第10章

letwhatwillbeseen，allishonourableindeath，butwhenanoldmanisslainthereisnothinginthisworldmorepitiablethanthatdogsshoulddefilehisgreyhairandbeardandallthatmenhideforshame。"

Theoldmantorehisgreyhairashespoke，buthemovednottheheartofHector。Hismotherhardbyweptandmoanedaloudasshebaredherbosomandpointedtothebreastwhichhadsuckledhim。"Hector，"

shecried，weepingbitterlythewhile，"Hector，myson，spurnnotthisbreast，buthavepityuponmetoo:ifIhaveevergivenyoucomfortfrommyownbosom，thinkonitnow，dearson，andcomewithinthewalltoprotectusfromthisman；standnotwithouttomeethim。Shouldthewretchkillyou，neitherInoryourrichlydoweredwifeshalleverweep，dearoffshootofmyself，overthebedonwhichyoulie，fordogswilldevouryouattheshipsoftheAchaeans。"

Thusdidthetwowithmanytearsimploretheirson，buttheymovednottheheartofHector，andhestoodhisgroundawaitinghugeAchillesashedrewnearertowardshim。Asserpentinitsdenuponthemountains，fullfedwithdeadlypoisons，waitsfortheapproachofman-heisfilledwithfuryandhiseyesglareterriblyashegoeswrithingroundhisden-evensoHectorleanedhisshieldagainstatowerthatjuttedoutfromthewallandstoodwherehewas，undaunted。

"Alas，"saidhetohimselfintheheavinessofhisheart，"ifIgowithinthegates，Polydamaswillbethefirsttoheapreproachuponme，foritwashethaturgedmetoleadtheTrojansbacktothecityonthatawfulnightwhenAchillesagaincameforthagainstus。Iwouldnotlisten，butitwouldhavebeenindeedbetterifIhaddoneso。Nowthatmyfollyhasdestroyedthehost，IdarenotlookTrojanmenandTrojanwomenintheface，lestaworsemanshouldsay，’Hectorhasruinedusbyhisself-confidence。’SurelyitwouldbebetterformetoreturnafterhavingfoughtAchillesandslainhim，ortodiegloriouslyherebeforethecity。What，again，ifweretolaydownmyshieldandhelmet，leanmyspearagainstthewallandgostraightuptonobleAchilles？WhatifIweretopromisetogiveupHelen，whowasthefountainheadofallthiswar，andallthetreasurethatAlexandrusbroughtwithhiminhisshipstoTroy，aye，andtolettheAchaeansdividethehalfofeverythingthatthecitycontainsamongthemselves？

ImightmaketheTrojans，bythemouthsoftheirprinces，takeasolemnoaththattheywouldhidenothing，butwoulddivideintotwosharesallthatiswithinthecity-butwhyarguewithmyselfinthisway？WereItogouptohimhewouldshowmenokindofmercy；hewouldkillmethenandthereaseasilyasthoughIwereawoman，whenIhadoffmyarmour。Thereisnoparleyingwithhimfromsomerockoroaktreeasyoungmenandmaidensprattlewithoneanother。

Betterfighthimatonce，andlearntowhichofusJovewillvouchsafevictory。"

Thusdidhestandandponder，butAchillescameuptohimasitwereMarshimself，plumedlordofbattle。FromhisrightshoulderhebrandishedhisterriblespearofPelianash，andthebronzegleamedaroundhimlikeflashingfireortheraysoftherisingsun。FearfelluponHectorashebeheldhim，andhedarednotstaylongerwherehewasbutfledindismayfrombeforethegates，whileAchillesdartedafterhimathisutmostspeed。Asamountainfalcon，swiftestofallbirds，swoopsdownuponsomecoweringdove-thedovefliesbeforehimbutthefalconwithashrillscreamfollowscloseafter，resolvedtohaveher-evensodidAchillesmakestraightforHectorwithallhismight，whileHectorfledundertheTrojanwallasfastashislimbscouldtakehim。

Ontheyflewalongthewaggon-roadthatranhardbyunderthewall，pastthelookoutstation，andpasttheweather-beatenwildfig-tree，tilltheycametotwofairspringswhichfeedtheriverScamander。Oneofthesetwospringsiswarm，andsteamrisesfromitassmokefromaburningfire，buttheothereveninsummerisascoldashailorsnow，ortheicethatformsonwater。Here，hardbythesprings，arethegoodlywashing-troughsofstone，whereinthetimeofpeacebeforethecomingoftheAchaeansthewivesandfairdaughtersoftheTrojansusedtowashtheirclothes。Pastthesedidtheyfly，theoneinfrontandtheothergivingha。behindhim:goodwasthemanthatfled，butbetterfarwashethatfollowedafter，andswiftlyindeeddidtheyrun，fortheprizewasnomerebeastforsacrificeorbullock’shide，asitmightbeforacommonfoot-race，buttheyranforthelifeofHector。Ashorsesinachariotracespeedroundtheturning-postswhentheyarerunningforsomegreatprize-

atripodorwoman-atthegamesinhonourofsomedeadhero，sodidthesetworunfullspeedthreetimesroundthecityofPriam。Allthegodswatchedthem，andthesireofgodsandmenwasthefirsttospeak。

"Alas，"saidhe，"myeyesbeholdamanwhoisdeartomebeingpursuedroundthewallsofTroy；myheartisfullofpityforHector，whohasburnedthethigh-bonesofmanyaheiferinmyhonour，atonewhileontheofmany-valleyedIda，andagainonthecitadelofTroy；andnowIseenobleAchillesinfullpursuitofhimroundthecityofPriam。Whatsayyou？Consideramongyourselvesanddecidewhetherweshallnowsavehimorlethimfall，valiantthoughhebe，beforeAchilles，sonofPeleus。"

ThenMinervasaid，"Father，wielderofthelightning，lordofcloudandstorm，whatmeanyou？Wouldyoupluckthismortalwhosedoomhaslongbeendecreedoutofthejawsofdeath？Doasyouwill，butweothersshallnotbeofamindwithyou。"

AndJoveanswered，"Mychild，Trito-born，takeheart。Ididnotspeakinfullearnest，andIwillletyouhaveyourway。Dowithoutletorhindranceasyouareminded。"

ThusdidheurgeMinervawhowasalreadyeager，anddownshedartedfromthetopmostsummitsofOlympus。

AchilleswasstillinfullpursuitofHector，asahoundchasingafawnwhichhehasstartedfromitscovertonthemountains，andhuntsthroughgladeandthicket。Thefawnmaytrytoeludehimbycrouchingundercoverofabush，buthewillscentheroutandfollowherupuntilhegetsher-evensotherewasnoescapeforHectorfromthefleetsonofPeleus。WheneverhemadeasettogetneartheDardaniangatesandunderthewalls，thathispeoplemighthelphimbyshoweringdownweaponsfromabove，Achilleswouldgainonhimandheadhimbacktowardstheplain，keepinghimselfalwaysonthecityside。Asamaninadreamwhofailstolayhandsuponanotherwhomheispursuing-theonecannotescapenortheotherovertake-evensoneithercouldAchillescomeupwithHector，norHectorbreakawayfromAchilles；neverthelesshemightevenyethaveescapeddeathhadnotthetimecomewhenApollo，whothusfarhadsustainedhisstrengthandnervedhisrunning，wasnownolongertostaybyhim。AchillesmadesignstotheAchaeanhost，andshookhisheadtoshowthatnomanwastoaimadartatHector，lestanothermightwinthegloryofhavinghithimandhemighthimselfcomeinsecond。Then，atlast，astheywerenearingthefountainsforthefourthtime，thefatherofallbalancedhisgoldenscalesandplacedadoomineachofthem，oneforAchillesandtheotherforHector。Asheheldthescalesbythemiddle，thedoomofHectorfelldowndeepintothehouseofHades-andthenPhoebusApollolefthim。ThereonMinervawentcloseuptothesonofPeleusandsaid，"NobleAchilles，favouredofheaven，wetwoshallsurelytakebacktotheshipsatriumphfortheAchaeansbyslayingHector，forallhislustofbattle。DowhatApollomayasheliesgrovellingbeforehisfather，aegis-bearingJove，Hectorcannotescapeuslonger。Stayhereandtakebreath，whileIgouptohimandpersuadehimtomakeastandandfightyou。"

ThusspokeMinerva。Achillesobeyedhergladly，andstoodstill，leaningonhisbronze-pointedashenspear，whileMinervalefthimandwentafterHectorintheformandwiththevoiceofDeiphobus。Shecamecloseuptohimandsaid，"Dearbrother，IseeyouarehardpressedbyAchilleswhoischasingyouatfullspeedroundthecityofPriam，letusawaithisonsetandstandonourdefence。"

AndHectoranswered，"Deiphobus，youhavealwaysbeendearesttomeofallmybrothers，childrenofHecubaandPriam，buthenceforthIshallrateyouyetmorehighly，inasmuchasyouhaveventuredoutsidethewallformysakewhenalltheothersremaininside。"

ThenMinervasaid，"Dearbrother，myfatherandmotherwentdownontheirkneesandimploredme，asdidallmycomrades，toremaininside，sogreatafearhasfallenuponthemall；butIwasinanagonyofgriefwhenIbeheldyou；now，therefore，letustwomakeastandandfight，andlettherebenokeepingourspearsinreserve，thatwemaylearnwhetherAchillesshallkillusandbearoffourspoilstotheships，orwhetherheshallfallbeforeyou。"

ThusdidMinervainveiglehimbyhercunning，andwhenthetwowerenowclosetooneanothergreatHectorwasfirsttospeak。"I

will-nolongerflyyou，sonofPeleus，"saidhe，"asIhavebeendoinghitherto。ThreetimeshaveIfledroundthemightycityofPriam，withoutdaringtowithstandyou，butnow，letmeeitherslayorbeslain，forIaminthemindtofaceyou。Letus，then，givepledgestooneanotherbyourgods，whoarethefittestwitnessesandguardiansofallcovenants；letitbeagreedbetweenusthatifJovevouchsafesmethelongerstayandItakeyourlife，Iamnottotreatyourdeadbodyinanyunseemlyfashion，butwhenIhavestrippedyouofyourarmour，IamtogiveupyourbodytotheAchaeans。Anddoyoulikewise。"

Achillesglaredathimandanswered，"Fool，pratenottomeaboutcovenants。Therecanbenocovenantsbetweenmenandlions，wolvesandlambscanneverbeofonemind，buthateeachotheroutandoutanthrough。Thereforetherecanbenounderstandingbetweenyouandme，normaytherebeanycovenantsbetweenus，tilloneorothershallfallandglutgrimMarswithhislife’sblood。Putforthallyourstrength；youhaveneednowtoproveyourselfindeedaboldsoldierandmanofwar。Youhavenomorechance，andPallasMinervawillforthwithvanquishyoubymyspear:youshallnowpaymeinfullforthegriefyouhavecausedmeonaccountofmycomradeswhomyouhavekilledinbattle。"

Hepoisedhisspearashespokeandhurledit。Hectorsawitcomingandavoidedit；hewatcheditandcroucheddownsothatitflewoverhisheadandstuckinthegroundbeyond；MinervathensnatcheditupandgaveitbacktoAchilleswithoutHector’sseeingher；HectorthereonsaidtothesonofPeleus，"Youhavemissedyouraim，Achilles，peerofthegods，andJovehasnotyetrevealedtoyouthehourofmydoom，thoughyoumadesurethathehaddoneso。Youwereafalse-tonguedliarwhenyoudeemedthatIshouldforgetmyvalourandquailbeforeyou。Youshallnotdrivespearintothebackofarunaway-driveit，shouldheavensograntyoupower，driveitintomeasImakestraighttowardsyou；andnowforyourownpartavoidmyspearifyoucan-wouldthatyoumightreceivethewholeofitintoyourbody；ifyouwereoncedeadtheTrojanswouldfindthewaraneasiermatter，foritisyouwhohaveharmedthemmost。"

Hepoisedhisspearashespokeandhurledit。HisaimwastrueforhehitthemiddleofAchilles’shield，butthespearreboundedfromit，anddidnotpierceit。Hectorwasangrywhenhesawthattheweaponhadspedfromhishandinvain，andstoodthereindismayforhehadnosecondspear。WithaloudcryhecalledDiphobusandaskedhimforone，buttherewasnoman；thenhesawthetruthandsaidtohimself，"Alas！thegodshaveluredmeontomydestruction。I

deemedthattheheroDeiphobuswasbymyside，butheiswithinthewall，andMinervahasinveigledme；deathisnowindeedexceedinglynearathandandthereisnowayoutofit-forsoJoveandhissonApollothefar-darterhavewilledit，thoughheretoforetheyhavebeeneverreadytoprotectme。Mydoomhascomeuponme；letmenotthendieingloriouslyandwithoutastruggle，butletmefirstdosomegreatthingthatshallbetoldamongmenhereafter。"

Ashespokehedrewthekeenbladethathungsogreatandstrongbyhisside，andgatheringhimselftogetherbesprangonAchilleslikeasoaringeaglewhichswoopsdownfromthecloudsontosomelambortimidhare-evensodidHectorbrandishhisswordandspringuponAchilles。Achillesmadwithragedartedtowardshim，withhiswondrousshieldbeforehisbreast，andhisgleaminghelmet，madewithfourlayersofmetal，noddingfiercelyforward。ThethicktressesofgoldwiwhichVulcanhadcrestedthehelmetfloatedroundit，andastheeveningstarthatshinesbrighterthanallothersthroughthestillnessofnight，evensuchwasthegleamofthespearwhichAchillespoisedinhisrighthand，fraughtwiththedeathofnobleHector。Heeyedhisfairfleshoverandovertoseewherehecouldbestwoundit，butallwasprotectedbythegoodlyarmourofwhichHectorhadspoiledPatroclusafterhehadslainhim，saveonlythethroatwherethecollar-bonesdividetheneckfromtheshoulders，andthisisamostdeadlyplace:herethendidAchillesstrikehimashewascomingontowardshim，andthepointofhisspearwentrightthroughthefleshypartoftheneck，butitdidnotseverhiswindpipesothathecouldstillspeak。Hectorfellheadlong，andAchillesvauntedoverhimsaying，"Hector，youdeemedthatyoushouldcomeoffscathelesswhenyouwerespoilingPatroclus，andreckednotofmyselfwhowasnotwithhim。Foolthatyouwere:forI，hiscomrade，mightierfarthanhe，wasstillleftbehindhimattheships，andnowIhavelaidyoulow。TheAchaeansshallgivehimallduefuneralrites，whiledogsandvulturesshallworktheirwilluponyourself。"

ThenHectorsaid，asthelifeebbedoutofhim，"Iprayyoubyyourlifeandknees，andbyyourparents，letnotdogsdevourmeattheshipsoftheAchaeans，butaccepttherichtreasureofgoldandbronzewhichmyfatherandmotherwillofferyou，andsendmybodyhome，thattheTrojansandtheirwivesmaygivememyduesoffirewhenIamdead。"

Achillesglaredathimandanswered，"Dog，talknottomeneitherofkneesnorparents；wouldthatIcouldbeassureofbeingabletocutyourfleshintopiecesandeatitraw，fortheillhavedoneme，asIamthatnothingshallsaveyoufromthedogs-itshallnotbe，thoughtheybringtenortwenty-foldransomandweighitoutformeonthespot，withpromiseofyetmorehereafter。ThoughPriamsonofDardanusshouldbidthemoffermeyourweightingold，evensoyourmothershallneverlayyououtandmakelamentoverthesonshebore，butdogsandvulturesshalleatyouutterlyup。"

Hectorwithhisdyingbreaththensaid，"Iknowyouwhatyouare，andwassurethatIshouldnotmoveyou，foryourheartishardasiron；looktoitthatIbringnotheaven’sangeruponyouonthedaywhenParisandPhoebusApollo，valiantthoughyoube，shallslayyouattheScaeangates。"

Whenhehadthussaidtheshroudsofdeathenfoldedhim，whereonhissoulwentoutofhimandflewdowntothehouseofHades，lamentingitssadfatethatitshoulden’youthandstrengthnolonger。ButAchillessaid，speakingtothedeadbody，"Die；formypartIwillacceptmyfatewhensoeverJoveandtheothergodsseefittosendit。"

Ashespokehedrewhisspearfromthebodyandsetitononeside；thenhestrippedtheblood-stainedarmourfromHector’sshoulderswhiletheotherAchaeanscamerunninguptoviewhiswondrousstrengthandbeauty；andnoonecamenearhimwithoutgivinghimafreshwound。Thenwouldoneturntohisneighbourandsay，"ItiseasiertohandleHectornowthanwhenhewasflingingfireontoourships"andashespokehewouldthrusthisspearintohimanew。

WhenAchilleshaddonespoilingHectorofhisarmour，hestoodamongtheArgivesandsaid，"Myfriends，princesandcounsellorsoftheArgives，nowthatheavenhasvouchsafedustoovercomethisman，whohasdoneusmorehurtthanalltheotherstogether，considerwhetherweshouldnotattackthecityinforce，anddiscoverinwhatmindtheTrojansmaybe。WeshouldthuslearnwhethertheywilldeserttheircitynowthatHectorhasfallen，orwillstillholdouteventhoughheisnolongerliving。Butwhyarguewithmyselfinthisway，whilePatroclusisstilllyingattheshipsunburied，andunmourned-heWhomIcanneverforgetsolongasIamaliveandmystrengthfailsnot？ThoughmenforgettheirdeadwhenoncetheyarewithinthehouseofHades，yetnoteventherewillIforgetthecomradewhomIhavelost。Now，therefore，Achaeanyouths，letusraisethesongofvictoryandgobacktotheshipstakingthismanalongwithus；forwehaveachievedamightytriumphandhaveslainnobleHectortowhomtheTrojansprayedthroughouttheircityasthoughhewereagod。"

OnthishetreatedthebodyofHectorwithcontumely:hepiercedthesinewsatthebackofbothhisfeetfromheeltoancleandpassedthongsofox-hidethroughtheslitshehadmade:thushemadethebodyfasttohischariot，lettingtheheadtrailupontheground。Thenwhenhehadputthegoodlyarmouronthechariotandhadhimselfmounted，helashedhishorsesonandtheyflewforwardnothingloth。ThedustrosefromHectorashewasbeingdraggedalong，hisdarkhairflewallabroad，andhisheadoncesocomelywaslaidlowonearth，forJovehadnowdeliveredhimintothehandsofhisfoestodohimoutrageinhisownland。

ThuswastheheadofHectorbeingdishonouredinthedust。Hismothertoreherhair，andflungherveilfromherwithaloudcryasshelookeduponherson。Hisfathermadepiteousmoan，andthroughoutthecitythepeoplefelltoweepingandwailing。ItwasasthoughthewholeoffrowningIliuswasbeingsmirchedwithfire。

HardlycouldthepeopleholdPriambackinhishothastetorushwithoutthegatesofthecity。Hegrovelledinthemireandbesoughtthem，callingeachoneofthembyhisname。"Letbe，myfriends，"hecried，"andforallyoursorrow，suffermetogosingle-handedtotheshipsoftheAchaeans。Letmebeseechthiscruelandterribleman，ifmaybehewillrespectthefeelingofhisfellow-men，andhavecompassiononmyoldage。Hisownfatherisevensuchanotherasmyself-Peleus，whobredhimandrearedhimto-bethebaneofusTrojans，andofmyselfmorethanofallothers。Manyasonofminehasheslainintheflowerofhisyouth，andyet，grievefortheseasI

may，Idosoforone-Hector-morethanforthemall，andthebitternessofmysorrowwillbringmedowntothehouseofHades。

Wouldthathehaddiedinmyarms，forsobothhisill-starredmotherwhoborehim，andmyself，shouldhavehadthecomfortofweepingandmourningoverhim。"

Thusdidhespeakwithmanytears，andallthepeopleofthecityjoinedinhislament。HecubathenraisedthecryofwailingamongtheTrojans。"Alas，myson，"shecried，"whathaveIlefttolivefornowthatyouarenomore？NightanddaydidIgloryin。youthroughoutthecity，foryouwereatowerofstrengthtoallinTroy，andbothmenandwomenalikehailedyouasagod。Solongasyoulivedyouweretheirpride，butnowdeathanddestructionhavefallenuponyou。"

Hector’swifehadasyetheardnothing，fornoonehadcometotellherthatherhusbandhadremainedwithoutthegates。Shewasatherloominaninnerpartofthehouse，weavingadoublepurpleweb，andembroideringitwithmanyflowers。Shetoldhermaidstosetalargetripodonthefire，soastohaveawarmbathreadyforHectorwhenhecameoutofbattle；poorwoman，sheknewnotthathewasnowbeyondthereachofbaths，andthatMinervahadlaidhimlowbythehandsofAchilles。Sheheardthecrycomingasfromthewall，andtrembledineverylimb；theshuttlefellfromherhands，andagainshespoketoherwaiting-women。"Twoofyou，"shesaid，"comewithmethatImaylearnwhatitisthathasbefallen；Iheardthevoiceofmyhusband’shonouredmother；myownheartbeatsasthoughitwouldcomeintomymouthandmylimbsrefusetocarryme；somegreatmisfortuneforPriam’schildrenmustbeathand。MayIneverlivetohearit，butIgreatlyfearthatAchilleshascutofftheretreatofbraveHectorandhaschasedhimontotheplainwherehewassinglehanded；Ifearhemayhaveputanendtotherecklessdaringwhichpossessedmyhusband，whowouldneverremainwiththebodyofhismen，butwoulddashonfarinfront，foremostofthemallinvalour。"

Herheartbeatfast，andasshespokesheflewfromthehouselikeamaniac，withherwaiting-womenfollowingafter。Whenshereachedthebattlementsandthecrowdofpeople，shestoodlookingoutuponthewall，andsawHectorbeingborneawayinfrontofthecity-thehorsesdragginghimwithoutheedorcareoverthegroundtowardstheshipsoftheAchaeans。Hereyeswerethenshroudedaswiththedarknessofnightandshefellfaintingbackwards。Shetorethetiringfromherheadandflungitfromher，thefrontletandnetwithitsplaitedband，andtheveilwhichgoldenVenushadgivenheronthedaywhenHectortookherwithhimfromthehouseofEetion，afterhavinggivencountlessgiftsofwooingforhersake。Herhusband’ssistersandthewivesofhisbrotherscrowdedroundherandsupportedher，forshewasfaintodieinherdistraction；whensheagainpresentlybreathedandcametoherself，shesobbedandmadelamentamongtheTrojanssaying，’Woeisme，OHector；woe，indeed，thattoshareacommonlotwewereborn，youatTroyinthehouseofPriam，andIatThebesunderthewoodedmountainofPlacusinthehouseofEetionwhobroughtmeupwhenIwasachild-ill-starredsireofanill-starreddaughter-wouldthathehadneverbegottenme。YouarenowgoingintothehouseofHadesunderthesecretplacesoftheearth，andyouleavemeasorrowingwidowinyourhouse。Thechild，ofwhomyouandIaretheunhappyparents，isasyetamereinfant。Nowthatyouaregone，OHector，youcandonothingforhimnorheforyou。

EventhoughheescapethehorrorsofthiswofulwarwiththeAchaeans，yetshallhislifehenceforthbeoneoflabourandsorrow，forotherswillseizehislands。Thedaythatrobsachildofhisparentssevershimfromhisownkind；hisheadisbowed，hischeeksarewetwithtears，andhewillgoaboutdestituteamongthefriendsofhisfather，pluckingonebythecloakandanotherbytheshirt。

Someoneorotherofthesemaysofarpityhimastoholdthecupforamomenttowardshimandlethimmoistenhislips，buthemustnotdrinkenoughtowettheroofofhismouth；thenonewhoseparentsarealivewilldrivehimfromthetablewithblowsandangrywords。

’Outwithyou，’hewillsay，’youhavenofatherhere，’andthechildwillgocryingbacktohiswidowedmother-he，Astyanax，whoerewhilewouldsituponhisfather’sknees，andhavenonebutthedaintiestandchoicestmorselssetbeforehim。Whenhehadplayedtillhewastiredandwenttosleep，hewouldlieinabed，inthearmsofhisnurse，onasoftcouch，knowingneitherwantnorcare，whereasnowthathehaslosthisfatherhislotwillbefullofhardship-he，whomtheTrojansnameAstyanax，becauseyou，OHector，weretheonlydefenceoftheirgatesandbattlements。Thewrigglingwrithingwormswillnoweatyouattheships，farfromyourparents，whenthedogshavegluttedthemselvesuponyou。Youwilllienaked，althoughinyourhouseyouhavefineandgoodlyraimentmadebyhandsofwomen。ThiswillInowburn；itisofnousetoyou，foryoucanneveragainwearit，andthusyouwillhaverespectshownyoubytheTrojansbothmenandwomen。"

Insuchwisedidshecryaloudamidhertears，andthewomenjoinedinherlament。

BOOKXXIII

THUSdidtheymaketheirmoanthroughoutthecity，whiletheAchaeanswhentheyreachedtheHellespontwentbackeverymantohisownship。ButAchilleswouldnotlettheMyrmidonsgo，andspoketohisbravecomradessaying，"Myrmidons，famedhorsemenandmyowntrustedfriends，notyet，forsooth，letusunyoke，butwithhorseandchariotdrawneartothebodyandmournPatroclus，induehonourtothedead。Whenwehavehadfullcomfortoflamentationwewillunyokeourhorsesandtakesupperallofushere。"

OnthistheyalljoinedinacryofwailingandAchillesledthemintheirlament。Thricedidtheydrivetheirchariotsallsorrowingroundthebody，andThetisstirredwithinthemastilldeeperyearning。

Thesandsoftheseashoreandthemen’sarmourwerewetwiththeirweeping，sogreataministeroffearwashewhomtheyhadlost。

ChiefinalltheirmourningwasthesonofPeleus:helaidhisbloodstainedhandonthebreastofhisfriend。"Farewell，"hecried，"Patroclus，eveninthehouseofHades。IwillnowdoallthatIerewhilepromisedyou；IwilldragHectorhitherandletdogsdevourhimraw；twelvenoblesonsofTrojanswillIalsoslaybeforeyourpyretoavengeyou。"

AshespokehetreatedthebodyofnobleHectorwithcontumely，layingitatfulllengthinthedustbesidethebierofPatroclus。Theothersthenputoffeverymanhisarmour，tookthehorsesfromtheirchariots，andseatedthemselvesingreatmultitudebytheshipofthefleetdescendantofAeacus，whothereonfeastedthemwithanabundantfuneralbanquet。Manyagoodlyox，withmanyasheepandbleatinggoatdidtheybutcherandcutup；manyatuskedboarmoreover，fatandwell-fed，didtheysingeandsettoroastintheflamesofVulcan；andrivuletsofbloodflowedallroundtheplacewherethebodywaslying。

ThentheprincesoftheAchaeanstookthesonofPeleustoAgamemnon，buthardlycouldtheypersuadehimtocomewiththem，sowrothwasheforthedeathofhiscomrade。AssoonastheyreachedAgamemnon’stenttheytoldtheserving-mentosetalargetripodoverthefireincasetheymightpersuadethesonofPeleus’towashtheclottedgorefromthisbody，buthedeniedthemsternly，andsworeitwithasolemnoath，saying，"Nay，byKingJove，firstandmightiestofallgods，itisnotmeetthatwatershouldtouchmybody，tillI

havelaidPatroclusontheflames，havebuilthimabarrow，andshavedmyhead-forsolongasIlivenosuchsecondsorrowshalleverdrawnighme。Now，therefore，letusdoallthatthissadfestivaldemands，butatbreakofday，KingAgamemnon，bidyourmenbringwood，andprovideallelsethatthedeadmaydulytakeintotherealmofdarkness；thefireshallthusburnhimoutofoursightthesooner，andthepeopleshallturnagaintotheirownlabours。"

Thusdidhespeak，andtheydidevenashehadsaid。Theymadehastetopreparethemeal，theyate，andeverymanhadhisfullsharesothatallweresatisfied。Assoonastheyhadhadhadenoughtoeatanddrink，theotherswenttotheirresteachinhisowntent，butthesonofPeleuslaygrievingamonghisMyrmidonsbytheshoreofthesoundingsea，inanopenplacewherethewavescamesurginginoneafteranother。Hereaverydeepslumbertookholduponhimandeasedtheburdenofhissorrows，forhislimbswerewearywithchasingHectorroundwindyIlius。PresentlythesadspiritofPatroclusdrewnearhim，likewhathehadbeeninstature，voice，andthelightofhisbeamingeyes，clad，too，ashehadbeencladinlife。Thespirithoveredoverhisheadandsaid-

"Yousleep，Achilles，andhaveforgottenme；youlovedmeliving，butnowthatIamdeadyouthinkformenofurther。BurymewithallspeedthatImaypassthegatesofHades；theghosts，vainshadowsofmenthatcanlabournomore，drivemeawayfromthem；theywillnotyetsuffermetojointhosethatarebeyondtheriver，andIwanderalldesolatebythewidegatesofthehouseofHades。GivemenowyourhandIprayyou，forwhenyouhaveoncegivenmemyduesoffire，nevershallIagaincomeforthoutofthehouseofHades。Nevermoreshallwesitapartandtakesweetcounselamongtheliving；thecruelfatewhichwasmybirth-righthasyawneditswidejawsaroundme-nay，youtooAchilles，peerofgods，aredoomedtodiebeneaththewallofthenobleTrojans。

"OneprayermorewillImakeyou，ifyouwillgrantit；letnotmybonesbelaidapartfromyours，Achilles，butwiththem；evenaswewerebroughtuptogetherinyourownhome，whattimeMenoetiusbroughtmetoyouasachildfromOpoeisbecausebyasadspiteIhadkilledthesonofAmphidamas-notofsetpurpose，butinchildishquarreloverthedice。TheknightPeleustookmeintohishouse，entreatedmekindly，andnamedmetobeyoursquire；thereforeletourboneslieinbutasingleurn，thetwo-handledgoldenvasegiventoyoubyyourmother。"

AndAchillesanswered，"Why，trueheart，areyoucomehithertolaythesechargesuponme？willofmyownselfdoallasyouhavebiddenme。Drawclosertome，letusoncemorethrowourarmsaroundoneanother，andfindsadcomfortinthesharingofoursorrows。"

Heopenedhisarmstowardshimashespokeandwouldhaveclaspedhiminthem，buttherewasnothing，andthespiritvanishedasavapour，gibberingandwhiningintotheearth。Achillessprangtohisfeet，smotehistwohands，andmadelamentationsaying，"OfatrutheveninthehouseofHadesthereareghostsandphantomsthathavenolifeinthem；allnightlongthesadspiritofPatroclushashoveredoverheadmakingpiteousmoan，tellingmewhatIamtodoforhim，andlookingwondrouslylikehimself。"

Thusdidhespeakandhiswordssetthemallweepingandmourningaboutthepoordumbdead，tillrosy-fingeredmornappeared。ThenKingAgamemnonsentmenandmulesfromallpartsofthecamp，tobringwood，andMeriones，squiretoIdomeneus，wasinchargeoverthem。Theywentoutwithwoodmen’saxesandstrongropesintheirhands，andbeforethemwentthemules。Uphillanddowndaledidtheygo，bystraightwaysandcrooked，andwhentheyreachedtheheightsofmany-fountainedIda，theylaidtheiraxestotherootsofmanyatallbranchingoakthatcamethunderingdownastheyfelledit。Theysplitthetreesandboundthembehindthemules，whichthenwendedtheirwayastheybestcouldthroughthethickbrushwoodontotheplain。Allwhohadbeencuttingwoodborelogs，forsoMerionessquiretoIdomeneushadbiddenthem，andtheythrewthemdowninalineupontheseashoreattheplacewhereAchilleswouldmakeamightymonumentforPatroclusandforhimself。

Whentheyhadthrowndowntheirgreatlogsofwoodoverthewholeground，theystayedallofthemwheretheywere，butAchillesorderedhisbraveMyrmidonstogirdontheirarmour，andtoyokeeachmanhishorses；theythereforerose，girdedontheirarmourandmountedeachhischariot-theyandtheircharioteerswiththem。Thechariotswentbefore，andtheythatwereonfootfollowedasacloudintheirtensofthousandsafter。InthemidstofthemhiscomradesborePatroclusandcoveredhimwiththelocksoftheirhairwhichtheycutoffandthrewuponhisbody。LastcameAchilleswithhisheadbowedforsorrow，sonobleacomradewashetakingtothehouseofHades。

WhentheycametotheplaceofwhichAchilleshadtoldthemtheylaidthebodydownandbuiltupthewood。Achillesthenbethoughthimofanothermatter。Hewentaspaceawayfromthepyre，andcutofftheyellowlockwhichhehadletgrowfortheriverSpercheius。Helookedallsorrowfullyoutuponthedarksea，andsaid，"Spercheius，invaindidmyfatherPeleusvowtoyouthatwhenIreturnedhometomylovednativelandIshouldcutoffthislockandofferyouaholyhecatomb；fiftyshe-goatswasItosacrificetoyouthereatyoursprings，whereisyourgroveandyouraltarfragrantwithburnt-offerings。Thusdidmyfathervow，butyouhavenotfulfilledhisprayer；now，therefore，thatIshallseemyhomenomore，IgivethislockasakeepsaketotheheroPatroclus。"

Ashespokeheplacedthelockinthehandsofhisdearcomrade，andallwhostoodbywerefilledwithyearningandlamentation。ThesunwouldhavegonedownupontheirmourninghadnotAchillespresentlysaidtoAgamemnon，"SonofAtreus，foritistoyouthatthepeoplewillgiveear，thereisatimetomournandatimetoceasefrommourning；bidthepeoplenowleavethepyreandsetaboutgettingtheirdinners:we，towhomthedeadisdearest，willseetowhatiswantedhere，andlettheotherprincesalsostaybyme。"

WhenKingAgamemnonheardthishedismissedthepeopletotheirships，butthosewhowereaboutthedeadheapedupwoodandbuiltapyreahundredfeetthiswayandthat；thentheylaidthedeadallsorrowfullyuponthetopofit。Theyflayedanddressedmanyfatsheepandoxenbeforethepyre，andAchillestookfatfromallofthemandwrappedthebodythereinfromheadtofoot，heapingtheflayedcarcasesallroundit。Againstthebierheleanedtwo-handledjarsofhoneyandunguents；fourproudhorsesdidhethencastuponthepyre，groaningthewhilehedidso。Thedeadherohadhadhouse-dogs；twoofthemdidAchillesslayandthrewuponthepyre；

healsoputtwelvebravesonsofnobleTrojanstotheswordandlaidthemwiththerest，forhewasfullofbitternessandfury。Thenhecommittedalltotheresistlessanddevouringmightofthefire；hegroanedaloudandcallidonhisdeadcomradebyname。"Farewell，"

hecried，"Patroclus，eveninthehouseofHades；IamnowdoingallthatIhavepromisedyou。TwelvebravesonsofnobleTrojansshalltheflamesconsumealongwithyourself，butdogs，notfire，shalldevourthefleshofHectorsonofPriam。"

Thusdidhevaunt，butthedogscamenotaboutthebodyofHector，forJove’sdaughterVenuskeptthemoffhimnightandday，andanointedhimwithambrosialoilofrosesthathisfleshmightnotbetornwhenAchilleswasdragginghimabout。PhoebusApollomoreoversentadarkcloudfromheaventoearth，whichgaveshadetothewholeplacewhereHectorlay，thattheheatofthesunmightnotparchhisbody。

NowthepyreaboutdeadPatrocluswouldnotkindle。Achillesthereforebethoughthimofanothermatter；hewentapartandprayedtothetwowindsBoreasandZephyrusvowingthemgoodlyofferings。Hemadethemmanydrink-offeringsfromthegoldencupandbesoughtthemtocomeandhelphimthatthewoodmightmakehastetokindleandthedeadbodiesbeconsumed。FleetIrisheardhimprayingandstartedofftofetchthewinds。TheywereholdinghighfeastinthehouseofboisterousZephyruswhenIriscamerunninguptothestonethresholdofthehouseandstoodthere，butassoonastheyseteyesonhertheyallcametowardsherandeachofthemcalledhertohim，butIriswouldnotsitdown。"Icannotstay，"shesaid，"ImustgobacktothestreamsofOceanusandthelandoftheEthiopianswhoareofferinghecatombstotheimmortals，andIwouldhavemyshare；

butAchillespraysthatBoreasandshrillZephyruswillcometohim，andhevowsthemgoodlyofferings；hewouldhaveyoublowuponthepyreofPatroclusforwhomalltheAchaeansarelamenting。"

Withthissheleftthem，andthetwowindsrosewithacrythatrenttheairandsweptthecloudsbeforethem。Theyblewonandonuntiltheycametothesea，andthewavesrosehighbeneaththem，butwhentheyreachedTroytheyfelluponthepyretillthemightyflamesroaredundertheblastthattheyblew。Allnightlongdidtheyblowhardandbeatuponthefire，andallnightlongdidAchillesgrasphisdoublecup，drawingwinefromamixing-bowlofgold，andcallinguponthespiritofdeadPatroclusashepouredituponthegrounduntiltheearthwasdrenched。Asafathermournswhenheisburningthebonesofhisbridegroomsonwhosedeathhaswrungtheheartsofhisparents，evensodidAchillesmournwhileburningthebodyofhiscomrade，pacingroundthebierwithpiteousgroaningandlamentation。

AtlengthastheMorningStarwasbeginningtoheraldthelightwhichsaffron-mantledDawnwassoontosuffuseoverthesea，theflamesfellandthefirebegantodie。ThewindsthenwenthomebeyondtheThraciansea，whichroaredandboiledastheysweptoverit。ThesonofPeleusnowturnedawayfromthepyreandlaydown，overcomewithtoil，tillhefellintoasweetslumber。PresentlytheywhowereaboutthesonofAtreusdrewnearinabody，androusedhimwiththenoiseandtrampoftheircoming。Hesatuprightandsaid，"SonofAtreus，andallotherprincesoftheAchaeans，firstpourredwineeverywhereuponthefireandquenchit；letusthengatherthebonesofPatroclussonofMenoetius，singlingthemoutwithcare；theyareeasilyfound，fortheylieinthemiddleofthepyre，whileallelse，bothmenandhorses，hasbeenthrowninaheapandburnedattheouteredge。Wewilllaythebonesinagoldenurn，intwolayersoffat，againstthetimewhenIshallmyselfgodownintothehouseofHades。Asforthebarrow，labournottoraiseagreatonenow，butsuchasisreasonable。Afterwards，letthoseAchaeanswhomaybeleftattheshipswhenIamgone，builditbothbroadandhigh。"

ThushespokeandtheyobeyedthewordofthesonofPeleus。Firsttheypouredredwineuponthethicklayerofashesandquenchedthefire。Withmanytearstheysingledoutthewhitenedbonesoftheirlovedcomradeandlaidthemwithinagoldenurnintwolayersoffat:theythencoveredtheurnwithalinenclothandtookitinsidethetent。Theymarkedoffthecirclewherethebarrowshouldbe，madeafoundationforitaboutthepyre，andforthwithheapeduptheearth。Whentheyhadthusraisedamoundtheyweregoingaway，butAchillesstayedthepeopleandmadethemsitinassembly。Hebroughtprizesfromtheships-cauldrons，tripods，horsesandmules，nobleoxen，womenwithfairgirdles，andswartiron。

Thefirstprizeheofferedwasforthechariotraces-awomanskilledinallusefularts，andathree-leggedcauldronthathadearsforhandles，andwouldholdtwenty-twomeasures。Thiswasforthemanwhocameinfirst。Forthesecondtherewasasix-yearoldmare，unbroken，andinfoaltoahe-ass；thethirdwastohaveagoodlycauldronthathadneveryetbeenonthefire；itwasstillbrightaswhenitleftthemaker，andwouldholdfourmeasures。Thefourthprizewastwotalentsofgold，andthefifthatwo-handledurnasyetunsoiledbysmoke。ThenhestoodupandspokeamongtheArgivessaying-

"SonofAtreus，andallotherAchaeans，thesearetheprizesthatliewaitingthewinnersofthechariotraces。AtanyothertimeI

shouldcarryoffthefirstprizeandtakeittomyowntent；youknowhowfarmysteedsexcelallothers-fortheyareimmortal；

NeptunegavethemtomyfatherPeleus，whoinhisturngavethemtomyself；butIshallholdaloof，Iandmysteedsthathavelosttheirbraveandkinddriver，whomanyatimehaswashedtheminclearwaterandanointedtheirmaneswithoil。Seehowtheystandweepinghere，withtheirmanestrailingonthegroundintheextremityoftheirsorrow。Butdoyouotherssetyourselvesinorderthroughoutthehost，whosoeverhasconfidenceinhishorsesandinthestrengthofhischariot。"

ThusspokethesonofPeleusandthedriversofchariotsbestirredthemselves。FirstamongthemalluproseEumelus，kingofmen，sonofAdmetus，amanexcellentinhorsemanship。NexttohimrosemightyDiomedsonofTydeus；heyokedtheTrojanhorseswhichhehadtakenfromAeneas，whenApolloborehimoutofthefight。Nexttohim，yellow-hairedMenelaussonofAtreusroseandyokedhisfleethorses，Agamemnon’smareAethe，andhisownhorsePodargus。ThemarehadbeengiventoAgamemnonbyechepolussonofAnchises，thathemightnothavetofollowhimtoIlius，butmightstayathomeandtakehisease；forJovehadendowedhimwithgreatwealthandhelivedinspaciousSicyon。Thismare，alleagerfortherace，didMenelausputundertheyoke。

FourthinorderAntilochus，sontonobleNestorsonofNeleus，madereadyhishorses。ThesewerebredinPylos，andhisfathercameuptohimtogivehimgoodadviceofwhich，however，hestoodinbutlittleneed。"Antilochus，"saidNestor，"youareyoung，butJoveandNeptunehavelovedyouwell，andhavemadeyouanexcellenthorseman。Ineednotthereforesaymuchbywayofinstruction。Youareskilfulatwheelingyourhorsesroundthepost，butthehorsesthemselvesareveryslow，anditisthisthatwill，Ifear，maryourchances。Theotherdriversknowlessthanyoudo，buttheirhorsesarefleeter；therefore，mydearson，seeifyoucannothituponsomeartificewherebyyoumayinsurethattheprizeshallnotslipthroughyourfingers。Thewoodmandoesmorebyskillthanbybruteforce；byskillthepilotguideshisstorm-tossedbarqueoverthesea，andsobyskillonedrivercanbeatanother。Ifamangowideinroundingthiswayandthat，whereasamanwhoknowswhatheisdoingmayhaveworsehorses，buthewillkeepthemwellinhandwhenheseesthedoubling-post；heknowstheprecisemomentatwhichtopulltherein，andkeepshiseyewellonthemaninfrontofhim。Iwillgiveyouthiscertaintokenwhichcannotescapeyournotice。Thereisastumpofadeadtree-oakorpineasitmaybe-somesixfeetabovetheground，andnotyetrottedawaybyrain；itstandsattheforkoftheroad；ithastwowhitestonessetoneoneachside，andthereisaclearcourseallroundit。Itmayhavebeenamonumenttosomeonelongsincedead，oritmayhavebeenusedasadoubling-postindaysgoneby；now，however，ithasbeenfixedonbyAchillesasthemarkroundwhichthechariotsshallturn；hugitascloseasyoucan，butasyoustandinyourchariotleanoveralittletotheleft；urgeonyourright-handhorsewithvoiceandlash，andgivehimalooserein，butlettheleft-handhorsekeepsoclosein，thatthenaveofyourwheelshallalmostgrazethepost；butmindthestone，oryouwillwoundyourhorsesandbreakyourchariotinpieces，whichwouldbesportforothersbutconfusionforyourself。Therefore，mydearson，mindwellwhatyouareabout，forifyoucanbefirsttoroundthepostthereisnochanceofanyonegivingyouthegobylater，noteventhoughyouhadAdrestus’shorseArionbehindyouhorsewhichisofdivinerace-orthoseofLaomedon，whicharethenoblestinthiscountry。"

WhenNestorhadmadeanendofcounsellinghissonhesatdowninhisplace，andfifthinorderMerionesgotreadyhishorses。Theythenallmountedtheirchariotsandcastlots-Achillesshookthehelmet，andthelotofAntilochussonofNestorfelloutfirst；nextcamethatofKingEumelus，andafterhis，thoseofMenelaussonofAtreusandofMeriones。ThelastplacefelltothelotofDiomedsonofTydeus，whowasthebestmanofthemall。Theytooktheirplacesinline；Achillesshowedthemthedoubling-postroundwhichtheyweretoturn，somewayoffupontheplain；herehestationedhisfather’sfollowerPhoenixasumpire，tonotetherunning，andreporttruly。

Atthesameinstanttheyallofthemlashedtheirhorses，struckthemwiththereins，andshoutedatthemwithalltheirmight。Theyflewfullspeedovertheplainawayfromtheships，thedustrosefromunderthemasitwereacloudorwhirlwind，andtheirmaneswereallflyinginthewind。Atonemomentthechariotsseemedtotouchtheground，andthenagaintheyboundedintotheair；thedriversstooderect，andtheirheartsbeatfastandfuriousintheirlustofvictory。Eachkeptcallingonhishorses，andthehorsesscouredtheplainamidthecloudsofdustthattheyraised。

Itwaswhentheyweredoingthelastpartofthecourseontheirwaybacktowardstheseathattheirpacewasstrainedtotheutmostanditwasseenwhateachcoulddo。ThehorsesofthedescendantofPheresnowtookthelead，andclosebehindthemcametheTrojanstallionsofDiomed。TheyseemedasifabouttomountEumelus’schariot，andhecouldfeeltheirwarmbreathonhisbackandonhisbroadshoulders，fortheirheadswereclosetohimastheyflewoverthecourse。Diomedwouldhavenowpassedhim，ortherewouldhavebeenadeadheat，butPhoebusApollotospitehimmadehimdrophiswhip。

Tearsofangerfellfromhiseyesashesawthemaresgoingonfasterthanever，whilehisownhorseslostgroundthroughhishavingnowhip。MinervasawthetrickwhichApollohadplayedthesonofTydeus，soshebroughthimhiswhipandputspiritintohishorses；moreovershewentafterthesonofAdmetusinarageandbrokehisyokeforhim；themareswentonetoonesidethecourse，andtheothertotheother，andthepolewasbrokenagainsttheground。

Eumeluswasthrownfromhischariotclosetothewheel；hiselbows，mouth，andnostrilswerealltorn，andhisforeheadwasbruisedabovehiseyebrows；hiseyesfilledwithtearsandhecouldfindnoutterance。ButthesonofTydeusturnedhishorsesasideandshotfarahead，forMinervaputfreshstrengthintothemandcoveredDiomedhimselfwithglory。

MenelaussonofAtreuscamenextbehindhim，butAntilochuscalledtohisfather’shorses。"Onwithyouboth，"hecried，"anddoyourveryutmost。IdonotbidyoutrytobeatthesteedsofthesonofTydeus，forMinervahasputrunningintothem，andhascoveredDiomedwithglory；butyoumustovertakethehorsesofthesonofAtreusandnotbeleftbehind，orAethewhoissofleetwilltauntyou。Why，mygoodfellows，areyoulagging？Itellyou，anditshallsurelybe-Nestorwillkeepneitherofyou，butwillputbothofyoutothesword，ifwewinanytheworseaprizethroughyourcarelessness，flyafterthematyourutmostspeed；Iwillhitonaplanforpassingtheminanarrowpartoftheway，anditshallnotfailme。"

Theyfearedtherebukeoftheirmaster，andforashortspacewentquicker。PresentlyAntilochussawanarrowplacewheretheroadhadsunk。Thegroundwasbroken，forthewinter’srainhadgatheredandhadworntheroadsothatthewholeplacewasdeepened。Menelauswasmakingtowardsitsoastogettherefirst，forfearofafoul，butAntilochusturnedhishorsesoutoftheway，andfollowedhimalittleononeside。ThesonofAtreuswasafraidandshoutedout，"Antilochus，youaredrivingrecklessly；reininyourhorses；theroadistoonarrowhere，itwillbewidersoon，andyoucanpassmethen；

ifyoufoulmychariotyoumaybringbothofustoamischief。"

ButAntilochuspliedhiswhip，anddrovefaster，asthoughhehadnotheardhim。Theywentsidebysideforaboutasfarasayoungmancanhurladiscfromhisshoulderwhenheistryinghisstrength，andthenMenelaus’smaresdrewbehind，forheleftoffdrivingforfearthehorsesshouldfouloneanotherandupsetthechariots；thus，whilepressingoninquestofvictory，theymightbothcomeheadlongtotheground。MenelausthenupbraidedAntilochusandsaid，"Thereisnogreatertricksterlivingthanyouare；go，andbadluckgowithyou；theAchaeanssaynotwellthatyouhaveunderstanding，andcomewhatmayyoushallnotbearawaytheprizewithoutswornprotestonmypart。"

Thenhecalledonhishorsesandsaidtothem，"Keepyourpace，andslackennot；thelimbsoftheotherhorseswillwearysoonerthanyours，fortheyareneitherofthemyoung。"

Thehorsesfearedtherebukeoftheirmaster，andwentfaster，sothattheyweresoonnearlyupwiththeothers。

MeanwhiletheAchaeansfromtheirseatswerewatchinghowthehorseswent，astheyscouredtheplainamidcloudsoftheirowndust。

IdomeneuscaptainoftheCretanswasfirsttomakeouttherunning，forhewasnotinthethickofthecrowd，butstoodonthemostcommandingpartoftheground。Thedriverwasalongwayoff，butIdomeneuscouldhearhimshouting，andcouldseetheforemosthorsequiteplainly-achestnutwitharoundwhitestar，likethemoon，onitsforehead。HestoodupandsaidamongtheArgives，"Myfriends，princesandcounsellorsoftheArgives，canyouseetherunningaswellasIcan？Thereseemstobeanotherpairinfrontnow，andanotherdriver；thosethatledoffatthestartmusthavebeendisabledoutontheplain。Isawthematfirstmakingtheirwayroundthedoubling-post，butnow，thoughIsearchtheplainofTroy，I

cannotfindthem。Perhapsthereinsfellfromthedriver’shandsothathelostcommandofhishorsesatthedoubling-post，andcouldnotturnit。Isupposehemusthavebeenthrownoutthere，andbrokenhischariot，whilehismareshaveleftthecourseandgoneoffwildlyinapanic。Comeupandseeforyourselves，Icannotmakeoutforcertain，butthedriverseemsanAetolianbydescent，rulerovertheArgives，braveDiomedthesonofTydeus。"

AjaxthesonofOileustookhimuprudelyandsaid，"Idomeneus，whyshouldyoubeinsuchahurrytotellusallaboutit，whenthemaresarestillsofaroutupontheplain？Youarenoneoftheyoungest，noryoureyesnoneofthesharpest，butyouarealwayslayingdownthelaw。Youhavenorighttodoso，fortherearebettermenherethanyouare。Eumelus’shorsesareinfrontnow，astheyalwayshavebeen，andheisonthechariotholdingthereins。"

ThecaptainoftheCretanswasangry，andanswered，"Ajaxyouareanexcellentrailer，butyouhavenojudgement，andarewantinginmuchelseaswell，foryouhaveaviletemper。Iwillwageryouatripodorcauldron，andAgamemnonsonofAtreusshalldecidewhosehorsesarefirst。Youwillthenknowtoyourcost。"

AjaxsonofOileuswasformakinghimanangryanswer，andtherewouldhavebeenyetfurtherbrawlingbetweenthem，hadnotAchillesriseninhisplaceandsaid，"CeaseyourrailingAjaxandIdomeneus；

itisnotyouwouldbescandalisedifyousawanyoneelsedothelike:sitdownandkeepyoureyesonthehorses；theyarespeedingtowardsthewinning-postandwillbeberedirectly。Youwillthenbothofyouknowwhosehorsesarefirst，andwhosecomeafter。"

Ashewasspeaking，thesonofTydeuscamedrivingin，plyinghiswhiplustilyfromhisshoulder，andhishorsessteppinghighastheyflewoverthecourse。Thesandandgritrainedthickonthedriver，andthechariotinlaidwithgoldandtinranclosebehindhisfleethorses。Therewaslittletraceofwheel-marksinthefinedust，andthehorsescameflyinginattheirutmostspeed。Diomedstayedtheminthemiddleofthecrowd，andthesweatfromtheirmanesandchestsfellinstreamsontotheground。Forthwithhesprangfromhisgoodlychariot，andleanedhiswhipagainsthishorses’yoke；braveSthenelusnowlostnotime，butatoncebroughtontheprize，andgavethewomanandtheear-handledcauldrontohiscomradestotakeaway。

Thenheunyokedthehorses。

NextafterhimcameinAntilochusoftheraceofNeleus，whohadpassedMenelausbyatrickandnotbythefleetnessofhishorses；butevensoMenelauscameinasclosebehindhimasthewheelistothehorsethatdrawsboththechariotanditsmaster。Theendhairsofahorse’stailtouchthetyreofthewheel，andthereisnevermuchspacebetweenwheelandhorsewhenthechariotisgoing；MenelauswasnofurtherthanthisbehindAntilochus，thoughatfirsthehadbeenafulldisc’sthrowbehindhim。Hehadsooncaughthimupagain，forAgamemnon’smareAethekeptpullingstrongerandstronger，sothatifthecoursehadbeenlongerhewouldhavepassedhim，andtherewouldnotevenhavebeenadeadheat。Idomeneus’sbravesquireMerioneswasaboutaspear’scastbehindMenelaus。Hishorseswereslowestofall，andhewastheworstdriver。LastofthemallcamethesonofAdmetus，dragginghischariotanddrivinghishorsesoninfront。WhenAchillessawhimhewassorry，andstoodupamongtheArgivessaying，"Thebestmaniscominginlast。Letusgivehimaprizeforitisreasonable。Heshallhavethesecond，butthefirstmustgotothesonofTydeus。"

Thusdidhespeakandtheothersallofthemapplaudedhissaying，andwerefordoingashehadsaid，butNestor’ssonAntilochusstoodupandclaimedhisrightsfromthesonofPeleus。"Achilles，"saidhe，"Ishalltakeitmuchamissifyoudothisthing；youwouldrobmeofmyprize，becauseyouthinkEumelus’schariotandhorseswerethrownout，andhimselftoo，goodmanthatheis。Heshouldhaveprayeddulytotheimmortals；hewouldnothavecomeinfastifhehaddoneso。Ifyouaresorryforhimandsochoose，youhavemuchgoldinyourtents，withbronze，sheep，cattleandhorses。TakesomethingfromthisstoreifyouwouldhavetheAchaeansspeakwellofyou，andgivehimabetterprizeeventhanthatwhichyouhavenowoffered；butIwillnotgiveupthemare，andhethatwillfightmeforher，lethimcomeon。"

Achillessmiledasheheardthis，andwaspleasedwithAntilochus，whowasoneofhisdearestcomrades。Sohesaid-

"Antilochus，ifyouwouldhavemefindEumelusanotherprize，IwillgivehimthebronzebreastplatewitharimoftinrunningallrounditwhichItookfromAsteropaeus。Itwillbeworthmuchmoneytohim。"

HebadehiscomradeAutomedonbringthebreastplatefromhistent，andhedidso。AchillesthengaveitovertoEumelus，whoreceiveditgladly。

ButMenelausgotupinarage，furiouslyangrywithAntilochus。AnattendantplacedhisstaffinhishandsandbadetheArgiveskeepsilence:theherothenaddressedthem。"Antilochus，"saidhe，"whatisthisfromyouwhohavebeensofarblameless？Youhavemademecutapoorfigureandbaulkedmyhorsesbyflingingyourowninfrontofthem，thoughyoursaremuchworsethanmineare；therefore，O

princesandcounsellorsoftheArgives，judgebetweenusandshownofavour，lestoneoftheAchaeanssay，’Menelaushasgotthemarethroughlyingandcorruption；hishorseswerefarinferiortoAntilochus’s，buthehasgreaterweightandinfluence。’Nay，Iwilldeterminethemattermyself，andnomanwillblameme，forIshalldowhatisjust。Comehere，Antilochus，andstand，asourcustomis，whipinhandbeforeyourchariotandhorses；layyourhandonyoursteeds，andswearbyearth-encirclingNeptunethatyoudidnotpurposelyandguilefullygetinthewayofmyhorses。"

AndAntilochusanswered，"Forgiveme；Iammuchyounger，KingMenelaus，thanyouare；youstandhigherthanIdoandarethebettermanofthetwo；youknowhoweasilyyoungmenarebetrayedintoindiscretion；theirtempersaremorehastyandtheyhavelessjudgement；makedueallowancestherefore，andbearwithme；IwillofmyownaccordgiveupthemarethatIhavewon，andifyouclaimanyfurtherchattelfrommyownpossessions，Iwouldratheryieldittoyou，atonce，thanfallfromyourgoodgraceshenceforth，anddowronginthesightofheaven。"

ThesonofNestorthentookthemareandgaveherovertoMenelaus，whoseangerwasthusappeased；aswhendewfallsuponafieldofripeningcorn，andthelandsarebristlingwiththeharvest-evenso，OMenelaus，wasyourheartmadegladwithinyou。

HeturnedtoAntilochusandsaid，"Now，Antilochus，angrythoughI

havebeen，Icangivewaytoyouofmyownfreewill；youhaveneverbeenheadstrongnorill-disposedhitherto，butthistimeyouryouthhasgotthebetterofyourjudgement；becarefulhowyououtwityourbettersinfuture；nooneelsecouldhavebroughtmeroundsoeasily，butyourgoodfather，yourbrother，andyourselfhaveallofyouhadinfinitetroubleonmybehalf；Ithereforeyieldtoyourentreaty，andwillgiveupthemaretoyou，minethoughitindeedbe；thepeoplewillthusseethatIamneitherharshnorvindictive。"