第9章

Thenhewhirledherroundwithatwistofhishand，andflungherdownfromheavensothatshefellontothefieldsofmortalmen；andhewaseverangrywithherwhenhesawhissongroaningunderthecruellaboursthatEurystheuslaiduponhim。EvensodidIgrievewhenmightyHectorwaskillingtheArgivesattheirships，andallthetimeIkeptthinkingofFollywhohadsobanedme。Iwasblind，andJoverobbedmeofmyreason；Iwillnowmakeatonement，andwilladdmuchtreasurebywayofamends。Go，therefore，intobattle，youandyourpeoplewithyou。IwillgiveyouallthatUlyssesofferedyouyesterdayinyourtents:orifitsopleaseyou，wait，thoughyouwouldfainfightatonce，andmysquiresshallbringthegiftsfrommyship，thatyoumayseewhetherwhatIgiveyouisenough。"

AndAchillesanswered，"SonofAtreus，kingofmenAgamemnon，youcangivesuchgiftsasyouthinkproper，oryoucanwithholdthem:

itisinyourownhands。Letusnowsetbattleinarray；itisnotwelltotarrytalkingabouttrifles，forthereisadeedwhichisasyettodo。Achillesshallagainbeseenfightingamongtheforemost，andlayinglowtheranksoftheTrojans:bearthisinmindeachoneofyouwhenheisfighting。"

ThenUlyssessaid，"Achilles，godlikeandbrave，sendnottheAchaeansthusagainstIliustofighttheTrojansfasting，forthebattlewillbenobriefone，whenitisoncebegun，andheavenhasfilledbothsideswithfury；bidthemfirsttakefoodbothbreadandwinebytheships，forinthisthereisstrengthandstay。Nomancandobattlethelivelongdaytothegoingdownofthesunifheiswithoutfood；howevermuchhemaywanttofighthisstrengthwillfailhimbeforeheknowsit；hungerandthirstwillfindhimout，andhislimbswillgrowwearyunderhim。Butamancanfightalldayifheisfullfedwithmeatandwine；hisheartbeatshigh，andhisstrengthwillstaytillhehasroutedallhisfoes；therefore，sendthepeopleawayandbidthempreparetheirmeal；KingAgamemnonwillbringoutthegiftsinpresenceoftheassembly，thatallmayseethemandyoumaybesatisfied。MoreoverlethimswearanoathbeforetheArgivesthathehasnevergoneupintothecouchofBriseis，norbeenwithherafterthemannerofmenandwomen；anddoyou，too，showyourselfofagraciousmind；letAgamemnonentertainyouinhistentswithafeastofreconciliation，thatsoyoumayhavehadyourduesinfull。Asforyou，sonofAtreus，treatpeoplemorerighteouslyinfuture；itisnodisgraceeventoakingthatheshouldmakeamendsifhewaswronginthefirstinstance。"

AndKingAgamemnonanswered，"SonofLaertes，yourwordspleasemewell，forthroughoutyouhavespokenwisely。Iwillswearasyouwouldhavemedo；Idosoofmyownfreewill，neithershallItakethenameofheaveninvain。Let，then，Achilleswait，thoughhewouldfainfightatonce，anddoyouotherswaitalso，tillthegiftscomefrommytentandweratifytheoathwithsacrifice。Thus，then，doIchargeyou:takesomenobleyoungAchaeanswithyou，andbringfrommytentsthegiftsthatIpromisedyesterdaytoAchilles，andbringthewomenalso；furthermoreletTalthybiusfindmeaboarfromthosethatarewiththehost，andmakeitreadyforsacrificetoJoveandtothesun。"

ThensaidAchilles，"SonofAtreus，kingofmenAgamemnon，seetothesemattersatsomeotherseason，whenthereisbreathingtimeandwhenIamcalmer。WouldyouhavemeneatwhilethebodiesofthosewhomHectorsonofPriamslewarestilllyingmangledupontheplain？LetthesonsoftheAchaeans，sayI，fightfastingandwithoutfood，tillwehaveavengedthem；afterwardsatthegoingdownofthesunletthemeattheirfill。Asforme，Patroclusislyingdeadinmytent，allhackedandhewn，withhisfeettothedoor，andhiscomradesaremourningroundhim。ThereforeIcantakethoughtofnothingsaveonlyslaughterandbloodandtherattleinthethroatofthedying。"

Ulyssesanswered，"Achilles，sonofPeleus，mightiestofalltheAchaeans，inbattleyouarebetterthanI，andthatmorethanalittle，butincounselIammuchbeforeyou，forIamolderandofgreaterknowledge。Thereforebepatientundermywords。Fightingisathingofwhichmensoonsurfeit，andwhenJove，whoiswarssteward，weighstheupshot，itmaywellprovethatthestrawwhichoursickleshavereapedisfarheavierthanthegrain。ItmaynotbethattheAchaeansshouldmournthedeadwiththeirbellies；daybydaymenfallthickandthreefoldcontinually；whenshouldwehaverespitefromoursorrow？Letusmournourdeadforadayandburythemoutofsightandmind，butletthoseofuswhoarelefteatanddrinkthatwemayarmandfightourfoesmorefiercely。Inthathourletnomanholdback，waitingforasecondsummons；suchsummonsshallbodeillforhimwhoisfoundlaggingbehindatourships；letusrathersallyasonemanandloosethefuryofwarupontheTrojans。"

WhenhehadthusspokenhetookwithhimthesonsofNestor，withMegessonofPhyleus，Thoas，Meriones，LycomedessonofCreontes，andMelanippus，andwenttothetentofAgamemnonsonofAtreus。Thewordwasnotsoonersaidthanthedeedwasdone:theybroughtouttheseventripodswhichAgamemnonhadpromised，withthetwentymetalcauldronsandthetwelvehorses；theyalsobroughtthewomenskilledinusefularts，seveninnumber，withBriseis，whichmadeeight。Ulyssesweighedoutthetentalentsofgoldandthenledthewayback，whiletheyoungAchaeansbroughttherestofthegifts，andlaidtheminthemiddleoftheassembly。

Agamemnonthenrose，andTalthybiuswhosevoicewaslikethatofagodcametohimwiththeboar。ThesonofAtreusdrewtheknifewhichheworebythescabbardofhismightysword，andbeganbycuttingoffsomebristlesfromtheboar，liftinguphishandsinprayerashedidso。TheotherAchaeanssatwheretheywereallsilentandorderlytoheartheking，andAgamemnonlookedintothevaultofheavenandprayedsaying，"IcallJovethefirstandmightiestofallgodstowitness，IcallalsoEarthandSunandtheErinyeswhodwellbelowandtakevengeanceonhimwhoshallswearfalsely，thatIhavelaidnohanduponthegirlBriseis，neithertotakehertomybednorotherwise，butthatshehasremainedinmytentsinviolate。IfIswearfalselymayheavenvisitmewithallthepenaltieswhichitmetesouttothosewhoperjurethemselves。"

Hecuttheboar’sthroatashespoke，whereonTalthybiuswhirleditroundhishead，andflungitintothewideseatofeedthefishes。ThenAchillesalsoroseandsaidtotheArgives，"FatherJove，ofatruthyoublindmen’seyesandbanethem。ThesonofAtreushadnotelsestirredmetosofierceananger，norsostubbornlytakenBriseisfrommeagainstmywill。SurelyJovemusthavecounselledthedestructionofmanyanArgive。Go，now，andtakeyourfoodthatwemaybeginfighting。"

Onthishebrokeuptheassembly，andeverymanwentbacktohisownship。TheMyrmidonsattendedtothepresentsandtookthemawaytotheshipofAchilles。Theyplacedtheminhistents，whilethestable-mendrovethehorsesinamongtheothers。

Briseis，fairasVenus，whenshesawthemangledbodyofPatroclus，flungherselfuponitandcriedaloud，tearingherbreast，herneck，andherlovelyfacewithbothherhands。Beautifulasagoddesssheweptandsaid，"Patroclus，dearestfriend，whenI

wenthenceIleftyouliving；Ireturn，Oprince，tofindyoudead；

thusdofreshsorrowsmultiplyuponmeoneaftertheother。Isawhimtowhommyfatherandmothermarriedme，cutdownbeforeourcity，andmythreeowndearbrothersperishedwithhimontheself-sameday；

butyou，Patroclus，evenwhenAchillesslewmyhusbandandsackedthecityofnobleMynes，toldmethatIwasnottoweep，foryousaidyouwouldmakeAchillesmarryme，andtakemebackwithhimtoPhthia，weshouldhaveaweddingfeastamongtheMyrmidons。YouwerealwayskindtomeandIshallneverceasetogrieveforyou。"

Sheweptasshespoke，andthewomenjoinedinherlament-makingasthoughtheirtearswereforPatroclus，butintrutheachwasweepingforherownsorrows。TheeldersoftheAchaeansgatheredroundAchillesandprayedhimtotakefood，buthegroanedandwouldnotdoso。"Iprayyou，"saidhe，"ifanycomradewillhearme，bidmeneithereatnordrink，forIamingreatheaviness，andwillstayfastingeventothegoingdownofthesun。"

Onthishesenttheotherprincesaway，saveonlythetwosonsofAtreusandUlysses，Nestor，Idomeneus，andtheknightPhoenix，whostayedbehindandtriedtocomforthiminthebitternessofhissorrow:buthewouldnotbecomfortedtillheshouldhaveflunghimselfintothejawsofbattle，andhefetchedsighonsigh，thinkingeverofPatroclus。Thenhesaid-

"Haplessanddearestcomrade，youitwaswhowouldgetagooddinnerreadyformeatonceandwithoutdelaywhentheAchaeanswerehastingtofighttheTrojans；now，therefore，thoughIhavemeatanddrinkinmytents，yetwillIfastforsorrow。GriefgreaterthanthisIcouldnotknow，noteventhoughIweretohearofthedeathofmyfather，whoisnowinPhthiaweepingforthelossofmehisson，whoamherefightingtheTrojansinastrangelandfortheaccursedsakeofHelen，noryetthoughIshouldhearthatmysonisnomore-hewhoisbeingbroughtupinScyros-ifindeedNeoptolemusisstillliving。TillnowImadesurethatIalonewastofallhereatTroyawayfromArgos，whileyouweretoreturntoPhthia，bringbackmysonwithyouinyourownship，andshowhimallmyproperty，mybondsmen，andthegreatnessofmyhouse-forPeleusmustsurelybeeitherdead，orwhatlittleliferemainstohimisoppressedalikewiththeinfirmitiesofageandeverpresentfearlestheshouldhearthesadtidingsofmydeath。"

Heweptashespoke，andtheelderssighedinconcertaseachthoughtonwhathehadleftathomebehindhim。ThesonofSaturnlookeddownwithpityuponthem，andsaidpresentlytoMinerva，"Mychild，youhavequitedesertedyourhero；ishethengonesocleanoutofyourrecollection？Therehesitsbytheshipsalldesolateforthelossofhisdearcomrade，andthoughtheothersaregonetotheirdinnerhewillneithereatnordrink。Gothenanddropnectarandambrosiaintohisbreast，thathemayknownohunger。"

WiththesewordsheurgedMinerva，whowasalreadyofthesamemind。

Shedarteddownfromheavenintotheairlikesomefalconsailingonhisbroadwingsandscreaming。MeanwhiletheAchaeanswerearmingthroughoutthehost，andwhenMinervahaddroppednectarandambrosiaintoAchillessothatnocruelhungershouldcausehislimbstofailhim，shewentbacktothehouseofhermightyfather。

Thickasthechillsnow-flakesshedfromthehandofJoveandborneonthekeenblastsofthenorthwind，evensothickdidthegleaminghelmets，thebossedshields，thestronglyplatedbreastplates，andtheashenspearsstreamfromtheships。Thesheenpiercedthesky，thewholelandwasradiantwiththeirflashingarmour，andthesoundofthetrampoftheirtreadingrosefromundertheirfeet。InthemidstofthemallAchillesputonhisarmour；hegnashedhisteeth，hiseyesgleamedlikefire，forhisgriefwasgreaterthanhecouldbear。Thus，then，fulloffuryagainsttheTrojans，didhedonthegiftofthegod，thearmourthatVulcanhadmadehim。

Firstheputonthegoodlygreavesfittedwithancle-clasps，andnexthedidonthebreastplateabouthischest。Heslungthesilver-studdedswordofbronzeabouthisshoulders，andthentookuptheshieldsogreatandstrongthatshoneafarwithasplendourasofthemoon。Asthelightseenbysailorsfromoutatsea，whenmenhavelitafireintheirhomesteadhighupamongthemountains，butthesailorsarecarriedouttoseabywindandstormfarfromthehavenwheretheywouldbe-evensodidthegleamofAchilles’wondrousshieldstrikeupintotheheavens。Heliftedtheredoubtablehelmet，andsetituponhishead，fromwhenceitshonelikeastar，andthegoldenplumeswhichVulcanhadsetthickabouttheridgeofthehelmet，wavedallaroundit。ThenAchillesmadetrialofhimselfinhisarmourtoseewhetheritfittedhim，sothathislimbscouldplayfreelyunderit，anditseemedtobuoyhimupasthoughithadbeenwings。

Healsodrewhisfather’sspearoutofthespear-stand，aspearsogreatandheavyandstrongthatnoneoftheAchaeanssaveonlyAchilleshadstrengthtowieldit；thiswasthespearofPelianashfromthetopmostridgesofMt。Pelion，whichChironhadoncegiventoPeleus，fraughtwiththedeathofheroes。AutomedonandAlcimusbusiedthemselveswiththeharnessingofhishorses；theymadethebandsfastaboutthem，andputthebitintheirmouths，drawingthereinsbacktowardsthechariot。Automedon，whipinhand，sprangupbehindthehorses，andafterhimAchillesmountedinfullarmour，resplendentasthesun-godHyperion。Thenwithaloudvoicehechidedwithhisfather’shorsessaying，"XanthusandBalius，famedoffspringofPodarge-thistimewhenwehavedonefightingbesureandbringyourdriversafelybacktothehostoftheAchaeans，anddonotleavehimdeadontheplainasyoudidPatroclus。"

ThenfleetXanthusansweredundertheyoke-forwhite-armedJunohadendowedhimwithhumanspeech-andhebowedhisheadtillhismanetouchedthegroundasithungdownfromundertheyoke-band。"DreadAchilles，"saidhe，"wewillindeedsaveyounow，butthedayofyourdeathisnear，andtheblamewillnotbeours，foritwillbeheavenandsternfatethatwilldestroyyou。NeitherwasitthroughanyslothorslacknessonourpartthattheTrojansstrippedPatroclusofhisarmour；itwasthemightygodwhomlovelyLetoborethatslewhimashefoughtamongtheforemost，andvouchsafedatriumphtoHector。WetwocanflyasswiftlyasZephyruswhotheysayisfleetestofallwinds；neverthelessitisyourdoomtofallbythehandofamanandofagod。"

WhenhehadthussaidtheErinyesstayedhisspeech，andAchillesansweredhimingreatsadness，saying，"Why，OXanthus，doyouthusforetellmydeath？Youneednotdoso，forIwellknowthatIamtofallhere，farfrommydearfatherandmother；nonethemore，however，shallIstaymyhandtillIhavegiventheTrojanstheirfilloffighting。"

Sosaying，withaloudcryhedrovehishorsestothefront。

BOOKXX

THUS，then，didtheAchaeansarmbytheirshipsroundyou，OsonofPeleus，whowerehungeringforbattle；whiletheTrojansoveragainstthemarmedupontheriseoftheplain。

MeanwhileJovefromthetopofmany-delledOlympus，badeThemisgatherthegodsincouncil，whereonshewentaboutandcalledthemtothehouseofJove。TherewasnotariverabsentexceptOceanus，norasingleoneofthenymphsthathauntfairgroves，orspringsofriversandmeadowsofgreengrass。Whentheyreachedthehouseofcloud-compellingJove，theytooktheirseatsinthearcadesofpolishedmarblewhichVulcanwithhisconsummateskillhadmadeforfatherJove。

Insuchwise，therefore，didtheygatherinthehouseofJove。

Neptunealso，lordoftheearthquake，obeyedthecallofthegoddess，andcameupoutoftheseatojointhem。There，sittinginthemidstofthem，heaskedwhatJove’spurposemightbe。"Why，"

saidhe，"wielderofthelightning，haveyoucalledthegodsincouncil？AreyouconsideringsomematterthatconcernstheTrojansandAchaeans-fortheblazeofbattleisonthepointofbeingkindledbetweenthem？"

AndJoveanswered，"Youknowmypurpose，shakerofearth，andwhereforeIhavecalledyouhither。Itakethoughtforthemevenintheirdestruction。FormyownpartIshallstayhereseatedonMt。

Olympusandlookoninpeace，butdoyouothersgoaboutamongTrojansandAchaeans，andhelpeithersideasyoumaybeseverallydisposed。

IfAchillesfightstheTrojanswithouthindrancetheywillmakenostandagainsthim；theyhaveevertrembledatthesightofhim，andnowthatheisrousedtosuchfuryabouthiscomrade，hewilloverridefateitselfandstormtheircity。"

ThusspokeJoveandgavethewordforwar，whereonthegodstooktheirseveralsidesandwentintobattle。Juno，PallasMinerva，earth-encirclingNeptune，Mercurybringerofgoodluckandexcellentinallcunning-allthesejoinedthehostthatcamefromtheships；

withthemalsocameVulcaninallhisglory，limping，butyetwithhisthinlegsplyinglustilyunderhim。MarsofgleaminghelmetjoinedtheTrojans，andwithhimApollooflocksunshorn，andthearchergoddessDiana，Leto，Xanthus，andlaughter-lovingVenus。

SolongasthegodsheldthemselvesalooffrommortalwarriorstheAchaeansweretriumphant，forAchilleswhohadlongrefusedtofightwasnowwiththem。TherewasnotaTrojanbuthislimbsfailedhimforfearashebeheldthefleetsonofPeleusallgloriousinhisarmour，andlookinglikeMarshimself。When，however，theOlympianscametotaketheirpartamongmen，forthwithuprosestrongStrife，rouserofhosts，andMinervaraisedherloudvoice，nowstandingbythedeeptrenchthatranoutsidethewall，andnowshoutingwithallhermightupontheshoreofthesoundingsea。Marsalsobellowedoutupontheotherside，darkassomeblackthunder-cloud，andcalledontheTrojansatthetopofhisvoice，nowfromtheacropolis，andnowspeedingupthesideoftheriverSimoistillhecametothehillCallicolone。

Thusdidthegodsspuronbothhoststofight，androusefiercecontentionalsoamongthemselves。Thesireofgodsandmenthunderedfromheavenabove，whilefrombeneathNeptuneshookthevastearth，andbadethehighhillstremble。Thespursandcrestsofmany-fountainedIdaquaked，asalsothecityoftheTrojansandtheshipsoftheAchaeans。Hades，kingoftherealmsbelow，wasstruckwithfear；hesprangpanic-strickenfromhisthroneandcriedaloudinterrorlestNeptune，lordoftheearthquake，shouldcrackthegroundoverhishead，andlaybarehismouldymansionstothesightofmortalsandimmortals-mansionssoghastlygrimthateventhegodsshuddertothinkofthem。Suchwastheuproarasthegodscametogetherinbattle。ApollowithhisarrowstookhisstandtofaceKingNeptune，whileMinervatookhersagainstthegodofwar；thearcher-goddessDianawithhergoldenarrows，sisteroffar-dartingApollo，stoodtofaceJuno；MercurythelustybringerofgoodluckfacedLeto，whilethemightyeddyingriverwhommencanScamander，butgodsXanthus，matchedhimselfagainstVulcan。

Thegods，then，werethusrangedagainstoneanother。ButtheheartofAchilleswassetonmeetingHectorsonofPriam，foritwaswithhisbloodthathelongedaboveallthingselsetoglutthestubbornlordofbattle。MeanwhileApollosetAeneasontoattackthesonofPeleus，andputcourageintohisheart，speakingwiththevoiceofLycaonsonofPriam。Inhislikenesstherefore，hesaidtoAeneas，"Aeneas，counselloroftheTrojans，wherearenowthebravewordswithwhichyouvauntedoveryourwinebeforetheTrojanprinces，sayingthatyouwouldfightAchillessonofPeleusinsinglecombat？"

AndAeneasanswered，"WhydoyouthusbidmefighttheproudsonofPeleus，whenIaminnomindtodoso？WereItofacehimnow，itwouldnotbeforthefirsttime。HisspearhasalreadyputmetoRightfromIda，whenheattackedourcattleandsackedLyrnessusandPedasus；Joveindeedsavedmeinthathevouchsafedmestrengthtofly，elsehadthefallenbythehandsofAchillesandMinerva，whowentbeforehimtoprotecthimandurgedhimtofallupontheLelegaeandTrojans。NomanmayfightAchilles，foroneofthegodsisalwayswithhimashisguardianangel，andevenwereitnotso，hisweaponflieseverstraight，andfailsnottopiercethefleshofhimwhoisagainsthim；ifheavenwouldletmefighthimoneventermsheshouldnotsoonovercomeme，thoughheboaststhatheismadeofbronze。"

ThensaidKingApollo，sontoJove，"Nay，hero，praytotheever-livinggods，formensaythatyouwerebornofJove’sdaughterVenus，whereasAchillesissontoagoddessofinferiorrank。VenusischildtoJove，whileThetisisbutdaughtertotheoldmanofthesea。

Bring，therefore，yourspeartobearuponhim，andlethimnotscareyouwithhistauntsandmenaces。"

Ashespokeheputcourageintotheheartoftheshepherdofhispeople，andhestrodeinfullarmouramongtheranksoftheforemostfighters。NordidthesonofAnchisesescapethenoticeofwhite-armedJuno，ashewentforthintothethrongtomeetAchilles。Shecalledthegodsabouther，andsaid，"Looktoit，youtwo，NeptuneandMinerva，andconsiderhowthisshallbe；PhoebusApollohasbeensendingAeneascladinfullarmourtofightAchilles。Shallweturnhimbackatonce，orshalloneofusstandbyAchillesandendowhimwithstrengthsothathisheartfailnot，andhemaylearnthatthechiefsoftheimmortalsareonhisside，whiletheotherswhohaveallalongbeendefendingtheTrojansarebutvainhelpers？LetusallcomedownfromOlympusandjoininthefight，thatthisdayhemaytakenohurtatthehandsoftheTrojans。Hereafterlethimsufferwhateverfatemayhavespunoutforhimwhenhewasbegottenandhismotherborehim。IfAchillesbenotthusassuredbythevoiceofagod，hemaycometofearpresentlywhenoneofusmeetshiminbattle，forthegodsareterribleiftheyareseenfacetoface。"

Neptunelordoftheearthquakeansweredhersaying，"Juno，restrainyourfury；itisnotwell；Iamnotinfavourofforcingtheothergodstofightus，fortheadvantageistoogreatlyonourownside；letustakeourplacesonsomehilloutofthebeatentrack，andletmortalsfightitoutamongthemselves。IfMarsorPhoebusApollobeginfighting，orkeepAchillesinchecksothathecannotfight，wetoo，willatonceraisethecryofbattle，andinthatcasetheywillsoonleavethefieldandgobackvanquishedtoOlympusamongtheothergods。"

Withthesewordsthedark-hairedgodledthewaytothehighearth-barrowofHercules，builtroundsolidmasonry，andmadebytheTrojansandPallasMinervaforhimflytowhenthesea-monsterwaschasinghimfromtheshoreontotheplain。HereNeptuneandthosethatwerewithhimtooktheirseats，wrappedinathickcloudofdarkness；buttheothergodsseatedthemselvesonthebrowofCallicoloneroundyou，OPhoebus，andMarsthewasterofcities。

Thusdidthegodssitapartandformtheirplans，butneithersidewaswillingtobeginbattlewiththeother，andJovefromhisseatonhighwasincommandoverthemall。Meanwhilethewholeplainwasalivewithmenandhorses，andblazingwiththegleamofarmour。Theearthrangagainunderthetrampoftheirfeetastheyrushedtowardseachother，andtwochampions，byfartheforemostofthemall，metbetweenthehoststofight-towit，AeneassonofAnchises，andnobleAchilles。

Aeneaswasfirsttostrideforwardinattack，hisdoughtyhelmettossingdefianceashecameon。Heheldhisstrongshieldbeforehisbreast，andbrandishedhisbronzespear。ThesonofPeleusfromtheothersidesprangforthtomeethim，fikesomefiercelionthatthewholecountry-sidehasmettohuntandkill-atfirsthebodesnoill，butwhensomedaringyouthhasstruckhimwithaspear，hecrouchesopenmouthed，hisjawsfoam，heroarswithfury，helasheshistailfromsidetosideabouthisribsandloins，andglaresashespringsstraightbeforehim，tofindoutwhetherheistoslay，orbeslainamongtheforemostofhisfoes-evenwithsuchfurydidAchillesburntospringuponAeneas。

WhentheywerenowcloseupwithoneanotherAchilleswasfirsttospeak。"Aeneas，"saidhe，"whydoyoustandthusoutbeforethehosttofightme？IsitthatyouhopetoreignovertheTrojansintheseatofPriam？Nay，thoughyoukillmePriamwillnothandhiskingdomovertoyou。Heisamanofsoundjudgement，andhehassonsofhisown。OrhavetheTrojansbeenallottingyouademesneofpassingrichness，fairwithorchardlawnsandcornlands，ifyoushouldslayme？Thisyoushallhardlydo。Ihavediscomfitedyouoncealready。HaveyouforgottenhowwhenyouwerealoneIchasedyoufromyourherdshelter-skelterdowntheslopesofIda？Youdidnotturnroundtolookbehindyou；youtookrefugeinLyrnessus，butIattackedthecity，andwiththehelpofMinervaandfatherJoveIsackeditandcarrieditswomenintocaptivity，thoughJoveandtheothergodsrescuedyou。Youthinktheywillprotectyounow，buttheywillnotdoso；thereforeIsaygobackintothehost，anddonotfaceme，oryouwillrueit。Evenafoolmaybewiseaftertheevent。"

ThenAeneasanswered，"SonofPeleus，thinknotthatyourwordscanscaremeasthoughIwereachild。Itoo，ifIwill，canbragandtalkunseemly。Weknowoneanother’sraceandparentageasmattersofcommonfame，thoughneitherhaveyoueverseenmyparentsnorI

yours。MensaythatyouaresontonoblePeleus，andthatyourmotherisThetis，fair-haireddaughterofthesea。IhavenobleAnchisesformyfather，andVenusformymother；theparentsofoneorotherofusshallthisdaymournason，foritwillbemorethansillytalkthatshallpartuswhenthefightisover。Learn，then，mylineageifyouwill-anditisknowntomany。

"InthebeginningDardanuswasthesonofJove，andfoundedDardania，forIliuswasnotyetstablishedontheplainformentodwellin，andherpeoplestillabodeonthespursofmany-fountainedIda。Dardanushadason，kingErichthonius，whowaswealthiestofallmenliving；hehadthreethousandmaresthatfedbythewater-meadows，theyandtheirfoalswiththem。Boreaswasenamouredofthemastheywerefeeding，andcoveredtheminthesemblanceofadark-manedstallion。Twelvefillyfoalsdidtheyconceiveandbearhim，andthese，astheyspedovertherichplain，wouldgoboundingonovertheripeearsofcornandnotbreakthem；oragainwhentheywoulddisportthemselvesonthebroadbackofOceantheycouldgalloponthecrestofabreaker。ErichthoniusbegatTros，kingoftheTrojans，andTroshadthreenoblesons，Ilus，Assaracus，andGanymedewhowascomeliestofmortalmen；whereforethegodscarriedhimofftobeJove’scupbearer，forhisbeauty’ssake，thathemightdwellamongtheimmortals。IlusbegatLaomedon，andLaomedonbegatTithonus，Priam，Lampus，Clytius，andHiketaonofthestockofMars。

ButAssaracuswasfathertoCapys，andCapystoAnchises，whowasmyfather，whileHectorissontoPriam。

"SuchdoIdeclaremybloodandlineage，butasforvalour，Jovegivesitortakesitashewill，forheislordofall。Andnowlettherebenomoreofthispratinginmid-battleasthoughwewerechildren。Wecouldflingtauntswithoutendatoneanother；ahundred-oaredgalleywouldnotholdthem。Thetonguecanrunallwhithersandtalkallwise；itcangohereandthere，andasamansays，soshallhebegainsaid。Whatistheuseofourbandyinghardlikewomenwhowhentheyfallfoulofoneanothergooutandwrangleinthestreets，onehalftrueandtheotherlies，asrageinspiresthem？NowordsofyoursshallturnmenowthatIamfaintofight-

thereforeletusmaketrialofoneanotherwithourspears。"

AshespokehedrovehisspearatthegreatandterribleshieldofAchilles，whichrangoutasthepointstruckit。ThesonofPeleusheldtheshieldbeforehimwithhisstronghand，andhewasafraid，forhedeemedthatAeneas’sspearwouldgothroughitquiteeasily，notreflectingthatthegod’sgloriousgiftswerelittlelikelytoyieldbeforetheblowsofmortalmen；andindeedAeneas’sspeardidnotpiercetheshield，forthelayerofgold，giftofthegod，stayedthepoint。Itwentthroughtwolayers，butthegodhadmadetheshieldinfive，twoofbronze，thetwoinnermostonesoftin，andoneofgold；itwasinthisthatthespearwasstayed。

Achillesinhisturnthrew，andstrucktheroundshieldofAeneasattheveryedge，wherethebronzewasthinnest；thespearofPelianashwentcleanthrough，andtheshieldrangundertheblow；Aeneaswasafraid，andcrouchedbackwards，holdingtheshieldawayfromhim；

thespear，however，flewoverhisback，andstuckquiveringintheground，afterhavinggonethroughbothcirclesoftheshelteringshield。Aeneasthoughhehadavoidedthespear，stoodstill，blindedwithfearandgriefbecausetheweaponhadgonesonearhim；thenAchillessprangfuriouslyuponhim，withacryasofdeathandwithhiskeenbladedrawn，andAeneasseizedagreatstone，sohugethattwomen，asmennoware，wouldbeunabletoliftit，butAeneaswieldeditquiteeasily。

AeneaswouldthenhavestruckAchillesashewasspringingtowardshim，eitheronthehelmet，orontheshieldthatcoveredhim，andAchilleswouldhaveclosedwithhimanddespatchedhimwithhissword，hadnotNeptunelordoftheearthquakebeenquicktomark，andsaidforthwithtotheimmortals，"Alas，IamsorryforgreatAeneas，whowillnowgodowntothehouseofHades，vanquishedbythesonofPeleus。FoolthathewastogiveeartothecounselofApollo。

Apollowillneversavehimfromdestruction。Whyshouldthismansufferwhenheisguiltless，tonopurpose，andinanother’squarrel？Hashenotatalltimesofferedacceptablesacrificetothegodsthatdwellinheaven？Letusthensnatchhimfromdeath’sjaws，lestthesonofSaturnbeangryshouldAchillesslayhim。Itisfated，moreover，thatheshouldescape，andthattheraceofDardanus，whomJovelovedaboveallthesonsborntohimofmortalwomen，shallnotperishutterlywithoutseedorsign。FornowindeedhasJovehatedthebloodofPriam，whileAeneasshallreignovertheTrojans，heandhischildren’schildrenthatshallbebornhereafter。"

ThenansweredJuno，"Earth-shaker，looktothismatteryourself，andconsiderconcerningAeneas，whetheryouwillsavehim，orsufferhim，bravethoughhebe，tofallbythehandofAchillessonofPeleus。Forofatruthwetwo，IandPallasMinerva，haveswornfullmanyatimebeforealltheimmortals，thatneverwouldweshieldTrojansfromdestruction，notevenwhenallTroyisburningintheflamesthattheAchaeansshallkindle。"

Whenearth-encirclingNeptuneheardthishewentintothebattleamidtheclashofspears，andcametotheplacewhereAchillesandAeneaswere。ForthwithheshedadarknessbeforetheeyesofthesonofPeleus，drewthebronze-headedashenspearfromtheshieldofAeneas，andlaiditatthefeetofAchilles。ThenheliftedAeneasonhighfromofftheearthandhurriedhimaway。Overtheheadsofmanyabandofwarriorsbothhorseandfootdidhesoarasthegod’shandspedhim，tillhecametotheveryfringeofthebattlewheretheCauconianswerearmingthemselvesforfight。Neptune，shakeroftheearth，thencameneartohimandsaid，Aeneas，whatgodhaseggedyouontothisfollyinfightingthesonofPeleus，whoisbothamightiermanofvalourandmorebelovedofheaventhanyouare？Givewaybeforehimwhensoeveryoumeethim，lestyougodowntothehouseofHadeseventhoughfatewouldhaveitotherwise。WhenAchillesisdeadyoumaythenfightamongtheforemostundaunted，fornoneotheroftheAchaeansshallslayyou。"

Thegodlefthimwhenhehadgivenhimtheseinstructions，andatonceremovedthedarknessfrombeforetheeyesofAchilles，whoopenedthemwideindeedandsaidingreatanger，"Alas！whatmarvelamI

nowbeholding？Hereismyspearupontheground，butIseenothimwhomImeanttokillwhenIhurledit。OfatruthAeneasalsomustbeunderheaven’sprotection，althoughIhadthoughthisboastingwasidle。Lethimgohang；hewillbeinnomoodtofightmefurther，seeinghownarrowlyhehasmissedbeingkilled。IwillnowgivemyorderstotheDanaansandattacksomeotheroftheTrojans。"

Hesprangforwardalongthelineandcheeredhismenonashedidso。"LetnottheTrojans，"hecried，"keepyouatarm’slength，Achaeans，butgoforthemandfightthemmanforman。HowevervaliantImaybe，Icannotgivechasetosomanyandfightallofthem。EvenMars，whoisanimmortal，orMinerva，wouldshrinkfromflinginghimselfintothejawsofsuchafightandlayingabouthim；

nevertheless，sofarasinmeliesIwillshownoslacknessofhandorfootnorwantofendurance，notevenforamoment；Iwillutterlybreaktheirranks，andwoetotheTrojanwhoshallventurewithinreachofmyspear。"

Thusdidheexhortthem。MeanwhileHectorcalledupontheTrojansanddeclaredthathewouldfightAchilles。"Benotafraid，proudTrojans，"saidhe，"tofacethesonofPeleus；Icouldfightgodsmyselfifthebattlewereoneofwordsonly，buttheywouldbemorethanamatchforme，ifwehadtouseourspears。EvensothedeedofAchilleswillfallsomewhatshortofhisword；hewilldoinpart，andtheotherparthewillclipshort。Iwillgoupagainsthimthoughhishandsbeasfire-thoughhishandsbefireandhisstrengthiron。"

ThusurgedtheTrojanslifteduptheirspearsagainsttheAchaeans，andraisedthecryofbattleastheyflungthemselvesintothemidstoftheirranks。ButPhoebusApollocameuptoHectorandsaid，"Hector，onnoaccountmustyouchallengeAchillestosinglecombat；keepalookoutforhimwhileyouareundercoveroftheothersandawayfromthethickofthefight，otherwisehewilleitherhityouwithaspearorcutyoudownatclosequarters。"

Thushespoke，andHectordrewbackwithinthecrowd，forhewasafraidwhenheheardwhatthegodhadsaidtohim。AchillesthensprangupontheTrojanswithaterriblecry，clothedinvalouraswithagarment。FirsthekilledIphitionsonofOtrynteus，aleaderofmuchpeoplewhomanaiadnymphhadbornetoOtrynteuswasterofcities，inthelandofHydeunderthesnowyheightsofMt。Tmolus。Achillesstruckhimfullontheheadashewascomingontowardshim，andsplititcleanintwo；whereonhefellheavilytothegroundandAchillesvauntedoverhimsaying，"Youhelow，sonofOtrynteus，mightyhero；

yourdeathishere，butyourlineageisontheGygaeanlakewhereyourfather’sestatelies，byHyllus，richinfish，andtheeddyingwatersofHermus。"

Thusdidhevaunt，butdarknessclosedtheeyesoftheother。ThechariotsoftheAchaeanscuthimupastheirwheelspassedoverhiminthefrontofthebattle，andafterhimAchilleskilledDemoleon，avaliantmanofwarandsontoAntenor。Hestruckhimonthetemplethroughhisbronze-cheekedhelmet。Thehelmetdidnotstaythespear，butitwentrighton，crushingthebonesothatthebraininsidewasshedinalldirections，andhislustoffightingwasended。

ThenhestruckHippodamasinthemidriffashewasspringingdownfromhischariotinfrontofhim，andtryingtoescape。Hebreathedhislast，bellowinglikeabullbellowswhenyoungmenaredragginghimtoofferhiminsacrificetotheKingofHelice，andtheheartoftheearth-shakerisglad；evensodidhebellowashelaydying。

AchillesthenwentinpursuitofPolydorussonofPriam，whomhisfatherhadalwaysforbiddentofightbecausehewastheyoungestofhissons，theonehelovedbest，andthefastestrunner。He，inhisfollyandshowingoffthefleetnessofhisfeet，wasrushingaboutamongfrontranksuntilhelosthislife，forAchillesstruckhiminthemiddleofthebackashewasdartingpasthim:hestruckhimjustatthegoldenfasteningsofhisbeltandwherethetwopiecesofthedoublebreastplateoverlapped。Thepointofthespearpiercedhimthroughandcameoutbythenavel，whereonhefellgroaningontohiskneesandacloudofdarknessovershadowedhimashesankholdinghisentrailsinhishands。

WhenHectorsawhisbrotherPolydoruswithhisentrailsinhishandsandsinkingdownupontheground，amistcameoverhiseyes，andhecouldnotbeartokeeplongeratadistance；hethereforepoisedhisspearanddartedtowardsAchilleslikeaflameoffire。WhenAchillessawhimheboundedforwardandvauntedsaying，"Thisishethathaswoundedmyheartmostdeeplyandhasslainmybelovedcomrade。Notforlongshallwetwoquailbeforeoneanotheronthehighwaysofwar。"

HelookedfiercelyonHectorandsaid，"Drawnear，thatyoumaymeetyourdoomthesooner。"Hectorfearedhimnotandanswered，"SonofPeleus，thinknotthatyourwordscanscaremeasthoughIwereachild；ItooifIwillcanbragandtalkunseemly；Iknowthatyouareamightywarrior，mightierbyfarthanI，neverthelesstheissueliesinthethelapofheavenwhetherI，worsemanthoughIbe，maynotslayyouwithmyspear，forthistoohasbeenfoundkeenerenow。"

Hehurledhisspearashespoke，butMinervabreatheduponit，andthoughshebreathedbutverylightlysheturneditbackfromgoingtowardsAchilles，sothatitreturnedtoHectorandlayathisfeetinfrontofhim。Achillesthensprangfuriouslyonhimwithaloudcry，bentonkillinghim，butApollocaughthimupeasilyasagodcan，andhidhiminathickdarkness。ThricedidAchillesspringtowardshimspearinhand，andthricedidhewastehisblowupontheair。Whenherushedforwardforthefourthtimeasthoughhewereagod，heshoutedaloudsaying，"Hound，thistimetooyouhaveescapeddeath-

butofatruthitcameexceedinglynearyou。PhoebusApollo，towhomitseemsyoupraybeforeyougointobattle，hasagainsavedyou；

butifItoohaveanyfriendamongthegodsIwillsurelymakeanendofyouwhenIcomeacrossyouatsomeothertime。Now，however，IwillpursueandovertakeotherTrojans。"

OnthishestruckDryopswithhisspear，aboutthemiddleofhisneck，andhefellheadlongathisfeet。TherehelethimlieandstayedDemouchussonofPhiletor，amanbothbraveandofgreatstature，byhittinghimonthekneewithaspear；thenhesmotehimwithhisswordandkilledhim。AfterthishesprangonLaogonusandDardanus，sonsofBias，andthrewthemfromtheirchariot，theonewithablowfromathrownspear，whiletheotherhecutdowninhand-to-handfight。TherewasalsoTrosthesonofAlastor-hecameuptoAchillesandclaspedhiskneesinthehopethathewouldsparehimandnotkillhimbutlethimgo，becausetheywerebothofthesameage。Fool，hemighthaveknownthatheshouldnotprevailwithhim，forthemanwasinnomoodforpityorforbearancebutwasingrimearnest。ThereforewhenTroslaidholdofhiskneesandsoughtahearingforhisprayers，Achillesdrovehisswordintohisliver，andthelivercamerollingout，whilehisbosomwasallcoveredwiththeblackbloodthatwelledfromthewound。Thusdiddeathclosehiseyesashelaylifeless。

AchillesthenwentuptoMuliusandstruckhimontheearwithaspear，andthebronzespear-headcamerightoutattheotherear。HealsostruckEcheclussonofAgenorontheheadwithhissword，whichbecamewarmwiththeblood，whiledeathandsternfateclosedtheeyesofEcheclus。NextinorderthebronzepointofhisspearwoundedDeucalioninthefore-armwherethesinewsoftheelbowareunited，whereonhewaitedAchilles’onsetwithhisarmhangingdownanddeathstaringhimintheface。Achillescuthisheadoffwithablowfromhisswordandflungithelmetandallawayfromhim，andthemarrowcameoozingoutofhisbackboneashelay。HethenwentinpursuitofRhigmus，noblesonofPeires，whohadcomefromfertileThrace，andstruckhimthroughthemiddlewithaspearwhichfixeditselfinhisbelly，sothathefellheadlongfromhischariot。HealsospearedAreithoussquiretoRhigmusinthebackashewasturninghishorsesinflight，andthrusthimfromhischariot，whilethehorseswerestruckwithpanic。

Asafireraginginsomemountainglenafterlongdrought-andthedenseforestisinablaze，whilethewindcarriesgreattonguesoffireineverydirection-evensofuriouslydidAchillesrage，wieldinghisspearasthoughhewereagod，andgivingchasetothosewhomhewouldslay，tillthedarkearthranwithblood。Orasonewhoyokesbroad-browedoxenthattheymaytreadbarleyinathreshing-floor-anditissoonbruisedsmallunderthefeetofthelowingcattle-evensodidthehorsesofAchillestrampleontheshieldsandbodiesoftheslain。Theaxleunderneathandtherailingthatranroundthecarwerebespatteredwithclotsofbloodthrownupbythehorses’hoofs，andfromthetyresofthewheels；butthesonofPeleuspressedontowinstillfurtherglory，andhishandswerebedrabbledwithgore。

BOOKXXI

NOWwhentheycametothefordofthefull-flowingriverXanthus，begottenofimmortalJove，Achillescuttheirforcesintwo:onehalfhechasedovertheplaintowardsthecitybythesamewaythattheAchaeanshadtakenwhenflyingpanic-strickenontheprecedingdaywithHectorinfulltriumph；thiswaydidtheyflypell-mell，andJunosentdownathickmistinfrontofthemtostaythem。Theotherhalfwerehemmedinbythedeepsilver-eddyingstream，andfellintoitwithagreatuproar。Thewatersresounded，andthebanksrangagain，astheyswamhitherandthitherwithloudcriesamidthewhirlingeddies。Aslocustsflyingtoariverbeforetheblastofagrassfire-

theflamecomesonandontillatlastitovertakesthemandtheyhuddleintothewater-evensowastheeddyingstreamofXanthusfilledwiththeuproarofmenandhorses，allstrugglinginconfusionbeforeAchilles。

Forthwiththeherolefthisspearuponthebank，leaningitagainstatamariskbush，andplungedintotheriverlikeagod，armedwithhisswordonly。FellwashispurposeashehewedtheTrojansdownoneveryside。Theirdyinggroansrosehideousastheswordsmotethem，andtheriverranredwithblood。Aswhenfishflyscaredbeforeahugedolphin，andfilleverynookandcornerofsomefairhaven-forheissuretoeatallhecancatch-evensodidtheTrojanscowerunderthebanksofthemightyriver，andwhenAchilles’armsgrewwearywithkillingthem，hedrewtwelveyouthsaliveoutofthewater，tosacrificeinrevengeforPatroclussonofMenoetius。Hedrewthemoutlikedazedfawns，boundtheirhandsbehindthemwiththegirdlesoftheirownshirts，andgavethemovertohismentotakebacktotheships。Thenhesprangintotheriver，thirstingforstillfurtherblood。

TherehefoundLycaon，sonofPriamseedofDardanus，ashewasescapingoutofthewater；heitwaswhomhehadoncetakenprisonerwhenhewasinhisfather’svineyard，havingsetuponhimbynight，ashewascuttingyoungshootsfromawildfig-treetomakethewickersidesofachariot。Achillesthencaughthimtohissorrowunawares，andsenthimbyseatoLemnos，wherethesonofJasonboughthim。

Butaguest-friend，EetionofImbros，freedhimwithagreatsum，andsenthimtoArisbe，whencehehadescapedandreturnedtohisfather’shouse。HehadspentelevendayshappilywithhisfriendsafterhehadcomefromLemnos，butonthetwelfthheavenagaindeliveredhimintothehandsofAchilles，whowastosendhimtothehouseofHadessorelyagainsthiswill。HewasunarmedwhenAchillescaughtsightofhim，andhadneitherhelmetnorshield；noryethadheanyspear，forhehadthrownallhisarmourfromhimontothebank，andwassweatingwithhisstrugglestogetoutoftheriver，sothathisstrengthwasnowfailinghim。

ThenAchillessaidtohimselfinhissurprise，"WhatmarveldoIseehere？IfthismancancomebackaliveafterhavingbeensoldoverintoLemnos，IshallhavetheTrojansalsowhomIhaveslainrisingfromtheworldbelow。Couldnoteventhewatersofthegreyseaimprisonhim，astheydomanyanotherwhetherhewillorno？Thistimelethimtastemyspear，thatImayknowforcertainwhethermotherearthwhocankeepevenastrongmandown，willbeabletoholdhim，orwhetherthencetoohewillreturn。"

Thusdidhepauseandponder。ButLycaoncameuptohimdazedandtryinghardtoembracehisknees，forhewouldfainlive，notdie。

Achillesthrustathimwithhisspear，meaningtokillhim，butLycaonrancrouchinguptohimandcaughthisknees，wherebythespearpassedoverhisback，andstuckintheground，hungeringthoughitwasforblood。WithonehandhecaughtAchilles’kneesashebesoughthim，andwiththeotherheclutchedthespearandwouldnotletitgo。Thenhesaid，"Achilles，havemercyuponmeandspareme，forIamyoursuppliant。ItwasinyourtentsthatIfirstbrokebreadonthedaywhenyoutookmeprisonerinthevineyard；afterwhichyousoldawaytoLemnosfarfrommyfatherandmyfriends，andIbroughtyouthepriceofahundredoxen。Ihavepaidthreetimesasmuchtogainmyfreedom；itisbuttwelvedaysthatIhavecometoIliusaftermuchsuffering，andnowcruelfatehasagainthrownmeintoyourhands。

SurelyfatherJovemusthateme，thathehasgivenmeovertoyouasecondtime。ShortoflifeindeeddidmymotherLaothoebearme，daughterofagedAltes-ofAlteswhoreignsoverthewarlikeLelegaeandholdssteepPedasusontheriverSatnioeis。Priammarriedhisdaughteralongwithmanyotherwomenandtwosonswerebornofher，bothofwhomyouwillhaveslain。YourspearslewnoblePolydorusashewasfightinginthefrontranks，andnowevilwillherebefallme，forIfearthatIshallnotescapeyousinceheavenhasdeliveredmeovertoyou。FurthermoreIsay，andlaymysayingtoyourheart，spareme，forIamnotofthesamewombasHectorwhoslewyourbraveandnoblecomrade。"

WithsuchwordsdidtheprincelysonofPriambeseechAchilles；

butAchillesansweredhimsternly。"Idiot，"saidhe，"talknottomeofransom。UntilPatroclusfellIpreferredtogivetheTrojansquarter，andsoldbeyondtheseamanyofthosewhomIhadtakenalive；

butnownotamanshallliveofthosewhomheavendeliversintomyhandsbeforethecityofIlius-andofallTrojansitshallfarehardestwiththesonsofPriam。Therefore，myfriend，youtooshalldie。Whyshouldyouwhineinthisway？Patroclusfell，andhewasabettermanthanyouare。Itoo-seeyounothowIamgreatandgoodly？

Iamsontoanoblefather，andhaveagoddessformymother，butthehandsofdoomanddeathovershadowmeallassurely。Thedaywillcome，eitheratdawnordark，oratthenoontide，whenoneshalltakemylifealsoinbattle，eitherwithhisspear，orwithanarrowspedfromhisbow。"

Thusdidhespeak，andLycaon’sheartsankwithinhim。Heloosedhisholdofthespear，andheldoutbothhandsbeforehim；butAchillesdrewhiskeenblade，andstruckhimbythecollar-boneonhisneck；heplungedhistwo-edgedswordintohimtotheveryhilt，whereonhelayatfulllengthontheground，withthedarkbloodwellingfromhimtilltheearthwassoaked。ThenAchillescaughthimbythefootandflunghimintotherivertogodownstream，vauntingoverhimthewhile，andsaying，"Liethereamongthefishes，whowilllickthebloodfromyourwoundandgloatoverit；yourmothershallnotlayyouonanybiertomournyou，buttheeddiesofScamandershallbearyouintothebroadbosomofthesea。ThereshallthefishesfeedonthefatofLycaonastheydartunderthedarkrippleofthewaters-soperishallofyoutillwereachthecitadelofstrongIlius-youinflight，andIfollowingaftertodestroyyou。Theriverwithitsbroadsilverstreamshallserveyouinnostead，forallthebullsyouofferedhimandallthehorsesthatyouflunglivingintohiswaters。NonethelessmiserablyshallyouperishtillthereisnotamanofyoubuthaspaidinfullforthedeathofPatroclusandthehavocyouwroughtamongtheAchaeanswhomyouhaveslainwhileI

heldalooffrombattle。"

SospokeAchilles，buttherivergrewmoreandmoreangry，andponderedwithinhimselfhowheshouldstaythehandofAchillesandsavetheTrojansfromdisaster。MeanwhilethesonofPeleus，spearinhand，spranguponAsteropaeussonofPelegontokillhim。HewassontothebroadriverAxiusandPeriboeaeldestdaughterofAcessamenus；fortheriverhadlainwithher。Asteropaeusstoodupoutofthewatertofacehimwithaspearineitherhand，andXanthusfilledhimwithcourage，beingangryforthedeathoftheyouthswhomAchilleswasslayingruthlesslywithinhiswaters。WhentheywerecloseupwithoneanotherAchilleswasfirsttospeak。"Whoandwhenceareyou，"saidhe，"whodaretofaceme？Woetotheparentswhosesonstandsupagainstme。"AndthesonofPelegonanswered，"GreatsonofPeleus，whyshouldyouaskmylineage。IamfromthefertilelandoffarPaeonia，captainofthePaeonians，anditisnowelevendaysthatIamatIlius。IamofthebloodoftheriverAxius-ofAxiusthatisthefairestofallriversthatrun。HebegotthefamedwarriorPelegon，whosesonmencallme。Letusnowfight，Achilles。"

Thusdidhedefyhim，andAchillesraisedhisspearofPelianash。

Asteropaeusfailedwithbothhisspears，forhecouldusebothhandsalike；withtheonespearhestruckAchilles’shield，butdidnotpierceit，forthelayerofgold，giftofthegod，stayedthepoint；

withtheotherspearhegrazedtheelbowofAchilles！rightarmdrawingdarkblood，butthespearitselfwentbyhimandfixeditselfintheground，foiledofitsbloodybanquet。ThenAchilles，faintokillhim，hurledhisspearatAsteropaeus，butfailedtohithimandstruckthesteepbankoftheriver，drivingthespearhalfitslengthintotheearth。ThesonofPeleusthendrewhisswordandsprangfuriouslyuponhim。AsteropaeusvainlytriedtodrawAchilles’spearoutofthebankbymainforce；thricedidhetugatit，tryingwithallhismighttodrawitout，andthricehehadtoleaveofftrying；thefourthtimehetriedtobendandbreakit，buterehecoulddosoAchillessmotehimwithhisswordandkilledhim。

Hestruckhiminthebellynearthenavel，sothatallhisbowelscamegushingoutontotheground，andthedarknessofdeathcameoverhimashelaygasping。ThenAchillessethisfootonhischestandspoiledhimofhisarmour，vauntingoverhimandsaying，"Liethere-

begottenofariverthoughyoube，itishardforyoutostrivewiththeoffspringofSaturn’sson。Youdeclareyourselfsprungfromthebloodofabroadriver，butIamoftheseedofmightyJove。MyfatherisPeleus，sonofAeacusruleroverthemanyMyrmidons，andAeacuswasthesonofJove。ThereforeasJoveismightierthananyriverthatflowsintothesea，soarehischildrenstrongerthanthoseofanyriverwhatsoever。Moreoveryouhaveagreatriverhardbyifhecanbeofanyusetoyou，butthereisnofightingagainstJovethesonofSaturn，withwhomnotevenKingAchelouscancompare，northemightystreamofdeep-flowingOceanus，fromwhomallriversandseaswithallspringsanddeepwellsproceed；evenOceanusfearsthelightningsofgreatJove，andhisthunderthatcomescrashingoutofheaven。"

Withthishedrewhisbronzespearoutofthebank，andnowthathehadkilledAsteropaeus，helethimliewherehewasonthesand，withthedarkwaterflowingoverhimandtheeelsandfishesbusynibblingandgnawingthefatthatwasabouthiskidneys。ThenhewentinchaseofthePaeonians，whowereflyingalongthebankoftheriverinpanicwhentheysawtheirleaderslainbythehandsofthesonofPeleus。ThereinheslewThersilochus，Mydon，Astypylus，Mnesus，Thrasius，Oeneus，andOphelestes，andhewouldhaveslainyetothers，hadnottheriverinangertakenhumanform，andspokentohimfromoutthedeepwaterssaying，"Achilles，ifyouexcelallinstrength，sodoyoualsoinwickedness，forthegodsareeverwithyoutoprotectyou:if，then，thesonofSaturnhasvouchsafedittoyoutodestroyalltheTrojans，atanyratedrivethemoutofmystream，anddoyourgrimworkonland。Myfairwatersarenowfilledwithcorpses，norcanIfindanychannelbywhichImaypourmyselfintotheseaforIamchokedwithdead，andyetyougoonmercilesslyslaying。Iamindespair，therefore，Ocaptainofyourhost，troublemenofurther。"

Achillesanswered，"Sobeit，Scamander，Jove-descended；butI

willneverceasedealingoutdeathamongtheTrojans，tillIhavepentthemupintheircity，andmadetrialofHectorfacetoface，thatI

maylearnwhetherheistovanquishme，orIhim。"

AshespokehesetupontheTrojanswithafurylikethatofthegods。ButtheriversaidtoApollo，"Surely，sonofJove，lordofthesilverbow，youarenotobeyingthecommandsofJovewhochargedyoustraitlythatyoushouldstandbytheTrojansanddefendthem，tilltwilightfades，anddarknessisoverantheearth。"

MeanwhileAchillessprangfromthebankintomid-stream，whereontheriverraisedahighwaveandattackedhim。Heswelledhisstreamintoatorrent，andsweptawaythemanydeadwhomAchilleshadslainandleftwithinhiswaters。Thesehecastoutontotheland，bellowinglikeabullthewhile，butthelivinghesavedalive，hidingtheminhismightyeddies。ThegreatandterriblewavegatheredaboutAchilles，fallinguponhimandbeatingonhisshield，sothathecouldnotkeephisfeet；hecaughtholdofagreatelm-tree，butitcameupbytheroots，andtoreawaythebank，dammingthestreamwithitsthickbranchesandbridgingitallacross；wherebyAchillesstruggledoutofthestream，andfledfullspeedovertheplain，forhewasafraid。

Butthemightygodceasednotinhispursuit，andspranguponhimwithadark-crestedwave，tostayhishandsandsavetheTrojansfromdestruction。ThesonofPeleusdartedawayaspear’sthrowfromhim；swiftastheswoopofablackhunter-eaglewhichisthestrongestandfleetestofallbirds，evensodidhespringforward，andthearmourrangloudlyabouthisbreast。Hefledoninfront，buttheriverwithaloudroarcametearingafter。Asonewhowouldwaterhisgardenleadsastreamfromsomefountainoverhisplants，andallhisground-spadeinhandheclearsawaythedamstofreethechannels，andthelittlestonesrunrollingroundandroundwiththewaterasitgoesmerrilydownthebankfasterthanthemancanfollow-

evensodidtheriverkeepcatchingupwithAchillesalbeithewasafleetrunner，forthegodsarestrongerthanmen。Asoftenashewouldstrivetostandhisground，andseewhetherornoallthegodsinheavenwereinleagueagainsthim，sooftenwouldthemightywavecomebeatingdownuponhisshoulders，andbewouldhavetokeepflyingonandoningreatdismay；fortheangryfloodwastiringhimoutasitflowedpasthimandatethegroundfromunderhisfeet。

ThenthesonofPeleuslifteduphisvoicetoheavensaying，"FatherJove，istherenoneofthegodswhowilltakepityuponme，andsavemefromtheriver？Idonotcarewhatmayhappentomeafterwards。I

blamenoneoftheotherdwellersonOlympussoseverelyasIdomydearmother，whohasbeguiledandtrickedme。ShetoldmeIwastofallunderthewallsofTroybytheflyingarrowsofApollo；wouldthatHector，thebestmanamongtheTrojans，mightthereslayme；thenshouldIfallaherobythehandofahero；whereasnowitseemsthatIshallcometoamostpitiableend，trappedinthisriverasthoughIweresomeswineherd’sboy，whogetscarrieddownatorrentwhiletryingtocrossitduringastorm。"

Assoonashehadspokenthus，NeptuneandMinervacameuptohiminthelikenessoftwomen，andtookhimbythehandtoreassurehim。

Neptunespokefirst。"SonofPeleus，"saidhe，"benotsoexceedingfearful；wearetwogods，comewithJove’ssanctiontoassistyou，I，andPallasMinerva。Itisnotyourfatetoperishinthisriver；hewillabatepresentlyasyouwillsee；moreoverwestronglyadviseyou，ifyouwillbeguidedbyus，nottostayyourhandfromfightingtillyouhavepenttheTrojanhostwithinthefamedwallsofIlius-asmanyofthemasmayescape。ThenkillHectorandgobacktotheships，forwewillvouchsafeyouatriumphoverhim。"

Whentheyhadsosaidtheywentbacktotheotherimmortals，butAchillesstroveonwardovertheplain，encouragedbythechargethegodshadlaiduponhim。Allwasnowcoveredwiththefloodofwaters，andmuchgoodlyarmouroftheyouthsthathadbeenslainwasriftingabout，asalsomanycorpses，butheforcedhiswayagainstthestream，speedingrightonwards，norcouldthebroadwatersstayhim，forMinervahadendowedhimwithgreatstrength。NeverthelessScamanderdidnotslackeninhispursuit，butwasstillmorefuriouswiththesonofPeleus。HeliftedhiswatersintoahighcrestandcriedaloudtoSimoissaying，"Dearbrother，letthetwoofusunitetosavethisman，orhewillsackthemightycityofKingPriam，andtheTrojanswillnotholdoutagainsthim。Helpmeatonce；fillyourstreamswithwaterfromtheirsources，rouseallyourtorrentstoafury；raiseyourwaveonhigh，andletsnagsandstonescomethunderingdownyouthatwemaymakeanendofthissavagecreaturewhoisnowlordingitasthoughhewereagod。Nothingshallservehimlonger，notstrengthnorcomeliness，norhisfinearmour，whichforsoothshallsoonbelyinglowinthedeepwaterscoveredoverwithmud。Iwillwraphiminsand，andpourtonsofshingleroundhim，sothattheAchaeansshallnotknowhowtogatherhisbonesforthesiltinwhichIshallhavehiddenhim，andwhentheycelebratehisfuneraltheyneedbuildnobarrow。"

OnthisheupraisedhistumultuousfloodhighagainstAchilles，seethingasitwaswithfoamandbloodandthebo&iesofthedead。ThedarkwatersoftheriverstooduprightandwouldhaveoverwhelmedthesonofPeleus，butJuno，tremblinglestAchillesshouldbesweptawayinthemightytorrent，liftedhervoiceonhighandcalledouttoVulcanherson。"Crook-foot，"shecried，"mychild，beupanddoing，forIdeemitiswithyouthatXanthusisfaintofight；helpusatonce，kindleafiercefire；Iwillthenbringupthewestandthewhitesouthwindinamightyhurricanefromthesea，thatshallbeartheflamesagainsttheheadsandarmouroftheTrojansandconsumethem，whileyougoalongthebanksofXanthusburninghistreesandwrappinghimroundwithfire。Lethimnotturnyoubackneitherbyfairwordsnorfoul，andslackennottillIshoutandtellyou。Thenyoumaystayyourflames。"

OnthisVulcankindledafiercefire，whichbrokeoutfirstupontheplainandburnedthemanydeadwhomAchilleshadkilledandwhosebodieswerelyingaboutingreatnumbers；bythismeanstheplainwasdriedandthefloodstayed。Asthenorthwind，blowingonanorchardthathasbeensoddenwithautumnrain，soondriesit，andtheheartoftheownerisglad-evensothewholeplanwasdriedandthedeadbodieswereconsumed。Thenheturnedtonguesoffireontotheriver。Heburnedtheelmsthewillowsandthetamarisks，thelotusalso，withtherushesandmarshyherbagethatgrewabundantlybythebanksoftheriver。Theeelsandfishesthatgodartingabouteverywhereinthewater，these，too，weresorelyharassedbytheflamesthatcunningVulcanhadkindled，andtheriverhimselfwasscalded，sothathespokesaying，"Vulcan，thereisnogodcanholdhisownagainstyou。Icannotfightyouwhenyouflareoutyourflamesinthisway；strivewithmenolonger。LetAchillesdrivetheTrojansoutofcityimmediately。WhathaveItodowithquarrellingandhelpingpeople？"

Hewasboilingashespoke，andallhiswaterswereseething。Asacauldronupon’alargefireboilswhenitismeltingthelardofsomefattedhog，andthelardkeepsbubblingupalloverwhenthedryfaggotsblazeunderit-evensowerethegoodlywatersofXanthusheatedwiththefiretilltheywereboiling。Hecouldflownolongerbutstayedhisstream，soafflictedwashebytheblastsoffirewhichcunningVulcanhadraised。ThenheprayedtoJunoandbesoughthersaying，"Juno，whyshouldyoursonvexmystreamwithsuchespecialfury？IamnotsomuchtoblameasalltheothersarewhohavebeenhelpingtheTrojans。Iwillleaveoff，sinceyousodesireit，andletsonleaveoffalso。FurthermoreIswearneveragainwillIdoanythingtosavetheTrojansfromdestruction，notevenwhenallTroyisburningintheflameswhichtheAchaeanswillkindle。"

AssoonasJunoheardthisshesaidtohersonVulcan，"SonVulcan，holdnowyourflames；weoughtnottousesuchviolenceagainstagodforthesakeofmortals。"

WhenshehadthusspokenVulcanquenchedhisflames，andtheriverwentbackoncemoreintohisownfairbed。

Xanthuswasnowbeaten，sothesetwoleftofffighting，forJunostayedthemthoughshewasstillangry；butafuriousquarrelbrokeoutamongtheothergods，fortheywereofdividedcounsels。Theyfellononeanotherwithamightyuproar-earthgroaned，andthespaciousfirmamentrangoutaswithablareoftrumpets。JoveheardashewassittingonOlympus，andlaughedforjoywhenhesawthegodscomingtoblowsamongthemselves。Theywerenotlongaboutbeginning，andMarspiercerofshieldsopenedthebattle。SwordinhandhesprangatonceuponMinervaandreviledher。"Why，vixen，"saidhe，"haveyouagainsetthegodsbytheearsintheprideandhaughtinessofyourheart？HaveyouforgottenhowyousetDiomedsonofTydeusontowoundme，andyourselftookvisiblespearanddroveitintometothehurtofmyfairbody？Youshallnowsufferforwhatyouthendidtome。"

Ashespokehestruckherontheterribletasselledaegis-soterriblethatnotevencanJove’slightningpierceit。HeredidmurderousMarsstrikeherwithhisgreatspear。Shedrewbackandwithherstronghandseizedastonethatwaslyingontheplain-greatandruggedandblack-whichmenofoldhadsetfortheboundaryofafield。WiththisshestruckMarsontheneck，andbroughthimdown。

Nineroodsdidhecoverinhisfall，andhishairwasallsoiledinthedust，whilehisarmourrangrattlingroundhim。ButMinervalaughedandvauntedoverhimsaying，"Idiot，haveyounotlearnedhowfarstrongerIamthanyou，butyoumuststillmatchyourselfagainstme？Thusdoyourmother’scursesnowroostuponyou，forsheisangryandwoulddoyoumischiefbecauseyouhavedesertedtheAchaeansandarehelpingtheTrojans。"

Shethenturnedhertwopiercingeyeselsewhere，whereonJove’sdaughterVenustookMarsbythehandandledhimawaygroaningallthetime，foritwasonlywithgreatdifficultythathehadcometohimselfagain。WhenQueenJunosawher，shesaidtoMinerva，"Look，daughterofaegis-bearingJove，unweariable，thatvixenVenusisagaintakingMarsthroughthecrowdoutofthebattle；goafterheratonce。"

Thusshespoke。MinervaspedafterVenuswithawill，andmadeather，strikingheronthebosomwithherstronghandsothatshefellfaintingtotheground，andtheretheybothlaystretchedatfulllength。ThenMinervavauntedoverhersaying，"MayallwhohelptheTrojansagainsttheArgivesprovejustasredoubtableandstalwartasVenusdidwhenshecameacrossmewhileshewashelpingMars。Hadthisbeenso，weshouldlongsincehaveendedthewarbysackingthestrongcityofIlius。"

Junosmiledasshelistened。MeanwhileKingNeptuneturnedtoApollosaying，"Phoebus，whyshouldwekeepeachotheratarm’slength？itisnotwell，nowthattheothershavebegunfighting；itwillbedisgracefultousifwereturntoJove’sbronze-flooredmansiononOlympuswithouthavingfoughteachother；thereforecomeon，youaretheyoungerofthetwo，andIoughtnottoattackyou，forIamolderandhavehadmoreexperience。Idiot，youhavenosense，andforgethowwetwoaloneofallthegodsfaredhardlyroundaboutIliuswhenwecamefromJove’shouseandworkedforLaomedonawholeyearatastatedwageandhegaveushisorders。IbuilttheTrojansthewallabouttheircity，sowideandfairthatitmightbeimpregnable，whileyou，Phoebus，herdedcattleforhiminthedalesofmanyvalleyedIda。When，however，thegladhoursbroughtroundthetimeofpayment，mightyLaomedonrobbedusofallourhireandsentusoffwithnothingbutabuse。Hethreatenedtobindushandandfootandsellusoverintosomedistantisland。Hetried，moreover，tocutofftheearsofbothofus，sowewentawayinarage，furiousaboutthepaymenthehadpromisedus，andyetwithheld；inspiteofallthis，youarenowshowingfavourtohispeople，andwillnotjoinusincompassingtheutterruinoftheproudTrojanswiththeirwivesandchildren。"

AndKingApolloanswered，"Lordoftheearthquake，youwouldhavenorespectformeifIweretofightyouaboutapackofmiserablemortals，whocomeoutlikeleavesinsummerandeatthefruitofthefield，andpresentlyfalllifelesstotheground。Letusstaythisfightingatonceandletthemsettleitamongthemselves。"

Heturnedawayashespoke，forhewouldlaynohandonthebrotherofhisownfather。ButhissisterthehuntressDiana，patronessofwildbeasts，wasveryangrywithhimandsaid，"Soyouwouldfly，Far-Darter，andhandvictoryovertoNeptunewithacheapvaunttoboot。Baby，whykeepyourbowthusidle？Neverletmeagainhearyoubragginginmyfather’shouse，asyouhaveoftendoneinthepresenceoftheimmortals，thatyouwouldstandupandfightwithNeptune。"

Apollomadehernoanswer，butJove’saugustqueenwasangryandupbraidedherbitterly。"Boldvixen，"shecried，"howdareyoucrossmethus？Forallyourbowyouwillfindithardtoholdyourownagainstme。Jovemadeyouasalionamongwomen，andletsyoukillthemwheneveryouchoose。YouwillAnditbettertochasewildbeastsanddeeruponthemountainsthantofightthosewhoarestrongerthanyouare。Ifyouwouldtrywar，doso，andfindoutbypittingyourselfagainstme，howfarstrongerIamthanyouare。"

ShecaughtbothDiana’swristswithherlefthandasshespoke，andwithherrightshetookthebowfromhershoulders，andlaughedasshebeatherwithitabouttheearswhileDianawriggledandwrithedunderherblows。Herswiftarrowswereshedupontheground，andshefledweepingfromunderJuno’shandasadovethatfliesbeforeafalcontothecleftofsomehollowrock，whenitishergoodfortunetoescape。Evensodidsheflyweepingaway，leavingherbowandarrowsbehindher。

ThentheslayerofArgus，guideandguardian，saidtoLeto，"Leto，I

shallnotfightyou；itisilltocometoblowswithanyofJove’swives。Thereforeboastasyouwillamongtheimmortalsthatyouworstedmeinfairfight。"

LetothengatheredupDiana’sbowandarrowsthathadfallenaboutamidthewhirlingdust，andwhenshehadgotthemshemadeallhasteafterherdaughter。DianahadnowreachedJove’sbronze-flooredmansiononOlympus，andsatherselfdownwithmanytearsonthekneesofherfather，whileherambrosialraimentwasquiveringallabouther。ThesonofSaturndrewhertowardshim，andlaughingpleasantlythewhilebegantoquestionhersaying，"Whichoftheheavenlybeings，mydearchild，hasbeentreatingyouinthiscruelmanner，asthoughyouhadbeenmisconductingyourselfinthefaceofeverybody？"andthefair-crownedgoddessofthechaseanswered，"ItwasyourwifeJuno，father，whohasbeenbeatingme；itisalwaysherdoingwhenthereisanyquarrellingamongtheimmortals。"

Thusdidtheyconverse，andmeanwhilePhoebusApolloenteredthestrongcityofIlius，forhewasuneasylestthewallshouldnotholdoutandtheDanaansshouldtakethecitythenandthere，beforeitshourhadcome；buttherestoftheever-livinggodswentback，someangryandsometriumphanttoOlympus，wheretheytooktheirseatsbesideJovelordofthestormcloud，whileAchillesstillkeptondealingoutdeathalikeontheTrojansandontheirAswhenthesmokefromsomeburningcityascendstoheavenwhentheangerofthegodshaskindledit-thereisthentoilforall，andsorrowfornotafew-evensodidAchillesbringtoilandsorrowontheTrojans。

OldKingPriamstoodonahightowerofthewalllookingdownonhugeAchillesastheTrojansfledpanic-strickenbeforehim，andtherewasnonetohelpthem。Presentlyhecamedownfromoffthetowerandwithmanyagroanwentalongthewalltogiveorderstothebravewardersofthegate。"Keepthegates，"saidhe，"wideopentillthepeoplecomeflyingintothecity，forAchillesishardbyandisdrivingtheminroutbeforehim。Iseeweareingreatperil。Assoonasourpeopleareinsideandinsafety，closethestronggatesforIfearlestthatterriblemanshouldcomeboundinginsidealongwiththeothers。"

Ashespoketheydrewbacktheboltsandopenedthegates，andwhenthesewereopenedtherewasahavenofrefugefortheTrojans。

Apollothencamefullspeedoutofthecitytomeetthemandprotectthem。Rightforthecityandthehighwall，parchedwiththirstandgrimywithdust，stilltheyfiedon，withAchilleswieldinghisspearfuriouslybehindthem。Forhewasasonepossessed，andwasthirstingafterglory。

ThenhadthesonsoftheAchaeanstakentheloftygatesofTroyifApollohadnotspurredonAgenor，valiantandnoblesontoAntenor。Heputcourageintohisheart，andstoodbyhissidetoguardhim，leaningagainstabeechtreeandshroudedinthickdarkness。WhenAgenorsawAchilleshestoodstillandhisheartwascloudedwithcare。"Alas，"saidhetohimselfinhisdismay，"ifIflybeforemightyAchilles，andgowherealltheothersarebeingdriveninrout，hewillnonethelesscatchmeandkillmeforacoward。HowwoulditbewereItoletAchillesdrivetheothersbeforehim，andthenflyfromthewalltotheplainthatisbehindIliustillIreachthespursofIdaandcanhideintheunderwoodthatisthereon？IcouldthenwashthesweatfromoffmeintheriverandintheeveningreturntoIlius。Butwhycommunewithmyselfinthisway？LikeenoughhewouldseemeasIamhurryingfromthecityovertheplain，andwouldspeedaftermetillhehadcaughtme-Ishouldstandnochanceagainsthim，forheismightiestofallmankind。What，then，ifIgooutandmeethiminfrontofthecity？Hisfleshtoo，Itakeit，canbepiercedbypointedbronze。Lifeisthesameinoneandall，andmensaythatheisbutmortaldespitethetriumphthatJovesonofSaturnvouchsafeshim。"

SosayinghestoodonhisguardandawaitedAchilles，forhewasnowfaintofighthim。Asaleopardessthatboundsfromoutathickcoverttoattackahunter-sheknowsnofearandisnotdismayedbythebayingofthehounds；eventhoughthemanbetooquickforherandwoundhereitherwiththrustorspear，still，thoughthespearhaspiercedhershewillnotgiveintillshehaseithercaughthiminhergriporbeenkilledoutright-evensodidnobleAgenorsonofAntenorrefusetoflytillhehadmadetrialofAchilles，andtookaimathimwithhisspear，holdinghisroundshieldbeforehimandcryingwithaloudvoice。"Ofatruth，"saidhe，"nobleAchilles，youdeemthatyoushallthisdaysackthecityoftheproudTrojans。

Fool，therewillbetroubleenoughyetbeforeit，forthereismanyabravemanofusstillinsidewhowillstandinfrontofourdearparentswithourwivesandchildren，todefendIlius。Heretherefore，hugeandmightywarriorthoughyoube，hereshallyoucue。

Ashespokehisstronghandhurledhisjavelinfromhim，andthespearstruckAchillesonthelegbeneaththeknee；thegreaveofnewlywroughttinrangloudly，butthespearrecoiledfromthebodyofhimwhomithadstruck，anddidnotpierceit，forthegodsgiftstayedit。AchillesinhisturnattackednobleAgenor，butApollowouldnotvouchsafehimglory，forhesnatchedAgenorawayandhidhiminathickmist，sendinghimoutofthebattleunmolestedThenhecraftilydrewthesonofPeleusawayfromgoingafterthehost，forheputonthesemblanceofAgenorandstoodinfrontofAchilles，whorantowardshimtogivehimchaseandpursuedhimoverthecornlandsoftheplain，turninghimtowardsthedeepwatersoftheriverScamander。

ApolloranbutalittlewaybeforehimandbeguiledAchillesbymakinghimthinkallthetimethathewasonthepointofovertakinghim。

MeanwhiletherabbleofroutedTrojanswasthankfultocrowdwithinthecitytilltheirnumbersthrongedit；nolongerdidtheydarewaitforoneanotheroutsidethecitywalls，tolearnwhohadescapedandwhowerefalleninfight，butallwhosefeetandkneescouldstillcarrythempouredpell-mellintothetown。

BOOKXXII

THUStheTrojansinthecity，scaredlikefawns，wipedthesweatfromoffthemanddranktoquenchtheirthirst，leaningagainstthegoodlybattlements，whiletheAchaeanswiththeirshieldslaidupontheirshouldersdrewcloseuptothewalls。ButsternfatebadeHectorstaywherehewasbeforeIliusandtheScaeangates。ThenPhoebusApollospoketothesonofPeleussaying，"Why，sonofPeleus，doyou，whoarebutman，givechasetomewhoamimmortal？Haveyounotyetfoundoutthatitisagodwhomyoupursuesofuriously？YoudidnotharasstheTrojanswhomyouhadrouted，andnowtheyarewithintheirwalls，whileyouhavebeendecoyedhitherawayfromthem。Meyoucannotkill，fordeathcantakenoholduponme。"

Achilleswasgreatlyangeredandsaid，"Youhavebaulkedme，Far-Darter，mostmaliciousofallgods，andhavedrawnmeawayfromthewall，wheremanyanothermanwouldhavebittenthedusterehegotwithinIlius；youhaverobbedmeofgreatgloryandhavesavedtheTrojansatnorisktoyourself，foryouhavenothingtofear，butI

wouldindeedhavemyrevengeifitwereinmypowertodoso。"

Onthis，withfellintenthemadetowardsthecity，andasthewinninghorseinachariotracestrainseverynervewhenheisflyingovertheplain，evensofastandfuriouslydidthelimbsofAchillesbearhimonwards。KingPriamwasfirsttonotehimashescouredtheplain，allradiantasthestarwhichmencallOrion’sHound，andwhosebeamsblazeforthintimeofharvestmorebrilliantlythanthoseofanyotherthatshinesbynight；brightestofthemallthoughhebe，heyetbodesillformortals，forhebringsfireandfeverinhistrain-evensodidAchilles’armourgleamonhisbreastashespedonwards。Priamraisedacryandbeathisheadwithhishandsasheliftedthemupandshoutedouttohisdearson，imploringhimtoreturn；butHectorstillstayedbeforethegates，forhisheartwassetupondoingbattlewithAchilles。Theoldmanreachedouthisarmstowardshimandbadehimforpity’ssakecomewithinthewalls。"Hector，"hecried，"myson，staynottofacethismanaloneandunsupported，oryouwillmeetdeathatthehandsofthesonofPeleus，forheismightierthanyou。Monsterthatheis；

wouldindeedthatthegodslovedhimnobetterthanIdo，forso，dogsandvultureswouldsoondevourhimashelaystretchedonearth，andaloadofgriefwouldbeliftedfrommyheart，formanyabravesonhashereftfromme，eitherbykillingthemorsellingthemawayintheislandsthatarebeyondthesea:evennowImisstwosonsfromamongtheTrojanswhohavethrongedwithinthecity，LycaonandPolydorus，whomLaothoepeeressamongwomenboreme。ShouldtheybestillaliveandinthehandsoftheAchaeans，wewillransomthemwithgoldandbronze，ofwhichwehavestore，fortheoldmanAltesendowedhisdaughterrichly；butiftheyarealreadydeadandinthehouseofHades，sorrowwillitbetoustwowhoweretheirparents；albeitthegriefofotherswillbemoreshort-livedunlessyoutooperishatthehandsofAchilles。Come，then，myson，withinthecity，tobetheguardianofTrojanmenandTrojanwomen，oryouwillbothloseyourownlifeandaffordamightytriumphtothesonofPeleus。Havepityalsoonyourunhappyfatherwhilelifeyetremainstohim-onme，whomthesonofSaturnwilldestroybyaterribledoomonthethresholdofoldage，afterIhaveseenmysonsslainandmydaughtershaledawayascaptives，mybridalchamberspillaged，littlechildrendashedtoearthamidtherageofbattle，andmysons’wivesdraggedawaybythecruelhandsoftheAchaeans；intheendfiercehoundswilltearmeinpiecesatmyowngatesaftersomeonehasbeatenthelifeoutofmybodywithswordorspear-houndsthatImyselfrearedandfedatmyowntabletoguardmygates，butwhowillyetlapmybloodandthenliealldistraughtatmydoors。Whenayoungmanfallsbytheswordinbattle，hemayliewhereheisandthereisnothingunseemly；