第8章

BOOKXVII

BRAVEMenelaussonofAtreusnowcametoknowthatPatroclushadfallen，andmadehiswaythroughthefrontrankscladinfullarmourtobestridehim。Asacowstandslowingoverherfirstcalf，evensodidyellow-hairedMenelausbestridePatroclus。Heheldhisroundshieldandhisspearinfrontofhim，resolutetokillanywhoshoulddarefacehim。ButthesonofPanthoushadalsonotedthebody，andcameuptoMenelaussaying，"Menelaus，sonofAtreus，drawback，leavethebody，andletthebloodstainedspoilsbe。IwasfirstoftheTrojansandtheirbravealliestodrivemyspearintoPatroclus，letme，therefore，havemyfullgloryamongtheTrojans，orIwilltakeaimandkillyou。"

TothisMenelausansweredingreatanger"ByfatherJove，boastingisanillthing。Thepardisnotmorebold，northelionnorsavagewild-boar，whichisfiercestandmostdauntlessofallcreatures，thanaretheproudsonsofPanthous。YetHyperenordidnotseeoutthedaysofhisyouthwhenhemadelightofmeandwithstoodme，deemingmethemeanestsoldieramongtheDanaans。Hisownfeetneverborehimbacktogladdenhiswifeandparents。EvensoshallImakeanendofyoutoo，ifyouwithstandme；getyoubackintothecrowdanddonotfaceme，oritshallbeworseforyou。Evenafoolmaybewiseaftertheevent。"

Euphorbuswouldnotlisten，andsaid，"Nowindeed，Menelaus，shallyoupayforthedeathofmybrotheroverwhomyouvaunted，andwhosewifeyouwidowedinherbridalchamber，whileyoubroughtgriefunspeakableonhisparents。IshallcomfortthesepoorpeopleifI

bringyourheadandarmourandplacetheminthehandsofPanthousandnoblePhrontis。Thetimeiscomewhenthismattershallbefoughtoutandsettled，formeoragainstme。"

AshespokehestruckMenelausfullontheshield，butthespeardidnotgothrough，fortheshieldturneditspoint。Menelausthentookaim，prayingtofatherJoveashedidso；Euphorbuswasdrawingback，andMenelausstruckhimabouttherootsofhisthroat，leaninghiswholeweightonthespear，soastodriveithome。Thepointwentcleanthroughhisneck，andhisarmourrangrattlingroundhimashefellheavilytotheground。HishairwhichwaslikethatoftheGraces，andhislockssodeftlyboundinbandsofsilverandgold，wereallbedrabbledwithblood。Asonewhohasgrownafineyoungolivetreeinaclearspacewherethereisabundanceofwater-theplantisfullofpromise，andthoughthewindsbeatuponitfromeveryquarteritputsforthitswhiteblossomstilltheblastsofsomefiercehurricanesweepdownuponitandlevelitwiththeground-evensodidMenelausstripthefairyouthEuphorbusofhisarmourafterhehadslainhim。Orassomefiercelionuponthemountainsintheprideofhisstrengthfastensonthefinestheiferinaherdasitisfeeding-firsthebreaksherneckwithhisstrongjaws，andthengorgesonherbloodandentrails；dogsandshepherdsraiseahueandcryagainsthim，buttheystandaloofandwillnotcomeclosetohim，fortheyarepalewithfear-evensonoonehadthecouragetofacevaliantMenelaus。ThesonofAtreuswouldhavethencarriedoffthearmourofthesonofPanthouswithease，hadnotPhoebusApollobeenangry，andintheguiseofMenteschiefoftheCiconsincitedHectortoattackhim。"Hector，"saidhe，"youarenowgoingafterthehorsesofthenoblesonofAeacus，butyouwillnottakethem；

theycannotbekeptinhandanddrivenbymortalman，saveonlybyAchilles，whoissontoanimmortalmother。MeanwhileMenelaussonofAtreushasbestriddenthebodyofPatroclusandkilledthenoblestoftheTrojans，EuphorbussonofPanthous，sothathecanfightnomore。"

Thegodthenwentbackintothetoilandturmoil，butthesoulofHectorwasdarkenedwithacloudofgrief；helookedalongtheranksandsawEuphorbuslyingonthegroundwiththebloodstillflowingfromhiswound，andMenelausstrippinghimofhisarmour。Onthishemadehiswaytothefrontlikeaflameoffire，cladinhisgleamingarmour，andcryingwithaloudvoice。WhenthesonofAtreusheardhim，hesaidtohimselfinhisdismay，"Alas！whatshallIdo？ImaynotlettheTrojanstakethearmourofPatrocluswhohasfallenfightingonmybehalf，lestsomeDanaanwhoseesmeshouldcryshameuponme。Stillifformyhonour’ssakeIfightHectorandtheTrojanssingle-handed，theywillprovetoomanyforme，forHectorisbringingthemupinforce。Why，however，shouldIthushesitate？

Whenamanfightsindespiteofheavenwithonewhomagodbefriends，hewillsoonrueit。LetnoDanaanthinkillofmeifI

giveplacetoHector，forthehandofheaveniswithhim。Yet，ifI

couldfindAjax，thetwoofuswouldfightHectorandheaventoo，ifwemightonlysavethebodyofPatroclusforAchillessonofPeleus。

This，ofmanyevilswouldbetheleast。"

Whilehewasthusintwominds，theTrojanscameuptohimwithHectorattheirhead；hethereforedrewbackandleftthebody，turningaboutlikesomebeardedlionwhoisbeingchasedbydogsandmenfromastockyardwithspearsandhueandcry，whereonheisdauntedandslinkssulkilyoff-evensodidMenelaussonofAtreusturnandleavethebodyofPatroclus。Whenamongthebodyofhismen，helookedaroundformightyAjaxsonofTelamon，andpresentlysawhimontheextremeleftofthefight，cheeringonhismenandexhortingthemtokeeponfighting，forPhoebusApollohadspreadagreatpanicamongthem。Heranuptohimandsaid，"Ajax，mygoodfriend，comewithmeatoncetodeadPatroclus，ifsobethatwemaytakethebodytoAchilles-asforhisarmour，Hectoralreadyhasit。"

ThesewordsstirredtheheartofAjax，andhemadehiswayamongthefrontranks，Menelausgoingwithhim。HectorhadstrippedPatroclusofhisarmour，andwasdragginghimawaytocutoffhisheadandtakethebodytoflingbeforethedogsofTroy。ButAjaxcameupwithhisshieldlikewallbeforehim，onwhichHectorwithdrewundershelterofhismen，andsprangontohischariot，givingthearmourovertotheTrojanstotaketothecity，asagreattrophyforhimself；Ajax，therefore，coveredthebodyofPatrocluswithhisbroadshieldandbestrodehim；asalionstandsoverhiswhelpsifhuntershavecomeuponhiminaforestwhenheiswithhislittleones-intheprideandfiercenessofhisstrengthhedrawshisknitbrowsdowntilltheycoverhiseyes-evensodidAjaxbestridethebodyofPatroclus，andbyhissidestoodMenelaussonofAtreus，nursinggreatsorrowinhisheart。

ThenGlaucussonofHippolochuslookedfiercelyatHectorandrebukedhimsternly。"Hector，"saidhe，"youmakeabraveshow，butinfightyouaresadlywanting。Arunawaylikeyourselfhasnoclaimtosogreatareputation。ThinkhowyoumaynowsaveyourtownandcitadelbythehandsofyourownpeopleborninIlius；foryouwillgetnoLycianstofightforyou，seeingwhatthankstheyhavehadfortheirincessanthardships。Areyoulikely，sir，todoanythingtohelpamanoflessnote，afterleavingSarpedon，whowasatonceyourguestandcomradeinarms，tobethespoilandpreyoftheDanaans？Solongashelivedhedidgoodservicebothtoyourcityandyourself；yetyouhadnostomachtosavehisbodyfromthedogs。IftheLycianswilllistentome，theywillgohomeandleaveTroytoitsfate。IftheTrojanshadanyofthatdaringfearlessspiritwhichlaysholdofmenwhoarefightingfortheircountryandharassingthosewhowouldattackit，weshouldsoonbearoffPatroclusintoIlius。CouldwegetthisdeadmanawayandbringhimintothecityofPriam，theArgiveswouldreadilygiveupthearmourofSarpedon，andweshouldgethisbodytoboot。ForhewhosesquirehasbeennowkilledistheforemostmanattheshipsoftheAchaeans-heandhisclose-fightingfollowers。NeverthelessyoudarednotmakeastandagainstAjax，norfacehim，eyetoeye，withbattleallroundyou，forheisabravermanthanyouare。"

Hectorscowledathimandanswered，"Glaucus，youshouldknowbetter。IhaveheldyousofarasamanofmoreunderstandingthananyinallLycia，butnowIdespiseyouforsayingthatIamafraidofAjax。Ifearneitherbattlenorthedinofchariots，butJove’swillisstrongerthanours；Joveatonetimemakesevenastrongmandrawbackandsnatchesvictoryfromhisgrasp，whileatanotherhewillsethimontofight。Comehitherthen，myfriend，standbymeandseeindeedwhetherIshallplaythecowardthewholedaythroughasyousay，orwhetherIshallnotstaysomeevenoftheboldestDanaansfromfightingroundthebodyofPatroclus。"

AshespokehecalledloudlyontheTrojanssaying，"Trojans，Lycians，andDardanians，fightersinclosecombat，bemen，myfriends，andfightmightandmain，whileIputonthegoodlyarmourofAchilles，whichItookwhenIkilledPatroclus。"

WiththisHectorleftthefight，andranfullspeedafterhismenwhoweretakingthearmourofAchillestoTroy，buthadnotyetgotfar。Standingforawhileapartfromthewoefulfight，hechangedhisarmour。HisownhesenttothestrongcityofIliusandtotheTrojans，whileheputontheimmortalarmourofthesonofPeleus，whichthegodshadgiventoPeleus，whoinhisagegaveittohisson；

butthesondidnotgrowoldinhisfather’sarmour。

WhenJove，lordofthestorm-cloud，sawHectorstandingaloofandarminghimselfinthearmourofthesonofPeleus，hewaggedhisheadandmutteredtohimselfsaying，"A！poorwretch，youarminthearmourofahero，beforewhommanyanothertrembles，andyourecknothingofthedoomthatisalreadycloseuponyou。Youhavekilledhiscomradesobraveandstrong，butitwasnotwellthatyoushouldstripthearmourfromhisheadandshoulders。Idoindeedendowyouwithgreatmightnow，butasagainstthisyoushallnotreturnfrombattletolaythearmourofthesonofPeleusbeforeAndromache。"

ThesonofSaturnbowedhisportentousbrows，andHectorfittedthearmourtohisbody，whileterribleMarsenteredintohim，andfilledhiswholebodywithmightandvalour。Withashouthestrodeinamongtheallies，andhisarmourflashedabouthimsothatheseemedtoallofthemlikethegreatsonofPeleushimself。Hewentaboutamongthemandcheeredthemon-Mesthles，Glaucus，Medon，Thersilochus，Asteropaeus，DeisenorandHippothous，Phorcys，ChromiusandEnnomustheaugur。Allthesedidheexhortsaying，"Hearme，alliesfromothercitieswhoarehereinyourthousands，itwasnotinordertohaveacrowdaboutmethatIcalledyouhithereachfromhisseveralcity，butthatwithheartandsoulyoumightdefendthewivesandlittleonesoftheTrojansfromthefierceAchaeans。ForthisdoIoppressmypeoplewithyourfoodandthepresentsthatmakeyourich。Thereforeturn，andchargeatthefoe，tostandorfallasisthegameofwar；whoevershallbringPatroclus，deadthoughhebe，intothehandsoftheTrojans，andshallmakeAjaxgivewaybeforehim，IwillgivehimonehalfofthespoilswhileIkeeptheother。Hewillthussharelikehonourwithmyself。"

WhenhehadthusspokentheychargedfullweightupontheDanaanswiththeirspearsheldoutbeforethem，andthehopesofeachranhighthatheshouldforceAjaxsonofTelamontoyieldupthebody-foolsthattheywere，forhewasabouttotakethelivesofmany。ThenAjaxsaidtoMenelaus，"MygoodfriendMenelaus，youandIshallhardlycomeoutofthisfightalive。IamlessconcernedforthebodyofPatroclus，whowillshortlybecomemeatforthedogsandvulturesofTroy，thanforthesafetyofmyownheadandyours。Hectorhaswrappedusroundinastormofbattlefromeveryquarter，andourdestructionseemsnowcertain。CallthenupontheprincesoftheDanaansifthereisanywhocanhearus。"

Menelausdidashesaid，andshoutedtotheDanaansforhelpatthetopofhisvoice。"Myfriends，"hecried，"princesandcounsellorsoftheArgives，allyouwhowithAgamemnonandMenelausdrinkatthepubliccost，andgiveorderseachtohisownpeopleasJovevouchsafeshimpowerandglory，thefightissothickaboutmethatIcannotdistinguishyouseverally；comeon，therefore，everymanunbidden，andthinkitshamethatPatroclusshouldbecomemeatandmorselforTrojanhounds。"

FleetAjaxsonofOileusheardhimandwasfirsttoforcehiswaythroughthefightandruntohelphim。NextcameIdomeneusandMerioneshisesquire，peerofmurderousMars。Asfortheothersthatcameintothefightafterthese，whoofhisownselfcouldnamethem？

TheTrojanswithHectorattheirheadchargedinabody。Asagreatwavethatcomesthunderinginatthemouthofsomeheaven-bornriver，andtherocksthatjutintothesearingwiththeroarofthebreakersthatbeatandbuffetthem-evenwithsucharoardidtheTrojanscomeon；buttheAchaeansinsinglenessofheartstoodfirmaboutthesonofMenoetius，andfencedhimwiththeirbronzeshields。Jove，moreover，hidthebrightnessoftheirhelmetsinathickcloud，forhehadbornenogrudgeagainstthesonofMenoetiuswhilehewasstillaliveandsquiretothedescendantofAeacus；

thereforehewaslothtolethimfallapreytothedogsofhisfoestheTrojans，andurgedhiscomradesontodefendhim。

AtfirsttheTrojansdrovetheAchaeansback，andtheywithdrewfromthedeadmandaunted。TheTrojansdidnotsucceedinkillinganyone，neverthelesstheydrewthebodyaway。ButtheAchaeansdidnotloseitlong，forAjax，foremostofalltheDanaansafterthesonofPeleusalikeinstatureandprowess，quicklyralliedthemandmadetowardsthefrontlikeawildboaruponthemountainswhenhestandsatbayintheforestgladesandroutsthehoundsandlustyyouthsthathaveattackedhim-evensodidAjaxsonofTelamonpassingeasilyinamongthephalanxesoftheTrojans，dispersethosewhohadbestriddenPatroclusandweremostbentonwinningglorybydragginghimofftotheircity。AtthismomentHippothousbravesonofthePelasgianLethus，inhiszealforHectorandtheTrojans，wasdraggingthebodyoffbythefootthroughthepressofthefight，havingboundastraproundthesinewsneartheancle；butamischiefsoonbefellhimfromwhichnoneofthosecouldsavehimwhowouldhavegladlydoneso，forthesonofTelamonsprangforwardandsmotehimonhisbronze-cheekedhelmet。Theplumedheadpiecebrokeaboutthepointoftheweapon，struckatoncebythespearandbythestronghandofAjax，sothatthebloodybraincameoozingoutthroughthecrest-socket。HisstrengththenfailedhimandheletPatroclus’

footdropfromhishand，ashefellfulllengthdeaduponthebody；

thushediedfarfromthefertilelandofLarissa，andneverrepaidhisparentsthecostofbringinghimup，forhislifewascutshortearlybythespearofmightyAjax。HectorthentookaimatAjaxwithaspear，buthesawitcomingandjustmanagedtoavoidit；thespearpassedonandstruckSchediussonofnobleIphitus，captainofthePhoceans，whodweltinfamedPanopeusandreignedovermuchpeople；itstruckhimunderthemiddleofthecollar-bonethebronzepointwentrightthroughhim，comingoutatthebottomofhisshoulder-blade，andhisarmourrangrattlingroundhimashefellheavilytotheground。

AjaxinhisturnstrucknoblePhorcyssonofPhaenopsinthemiddleofthebellyashewasbestridingHippothous，andbroketheplateofhiscuirass；whereonthespeartoreouthisentrailsandheclutchedthegroundinhispalmashefelltoearth。Hectorandthosewhowereinthefrontrankthengaveground，whiletheArgivesraisedaloudcryoftriumph，anddrewoffthebodiesofPhorcysandHippothouswhichtheystrippedpresentlyoftheirarmour。

TheTrojanswouldnowhavebeenworstedbythebraveAchaeansanddrivenbacktoIliusthroughtheirowncowardice，whiletheArgives，sogreatwastheircourageandendurance，wouldhaveachievedatriumphevenagainstthewillofJove，ifApollohadnotrousedAeneas，inthelikenessofPeriphassonofEpytus，anattendantwhohadgrownoldintheserviceofAeneas’agedfather，andwasatalltimesdevotedtohim。Inhislikeness，then，Apollosaid，"Aeneas，canyounotmanage，eventhoughheavenbeagainstus，tosavehighIlius？Ihaveknownmen，whosenumbers，courage，andself-reliancehavesavedtheirpeopleinspiteofJove，whereasinthiscasehewouldmuchrathergivevictorytousthantotheDanaans，ifyouwouldonlyfightinsteadofbeingsoterriblyafraid。"

AeneasknewApollowhenhelookedstraightathim，andshoutedtoHectorsaying，"HectorandallotherTrojansandallies，shameonusifwearebeatenbytheAchaeansanddrivenbacktoIliusthroughourowncowardice。AgodhasjustcomeuptomeandtoldmethatJovethesupremedisposerwillbewithus。ThereforeletusmakefortheDanaans，thatitmaygohardwiththemeretheybearawaydeadPatroclustotheships。"

Ashespokehesprangoutfarinfrontoftheothers，whothenralliedandagainfacedtheAchaeans。AeneasspearedLeiocritussonofArisbas，avaliantfollowerofLycomedes，andLycomedeswasmovedwithpityashesawhimfall；hethereforewentcloseup，andspearedApisaonsonofHippasusshepherdofhispeopleintheliverunderthemidriff，sothathedied；hehadcomefromfertilePaeoniaandwasthebestmanofthemallafterAsteropaeus。AsteropaeusflewforwardtoavengehimandattacktheDanaans，butthismightnolongerbe，inasmuchasthoseaboutPatrocluswerewellcoveredbytheirshields，andheldtheirspearsinfrontofthem，forAjaxhadgiventhemstrictordersthatnomanwaseithertogiveground，ortostandoutbeforetheothers，butallweretoholdwelltogetheraboutthebodyandfighthandtohand。ThusdidhugeAjaxbidthem，andtheearthranredwithbloodasthecorpsesfellthickononeanotheralikeonthesideoftheTrojansandallies，andonthatoftheDanaans；fortheselast，too，foughtnobloodlessfightthoughmanyfewerofthemperished，throughthecaretheytooktodefendandstandbyoneanother。

Thusdidtheyfightasitwereaflamingfire；itseemedasthoughithadgonehardevenwiththesunandmoon，fortheywerehiddenoverallthatpartwherethebravestheroeswerefightingaboutthedeadsonofMenoetius，whereastheotherDanaansandAchaeansfoughtattheireaseinfulldaylightwithbrilliantsunshineallroundthem，andtherewasnotacloudtobeseenneitheronplainnormountain。

Theselastmoreoverwouldrestforawhileandleaveofffighting，fortheyweresomedistanceapartandbeyondtherangeofoneanother’sweapons，whereasthosewhowereinthethickofthefraysufferedbothfrombattleanddarkness。Allthebestofthemwerebeingwornoutbythegreatweightoftheirarmour，butthetwovaliantheroes，ThrasymedesandAntilochus，hadnotyetheardofthedeathofPatroclus，andbelievedhimtobestillaliveandleadingthevanagainsttheTrojans；theywerekeepingthemselvesinreserveagainstthedeathorroutoftheirowncomrades，forsoNestorhadorderedwhenhesentthemfromtheshipsintobattle。

Thusthroughthelivelongdaydidtheywagefiercewar，andthesweatoftheirtoilrainedeverontheirlegsunderthem，andontheirhandsandeyes，astheyfoughtoverthesquireofthefleetsonofPeleus。Itwasaswhenamangivesagreatox-hidealldrenchedinfattohismen，andbidsthemstretchit；whereontheystandrounditinaringandtugtillthemoistureleavesit，andthefatsoaksinforthemanythatpullatit，anditiswellstretched-evensodidthetwosidestugthedeadbodyhitherandthitherwithinthecompassofbutalittlespace-theTrojanssteadfastlysetondragingitintoIlius，whiletheAchaeanswerenolesssoontakingittotheirships；andfiercewasthefightbetweenthem。NotMarshimselfthelordofhosts，noryetMinerva，evenintheirfullestfurycouldmakelightofsuchabattle。

SuchfearfulturmoilofmenandhorsesdidJoveonthatdayordainroundthebodyofPatroclus。MeanwhileAchillesdidnotknowthathehadfallen，forthefightwasunderthewallofTroyalongwayofftheships。Hehadnoidea，therefore，thatPatrocluswasdead，anddeemedthathewouldreturnaliveassoonashehadgonecloseuptothegates。Heknewthathewasnottosackthecityneitherwithnorwithouthimself，forhismotherhadoftentoldhimthiswhenhehadsatalonewithher，andshehadinformedhimofthecounselsofgreatJove。Now，however，shehadnottoldhimhowgreatadisasterhadbefallenhiminthedeathoftheonewhowasfardearesttohimofallhiscomrades。

Theothersstillkeptonchargingoneanotherroundthebodywiththeirpointedspearsandkillingeachother。Thenwouldonesay，"Myfriends，wecanneveragainshowourfacesattheships-better，andgreatlybetter，thatearthshouldopenandswallowushereinthisplace，thanthatweshouldlettheTrojanshavethetriumphofbearingoffPatroclustotheircity。"

TheTrojansalsoontheirpartspoketooneanothersaying，"Friends，thoughwefalltoamanbesidethisbody，letnoneshrinkfromfighting。"Withsuchwordsdidtheyexhorteachother。Theyfoughtandfought，andanironclankrosethroughthevoidairtothebrazenvaultofheaven。ThehorsesofthedescendantofAeacusstoodoutofthefightandweptwhentheyheardthattheirdriverhadbeenlaidlowbythehandofmurderousHector。Automedon，valiantsonofDiores，lashedthemagainandagain；manyatimedidhespeakkindlytothem，andmanyatimedidheupbraidthem，buttheywouldneithergobacktotheshipsbythewatersofthebroadHellespont，noryetintobattleamongtheAchaeans；theystoodwiththeirchariotstockstill，asapillarsetoverthetombofsomedeadmanorwoman，andbowedtheirheadstotheground。Hottearsfellfromtheireyesastheymournedthelossoftheircharioteer，andtheirnoblemanesdroopedallwetfromundertheyokestrapsoneithersidetheyoke。

ThesonofSaturnsawthemandtookpityupontheirsorrow。Hewaggedhishead，andmutteredtohimself，saying，"Poorthings，whydidwegiveyoutoKingPeleuswhoisamortal，whileyouareyourselvesagelessandimmortal？Wasitthatyoumightsharethesorrowsthatbefallmankind？forofallcreaturesthatliveandmoveupontheearththereisnonesopitiableasheis-still，HectorsonofPriamshalldriveneitheryounoryourchariot。Iwillnothaveit。

Itisenoughthatheshouldhavethearmouroverwhichhevauntssovainly。FurthermoreIwillgiveyoustrengthofheartandlimbtobearAutomedonsafelytotheshipsfrombattle，forIshalllettheTrojanstriumphstillfurther，andgoonkillingtilltheyreachtheships；

whereonnightshallfallanddarknessovershadowtheland。"

Ashespokehebreathedheartandstrengthintothehorsessothattheyshookthedustfromoutoftheirmanes，andboretheirchariotswiftlyintothefightthatragedbetweenTrojansandAchaeans。BehindthemfoughtAutomedonfullofsorrowforhiscomrade，asavultureamidaflockofgeese。Inandout，andhereandthere，fullspeedhedashedamidthethrongoftheTrojans，butforallthefuryofhispursuithekillednoman，forhecouldnotwieldhisspearandkeephishorsesinhandwhenaloneinthechariot；atlast，however，acomrade，Alcimedon，sonofLaercessonofHaemoncaughtsightofhimandcameupbehindhischariot。"Automedon，"saidhe，"whatgodhasputthisfollyintoyourheartandrobbedyouofyourrightmind，thatyoufighttheTrojansinthefrontranksingle-handed？Hewhowasyourcomradeisslain，andHectorplumeshimselfonbeingarmedinthearmourofthedescendantofAeacus。"

AutomedonsonofDioresanswered，"Alcimedon，thereisnooneelsewhocancontrolandguidetheimmortalsteedssowellasyoucan，saveonlyPatroclus-whilehewasalive-peerofgodsincounsel。Takethenthewhipandreins，whileIgodownfromthecarandfight。

Alcimedonsprangontothechariot，andcaughtupthewhipandreins，whileAutomedonleapedfromoffthecar。WhenHectorsawhimhesaidtoAeneaswhowasnearhim，"Aeneas，counsellorofthemail-cladTrojans，IseethesteedsofthefleetsonofAeacuscomeintobattlewithweakhandstodrivethem。Iamsure，ifyouthinkwell，thatwemighttakethem；theywillnotdarefaceusifwebothattackthem。"

ThevaliantsonofAnchiseswasofthesamemind，andthepairwentrighton，withtheirshoulderscoveredundershieldsoftoughdryox-hide，overlaidwithmuchbronze。ChromiusandAretuswentalsowiththem，andtheirheartsbeathighwithhopethattheymightkillthemenandcapturethehorses-foolsthattheywere，fortheywerenottoreturnscathelessfromtheirmeetingwithAutomedon，whoprayedtofatherJoveandwasforthwithfilledwithcourageandstrengthabounding。HeturnedtohistrustycomradeAlcimedonandsaid，"Alcimedon，keepyourhorsessocloseupthatImayfeeltheirbreathuponmyback；IdoubtthatweshallnotstayHectorsonofPriamtillhehaskilledusandmountedbehindthehorses；hewilltheneitherspreadpanicamongtheranksoftheAchaeans，orhimselfbekilledamongtheforemost。"

OnthishecriedouttothetwoAjaxesandMenelaus，"AjaxescaptainsoftheArgives，andMenelaus，givethedeadbodyovertothemthatarebestabletodefendit，andcometotherescueofusliving；forHectorandAeneaswhoarethetwobestmenamongtheTrojans，arepressingushardinthefulltideofwar。Neverthelesstheissueliesonthelapofheaven，IwillthereforehurlmyspearandleavetheresttoJove。"

Hepoisedandhurledashespoke，whereonthespearstrucktheroundshieldofAretus，andwentrightthroughitfortheshieldstayeditnot，sothatitwasdriventhroughhisbeltintothelowerpartofhisbelly。Aswhensomesturdyyouth，axeinhand，dealshisblowbehindthehornsofanoxandseversthetendonsatthebackofitsnecksothatitspringsforwardandthendrops，evensodidAretusgiveoneboundandthenfallonhisbackthespearquiveringinhisbodytillitmadeanendofhim。HectorthenaimedaspearatAutomedonbuthesawitcomingandstoopedforwardtoavoidit，sothatitflewpasthimandthepointstuckintheground，whilethebutt-endwentonquiveringtillMarsrobbeditofitsforce。TheywouldthenhavefoughthandtohandwithswordshadnotthetwoAjaxesforcedtheirwaythroughthecrowdwhentheyheardtheircomradecalling，andpartedthemforalltheirfury-forHector，Aeneas，andChromiuswereafraidanddrewback，leavingAretustolietherestrucktotheheart。Automedon，peeroffleetMars，thenstrippedhimofhisarmourandvauntedoverhimsaying，"IhavedonelittletoassuagemysorrowforthesonofMenoetius，forthemanIhavekilledisnotsogoodashewas。"

Ashespokehetooktheblood-stainedspoilsandlaidthemuponhischariot；thenhemountedthecarwithhishandsandfeetallsteepedingoreasalionthathasbeengorginguponabull。

AndnowthefiercegroanfulfightagainragedaboutPatroclus，forMinervacamedownfromheavenandrouseditsfurybythecommandoffar-seeingJove，whohadchangedhismindandsenthertoencouragetheDanaans。AswhenJovebendshisbrightbowinheavenintokentomankindeitherofwarorofthechillstormsthatstaymenfromtheirlabourandplaguetheflocks-evenso，wrappedinsuchradiantraiment，didMinervagoinamongthehostandspeakmanbymantoeach。FirstshetooktheformandvoiceofPhoenixandspoketoMenelaussonofAtreus，whowasstandingnearher。"Menelaus，"saidshe，"itwillbeshameanddishonourtoyou，ifdogstearthenoblecomradeofAchillesunderthewallsofTroy。Thereforebestaunch，andurgeyourmentobesoalso。"

Menelausanswered，"Phoenix，mygoodoldfriend，mayMinervavouchsafemestrengthandkeepthedartsfromoffme，forsoshallI

standbyPatroclusanddefendhim；hisdeathhasgonetomyheart，butHectorisasaragingfireanddealshisblowswithoutceasing，forJoveisnowgrantinghimatimeoftriumph。"

Minervawaspleasedathishavingnamedherselfbeforeanyoftheothergods。Thereforesheputstrengthintohiskneesandshoulders，andmadehimasboldasafly，which，thoughdrivenoffwillyetcomeagainandbiteifitcan，sodearlydoesitloveman’sblood-

evensoboldasthisdidshemakehimashestoodoverPatroclusandthrewhisspear。NowtherewasamongtheTrojansamannamedPodes，sonofEetion，whowasbothrichandvaliant。Hectorheldhiminthehighesthonourforhewashiscomradeandbooncompanion；thespearofMenelausstruckthismaninthegirdlejustashehadturnedinflight，andwentrightthroughhim。Whereonhefellheavilyforward，andMenelaussonofAtreusdrewoffhisbodyfromtheTrojansintotheranksofhisownpeople。

ApollothenwentuptoHectorandspurredhimontofight，inthelikenessofPhaenopssonofAsiuswholivedinAbydosandwasthemostfavouredofallHector’sguests。InhislikenessApollosaid，"Hector，whooftheAchaeanswillfearyouhenceforwardnowthatyouhavequailedbeforeMenelauswhohaseverbeenratedpoorlyasasoldier？

YethehasnowgotacorpseawayfromtheTrojanssingle-handed，andhasslainyourowntruecomrade，amanbraveamongtheforemost，PodessonofEetion。

AdarkcloudofgrieffelluponHectorasheheard，andhemadehiswaytothefrontcladinfullarmour。ThereonthesonofSaturnseizedhisbrighttasselledaegis，andveiledIdaincloud:hesentforthhislightningsandhisthunders，andasheshookhisaegishegavevictorytotheTrojansandroutedtheAchaeans。

ThepanicwasbegunbyPeneleostheBoeotian，forwhilekeepinghisfaceturnedevertowardsthefoehehadbeenhitwithaspearontheupperpartoftheshoulder；aspearthrownbyPolydamashadgrazedthetopofthebone，forPolydamashadcomeuptohimandstruckhimfromcloseathand。ThenHectorinclosecombatstruckLeitussonofnobleAlectryoninthehandbythewrist，anddisabledhimfromfightingfurther。Helookedabouthimindismay，knowingthatneveragainshouldhewieldspearinbattlewiththeTrojans。WhileHectorwasinpursuitofLeitus，Idomeneusstruckhimonthebreastplateoverhischestnearthenipple；butthespearbrokeintheshaft，andtheTrojanscheeredaloud。HectorthenaimedatIdomeneussonofDeucalionashewasstandingonhischariot，andverynarrowlymissedhim，butthespearhitCoiranus，afollowerandcharioteerofMerioneswhohadcomewithhimfromLyctus。IdomeneushadlefttheshipsonfootandwouldhaveaffordedagreattriumphtotheTrojansifCoiranushadnotdrivenquicklyuptohim，hethereforebroughtlifeandrescuetoIdomeneus，buthimselffellbythehandofmurderousHector。ForHectorhithimonthejawundertheear；theendofthespeardroveouthisteethandcuthistongueintwopieces，sothathefellfromhischariotandletthereinsfalltotheground。Merionesgatheredthemupfromthegroundandtookthemintohisownhands，thenhesaidtoIdomeneus，"Layon，tillyougetbacktotheships，foryoumustseethatthedayisnolongerours。"

OnthisIdomeneuslashedthehorsestotheships，forfearhadtakenholduponhim。

AjaxandMenelausnotedhowJovehadturnedthescaleinfavouroftheTrojans，andAjaxwasfirsttospeak。"Alas，"saidhe，"evenafoolmayseethatfatherJoveishelpingtheTrojans。Alltheirweaponsstrikehome；nomatterwhetheritbeabravemanoracowardthathurlsthem，Jovespeedsallalike，whereasoursfalleachoneofthemwithouteffect。What，then，willbebestbothasregardsrescuingthebody，andourreturntothejoyofourfriendswhowillbegrievingastheylookhitherwards；fortheywillmakesurethatnothingcannowchecktheterriblehandsofHector，andthathewillflinghimselfuponourships。IwishthatsomeonewouldgoandtellthesonofPeleusatonce，forIdonotthinkhecanhaveyetheardthesadnewsthatthedearestofhisfriendshasfallen。ButIcanseenotamanamongtheAchaeanstosend，fortheyandtheirchariotsarealikehiddenindarkness。OfatherJove，liftthiscloudfromoverthesonsoftheAchaeans；makeheavenserene，andletussee；ifyouwillthatweperish，letusfallatanyratebydaylight。"

FatherJoveheardhimandhadcompassionuponhistears。Forthwithhechasedawaythecloudofdarkness，sothatthesunshoneoutandallthefightingwasrevealed。AjaxthensaidtoMenelaus，"Look，Menelaus，andifAntilochussonofNestorbestillliving，sendhimatoncetotellAchillesthatbyfarthedearesttohimofallhiscomradeshasfallen。"

Menelausheededhiswordsandwenthiswayasalionfromastockyard-thelionistiredofattackingthemenandhounds，whokeepwatchthewholenightthroughandwillnotlethimfeastonthefatoftheirherd。Inhislustofmeathemakesstraightatthembutinvain，fordartsfromstronghandsassailhim，andburningbrandswhichdaunthimforallhishunger，sointhemorningheslinkssulkilyaway-evensodidMenelaussorelyagainsthiswillleavePatroclus，ingreatfearlesttheAchaeansshouldbedrivenbackinroutandlethimfallintothehandsofthefoe。HechargedMerionesandthetwoAjaxesstraitlysaying，"AjaxesandMeriones，leadersoftheArgives，nowindeedrememberhowgoodPatrocluswas；hewasevercourteouswhilealive，bearitinmindnowthatheisdead。"

WiththisMenelausleftthem，lookingroundhimaskeenlyasaneagle，whosesighttheysayiskeenerthanthatofanyotherbird-

howeverhighhemaybeintheheavens，notaharethatrunscanescapehimbycrouchingunderbushorthicket，forhewillswoopdownuponitandmakeanendofit-evenso，OMenelaus，didyourkeeneyesrangeroundthemightyhostofyourfollowerstoseeifyoucouldfindthesonofNestorstillalive。PresentlyMenelaussawhimontheextremeleftofthebattlecheeringonhismenandexhortingthemtofightboldly。Menelauswentuptohimandsaid，"Antilochus，comehereandlistentosadnews，whichIwouldindeedwereuntrue。YoumustseewithyourowneyesthatheavenisheapingcalamityupontheDanaans，andgivingvictorytotheTrojans。Patroclushasfallen，whowasthebravestoftheAchaeans，andsorelywilltheDanaansmisshim。RuninstantlytotheshipsandtellAchilles，thathemaycometorescuethebodyandbearittotheships。Asforthearmour，Hectoralreadyhasit。"

Antilochuswasstruckwithhorror。Foralongtimehewasspeechless；hiseyesfilledwithtearsandhecouldfindnoutterance，buthedidasMenelaushadsaid，andsetoffrunningassoonashehadgivenhisarmourtoacomrade，Laodocus，whowaswheelinghishorsesround，closebesidehim。

Thus，then，didherunweepingfromthefield，tocarrythebadnewstoAchillessonofPeleus。Norwereyou，OMenelaus，mindedtosuccourhisharassedcomrades，whenAntilochushadleftthePylians-andgreatlydidtheymisshim-buthesentthemnobleThrasymedes，andhimselfwentbacktoPatroclus。HecamerunninguptothetwoAjaxesandsaid，"IhavesentAntilochustotheshipstotellAchilles，butrageagainstHectorashemay，hecannotcome，forhecannotfightwithoutarmour。Whatthenwillbeourbestplanbothasregardsrescuingthedead，andourownescapefromdeathamidthebattle-criesoftheTrojans？"

Ajaxanswered，"Menelaus，youhavesaidwell:doyou，then，andMerionesstoopdown，raisethebody，andbearitoutofthefray，whilewetwobehindyoukeepoffHectorandtheTrojans，oneinheartasinname，andlongusedtofightingsidebysidewithoneanother。"

OnthisMenelausandMerionestookthedeadmanintheirarmsandliftedhimhighaloftwithagreateffort。TheTrojanhostraisedahueandcrybehindthemwhentheysawtheAchaeansbearingthebodyaway，andflewafterthemlikehoundsattackingawoundedboaratthelooofabandofyounghuntsmen。Forawhilethehoundsflyathimasthoughtheywouldtearhiminpieces，butnowandagainheturnsontheminafury，scaringandscatteringtheminalldirections-evensodidtheTrojansforawhilechargeinabody，strikingwithswordandwithspearspointedaiboththeends，butwhenthetwoAjaxesfacedthemandstoodatbay，theywouldturnpaleandnomandaredpressontofightfurtheraboutthedead。

Inthiswisedidthetwoheroesstraineverynervetobearthebodytotheshipsoutofthefight。Thebattleragedroundthemlikefierceflamesthatwhenoncekindledspreadlikewildfireoveracity，andthehousesfallintheglareofitsburning-evensuchwastheroarandtrampofmenandhorsesthatpursuedthemastheyborePatroclusfromthefield。Orasmulesthatputforthalltheirstrengthtodrawsomebeamorgreatpieceofship’stimberdownaroughmountain-track，andtheypantandsweatasthey，goevensodidMenelausandpantandsweatastheyborethebodyofPatroclus。

BehindthemthetwoAjaxesheldstoutlyout。Assomewoodedmountain-spurthatstretchesacrossaplainwillturnwaterandchecktheflowevenofagreatriver，noristhereanystreamstrongenoughtobreakthroughit-evensodidthetwoAjaxesfacetheTrojansandsternthetideoftheirfightingthoughtheykeptpouringontowardsthemandforemostamongthemallwasAeneassonofAnchiseswithvaliantHector。Asaflockofdawsorstarlingsfalltoscreamingandchatteringwhentheyseeafalcon，foetoi’llsmallbirds，comesoaringnearthem，evensodidtheAchaeanyouthraiseababelofcriesastheyfledbeforeAeneasandHector，unmindfuloftheirformerprowess。IntheroutoftheDanaansmuchgoodlyarmourfellroundaboutthetrench，andoffightingtherewasnoend。

BOOKXVIII

THUSthendidtheyfightasitwereaflamingfire。MeanwhilethefleetrunnerAntilochus，whohadbeensentasmessenger，reachedAchilles，andfoundhimsittingbyhistallshipsandbodingthatwhichwasindeedtoosurelytrue。"Alas，"saidhetohimselfintheheavinessofhisheart，"whyaretheAchaeansagainscouringtheplainandflockingtowardstheships？HeavengrantthegodsbenotnowbringingthatsorrowuponmeofwhichmymotherThetisspoke，sayingthatwhileIwasyetalivethebravestoftheMyrmidonsshouldfallbeforetheTrojans，andseethelightofthesunnolonger。IfearthebravesonofMenoetiushasfallenthroughhisowndaringandyetI

badehimreturntotheshipsassoonashehaddrivenbackthosethatwerebringingfireagainstthem，andnotjoinbattlewithHector。"

Ashewasthuspondering，thesonofNestorcameuptohimandtoldhissadtale，weepingbitterlythewhile。"Alas，"hecried，"sonofnoblePeleus，Ibringyoubadtidings，wouldindeedthattheywereuntrue。Patroclushasfallen，andafightisragingabouthisnakedbody-forHectorholdshisarmour。"

AdarkcloudofgrieffelluponAchillesashelistened。Hefilledbothhandswithdustfromofftheground，andpoureditoverhishead，disfiguringhiscomelyface，andlettingtherefusesettleoverhisshirtsofairandnew。Heflunghimselfdownallhugeandhugelyatfulllength，andtorehishairwithhishands。ThebondswomenwhomAchillesandPatroclushadtakencaptivescreamedaloudforgrief，beatingtheirbreasts，andwiththeirlimbsfailingthemforsorrow。

Antilochusbentoverhimthewhile，weepingandholdingbothhishandsashelaygroaningforhefearedthathemightplungeaknifeintohisownthroat。ThenAchillesgavealoudcryandhismotherheardhimasshewassittinginthedepthsoftheseabytheoldmanherfather，whereonshescreamed，andallthegoddessesdaughtersofNereusthatdweltatthebottomofthesea，camegatheringroundher。TherewereGlauce，ThaliaandCymodoce，Nesaia，Speo，thoeanddark-eyedHalie，Cymothoe，ActaeaandLimnorea，Melite，Iaera，AmphithoeandAgave，DotoandProto，PherusaandDynamene，Dexamene，AmphinomeandCallianeira，Doris，Panope，andthefamoussea-nymphGalatea，Nemertes，ApseudesandCallianassa。TherewerealsoClymene，IaneiraandIanassa，Maera，OreithuiaandAmatheiaofthelovelylocks，withotherNereidswhodwellinthedepthsofthesea。ThecrystalcavewasfilledwiththeirmultitudeandtheyallbeattheirbreastswhileThetisledthemintheirlament。

"Listen，"shecried，"sisters，daughtersofNereus，thatyoumayheartheburdenofmysorrows。Alas，woeisme，woeinthatIhavebornethemostgloriousofoffspring。Iborehimfairandstrong，heroamongheroes，andheshotupasasapling；Itendedhimasaplantinagoodlygarden，andsenthimwithhisshipstoIliustofighttheTrojans，butnevershallIwelcomehimbacktothehouseofPeleus。Solongashelivestolookuponthelightofthesunheisinheaviness，andthoughIgotohimIcannothelphim。NeverthelessI

willgo，thatImayseemydearsonandlearnwhatsorrowhasbefallenhimthoughheisstillholdingalooffrombattle。"

Sheleftthecaveasshespoke，whiletheothersfollowedweepingafter，andthewavesopenedapathbeforethem。WhentheyreachedtherichplainofTroy，theycameupoutoftheseainalonglineontothesands，attheplacewheretheshipsoftheMyrmidonsweredrawnupincloseorderroundthetentsofAchilles。Hismotherwentuptohimashelaygroaning；shelaidherhanduponhisheadandspokepiteously，saying，"Myson，whyareyouthusweeping？Whatsorrowhasnowbefallenyou？Tellme；hideitnotfromme。SurelyJovehasgrantedyoutheprayeryoumadehim，whenyouliftedupyourhandsandbesoughthimthattheAchaeansmightallofthembepentupattheirships，andrueitbitterlyinthatyouwerenolongerwiththem。"

Achillesgroanedandanswered，"Mother，OlympianJovehasindeedvouchsafedmethefulfilmentofmyprayer，butwhatbootsittome，seeingthatmydearcomradePatroclushasfallen-hewhomIvaluedmorethanallothers，andlovedasdearlyasmyownlife？Ihavelosthim；aye，andHectorwhenhehadkilledhimstrippedthewondrousarmour，soglorioustobehold，whichthegodsgavetoPeleuswhentheylaidyouinthecouchofamortalman。Wouldthatyouwerestilldwellingamongtheimmortalsea-nymphs，andthatPeleushadtakentohimselfsomemortalbride。Fornowyoushallhavegriefinfinitebyreasonofthedeathofthatsonwhomyoucanneverwelcomehome-

nay，IwillnotlivenorgoaboutamongmankindunlessHectorfallbymyspear，andthuspaymeforhavingslainPatroclussonofMenoetius。"

Thetisweptandanswered，"Then，myson，isyourendnearathand-

foryourowndeathawaitsyoufullsoonafterthatofHector。"

ThensaidAchillesinhisgreatgrief，"Iwoulddiehereandnow，inthatIcouldnotsavemycomrade。Hehasfallenfarfromhome，andinhishourofneedmyhandwasnottheretohelphim。Whatisthereforme？ReturntomyownlandIshallnot，andIhavebroughtnosavingneithertoPatroclusnortomyothercomradesofwhomsomanyhavebeenslainbymightyHector；Istayherebymyshipsabootlessburdenupontheearth，I，whoinfighthavenopeeramongtheAchaeans，thoughincounciltherearebetterthanI。Therefore，perishstrifebothfromamonggodsandmen，andanger，whereinevenarighteousmanwillhardenhisheart-whichrisesupinthesoulofamanlikesmoke，andthetastethereofissweeterthandropsofhoney。EvensohasAgamemnonangeredme。Andyet-sobeit，foritisover；IwillforcemysoulintosubjectionasIneedsmust；I

willgo；IwillpursueHectorwhohasslainhimwhomIlovedsodearly，andwillthenabidemydoomwhenitmaypleaseJoveandtheothergodstosendit。EvenHercules，thebestbelovedofJove-evenhecouldnotescapethehandofdeath，butfateandJuno’sfierceangerlaidhimlow，asItooshallliewhenIamdeadifalikedoomawaitsme。TillthenIwillwinfame，andwillbidTrojanandDardanianwomenwringtearsfromtheirtendercheekswithboththeirhandsinthegrievousnessoftheirgreatsorrow；thusshalltheyknowthathewhohasheldaloofsolongwillholdaloofnolonger。

Holdmenotback，therefore，intheloveyoubearme，foryoushallnotmoveme。"

Thensilver-footedThetisanswered，"Myson，whatyouhavesaidistrue。Itiswelltosaveyourcomradesfromdestruction，butyourarmourisinthehandsoftheTrojans；Hectorbearsitintriumphuponhisownshoulders。FullwellIknowthathisvauntshallnotbelasting，forhisendiscloseathand；gonot，however，intothepressofbattletillyouseemereturnhither；to-morrowatbreakofdayI

shallbehere，andwillbringyougoodlyarmourfromKingVulcan。"

Onthissheleftherbraveson，andassheturnedawayshesaidtothesea-nymphshersisters，"Diveintothebosomoftheseaandgotothehouseoftheoldsea-godmyfather。Tellhimeverything；asforme，IwillgotothecunningworkmanVulcanonhighOlympus，andaskhimtoprovidemysonwithasuitofsplendidarmour。"

Whenshehadsosaid，theydivedforthwithbeneaththewaves，whilesilver-footedThetiswentherwaythatshemightbringthearmourforherson。

Thus，then，didherfeetbearthegoddesstoOlympus，andmeanwhiletheAchaeanswereflyingwithloudcriesbeforemurderousHectortilltheyreachedtheshipsandtheHellespont，andtheycouldnotdrawthebodyofMars’sservantPatroclusoutofreachoftheweaponsthatwereshowereduponhim，forHectorsonofPriamwithhishostandhorsemenhadagaincaughtuptohimliketheflameofafieryfurnace；thricedidbraveHectorseizehimbythefeet，strivingwithmightandmaintodrawhimawayandcallingloudlyontheTrojans，andthricedidthetwoAjaxes，clothedinvalouraswithagarment，beathimfromoffthebody；butallundauntedhewouldnowchargeintothethickofthefight，andnowagainhewouldstandstillandcryaloud，buthewouldgivenoground。Asuplandshepherdsthatcannotchasesomefamishedlionfromacarcase，evensocouldnotthetwoAjaxesscareHectorsonofPriamfromthebodyofPatroclus。

Andnowhewouldevenhavedraggeditoffandhavewonimperishableglory，hadnotIrisfleetasthewind，wingedherwayasmessengerfromOlympustothesonofPeleusandbiddenhimarm。ShecamesecretlywithouttheknowledgeofJoveandoftheothergods，forJunosenther，andwhenshehadgotclosetohimshesaid，"Up，sonofPeleus，mightiestofallmankind；rescuePatroclusaboutwhomthisfearfulfightisnowragingbytheships。Menarekillingoneanother，theDanaansindefenceofthedeadbody，whiletheTrojansaretryingtohaleitaway，andtakeittowindIlius:Hectoristhemostfuriousofthemall；heisforcuttingtheheadfromthebodyandfixingitonthestakesofthewall。Up，then，andbideherenolonger；shrinkfromthethoughtthatPatroclusmaybecomemeatforthedogsofTroy。Shameonyou，shouldhisbodysufferanykindofoutrage。"

AndAchillessaid，"Iris，whichofthegodswasitthatsentyoutome？"

Irisanswered，"ItwasJunotheroyalspouseofJove，butthesonofSaturndoesnotknowofmycoming，noryetdoesanyotheroftheimmortalswhodwellonthesnowysummitsofOlympus。"

ThenfleetAchillesansweredhersaying，"HowcanIgoupintothebattle？Theyhavemyarmour。MymotherforbademetoarmtillIshouldseehercome，forshepromisedtobringmegoodlyarmourfromVulcan；IknownomanwhosearmsIcanputon，saveonlytheshieldofAjaxsonofTelamon，andhesurelymustbefightinginthefrontrankandwieldinghisspearaboutthebodyofdeadPatroclus。"

Irissaid，’Weknowthatyourarmourhasbeentaken，butgoasyouare；gotothedeeptrenchandshowyourelfbeforetheTrojans，thattheymayfearyouandceasefighting。ThuswillthefaintingsonsoftheAchaeansgainsomebriefbreathing-time，whichinbattlemayhardlybe。"

Irislefthimwhenshehadsospoken。ButAchillesdeartoJovearose，andMinervaflunghertasselledaegisroundhisstrongshoulders；shecrownedhisheadwithahaloofgoldencloudfromwhichshekindledaglowofgleamingfire。Asthesmokethatgoesupintoheavenfromsomecitythatisbeingbeleagueredonanislandfaroutatsea-alldaylongdomensallyfromthecityandfighttheirhardest，andatthegoingdownofthesunthelineofbeacon-firesblazesforth，flaringhighforthosethatdwellnearthemtobehold，ifsobethattheymaycomewiththeirshipsandsuccourthem-evensodidthelightflarefromtheheadofAchilles，ashestoodbythetrench，goingbeyondthewall-butheaidnotjointheAchaeansforheheededthechargewhichhismotherlaiduponhim。

Theredidhestandandshoutaloud。Minervaalsoraisedhervoicefromafar，andspreadterrorunspeakableamongtheTrojans。Ringingasthenoteofatrumpetthatsoundsalarmthenthefoeisatthegatesofacity，evensobrazenwasthevoiceofthesonofAeacus，andwhentheTrojanshearditsclariontonestheyweredismayed；thehorsesturnedbackwiththeirchariotsfortheybodedmischief，andtheirdriverswereawe-struckbythesteadyflamewhichthegrey-eyedgoddesshadkindledabovetheheadofthegreatsonofPeleus。

ThricedidAchillesraisehisloudcryashestoodbythetrench，andthriceweretheTrojansandtheirbravealliesthrownintoconfusion；whereontwelveoftheirnoblestchampionsfellbeneaththewheelsoftheirchariotsandperishedbytheirownspears。TheAchaeanstotheirgreatjoythendrewPatroclusoutofreachoftheweapons，andlaidhimonalitter:hiscomradesstoodmourningroundhim，andamongthemfleetAchilleswhoweptbitterlyashesawhistruecomradelyingdeaduponhisbier。Hehadsenthimoutwithhorsesandchariotsintobattle，buthisreturnhewasnottowelcome。

ThenJunosentthebusysun，loththoughhewas，intothewatersofOceanus；soheset，andtheAchaeanshadrestfromthetugandturmoilofwar。

NowtheTrojanswhentheyhadcomeoutofthefight，unyokedtheirhorsesandgatheredinassemblybeforepreparingtheirsupper。Theykepttheirfeet，norwouldanydaretositdown，forfearhadfallenuponthemallbecauseAchilleshadshownhimselfafterhavingheldaloofsolongfrombattle。PolydamassonofPanthouswasfirsttospeak，amanofjudgement，whoaloneamongthemcouldlookbothbeforeandafter。HewascomradetoHector，andtheyhadbeenbornuponthesamenight；withallsincerityandgoodwill，therefore，headdressedthemthus:-

"Looktoitwell，myfriends；Iwouldurgeyoutogobacknowtoyourcityandnotwaitherebytheshipstillmorning，forwearefarfromourwalls。SolongasthismanwasatenmitywithAgamemnontheAchaeanswereeasiertodealwith，andIwouldhavegladlycampedbytheshipsinthehopeoftakingthem；butnowIgoingreatfearofthefleetsonofPeleus；heissodaringthathewillneverbidehereontheplainwhereontheTrojansandAchaeansfightwithequalvalour，buthewilltrytostormourcityandcarryoffourwomen。DothenasIsay，andletusretreat。Forthisiswhatwillhappen。ThedarknessofnightwillforatimestaythesonofPeleus，butifhefindushereinthemorningwhenhesalliesforthinfullarmour，weshallhaveknowledgeofhimingoodearnest。GladindeedwillhebewhocanescapeandgetbacktoIlius，andmanyaTrojanwillbecomemeatfordogsandvulturesmayIneverlivetohearit。IfwedoasIsay，littlethoughwemaylikeit，weshallhavestrengthincounselduringthenight，andthegreatgateswiththedoorsthatclosethemwillprotectthecity。Atdawnwecanarmandtakeourstandonthewalls；hewillthenrueitifhesalliesfromtheshipstofightus。Hewillgobackwhenhehasgivenhishorsestheirfillofbeingdrivenallwhithersunderourwalls，andwillbeinnomindtotryandforcehiswayintothecity。Neitherwillheeversackit，dogsshalldevourhimerehedoso。"

Hectorlookedfiercelyathimandanswered，"Polydamas，yourwordsarenottomylikinginthatyoubidusgobackandbepentwithinthecity。Haveyounothadenoughofbeingcoopedupbehindwalls？Intheold-daysthecityofPriamwasfamousthewholeworldoverforitswealthofgoldandbronze，butourtreasuresarewastedoutofourhouses，andmuchgoodshavebeensoldawaytoPhrygiaandfairMeonia，forthehandofJovehasbeenlaidheavilyuponus。Now，therefore，thatthesonofschemingSaturnhasvouchsafedmetowingloryhereandtohemtheAchaeansinattheirships，pratenomoreinthisfool’swiseamongthepeople。Youwillhavenomanwithyou；itshallnotbe；doallofyouasInowsay；-takeyoursuppersinyourcompaniesthroughoutthehost，andkeepyourwatchesandbewakefuleverymanofyou。IfanyTrojanisuneasyabouthispossessions，lethimgatherthemandgivethemoutamongthepeople。Betterletthese，ratherthantheAchaeans，havethem。Atdaybreakwewillarmandfightabouttheships；grantedthatAchilleshasagaincomeforwardtodefendthem，letitbeashewill，butitshallgohardwithhim。Ishallnotshunhim，butwillfighthim，tofallorconquer。Thegodofwardealsoutlikemeasuretoall，andtheslayermayyetbeslain。"

ThusspokeHector；andtheTrojans，foolsthattheywere，shoutedinapplause，forPallasMinervahadrobbedthemoftheirunderstanding。

TheygaveeartoHectorwithhisevilcounsel，butthewisewordsofPolydamasnomanwouldheed。Theytooktheirsupperthroughoutthehost，andmeanwhilethroughthewholenighttheAchaeansmournedPatroclus，andthesonofPeleusledthemintheirlament。Helaidhismurderoushandsuponthebreastofhiscomrade，groaningagainandagainasabeardedlionwhenamanwhowaschasingdeerhasrobbedhimofhisyounginsomedenseforest；whenthelioncomesbackheisfurious，andsearchesdingleanddelltotrackthehunterifhecanfindhim，forheismadwithrage-evensowithmanyasighdidAchillesspeakamongtheMyrmidonssaying，"Alas！vainwerethewordswithwhichIcheeredtheheroMenoetiusinhisownhouse；IsaidthatIwouldbringhisbravesonbackagaintoOpoeisafterhehadsackedIliusandtakenhisshareofthespoils-butJovedoesnotgiveallmentheirheart’sdesire。ThesamesoilshallbereddenedhereatTroybythebloodofusboth，forItooshallneverbewelcomedhomebytheoldknightPeleus，norbymymotherThetis，buteveninthisplaceshalltheearthcoverme。Nevertheless，OPatroclus，nowthatIamleftbehindyou，Iwillnotburyyou，tillIhavebroughthithertheheadandarmourofmightyHectorwhohasslainyou。

TwelvenoblesonsofTrojanswillIbeheadbeforeyourbiertoavengeyou；tillIhavedonesoyoushalllieasyouarebytheships，andfairwomenofTroyandDardanus，whomwehavetakenwithspearandstrengthofarmwhenwesackedmen’sgoodlycities，shallweepoveryoubothnightandday。"

ThenAchillestoldhismentosetalargetripoduponthefirethattheymightwashtheclottedgorefromoffPatroclus。Thereontheysetatripodfullofbathwaterontoaclearfire:theythrewsticksontoittomakeitblaze，andthewaterbecamehotastheflameplayedaboutthebellyofthetripod。Whenthewaterinthecauldronwasboilingtheywashedthebody，anointeditwithoil，andcloseditswoundswithointmentthathadbeenkeptnineyears。Thentheylaiditonabierandcovereditwithalinenclothfromheadtofoot，andoverthistheylaidafairwhiterobe。ThusallnightlongdidtheMyrmidonsgatherroundAchillestomournPatroclus。

ThenJovesaidtoJunohissister-wife，"So，QueenJuno，youhavegainedyourend，andhaverousedfleetAchilles。OnewouldthinkthattheAchaeanswereofyourownfleshandblood。"

AndJunoanswered，"DreadsonofSaturn，whyshouldyousaythisthing？Maynotamanthoughhebeonlymortalandknowslessthanwedo，dowhathecanforanotherperson？AndshallnotI-foremostofallgoddessesbothbydescentandaswifetoyouwhoreigninheaven-deviseevilfortheTrojansifIamangrywiththem？"

Thusdidtheyconverse。MeanwhileThetiscametothehouseofVulcan，imperishable，star-bespangled，fairestoftheabodesinheaven，ahouseofbronzewroughtbythelamegod’sownhands。Shefoundhimbusywithhisbellows，sweatingandhardatwork，forhewasmakingtwentytripodsthatweretostandbythewallofhishouse，andhesetwheelsofgoldunderthemallthattheymightgooftheirownselvestotheassembliesofthegods，andcomebackagain-marvelsindeedtosee。Theywerefinishedallbuttheearsofcunningworkmanshipwhichyetremainedtobefixedtothem:thesehewasnowfixing，andhewashammeringattherivets。Whilehewasthusatworksilver-footedThetiscametothehouse。Charis，ofgracefulhead-dress，wifetothefar-famedlamegod，cametowardsherassoonasshesawher，andtookherhandinherown，saying，"Whyhaveyoucometoourhouse，Thetis，honouredandeverwelcome-foryoudonotvisitusoften？Comeinsideandletmesetrefreshmentbeforeyou。"

Thegoddessledthewayasshespoke，andbadeThetissitonarichlydecoratedseatinlaidwithsilver；therewasafootstoolalsounderherfeet。ThenshecalledVulcanandsaid，"Vulcan，comehere，Thetiswantsyou"；andthefar-famedlamegodanswered，"Thenitisindeedanaugustandhonouredgoddesswhohascomehere；sheitwasthattookcareofmewhenIwassufferingfromtheheavyfallwhichIhadthroughmycruelmother’sanger-forshewouldhavegotridofmebecauseIwaslame。ItwouldhavegonehardlywithmehadnotEurynome，daughteroftheever-encirclingwatersofOceanus，andThetis，takenmetotheirbosom。NineyearsdidIstaywiththem，andmanybeautifulworksinbronze，brooches，spiralarmlets，cups，andchains，didImakeforthemintheircave，withtheroaringwatersofOceanusfoamingastheyrushedeverpastit；andnooneknew，neitherofgodsnormen，saveonlyThetisandEurynomewhotookcareofme。If，then，ThetishascometomyhouseImustmakeherduerequitalforhavingsavedme；entertainher，therefore，withallhospitality，whileIputbymybellowsandallmytools。"

Onthisthemightymonsterhobbledofffromhisanvil，histhinlegsplyinglustilyunderhim。Hesetthebellowsawayfromthefire，andgatheredhistoolsintoasilverchest。Thenhetookaspongeandwashedhisfaceandhands，hisshaggychestandbrawnyneck；hedonnedhisshirt，graspedhisstrongstaff，andlimpedtowardsthedoor。

Thereweregoldenhandmaidsalsowhoworkedforhim，andwerelikerealyoungwomen，withsenseandreason，voicealsoandstrength，andallthelearningoftheimmortals；thesebusiedthemselvesasthekingbadethem，whilehedrewneartoThetis，seatedheruponagoodlyseat，andtookherhandinhisown，saying，"Whyhaveyoucometoourhouse，Thetishonouredandeverwelcome-foryoudonotvisitusoften？Saywhatyouwant，andIwilldoitforyouatonceifIcan，andifitcanbedoneatall。"

Thetisweptandanswered，"Vulcan，isthereanothergoddessinOlympuswhomthesonofSaturnhasbeenpleasedtotrywithsomuchafflictionashehasme？Mealoneofthemarinegoddessesdidhemakesubjecttoamortalhusband，PeleussonofAeacus，andsorelyagainstmywilldidIsubmittotheembracesofonewhowasbutmortal，andwhonowstaysathomewornoutwithage。Neitheristhisall。Heavenvouchsafedmeason，heroamongheroes，andheshotupasasapling。ItendedhimasaplantinagoodlygardenandsenthimwithhisshipstoIliustofighttheTrojans，butnevershallI

welcomehimbacktothehouseofPeleus。Solongashelivestolookuponthelightofthesun，heisinheaviness，andthoughIgotohimIcannothelphim；KingAgamemnonhasmadehimgiveupthemaidenwhomthesonsoftheAchaeanshadawardedhim，andhewasteswithsorrowforhersake。ThentheTrojanshemmedtheAchaeansinattheirships’sternsandwouldnotletthemcomeforth；theelders，therefore，oftheArgivesbesoughtAchillesandofferedhimgreattreasure，whereonherefusedtobringdeliverancetothemhimself，butputhisownarmouronPatroclusandsenthimintothefightwithmuchpeopleafterhim。AlldaylongtheyfoughtbytheScaeangatesandwouldhavetakenthecitythereandthen，hadnotApollovouchsafedglorytoHectorandslainthevaliantsonofMenoetiusafterhehaddonetheTrojansmuchevil。ThereforeIamsuppliantatyourkneesifhaplyyoumaybepleasedtoprovidemyson，whoseendisnearathand，withhelmetandshield，withgoodlygreavesfittedwithancle-clasps，andwithabreastplate，forhelosthisownwhenhistruecomradefellatthehandsoftheTrojans，andhenowliesstretchedonearthinthebitternessofhissoul。"

AndVulcananswered，"Takeheart，andbenomoredisquietedaboutthismatter；wouldthatIcouldhidehimfromdeath’ssightwhenhishouriscome，sosurelyasIcanfindhimarmourthatshallamazetheeyesofallwhobeholdit。"

Whenhehadsosaidheleftherandwenttohisbellows，turningthemtowardsthefireandbiddingthemdotheiroffice。Twentybellowsblewuponthemelting-pots，andtheyblewblastsofeverykind，somefiercetohelphimwhenhehadneedofthem，andotherslessstrongasVulcanwilleditinthecourseofhiswork。Hethrewtoughcopperintothefire，andtin，withsilverandgold；hesethisgreatanvilonitsblock，andwithonehandgraspedhismightyhammerwhilehetookthetongsintheother。

Firstheshapedtheshieldsogreatandstrong，adorningitalloverandbindingitroundwithagleamingcircuitinthreelayers；andthebaldricwasmadeofsilver。Hemadetheshieldinfivethicknesses，andwithmanyawonderdidhiscunninghandenrichit。

Hewroughttheearth，theheavens，andthesea；themoonalsoatherfullandtheuntiringsun，withallthesignsthatglorifythefaceofheaven-thePleiads，theHyads，hugeOrion，andtheBear，whichmenalsocalltheWainandwhichturnsroundeverinoneplace，facing。

Orion，andaloneneverdipsintothestreamofOceanus。

Hewroughtalsotwocities，fairtoseeandbusywiththehumofmen。Intheonewereweddingsandwedding-feasts，andtheyweregoingaboutthecitywithbrideswhomtheywereescortingbytorchlightfromtheirchambers。LoudrosethecryofHymen，andtheyouthsdancedtothemusicoffluteandlyre，whilethewomenstoodeachatherhousedoortoseethem。

Meanwhilethepeopleweregatheredinassembly，fortherewasaquarrel，andtwomenwerewranglingabouttheblood-moneyforamanwhohadbeenkilled，theonesayingbeforethepeoplethathehadpaiddamagesinfull，andtheotherthathehadnotbeenpaid。Eachwastryingtomakehisowncasegood，andthepeopletooksides，eachmanbackingthesidethathehadtaken；buttheheraldskeptthemback，andtheelderssateontheirseatsofstoneinasolemncircle，holdingthestaveswhichtheheraldshadputintotheirhands。

Thentheyroseandeachinhisturngavejudgement，andthereweretwotalentslaiddown，tobegiventohimwhosejudgementshouldbedeemedthefairest。

Abouttheothercitytherelayencampedtwohostsingleamingarmour，andtheyweredividedwhethertosackit，ortospareitandacceptthehalfofwhatitcontained。Butthemenofthecitywouldnotyetconsent，andarmedthemselvesforasurprise；theirwivesandlittlechildrenkeptguarduponthewalls，andwiththemwerethemenwhowerepastfightingthroughage；buttheotherssalliedforthwithMarsandPallasMinervaattheirhead-bothofthemwroughtingoldandcladingoldenraiment，greatandfairwiththeirarmourasbefittinggods，whiletheythatfollowedweresmaller。Whentheyreachedtheplacewheretheywouldlaytheirambush，itwasonariverbedtowhichlivestockofallkindswouldcomefromfarandneartowater；here，then，theylayconcealed，cladinfullarmour。Somewayoffthemthereweretwoscoutswhowereonthelook-outforthecomingofsheeporcattle，whichpresentlycame，followedbytwoshepherdswhowereplayingontheirpipes，andhadnotsomuchasathoughtofdanger。Whenthosewhowereinambushsawthis，theycutofftheflocksandherdsandkilledtheshepherds。Meanwhilethebesiegers，whentheyheardmuchnoiseamongthecattleastheysatincouncil，sprangtotheirhorses，andmadewithallspeedtowardsthem；whentheyreachedthemtheysetbattleinarraybythebanksoftheriver，andthehostsaimedtheirbronze-shodspearsatoneanother。WiththemwereStrifeandRiot，andfellFatewhowasdraggingthreemenafterher，onewithafreshwound，andtheotherunwounded，whilethethirdwasdead，andshewasdragginghimalongbyhisheel:andherrobewasbedrabbledinmen’sblood。Theywentinandoutwithoneanotherandfoughtasthoughtheywerelivingpeoplehalingawayoneanother’sdead。

Hewroughtalsoafairfallowfield，largeandthriceploughedalready。Manymenwereworkingattheploughwithinit，turningtheiroxentoandfro，furrowafterfurrow。Eachtimethattheyturnedonreachingtheheadlandamanwouldcomeuptothemandgivethemacupofwine，andtheywouldgobacktotheirfurrowslookingforwardtothetimewhentheyshouldagainreachtheheadland。Thepartthattheyhadploughedwasdarkbehindthem，sothatthefield，thoughitwasofgold，stilllookedasifitwerebeingploughed-verycurioustobehold。

Hewroughtalsoafieldofharvestcorn，andthereaperswerereapingwithsharpsicklesintheirhands。Swatheafterswathefelltothegroundinastraightlinebehindthem，andthebindersboundtheminbandsoftwistedstraw。Therewerethreebinders，andbehindthemtherewereboyswhogatheredthecutcorninarmfulsandkeptonbringingthemtobebound:amongthemalltheownerofthelandstoodbyinsilenceandwasglad。Theservantsweregettingamealreadyunderanoak，fortheyhadsacrificedagreatox，andwerebusycuttinghimup，whilethewomenweremakingaporridgeofmuchwhitebarleyforthelabourers’dinner。

Hewroughtalsoavineyard，goldenandfairtosee，andthevineswereloadedwithgrapes。Thebunchesoverheadwereblack，butthevinesweretrainedonpolesofsilver。Heranaditchofdarkmetalallroundit，andfenceditwithafenceoftin；therewasonlyonepathtoit，andbythisthevintagerswentwhentheywouldgatherthevintage。Youthsandmaidensallblitheandfullofglee，carriedthelusciousfruitinplaitedbaskets；andwiththemtherewentaboywhomadesweetmusicwithhislyre，andsangtheLinus-songwithhisclearboyishvoice。

Hewroughtalsoaherdofhomedcattle。Hemadethecowsofgoldandtin，andtheylowedastheycamefullspeedoutoftheyardstogoandfeedamongthewavingreedsthatgrowbythebanksoftheriver。Alongwiththecattletherewentfourshepherds，allofthemingold，andtheirninefleetdogswentwiththem。Twoterriblelionshadfastenedonabellowingbullthatwaswiththeforemostcows，andbellowashemighttheyhaledhim，whilethedogsandmengavechase:thelionstorethroughthebull’sthickhideandweregorgingonhisbloodandbowels，buttheherdsmenwereafraidtodoanything，andonlyhoundedontheirdogs；thedogsdarednotfastenonthelionsbutstoodbybarkingandkeepingoutofharm’sway。

Thegodwroughtalsoapastureinafairmountaindell，andlargeflockofsheep，withahomesteadandhuts，andshelteredsheepfolds。

Furthermorehewroughtagreen，likethatwhichDaedalusoncemadeinCnossusforlovelyAriadne。Hereontheredancedyouthsandmaidenswhomallwouldwoo，withtheirhandsononeanother’swrists。Themaidensworerobesoflightlinen，andtheyouthswellwovenshirtsthatwereslightlyoiled。Thegirlswerecrownedwithgarlands，whiletheyoungmenhaddaggersofgoldthathungbysilverbaldrics；sometimestheywoulddancedeftlyinaringwithmerrytwinklingfeet，asitwereapottersittingathisworkandmakingtrialofhiswheeltoseewhetheritwillrun，andsometimestheywouldgoallinlinewithoneanother，andmuchpeoplewasgatheredjoyouslyaboutthegreen。Therewasabardalsotosingtothemandplayhislyre，whiletwotumblerswentaboutperforminginthemidstofthemwhenthemanstruckupwithhistune。

AllroundtheoutermostrimoftheshieldhesetthemightystreamoftheriverOceanus。

Thenwhenhehadfashionedtheshieldsogreatandstrong，hemadeabreastplatealsothatshonebrighterthanfire。Hemadehelmet，closefittingtothebrow，andrichlyworked，withagoldenplumeoverhangingit；andhemadegreavesalsoofbeatentin。

Lastly，whenthefamedlamegodhadmadeallthearmour，hetookitandsetitbeforethemotherofAchilles；whereonshedartedlikeafalconfromthesnowysummitsofOlympusandboreawaythegleamingarmourfromthehouseofVulcan。

BOOKXIX

NOWwhenDawninrobeofsaffronwashastingfromthestreamsofOceanus，tobringlighttomortalsandimmortals，Thetisreachedtheshipswiththearmourthatthegodhadgivenher。ShefoundhersonfallenaboutthebodyofPatroclusandweepingbitterly。Manyalsoofhisfollowerswereweepingroundhim，butwhenthegoddesscameamongthemsheclaspedhishandinherown，saying，"Myson，grieveaswemaywemustletthismanlie，foritisbyheaven’swillthathehasfallen；now，therefore，acceptfromVulcanthisrichandgoodlyarmour，whichnomanhaseveryetborneuponhisshoulders。"

AsshespokeshesetthearmourbeforeAchilles，anditrangoutbravelyasshedidso。TheMyrmidonswerestruckwithawe，andnonedaredlookfullatit，fortheywereafraid；butAchilleswasrousedtostillgreaterfury，andhiseyesgleamedwithafiercelight，forhewasgladwhenhehandledthesplendidpresentwhichthegodhadmadehim。Then，assoonashehadsatisfiedhimselfwithlookingatit，hesaidtohismother，"Mother，thegodhasgivenmearmour，meethandiworkforanimmortalandsuchasnolivingcouldhavefashioned；Iwillnowarm，butImuchfearthatflieswillsettleuponthesonofMenoetiusandbreedwormsabouthiswounds，sothathisbody，nowheisdead，willbedisfiguredandthefleshwillrot。"

Silver-footedThetisanswered，"Myson，benotdisquietedaboutthismatter。Iwillfindmeanstoprotecthimfromtheswarmsofnoisomefliesthatpreyonthebodiesofmenwhohavebeenkilledinbattle。

Hemaylieforawholeyear，andhisfleshshallstillbeassoundasever，orevensounder。Call，therefore，theAchaeanheroesinassembly；unsayyourangeragainstAgamemnon；armatonce，andfightwithmightandmain。"

Asshespokesheputstrengthandcourageintohisheart，andshethendroppedambrosiaandrednectarintothewoundsofPatroclus，thathisbodymightsuffernochange。

ThenAchilleswentoutupontheseashore，andwithaloudcrycalledontheAchaeanheroes。Onthiseventhosewhoasyethadstayedalwaysattheships，thepilotsandhelmsmen，andeventhestewardswhowereabouttheshipsandservedoutrations，allcametotheplaceofassemblybecauseAchilleshadshownhimselfafterhavingheldaloofsolongfromfighting。TwosonsofMars，UlyssesandthesonofTydeus，camelimping，fortheirwoundsstillpainedthem；neverthelesstheycame，andtooktheirseatsinthefrontrowoftheassembly。LastofallcameAgamemnon，kingofmen，hetoowounded，forCoonsonofAntenorhadstruckhimwithaspearinbattle。

WhentheAchaeansweregottogetherAchillesroseandsaid，"SonofAtreus，surelyitwouldhavebeenbetteralikeforbothyouandme，whenwetwowereinsuchhighangeraboutBriseis，surelyitwouldhavebeenbetter，hadDiana’sarrowslainherattheshipsonthedaywhenItookherafterhavingsackedLyrnessus。Forso，manyanAchaeanthelesswouldhavebittendustbeforethefoeinthedaysofmyanger。IthasbeenwellforHectorandtheTrojans，buttheAchaeanswilllongindeedrememberourquarrel。Now，however，letitbe，foritisover。Ifwehavebeenangry，necessityhasschooledouranger。Iputitfromme:Idarenotnurseitforever；

therefore，bidtheAchaeansarmforthwiththatImaygooutagainsttheTrojans，andlearnwhethertheywillbeinamindtosleepbytheshipsorno。Glad，Iween，willhebetoresthiskneeswhomayflymyspearwhenIwieldit。"

Thusdidhespeak，andtheAchaeansrejoicedinthathehadputawayhisanger。

ThenAgamemnonspoke，risinginhisplace，andnotgoingintothemiddleoftheassembly。"Danaanheroes，"saidhe，"servantsofMars，itiswelltolistenwhenamanstandsuptospeak，anditisnotseemlytointerrupthim，oritwillgohardevenwithapractisedspeaker。Whocaneitherhearorspeakinanuproar？Eventhefinestoratorwillbedisconcertedbyit。IwillexpoundtothesonofPeleus，anddoyouotherAchaeansheedmeandmarkmewell。OftenhavetheAchaeansspokentomeofthismatterandupbraidedme，butitwasnotIthatdidit:Jove，andFate，andErinysthatwalksindarknessstruckmemadwhenwewereassembledonthedaythatItookfromAchillesthemeedthathadbeenawardedtohim。WhatcouldI

do？Allthingsareinthehandofheaven，andFolly，eldestofJove’sdaughters，shutsmen’seyestotheirdestruction。Shewalksdelicately，notonthesolidearth，buthoversovertheheadsofmentomakethemstumbleortoensnarethem。

"TimewaswhenshefooledJovehimself，whotheysayisgreatestwhetherofgodsormen；forJuno，womanthoughshewas，beguiledhimonthedaywhenAlcmenawastobringforthmightyHerculesinthefaircityofThebes。Hetolditoutamongthegodssaying，’Hearmeallgodsandgoddesses，thatImayspeakevenasIamminded；thisdayshallanIlithuia，helperofwomenwhoareinlabour，bringamanchildintotheworldwhoshallbelordoverallthatdwellabouthimwhoareofmybloodandlineage。’ThensaidJunoallcraftyandfullofguile，’Youwillplayfalse，andwillnotholdtoyourword。

Swearme，OOlympian，swearmeagreatoath，thathewhoshallthisdayfallbetweenthefeetofawoman，shallbelordoverallthatdwellabouthimwhoareofyourbloodandlineage。’

"Thusshespoke，andJovesuspectedhernot，butsworethegreatoath，tohismuchruingthereafter。ForJunodarteddownfromthehighsummitofOlympus，andwentinhastetoAchaeanArgoswheresheknewthatthenoblewifeofSthenelussonofPerseusthenwas。Shebeingwithchildandinherseventhmonth，Junobroughtthechildtobirththoughtherewasamonthstillwanting，butshestayedtheoffspringofAlcmena，andkeptbacktheIlithuiae。ThenshewenttotellJovethesonofSaturn，andsaid，’FatherJove，lordofthelightning-I

haveawordforyourear。Thereisafinechildbornthisday，Eurystheus，sontoSthenelusthesonofPerseus；heisofyourlineage；itiswell，therefore，thatheshouldreignovertheArgives。’

"OnthisJovewasstungtotheveryquick，andinhisragehecaughtFollybythehair，andsworeagreatoaththatnevershouldsheagaininvadestarryheavenandOlympus，forshewasthebaneofall。