第11章
WiththishegavethemareovertoAntilochus’scomradeNoemon,andthentookthecauldron。Meriones,whohadcomeinfourth,carriedoffthetwotalentsofgold,andthefifthprize,thetwo-handledurn,beingunawarded,AchillesgaveittoNestor,goinguptohimamongtheassembledArgivesandsaying,"Takethis,mygoodoldfriend,asanheirloomandmemorialofthefuneralofPatroclus-foryoushallseehimnomoreamongtheArgives。Igiveyouthisprizethoughyoucannotwinone;youcannowneitherwrestlenorfight,andcannotenterforthejavelin-matchnorfoot-races,forthehandofagehasbeenlaidheavilyuponyou。"
SosayinghegavetheurnovertoNestor,whoreceiveditgladlyandanswered,"Myson,allthatyouhavesaidistrue;thereisnostrengthnowinmylegsandfeet,norcanIhitoutwithmyhandsfromeithershoulder。WouldthatIwerestillyoungandstrongaswhentheEpeanswereburyingKingAmarynceusinBuprasium,andhissonsofferedprizesinhishonour。TherewasthennonethatcouldviewithmeneitheroftheEpeansnorthePyliansthemselvesnortheAetolians。InboxingIovercameClytomedessonofEnops,andinwrestling,AncaeusofPleuronwhohadcomeforwardagainstme。
Iphicluswasagoodrunner,butIbeathim,andthrewfartherwithmyspearthaneitherPhyleusorPolydorus。Inchariot-racingalonedidthetwosonsofActorsurpassmebycrowdingtheirhorsesinfrontofme,fortheywereangryatthewayvictoryhadgone,andatthegreaterpartoftheprizesremainingintheplaceinwhichtheyhadbeenoffered。Theyweretwins,andtheonekeptonholdingthereins,andholdingthereins,whiletheotherpliedthewhip。SuchwasIthen,butnowImustleavethesematterstoyoungermen;Imustbowbeforetheweightofyears,butinthosedaysIwaseminentamongheroes。Andnow,sir,goonwiththefuneralcontestsinhonourofyourcomrade:gladlydoIacceptthisurn,andmyheartrejoicesthatyoudonotforgetmebutareevermindfulofmygoodwilltowardsyou,andoftherespectduetomefromtheAchaeans。Forallwhichmaythegraceofheavenbevouchsafedyouingreatabundance。"
ThereonthesonofPeleus,whenhehadlistenedtoallthethanksofNestor,wentaboutamongtheconcourseoftheAchaeans,andpresentlyofferedprizesforskillinthepainfulartofboxing。Hebroughtoutastrongmule,andmadeitfastinthemiddleofthecrowd-ashe-muleneveryetbroken,butsixyearsold-whenitishardestofalltobreakthem:thiswasforthevictor,andforthevanquishedheofferedadoublecup。ThenhestoodupandsaidamongtheArgives,"SonofAtreus,andallotherAchaeans,Iinviteourtwochampionboxerstolayaboutthemlustilyandcompetefortheseprizes。HetowhomApollovouchsafesthegreaterendurance,andwhomtheAchaeansacknowledgeasvictor,shalltakethemulebackwithhimtohisowntent,whilehethatisvanquishedshallhavethedoublecup。"
Ashespoketherestoodupachampionbothbraveandgreatstature,askilfulboxer,Epeus,sonofPanopeus。Helaidhishandonthemuleandsaid,"Letthemanwhoistohavethecupcomehither,fornonebutmyselfwilltakethemule。Iamthebestboxerofallherepresent,andnonecanbeatme。IsitnotenoughthatIshouldfallshortofyouinactualfighting?Still,nomancanbegoodateverything。Itellyouplainly,anditshallcometrue;ifanymanwillboxwithmeIwillbruisehisbodyandbreakhisbones;thereforelethisfriendsstayhereinabodyandbeathandtotakehimawaywhenIhavedonewithhim。"
Theyallheldtheirpeace,andnomanrosesaveEuryalussonofMecisteus,whowassonofTalaus。MecisteuswentoncetoThebesafterthefallofOedipus,toattendhisfuneral,andhebeatallthepeopleofCadmus。ThesonofTydeuswasEuryalus’ssecond,cheeringhimonandhopingheartilythathewouldwin。Firstheputawaistbandroundhimandthenhegavehimsomewell-cutthongsofox-hide;thetwomenbeingnowgirtwentintothemiddleofthering,andimmediatelyfellto;heavilyindeeddidtheypunishoneanotherandlayaboutthemwiththeirbrawnyfists。Onecouldhearthehorridcrashingoftheirjaws,andtheysweatedfromeveryporeoftheirskin。PresentlyEpeuscameonandgaveEuryalusablowonthejawashewaslookinground;Euryaluscouldnotkeephislegs;theygavewayunderhiminamomentandhesprangupwithabound,asafishleapsintotheairnearsomeshorethatisallbestrewnwithsea-wrack,whenBoreasfursthetopofthewaves,andthenfallsbackintodeepwater。ButnobleEpeuscaughtholdofhimandraisedhimup;hiscomradesalsocameroundhimandledhimfromthering,unsteadyinhisgait,hisheadhangingononeside,andspittinggreatclotsofgore。Theysethimdowninaswoonandthenwenttofetchthedoublecup。
ThesonofPeleusnowbroughtouttheprizesforthethirdcontestandshowedthemtotheArgives。Thesewereforthepainfulartofwrestling。Forthewinnertherewasagreattripodreadyforsettinguponthefire,andtheAchaeansvalueditamongthemselvesattwelveoxen。Fortheloserhebroughtoutawomanskilledinallmannerofarts,andtheyvaluedheratfouroxen。HeroseandsaidamongtheArgives,"Standforward,youwhowillessaythiscontest。"
ForthwithuprosegreatAjaxthesonofTelamon,andcraftyUlysses,fullofwilesrosealso。Thetwogirdedthemselvesandwentintothemiddleofthering。Theygrippedeachotherintheirstronghandsliketherafterswhichsomemaster-builderframesfortheroofofahighhousetokeepthewindout。Theirbackbonescrackedastheytuggedatoneanotherwiththeirmightyarms-andsweatrainedfromthemintorrents。Manyabloodywealsprangupontheirsidesandshoulders,buttheykeptonstrivingwithmightandmainforvictoryandtowinthetripod。UlyssescouldnotthrowAjax,norAjaxhim;
Ulysseswastoostrongforhim;butwhentheAchaeansbegantotireofwatchingthem,Ajaxsaidtoulysses,"Ulysses,noblesonofLaertes,youshalleitherliftme,orIyou,andletJovesettleitbetweenus。"
Heliftedhimfromthegroundashespoke,butUlyssesdidnotforgethiscunning。HehitAjaxinthehollowatbackofhisknee,sothathecouldnotkeephisfeet,butfellonhisbackwithUlysseslyinguponhischest,andallwhosawitmarvelled。ThenUlyssesinturnliftedAjaxandstirredhimalittlefromthegroundbutcouldnotlifthimrightoffit,hiskneesankunderhim,andthetwofellsidebysideonthegroundandwereallbegrimedwithdust。Theynowsprangtowardsoneanotherandwereforwrestlingyetathirdtime,butAchillesroseandstayedthem。"Putnoteachotherfurther,"saidhe,"tosuchcruelsuffering;thevictoryiswithbothalike,takeeachofyouanequalprize,andlettheotherAchaeansnowcompete。"
Thusdidhespeakandtheydidevenashehadsaid,andputontheirshirtsagainafterwipingthedustfromofftheirbodies。
ThesonofPeleusthenofferedprizesforspeedinrunning-amixing-bowlbeautifullywrought,ofpuresilver。Itwouldholdsixmeasures,andfarexceededallothersinthewholeworldforbeauty;
itwastheworkofcunningartificersinSidon,andhadbeenbroughtintoportbyPhoeniciansfrombeyondthesea,whohadmadeapresentofittoThoas。EueneussonofjasonhadgivenittoPatroclusinransomofPriam’ssonLycaon,andAchillesnowoffereditasaprizeinhonourofhiscomradetohimwhoshouldbetheswiftestrunner。Forthesecondprizeheofferedalargeox,wellfattened,whileforthelasttherewastobehalfatalentofgold。HethenroseandsaidamongtheArgives,"Standforward,youwhowillessaythiscontest。"
ForthwithuprosefleetAjaxsonofOileus,withcunningUlysses,andNestor’ssonAntilochus,thefastestrunneramongalltheyouthofhistime。TheystoodsidebysideandAchillesshowedthemthegoal。Thecoursewassetoutforthemfromthestarting-post,andthesonofOileustooktheleadatonce,withUlyssesasclosebehindhimastheshuttleistoawoman’sbosomwhenshethrowsthewoofacrossthewarpandholdsitcloseuptoher;evensoclosebehindhimwasUlysses-treadinginhisfootprintsbeforethedustcouldsettlethere,andAjaxcouldfeelhisbreathonthebackofhisheadasheranswiftlyon。TheAchaeansallshoutedapplauseastheysawhimstraininghisutmost,andcheeredhimasheshotpastthem;butwhentheywerenownearingtheendofthecourseUlyssesprayedinwardlytoMinerva。"Hearme,"hecried,"andhelpmyfeet,Ogoddess。"Thusdidhepray,andPallasMinervaheardhisprayer;shemadehishandsandhisfeetfeellight,andwhentherunnerswereatthepointofpouncingupontheprize,Ajax,throughMinerva’sspiteslippeduponsomeoffalthatwaslyingtherefromthecattlewhichAchilleshadslaughteredinhonourofPatroclus,andhismouthandnostrilswereallfilledwithcowdung。Ulyssesthereforecarriedoffthemixing-bowl,forhegotbeforeAjaxandcameinfirst。ButAjaxtooktheoxandstoodwithhishandononeofitshorns,spittingthedungoutofhismouth。ThenhesaidtotheArgives,"Alas,thegoddesshasspoiledmyrunning;shewatchesoverUlyssesandstandsbyhimasthoughshewerehisownmother。"Thusdidhespeakandtheyallofthemlaughedheartily。
Antilochuscarriedoffthelastprizeandsmiledashesaidtothebystanders,"Youallsee,myfriends,thatnowtoothegodshaveshowntheirrespectforseniority。AjaxissomewhatolderthanIam,andasforUlysses,hebelongstoanearliergeneration,butheishaleinspiteofhisyears,andnomanoftheAchaeanscanrunagainsthimsaveonlyAchilles。"
HesaidthistopayacomplimenttothesonofPeleus,andAchillesanswered,"Antilochus,youshallnothavepraisedmetonopurpose;Ishallgiveyouanadditionalhalftalentofgold。"HethengavethehalftalenttoAntilochus,whoreceiveditgladly。
ThenthesonofPeleusbroughtoutthespear,helmetandshieldthathadbeenbornebySarpedon,andweretakenfromhimbyPatroclus。HestoodupandsaidamongtheArgives,"Webidtwochampionsputontheirarmour,taketheirkeenblades,andmaketrialofoneanotherinthepresenceofthemultitude;whicheverofthemcanfirstwoundthefleshoftheother,cutthroughhisarmour,anddrawblood,tohimwillIgivethisgoodlyThracianswordinlaidwithsilver,whichI
tookfromAsteropaeus,butthearmourletbothholdinpartnership,andIwillgiveeachofthemaheartymealinmyowntent。"
ForthwithuprosegreatAjaxthesonofTelamon,asalsomightyDiomedsonofTydeus。Whentheyhadputontheirarmoureachonhisownsideofthering,theybothwentintothemiddleeagertoengage,andwithfireflashingfromtheireyes。TheAchaeansmarvelledastheybeheldthem,andwhenthetwowerenowcloseupwithoneanother,thricedidtheyspringforwardandthricetrytostrikeeachotherinclosecombat。AjaxpiercedDiomed’sroundshield,butdidnotdrawblood,forthecuirassbeneaththeshieldprotectedhim;thereonthesonofTydeusfromoverhishugeshieldkeptaimingcontinuallyatAjax’sneckwiththepointofhisspear,andtheAchaeansalarmedforhissafetybadethemleaveofffightinganddividetheprizebetweenthem。AchillesthengavethegreatswordtothesonofTydeus,withitsscabbard,andtheleathernbeltwithwhichtohangit。
AchillesnextofferedthemassiveironquoitwhichmightyEetionhaderewhilebeenusedtohurl,untilAchilleshadslainhimandcarrieditoffinhisshipsalongwithotherspoils。HestoodupandsaidamongtheArgives,"Standforward,youwhowouldessaythiscontest。
Hewhowinsitwillhaveastoreofironthatwilllasthimfiveyearsastheygorollinground,andifhisfairfieldsliefarfromatownhisshepherdorploughmanwillnothavetomakeajourneytobuyiron,forhewillhaveastockofitonhisownpremises。"
ThenuprosethetwomightymenPolypoetesandLeonteus,withAjaxsonofTelamonandnobleEpeus。TheystooduponeaftertheotherandEpeustookthequoit,whirledit,andflungitfromhim,whichsetalltheAchaeanslaughing。AfterhimthrewLeonteusoftheraceofMars。AjaxsonofTelamonthrewthird,andsentthequoitbeyondanymarkthathadbeenmadeyet,butwhenmightyPolypoetestookthequoithehurleditasthoughithadbeenastockman’sstickwhichhesendsflyingaboutamonghiscattlewhenheisdrivingthem,sofardidhisthrowout-distancethoseoftheothers。Allwhosawitroaredapplause,andhiscomradescarriedtheprizeforhimandsetitonboardhisship。
Achillesnextofferedaprizeofironforarchery-tendouble-edgedaxesandtenwithsingleeddies:hesetupaship’smast,somewayoffuponthesands,andwithafinestringtiedapigeontoitbythefoot;thiswaswhattheyweretoaimat。"Whoever,"hesaid,"canhitthepigeonshallhavealltheaxesandtakethemawaywithhim;hewhohitsthestringwithouthittingthebirdwillhavetakenaworseaimandshallhavethesingle-edgedaxes。"
ThenuproseKingTeucer,andMerionesthestalwartsquireofIdomeneusrosealso,TheycastlotsinabronzehelmetandthelotofTeucerfellfirst。Heletflywithhisarrowforthwith,buthedidnotpromisehecatombsoffirstlinglambstoKingApollo,andmissedhisbird,forApollofoiledhisaim;buthehitthestringwithwhichthebirdwastied,nearitsfoot;thearrowcutthestringcleanthroughsothatithungdowntowardstheground,whilethebirdflewupintothesky,andtheAchaeansshoutedapplause。Meriones,whohadhisarrowreadywhileTeucerwasaiming,snatchedthebowoutofhishand,andatoncepromisedthathewouldsacrificeahecatomboffirstlinglambstoApollolordofthebow;thenespyingthepigeonhighupundertheclouds,hehitherinthemiddleofthewingasshewascirclingupwards;thearrowwentcleanthroughthewingandfixeditselfinthegroundatMeriones’feet,butthebirdperchedontheship’smasthangingherheadandwithallherfeathersdrooping;thelifewentoutofher,andshefellheavilyfromthemast。Meriones,therefore,tookalltendouble-edgedaxes,whileTeucerboreoffthesingle-edgedonestohisships。
ThenthesonofPeleusbroughtinaspearandacauldronthathadneverbeenonthefire;itwasworthanox,andwaschasedwithapatternofflowers;andthosethatthrowthejavelinstoodup-towitthesonofAtreus,kingofmenAgamemnon,andMeriones,stalwartsquireofIdomeneus。ButAchillesspokesaying,"SonofAtreus,weknowhowfaryouexcelallothersbothinpowerandinthrowingthejavelin;takethecauldronbackwithyoutoyourships,butifitsopleaseyou,letusgivethespeartoMeriones;thisatleastiswhatI
shouldmyselfwish。"
KingAgamemnonassented。SohegavethebronzespeartoMeriones,andhandedthegoodlycauldrontoTalthybiushisesquire。
BOOKXXIV
THEassemblynowbrokeupandthepeoplewenttheirwayseachtohisownship。Theretheymadereadytheirsupper,andthenbethoughtthemoftheblessedboonofsleep;butAchillesstillweptforthinkingofhisdearcomrade,andsleep,beforewhomallthingsbow,couldtakenoholduponhim。ThiswayandthatdidheturnasheyearnedafterthemightandmanfulnessofPatroclus;hethoughtofalltheyhaddonetogether,andalltheyhadgonethroughbothonthefieldofbattleandonthewavesofthewearysea。Ashedweltonthesethingsheweptbitterlyandlaynowonhisside,nowonhisback,andnowfacedownwards,tillatlastheroseandwentoutasonedistraughttowanderupontheseashore。Then,whenhesawdawnbreakingoverbeachandsea,heyokedhishorsestohischariot,andboundthebodyofHectorbehinditthathemightdragitabout。ThricedidhedragitroundthetombofthesonofMenoetius,andthenwentbackintohistent,leavingthebodyonthegroundfulllengthandwithitsfacedownwards。ButApollowouldnotsufferittobedisfigured,forhepitiedtheman,deadthoughhenowwas;thereforeheshieldedhimwithhisgoldenaegiscontinually,thathemighttakenohurtwhileAchilleswasdragginghim。
ThusshamefullydidAchillesinhisfurydishonourHector;buttheblessedgodslookeddowninpityfromheaven,andurgedMercury,slayerofArgus,tostealthebody。AllwereofthismindsaveonlyJuno,Neptune,andJove’sgrey-eyeddaughter,whopersistedinthehatewhichtheyhadeverbornetowardsIliuswithPriamandhispeople;fortheyforgavenotthewrongdonethembyAlexandrusindisdainingthegoddesseswhocametohimwhenhewasinhissheepyards,andpreferringherwhohadofferedhimawantontohisruin。
When,therefore,themorningofthetwelfthdayhadnowcome,PhoebusApollospokeamongtheimmortalssaying,"Yougodsoughttobeashamedofyourselves;youarecruelandhard-hearted。DidnotHectorburnyouthigh-bonesofheifersandofunblemishedgoats?Andnowdareyounotrescueevenhisdeadbody,forhiswifetolookupon,withhismotherandchild,hisfatherPriam,andhispeople,whowouldforthwithcommithimtotheflames,andgivehimhisduefuneralrites?So,then,youwouldallbeonthesideofmadAchilles,whoknowsneitherrightnorruth?Heislikesomesavagelionthatintheprideofhisgreatstrengthanddaringspringsuponmen’sflocksandgorgesonthem。EvensohasAchillesflungasideallpity,andallthatconsciencewhichatoncesogreatlybanesyetgreatlyboonshimthatwillheedit。manmayloseonefardearerthanAchilleshaslost-
ason,itmaybe,orabrotherbornfromhisownmother’swomb;yetwhenhehasmournedhimandweptoverhimhewilllethimbide,forittakesmuchsorrowtokillaman;whereasAchilles,nowthathehasslainnobleHector,dragshimbehindhischariotroundthetombofhiscomrade。Itwerebetterofhim,andforhim,thatheshouldnotdoso,forbravethoughhebewegodsmaytakeitillthatheshouldventhisfuryupondeadclay。"
Junospokeupinarage。"Thiswerewell,"shecried,"Olordofthesilverbow,ifyouwouldgivelikehonourtoHectorandtoAchilles;
butHectorwasmortalandsuckledatawoman’sbreast,whereasAchillesistheoffspringofagoddesswhomImyselfrearedandbroughtup。ImarriedhertoPeleus,whoisabovemeasuredeartotheimmortals;yougodscameallofyoutoherwedding;youfeastedalongwiththemyourselfandbroughtyourlyre-false,andfondoflowcompany,thatyouhaveeverbeen。"
ThensaidJove,"Juno,benotsobitter。Theirhonourshallnotbeequal,butofallthatdwellinIlius,Hectorwasdearesttothegods,asalsotomyself,forhisofferingsneverfailedme。Neverwasmyaltarstintedofitsdues,norofthedrink-offeringsandsavourofsacrificewhichweclaimofright。IshallthereforepermitthebodyofmightyHectortobestolen;andyetthismayhardlybewithoutAchillescomingtoknowit,forhismotherkeepsnightanddaybesidehim。Letsomeoneofyou,therefore,sendThetistome,andI
willimpartmycounseltoher,namelythatAchillesistoacceptaransomfromPriam,andgiveupthebody。"
OnthisIrisfleetasthewindwentforthtocarryhismessage。DownsheplungedintothedarkseamidwaybetweenSamosandrockyImbrus;
thewatershissedastheyclosedoverher,andshesankintothebottomastheleadattheendofanox-horn,thatisspedtocarrydeathtofishes。ShefoundThetissittinginagreatcavewiththeothersea-goddessesgatheredroundher;thereshesatinthemidstofthemweepingforhernoblesonwhowastofallfarfromhisownland,ontherichplainsofTroy。Iriswentuptoherandsaid,"RiseThetis;Jove,whosecounselsfailnot,bidsyoucometohim。"
AndThetisanswered,"Whydoesthemightygodsobidme?Iamingreatgrief,andshrinkfromgoinginandoutamongtheimmortals。Still,Iwillgo,andthewordthathemayspeakshallnotbespokeninvain。"
Thegoddesstookherdarkveil,thanwhichtherecanbenorobemoresombre,andwentforthwithfleetIrisleadingthewaybeforeher。Thewavesoftheseaopenedthemapath,andwhentheyreachedtheshoretheyflewupintotheheavens,wheretheyfoundtheall-seeingsonofSaturnwiththeblessedgodsthatliveforeverassemblednearhim。
Minervagaveupherseattoher,andshesatdownbythesideoffatherJove。Junothenplacedafairgoldencupinherhand,andspoketoherinwordsofcomfort,whereonThetisdrankandgaveherbackthecup;andthesireofgodsandmenwasthefirsttospeak。
"So,goddess,"saidhe,"forallyoursorrow,andthegriefthatI
wellknowreignseverinyourheart,youhavecomehithertoOlympus,andIwilltellyouwhyIhavesentforyou。ThisninedayspasttheimmortalshavebeenquarrellingaboutAchilleswasterofcitiesandthebodyofHector。ThegodswouldhaveMercuryslayerofArgusstealthebody,butinfurtheranceofourpeaceandamityhenceforward,IwillconcedesuchhonourtoyoursonasIwillnowtellyou。Go,then,tothehostandlaythesecommandsuponhim;saythatthegodsareangrywithhim,andthatIammyselfmoreangrythanthemall,inthathekeepsHectorattheshipsandwillnotgivehimup。Hemaythusfearmeandletthebodygo。AtthesametimeIwillsendIristogreatPriamtobidhimgototheshipsoftheAchaeans,andransomhisson,takingwithhimsuchgiftsforAchillesasmaygivehimsatisfaction。
Silver-footedThetisdidasthegodhadtoldher,andforthwithdownshedartedfromthetopmostsummitsofOlympus。Shewenttoherson’stentswhereshefoundhimgrievingbitterly,whilehistrustycomradesroundhimwerebusypreparingtheirmorningmeal,forwhichtheyhadkilledagreatwoollysheep。Hismothersatdownbesidehimandcaressedhimwithherhandsaying,"Myson,howlongwillyoukeeponthusgrievingandmakingmoan?Youaregnawingatyourownheart,andthinkneitheroffoodnorofwoman’sembraces;andyetthesetoowerewell,foryouhavenolongtimetolive,anddeathwiththestronghandoffatearealreadyclosebesideyou。Now,therefore,heedwhatIsay,forIcomeasamessengerfromJove;hesaysthatthegodsareangrywithyou,andhimselfmoreangrythanthemall,inthatyoukeepHectorattheshipsandwillnotgivehimup。Thereforelethimgo,andacceptaransomforhisbody。"
AndAchillesanswered,"Sobeit。IfOlympianJoveofhisownmotionthuscommandsme,lethimthatbringstheransombearthebodyaway。"
Thusdidmotherandsontalktogetherattheshipsinlongdiscoursewithoneanother。MeanwhilethesonofSaturnsentIristothestrongcityofIlius。"Go,"saidhe,"fleetIris,fromthemansionsofOlympus,andtellKingPriaminIlius,thatheistogototheshipsoftheAchaeansandfreethebodyofhisdearson。HeistotakesuchgiftswithhimasshallgivesatisfactiontoAchilles,andheistogoalone,withnootherTrojan,saveonlysomehonouredservantwhomaydrivehismulesandwaggon,andbringbackthebodyofhimwhomnobleAchilleshasslain。Lethimhavenothoughtnorfearofdeathinhisheart,forwewillsendtheslayerofArgustoescorthim,andbringhimwithinthetentofAchilles。Achilleswillnotkillhimnorletanotherdoso,forhewilltakeheedtohiswaysandsinnot,andhewillentreatasuppliantwithallhonourablecourtesy。"
OnthisIris,fleetasthewind,spedforthtodeliverhermessage。ShewenttoPriam’shouse,andfoundweepingandlamentationtherein。Hissonswereseatedroundtheirfatherintheoutercourtyard,andtheirraimentwaswetwithtears:theoldmansatinthemidstofthemwithhismantlewrappedcloseabouthisbody,andhisheadandneckallcoveredwiththefilthwhichhehadclutchedashelaygrovellinginthemire。Hisdaughtersandhissons’wiveswentwailingaboutthehouse,astheythoughtofthemanyandbravemenwholaydead,slainbytheArgives。ThemessengerofJovestoodbyPriamandspokesoftlytohim,butfearfelluponhimasshedidso。
"Takeheart,"shesaid,"PriamoffspringofDardanus,takeheartandfearnot。Ibringnoeviltidings,butammindedwelltowardsyou。I
comeasamessengerfromJove,whothoughhebenotnear,takesthoughtforyouandpitiesyou。ThelordofOlympusbidsyougoandransomnobleHector,andtakewithyousuchgiftsasshallgivesatisfactiontoAchilles。Youaretogoalone,withnoTrojan,saveonlysomehonouredservantwhomaydriveyourmulesandwaggon,andbringbacktothecitythebodyofhimwhomnobleAchilleshasslain。Youaretohavenothought,norfearofdeath,forJovewillsendtheslayerofArgustoescortyou。WhenhehasbroughtyouwithinAchilles’tent,Achilleswillnotkillyounorletanotherdoso,forhewilltakeheedtohiswaysandsinnot,andhewillentreatasuppliantwithallhonourablecourtesy。"
Iriswentherwaywhenshehadthusspoken,andPriamtoldhissonstogetamule-waggonready,andtomakethebodyofthewaggonfastuponthetopofitsbed。Thenhewentdownintohisfragrantstore-room,high-vaulted,andmadeofcedar-wood,wherehismanytreasureswerekept,andhecalledHecubahiswife。"Wife,"saidhe,"amessengerhascometomefromOlympus,andhastoldmetogototheshipsoftheAchaeanstoransommydearson,takingwithmesuchgiftsasshallgivesatisfactiontoAchilles。Whatthinkyouofthismatter?
formyownpartIamgreatlymovedtopassthroughtheoftheAchaeansandgototheirships。"
Hiswifecriedaloudassheheardhim,andsaid,"Alas,whathasbecomeofthatjudgementforwhichyouhavebeeneverfamousbothamongstrangersandyourownpeople?HowcanyouventurealonetotheshipsoftheAchaeans,andlookintothefaceofhimwhohasslainsomanyofyourbravesons?Youmusthaveironcourage,forifthecruelsavageseesyouandlaysholdonyou,hewillknowneitherrespectnorpity。LetusthenweepHectorfromafarhereinourownhouse,forwhenIgavehimbirththethreadsofoverrulingfatewerespunforhimthatdogsshouldeathisfleshfarfromhisparents,inthehouseofthatterriblemanonwhoseliverIwouldfainfastenanddevourit。ThuswouldIavengemyson,whoshowednocowardicewhenAchillesslewhim,andthoughtneitherofRightnorofavoidingbattleashestoodindefenceofTrojanmenandTrojanwomen。"
ThenPriamsaid,"Iwouldgo,donotthereforestaymenorbeasabirdofillomeninmyhouse,foryouwillnotmoveme。Haditbeensomemortalmanwhohadsentmesomeprophetorpriestwhodivinesfromsacrifice-Ishouldhavedeemedhimfalseandhavegivenhimnoheed;butnowIhaveheardthegoddessandseenherfacetoface,thereforeIwillgoandhersayingshallnotbeinvain。IfitbemyfatetodieattheshipsoftheAchaeansevensowouldIhaveit;
letAchillesslayme,ifImaybutfirsthavetakenmysoninmyarmsandmournedhimtomyheart’scomforting。"
Sosayingheliftedthelidsofhischests,andtookouttwelvegoodlyvestments。Hetookalsotwelvecloaksofsinglefold,twelverugs,twelvefairmantles,andanequalnumberofshirts。Heweighedouttentalentsofgold,andbroughtmoreovertwoburnishedtripods,fourcauldrons,andaverybeautifulcupwhichtheThracianshadgivenhimwhenhehadgonetothemonanembassy;itwasveryprecious,buthegrudgednoteventhis,soeagerwashetoransomthebodyofhisson。ThenhechasedalltheTrojansfromthecourtandrebukedthemwithwordsofanger。"Out,"hecried,"shameanddisgracetomethatyouare。Haveyounogriefinyourownhomesthatyouarecometoplaguemehere?Isitasmallthing,thinkyou,thatthesonofSaturnhassentthissorrowuponme,tolosethebravestofmysons?Nay,youshallproveitinperson,fornowheisgonetheAchaeanswillhaveeasierworkinkillingyou。Asforme,letmegodownwithinthehouseofHades,eremineeyesbeholdthesackingandwastingofthecity。"
Hedrovethemenawaywithhisstaff,andtheywentforthastheoldmanspedthem。Thenhecalledtohissons,upbraidingHelenus,Paris,nobleAgathon,Pammon,Antiphonus,Politesoftheloudbattle-cry,Deiphobus,Hippothous,andDius。Theseninedidtheoldmancallnearhim。"Cometomeatonce,"hecried,"worthlesssonswhodomeshame;wouldthatyouhadallbeenkilledattheshipsratherthanHector。MiserablemanthatIam,IhavehadthebravestsonsinallTroy-nobleNestor,Troilusthedauntlesscharioteer,andHectorwhowasagodamongmen,sothatonewouldhavethoughthewassontoanimmortal-yetthereisnotoneofthemleft。MarshasslainthemandthoseofwhomIamashamedarealoneleftme。Liars,andlightoffoot,heroesofthedance,robbersoflambsandkidsfromyourownpeople,whydoyounotgetawaggonreadyformeatonce,andputallthesethingsuponitthatImaysetoutonmyway?"
Thusdidhespeak,andtheyfearedtherebukeoftheirfather。
Theybroughtoutastrongmule-waggon,newlymade,andsetthebodyofthewaggonfastonitsbed。Theytookthemule-yokefromthepegonwhichithung,ayokeofboxwoodwithaknobonthetopofitandringsforthereinstogothrough。Thentheybroughtayoke-bandelevencubitslong,tobindtheyoketothepole;theybounditonatthefarendofthepole,andputtheringovertheuprightpinmakingitfastwiththreeturnsofthebandoneithersidetheknob,andbendingthethongoftheyokebeneathit。Thisdone,theybroughtfromthestore-chambertherichransomthatwastopurchasethebodyofHector,andtheysetitallorderlyonthewaggon;thentheyyokedthestrongharness-muleswhichtheMysianshadonatimegivenasagoodlypresenttoPriam;butforPriamhimselftheyyokedhorseswhichtheoldkinghadbred,andkeptforownuse。
ThusheedfullydidPriamandhisservantseetotheyolkingoftheircarsatthepalace。ThenHecubacametothemallsorrowful,withagoldengobletofwineinherrighthand,thattheymightmakeadrink-offeringbeforetheysetout。Shestoodinfrontofthehorsesandsaid,"Takethis,makeadrink-offeringtofatherJove,andsinceyouaremindedtogototheshipsinspiteofme,praythatyoumaycomesafelybackfromthehandsofyourenemies。PraytothesonofSaturnlordofthewhirlwind,whositsonIdaandlooksdownoverallTroy,prayhimtosendhisswiftmessengeronyourrighthand,thebirdofomenwhichisstrongestandmostdeartohimofallbirds,thatyoumayseeitwithyourowneyesandtrustitasyougoforthtotheshipsoftheDanaans。Ifall-seeingJovewillnotsendyouthismessenger,howeversetuponityoumaybe,IwouldnothaveyougototheshipsoftheArgives。"
AndPriamanswered,"Wife,Iwilldoasyoudesireme;itiswelltolifthandsinprayertoJove,ifsobehemayhavemercyuponme。"
Withthistheoldmanbadetheserving-womanpourpurewateroverhishands,andthewomancame,bearingthewaterinabowl。Hewashedhishandsandtookthecupfromhiswife;thenhemadethedrink-offeringandprayed,standinginthemiddleofthecourtyardandturninghiseyestoheaven。"FatherJove,"hesaid,"thatrulestfromIda,mostgloriousandmostgreat,grantthatImaybereceivedkindlyandcompassionatelyinthetentsofAchilles;andsendyourswiftmessengeruponmyrighthand,thebirdofomenwhichisstrongestandmostdeartoyouofallbirds,thatImayseeitwithmyowneyesandtrustitasIgoforthtotheshipsoftheDanaans。"
Sodidhepray,andJovethelordofcounselheardhisprayer。
Forthwithhesentaneagle,themostunerringportentofallbirdsthatfly,theduskyhunterthatmenalsocalltheBlackEagle。Hiswingswerespreadabroadoneithersideaswideasthewell-madeandwell-bolteddoorofarichman’schamber。Hecametothemflyingoverthecityupontheirrighthands,andwhentheysawhimtheyweregladandtheirheartstookcomfortwithinthem。Theoldmanmadehastetomounthischariot,anddroveoutthroughtheinnergatewayandundertheechoinggatehouseoftheoutercourt。Beforehimwentthemulesdrawingthefour-wheeledwaggon,anddrivenbywiseIdaeus;behindthesewerethehorses,whichtheoldmanlashedwithhiswhipanddroveswiftlythroughthecity,whilehisfriendsfollowedafter,wailingandlamentingforhimasthoughhewereonhisroadtodeath。Assoonastheyhadcomedownfromthecityandhadreachedtheplain,hissonsandsons-in-lawwhohadfollowedhimwentbacktoIlius。
ButPriamandIdaeusastheyshowedoutupontheplaindidnotescapethekenofall-seeingJove,wholookeddownupontheoldmanandpitiedhim;thenhespoketohissonMercuryandsaid,"Mercury,foritisyouwhoarethemostdisposedtoescortmenontheirway,andtohearthosewhomyouwillhear,go,andsoconductPriamtotheshipsoftheAchaeansthatnootheroftheDanaansshallseehimnortakenoteofhimuntilhereachthesonofPeleus。"
ThushespokeandMercury,guideandguardian,slayerofArgus,didashewastold。Forthwithheboundonhisglitteringgoldensandalswithwhichhecouldflylikethewindoverlandandsea;hetookthewandwithwhichhesealsmen’seyesinsleep,orwakesthemjustashepleases,andflewholdingitinhishandtillhecametoTroyandtotheHellespont。Tolookat,hewaslikeayoungmanofnoblebirthinthehey-dayofhisyouthandbeautywiththedownjustcominguponhisface。
NowwhenPriamandIdaeushaddrivenpastthegreattombofIlius,theystayedtheirmulesandhorsesthattheymightdrinkintheriver,fortheshadesofnightwerefalling,when,therefore,IdaeussawMercurystandingnearthemhesaidtoPriam,"Takeheed,descendantofDardanus;hereismatterwhichdemandsconsideration。IseeamanwhoIthinkwillpresentlyfalluponus;letusflywithourhorses,oratleastembracehiskneesandimplorehimtotakecompassionuponus?
Whenheheardthistheoldman’sheartfailedhim,andhewasingreatfear;hestayedwherehewasasonedazed,andthehairstoodonendoverhiswholebody;butthebringerofgoodluckcameuptohimandtookhimbythehand,saying,"Whither,father,areyouthusdrivingyourmulesandhorsesinthedeadofnightwhenothermenareasleep?AreyounotafraidofthefierceAchaeanswhoarehardbyyou,socruelandrelentless?Shouldsomeoneofthemseeyoubearingsomuchtreasurethroughthedarknessoftheflyingnight,whatwouldnotyourstatethenbe?Youarenolongeryoung,andhewhoiswithyouistoooldtoprotectyoufromthosewhowouldattackyou。
Formyself,Iwilldoyounoharm,andIwilldefendyoufromanyoneelse,foryouremindmeofmyownfather。"
AndPriamanswered,"Itisindeedasyousay,mydearson;
neverthelesssomegodhasheldhishandoverme,inthathehassentsuchawayfarerasyourselftomeetmesoOpportunely;youaresocomelyinmienandfigure,andyourjudgementissoexcellentthatyoumustcomeofblessedparents。"
ThensaidtheslayerofArgus,guideandguardian,"Sir,allthatyouhavesaidisright;buttellmeandtellmetrue,areyoutakingthisrichtreasuretosendittoaforeignpeoplewhereitmaybesafe,orareyouallleavingstrongIliusindismaynowthatyoursonhasfallenwhowasthebravestmanamongyouandwasneverlackinginbattlewiththeAchaeans?"
AndPriamsaid,"Woareyou,myfriend,andwhoareyourparents,thatyouspeaksotrulyaboutthefateofmyunhappyson?"
TheslayerofArgus,guideandguardian,answeredhim,"Sir,youwouldproveme,thatyouquestionmeaboutnobleHector。ManyatimehaveIseteyesuponhiminbattlewhenhewasdrivingtheArgivestotheirshipsandputtingthemtothesword。Westoodstillandmarvelled,forAchillesinhisangerwiththesonofAtreussufferedusnottofight。Iamhissquire,andcamewithhiminthesameship。IamaMyrmidon,andmyfather’snameisPolyctor:heisarichmanandaboutasoldasyouare;hehassixsonsbesidesmyself,andIamtheseventh。Wecastlots,anditfelluponmetosailhitherwithAchilles。Iamnowcomefromtheshipsontotheplain,forwithdaybreaktheAchaeanswillsetbattleinarrayaboutthecity。Theychafeatdoingnothing,andaresoeagerthattheirprincescannotholdthemback。"
ThenansweredPriam,"IfyouareindeedthesquireofAchillessonofPeleus,tellmenowtheWholetruth。Ismysonstillattheships,orhasAchilleshewnhimlimbfromlimb,andgivenhimtohishounds?"
"Sir,"repliedtheslayerofArgus,guideandguardian,"neitherhoundsnorvultureshaveyetdevouredhim;heisstilljustlyingatthetentsbytheshipofAchilles,andthoughitisnowtwelvedaysthathehaslainthere,hisfleshisnotwastednorhavethewormseatenhimalthoughtheyfeedonwarriors。AtdaybreakAchillesdragshimcruellyroundthesepulchreofhisdearcomrade,butitdoeshimnohurt。Youshouldcomeyourselfandseehowheliesfreshasdew,withthebloodallwashedaway,andhiswoundseveryoneofthemclosedthoughmanypiercedhimwiththeirspears。Suchcarehavetheblessedgodstakenofyourbraveson,forhewasdeartothembeyondallmeasure。"
Theoldmanwascomfortedasheheardhimandsaid,"Myson,seewhatagoodthingitistohavemadedueofferingstotheimmortals;
forassureasthathewasbornmysonneverforgotthegodsthatholdOlympus,andnowtheyrequiteittohimevenindeath。Acceptthereforeatmyhandsthisgoodlychalice;guardmeandwithheaven’shelpguidemetillIcometothetentofthesonofPeleus。"
ThenansweredtheslayerofArgus,guideandguardian,"Sir,youaretemptingmeandplayinguponmyyouth,butyoushallnotmoveme,foryouareofferingmepresentswithouttheknowledgeofAchilleswhomIfearandholditgreatguiltlesstodefraud,lestsomeevilpresentlybefallme;butasyourguideIwouldgowithyoueventoArgositself,andwouldguardyousocarefullywhetherbyseaorland,thatnooneshouldattackyouthroughmakinglightofhimwhowaswithyou。"
Thebringerofgoodluckthensprangontothechariot,andseizingthewhipandreinshebreathedfreshspiritintothemulesandhorses。Whentheyreachedthetrenchandthewallthatwasbeforetheships,thosewhowereonguardhadjustbeengettingtheirsuppers,andtheslayerofArgusthrewthemallintoadeepsleep。
Thenhedrewbacktheboltstoopenthegates,andtookPriaminsidewiththetreasurehehaduponhiswaggon。ErelongtheycametotheloftydwellingofthesonofPeleusforwhichtheMyrmidonshadcutpineandwhichtheyhadbuiltfortheirking;whentheyhadbuiltittheythatcheditwithcoarsetussock-grasswhichtheyhadmownoutontheplain,andallroundittheymadealargecourtyard,whichwasfencedwithstakessetclosetogether。Thegatewasbarredwithasingleboltofpinewhichittookthreementoforceintoitsplace,andthreetodrawbacksoastoopenthegate,butAchillescoulddrawitbyhimself。Mercuryopenedthegatefortheoldman,andbroughtinthetreasurethathewastakingwithhimforthesonofPeleus。Thenhesprangfromthechariotontothegroundandsaid,"Sir,itisI,immortalMercury,thatamcomewithyou,formyfathersentmetoescortyou。Iwillnowleaveyou,andwillnotenterintothepresenceofAchilles,foritmightangerhimthatagodshouldbefriendmortalmenthusopenly。Goyouwithin,andembracethekneesofthesonofPeleus:beseechhimbyhisfather,hislovelymother,andhisson;thusyoumaymovehim。"
WiththesewordsMercurywentbacktohighOlympus。Priamsprangfromhischariottotheground,leavingIdaeuswherehewas,inchargeofthemulesandhorses。TheoldmanwentstraightintothehousewhereAchilles,lovedofthegods,wassitting。Therehefoundhimwithhismenseatedatadistancefromhim:onlytwo,theheroAutomedon,andAlcimusoftheraceofMars,werebusyinattendanceabouthisperson,forhehadbutjustdoneeatinganddrinking,andthetablewasstillthere。KingPriamenteredwithouttheirseeinghim,andgoingrightuptoAchillesheclaspedhiskneesandkissedthedreadmurderoushandsthathadslainsomanyofhissons。
Aswhensomecruelspitehasbefallenamanthatheshouldhavekilledsomeoneinhisowncountry,andmustflytoagreatman’sprotectioninalandofstrangers,andallmarvelwhoseehim,evensodidAchillesmarvelashebeheldPriam。Theotherslookedonetoanotherandmarvelledalso,butPriambesoughtAchillessaying,"Thinkofyourfather,OAchilleslikeuntothegods,whoissuchevenasI
am,onthesadthresholdofoldage。Itmaybethatthosewhodwellnearhimharasshim,andthereisnonetokeepwarandruinfromhim。Yetwhenhehearsofyoubeingstillalive,heisglad,andhisdaysarefullofhopethatheshallseehisdearsoncomehometohimfromTroy;butI,wretchedmanthatIam,hadthebravestinallTroyformysons,andthereisnotoneofthemleft。IhadfiftysonswhentheAchaeanscamehere;nineteenofthemwerefromasinglewomb,andtheotherswerebornetomebythewomenofmyhousehold。ThegreaterpartofthemhasfierceMarslaidlow,andHector,himwhowasaloneleft,himwhowastheguardianofthecityandourselves,himhaveyoulatelyslain;thereforeIamnowcometotheshipsoftheAchaeanstoransomhisbodyfromyouwithagreatransom。Fear,OAchilles,thewrathofheaven;thinkonyourownfatherandhavecompassionuponme,whoamthemorepitiable,forI
havesteeledmyselfasnomanyethaseversteeledhimselfbeforeme,andhaveraisedtomylipsthehandofhimwhoslewmyson。"
ThusspokePriam,andtheheartofAchillesyearnedashebethoughthimofhisfather。Hetooktheoldman’shandandmovedhimgentlyaway。Thetwoweptbitterly-Priam,ashelayatAchilles’feet,weepingforHector,andAchillesnowforhisfatherandnowforPatroclous,tillthehousewasfilledwiththeirlamentation。ButwhenAchilleswasnowsatedwithgriefandhadunburthenedthebitternessofhissorrow,helefthisseatandraisedtheoldmanbythehand,inpityforhiswhitehairandbeard;thenhesaid,"Unhappyman,youhaveindeedbeengreatlydaring;howcouldyouventuretocomealonetotheshipsoftheAchaeans,andenterthepresenceofhimwhohasslainsomanyofyourbravesons?Youmusthaveironcourage:sitnowuponthisseat,andforallourgriefwewillhideoursorrowsinourhearts,forweepingwillnotavailus。Theimmortalsknownocare,yetthelottheyspinformanisfullofsorrow;onthefloorofJove’spalacetherestandtwourns,theonefilledwithevilgifts,andtheotherwithgoodones。HeforwhomJovethelordofthundermixesthegiftshesends,willmeetnowwithgoodandnowwithevilfortune;buthetowhomJovesendsnonebutevilgiftswillbepointedatbythefingerofscorn,thehandoffaminewillpursuehimtotheendsoftheworld,andhewillgoupanddownthefaceoftheearth,respectedneitherbygodsnormen。EvensodiditbefallPeleus;thegodsendowedhimwithallgoodthingsfromhisbirthupwards,forhereignedovertheMyrmidonsexcellingallmeninprosperityandwealth,andmortalthoughhewastheygavehimagoddessforhisbride。Butevenonhimtoodidheavensendmisfortune,forthereisnoraceofroyalchildrenborntohiminhishouse,saveonesonwhoisdoomedtodiealluntimely;normayItakecareofhimnowthatheisgrowingold,forI
muststayhereatTroytobethebaneofyouandyourchildren。Andyoutoo,OPriam,Ihaveheardthatyouwereaforetimehappy。TheysaythatinwealthandplenitudeofoffspringyousurpassedallthatisinLesbos,therealmofMakartothenorthward,Phrygiathatismoreinland,andthosethatdwelluponthegreatHellespont;butfromthedaywhenthedwellersinheavensentthiseviluponyou,warandslaughterhavebeenaboutyourcitycontinually。Bearupagainstit,andlettherebesomeintervalsinyoursorrow。Mournasyoumayforyourbraveson,youwilltakenothingbyit。Youcannotraisehimfromthedead,ereyoudosoyetanothersorrowshallbefallyou。"
AndPriamanswered,"Oking,bidmenotbeseated,whileHectorisstilllyinguncaredforinyourtents,butacceptthegreatransomwhichIhavebroughtyou,andgivehimtomeatoncethatImaylookuponhim。Mayyouprosperwiththeransomandreachyourownlandinsafety,seeingthatyouhavesufferedmetoliveandtolookuponthelightofthesun。"
Achilleslookedathimsternlyandsaid,"Vexme,sir,nolonger;
IamofmyselfmindedtogiveupthebodyofHector。Mymother,daughteroftheoldmanofthesea,cametomefromJovetobidmedeliverittoyou。MoreoverIknowwell,OPriam,andyoucannothideit,thatsomegodhasbroughtyoutotheshipsoftheAchaeans,forelse,nomanhoweverstrongandinhisprimewoulddaretocometoourhost;hecouldneitherpassourguardunseen,nordrawtheboltofmygatesthuseasily;therefore,provokemenofurther,lestIsinagainstthewordofJove,andsufferyounot,suppliantthoughyouare,withinmytents。"
Theoldmanfearedhimandobeyed。ThenthesonofPeleusspranglikealionthroughthedoorofhishouse,notalone,butwithhimwenthistwosquiresAutomedonandAlcimuswhowereclosertohimthananyothersofhiscomradesnowthatPatrocluswasnomore。Theseunyokedthehorsesandmules,andbadePriam’sheraldandattendantbeseatedwithinthehouse。TheyliftedtheransomforHector’sbodyfromthewaggon。buttheylefttwomantlesandagoodlyshirt,thatAchillesmightwrapthebodyinthemwhenhegaveittobetakenhome。
Thenhecalledtohisservantsandorderedthemtowashthebodyandanointit,buthefirsttookittoaplacewherePriamshouldnotseeit,lestifhedidso,heshouldbreakoutinthebitternessofhisgrief,andenrageAchilles,whomightthenkillhimandsinagainstthewordofJove。Whentheservantshadwashedthebodyandanointedit,andhadwrappeditinafairshirtandmantle,Achilleshimselflifteditontoabier,andheandhismenthenlaiditonthewaggon。Hecriedaloudashedidsoandcalledonthenameofhisdearcomrade,"Benotangrywithme,Patroclus,"hesaid,"ifyouheareveninthehouseofHadesthatIhavegivenHectortohisfatherforaransom。Ithasbeennounworthyone,andIwillshareitequitablywithyou。"
Achillesthenwentbackintothetentandtookhisplaceontherichlyinlaidseatfromwhichhehadrisen,bythewallthatwasatrightanglestotheoneagainstwhichPriamwassitting。"Sir,"hesaid,"yoursonisnowlaiduponhisbierandisransomedaccordingtodesire;youshalllookuponhimwhenyouhimawayatdaybreak;forthepresentletusprepareoursupper。EvenlovelyNiobehadtothinkabouteating,thoughhertwelvechildren-sixdaughtersandsixlustysons-hadbeenallslaininherhouse。Apollokilledthesonswitharrowsfromhissilverbow,topunishNiobe,andDianaslewthedaughters,becauseNiobehadvauntedherselfagainstLeto;shesaidLetohadbornetwochildrenonly,whereasshehadherselfbornemany-whereonthetwokilledthemany。Ninedaysdidtheylieweltering,andtherewasnonetoburythem,forthesonofSaturnturnedthepeopleintostone;butonthetenthdaythegodsinheaventhemselvesburiedthem,andNiobethentookfood,beingwornoutwithweeping。TheysaythatsomewhereamongtherocksonthemountainpasturesofSipylus,wherethenymphslivethathaunttheriverAchelous,there,theysay,shelivesinstoneandstillnursesthesorrowssentuponherbythehandofheaven。Therefore,noblesir,letustwonowtakefood;youcanweepforyourdearsonhereafterasyouarebearinghimbacktoIlius-andmanyatearwillhecostyou。"
WiththisAchillessprangfromhisseatandkilledasheepofsilverywhiteness,whichhisfollowersskinnedandmadereadyallindueorder。Theycutthemeatcarefullyupintosmallerpieces,spittedthem,anddrewthemoffagainwhentheywerewellroasted。Automedonbroughtbreadinfairbasketsandserveditroundthetable,whileAchillesdealtoutthemeat,andtheylaidtheirhandsonthegoodthingsthatwerebeforethem。Assoonastheyhadhadenoughtoeatanddrink,Priam,descendantofDardanus,marvelledatthestrengthandbeautyofAchillesforhewasasagodtosee,andAchillesmarvelledatPriamashelistenedtohimandlookeduponhisnoblepresence。WhentheyhadgazedtheirfillPriamspokefirst。"Andnow,Oking,"hesaid,"takemetomycouchthatwemayliedownandenjoytheblessedboonofsleep。Neveroncehavemyeyesbeenclosedfromthedayyourhandstookthelifeofmyson;Ihavegrovelledwithoutceasinginthemireofmystable-yard,makingmoanandbroodingovermycountlesssorrows。Now,moreover,Ihaveeatenbreadanddrunkwine;hithertoIhavetastednothing。"
AshespokeAchillestoldhismenandthewomen-servantstosetbedsintheroomthatwasinthegatehouse,andmakethemwithgoodredrugs,andspreadcoverletsonthetopofthemwithwoollencloaksforPriamandIdaeustowear。Sothemaidswentoutcarryingatorchandgotthetwobedsreadyinallhaste。ThenAchillessaidlaughinglytoPriam,"Dearsir,youshalllieoutside,lestsomecounsellorofthosewhoinduecoursekeepcomingtoadvisewithmeshouldseeyouhereinthedarknessoftheflyingnight,andtellittoAgamemnon。
Thismightcausedelayinthedeliveryofthebody。Andnowtellmeandtellmetrue,forhowmanydayswouldyoucelebratethefuneralritesofnobleHector?Tellme,thatImayholdalooffromwarandrestrainthehost。"
AndPriamanswered,"Since,then,yousuffermetoburymynoblesonwithallduerites,dothus,Achilles,andIshallbegrateful。Youknowhowwearepentupwithinourcity;itisfarforustofetchwoodfromthemountain,andthepeopleliveinfear。Ninedays,therefore,willwemournHectorinmyhouse;onthetenthdaywewillburyhimandthereshallbeapublicfeastinhishonour;ontheeleventhwewillbuildamoundoverhisashes,andonthetwelfth,iftherebeneed,wewillfight。"
AndAchillesanswered,"All,KingPriam,shallbeasyouhavesaid。Iwillstayourfightingforaslongatimeasyouhavenamed。"
Ashespokehelaidhishandontheoldman’srightwrist,intokenthatheshouldhavenofear;thusthendidPriamandhisattendantsleepthereintheforecourt,fullofthought,whileAchilleslayinaninnerroomofthehouse,withfairBriseisbyhisside。
Andnowbothgodsandmortalswerefastasleepthroughthelivelongnight,butuponMercuryalone,thebringerofgoodluck,sleepcouldtakenoholdforhewasthinkingallthetimehowtogetKingPriamawayfromtheshipswithouthisbeingseenbythestrongforceofsentinels。HehoveredthereforeoverPriam’sheadandsaid,"Sir,nowthatAchilleshassparedyourlife,youseemtohavenofearaboutsleepinginthethickofyourfoes。Youhavepaidagreatransom,andhavereceivedthebodyofyourson;wereyoustillaliveandaprisonerthesonswhomyouhaveleftathomewouldhavetogivethreetimesasmuchtofreeyou;andsoitwouldbeifAgamemnonandtheotherAchaeansweretoknowofyourbeinghere。"
Whenheheardthistheoldmanwasafraidandrousedhisservant。
Mercurythenyokedtheirhorsesandmules,anddrovethemquicklythroughthehostsothatnomanperceivedthem。WhentheycametothefordofeddyingXanthus,begottenofimmortalJove,MercurywentbacktohighOlympus,anddawninrobeofsaffronbegantobreakoveralltheland。PriamandIdaeusthendroveontowardthecitylamentingandmakingmoan,andthemulesdrewthebodyofHector。Nooneneithermannorwomansawthem,tillCassandra,fairasgoldenVenusstandingonPergamus,caughtsightofherdearfatherinhischariot,andhisservantthatwasthecity’sheraldwithhim。Thenshesawhimthatwaslyinguponthebier,drawnbythemules,andwithaloudcryshewentaboutthecitysaying,"ComehitherTrojans,menandwomen,andlookonHector;ifeveryourejoicedtoseehimcomingfrombattlewhenhewasalive,looknowonhimthatwasthegloryofourcityandallourpeople。"
Atthistherewasnotmannorwomanleftinthecity,sogreatasorrowhadpossessedthem。HardbythegatestheymetPriamashewasbringinginthebody。Hector’swifeandhismotherwerethefirsttomournhim:theyflewtowardsthewaggonandlaidtheirhandsuponhishead,whilethecrowdstoodweepingroundthem。Theywouldhavestayedbeforethegates,weepingandlamentingthelivelongdaytothegoingdownofthesun,hadnotPriamspokentothemfromthechariotandsaid,"Makewayforthemulestopassyou。
AfterwardswhenIhavetakenthebodyhomeyoushallhaveyourfillofweeping。"
Onthisthepeoplestoodasunder,andmadeawayforthewaggon。
Whentheyhadbornethebodywithinthehousetheylaidituponabedandseatedminstrelsroundittoleadthedirge,whereonthewomenjoinedinthesadmusicoftheirlament。ForemostamongthemallAndromacheledtheirwailingassheclaspedtheheadofmightyHectorinherembrace。"Husband,"shecried,"youhavediedyoung,andleavemeinyourhouseawidow;heofwhomwearetheill-starredparentsisstillamerechild,andIfearhemaynotreachmanhood。
Erehecandosoourcitywillberazedandoverthrown,foryouwhowatchedoveritarenomore-youwhowereitssaviour,theguardianofourwivesandchildren。Ourwomenwillbecarriedawaycaptivestotheships,andIamongthem;whileyou,mychild,whowillbewithmewillbeputtosomeunseemlytasks,workingforacruelmaster。Or,maybe,someAchaeanwillhurlyou(Omiserabledeath)fromourwalls,toavengesomebrother,son,orfatherwhomHectorslew;manyofthemhaveindeedbittenthedustathishands,foryourfather’shandinbattlewasnolightone。Thereforedothepeoplemournhim。Youhaveleft,OHector,sorrowunutterabletoyourparents,andmyowngriefisgreatestofall,foryoudidnotstretchforthyourarmsandembracemeasyoulaydying,norsaytomeanywordsthatmighthavelivedwithmeinmytearsnightanddayforevermore。"
Bitterlydidsheweepthewhile,andthewomenjoinedinherlament。
Hecubainherturntookupthestrainsofwoe。"Hector,"shecried,"dearesttomeofallmychildren。Solongasyouwerealivethegodslovedyouwell,andevenindeaththeyhavenotbeenutterlyunmindfulofyou;forwhenAchillestookanyotherofmysons,hewouldsellhimbeyondtheseas,toSamosImbrusorruggedLemnos;
andwhenhehadslainyoutoowithhissword,manyatimedidhedragyouroundthesepulchreofhiscomrade-thoughthiscouldnotgivehimlife-yethereyoulieallfreshasdew,andcomelyasonewhomApollohasslainwithhispainlessshafts。"
Thusdidshetoospeakthroughhertearswithbittermoan,andthenHelenforathirdtimetookupthestrainoflamentation。
"Hector,"saidshe,"dearestofallmybrothers-in-law-forIamwifetoAlexandruswhobroughtmehithertoTroy-wouldthatIhaddiederehedidso-twentyyearsarecomeandgonesinceIleftmyhomeandcamefromoverthesea,butIhaveneverheardonewordofinsultorunkindnessfromyou。Whenanotherwouldchidewithme,asitmightbeoneofyourbrothersorsistersorofyourbrothers’wives,ormymother-in-law-forPriamwasaskindtomeasthoughheweremyownfather-youwouldrebukeandcheckthemwithwordsofgentlenessandgoodwill。Thereforemytearsflowbothforyouandformyunhappyself,forthereisnooneelseinTroywhoiskindtome,butallshrinkandshudderastheygobyme。"
Sheweptasshespokeandthevastcrowdthatwasgatheredroundherjoinedinherlament。ThenKingPriamspoketothemsaying,"Bringwood,OTrojans,tothecity,andfearnocunningambushoftheArgives,forAchilleswhenhedismissedmefromtheshipsgavemehiswordthattheyshouldnotattackusuntilthemorningofthetwelfthday。"
Forthwiththeyyokedtheiroxenandmulesandgatheredtogetherbeforethecity。Ninedayslongdidtheybringingreatheapswood,andonthemorningofthetenthdaywithmanytearstheytooktraveHectorforth,laidhisdeadbodyuponthesummitofthepile,andsetthefirethereto。Thenwhenthechildofmorningrosy-fingereddawnappearedontheeleventhday,thepeopleagainassembled,roundthepyreofmightyHector。Whentheyweregottogether,theyfirstquenchedthefirewithwinewhereveritwasburning,andthenhisbrothersandcomradeswithmanyabitterteargatheredhiswhitebones,wrappedtheminsoftrobesofpurple,andlaidtheminagoldenurn,whichtheyplacedinagraveandcoveredoverwithlargestonessetclosetogether。ThentheybuiltabarrowhurriedlyoveritkeepingguardoneverysidelesttheAchaeansshouldattackthembeforetheyhadfinished。Whentheyhadheapedupthebarrowtheywentbackagainintothecity,andbeingwellassembledtheyheldhighfeastinthehouseofPriamtheirking。
Thus,then,didtheycelebratethefuneralofHectortamerofhorses-
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