Ἠὼς μὲν κροκόπεπλος ἀπ’ Ὠκεανοῖο ῥοάων
ὄρνυθ’, ἵν’ ἀθανάτοισι φόως φέροι ἠδὲ βροτοῖσιν:
ἣ δ’ ἐς νῆας ἵκανε θεοῦ πάρα δῶρα φέρουσα.
εὗρε δὲ Πατρόκλῳ περικείμενον ὃν φίλον υἱὸν
[1] Now Dawn the saffron-robed arose from the streams of Oceanus to bring light to immortals and to mortal men, and Thetis came to the ships bearing gifts from the god. And she found her dear son as he lay, clasping Patroclus,
κλαίοντα λιγέως: πολέες δ’ ἀμφ’ αὐτὸν ἑταῖροι 5
μύρονθ’: ἣ δ’ ἐν τοῖσι παρίστατο δῖα θεάων,
ἔν τ’ ἄρα οἱ φῦ χειρὶ ἔπος τ’ ἔφατ’ ἔκ τ’ ὀνόμαζε:
τέκνον ἐμὸν τοῦτον μὲν ἐάσομεν ἀχνύμενοί περ
κεῖσθαι, ἐπεὶ δὴ πρῶτα θεῶν ἰότητι δαμάσθη:
[5] and wailing aloud; and in throngs round about him his comrades were weeping. Then in the midst of them the bright goddess came to his side, and she clasped his hand, and spake and addressed him:”My child, this man must we let be, for all our sorrow, to lie as he is, seeing he hath been slain once for all by the will of the gods.
τύνη δ’ Ἡφαίστοιο πάρα κλυτὰ τεύχεα δέξο 10
καλὰ μάλ’, οἷ’ οὔ πώ τις ἀνὴρ ὤμοισι φόρησεν.
ὡς ἄρα φωνήσασα θεὰ κατὰ τεύχε’ ἔθηκε
πρόσθεν Ἀχιλλῆος: τὰ δ’ ἀνέβραχε δαίδαλα πάντα.
Μυρμιδόνας δ’ ἄρα πάντας ἕλε τρόμος, οὐδέ τις ἔτλη
[10] But receive thou from Hephaestus glorious armour, exceeding fair, such as never yet a man bare upon his shoulders.” So saying the goddess set down the arms in front of Achilles, and they all rang aloud in their splendour. Then trembling seized all the Myrmidons,
ἄντην εἰσιδέειν, ἀλλ’ ἔτρεσαν. αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς 15
ὡς εἶδ’, ὥς μιν μᾶλλον ἔδυ χόλος, ἐν δέ οἱ ὄσσε
δεινὸν ὑπὸ βλεφάρων ὡς εἰ σέλας ἐξεφάανθεν:
τέρπετο δ’ ἐν χείρεσσιν ἔχων θεοῦ ἀγλαὰ δῶρα.
αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ φρεσὶν ᾗσι τετάρπετο δαίδαλα λεύσσων
[15] neither dared any man to look thereon, but they shrank in fear. Howbeit, when Achilles saw the arms, then came wrath upon him yet the more, and his eyes blazed forth in terrible wise from beneath their lids, as it had been flame; and he was glad as he held in his arms the glorious gifts of the god. But when in his soul he had taken delight in gazing on the glory of them,
αὐτίκα μητέρα ἣν ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα: 20
μῆτερ ἐμὴ τὰ μὲν ὅπλα θεὸς πόρεν οἷ’ ἐπιεικὲς
ἔργ’ ἔμεν ἀθανάτων, μὴ δὲ βροτὸν ἄνδρα τελέσσαι.
νῦν δ’ ἤτοι μὲν ἐγὼ θωρήξομαι: ἀλλὰ μάλ’ αἰνῶς
δείδω μή μοι τόφρα Μενοιτίου ἄλκιμον υἱὸν
[20] forthwith to his mother he spake winged words:”My mother, the arms that the god hath given are such as the works of immortals should fitly be, such as no mortal man could fashion. Now therefore will I array me for battle;
μυῖαι καδδῦσαι κατὰ χαλκοτύπους ὠτειλὰς 25
εὐλὰς ἐγγείνωνται, ἀεικίσσωσι δὲ νεκρόν,
ἐκ δ’ αἰὼν πέφαται, κατὰ δὲ χρόα πάντα σαπήῃ.
τὸν δ’ ἠμείβετ’ ἔπειτα θεὰ Θέτις ἀργυρόπεζα:
τέκνον μή τοι ταῦτα μετὰ φρεσὶ σῇσι μελόντων.
[25] yet am I sore afraid lest meantime flies enter the wounds that the bronze hath dealt on the corpse of the valiant son of Menoetius, and breed worms therein, and work shame upon his corpse — for the life is slain out of him — and so all his flesh shall rot.” Then the goddess, silver-footed Thetis, answered him:”My child, let not these things distress thy heart.
τῷ μὲν ἐγὼ πειρήσω ἀλαλκεῖν ἄγρια φῦλα 30
μυίας, αἵ ῥά τε φῶτας ἀρηι¨φάτους κατέδουσιν:
ἤν περ γὰρ κεῖταί γε τελεσφόρον εἰς ἐνιαυτόν,
αἰεὶ τῷ γ’ ἔσται χρὼς ἔμπεδος, ἢ καὶ ἀρείων.
ἀλλὰ σύ γ’ εἰς ἀγορὴν καλέσας ἥρωας Ἀχαιοὺς
[30] From him will I essay to ward off the savage tribes, the flies that feed upon men slain in battle. For even though he lie for the full course of a year, yet shall his flesh be sound continually, or better even than now it is. But do thou call to the place of gathering the Achaean warriors,
μῆνιν ἀποειπὼν Ἀγαμέμνονι ποιμένι λαῶν 35
αἶψα μάλ’ ἐς πόλεμον θωρήσσεο, δύσεο δ’ ἀλκήν.
ὣς ἄρα φωνήσασα μένος πολυθαρσὲς ἐνῆκε,
Πατρόκλῳ δ’ αὖτ’ ἀμβροσίην καὶ νέκταρ ἐρυθρὸν
στάξε κατὰ ῥινῶν, ἵνα οἱ χρὼς ἔμπεδος εἴη.
[35] and renounce thy wrath against Agamemnon, shepherd of the host, and then array thee with all speed for battle and clothe thee in thy might.” So saying, she filled him with dauntless courage, and on Patroclus she shed ambrosia and ruddy nectar through his nostrils, that his flesh might be sound continually.
αὐτὰρ ὃ βῆ παρὰ θῖνα θαλάσσης δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς 40
σμερδαλέα ἰάχων, ὦρσεν δ’ ἥρωας Ἀχαιούς.
καί ῥ’ οἵ περ τὸ πάρος γε νεῶν ἐν ἀγῶνι μένεσκον
οἵ τε κυβερνῆται καὶ ἔχον οἰήι¨α νηῶν
καὶ ταμίαι παρὰ νηυσὶν ἔσαν σίτοιο δοτῆρες,
[40] But goodly Achilles strode along the shore of the sea, crying a terrible cry, and aroused the Achaean warriors. And even they that aforetime were wont to abide in the gathering of the ships — they that were pilots and wielded the steering-oars of the ships, or were stewards that dealt out food —
καὶ μὴν οἳ τότε γ’ εἰς ἀγορὴν ἴσαν, οὕνεκ’ Ἀχιλλεὺς 45
ἐξεφάνη, δηρὸν δὲ μάχης ἐπέπαυτ’ ἀλεγεινῆς.
τὼ δὲ δύω σκάζοντε βάτην Ἄρεος θεράποντε
Τυδεί¨δης τε μενεπτόλεμος καὶ δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς
ἔγχει ἐρειδομένω: ἔτι γὰρ ἔχον ἕλκεα λυγρά:
[45] even these came then to the place of gathering, because Achilles was come forth, albeit he had long kept him aloof from grievous war. Twain there were, squires of Ares, that came limping, even Tydeus’ son, staunch in fight, and goodly Odysseus, leaning each on his spear, for their wounds were grievous still;
κὰδ δὲ μετὰ πρώτῃ ἀγορῇ ἵζοντο κιόντες. 50
αὐτὰρ ὃ δεύτατος ἦλθεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων
ἕλκος ἔχων: καὶ γὰρ τὸν ἐνὶ κρατερῇ ὑσμίνῃ
οὖτα Κόων Ἀντηνορίδης χαλκήρει¨ δουρί.
αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ πάντες ἀολλίσθησαν Ἀχαιοί,
[50] and they went and sat them down in the front of the gathering. And last of all came the king of men, Agamemnon, burdened with his wound; for him too in the fierce conflict had Coon, Antenor’s son, wounded with a thrust of his bronze-shod spear. But when all the Achaeans were gathered together,
τοῖσι δ’ ἀνιστάμενος μετέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς: 55
Ἀτρεί¨δη ἦ ἄρ τι τόδ’ ἀμφοτέροισιν ἄρειον
ἔπλετο σοὶ καὶ ἐμοί, ὅ τε νῶί¨ περ ἀχνυμένω κῆρ
θυμοβόρῳ ἔριδι μενεήναμεν εἵνεκα κούρης;
τὴν ὄφελ’ ἐν νήεσσι κατακτάμεν Ἄρτεμις ἰῷ
[55] Achilles, swift of foot, arose among them and said:”Son of Atreus, was this then the better for us twain, for thee and for me, what time with grief at heart we raged in soul-devouring strife for the sake of a girl? Would that amid the ships Artemis had slain her with an arrow
ἤματι τῷ ὅτ’ ἐγὼν ἑλόμην Λυρνησσὸν ὀλέσσας: 60
τώ κ’ οὐ τόσσοι Ἀχαιοὶ ὀδὰξ ἕλον ἄσπετον οὖδας
δυσμενέων ὑπὸ χερσὶν ἐμεῦ ἀπομηνίσαντος.
Ἕκτορι μὲν καὶ Τρωσὶ τὸ κέρδιον: αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὺς
δηρὸν ἐμῆς καὶ σῆς ἔριδος μνήσεσθαι ὀί¨ω.
[60] on the day when I took her from out the spoil after I had laid waste Lyrnessus! Then had not so many Achaeans bitten the vast earth with their teeth beneath the hands of the foemen, by reason of the fierceness of my wrath. For Hector and the Trojans was this the better, but long shall the Achaeans, methinks, remember the strife betwixt me and thee.
ἀλλὰ τὰ μὲν προτετύχθαι ἐάσομεν ἀχνύμενοί περ 65
θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσι φίλον δαμάσαντες ἀνάγκῃ:
νῦν δ’ ἤτοι μὲν ἐγὼ παύω χόλον, οὐδέ τί με χρὴ
ἀσκελέως αἰεὶ μενεαινέμεν: ἀλλ’ ἄγε θᾶσσον
ὄτρυνον πόλεμον δὲ κάρη κομόωντας Ἀχαιούς,
[65] Howbeit, these things will we let be as past and done, for all our pain, curbing the heart in our breasts because we must. Now verily make I my wrath to cease: it beseemeth me not to be wroth for ever unrelentingly; but come, rouse thou speedily to battle the long-haired Achaeans,
ὄφρ’ ἔτι καὶ Τρώων πειρήσομαι ἀντίον ἐλθὼν 70
αἴ κ’ ἐθέλωσ’ ἐπὶ νηυσὶν ἰαύειν: ἀλλά τιν’ οἴω
ἀσπασίως αὐτῶν γόνυ κάμψειν, ὅς κε φύγῃσι
δηί¨ου ἐκ πολέμοιο ὑπ’ ἔγχεος ἡμετέροιο.
ὣς ἔφαθ’, οἳ δ’ ἐχάρησαν ἐυ¨κνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ
[70] to the end that I may go forth against the Trojans and make trial of them yet again, whether they be fain to spend the night hard by the ships. Nay, many a one of them, methinks, will be glad to bend his knees in rest, whosoever shall escape from the fury of war, and from my spear.” So spake he, and the well-greaved Achaeans waxed glad, for that the great-souled son of Peleus
μῆνιν ἀπειπόντος μεγαθύμου Πηλεί¨ωνος. 75
τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων
αὐτόθεν ἐξ ἕδρης, οὐδ’ ἐν μέσσοισιν ἀναστάς:
ὦ φίλοι ἥρωες Δαναοὶ θεράποντες Ἄρηος
ἑσταότος μὲν καλὸν ἀκούειν, οὐδὲ ἔοικεν
[75] renounced his wrath. And among them spake the king of men, Agamemnon, even from the place where he sat, not standing forth in their midst: “My friends, Danaan warriors, squires of Ares, meet is it to give ear to him that standeth to speak,
ὑββάλλειν: χαλεπὸν γὰρ ἐπισταμένῳ περ ἐόντι. 80
ἀνδρῶν δ’ ἐν πολλῷ ὁμάδῳ πῶς κέν τις ἀκούσαι
ἢ εἴποι; βλάβεται δὲ λιγύς περ ἐὼν ἀγορητής.
Πηλεί¨δῃ μὲν ἐγὼν ἐνδείξομαι: αὐτὰρ οἱ ἄλλοι
σύνθεσθ’ Ἀργεῖοι, μῦθόν τ’ εὖ γνῶτε ἕκαστος.
[80] nor is it seemly to break in upon his words; grievous were that even for one well-skilled. And amid the uproar of many how should a man either hear or speak? — hampered is he then, clear-voiced talker though he be. To the son of Peleus will I declare my mind, but do ye other Argives give heed, and mark well my words each man of you.
πολλάκι δή μοι τοῦτον Ἀχαιοὶ μῦθον ἔειπον 85
καί τέ με νεικείεσκον: ἐγὼ δ’ οὐκ αἴτιός εἰμι,
ἀλλὰ Ζεὺς καὶ Μοῖρα καὶ ἠεροφοῖτις Ἐρινύς,
οἵ τέ μοι εἰν ἀγορῇ φρεσὶν ἔμβαλον ἄγριον ἄτην,
ἤματι τῷ ὅτ’ Ἀχιλλῆος γέρας αὐτὸς ἀπηύρων.
[85] Full often have the Achaeans spoken unto me this word, and were ever fain to chide me; howbeit it is not I that am at fault, but Zeus and Fate and Erinys, that walketh in darkness, seeing that in the midst of the place of gathering they cast upon my soul fierce blindness on that day, when of mine own arrogance I took from Achilles his prize.
ἀλλὰ τί κεν ῥέξαιμι; θεὸς διὰ πάντα τελευτᾷ. 90
πρέσβα Διὸς θυγάτηρ Ἄτη, ἣ πάντας ἀᾶται,
οὐλομένη: τῇ μέν θ’ ἁπαλοὶ πόδες: οὐ γὰρ ἐπ’ οὔδει
πίλναται, ἀλλ’ ἄρα ἥ γε κατ’ ἀνδρῶν κράατα βαίνει
βλάπτουσ’ ἀνθρώπους: κατὰ δ’ οὖν ἕτερόν γε πέδησε.
[90] But what could I do? It is God that bringeth all things to their issue. Eldest daughter of Zeus is Ate that blindeth all — a power fraught with bane; delicate are her feet, for it is not upon the ground that she fareth, but she walketh over the heads of men, bringing men to harm, and this one or that she ensnareth.
καὶ γὰρ δή νύ ποτε Ζεὺς ἄσατο, τόν περ ἄριστον 95
ἀνδρῶν ἠδὲ θεῶν φασ’ ἔμμεναι: ἀλλ’ ἄρα καὶ τὸν
Ἥρη θῆλυς ἐοῦσα δολοφροσύνῃς ἀπάτησεν,
ἤματι τῷ ὅτ’ ἔμελλε βίην Ἡρακληείην
Ἀλκμήνη τέξεσθαι ἐυ¨στεφάνῳ ἐνὶ Θήβῃ.
[95] Aye, and on a time she blinded Zeus, albeit men say that he is the greatest among men and gods; yet even him Hera, that was but a woman, beguiled in her craftiness on the day when Alcmene in fair-crowned Thebe was to bring forth the mighty Heracles.
ἤτοι ὅ γ’ εὐχόμενος μετέφη πάντεσσι θεοῖσι: 100
κέκλυτέ μευ πάντές τε θεοὶ πᾶσαί τε θέαιναι,
ὄφρ’ εἴπω τά με θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἀνώγει.
σήμερον ἄνδρα φόως δὲ μογοστόκος Εἰλείθυια
ἐκφανεῖ, ὃς πάντεσσι περικτιόνεσσιν ἀνάξει,
[100] Zeus verily spake vauntingly among all the gods: ‘Hearken unto me, all ye gods and goddesses, that I may speak what the heart in my breast biddeth me. This day shall Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth, bring to the light a man that shall be the lord of all them that dwell round about,
τῶν ἀνδρῶν γενεῆς οἵ θ’ αἵματος ἐξ ἐμεῦ εἰσί. 105
τὸν δὲ δολοφρονέουσα προσηύδα πότνια Ἥρη:
ψευστήσεις, οὐδ’ αὖτε τέλος μύθῳ ἐπιθήσεις.
εἰ δ’ ἄγε νῦν μοι ὄμοσσον Ὀλύμπιε καρτερὸν ὅρκον,
ἦ μὲν τὸν πάντεσσι περικτιόνεσσιν ἀνάξειν
[105] even one of the race of those men who are of me by blood.’ But with crafty mind the queenly Hera spake unto him:’Thou wilt play the cheat, and not bring thy word to fulfillment. Nay, come, Olympian, swear me now a mighty oath that in very truth that man shall be lord of all them that dwell round about,
ὅς κεν ἐπ’ ἤματι τῷδε πέσῃ μετὰ ποσσὶ γυναικὸς 110
τῶν ἀνδρῶν οἳ σῆς ἐξ αἵματός εἰσι γενέθλης.
ὣς ἔφατο: Ζεὺς δ’ οὔ τι δολοφροσύνην ἐνόησεν,
ἀλλ’ ὄμοσεν μέγαν ὅρκον, ἔπειτα δὲ πολλὸν ἀάσθη.
Ἥρη δ’ ἀί¨ξασα λίπεν ῥίον Οὐλύμποιο,
[110] whoso this day shall fall between a woman’s feet, even one of those men who are of the blood of thy stock.’ So spake she; howbeit Zeus in no wise marked her craftiness, but sware a great oath, and therewithal was blinded sore. But Hera darted down and left the peak of Olympus,
καρπαλίμως δ’ ἵκετ’ Ἄργος Ἀχαιικόν, ἔνθ’ ἄρα ᾔδη 115
ἰφθίμην ἄλοχον Σθενέλου Περσηι¨άδαο.
ἣ δ’ ἐκύει φίλον υἱόν, ὃ δ’ ἕβδομος ἑστήκει μείς:
ἐκ δ’ ἄγαγε πρὸ φόως δὲ καὶ ἠλιτόμηνον ἐόντα,
Ἀλκμήνης δ’ ἀπέπαυσε τόκον, σχέθε δ’ Εἰλειθυίας.
[115] and swiftly came to Achaean Argos, where she knew was the stately wife of Sthenelus, son of Perseus, that bare a son in her womb, and lo, the seventh month was come. This child Hera brought forth to the light even before the full tale of the months, but stayed Alcmene’s bearing, and held back the Eileithyiae.
αὐτὴ δ’ ἀγγελέουσα Δία Κρονίωνα προσηύδα: 120
Ζεῦ πάτερ ἀργικέραυνε ἔπος τί τοι ἐν φρεσὶ θήσω:
ἤδη ἀνὴρ γέγον’ ἐσθλὸς ὃς Ἀργείοισιν ἀνάξει
Εὐρυσθεὺς Σθενέλοιο πάι¨ς Περσηι¨άδαο
σὸν γένος: οὔ οἱ ἀεικὲς ἀνασσέμεν Ἀργείοισιν.
[120] And herself spake to Zeus, son of Cronos, to bear him word: ‘Father Zeus, lord of the bright lightning, a word will I speak for thy heeding. Lo, even now, is born a valiant man that shall be lord over the Argives, even Eurystheus, son of Sthenelus, the son of Perseus, of thine own lineage; not unmeet is it that he be lord over the Argives.’
ὣς φάτο, τὸν δ’ ἄχος ὀξὺ κατὰ φρένα τύψε βαθεῖαν: 125
αὐτίκα δ’ εἷλ’ Ἄτην κεφαλῆς λιπαροπλοκάμοιο
χωόμενος φρεσὶν ᾗσι, καὶ ὤμοσε καρτερὸν ὅρκον
μή ποτ’ ἐς Οὔλυμπόν τε καὶ οὐρανὸν ἀστερόεντα
αὖτις ἐλεύσεσθαι Ἄτην, ἣ πάντας ἀᾶται.
[125] So spake she, and sharp pain smote him in the deep of his heart, and forthwith he seized Ate by her bright-tressed head, wroth in his soul, and sware a mighty oath that never again unto Olympus and the starry heaven should Ate come, she that blindeth all.
ὣς εἰπὼν ἔρριψεν ἀπ’ οὐρανοῦ ἀστερόεντος 130
χειρὶ περιστρέψας: τάχα δ’ ἵκετο ἔργ’ ἀνθρώπων.
τὴν αἰεὶ στενάχεσχ’ ὅθ’ ἑὸν φίλον υἱὸν ὁρῷτο
ἔργον ἀεικὲς ἔχοντα ὑπ’ Εὐρυσθῆος ἀέθλων.
ὣς καὶ ἐγών, ὅτε δ’ αὖτε μέγας κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ
[130] So said he, and whirling her in his hand flung her from the starry heaven, and quickly she came to the tilled fields of men. At thought of her would he ever groan, whenso he beheld his dear son in unseemly travail beneath Eurystheus’ tasks. Even so I also, what time great Hector of the flashing helm
Ἀργείους ὀλέκεσκεν ἐπὶ πρυμνῇσι νέεσσιν, 135
οὐ δυνάμην λελαθέσθ’ Ἄτης ᾗ πρῶτον ἀάσθην.
ἀλλ’ ἐπεὶ ἀασάμην καί μευ φρένας ἐξέλετο Ζεύς,
ἂψ ἐθέλω ἀρέσαι, δόμεναί τ’ ἀπερείσι’ ἄποινα:
ἀλλ’ ὄρσευ πόλεμον δὲ καὶ ἄλλους ὄρνυθι λαούς.
[135] was making havoc of the Argives at the sterns of the ships, could not forget Ate, of whom at the first I was made blind. Howbeit seeing I was blinded, and Zeus robbed me of my wits, fain am I to make amends and to give requital past counting. Nay, rouse thee for battle, and rouse withal the rest of thy people.
δῶρα δ’ ἐγὼν ὅδε πάντα παρασχέμεν ὅσσά τοι ἐλθὼν 140
χθιζὸς ἐνὶ κλισίῃσιν ὑπέσχετο δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς.
εἰ δ’ ἐθέλεις, ἐπίμεινον ἐπειγόμενός περ Ἄρηος,
δῶρα δέ τοι θεράποντες ἐμῆς παρὰ νηὸς ἑλόντες
οἴσουσ’, ὄφρα ἴδηαι ὅ τοι μενοεικέα δώσω.
[140] Gifts am I here ready to offer thee, even all that goodly Odysseus promised thee yesternight, when he had come to thy hut. Or, if thou wilt, abide a while, eager though thou be for war, and the gifts shall squires take and bring thee from my ship, to the end that thou mayest see that I will give what will satisfy thy heart.” Then swift-footed Achilles answered him, and said:
τὸν δ’ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς: 145
Ἀτρεί¨δη κύδιστε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγάμεμνον
δῶρα μὲν αἴ κ’ ἐθέλῃσθα παρασχέμεν, ὡς ἐπιεικές,
ἤ τ’ ἐχέμεν παρὰ σοί: νῦν δὲ μνησώμεθα χάρμης
αἶψα μάλ’: οὐ γὰρ χρὴ κλοτοπεύειν ἐνθάδ’ ἐόντας
[145] “Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, for the gifts, to give them if thou wilt, as is but seemly, or to withhold them, rests with thee. But now let us bethink us of battle with all speed; it beseemeth not to dally here in talk,
οὐδὲ διατρίβειν: ἔτι γὰρ μέγα ἔργον ἄρεκτον: 150
ὥς κέ τις αὖτ’ Ἀχιλῆα μετὰ πρώτοισιν ἴδηται
ἔγχει¨ χαλκείῳ Τρώων ὀλέκοντα φάλαγγας.
ὧδέ τις ὑμείων μεμνημένος ἀνδρὶ μαχέσθω.
τὸν δ’ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς:
[150] neither to make delay, for yet is a great work undone — to the end that many a one may again behold Achilles amid the foremost laying waste with his spear of bronze the battalions of the men of Troy. Thereon let each one of you take thought as he fighteth with his man.” Then Odysseus of many wiles answered him and said:
μὴ δ’ οὕτως, ἀγαθός περ ἐών, θεοείκελ’ Ἀχιλλεῦ 155
νήστιας ὄτρυνε προτὶ Ἴλιον υἷας Ἀχαιῶν
Τρωσὶ μαχησομένους, ἐπεὶ οὐκ ὀλίγον χρόνον ἔσται
φύλοπις, εὖτ’ ἂν πρῶτον ὁμιλήσωσι φάλαγγες
ἀνδρῶν, ἐν δὲ θεὸς πνεύσῃ μένος ἀμφοτέροισιν.
[155] “Nay, valiant though thou art, godlike Achilles, urge not on this wise the sons of the Achaeans to go fasting against Ilios to do battle with the men of Troy, since not for a short space shall the battle last when once the ranks of men are met and the god breathes might into either host.
ἀλλὰ πάσασθαι ἄνωχθι θοῇς ἐπὶ νηυσὶν Ἀχαιοὺς 160
σίτου καὶ οἴνοιο: τὸ γὰρ μένος ἐστὶ καὶ ἀλκή.
οὐ γὰρ ἀνὴρ πρόπαν ἦμαρ ἐς ἠέλιον καταδύντα
ἄκμηνος σίτοιο δυνήσεται ἄντα μάχεσθαι:
εἴ περ γὰρ θυμῷ γε μενοινάᾳ πολεμίζειν,
[160] But bid thou the Achaeans by their swift ships to taste of food and wine; since therein is courage and strength. For there is no man that shall be able the whole day long until set of sun to fight against the foe, fasting the while from food; for though in his heart he be eager for battle,
ἀλλά τε λάθρῃ γυῖα βαρύνεται, ἠδὲ κιχάνει 165
δίψά τε καὶ λιμός, βλάβεται δέ τε γούνατ’ ἰόντι.
ὃς δέ κ’ ἀνὴρ οἴνοιο κορεσσάμενος καὶ ἐδωδῆς
ἀνδράσι δυσμενέεσσι πανημέριος πολεμίζῃ,
θαρσαλέον νύ οἱ ἦτορ ἐνὶ φρεσίν, οὐδέ τι γυῖα
[165] yet his limbs wax heavy unawares and thirst cometh upon him and hunger withal, and his knees grow weary as he goeth. But whoso, having had his fill of wine and food, fighteth the whole day long against the foemen, lo, his heart within him is of good cheer, and his limbs wax not weary
πρὶν κάμνει πρὶν πάντας ἐρωῆσαι πολέμοιο. 170
ἀλλ’ ἄγε λαὸν μὲν σκέδασον καὶ δεῖπνον ἄνωχθι
ὅπλεσθαι: τὰ δὲ δῶρα ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων
οἰσέτω ἐς μέσσην ἀγορήν, ἵνα πάντες Ἀχαιοὶ
ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἴδωσι, σὺ δὲ φρεσὶ σῇσιν ἰανθῇς.
[170] until all withdraw them from battle. Come then, dismiss thou the host, and bid them make ready their meal. And as touching the gifts, let Agamemnon, king of men, bring them forth into the midst of the place of gathering, that all the Achaeans may behold them with their eyes, and thou be made glad at heart. And let him rise up in the midst of the Argives
ὀμνυέτω δέ τοι ὅρκον ἐν Ἀργείοισιν ἀναστὰς 175
μή ποτε τῆς εὐνῆς ἐπιβήμεναι ἠδὲ μιγῆναι:
ἣ θέμις ἐστὶν ἄναξ ἤ τ’ ἀνδρῶν ἤ τε γυναικῶν:
καὶ δὲ σοὶ αὐτῷ θυμὸς ἐνὶ φρεσὶν ἵλαος ἔστω.
αὐτὰρ ἔπειτά σε δαιτὶ ἐνὶ κλισίῃς ἀρεσάσθω
[175] and swear to thee an oath, that never hath he gone up into the woman’s bed neither had dalliance with her, as is the appointed way, O king, of men and of women; and let the heart in thine own breast be open to appeasement. Thereafter let him make amends to thee in his hut with a feast full rich,
πιείρῃ, ἵνα μή τι δίκης ἐπιδευὲς ἔχῃσθα. 180
Ἀτρεί¨δη σὺ δ’ ἔπειτα δικαιότερος καὶ ἐπ’ ἄλλῳ
ἔσσεαι. οὐ μὲν γάρ τι νεμεσσητὸν βασιλῆα
ἄνδρ’ ἀπαρέσσασθαι ὅτε τις πρότερος χαλεπήνῃ.
τὸν δ’ αὖτε προσέειπεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων:
[180] that thou mayest have nothing lacking of thy due. Son of Atreus, towards others also shalt thou be more righteous hereafter; for in no wise is it blame for a king to make amends to another, if so be he wax wroth without a cause.” To him then spake again the king of men, Agamemnon:
χαίρω σεῦ Λαερτιάδη τὸν μῦθον ἀκούσας: 185
ἐν μοίρῃ γὰρ πάντα διίκεο καὶ κατέλεξας.
ταῦτα δ’ ἐγὼν ἐθέλω ὀμόσαι, κέλεται δέ με θυμός,
οὐδ’ ἐπιορκήσω πρὸς δαίμονος. αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς
μιμνέτω αὐτόθι τεῖος ἐπειγόμενός περ Ἄρηος:
[185] “Glad am I, son of Laertes, to hear thy words, for duly hast thou set forth the whole matter, an told the tale thereof. This oath am I ready to swear, and my heart biddeth me thereto, nor shall I forswear myself before the god. But let Achilles abide here the while, eager though he be for war,
μίμνετε δ’ ἄλλοι πάντες ἀολλέες, ὄφρά κε δῶρα 190
ἐκ κλισίης ἔλθῃσι καὶ ὅρκια πιστὰ τάμωμεν.
σοὶ δ’ αὐτῷ τόδ’ ἐγὼν ἐπιτέλλομαι ἠδὲ κελεύω:
κρινάμενος κούρητας ἀριστῆας Παναχαιῶν
δῶρα ἐμῆς παρὰ νηὸς ἐνεικέμεν, ὅσσ’ Ἀχιλῆι¨
[190] and abide all ye others together, until the gifts be brought from my hut, and we make oaths of faith with sacrifice. And to thine own self do I thus give charge and commandment: Choose thee young men, princes of the host of the Achaeans, and bear from my ship the gifts
χθιζὸν ὑπέστημεν δώσειν, ἀγέμεν τε γυναῖκας. 195
Ταλθύβιος δέ μοι ὦκα κατὰ στρατὸν εὐρὺν Ἀχαιῶν
κάπρον ἑτοιμασάτω ταμέειν Διί τ’ Ἠελίῳ τε.
τὸν δ’ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς:
Ἀτρεί¨δη κύδιστε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγάμεμνον
[195] even all that we promised yesternight to give Achilles, and bring the women withal. And let Talthybius forthwith make me ready a boar in the midst of the wide camp of the Achaeans, to sacrifice to Zeus and to the Sun.” But swift-footed Achilles answered him, and said: “Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men,
ἄλλοτέ περ καὶ μᾶλλον ὀφέλλετε ταῦτα πένεσθαι, 200
ὁππότε τις μεταπαυσωλὴ πολέμοιο γένηται
καὶ μένος οὐ τόσον ᾖσιν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἐμοῖσι.
νῦν δ’ οἳ μὲν κέαται δεδαι¨γμένοι, οὓς ἐδάμασσεν
Ἕκτωρ Πριαμίδης, ὅτε οἱ Ζεὺς κῦδος ἔδωκεν,
[200] at some other time were it e’en better that ye be busied thus, when haply there shall come between some pause in war, and the fury in my breast be not so great. Now are they lying mangled, they that Hector, son of Priam, slew, Zeus vouch-safed him glory,
ὑμεῖς δ’ ἐς βρωτὺν ὀτρύνετον: ἦ τ’ ἂν ἔγωγε 205
νῦν μὲν ἀνώγοιμι πτολεμίζειν υἷας Ἀχαιῶν
νήστιας ἀκμήνους, ἅμα δ’ ἠελίῳ καταδύντι
τεύξεσθαι μέγα δόρπον, ἐπὴν τεισαίμεθα λώβην.
πρὶν δ’ οὔ πως ἂν ἔμοιγε φίλον κατὰ λαιμὸν ἰείη
[205] and ye twain are bidding us to meat! Verily for mine own part would I even now bid the sons of the Achaeans do battle fasting and unfed, and at set of sun make them ready a mighty meal, when we shall have avenged the shame. Till that shall be, down my throat, at least,
οὐ πόσις οὐδὲ βρῶσις ἑταίρου τεθνηῶτος 210
ὅς μοι ἐνὶ κλισίῃ δεδαι¨γμένος ὀξέι¨ χαλκῷ
κεῖται ἀνὰ πρόθυρον τετραμμένος, ἀμφὶ δ’ ἑταῖροι
μύρονται: τό μοι οὔ τι μετὰ φρεσὶ ταῦτα μέμηλεν,
ἀλλὰ φόνος τε καὶ αἷμα καὶ ἀργαλέος στόνος ἀνδρῶν.
[210] neither drink nor food shall pass, seeing my comrade is dead, who in my hut lieth mangled by the sharp bronze, his feet turned toward the door, while round about him our comrades mourn; wherefore it is nowise on these things that my heart is set, but on slaying, and blood, and the grievous groanings of men.”
τὸν δ’ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς: 215
ὦ Ἀχιλεῦ Πηλῆος υἱὲ μέγα φέρτατ’ Ἀχαιῶν,
κρείσσων εἰς ἐμέθεν καὶ φέρτερος οὐκ ὀλίγον περ
ἔγχει, ἐγὼ δέ κε σεῖο νοήματί γε προβαλοίμην
πολλόν, ἐπεὶ πρότερος γενόμην καὶ πλείονα οἶδα.
[215] Then Odysseus of many wiles answered him, and said:”O Achilles, son of Peleus, far the mightiest of the Achaeans, better art thou than I and mightier not a little with the spear, howbeit in counsel might I surpass thee by far, seeing I am the elder-born and know the more;
τώ τοι ἐπιτλήτω κραδίη μύθοισιν ἐμοῖσιν. 220
αἶψά τε φυλόπιδος πέλεται κόρος ἀνθρώποισιν,
ἧς τε πλείστην μὲν καλάμην χθονὶ χαλκὸς ἔχευεν,
ἄμητος δ’ ὀλίγιστος, ἐπὴν κλίνῃσι τάλαντα
Ζεύς, ὅς τ’ ἀνθρώπων ταμίης πολέμοιο τέτυκται.
[220] wherefore let thine heart endure to hearken to my words. Quickly have men surfeit of battle, wherein the bronze streweth most straw upon the ground, albeit the harvest is scantiest, whenso Zeus inclineth his balance, he that is for men the dispenser of battle.
γαστέρι δ’ οὔ πως ἔστι νέκυν πενθῆσαι Ἀχαιούς: 225
λίην γὰρ πολλοὶ καὶ ἐπήτριμοι ἤματα πάντα
πίπτουσιν: πότε κέν τις ἀναπνεύσειε πόνοιο;
ἀλλὰ χρὴ τὸν μὲν καταθάπτειν ὅς κε θάνῃσι
νηλέα θυμὸν ἔχοντας ἐπ’ ἤματι δακρύσαντας:
[225] But with the belly may it nowise be that the Achaeans should mourn a corpse, for full many are ever falling one after another day by day; when then could one find respite from toil? Nay, it behoveth to bury him that is slain, steeling our hearts and weeping but the one day’s space;
ὅσσοι δ’ ἂν πολέμοιο περὶ στυγεροῖο λίπωνται 230
μεμνῆσθαι πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος, ὄφρ’ ἔτι μᾶλλον
ἀνδράσι δυσμενέεσσι μαχώμεθα νωλεμὲς αἰεὶ
ἑσσάμενοι χροὶ¨ χαλκὸν ἀτειρέα. μηδέ τις ἄλλην
λαῶν ὀτρυντὺν ποτιδέγμενος ἰσχαναάσθω:
[230] but all they that are left alive from hateful war must needs bethink them of drink and of food, to the end that yet the more we may fight with the foemen ever incessantly, clothed about with stubborn bronze. And let no man of all the host hold back awaiting other summons beside,
ἥδε γὰρ ὀτρυντὺς κακὸν ἔσσεται ὅς κε λίπηται 235
νηυσὶν ἐπ’ Ἀργείων: ἀλλ’ ἀθρόοι ὁρμηθέντες
Τρωσὶν ἐφ’ ἱπποδάμοισιν ἐγείρομεν ὀξὺν Ἄρηα.
ἦ, καὶ Νέστορος υἷας ὀπάσσατο κυδαλίμοιο
Φυλεί¨δην τε Μέγητα Θόαντά τε Μηριόνην τε
[235] for the summons is this: Ill shall it be for him whoso is left at the ships of the Argives. Nay, setting out in one throng let us rouse keen battle against the horse-taming Trojans.” He spake, and took to him the sons of glorious Nestor, and Meges, son of Phyleus, and Thoas and Meriones and Lycomedes,
καὶ Κρειοντιάδην Λυκομήδεα καὶ Μελάνιππον: 240
βὰν δ’ ἴμεν ἐς κλισίην Ἀγαμέμνονος Ἀτρεί¨δαο.
αὐτίκ’ ἔπειθ’ ἅμα μῦθος ἔην, τετέλεστο δὲ ἔργον:
ἑπτὰ μὲν ἐκ κλισίης τρίποδας φέρον, οὕς οἱ ὑπέστη,
αἴθωνας δὲ λέβητας ἐείκοσι, δώδεκα δ’ ἵππους:
[240] son of Creon, and Melanippus; and they went their way to the hut of Agamemnon, son of Atreus. Then straightway in the one moment was the word said, and the deed fulfilled. Seven tripods bare they from the hut, even as he promised him, and twenty gleaming cauldrons and twelve horses;
ἐκ δ’ ἄγον αἶψα γυναῖκας ἀμύμονα ἔργα ἰδυίας 245
ἕπτ’, ἀτὰρ ὀγδοάτην Βρισηί¨δα καλλιπάρῃον.
χρυσοῦ δὲ στήσας Ὀδυσεὺς δέκα πάντα τάλαντα
ἦρχ’, ἅμα δ’ ἄλλοι δῶρα φέρον κούρητες Ἀχαιῶν.
καὶ τὰ μὲν ἐν μέσσῃ ἀγορῇ θέσαν, ἂν δ’ Ἀγαμέμνων
[245] and forth they speedily led women skilled in goodly handiwork; seven they were, and the eighth was fair-cheeked Briseis. Then Odysseus weighed out ten talents of gold in all, and led the way and with him the other youths of the Achaeans bare the gifts. These then they set in the midst of the place of gathering, and Agamemnon
ἵστατο: Ταλθύβιος δὲ θεῷ ἐναλίγκιος αὐδὴν 250
κάπρον ἔχων ἐν χερσὶ παρίστατο ποιμένι λαῶν.
Ἀτρεί¨δης δὲ ἐρυσσάμενος χείρεσσι μάχαιραν,
ἥ οἱ πὰρ ξίφεος μέγα κουλεὸν αἰὲν ἄωρτο,
κάπρου ἀπὸ τρίχας ἀρξάμενος Διὶ χεῖρας ἀνασχὼν
[250] rose up, and Talthybius, whose voice was like a god’s, took his stand by the side of the shepherd of the people, holding a boar in his hands. And the son of Atreus drew forth with his hand the knife that ever hung beside the great sheath of his sword, and cut the firstling hairs from the boar, and lifting up his hands
εὔχετο: τοὶ δ’ ἄρα πάντες ἐπ’ αὐτόφιν εἵατο σιγῇ 255
Ἀργεῖοι κατὰ μοῖραν ἀκούοντες βασιλῆος.
εὐξάμενος δ’ ἄρα εἶπεν ἰδὼν εἰς οὐρανὸν εὐρύν:
ἴστω νῦν Ζεὺς πρῶτα θεῶν ὕπατος καὶ ἄριστος
Γῆ τε καὶ Ἠέλιος καὶ Ἐρινύες, αἵ θ’ ὑπὸ γαῖαν
[255] made prayer to Zeus; and all the Argives sat thereby in silence, hearkening as was meet unto the king. And he spake in prayer, with a look up to the wide heaven: “Be Zeus my witness first, highest and best of gods, and Earth and Sun, and the Erinyes, that under earth
ἀνθρώπους τίνυνται, ὅτις κ’ ἐπίορκον ὀμόσσῃ, 260
μὴ μὲν ἐγὼ κούρῃ Βρισηί¨δι χεῖρ’ ἐπένεικα,
οὔτ’ εὐνῆς πρόφασιν κεχρημένος οὔτέ τευ ἄλλου.
ἀλλ’ ἔμεν’ ἀπροτίμαστος ἐνὶ κλισίῃσιν ἐμῇσιν.
εἰ δέ τι τῶνδ’ ἐπίορκον ἐμοὶ θεοὶ ἄλγεα δοῖεν
[260] take vengeance on men, whosoever hath sworn a false oath, that never laid I hand upon the girl Briseis either by way of a lover’s embrace or anywise else, but she ever abode untouched in my huts. And if aught of this oath be false, may the gods give me woes
πολλὰ μάλ’, ὅσσα διδοῦσιν ὅτίς σφ’ ἀλίτηται ὀμόσσας. 265
ἦ, καὶ ἀπὸ στόμαχον κάπρου τάμε νηλέι¨ χαλκῷ.
τὸν μὲν Ταλθύβιος πολιῆς ἁλὸς ἐς μέγα λαῖτμα
ῥῖψ’ ἐπιδινήσας βόσιν ἰχθύσιν: αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς
ἀνστὰς Ἀργείοισι φιλοπτολέμοισι μετηύδα:
[265] full many, even all that they are wont to give to him whoso sinneth against them in his swearing.” He spake, and cut the boar’s throat with the pitiless bronze, and the body Talthybius whirled and flung into the great gulf of the grey sea, to be food for the fishes; but Achilles uprose, and spake among the war-loving Argives:
Ζεῦ πάτερ ἦ μεγάλας ἄτας ἄνδρεσσι διδοῖσθα: 270
οὐκ ἂν δή ποτε θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἐμοῖσιν
Ἀτρεί¨δης ὤρινε διαμπερές, οὐδέ κε κούρην
ἦγεν ἐμεῦ ἀέκοντος ἀμήχανος: ἀλλά ποθι Ζεὺς
ἤθελ’ Ἀχαιοῖσιν θάνατον πολέεσσι γενέσθαι.
[270] “Father Zeus, great in good sooth is the blindness thou sendest upon men. Never would the son of Atreus have utterly roused the wrath within my breast, nor led off the girl ruthlessly in my despite, but mayhap it was the good pleasure of Zeus that on many of the Achaeans death should come.
νῦν δ’ ἔρχεσθ’ ἐπὶ δεῖπνον, ἵνα ξυνάγωμεν Ἄρηα. 275
ὣς ἄρ’ ἐφώνησεν, λῦσεν δ’ ἀγορὴν αἰψηρήν.
οἳ μὲν ἄρ’ ἐσκίδναντο ἑὴν ἐπὶ νῆα ἕκαστος,
δῶρα δὲ Μυρμιδόνες μεγαλήτορες ἀμφεπένοντο,
βὰν δ’ ἐπὶ νῆα φέροντες Ἀχιλλῆος θείοιο.
[275] But now go ye to your meal, that we may join in battle.” So spake he, and hastily brake up the gathering. Then the others scattered, each to his own ship, but the great-hearted Myrmidons busied themselves about the gifts, and bare them forth to the ship of godlike Achilles.
καὶ τὰ μὲν ἐν κλισίῃσι θέσαν, κάθισαν δὲ γυναῖκας, 280
ἵππους δ’ εἰς ἀγέλην ἔλασαν θεράποντες ἀγαυοί.
Βρισηὶ¨ς δ’ ἄρ’ ἔπειτ’ ἰκέλη χρυσέῃ Ἀφροδίτῃ
ὡς ἴδε Πάτροκλον δεδαι¨γμένον ὀξέι¨ χαλκῷ,
ἀμφ’ αὐτῷ χυμένη λίγ’ ἐκώκυε, χερσὶ δ’ ἄμυσσε
[280] And they bestowed them in the huts, and set the women there, and the horses proud squires drave off to the herd. But Briseis, that was like unto golden Aphrodite, when she had sight of Patroclus mangled with the sharp bronze, flung herself about him and shrieked aloud,
στήθεά τ’ ἠδ’ ἁπαλὴν δειρὴν ἰδὲ καλὰ πρόσωπα. 285
εἶπε δ’ ἄρα κλαίουσα γυνὴ ἐι¨κυῖα θεῇσι:
Πάτροκλέ μοι δειλῇ πλεῖστον κεχαρισμένε θυμῷ
ζωὸν μέν σε ἔλειπον ἐγὼ κλισίηθεν ἰοῦσα,
νῦν δέ σε τεθνηῶτα κιχάνομαι ὄρχαμε λαῶν
[285] and with her hands she tore her breast and tender neck and beautiful face. And amid her wailing spake the woman like unto the goddesses: “Patroclus, dearest to my hapless heart, alive I left thee when I went from the hut, and now I find thee dead, thou leader of hosts,
ἂψ ἀνιοῦσ’: ὥς μοι δέχεται κακὸν ἐκ κακοῦ αἰεί. 290
ἄνδρα μὲν ᾧ ἔδοσάν με πατὴρ καὶ πότνια μήτηρ
εἶδον πρὸ πτόλιος δεδαι¨γμένον ὀξέι¨ χαλκῷ,
τρεῖς τε κασιγνήτους, τούς μοι μία γείνατο μήτηρ,
κηδείους, οἳ πάντες ὀλέθριον ἦμαρ ἐπέσπον.
[290] as I return thereto: thus for me doth evil ever follow hard on evil. My husband, unto whom my father and queenly mother gave me, I beheld mangled with the sharp bronze before our city, and my three brethren whom mine own mother bare, brethren beloved, all these met their day of doom.
οὐδὲ μὲν οὐδέ μ’ ἔασκες, ὅτ’ ἄνδρ’ ἐμὸν ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεὺς 295
ἔκτεινεν, πέρσεν δὲ πόλιν θείοιο Μύνητος,
κλαίειν, ἀλλά μ’ ἔφασκες Ἀχιλλῆος θείοιο
κουριδίην ἄλοχον θήσειν, ἄξειν τ’ ἐνὶ νηυσὶν
ἐς Φθίην, δαίσειν δὲ γάμον μετὰ Μυρμιδόνεσσι.
[295] But thou, when swift Achilles slew my husband, and laid waste the city of godlike Mynes, wouldst not even suffer me to weep, but saidest that thou wouldst make me the wedded wife of Achilles, and that he would bear me in his ships to Phthia, and make me a marriage-feast among the Myrmidons.
τώ σ’ ἄμοτον κλαίω τεθνηότα μείλιχον αἰεί. 300
ὣς ἔφατο κλαίουσ’, ἐπὶ δὲ στενάχοντο γυναῖκες
Πάτροκλον πρόφασιν, σφῶν δ’ αὐτῶν κήδε’ ἑκάστη.
αὐτὸν δ’ ἀμφὶ γέροντες Ἀχαιῶν ἠγερέθοντο
λισσόμενοι δειπνῆσαι: ὃ δ’ ἠρνεῖτο στεναχίζων:
[300] Wherefore I wail for thee in thy death and know no ceasing, for thou wast ever kind.” So spake she wailing, and thereto the women added their laments; Patroclus indeed they mourned, but therewithal each one her own sorrows. But around Achilles gathered the elders of the Achaeans, beseeching him that he would eat; but he refused them, moaning the while:
λίσσομαι, εἴ τις ἔμοιγε φίλων ἐπιπείθεθ’ ἑταίρων, 305
μή με πρὶν σίτοιο κελεύετε μηδὲ ποτῆτος
ἄσασθαι φίλον ἦτορ, ἐπεί μ’ ἄχος αἰνὸν ἱκάνει:
δύντα δ’ ἐς ἠέλιον μενέω καὶ τλήσομαι ἔμπης.
ὣς εἰπὼν ἄλλους μὲν ἀπεσκέδασεν βασιλῆας,
[305] “I beseech you, if any of my dear comrades will hearken unto me, bid me not before the time sate my heart with food or drink, seeing dread grief is come upon me. Till set of sun will I abide, and endure even as I am.” So spake he, and sent from him the other chieftains,
δοιὼ δ’ Ἀτρεί¨δα μενέτην καὶ δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς 310
Νέστωρ Ἰδομενεύς τε γέρων θ’ ἱππηλάτα Φοῖνιξ
τέρποντες πυκινῶς ἀκαχήμενον: οὐδέ τι θυμῷ
τέρπετο, πρὶν πολέμου στόμα δύμεναι αἱματόεντος.
μνησάμενος δ’ ἁδινῶς ἀνενείκατο φώνησέν τε:
[310] but the two sons of Atreus abode, and goodly Odysseus, and Nestor and Idomeneus and the old man Phoenix, driver of chariots, seeking to comfort him in his exceeding sorrow; but no whit would his heart be comforted until he entered the mouth of bloody war. And as he thought thereon he heaved a heavy sigh and spake, saying:
ἦ ῥά νύ μοί ποτε καὶ σὺ δυσάμμορε φίλταθ’ ἑταίρων 315
αὐτὸς ἐνὶ κλισίῃ λαρὸν παρὰ δεῖπνον ἔθηκας
αἶψα καὶ ὀτραλέως, ὁπότε σπερχοίατ’ Ἀχαιοὶ
Τρωσὶν ἐφ’ ἱπποδάμοισι φέρειν πολύδακρυν Ἄρηα.
νῦν δὲ σὺ μὲν κεῖσαι δεδαι¨γμένος, αὐτὰρ ἐμὸν κῆρ
[315] “Ah verily of old, thou too, O hapless one, dearest of my comrades, thyself wast wont to set forth in our hut with nimble haste a savoury meal, whenso the Achaeans made haste to bring tearful war against the horse-taming Trojans. But now thou liest here mangled, and my heart
ἄκμηνον πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἔνδον ἐόντων 320
σῇ ποθῇ: οὐ μὲν γάρ τι κακώτερον ἄλλο πάθοιμι,
οὐδ’ εἴ κεν τοῦ πατρὸς ἀποφθιμένοιο πυθοίμην,
ὅς που νῦν Φθίηφι τέρεν κατὰ δάκρυον εἴβει
χήτει¨ τοιοῦδ’ υἷος: ὃ δ’ ἀλλοδαπῷ ἐνὶ δήμῳ
[320] will have naught of meat and drink, though they be here at hand, through yearning for thee. Naught more grievous than this could I suffer, not though I should hear of the death of mine own father, who now haply in Phthia is shedding round tears for lack of a son like me, while I in a land of alien folk
εἵνεκα ῥιγεδανῆς Ἑλένης Τρωσὶν πολεμίζω: 325
ἠὲ τὸν ὃς Σκύρῳ μοι ἔνι τρέφεται φίλος υἱός,
εἴ που ἔτι ζώει γε Νεοπτόλεμος θεοειδής.
πρὶν μὲν γάρ μοι θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἐώλπει
οἶον ἐμὲ φθίσεσθαι ἀπ’ Ἄργεος ἱπποβότοιο
[325] for the sake of abhorred Helen am warring with the men of Troy; nay, nor though it were he that in Scyrus is reared for me, my son well-beloved — if so be godlike Neoptolemus still liveth. For until now the heart in my breast had hope that I alone should perish far from horse-pasturing Argos,
αὐτοῦ ἐνὶ Τροίῃ, σὲ δέ τε Φθίην δὲ νέεσθαι, 330
ὡς ἄν μοι τὸν παῖδα θοῇ ἐνὶ νηὶ¨ μελαίνῃ
Σκυρόθεν ἐξαγάγοις καί οἱ δείξειας ἕκαστα
κτῆσιν ἐμὴν δμῶάς τε καὶ ὑψερεφὲς μέγα δῶμα.
ἤδη γὰρ Πηλῆά γ’ ὀί¨ομαι ἢ κατὰ πάμπαν
[330] here in the land of Troy, but that thou shouldest return to Phthia, that so thou mightest take my child in thy swift, black ship from Scyrus, and show him all things — my possessions, my slaves, and my great high-roofed house. For by now I ween is Peleus either
τεθνάμεν, ἤ που τυτθὸν ἔτι ζώοντ’ ἀκάχησθαι 335
γήραί¨ τε στυγερῷ καὶ ἐμὴν ποτιδέγμενον αἰεὶ
λυγρὴν ἀγγελίην, ὅτ’ ἀποφθιμένοιο πύθηται.
ὣς ἔφατο κλαίων, ἐπὶ δὲ στενάχοντο γέροντες,
μνησάμενοι τὰ ἕκαστος ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἔλειπον:
[335] dead and gone, or else, though haply he still liveth feebly, is sore distressed with hateful old age, and with waiting ever for woeful tidings of me, when he shall hear that I am dead.” So spake he weeping, and thereto the elders added their laments, bethinking them each one of what he had left at home.
μυρομένους δ’ ἄρα τούς γε ἰδὼν ἐλέησε Κρονίων, 340
αἶψα δ’ Ἀθηναίην ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα:
τέκνον ἐμόν, δὴ πάμπαν ἀποίχεαι ἀνδρὸς ἑῆος.
ἦ νύ τοι οὐκέτι πάγχυ μετὰ φρεσὶ μέμβλετ’ Ἀχιλλεύς;
κεῖνος ὅ γε προπάροιθε νεῶν ὀρθοκραιράων
[340] And as they mourned the son of Cronos had sight of them, and was touched with pity; and forthwith he spake winged words unto Athene: “My child, lo thou forsakest utterly thine own warrior. Is there then no place in thy thought any more for Achilles? Yonder
ἧσται ὀδυρόμενος ἕταρον φίλον: οἳ δὲ δὴ ἄλλοι 345
οἴχονται μετὰ δεῖπνον, ὃ δ’ ἄκμηνος καὶ ἄπαστος.
ἀλλ’ ἴθι οἱ νέκτάρ τε καὶ ἀμβροσίην ἐρατεινὴν
στάξον ἐνὶ στήθεσσ’, ἵνα μή μιν λιμὸς ἵκηται.
ὣς εἰπὼν ὄτρυνε πάρος μεμαυῖαν Ἀθήνην:
[345] he sitteth in front of his ships with upright horns, mourning for his dear comrade; the others verily are gone to their meal but he fasteth and will have naught of food. Nay go, shed thou into his breast nectar and pleasant ambrosia, that hunger-pangs come not upon him.” So saying he urged on Athene, that was already eager:
ἣ δ’ ἅρπῃ ἐι¨κυῖα τανυπτέρυγι λιγυφώνῳ 350
οὐρανοῦ ἐκκατεπᾶλτο δι’ αἰθέρος. αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὶ
αὐτίκα θωρήσσοντο κατὰ στρατόν: ἣ δ’ Ἀχιλῆι¨
νέκταρ ἐνὶ στήθεσσι καὶ ἀμβροσίην ἐρατεινὴν
στάξ’, ἵνα μή μιν λιμὸς ἀτερπὴς γούναθ’ ἵκοιτο:
[350] and she like a falcon, wide of wing and shrill of voice, leapt down upon him from out of heaven through the air. Then while the Achaeans were arraying them speedily for battle throughout the camp, into the breast of Achilles she shed nectar and pleasant ambrosia that grievous hunger-pangs should not come upon his limbs;
αὐτὴ δὲ πρὸς πατρὸς ἐρισθενέος πυκινὸν δῶ 355
ᾤχετο, τοὶ δ’ ἀπάνευθε νεῶν ἐχέοντο θοάων.
ὡς δ’ ὅτε ταρφειαὶ νιφάδες Διὸς ἐκποτέονται
ψυχραὶ ὑπὸ ῥιπῆς αἰθρηγενέος Βορέαο,
ὣς τότε ταρφειαὶ κόρυθες λαμπρὸν γανόωσαι
[355] and then herself was gone to the stout-builded house of her mighty sire, and the Achaeans poured forth from the swift ships. As when thick and fast the snowflakes flutter down from Zeus chill beneath the blast of the North Wind, born in the bright heaven; even so then thick and fast from the ships were borne the helms, bright-gleaming,
νηῶν ἐκφορέοντο καὶ ἀσπίδες ὀμφαλόεσσαι 360
θώρηκές τε κραταιγύαλοι καὶ μείλινα δοῦρα.
αἴγλη δ’ οὐρανὸν ἷκε, γέλασσε δὲ πᾶσα περὶ χθὼν
χαλκοῦ ὑπὸ στεροπῆς: ὑπὸ δὲ κτύπος ὄρνυτο ποσσὶν
ἀνδρῶν: ἐν δὲ μέσοισι κορύσσετο δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς.
[360] and the bossed shields, the corselets with massive plates, and the ashen spears. And the gleam thereof went up to heaven, and all the earth round about laughed by reason of the flashing of bronze; and there went up a din from beneath the feet of men; and in their midst goodly Achilles arrayed him for battle.
τοῦ καὶ ὀδόντων μὲν καναχὴ πέλε, τὼ δέ οἱ ὄσσε 365
λαμπέσθην ὡς εἴ τε πυρὸς σέλας, ἐν δέ οἱ ἦτορ
δῦν’ ἄχος ἄτλητον: ὃ δ’ ἄρα Τρωσὶν μενεαίνων
δύσετο δῶρα θεοῦ, τά οἱ Ἥφαιστος κάμε τεύχων.
κνημῖδας μὲν πρῶτα περὶ κνήμῃσιν ἔθηκε
[365] There was a gnashing of his teeth, and his two eyes blazed as it had been a flame of fire, and into his heart there entered grief that might not be borne. Thus in fierce wrath against the Trojans he clad him in the gifts of the god, that Hephaestus had wrought for him with toil. The greaves first he set about his legs:
καλὰς ἀργυρέοισιν ἐπισφυρίοις ἀραρυίας: 370
δεύτερον αὖ θώρηκα περὶ στήθεσσιν ἔδυνεν.
ἀμφὶ δ’ ἄρ’ ὤμοισιν βάλετο ξίφος ἀργυρόηλον
χάλκεον: αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα σάκος μέγα τε στιβαρόν τε
εἵλετο, τοῦ δ’ ἀπάνευθε σέλας γένετ’ ἠύ¨τε μήνης.
[370] beautiful they were, and fitted with silver ankle-pieces, and next he did on the corselet about his chest. And about his shoulders he cast the silver-studded sword of bronze, and thereafter grasped the shield great and sturdy, wherefrom went forth afar a gleam as of the moon.
ὡς δ’ ὅτ’ ἂν ἐκ πόντοιο σέλας ναύτῃσι φανήῃ 375
καιομένοιο πυρός, τό τε καίεται ὑψόθ’ ὄρεσφι
σταθμῷ ἐν οἰοπόλῳ: τοὺς δ’ οὐκ ἐθέλοντας ἄελλαι
πόντον ἐπ’ ἰχθυόεντα φίλων ἀπάνευθε φέρουσιν:
ὣς ἀπ’ Ἀχιλλῆος σάκεος σέλας αἰθέρ’ ἵκανε
[375] And as when forth ower the sea there appeareth to seamen the gleam of blazing fire, and it burneth high up in the mountains in a lonely steading — but sore against their will the storm-winds bear them over the teeming deep afar from their friends; even so from the shield of Achilles went up a gleam to heaven, from that shield
καλοῦ δαιδαλέου: περὶ δὲ τρυφάλειαν ἀείρας 380
κρατὶ θέτο βριαρήν: ἣ δ’ ἀστὴρ ὣς ἀπέλαμπεν
ἵππουρις τρυφάλεια, περισσείοντο δ’ ἔθειραι
χρύσεαι, ἃς Ἥφαιστος ἵει λόφον ἀμφὶ θαμειάς.
πειρήθη δ’ ἕο αὐτοῦ ἐν ἔντεσι δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς,
[380] fair and richly-dight. And he lifted the mighty helm and set it upon his head; and it shone as it were a star — the helm with crest of horse-hair, and around it waved the plumes of gold, that Hephaestus had set thick about the crest. And goodly Achilles made proof of himself in his armour,
εἰ οἷ ἐφαρμόσσειε καὶ ἐντρέχοι ἀγλαὰ γυῖα: 385
τῷ δ’ εὖτε πτερὰ γίγνετ’, ἄειρε δὲ ποιμένα λαῶν.
ἐκ δ’ ἄρα σύριγγος πατρώι¨ον ἐσπάσατ’ ἔγχος
βριθὺ μέγα στιβαρόν: τὸ μὲν οὐ δύνατ’ ἄλλος Ἀχαιῶν
πάλλειν, ἀλλά μιν οἶος ἐπίστατο πῆλαι Ἀχιλλεύς:
[385] whether it fitted him, and his glorious limbs moved free; and it became as it were wings to him, and lifted up the shepherd of the people. And forth from its stand he drew his father’s spear, heavy and huge and strong, that none other of the Achaeans could wield, but Achilles alone was skilled to wield it,
Πηλιάδα μελίην, τὴν πατρὶ φίλῳ πόρε Χείρων 390
Πηλίου ἐκ κορυφῆς φόνον ἔμμεναι ἡρώεσσιν:
ἵππους δ’ Αὐτομέδων τε καὶ Ἄλκιμος ἀμφιέποντες
ζεύγνυον: ἀμφὶ δὲ καλὰ λέπαδν’ ἕσαν, ἐν δὲ χαλινοὺς
γαμφηλῇς ἔβαλον, κατὰ δ’ ἡνία τεῖναν ὀπίσσω
[390] even the Pelian spear of ash that Cheiron had given to his dear father from the peak of Pelion, to be for the slaying of warriors. And Automedon and Alcinous set them busily to yoke the horses, and about them they set the fair breast-straps, and cast bits within their jaws, and drew the reins
κολλητὸν ποτὶ δίφρον. ὃ δὲ μάστιγα φαεινὴν 395
χειρὶ λαβὼν ἀραρυῖαν ἐφ’ ἵπποιιν ἀνόρουσεν
Αὐτομέδων: ὄπιθεν δὲ κορυσσάμενος βῆ Ἀχιλλεὺς
τεύχεσι παμφαίνων ὥς τ’ ἠλέκτωρ Ὑπερίων,
σμερδαλέον δ’ ἵπποισιν ἐκέκλετο πατρὸς ἑοῖο:
[395] behind to the jointed car. And Automedon grasped in his hand the bright lash, that fitted it well, and leapt upon the car; and behind him stepped Achilles harnessed for fight, gleaming in his armour like the bright Hyperion. Then terribly he called aloud to the horses of his father:
Ξάνθέ τε καὶ Βαλίε τηλεκλυτὰ τέκνα Ποδάργης 400
ἄλλως δὴ φράζεσθε σαωσέμεν ἡνιοχῆα
ἂψ Δαναῶν ἐς ὅμιλον ἐπεί χ’ ἕωμεν πολέμοιο,
μηδ’ ὡς Πάτροκλον λίπετ’ αὐτόθι τεθνηῶτα.
τὸν δ’ ἄρ’ ὑπὸ ζυγόφι προσέφη πόδας αἰόλος ἵππος
[400] “Xanthus and Balius, ye far-famed children of Podarge, in some other wise bethink you to bring your charioteer back safe to the host of the Danaans, when we have had our fill of war, and leave ye not him there dead, as ye did Patroclus.” Then from beneath the yoke spake to him the horse Xanthus, of the swift-glancing feet;
Ξάνθος, ἄφαρ δ’ ἤμυσε καρήατι: πᾶσα δὲ χαίτη 405
ζεύγλης ἐξεριποῦσα παρὰ ζυγὸν οὖδας ἵκανεν:
αὐδήεντα δ’ ἔθηκε θεὰ λευκώλενος Ἥρη:
καὶ λίην σ’ ἔτι νῦν γε σαώσομεν ὄβριμ’ Ἀχιλλεῦ:
ἀλλά τοι ἐγγύθεν ἦμαρ ὀλέθριον: οὐδέ τοι ἡμεῖς
[405] on a sudden he bowed his head, and all his mane streamed from beneath the yoke-pad beside the yoke, and touched the ground; and the goddess, white-armed Hera, gave him speech: “Aye verily, yet for this time will we save thee, mighty Achilles, albeit the day of doom is nigh thee, nor shall we be the cause thereof,
αἴτιοι, ἀλλὰ θεός τε μέγας καὶ Μοῖρα κραταιή. 410
οὐδὲ γὰρ ἡμετέρῃ βραδυτῆτί τε νωχελίῃ τε
Τρῶες ἀπ’ ὤμοιιν Πατρόκλου τεύχε’ ἕλοντο:
ἀλλὰ θεῶν ὤριστος, ὃν ἠύ¨κομος τέκε Λητώ,
ἔκταν’ ἐνὶ προμάχοισι καὶ Ἕκτορι κῦδος ἔδωκε.
[410] but a mighty god and overpowering Fate. For it was not through sloth or slackness of ours that the Trojans availed to strip the harness from the shoulders of Patroclus, but one, far the best of gods, even he that fair-haired Leto bare, slew him amid the foremost fighters and gave glory to Hector.
νῶι¨ δὲ καί κεν ἅμα πνοιῇ Ζεφύροιο θέοιμεν, 415
ἥν περ ἐλαφροτάτην φάσ’ ἔμμεναι: ἀλλὰ σοὶ αὐτῷ
μόρσιμόν ἐστι θεῷ τε καὶ ἀνέρι ἶφι δαμῆναι.
ὣς ἄρα φωνήσαντος Ἐρινύες ἔσχεθον αὐδήν.
τὸν δὲ μέγ’ ὀχθήσας προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς:
[415] But for us twain, we could run swift as the blast of the West Wind, which, men say, is of all winds the fleetest; nay, it is thine own self that art fated to be slain in fight by a god and a mortal.” When he had thus spoken, the Erinyes checked his voice. Then, his heart mightily stirred, spake to him swift-footed Achilles:
Ξάνθε τί μοι θάνατον μαντεύεαι; οὐδέ τί σε χρή. 420
εὖ νυ τὸ οἶδα καὶ αὐτὸς ὅ μοι μόρος ἐνθάδ’ ὀλέσθαι
νόσφι φίλου πατρὸς καὶ μητέρος: ἀλλὰ καὶ ἔμπης
οὐ λήξω πρὶν Τρῶας ἅδην ἐλάσαι πολέμοιο.
ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἐν πρώτοις ἰάχων ἔχε μώνυχας ἵππους.
[420] “Xanthus, why dost thou prophesy my death? Thou needest not at all. Well know I even of myself that it is my fate to perish here, far from my father dear, and my mother; howbeit even so will I not cease, until I have driven the Trojans to surfeit of war.” He spake, and with a cry drave amid the foremost his single-hooved horses.