecloseuptoIdomeneustoavengeAsius，andtookaimathimwithaspear，butIdomeneuswasonthelook-outandavoidedit，forhewascoveredbytheroundshieldhealwaysbore-ashieldofoxhideandbronzewithtwoarm-rodsontheinside。Hecrouchedundercoverofthis，andthespearflewoverhim，buttheshieldrangoutasthespeargrazedit，andtheweaponspednotinvainfromthestronghandofDeiphobus，foritstruckHypsenorsonofHippasus，shepherdofhispeople，intheliverunderthemidriff，andhislimbsfailedbeneathhim。Deiphobusvauntedoverhimandcriedwithaloudvoicesaying，"OfatruthAsiushasnotfallenunavenied；hewillbegladevenwhilepassingintothehouseofHades，strongwardenofthegate，thatIhavesentsomeonetoescorthim。"

Thusdidhevaunt，andtheArgiveswerestungbyhissaying。NobleAntilochuswasmoreangrythananyone，butgriefdidnotmakehimforgethisfriendandcomrade。Heranuptohim，bestrodehim，andcoveredhimwithhisshield；thentwoofhisstaunchcomrades，MecisteussonofEchius，andAlastorstoopeddown，andborehimawaygroaningheavilytotheships。ButIdomeneusceasednothisfury。HekeptonstrivingcontinuallyeithertoenshroudsomeTrojaninthedarknessofdeath，orhimselftofallwhilewardingofftheevildayfromtheAchaeans。ThenfellAlcathoussonofnobleAesyetes:hewasson-in-lawtoAnchises，havingmarriedhiseldestdaughterHippodameiawhowasthedarlingofherfatherandmother，andexcelledallhergenerationinbeauty，accomplishments，andunderstanding，whereforethebravestmaninallTroyhadtakenhertowife-himdidNeptunelaylowbythehandofIdomeneus，blindinghisbrighteyesandbindinghisstronglimbsinfetterssothathecouldneithergobacknortooneside，butstoodstockstilllikepillarorloftytreewhenIdomeneusstruckhimwithaspearinthemiddleofhischest。Thecoatofmailthathadhithertoprotectedhisbodywasnowbroken，andrangharshlyasthespeartorethroughit。Hefellheavilytotheground，andthespearstuckinhisheart，whichstillbeat，andmadethebutt-endofthespearquivertilldreadMarsputanendtohislife。

Idomeneusvauntedoverhimandcriedwithaloudvoicesaying，"Deiphobus，sinceyouareinamoodtovaunt，shallwecryquitsnowthatwehavekilledthreementoyourone？Nay，sir，standinfightwithmeyourself，thatyoumaylearnwhatmannerofJove-begottenmanamIthathavecomehither。JovefirstbegotMinoschiefrulerinCrete，andMinosinhisturnbegotason，nobleDeucalion；

DeucalionbegotmetobearulerovermanymeninCrete，andmyshipshavenowbroughtmehither，tobethebaneofyourself，yourfather，andtheTrojans。"

Thusdidhespeak，andDeiphobuswasintwominds，whethertogobackandfetchsomeotherTrojantohelphim，ortotakeupthechallengesingle-handed。Intheend，hedeemeditbesttogoandfetchAeneas，whomhefoundstandingintherear，forhehadlongbeenaggrievedwithPriambecauseinspitehisbravedeedshedidnotgivehimhisdueshareofhonour。Deiphobuswentuptohimandsaid，"Aeneas，princeamongtheTrojans，ifyouknowanytiesofkinship，helpmenowtodefendthebodyofyoursister’shusband；comewithmetotherescueofAlcathous，whobeinghusbandtoyoursisterbroughtyouupwhenyouwereachildinhishouse，andnowIdomeneushasslainhim。"

WiththesewordshemovedtheheartofAeneas，andhewentinpursuitofIdomeneus，bigwithgreatdeedsofvalour；butIdomeneuswasnottobethusdauntedasthoughhewereamerechild；heheldhisgroundasawildboaratbayuponthemountains，whoabidesthecomingofagreatcrowdofmeninsomelonelyplace-thebristlesstanduprightonhisback，hiseyesflashfire，andhewhetshistusksinhiseagernesstodefendhimselfagainsthoundsandmen-evensodidfamedIdomeneusholdhisgroundandbudgenotatthecomingofAeneas。

HecriedaloudtohiscomradeslookingtowardsAscalaphus，Aphareus，Deipyrus，Meriones，andAntilochus，allofthembravesoldiers-

"Hithermyfriends，"hecried，"andleavemenotsingle-handed-IgoingreatfearbyfleetAeneas，whoiscomingagainstme，andisaredoubtabledispenserofdeathbattle。Moreoverheisintheflowerofyouthwhenaman’sstrengthisgreatest；ifIwasofthesameageasheisandinmypresentmind，eitherheorIshouldsoonbearawaytheprizeofvictoryOnthis，allofthemasonemanstoodnearhim，shieldonshoulder。Aeneasontheothersidecalledtohiscomrades，lookingtowardsDeiphobus，Paris，andAgenor，whowereleadersoftheTrojansalongwithhimself，andthepeoplefollowedthemassheepfollowtheramwhentheygodowntodrinkaftertheyhavebeenfeeding，andtheheartoftheshepherdisglad-evensowastheheartofAeneasgladdenedwhenhesawhispeoplefollowhim。

ThentheyfoughtfuriouslyinclosecombataboutthebodyofAlcathous，wieldingtheirlongspears；andthebronzearmourabouttheirbodiesrangfearfullyastheytookaimatoneanotherinthepressofthefight，whilethetwoheroesAeneasandIdomeneus，peersofMars，outxiedeveryoneintheirdesiretohackateachotherwithswordandspear。Aeneastookaimfirst，butIdomeneuswasonthelookoutandavoidedthespear，sothatitspedfromAeneas’stronghandinvain，andfellquiveringintheground。IdomeneusmeanwhilesmoteOenomausinthemiddleofhisbelly，andbroketheplateofhiscorslet，whereonhisbowelscamegushingoutandheclutchedtheearthinthepalmsofhishandsashefellsprawlinginthedust。

Idomeneusdrewhisspearoutofthebody，butcouldnotstriphimoftherestofhisarmourfortherainofdartsthatwereshowereduponhim:moreoverhisstrengthwasnowbeginningtofailhimsothathecouldnolongercharge，andcouldneitherspringforwardtorecoverhisownweaponnorswerveasidetoavoidonethatwasaimedathim；

therefore，thoughhestilldefendedhimselfinhand-to-handfight，hisheavyfeetcouldnotbearhimswiftlyoutofthebattle。Deiphobusaimedaspearathimashewasretreatingslowlyfromthefield，forhisbitternessagainsthimwasasfierceasever，butagainhemissedhim，andhitAscalaphus，thesonofMars；thespearwentthroughhisshoulder，andheclutchedtheearthinthepalmsofhishandsashefellsprawlinginthedust。

GrimMarsofawfulvoicedidnotyetknowthathissonhadfallen，forhewassittingonthesummitsofOlympusunderthegoldenclouds，bycommandofJove，wheretheothergodswerealsositting，forbiddentotakepartinthebattle。Meanwhilemenfoughtfuriouslyaboutthebody。Deiphobustorethehelmetfromoffhishead，butMerionesspranguponhim，andstruckhimonthearmwithaspearsothatthevisoredhelmetfellfromhishandandcameringingdownupontheground。ThereonMerionesspranguponhimlikeavulture，drewthespearfromhisshoulder，andfellbackundercoverofhismen。

ThenPolites，ownbrotherofDeiphobuspassedhisarmsaroundhiswaist，andborehimawayfromthebattletillhegottohishorsesthatwerestandingintherearofthefightwiththechariotandtheirdriver。Thesetookhimtowardsthecitygroaningandingreatpain，withthebloodflowingfromhisarm。

Theothersstillfoughton，andthebattle-cryrosetoheavenwithoutceasing。AeneassprangonAphareussonofCaletor，andstruckhimwithaspearinhisthroatwhichwasturnedtowardshim；

hisheadfellononeside，hishelmetandshieldcamedownalongwithhim，anddeath，life’sfoe，wasshedaroundhim。Antilochusspiedhischance，flewforwardtowardsThoon，andwoundedhimashewasturninground。Helaidopentheveinthatrunsallthewayupthebacktotheneck；hecutthisveincleanawaythroughoutitswholecourse，andThoonfellinthedustfaceupwards，stretchingouthishandsimploringlytowardshiscomrades。Antilochusspranguponhimandstrippedthearmourfromhisshoulders，glaringroundhimfearfullyashedidso。TheTrojanscameabouthimoneverysideandstruckhisbroadandgleamingshield，butcouldnotwoundhisbody，forNeptunestoodguardoverthesonofNestor，thoughthedartsfellthicklyroundhim。Hewasneverclearofthefoe，butwasalwaysinthethickofthefight；hisspearwasneveridle；hepoisedandaimeditineverydirection，soeagerwashetohitsomeonefromadistanceortofighthimhandtohand。

Ashewasthusaimingamongthecrowd，hewasseenbyAdamassonofAsius，whorushedtowardshimandstruckhimwithaspearinthemiddleofhisshield，butNeptunemadeitspointwithouteffect，forhegrudgedhimthelifeofAntilochus。Onehalf，therefore，ofthespearstuckfastlikeacharredstakeinAntilochus’sshield，whiletheotherlayontheground。Adamasthensoughtshelterundercoverofhismen，butMerionesfollowedafterandhithimwithaspearmidwaybetweentheprivatepartsandthenavel，whereawoundisparticualrlypainfultowretchedmortals。TheredidMerionestransfixhim，andhewrithedconvulsivelyaboutthespearassomebullwhommountainherdsmenhaveboundwithropesofwithesandaretakingawayperforce。

Evensodidhemoveconvulsivelyforawhile，butnotforverylong，tillMerionescameupanddrewthespearoutofhisbody，andhiseyeswereveiledindarkness。

HelenusthenstruckDeipyruswithagreatThraciansword，hittinghimonthetempleinclosecombatandtearingthehelmetfromhishead；thehelmetfelltotheground，andoneofthosewhowerefightingontheAchaeansidetookchargeofitasitrolledathisfeet，buttheeyesofDeipyruswereclosedinthedarknessofdeath。

OnthisMenelauswasgrieved，andmademenacinglytowardsHelenus，brandishinghisspear；butHelenusdrewhisbow，andthetwoattackedoneanotheratoneandthesamemoment，theonewithhisspear，andtheotherwithhisbowandarrow。ThesonofPriamhitthebreastplateofMenelaus’scorslet，butthearrowglancedfromoffit。Asblackbeansorpulsecomepatteringdownontoathreshing-floorfromthebroadwinnowing-shovel，blownbyshrillwindsandshakenbytheshovel-evensodidthearrowglanceoffandrecoilfromtheshieldofMenelaus，whoinhisturnwoundedthehandwithwhichHelenuscarriedhisbow；thespearwentrightthroughhishandandstuckinthebowitself，sothattohislifeheretreatedundercoverofhismen，withhishanddraggingbyhisside-forthespearweigheditdowntillAgenordrewitoutandboundthehandcarefullyupinawoollenslingwhichhisesquirehadwithhim。

PisanderthenmadestraightatMenelaus-hisevildestinyluringhimontohisdoom，forhewastofallinfightwithyou，OMenelaus。WhenthetwowerehardbyoneanotherthespearofthesonofAtreusturnedasideandhemissedhisaim；PisanderthenstrucktheshieldofbraveMenelausbutcouldnotpierceit，fortheshieldstayedthespearandbroketheshaft；neverthelesshewasgladandmadesureofvictory；forthwith，however，thesonofAtreusdrewhisswordandspranguponhim。Pisanderthenseizedthebronzebattle-axe，withitslongandpolishedhandleofolivewoodthathungbyhissideunderhisshield，andthetwomadeatoneanother。PisanderstruckthepeakofMenelaus’screstedhelmetjustunderthecrestitself，andMenelaushitPisanderashewascomingtowardshim，ontheforehead，justattheriseofhisnose；thebonescrackedandhistwogore-bedrabbledeyesfellbyhisfeetinthedust。Hefellbackwardstotheground，andMenelaussethisheeluponhim，strippedhimofhisarmour，andvauntedoverhimsaying，"EventhusshallyouTrojansleavetheshipsoftheAchaeans，proudandinsatiateofbattlethoughyoube:norshallyoulackanyofthedisgraceandshamewhichyouhaveheapeduponmyself。Cowardlyshe-wolvesthatyouare，youfearednottheangerofdreadJove，avengerofviolatedhospitality，whowillonedaydestroyyourcity；youstolemyweddedwifeandwickedlycarriedoffmuchtreasurewhenyouwereherguest，andnowyouwouldflingfireuponourships，andkillourheroes。A

daywillcomewhen，rageasyoumay，youshallbestayed。OfatherJove，you，whotheysayartaboveallbothgodsandmeninwisdom，andfromwhomallthingsthatbefallusdoproceed，howcanyouthusfavourtheTrojans-mensoproudandoverweening，thattheyarenevertiredoffighting？Allthingspallafterawhile-sleep，love，sweetsong，andstatelydance-stillthesearethingsofwhichamanwouldsurelyhavehisfillratherthanofbattle，whereasitisofbattlethattheTrojansareinsatiate。"

SosayingMenelausstrippedtheblood-stainedarmourfromthebodyofPisander，andhandeditovertohismen；thenheagainrangedhimselfamongthosewhowereinthefrontofthefight。

HarpalionsonofKingPylaemenesthenspranguponhim；hehadcometofightatTroyalongwithhisfather，buthedidnotgohomeagain。HestruckthemiddleofMenelaus’sshieldwithhisspearbutcouldnotpierceit，andtosavehislifedrewbackundercoverofhismen，lookingroundhimoneverysidelestheshouldbewounded。ButMerionesaimedabronze-tippedarrowathimashewasleavingthefield，andhithimontherightbuttock；thearrowpiercedthebonethroughandthrough，andpenetratedthebladder，sohesatdownwherehewasandbreathedhislastinthearmsofhiscomrades，stretchedlikeawormuponthegroundandwateringtheearthwiththebloodthatflowedfromhiswound。ThebravePaphlagonianstendedhimwithallduecare；theyraisedhimintohischariot，andborehimsadlyofftothecityofTroy；hisfatherwentalsowithhimweepingbitterly，buttherewasnoransomthatcouldbringhisdeadsontolifeagain。

PariswasdeeplygrievedbythedeathofHarpalion，whowashishostwhenhewentamongthePaphlagonians；heaimedanarrow，therefore，inordertoavengehim。NowtherewasacertainmannamedEuchenor，sonofPolyidustheprophet，abravemanandwealthy，whosehomewasinCorinth。ThisEuchenorhadsetsailforTroywellknowingthatitwouldbethedeathofhim，forhisgoodoldfatherPolyidushadoftentoldhimthathemusteitherstayathomeanddieofaterribledisease，orgowiththeAchaeansandperishatthehandsoftheTrojans；hechose，therefore，toavoidincurringtheheavyfinetheAchaeanswouldhavelaiduponhim，andatthesametimetoescapethepainandsufferingofdisease。Parisnowsmotehimonthejawunderhisear，whereonthelifewentoutofhimandhewasenshroudedinthedarknessofdeath。

Thusthendidtheyfightasitwereaflamingfire。ButHectorhadnotyetheard，anddidnotknowthattheArgivesweremakinghavocofhismenontheleftwingofthebattle，wheretheAchaeanserelongwouldhavetriumphedoverthem，sovigorouslydidNeptunecheerthemonandhelpthem。Hethereforeheldonatthepointwherehehadfirstforcedhiswaythroughthegatesandthewall，afterbreakingthroughtheserriedranksofDanaanwarriors。ItwasherethattheshipsofAjaxandProtesilausweredrawnupbythesea-shore；herethewallwasatitslowest，andthefightbothofmanandhorseragedmostfiercely。TheBoeotiansandtheIonianswiththeirlongtunics，theLocrians，themenofPhthia，andthefamousforceoftheEpeanscouldhardlystayHectorasherushedontowardstheships，norcouldtheydrivehimfromthem，forhewasasawalloffire。ThechosenmenoftheAthenianswereinthevan，ledbyMenestheussonofPeteos，withwhomwerealsoPheidas，Stichius，andstalwartBias:

MegessonofPhyleus，Amphion，andDraciuscommandedtheEpeans，whileMedonandstaunchPodarcesledthemenofPhthia。Ofthese，MedonwasbastardsontoOileusandbrotherofAjax，buthelivedinPhylaceawayfromhisowncountry，forhehadkilledthebrotherofhisstepmotherEriopis，thewifeofOileus；theother，Podarces，wasthesonofIphiclussonofPhylacus。ThesetwostoodinthevanofthePhthians，anddefendedtheshipsalongwiththeBoeotians。

AjaxsonofOileusneverforamomentleftthesideofAjaxsonofTelamon，butastwoswartoxenbothstraintheirutmostattheploughwhichtheyaredrawinginafallowfield，andthesweatsteamsupwardsfromabouttherootsoftheirhorns-nothingbuttheyokedividesthemastheybreakupthegroundtilltheyreachtheendofthefield-evensodidthetwoAjaxesstandshouldertoshoulderbyoneanother。ManyandbravecomradesfollowedthesonofTelamon，torelievehimofhisshieldwhenhewasovercomewithsweatandtoil，buttheLocriansdidnotfollowsocloseafterthesonofOileus，fortheycouldnotholdtheirowninahand-to-handfight。Theyhadnobronzehelmetswithplumesofhorse-hair，neitherhadtheyshieldsnorashenspears，buttheyhadcometoTroyarmedwithbows，andwithslingsoftwistedwoolfromwhichtheyshoweredtheirmissilestobreaktheranksoftheTrojans。Theothers，therefore，withtheirheavyarmourborethebruntofthefightwiththeTrojansandwithHector，whiletheLocriansshotfrombehind，undertheircover；andthustheTrojansbegantoloseheart，forthearrowsthrewthemintoconfusion。

TheTrojanswouldnowhavebeendriveninsorryplightfromtheshipsandtentsbacktowindyIlius，hadnotPolydamaspresentlysaidtoHector，"Hector，thereisnopersuadingyoutotakeadvice。

Becauseheavenhassorichlyendowedyouwiththeartsofwar，youthinkthatyoumustthereforeexcelothersincounsel；butyoucannotthusclaimpreeminenceinallthings。Heavenhasmadeonemananexcellentsoldier；ofanotherithasmadeadancerorasingerandplayeronthelyre；whileyetinanotherJovehasimplantedawiseunderstandingofwhichmenreapfruittothesavingofmany，andhehimselfknowsmoreaboutitthananyone；thereforeIwillsaywhatIthinkwillbebest。Thefighthashemmedyouinaswithacircleoffire，andevennowthattheTrojansarewithinthewallsomeofthemstandaloofinfullarmour，whileothersarefightingscatteredandoutnumberedneartheships。Drawback，therefore，andcallyourchieftainsroundyou，thatwemayadvisetogetherwhethertofallnowupontheshipsinthehopethatheavenmayvouchsafeusvictory，ortobeataretreatwhilewecanyetsafelydoso。IgreatlyfearthattheAchaeanswillpayustheirdebtofyesterdayinfull，forthereisoneabidingattheirshipswhoisneverwearyofbattle，andwhowillnotholdaloofmuchlonger。"

ThusspokePolydamas，andhiswordspleasedHectorwell。Hespranginfullarmourfromhischariotandsaid，"Polydamas，gatherthechieftainshere；Iwillgoyonderintothefight，butwillreturnatoncewhenIhavegiventhemtheirorders。"

Hethenspedonward，toweringlikeasnowymountain，andwithaloudcryflewthroughtheranksoftheTrojansandtheirallies。WhentheyheardhisvoicetheyallhastenedtogatherroundPolydamastheexcellentsonofPanthous，butHectorkeptonamongtheforemost，lookingeverywheretofindDeiphobusandprinceHelenus，AdamassonofAsius，andAsiussonofHyrtacus；living，indeed，andscathelesshecouldnolongerfindthem，forthetwolastwerelyingbythesternsoftheAchaeanships，slainbytheArgives，whiletheothershadbeenalsostrickenandwoundedbythem；butupontheleftwingofthedreadbattlehefoundAlexandrus，husbandoflovelyHelen，cheeringhismenandurgingthemontofight。Hewentuptohimandupbraidedhim。"Paris，"saidhe，"evil-heartedParis，fairtoseebutwoman-madandfalseoftongue，whereareDeiphobusandKingHelenus？WhereareAdamassonofAsius，andAsiussonofHyrtacus？

WheretooisOthryoneus？Iliusisundoneandwillnowsurelyfall！"

Alexandrusanswered，"Hector，whyfindfaultwhenthereisnoonetofindfaultwith？Ishouldholdalooffrombattleonanydayratherthanthis，formymotherboremewithnothingofthecowardaboutme。FromthemomentwhenyousetourmenfightingabouttheshipswehavebeenstayinghereanddoingbattlewiththeDanaans。Ourcomradesaboutwhomyouaskmearedead；DeiphobusandKingHelenusalonehaveleftthefield，woundedbothoftheminthehand，butthesonofSaturnsavedthemalive。Now，therefore，leadonwhereyouwouldhaveusgo，andwewillfollowwithrightgoodwill；youshallnotfindusfailyouinsofarasourstrengthholdsout，butnomancandomorethaninhimlies，nomatterhowwillinghemaybe。"

Withthesewordshesatisfiedhisbrother，andthetwowenttowardsthepartofthebattlewherethefightwasthickest，aboutCebriones，bravePolydamas，Phalces，Orthaeus，godlikePolyphetes，Palmys，Ascanius，andMoryssonofHippotion，whohadcomefromfertileAscaniaontheprecedingdaytorelieveothertroops。ThenJoveurgedthemontofight。Theyflewforthliketheblastsofsomefiercewindthatstrikeearthinthevanofathunderstorm-theybuffetthesaltseaintoanuproar；manyandmightyarethegreatwavesthatcomecrashinginoneaftertheotherupontheshorewiththeirarchingheadsallcrestedwithfoam-evensodidrankbehindrankofTrojansarrayedingleamingarmourfollowtheirleadersonward。ThewaywasledbyHectorsonofPriam，peerofmurderousMars，withhisroundshieldbeforehim-hisshieldofox-hidescoveredwithplatesofbronze-andhisgleaminghelmetuponhistemples。Hekeptsteppingforwardundercoverofhisshieldineverydirection，makingtrialoftherankstoseeiftheywouldgivewaybehim，buthecouldnotdauntthecourageoftheAchaeans。Ajaxwasthefirsttostrideoutandchallengehim。"Sir，"hecried，"drawnear；whydoyouthinkthusvainlytodismaytheArgives？WeAchaeansareexcellentsoldiers，butthescourgeofJovehasfallenheavilyuponus。Yourheart，forsooth，issetondestroyingourships，butwetoohavebandsthatcankeepyouatbay，andyourownfairtownshallbesoonertakenandsackedbyourselves。ThetimeisnearwhenyoushallprayJoveandallthegodsinyourflight，thatyoursteedsmaybeswifterthanhawksastheyraisethedustontheplainandbearyoubacktoyourcity。"

Ashewasthusspeakingabirdflewbyuponhisrighthand，andthehostoftheAchaeansshouted，fortheytookheartattheomen。ButHectoranswered，"Ajax，braggartandfalseoftongue，wouldthatI

wereassureofbeingsonforevermoretoaegis-bearingJove，withQueenJunoformymother，andofbeingheldinlikehonourwithMinervaandApollo，asIamthatthisdayisbigwiththedestructionoftheAchaeans；andyoushallfallamongthemifyoudareabidemyspear；itshallrendyourfairbodyandbidyouglutourhoundsandbirdsofpreywithyourfatandyourflesh，asyoufallbytheshipsoftheAchaeans。"

Withthesewordsheledthewayandtheothersfollowedafterwithacrythatrenttheair，whilethehostshoutedbehindthem。TheArgivesontheirpartraisedashoutlikewise，nordidtheyforgettheirprowess，butstoodfirmagainsttheonslaughtoftheTrojanchieftains，andthecryfromboththehostsroseuptoheavenandtothebrightnessofJove’spresence。

BOOKXIV

NESTORwassittingoverhiswine，butthecryofbattledidnotescapehim，andhesaidtothesonofAesculapius，"What，nobleMachaon，isthemeaningofallthis？Theshoutsofmenfightingbyourshipsgrowstrongerandstronger；stayhere，therefore，andsitoveryourwine，whilefairHecamedeheatsyouabathandwashestheclottedbloodfromoffyou。Iwillgoatoncetothelook-outstationandseewhatitisallabout。"

AshespokehetookuptheshieldofhissonThrasymedesthatwaslyinginhistent，allgleamingwithbronze，forThrasymedeshadtakenhisfather’sshield；hegraspedhisredoubtablebronze-shodspear，andassoonashewasoutsidesawthedisastrousroutoftheAchaeanswho，nowthattheirwallwasoverthrown，wereflyingpell-mellbeforetheTrojans。Aswhenthereisaheavyswelluponthesea，butthewavesaredumb-theykeeptheireyesonthewatchforthequarterwhencethefiercewindsmayspringuponthem，buttheystaywheretheyareandsetneitherthiswaynorthat，tillsomeparticularwindsweepsdownfromheaventodeterminethem-evensodidtheoldmanponderwhethertomakeforthecrowdofDanaans，orgoinsearchofAgamemnon。IntheendhedeemeditbesttogotothesonofAtreus；

butmeanwhilethehostswerefightingandkillingoneanother，andthehardbronzerattledontheirbodies，astheythrustatoneanotherwiththeirswordsandspears。

Thewoundedkings，thesonofTydeus，Ulysses，andAgamemnonsonofAtreus，fellinNestorastheywerecomingupfromtheirships-fortheirsweredrawnupsomewayfromwherethefightingwasgoingon，beingontheshoreitselfinasmuchastheyhadbeenbeachedfirst，whilethewallhadbeenbuiltbehindthehindermost。Thestretchoftheshore，widethoughitwas，didnotaffordroomforalltheships，andthehostwascrampedforspace，thereforetheyhadplacedtheshipsinrowsonebehindtheother，andhadfilledthewholeopeningofthebaybetweenthetwopointsthatformedit。Thekings，leaningontheirspears，werecomingouttosurveythefight，beingingreatanxiety，andwhenoldNestormetthemtheywerefilledwithdismay。ThenKingAgamemnonsaidtohim，"NestorsonofNeleus，honourtotheAchaeanname，whyhaveyouleftthebattletocomehither？I

fearthatwhatdreadHectorsaidwillcometrue，whenhevauntedamongtheTrojanssayingthathewouldnotreturntoIliustillhehadfiredourshipsandkilledus；thisiswhathesaid，andnowitisallcomingtrue。Alas！othersoftheAchaeans，likeAchilles，areinangerwithmethattheyrefusetofightbythesternsofourships。"

ThenNestorknightofGereneanswered，"Itisindeedasyousay；

itisallcomingtrueatthismoment，andevenJovewhothundersfromonhighcannotpreventit。Fallenisthewallonwhichwereliedasanimpregnablebulwarkbothforusandourfleet。TheTrojansarefightingstubbornlyandwithoutceasingattheships；lookwhereyoumayyoucannotseefromwhatquartertheroutoftheAchaeansiscoming；theyarebeingkilledinaconfusedmassandthebattle-cryascendstoheaven；letusthink，ifcounselcanbeofanyuse，whatwehadbetterdo；butIdonotadviseourgoingintobattleourselves，foramancannotfightwhenheiswounded。"

AndKingAgamemnonanswered，"Nestor，iftheTrojansareindeedfightingattherearofourships，andneitherthewallnorthetrenchhasservedus-overwhichtheDanaanstoiledsohard，andwhichtheydeemedwouldbeanimpregnablebulwarkbothforusandourfleet-I

seeitmustbethewillofJovethattheAchaeansshouldperishingloriouslyhere，farfromArgos。IknewwhenJovewaswillingtodefendus，andIknownowthatheisraisingtheTrojanstolikehonourwiththegods，whileus，ontheotherhand，hebasboundhandandfoot。Now，therefore，letusalldoasIsay；letusbringdowntheshipsthatareonthebeachanddrawthemintothewater；letusmakethemfasttotheirmooring-stonesalittlewayout，againstthefallofnight-ifevenbynighttheTrojanswilldesistfromfighting；

wemaythendrawdowntherestofthefleet。Thereisnothingwronginflyingruinevenbynight。Itisbetterforamanthatheshouldflyandbesavedthanbecaughtandkilled。"

Ulysseslookedfiercelyathimandsaid，"SonofAtreus，whatareyoutalkingabout？Wretch，youshouldhavecommandedsomeotherandbaserarmy，andnotbeenruleroverustowhomJovehasallottedalifeofhardfightingfromyouthtooldage，tillweeveryoneofusperish。IsitthusthatyouwouldquitthecityofTroy，towinwhichwehavesufferedsomuchhardship？Holdyourpeace，lestsomeotheroftheAchaeanshearyousaywhatnomanwhoknowshowtogivegoodcounsel，nokingoversogreatahostasthatoftheArgivesshouldeverhaveletfallfromhislips。Idespiseyourjudgementutterlyforwhatyouhavebeensaying。Wouldyou，then，haveusdrawdownourshipsintothewaterwhilethebattleisraging，andthusplayfurtherintothehandsoftheconqueringTrojans？Itwouldberuin；theAchaeanswillnotgoonfightingwhentheyseetheshipsbeingdrawnintothewater，butwillceaseattackingandkeepturningtheireyestowardsthem；yourcounsel，therefore，Sircaptain，wouldbeourdestruction。"

Agamemnonanswered，"Ulysses，yourrebukehasstungmetotheheart。

Iamnot，however，orderingtheAchaeanstodrawtheirshipsintotheseawhethertheywillorno。Someone，itmaybe，oldoryoung，canofferusbettercounselwhichIshallrejoicetohear。"

ThensaidDiomed，"Suchanoneisathand；heisnotfartoseek，ifyouwilllistentomeandnotresentmyspeakingthoughIamyoungerthananyofyou。Iambylineagesontoanoblesire，Tydeus，wholiesburiedatThebes。ForPortheushadthreenoblesons，twoofwhom，AgriusandMelas，abodeinPleuronandrockyCalydon。ThethirdwastheknightOeneus，myfather’sfather，andhewasthemostvaliantofthemall。Oeeneusremainedinhisowncountry，butmyfather(asJoveandtheothergodsordainedit)migratedtoArgos。HemarriedintothefamilyofAdrastus，andhishousewasoneofgreatabundance，forhehadlargeestatesofrichcorn-growingland，withmuchorchardgroundaswell，andhehadmanysheep；moreoverheexcelledalltheArgivesintheuseofthespear。Youmustyourselveshaveheardwhetherthesethingsaretrueorno；thereforewhenIsaywelldespisenotmywordsasthoughIwereacowardorofignoblebirth。

Isay，then，letusgotothefightasweneedsmust，woundedthoughwebe。Whenthere，wemaykeepoutofthebattleandbeyondtherangeofthespearslestwegetfreshwoundsinadditiontowhatwehavealready，butwecanspuronothers，whohavebeenindulgingtheirspleenandholdingalooffrombattlehitherto。"

Thusdidhespeak；whereontheydidevenashehadsaidandsetout，KingAgamemnonleadingtheway。

MeanwhileNeptunehadkeptnoblindlook-out，andcameuptotheminthesemblanceofanoldman。HetookAgamemnon’srighthandinhisownandsaid，"SonofAtreus，ItakeitAchillesisgladnowthatheseestheAchaeansroutedandslain，forheisutterlywithoutremorse-

mayhecometoabadendandheavenconfoundhim。Asforyourself，theblessedgodsarenotyetsobitterlyangrywithyoubutthattheprincesandcounsellorsoftheTrojansshallagainraisethedustupontheplain，andyoushallseethemflyingfromtheshipsandtentstowardstheircity。"

Withthisheraisedamightycryofbattle，andspedforwardtotheplain。Thevoicethatcamefromhisdeepchestwasasthatofnineortenthousandmenwhentheyareshoutinginthethickofafight，anditputfreshcourageintotheheartsoftheAchaeanstowagewaranddobattlewithoutceasing。

JunoofthegoldenthronelookeddownasshestooduponapeakofOlympusandherheartwasgladdenedatthesightofhimwhowasatonceherbrotherandherbrother-in-law，hurryinghitherandthitheramidthefighting。ThensheturnedhereyestoJoveashesatonthetopmostcrestsofmany-fountainedIda，andloathedhim。Shesetherselftothinkhowshemighthoodwinkhim，andintheendshedeemedthatitwouldbebestforhertogotoIdaandarrayherselfinrichattire，inthehopethatJovemightbecomeenamouredofher，andwishtoembraceher。Whilehewasthusengagedasweetandcarelesssleepmightbemadetostealoverhiseyesandsenses。

Shewent，therefore，totheroomwhichhersonVulcanhadmadeher，andthedoorsofwhichhehadcunninglyfastenedbymeansofasecretkeysothatnoothergodcouldopenthem。Heresheenteredandclosedthedoorsbehindher。Shecleansedallthedirtfromherfairbodywithambrosia，thensheanointedherselfwitholiveoil，ambrosial，verysoft，andscentedspeciallyforherself-ifitweresomuchasshakeninthebronze-flooredhouseofJove，thescentpervadedtheuniverseofheavenandearth。Withthissheanointedherdelicateskin，andthensheplaitedthefairambrosiallocksthatflowedinastreamofgoldentressesfromherimmortalhead。SheputonthewondrousrobewhichMinervahadworkedforherwithconsummateart，andhadembroideredwithmanifolddevices；shefasteneditaboutherbosomwithgoldenclasps，andshegirdedherselfwithagirdlethathadahundredtassels:thenshefastenedherearrings，threebrilliantpendantsthatglistenedmostbeautifully，throughthepiercedlobesofherears，andthrewalovelynewveiloverherhead。Sheboundhersandalsontoherfeet，andwhenshehadarrayedherselfperfectlytohersatisfaction，sheleftherroomandcalledVenustocomeasideandspeaktoher。"Mydearchild，"saidshe，"willyoudowhatIamgoingtoaskofyou，orwillrefusemebecauseyouareangryatmybeingontheDanaanside，whileyouareontheTrojan？"

Jove’sdaughterVenusanswered，"Juno，augustqueenofgoddesses，daughterofmightySaturn，saywhatyouwant，andIwilldoitforatonce，ifIcan，andifitcanbedoneatall。"

ThenJunotoldheralyingtaleandsaid，"Iwantyoutoendowmewithsomeofthosefascinatingcharms，thespellsofwhichbringallthingsmortalandimmortaltoyourfeet。Iamgoingtotheworld’sendtovisitOceanus(fromwhomallwegodsproceed)andmotherTethys:

theyreceivedmeintheirhouse，tookcareofme，andbroughtmeup，havingtakenmeoverfromRhaeawhenJoveimprisonedgreatSaturninthedepthsthatareunderearthandsea。ImustgoandseethemthatI

maymakepeacebetweenthem；theyhavebeenquarrelling，andaresoangrythattheyhavenotsleptwithoneanotherthislongwhile；ifIcanbringthemroundandrestorethemtooneanother’sembraces，theywillbegratefultomeandlovemeforeverafterwards。"

Thereonlaughter-lovingVenussaid，"Icannotandmustnotrefuseyou，foryousleepinthearmsofJovewhoisourking。"

Asshespokesheloosedfromherbosomthecuriouslyembroideredgirdleintowhichallhercharmshadbeenwrought-love，desire，andthatsweetflatterywhichstealsthejudgementevenofthemostprudent。ShegavethegirdletoJunoandsaid，"Takethisgirdlewhereinallmycharmsresideandlayitinyourbosom。IfyouwillwearitIpromiseyouthatyourerrand，beitwhatitmay，willnotbebootless。"

WhensheheardthisJunosmiled，andstillsmilingshelaidthegirdleinherbosom。

VenusnowwentbackintothehouseofJove，whileJunodarteddownfromthesummitsofOlympus。ShepassedoverPieriaandfairEmathia，andwentonandontillshecametothesnowyrangesoftheThracianhorsemen，overwhosetopmostcrestsshespedwithouteversettingfoottoground。WhenshecametoAthosshewentonoverthe，wavesoftheseatillshereachedLemnos，thecityofnobleThoas。

ThereshemetSleep，ownbrothertoDeath，andcaughthimbythehand，saying，"Sleep，youwholorditalikeovermortalsandimmortals，ifyoueverdidmeaserviceintimespast，dooneformenow，andI

shallbegratefultoyoueverafter。CloseJove’skeeneyesformeinslumberwhileIholdhimclaspedinmyembrace，andIwillgiveyouabeautifulgoldenseat，thatcanneverfalltopieces；myclubfootedsonVulcanshallmakeitforyou，andheshallgiveitafootstoolforyoutorestyourfairfeetuponwhenyouareattable。"

ThenSleepanswered，"Juno，greatqueenofgoddesses，daughterofmightySaturn，Iwouldlullanyotherofthegodstosleepwithoutcompunction，notevenexceptingthewatersofOceanusfromwhomallofthemproceed，butIdarenotgonearJove，norsendhimtosleepunlesshebidsme。Ihavehadonelessonalreadythroughdoingwhatyouaskedme，onthedaywhenJove’smightysonHerculessetsailfromIliusafterhavingsackedthecityoftheTrojans。AtyourbiddingI

suffusedmysweetselfoverthemindofaegis-bearingJove，andlaidhimtorest；meanwhileyouhatchedaplotagainstHercules，andsettheblastsoftheangrywindsbeatinguponthesea，tillyoutookhimtothegoodlycityofCosawayfromallhisfriends。Jovewasfuriouswhenheawoke，andbeganhurlingthegodsaboutalloverthehouse；hewaslookingmoreparticularlyformyself，andwouldhaveflungmedownthroughspaceintotheseawhereIshouldneverhavebeenheardofanymore，hadnotNightwhocowsbothmenandgodsprotectedme。IfledtoherandJoveleftofflookingformeinspiteofhisbeingsoangry，forhedidnotdaredoanythingtodispleaseNight。AndnowyouareagainaskingmetodosomethingonwhichIcannotventure。"

AndJunosaid，"Sleep，whydoyoutakesuchnotionsasthoseintoyourhead？DoyouthinkJovewillbeasanxioustohelptheTrojans，ashewasabouthisownson？Come，IwillmarryyoutooneoftheyoungestoftheGraces，andsheshallbeyourown-Pasithea，whomyouhavealwayswantedtomarry。"

Sleepwaspleasedwhenheheardthis，andanswered，"ThenswearittomebythedreadwatersoftheriverStyx；layonehandonthebounteousearth，andtheotheronthesheenofthesea，sothatallthegodswhodwelldownbelowwithSaturnmaybeourwitnesses，andseethatyoureallydogivemeoneoftheyoungestoftheGraces-

Pasithea，whomIhavealwayswantedtomarry。"

Junodidashehadsaid。Sheswore，andinvokedallthegodsofthenetherworld，whoarecalledTitans，towitness。Whenshehadcompletedheroath，thetwoenshroudedthemselvesinathickmistandspedlightlyforward，leavingLemnosandImbrusbehindthem。

Presentlytheyreachedmany-fountainedIda，motherofwildbeasts，andLectumwheretheylefttheseatogoonbyland，andthetopsofthetreesoftheforestsoughedunderthegoingoftheirfeet。HereSleephalted，andereJovecaughtsightofhimheclimbedaloftypine-tree-thetallestthatreareditsheadtowardsheavenonallIda。

Hehidhimselfbehindthebranchesandsatthereinthesemblanceofthesweet-singingbirdthathauntsthemountainsandiscalledChalcisbythegods，butmencallitCymindis。JunothenwenttoGargarus，thetopmostpeakofIda，andJove，driveroftheclouds，seteyesuponher。Assoonashedidsohebecameinflamedwiththesamepassionatedesireforherthathehadfeltwhentheyhadfirstenjoyedeachother’sembraces，andsleptwithoneanotherwithouttheirdearparentsknowinganythingaboutit。Hewentuptoherandsaid，"WhatdoyouwantthatyouhavecomehitherfromOlympus-andthattoowithneitherchariotnorhorsestoconveyyou？"

ThenJunotoldhimalyingtaleandsaid，"Iamgoingtotheworld’send，tovisitOceanus，fromwhomallwegodsproceed，andmotherTethys；theyreceivedmeintotheirhouse，tookcareofme，andbroughtmeup。ImustgoandseethemthatImaymakepeacebetweenthem:theyhavebeenquarrelling，andaresoangrythattheyhavenotsleptwithoneanotherthislongtime。Thehorsesthatwilltakemeoverlandandseaarestationedonthelowermostspursofmany-fountainedIda，andIhavecomeherefromOlympusonpurposetoconsultyou。Iwasafraidyoumightbeangrywithmelateron，ifI

wenttothehouseofOceanuswithoutlettingyouknow。"

AndJovesaid，"Juno，youcanchoosesomeothertimeforpayingyourvisittoOceanus-forthepresentletusdevoteourselvestoloveandtotheenjoymentofoneanother。NeveryethaveIbeensooverpoweredbypassionneitherforgoddessnormortalwomanasIamatthismomentforyourself-notevenwhenIwasinlovewiththewifeofIxionwhoboremePirithous，peerofgodsincounsel，noryetwithDanaethedaintily-ancleddaughterofAcrisius，whoboremethefamedheroPerseus。ThentherewasthedaughterofPhoenix，whoboremeMinosandRhadamanthus:therewasSemele，andAlcmenainThebesbywhomIbegotmylion-heartedsonHercules，whileSemelebecamemothertoBacchusthecomforterofmankind。TherewasqueenCeresagain，andlovelyLeto，andyourself-butwithnoneofthesewasI

eversomuchenamouredasInowamwithyou。"

Junoagainansweredhimwithalyingtale。"MostdreadsonofSaturn，"sheexclaimed，"whatareyoutalkingabout？WouldyouhaveusenjoyoneanotherhereonthetopofMountIda，whereeverythingcanbeseen？Whatifoneoftheever-livinggodsshouldseeussleepingtogether，andtelltheothers？ItwouldbesuchascandalthatwhenIhadrisenfromyourembracesIcouldnevershowmyselfinsideyourhouseagain；butifyouaresominded，thereisaroomwhichyoursonVulcanhasmademe，andhehasgivenitgoodstrongdoors；ifyouwouldsohaveit，letusgothitherandliedown。"

AndJoveanswered，"Juno，youneednotbeafraidthateithergodormanwillseeyou，forIwillenshroudbothofusinsuchadensegoldencloud，thattheverysunforallhisbrightpiercingbeamsshallnotseethroughit。"

WiththisthesonofSaturncaughthiswifeinhisembrace；

whereontheearthsproutedthemacushionofyounggrass，withdew-bespangledlotus，crocus，andhyacinth，sosoftandthickthatitraisedthemwellabovetheground。Heretheylaidthemselvesdownandoverheadtheywerecoveredbyafaircloudofgold，fromwhichtherefellglitteringdew-drops。

Thus，then，didthesireofallthingsreposepeacefullyonthecrestofIda，overcomeatoncebysleepandlove，andheheldhisspouseinhisarms。MeanwhileSleepmadeofftotheshipsoftheAchaeans，totellearth-encirclingNeptune，lordoftheearthquake。

Whenhehadfoundhimhesaid，"Now，Neptune，youcanhelptheDanaanswithawill，andgivethemvictorythoughitbeonlyforashorttimewhileJoveisstillsleeping。Ihavesenthimintoasweetslumber，andJunohasbeguiledhimintogoingtobedwithher。"

Sleepnowdepartedandwenthiswaystoandfroamongmankind，leavingNeptunemoreeagerthanevertohelptheDanaans。Hedartedforwardamongthefirstranksandshoutedsaying，"Argives，shallweletHectorsonofPriamhavethetriumphoftakingourshipsandcoveringhimselfwithglory？Thisiswhathesaysthatheshallnowdo，seeingthatAchillesisstillindudgeonathisship；Weshallgetonverywellwithouthimifwekeepeachotherinheartandstandbyoneanother。Now，therefore，letusalldoasIsay。Letuseachtakethebestandlargestshieldwecanlayholdof，putonourhelmets，andsallyforthwithourlongestspearsinourhands；willleadyouon，andHectorsonofPriam，rageashemay，willnotdaretoholdoutagainstus。Ifanygoodstaunchsoldierhasonlyasmallshield，lethimhanditovertoaworseman，andtakealargeroneforhimself。"

Thusdidhespeak，andtheydidevenashehadsaid。ThesonofTydeus，Ulysses，andAgamemnon，woundedthoughtheywere，settheothersinarray，andwentabouteverywhereeffectingtheexchangesofarmour；themostvalianttookthebestarmour，andgavetheworsetotheworseman。WhentheyhaddonnedtheirbronzearmourtheymarchedonwithNeptuneattheirhead。Inhisstronghandhegraspedhisterriblesword，keenofedgeandflashinglikelightning；woetohimwhocomesacrossitinthedayofbattle；allmenquakeforfearandkeepawayfromit。

HectorontheothersidesettheTrojansinarray。ThereonNeptuneandHectorwagedfiercewarononeanother-HectorontheTrojanandNeptuneontheArgiveside。Mightywastheuproarasthetwoforcesmet；theseacamerollingintowardstheshipsandtentsoftheAchaeans，butwavesdonotthunderontheshoremoreloudlywhendrivenbeforetheblastofBoreas，nordotheflamesofaforestfireroarmorefiercelywhenitiswellalightuponthemountains，nordoesthewindbellowwithrudermusicasittearsonthroughthetopsofwhenitisblowingitshardest，thantheterribleshoutwhichtheTrojansandAchaeansraisedastheysprangupononeanother。

HectorfirstaimedhisspearatAjax，whowasturnedfulltowardshim，nordidhemisshisaim。Thespearstruckhimwheretwobandspassedoverhischest-thebandofhisshieldandthatofhissilver-studdedsword-andtheseprotectedhisbody。Hectorwasangrythathisspearshouldhavebeenhurledinvain，andwithdrewundercoverofhismen。Ashewasthusretreating，AjaxsonofTelamonstruckhimwithastone，ofwhichthereweremanylyingaboutunderthemen’sfeetastheyfought-broughttheretogivesupporttotheships’sidesastheylayontheshore。AjaxcaughtuponeofthemandstruckHectorabovetherimofhisshieldclosetohisneck；theblowmadehimspinroundlikeatopandreelinalldirections。AsanoakfallsheadlongwhenuprootedbythelightningflashoffatherJove，andthereisaterriblesmellofbrimstone-nomancanhelpbeingdismayedifheisstandingnearit，forathunderboltisaveryawfulthing-evensodidHectorfalltoearthandbitethedust。Hisspearfellfromhishand，buthisshieldandhelmetweremadefastabouthisbody，andhisbronzearmourrangabouthim。

ThesonsoftheAchaeanscamerunningwithaloudcrytowardshim，hopingtodraghimaway，andtheyshoweredtheirdartsontheTrojans，butnoneofthemcouldwoundhimbeforehewassurroundedandcoveredbytheprincesPolydamas，Aeneas，Agenor，SarpedoncaptainoftheLycians，andnobleGlaucus:oftheothers，too，therewasnotonewhowasunmindfulofhim，andtheyheldtheirroundshieldsoverhimtocoverhim。Hiscomradesthenliftedhimoffthegroundandborehimawayfromthebattletotheplacewherehishorsesstoodwaitingforhimattherearofthefightwiththeirdriverandthechariot；

thesethentookhimtowardsthecitygroaningandingreatpain。

WhentheyreachedthefordoftheairstreamofXanthus，begottenofImmortalJove，theytookhimfromoffhischariotandlaidhimdownontheground；theypouredwateroverhim，andastheydidsohebreathedagainandopenedhiseyes。Thenkneelingonhiskneeshevomitedblood，butsoonfellbackontotheground，andhiseyeswereagainclosedindarknessforhewasstillsturinedbytheblow。

WhentheArgivessawHectorleavingthefield，theytookheartandsetupontheTrojansyetmorefuriously。AjaxfleetsonofOileusbeganbyspringingonSatniussonofEnopsandwoundinghimwithhisspear:afairnaiadnymphhadbornehimtoEnopsashewasherdingcattlebythebanksoftheriverSatnioeis。ThesonofOileuscameuptohimandstruckhimintheflanksothathefell，andafiercefightbetweenTrojansandDanaansragedroundhisbody。PolydamassonofPanthousdrewneartoavengehim，andwoundedProthoenorsonofAreilycusontherightshoulder；theterriblespearwentrightthroughhisshoulder，andheclutchedtheearthashefellinthedust。

Polydamasvauntedloudlyoverhimsaying，"AgainItakeitthatthespearhasnotspedinvainfromthestronghandofthesonofPanthous；anArgivehascaughtitinhisbody，anditwillservehimforastaffashegoesdownintothehouseofHades。"

TheArgivesweremaddenedbythisboasting。AjaxsonofTelamonwasmoreangrythanany，forthemanhadfallenclosebe，him；soheaimedatPolydamasashewasretreating，butPolydamassavedhimselfbyswervingasideandthespearstruckArchelochussonofAntenor，forheavencounselledhisdestruction；itstruckhimwheretheheadspringsfromtheneckatthetopjointofthespine，andseveredboththetendonsatthebackofthehead。Hishead，mouth，andnostrilsreachedthegroundlongbeforehislegsandkneescoulddoso，andAjaxshoutedtoPolydamassaying，"Think，Polydamas，andtellmetrulywhetherthismanisnotaswellworthkillingasProthoenorwas:heseemsrich，andofrichfamily，abrother，itmaybe，orsonoftheknightAntenor，forheisverylikehim。"

Butheknewwellwhoitwas，andtheTrojansweregreatlyangered。

Acamasthenbestrodehisbrother’sbodyandwoundedPromachustheBoeotianwithhisspear，forhewastryingtodraghisbrother’sbodyaway。Acamasvauntedloudlyoverhimsaying，"Argivearchers，braggartsthatyouare，toilandsufferingshallnotbeforusonly，butsomeofyoutooshallfallhereaswellasourselves。SeehowPromachusnowsleeps，vanquishedbymyspear；paymentformybrother’sbloodhasnotlongdelayed；aman，therefore，maywellbethankfulifheleavesakinsmaninhishousebehindhimtoavengehisfall。"

HistauntsinfuriatedtheArgives，andPeneleoswasmoreenragedthananyofthem。HesprangtowardsAcamas，butAcamasdidnotstandhisground，andhekilledIlioneussonoftherichflock-masterPhorbas，whomMercuryhadfavouredandendowedwithgreaterwealththananyotheroftheTrojans。Ilioneuswashisonlyson，andPeneleosnowwoundedhimintheeyeunderhiseyebrows，tearingtheeye-ballfromitssocket:thespearwentrightthroughtheeyeintothenapeoftheneck，andhefell，stretchingoutbothhandsbeforehim。

Peneleosthendrewhisswordandsmotehimontheneck，sothatbothheadandhelmetcametumblingdowntothegroundwiththespearstillstickingintheeye；hethenheldupthehead，asthoughithadbeenapoppy-head，andshowedittotheTrojans，vauntingoverthemashedidso。"Trojans，"hecried，"bidthefatherandmotherofnobleIlioneusmakemoanforhimintheirhouse，forthewifealsoofPromachussonofAlegenorwillneverbegladdenedbythecomingofherdearhusband-whenweArgivesreturnwithourshipsfromTroy。"

Ashespokefearfelluponthem，andeverymanlookedroundabouttoseewhitherhemightflyforsafety。

Tellmenow，OMusesthatdwellonOlympus，whowasthefirstoftheArgivestobearawayblood-stainedspoilsafterNeptunelordoftheearthquakehadturnedthefortuneofwar。AjaxsonofTelamonwasfirsttowoundHyrtiussonofGyrtius，captainofthestaunchMysians。

AntilochuskilledPhalcesandMermerus，whileMerionesslewMorysandHippotion，TeuceralsokilledProthoonandPeriphetes。ThesonofAtreusthenwoundedHyperenorshepherdofhispeople，intheflank，andthebronzepointmadehisentrailsgushoutasittoreinamongthem；onthishislifecamehurryingoutofhimattheplacewherehehadbeenwounded，andhiseyeswereclosedindarkness。AjaxsonofOileuskilledmorethananyother，fortherewasnomansofleetashetopursueflyingfoeswhenJovehadspreadpanicamongthem。

BOOKXV

BUTwhentheirflighthadtakenthempastthetrenchandthesetstakes，andmanyhadfallenbythehandsoftheDanaans，theTrojansmadeahaltonreachingtheirchariots，routedandpalewithfear。

JovenowwokeonthecrestsofIda，wherehewaslyingwithgolden-thronedJunobyhisside，andstartingtohisfeethesawtheTrojansandAchaeans，theonethrownintoconfusion，andtheothersdrivingthempell-mellbeforethemwithKingNeptuneintheirmidst。

HesawHectorlyingonthegroundwithhiscomradesgatheredroundhim，gaspingforbreath，wanderinginmindandvomitingblood，foritwasnotthefeeblestoftheAchaeanswhostruckhim。

Thesireofgodsandmenhadpityonhim，andlookedfiercelyonJuno。"Isee，Juno，"saidhe，"youmischief-makingtrickster，thatyourcunninghasstayedHectorfromfightingandhascausedtheroutofhishost。Iaminhalfamindtothrashyou，inwhichcaseyouwillbethefirsttoreapthefruitsofyourscurvyknavery。DoyounotrememberhowonceuponatimeIhadyouhanged？Ifastenedtwoanvilsontoyourfeet，andboundyourhandsinachainofgoldwhichnonemightbreak，andyouhunginmid-airamongtheclouds。

AllthegodsinOlympuswereinafury，buttheycouldnotreachyoutosetyoufree；whenIcaughtanyoneofthemIgrippedhimandhurledhimfromtheheavenlythresholdtillhecamefaintingdowntoearth；yeteventhisdidnotrelievemymindfromtheincessantanxietywhichIfeltaboutnobleHerculeswhomyouandBoreashadspitefullyconveyedbeyondtheseastoCos，aftersuborningthetempests；butIrescuedhim，andnotwithstandingallhismightylaboursIbroughthimbackagaintoArgos。Iwouldremindyouofthisthatyoumaylearntoleaveoffbeingsodeceitful，anddiscoverhowmuchyouarelikelytogainbytheembracesoutofwhichyouhavecomeheretotrickme。"

Junotrembledashespoke，andsaid，"Mayheavenaboveandearthbelowbemywitnesses，withthewatersoftheriverStyx-andthisisthemostsolemnoaththatablessedgodcantake-nay，Iswearalsobyyourownalmightyheadandbyourbridalbed-thingsoverwhichI

couldneverpossiblyperjuremyself-thatNeptuneisnotpunishingHectorandtheTrojansandhelpingtheAchaeansthroughanydoingofmine；itisallofhisownmeremotionbecausehewassorrytoseetheAchaeanshardpressedattheirships:ifIwereadvisinghim，Ishouldtellhimtodoasyoubidhim。"

Thesireofgodsandmensmiledandanswered，"Ifyou，Juno，werealwaystosupportmewhenwesitincouncilofthegods，Neptune，likeitorno，wouldsooncomeroundtoyourandmywayofthinking。If，then，youarespeakingthetruthandmeanwhatyousay，goamongtherankandfileofthegods，andtellIrisandApollolordofthebow，thatIwantthem-Iris，thatshemaygototheAchaeanhostandtellNeptunetoleaveofffightingandgohome，andApollo，thathemaysendHectoragainintobattleandgivehimfreshstrength；hewillthusforgethispresentsufferings，anddrivetheAchaeansbackinconfusiontilltheyfallamongtheshipsofAchillessonofPeleus。

AchilleswillthensendhiscomradePatroclusintobattle，andHectorwillkillhiminfrontofIliusafterhehasslainmanywarriors，andamongthemmyownnoblesonSarpedon。AchilleswillkillHectortoavengePatroclus，andfromthattimeIwillbringitaboutthattheAchaeansshallpersistentlydrivetheTrojansbacktilltheyfulfilthecounselsofMinervaandtakeIlius。ButIwillnotstaymyanger，norpermitanygodtohelptheDanaanstillIhaveaccomplishedthedesireofthesonofPeleus，accordingtothepromiseImadebybowingmyheadonthedaywhenThetistouchedmykneesandbesoughtmetogivehimhonour。"

JunoheededhiswordsandwentfromtheheightsofIdatogreatOlympus。Swiftasthethoughtofonewhosefancycarrieshimovervastcontinents，andhesaystohimself，"NowIwillbehere，orthere，"

andhewouldhaveallmannerofthings-evensoswiftlydidJunowingherwaytillshecametohighOlympusandwentinamongthegodswhoweregatheredinthehouseofJove。Whentheysawhertheyallofthemcameuptoher，andheldouttheircupstoherbywayofgreeting。Shelettheothersbe，buttookthecupofferedherbylovelyThemis，whowasfirsttocomerunninguptoher。"Juno，"saidshe，"whyareyouhere？Andyouseemtroubled-hasyourhusbandthesonofSaturnbeenfrighteningyou？"

AndJunoanswered，"Themis，donotaskmeaboutit。Youknowwhataproudandcrueldispositionmyhusbandhas。Leadthegodstotable，whereyouandalltheimmortalscanhearthewickeddesignswhichhehasavowed。Manyaone，mortalandimmortal，willbeangeredbythem，howeverpeaceablyhemaybefeastingnow。"

OnthisJunosatdown，andthegodsweretroubledthroughoutthehouseofJove。Laughtersatonherlipsbutherbrowwasfurrowedwithcare，andshespokeupinarage。"Foolsthatweare，"shecried，"tobethusmadlyangrywithJove；wekeeponwantingtogouptohimandstayhimbyforceorbypersuasion，buthesitsaloofandcaresfornobody，forheknowsthatheismuchstrongerthananyotheroftheimmortals。Makethebest，therefore，ofwhateverillshemaychoosetosendeachoneofyou；Mars，Itakeit，hashadatasteofthemalready，forhissonAscalaphushasfalleninbattle-themanwhomofallothershelovedmostdearlyandwhosefatherheownshimselftobe。"

WhenheheardthisMarssmotehistwosturdythighswiththeflatofhishands，andsaidinanger，"Donotblameme，yougodsthatdwellinheaven，ifIgototheshipsoftheAchaeansandavengethedeathofmyson，eventhoughitendinmybeingstruckbyJove’slightningandlyinginbloodanddustamongthecorpses。"

AshespokehegaveorderstoyokehishorsesPanicandRout，whileheputonhisarmour。Onthis，Jovewouldhavebeenrousedtostillmorefierceandimplacableenmityagainsttheotherimmortals，hadnotMinerva，ararmedforthesafetyofthegods，sprungfromherseatandhurriedoutside。Shetorethehelmetfromhisheadandtheshieldfromhisshoulders，andshetookthebronzespearfromhisstronghandandsetitononeside；thenshesaidtoMars，"Madman，youareundone；youhaveearsthathearnot，oryouhavelostalljudgementandunderstanding；haveyounotheardwhatJunohassaidoncomingstraightfromthepresenceofOlympianJove？DoyouwishtogothroughallkindsofsufferingbeforeyouarebroughtbacksickandsorrytoOlympus，afterhavingcausedinfinitemischieftoallusothers？JovewouldinstantlyleavetheTrojansandAchaeanstothemselves；hewouldcometoOlympustopunishus，andwouldgripusuponeafteranother，guiltyornotguilty。Thereforelayasideyourangerforthedeathofyourson；bettermenthanhehaveeitherbeenkilledalreadyorwillfallhereafter，andonecannotprotecteveryone’swholefamily。"

WiththesewordsshetookMarsbacktohisseat。MeanwhileJunocalledApollooutside，withIristhemessengerofthegods。"Jove，"

shesaidtothem，"desiresyoutogotohimatonceonMt。Ida；whenyouhaveseenhimyouaretodoashemaythenbidyou。"

ThereonJunoleftthemandresumedherseatinside，whileIrisandApollomadeallhasteontheirway。Whentheyreachedmany-fountainedIda，motherofwildbeasts，theyfoundJoveseatedontopmostGargaruswithafragrantcloudencirclinghisheadaswithadiadem。Theystoodbeforehispresence，andhewaspleasedwiththemforhavingbeensoquickinobeyingtheordershiswifehadgiventhem。

HespoketoIrisfirst。"Go，"saidhe，"fleetIris，tellKingNeptunewhatInowbidyou-andtellhimtrue。Bidhimleaveofffighting，andeitherjointhecompanyofthegods，orgodownintothesea。Ifhetakesnoheedanddisobeysme，lethimconsiderwellwhetherheisstrongenoughtoholdhisownagainstmeifIattackhim。Iamolderandmuchstrongerthanheis；yetheisnotafraidtosethimselfupasonalevelwithmyself，ofwhomalltheothergodsstandinawe。"

Iris，fleetasthewind，obeyedhim，andasthecoldhailorsnowflakesthatflyfromoutthecloudsbeforetheblastofBoreas，evensodidshewingherwaytillshecamecloseuptothegreatshakeroftheearth。Thenshesaid，"Ihavecome，Odark-hairedkingthatholdstheworldinhisembrace，tobringyouamessagefromJove。

Hebidsyouleaveofffighting，andeitherjointhecompanyofthegodsorgodownintothesea；if，however，youtakenoheedanddisobeyhim，hesayshewillcomedownhereandfightyou。Hewouldhaveyoukeepoutofhisreach，forheisolderandmuchstrongerthanyouare，andyetyouarenotafraidtosetyourselfupasonalevelwithhimself，ofwhomalltheothergodsstandinawe。"