September 9, 2025 • 43 mins
15 - Book the Fifteenth. The Iliad of Homer.
"The Iliad is an epic poem in dactylic hexameters, traditionally attributed to Homer. Set in the Trojan War, the ten-year siege of Ilium, by a coalition of Greek States, it tells of the battles and events during the weeks of a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles. Although the story covers only a few weeks in the final year of the war, the Iliad mentions or alludes to many of the Greek legends about the siege".
"The Iliad is an epic poem in dactylic hexameters, traditionally attributed to Homer. Set in the Trojan War, the ten-year siege of Ilium, by a coalition of Greek States, it tells of the battles and events during the weeks of a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles. Although the story covers only a few weeks in the final year of the war, the Iliad mentions or alludes to many of the Greek legends about the siege".
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Section fifteen, book the fifteenth of the Iliad of Homer.
This LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by
Stephen Carney. The Iliad of Homer by Homer, translated by
Theodore Alois Buckley, section fifteen, book the fifteenth argument. Jove,
awaking and finding the Trojans routed menaces Juno. He then
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sends Irish to Desire, Neptune to relinquish the battle, and
Apollo to restore Hector to health. Armed with the Ages,
Apollo puts the Greeks to flight, who are pursued home
to their fleet, while Telamonian Ajax slays twelve Trojans who
were bringing fire to burn it. But after the fugitives
had crossed both the rampart and the trench, and many
were subdued by the hands of the Greeks. The rest
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were at length detained, waiting beside their chariots, pallid with
fear and terrified. But Jove arose on the summits of
Ida from beside golden throned Judo, and starting up, he
stood and beheld the Trojans and Greeks, those indeed in confusion,
and the Greeks throwing them into confusion in the rear,
and amongst them King Neptune Hector, he beheld lying upon
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the plain, and his companion sat round him. But he
was afflicted with grievous difficulty of respiration, and devoid of
his senses, vomiting blood. For it was not the weakest
of the Greeks who had wounded him. The Father of
men and God seeing pitied him, and sternly, regarding Juno,
severely addressed her O, Juno, of evil art impracticable. Thy
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stratagem has made noble Hector cease from battle and put
his troops to flight. Indeed, I know not whether again
thou mayest not be the first to reap the fruits
of thy pernicious machinations, and I may chastise thee with stripes.
Dost thou not remember when thou didst swing from on high,
and I hung to anvils from thy feet, and bound
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a golden chain around thy hands that could not be broken,
And thou didst hang in the air, and clouds and
the gods commiserated thee throughout law to Olympus, But standing
around they were not able to release thee. But whomsoever
I caught seizing I hurled from the threshold of heaven
till he reached the earth, hardly breathing nor even Thus
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did my vehement anger through grief for divine hercules leave me,
whom thou, prevailing upon the storms with the north wind,
didst send over the unfruitful sea, designing evils, and afterwards
bore him out of his course to well inhabited couse.
I liberated him, indeed, and brought him back thence to
steed nourishing Argus. Although having accomplished many toils these things,
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will I again recall to thy memory, that thou mayest
cease from deceits, in order that thou mayst know whether
the intercourse and a couch will avail thee in which
thou wast mingled, coming apart from the gods, and having
deceived me. Thus he spoke, but venerable large eyed Juno shuddered,
and addressing him, spoke wingedwards. Be witnessed now earth and
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boundless heaven above, and the water of sticks gliding beneath,
which is the greatest and most dreaded oath amongst the
blessed gods. Likewise, thy sacred head and our own nuptial
couch by which I would not rashly swear at any
time that it is not by my instigation that earth
shaking Neptune harasses the Trojans and hector and age the
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other side, but certainly his own mind in sights and
orders him for beholding the Greeks oppressed at the ships,
he took compassion on them, And even him would I
advise to go there where thou olt cloud collector mayest command.
Thus she spoke, But the father of men and gods smiled,
and answering her spoke wingedwards. If indeed thou, from henceforth
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o venerable, large eyed junal wouldst sit amongst the mortals,
being of the same mind with me, then truly would Neptune,
even although he very much wishes otherwise, immediately change his
mind to the same point to thy wish and mine.
But if indeed thou speakest in sincerity and truely go
now to the assemblies of the gods, and call Iris
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to come hither, and Apollo, renowned in archery, that she
may go to the people of the brazen mailed Greeks
and tell King Neptune, ceasing from battle, to repair to
his own palaces. But let Phoebus Apollo, excite Hector to battle,
and breathe strength into him again, and make him forgetful
of the pains which now afflict him in his mind.
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But let him again put the Greeks to flight, exciting
unwarlike panic amongst them, and flying, let them fall back
upon the many benched ships of Achilles, the son of Pelias.
Then shall he stimulate his companion Patroclus, whom illustrious Hector
shall slay with his spear before Ilium, Patroclus having slain
many other youths, and with them my son noble Sarbadon,
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But noble Achilles shall slay Hector. From this time forward,
will I always continually effect for thee that there shall
be a retreat of the Trojans from the ships, until
the Greeks, by the council of Minerva, shall take lofty Ilium. However,
I shall not abate my anger, nor will I here
permit any of the immortals to assist the Greeks before
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that the request of the son of Peleies be completed,
as first I promised to him, and nodded ascent with
my head. On that day when the goddess Thetis touched
my knees, beseeching me that I would honor Achilles, the
destroyer of cities. Thus he spoke. Nor did the white
armed Goddess Juno disobey, but went down from the Adaean
mountains to Lofty Olympus. And as when the mind of
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a man flashes swiftly in thought, who having traversed over
many a land, thinks within his prudent heart, I was here.
I was there, and deliberates much. Thus, quickly, hastening up,
sprung venerable Juno. But she reached Lofty Olympus and came
in upon the immortal gods assembled in the House of Jove.
But they beholding her all rose up and welcomed her
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with their cups. The rest, however, she neglected, but received
a goblet from fair cheeked themis for she first running
came to meet her, and addressing her, spoke winged words.
While Juno hast thou come hither and art like unto
one incosternation has then the son of Saturn, who is
thy husband, greatly terrified thee. But her, the white armed
Goddess Juno, then answered, do not o, goddesseemest ask me
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these things? Even thou thyself knowest how overbearing and cruel
a spirit is his. But do thou preside over the
equal feast in the palaces of the gods, And thou
shalt hear these things, along with all the immortals, what
evil deeds Jove denounces. Nor do I at all think
that the mind will equally rejoice to all, neither to
mortals nor to the gods, although some one even yet
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be feasting pleasantly. Thus having spoken venerable, Juno sat down.
But the gods were grieved throughout the palace of Jove.
But she laughed with her lips only, nor was her
forehead above her dark brows. Exhilarated and indignant. She spoke
amongst them, all senseless, we who are thus foolishly enraged
with Father Jove of a truth, we still desire to
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restrain him, approaching near, either by persuasion or by force.
Whilst he sitting apart, does not regard nor is mood,
For he says he is decidedly the most mighty in
strength and power among the immortal gods. Wherefore, endear whatever
evil he may please descend upon each of you. For
now already I think misfortune has been inflicted upon Mars,
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since his son has perished in the fight the dearest
of mortals Ascalphulis, whom impetuous Mars calls his own. Thus
she spake, But Mars smote his brawny thighs with his
dropped hands, and sorrowing addressed them. Do not now blame me,
he who possessed the Olympic mansions, repairing to the ships
of the Greeks, to avenge the solder of my son,
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even although it should be my fate smitten with a
thunderbolt of Job, to lie together with the dead bodies
and blood and dust. Thus he spake, and he commanded
fear and fly to yoke his steeds, But he himself
girded on his shining armor. Then, indeed, some other greater
and more grievous wrath and indignation had fallen upon the
immortals from Job, had not Minerva, greatly, fearing for all
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the gods, leaped forth from the vestibule and left the
throne where she sat. From his head, she snatched the
helmet and the shield from his shoulders, and taking the
brazen spear out of his strong hand, she placed it
upright and rebuked Himpetuous Mars. With these words infuriated one
infatuated in mind, Thou art undone, are thy ears indeed
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useless for hearing? And have thy sense and shame perished?
Dost thou not hear what the white armed goddess Juno says.
And she has just now come from Olympian job. Dost
thou thyself wish, having fulfilled many misfortunes, to return to Olympus,
very much grieved and by compulsion, and also to create
a great evil to all the rest. For he will
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immediately leave the Trojans and magnanimous Greeks, and will come
against us about to disturb us in Olympus, and will
seize us one after the other, whoever is culpable, and
who is not. Wherefore I exhort thee now to lay
aside thy wrath on account of thy son, for already
someone even superior to him in strength and in hands,
either is slain or will be hereafter, For it would
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be a difficult task to liberate from death the race
and offspring of all men. So saying, she seated impetuous
Mars upon his throne. But Juna called Apollo outside the house,
and Iris, who is the messenger among the immortal gods,
and addressing them spoke winged words, Jove orders you twain
to repair with all haste to Ida. But when ye
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arrive and look upon the countenance of Job, do whatsoever
he may urge and command. Then. Indeed, having thus spoken,
venerable Juno retired and sat down upon her throne. But they, hastening,
flew and arrived at Ida of many rills, the mother
of wild beasts. They found the far seeing son of
Saturn sitting upon lofty gargarus, and an odoriferous cloud encircled
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him around. But coming before cloud, compelling Jove, they stood.
Nor was he enraged in his mind beholding them, because
they quickly obeyed the commands of his dear wife. And
first to Iris he addressed winged words, Haste begone, fleet, Iris,
tell all these things to King Neptune. Nor be thou
a false messenger, order him, having ceased from the battle
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and the war, to repair to the assemblies of the gods,
or to the vast sea. If however, he will not
obey my words, but shall despise them, Let him then
consider in his mind and soul, lest how powerful he
may be, he may not be able to withstand me
coming against him, for I say that I am superior
to him in strength and elder in birth. But his
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hard fears riot to assert himself equal to me, whom
even the others dread. Thus he spoke, nor was windfooted
swift Iris disobedient, but she ascended from the Adaean mountains
to sacred Ilium. And as when snow drifts from the clouds,
or cold hailed by the impulse of cloud dispelling boreus,
so quickly, swift Iris, with eagerness, flew along, and standing
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near illustrious Neptune, she addressed him, Oh, is your heir
to earthshaker, I have come hither bringing a certain message
to THEE from ages bearing job. He has come THEE,
having ceased from the battle and the war, to repair
either to the assemblies of the gods or to the
vast sea. But if thou wilt not obey his words,
but shalt despise him. He threatens that he will come
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hither himself to fight against THEE, and advises he to
avoid his hands, because he asserts that he is greatly
superior to THEE in strength and elder in birth. But
thy heart does not fear to profess that thou art
equal to him, whom even the others dread. But her
illustrious Neptune, greatly indignant, then addressed Gods, powerful though he be,
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he surely has spoken proudly, if he will by force
restrain me unwilling, who am of equal honor. For we
are three brothers descended from Saturn, whom Raa brought forth,
Jupiter and I and Pluto, governing the infernal regions. The third,
all things were divided into three parts, and each was
allotted his dignity. I, in the first place the lot's
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being shaken, was allotted to inhabit forever the hoary sea,
and Pluto next obtained the pitchy darkness. But Jove, in
a third place, had allotted to him the wide heaven,
in the air and in the clouds. Nevertheless, the earth
is still common property of all and lofty Olympus. Wherefore
I shall not live according to the will of Job.
But although being very powerful, let him remain quiet in
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his third part, and let him, by no means terrify
me as a coward with his hands, For it would
be better for him to insult with terrific language, to
daughters and sons whom he hath begotten, who will also,
through necessity, attend to him, exhorting them. But him the
fleet wind footed Iris then answered, oh is your haired
earth shaker? Shall I really thus bear back from thee
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to jove this relentless and violent reply, or wilt thou
change it at all? The minds of the prudent, indeed
are flexible. Thou knowest that the furies are ever attendant
on the elders. But her again, earth shaking Neptune in
turn addressed Goddess Iris, very rightly, hast thou delivered this opinion. Moreover,
it is good when a messenger knows fitting things. But
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on this account severe indignation comes upon my heart and soul,
because he wishes to chide with angry words, me equal
to him by lot and doomed to an equal destiny. Nevertheless,
at present, although being indignant, I will give way. But
another thing will I tell THEE, And I will threaten
this from my soul. If indeed, without me and pray
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hunting Minerva Juno Mercury and King Vulcan, he shall spare
lofty ilium, nor shall wish to destroy it and give
great glory to the Greeks. Let him know this, that
endless animosity shall arise between us. So saying the earth
Shaker quitted the Grecian army, and proceeding he plunged into
the deep. But the Grecian heroes longed for him, and
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then cloud compelling Jove addressed Apollo, go now, dear Phoebus
to brazen helmed Hector, for already hath Earth encircling Neptune,
and departed to the vast sea, avoiding our dreadful anger.
For otherwise the rest, who are infernal gods, being around Saturn,
would surely have heard our quarrel. This, however, is much
better for me as well as for him, that he
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at first yielded to my hands, counting himself worthy of blame,
because a matter would not have been accomplished without sweat.
But do thou take the fringed aegis in thy hands,
with which, by violently shaking it, do thou greatly terrify
the Grecian heroes to thyself. However, will far darting Apollo,
let illustrious Hector be a care so long then arouse
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his great might unto him, until the Greeks and flight
reached the ships and the hellespont. Thenceforth I shall myself
deliberate indeed and word how the Greeks also may revive
from labor. Thus he spoke, Nor did Apollo disobey his sire.
But he descended from the Adaean mountains like unto a
swift hawk, the dove destroyer, the swiftest of birds. He
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found the son of warlike Priam, noble Hector sitting, for
he no longer lay on the ground, but had just
collected his senses, recognizing his friends around him. But the
panting and perspiration had ceased, since a will of ages
bearing Jove had aroused him. Then, far darting Apollo, standing near,
addressed him, Hector, son of Priam, Why sittest thou apart
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from the rest, failing in strength? Has any grief invaded thee?
But him? Then, crest tossing Hector languidly addressed, And who
art thou best of the gods who inquirest face to face?
Hast thou not heard that Ajax, brave in the din
of battle, smote me with a stone upon the breast
and caused me to cease from Impetuo's valor. When slaying
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his companions at the sterns of the Grecian gyps. And
truly I thought that I should this day behold the
dead and the mansion of Pluto, since I was on
the point of breathing out my dear life. But him
far darting King Apollo addressed in turn, be of good courage.
Now so great an assistant, has a son of Saturn
sent forth from Ida to stand up and help thee
Phoebus Apollo of the Golden Sword, who am accustomed to
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defend at the same time thyself and the lofty city.
But come, encourage now thy numerous cavalry to drive their
fleet steeds towards the hollow ships. But I, going before,
will level the whole way for the horse Si, and
I will turn to flight the Grecian heroes. Thus speaking,
he inspired great strength into the shepherd of the people,
as when some stalled horse fed on barley at the manger.
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Having snapped his halter, runs over the plain, striking the
earth with his feet. Accustomed to bathe in the smooth
flowing river, exulting, he holds his head on high, and
around his shoulders. His mane is disheveled and trusting to
his beauty. His knees easily bear him to the accustomed
places and pasture of the mares. So Hector swiftly moved
his feet and knees, encouraging the horsemen after he had
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heard the voice of the God. But they, as dogs
and rustic men, rush against either a horned stag or
wild goat, which, however, a lofty rock and shady forests protect,
Nor is it distant for them to catch it. But
at their clamor a bushy bearded lion appears in the
way and turns them all back, although ardently pursuing. Thus
the Greeks hitherto indeed ever kept following in troops, striking
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with their swords and double edged spears. But when they
beheld Hector entering the ranks of heroes, they were troubled,
and the courage of all fell at their feet. Then
Tho asked the son of Andreim, and addressed them, by
far the bravest of the Aetolians, skilled in the use
of the javelin and brave in the standing fight. Few
also of the Greeks excelled him in the council. When
the youths contended in eloquence, who wisely counseling, harangued them
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and said, O, Gods, surely I behold with mine eyes
this mighty miracle, since Hector has thus risen again, having
escaped death. Certainly the mind of each was in great
hopes that he had died by the hands of Telemonian Ajax.
But some one of the gods has again liberated and
preserved Hector, who hath already relaxed the knees of many Greeks,
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as I think is about to occur now. Also, for
not without far sounding jove, does he stand in the
van thus earnest. But come, let us all obey as
I shall desire. Let us order the multitude to retreat
towards the ships. But let us, as many as boast
ourselves to be the best in the army, take a stand.
If indeed opposing, we may the outset interrupt him, upraising
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our spears. And I think that he, although raging, will
dread in mind to enter the bands of the Greeks.
Thus he spoke, but all heard him attentively and obeyed.
Those around the aegaces and King O Domineus, Thauser, Marionus,
and Medus equal to Mars, culling the chiefs together marshaled
their lines against Hector and the Trojans, whilst the multitude
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in the rear retreated to the ships of the Greeks.
But the Trojans, in close array, pressed forward, and Hector,
taking long strides, led the way. But before him walked
Phoebus Apollo, clad as to his shoulders with the cloud,
and he held the mighty, dreadful, fringed, dazzling Aegis, which
the artist Vulcan had given to job to be borne
along for the routing of men. Holding this in his hands,
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he led on the people, but the Greeks remained in
close array, and a shrill shout arose on both sides.
Many arrows bounded from the strings, and many spears from
gallant hands. Some were fixed in the bodies of warlike youths,
but many, half way before they had touched the fair body,
struck in the earth, longing to satiate themselves with flesh.
As long as Phoebus Apollo held the aegis unmoved in
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his hands, so long did the weapons reach both sides,
and the people fell. But when looking full in the
faces of the swift horsed Greeks, he shook it and
he himself besides shouted very loudly. Then he checked the
courage in their breasts, and they became forgetful of impetuous valor.
But they as when two wild beasts in the depth
of the dark night disturb a drove of oxen, nor
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a great flock of sheep, coming suddenly upon them, the
keeper not being present. So the enfeebled Greeks were routed
for amongst them. Apollo sent terror and gave glory to
the Trojans and to Hector, that indeed man slew man.
When the battle gave way, Hector slew Stychius and Archisilaus,
the one the leader of the brazen mailed Bowetians, but
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the other the faithful companion of the magnanimous Menseus. But
Aeneas slew Madon and Aiasis. Maydon indeed was the illegitimate
son of godlin Coelius and brother of Ajax, and he
dwelt in PHILESI, away from his fatherland, having slain a man,
the brother of his stepmother Areopus, whom Oelius had betrothed. Hyasius, however,
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was appointed leader of the Athenians, and was called the
son of Splus, the son of Bucolus, but Polydamas slew
Masistus and polthes Achaeus in the van, and Noble Agenor
slew Clonius Paris also wounded Dacous in the extremity of
the shoulder from behind whilst he was flying amongst the
foremost combatants, and drove the brass quite through whilst they
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were spoiling these of their armor. The Greeks, in the meantime,
falling into the dug trench and stakes, fled here and there,
and from necessity entered within the rampart. But Hector, shouting aloud,
exhorted the Trojans to rush upon the ships and to
let go the bloody spoils. And whatever person shall perceive
apart from the ships anywhere there will I cause his death.
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Nor indeed shall his male and female relatives make him,
when dead, partaker of a funeral pile. But dogs shall
tear him before our city. So, saying with the lash
upon the shoulder, he drove on his horses against the ranks,
cheering on the Trojans, but they, all shouting along with him,
directed their car drawing steed with a mighty clamor. But
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Phoebus Apollo in front of them, easily, overthrowing the banks
of the deep ditch with his feet, cast them into
the middle, and bridged a causeway long and wide as
far as the cast of a spear reaches, when a man,
making trial of his strength, hurls it. In that way.
They poured onward by troops, and Apollo went before them,
holding the highly prized ages. But he overthrew the wall
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of the Greeks very easily, as when any boy does
the sand from the shore, who, when amusing himself in
childishness he has made playthings again, destroys them with his
feet and hands. Thus, so archer Phoebus, didst thou destroy
the great labor and toil of the Greeks, and didst
excite flight amongst themselves in this manner. Indeed, remaining they
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were penned up at the ship, animating each other, and
raising up their hands to all the gods. They each
loudly offered vows. But the guardian of the Greek's Geranian Nester,
most particularly prayed, stretching forth his hands to the starry heaven. O,
Father Jove, if ever any one in fruitful argus to
thee burning the fat thighs of either oxen or sheep,
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supplicated that he might return. And thou didst promise and descent,
be mindful of these sings, o Olympian and averts the
cruel day, nor thus permit the Greeks to be subdued
by the Trojans. Thus he spoke praying, But providence Jove
loudly thundered, hearing the prayers of the Nelaian old man.
But the Trojans, when they understood the will of ades
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bearing Jove, rushed the more against the Greeks, and remindful
of battle. And as a mighty wave of the wide
flowing ocean dashes over the sides of a ship when
the force of the wind impels it, for that most
of all increases waves, so the Trojans, with a mighty shout,
mounted over the wall, and having driven in their horses,
they fought at the sterns hand to hand with two
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edged spears, the one party from the chariots, but the
other on high from their black ships, having ascended them
with long poles, which lay in their vessels for fighting
by sea, well glued and clad on the tip with brass.
But Patroclus as long, indeed as the Greeks and the
Trojans fought round the wall without the swift ships. So
long he sat in a tent of valor, loving Euypolis,
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and delighted him with his disclosure. And to the severe
wound he applied medicines as seuagers of dark paines. But
when he perceived that the Trojans had burst within the walls,
and moreover that the clamor and the flight of the
Greeks had risen, then indeed he groaned and smote both
his thighs with his downward bent hands, and lamenting spoke
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O Eurypolus, I cannot any longer remain here with thee,
although needing much, for now has a mighty contester risen.
But let thy attendant entertain THEE, and I will hasten
to Achilles, that I may encourage him to and who
knows whether, with God's assistance persuading, I may move his soul,
for the admonition of a companion is effectual, but him
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his feet then boring away, thus speaking, Meanwhile, the Greeks
firmly withstood the Trojans rushing on, nor were they able
to repel them from the ships, although being fewer, nor
could the Trojans breaking through the phalanxies of the Greeks,
be mingled with the tents or ships, but as a
plumb line in the hands of a skillful shipwright who
knows well the whole art by the precepts of Minerva,
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correctly adjust a naval plank. Soul was the battle and
war equally extended. Some indeed supported the conflict round one ship,
and others round another. But Hector advanced against glorious Ajax.
Thus these two undertook the task round one ship. Nor
were they able, the one to drive the other away
and burn the ship with fire, nor the one to
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repulse him, since a divinity had brought him near. Then
illustrious Ajax smote upon the breast with his spear, Callator,
son of Clytius, bearing fire against the ship, and falling.
He resounded, and the torch fell from his hand. But
when Hector proceeded with his eyes his cousin fallen in
a dust before the black ship. He cheered on the
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Trojans and Lycians, loudly exclaiming, Ye Trojans and Lycians and
close fighting. Dardanians do not now retire from the fight.
And this narrow pass, but preserve the son of Clytius,
lest the Greeks despoil him of his armor, having fallen
in the contess at the ships. Thus, having spoken, he
took aim with his shining spear at Ajax, whom he missed.
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But he smote like Afron, the son of Mastor, the
servant of Ajax, a Scythian, who dwelt with him, since
he had killed a man amongst the celebrated Cytherians. He
struck him on the head over the ear with a
sharp brass, whilst he was standing near Ajax. But he
fell supine to the ground from the stern of the ship,
in the dust, and his limbs were relaxed. Then Ajax
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shuddered and accosted his brother. Dear te you, sir, now
is our faithful companion, the son of Master, whom, being
domesticated in Cythera, we honored equally with our beloved parents
in our palaces. But him, magnanimous Hector, has slain, where
now are thy death, bearing arrows and bow which Phibus
Apollo gave thee. Thus he spoke, but he understood, and
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running he stood near him, holding in his hand his
bent bow and arrow bearing quiver, and very quickly he
shot his arrows against the Trojans. He struck Litus, the
illustrious son of Pisenore, the companion of Polydamus, the renowned
son of Panthus holding the reins in his hands. He
indeed was employed in guiding the horses, for he directed
them there where the most numerous hileanxes were thrown in confusion,
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gratifying Hector and the Trojans. But soon came evil upon him,
which no one averted from him, although eager for the
bitter shout fell upon his neck from behind, and he
fell from the chariot, whilst his horses started back rattling
the empty car. But the king Polydamus very quickly perceived
it and first came to meet his horses. Them. He
entrusted to Astonus, son of Proeteon, and exhorted him much
(27:02):
to keep the horses near him within sight, but he himself, returning,
was mingled with the foremost combatants. The user, however, drew
another arrow against brazen armed Hector, and would have made
him cease from battle at the ships of the Greeks,
as striking him while bravely fighting, he had taken away
his life but it did not escape the prudent mind
of Jove, who protected Hector and deprived to User, the
(27:24):
son of Telemon of Glory, and whom Jove broke the
well twisted string in his blameless bow as he was
drawing against Hector. But the brass laden arrow was turned
off in another direction, and the bow fell from his hand.
Then the User shuddered and addressed his brother, He Gods,
a deity without doubt cuts short the plans of our battle,
who has shaken the bow from my hand, and has
(27:45):
snapped asunder the newly twisted string which I tied to
it this morning, that it might sustain the shafts frequently
bounding from it. But him, the mighty Telemonian Ajax, then answered, O,
my friend, permit then thy bow and numerous arrows to
lie aside to God has confounded them. Envying the Greeks,
but taking a long spear in thy hands and a
shield upon thy shoulder, fight against the Trojans and encourage
(28:08):
the other forces. Nor let them take the well benched
ships without labor at least, although having subdued us. But
let us be mindful of the fight. Thus he spoke,
and he placed his bow within the tents. Then around
his shoulders he hung a fourfold shield, and upon his
brave head fixed a well made helmet crested with horse hair,
and the plume nodded dreadfully from above, and he grasped
(28:31):
a stout spear tipped with sharp brass, and hastened to advance, and,
running very quickly, stood beside Ajax. But when Hector perceived
the arrows of Teese are frustrated, he encouraged the Trojans
and Lysians, calling aloud Etrojans, Lycians, and close fighting Dardanians.
Be men, my friends, and be mindful of impetuous valor
at the hollow ships. For I have beheld with my
(28:53):
eyes the arrows of their chief warrior, rendered vain by jove,
easily recognizable amongst men is the power of as well,
among those into whose hands he has delivered superior glory,
as those whom Ye deteriorates and does not wish to defend.
As now he diminishes the might of the Greeks and
aids us. But fight in close array at the ships,
(29:14):
And whichever a view, wounded or stricken, shall draw on
his death, and fate let him die. It is not
inglorious to him to die fighting for his country, but
his wife shall be safe, and his children left behind him,
his house and patrimony unimpaired. If indeed the Greeks depart
with their ships to their dear fatherland, So saying he
kindled the strength and spirit of each, and ajax again
(29:37):
on the other side, animated his companions. Shame O argives,
now is the moment for us either to perish or
to be preserved, and to repel destruction from the ships.
Do ye expect that if crest tossing Hector capture the ships,
ye will reach on foot each his native land. Do
ye not hear Hector who now rages to fire the ships,
(29:57):
inciting all his people, Nor indeed does he in fight
them to come to a dance, but to a battle.
But for us there is no opinion or design better
than this to join in close fight, our hands and strength.
Better either to perish at once or live, rather than
uselessly to be wasted away for a length of time
and dire contention at the ships by inferior men, So
(30:19):
saying he aroused the strength and courage of each. Then
Hector indeed slew Scadius son at Pyramides, Prince of the Phocians,
and Ajax Slulaodamus, leader of the infantry. The illustrious son
of Antenor Polydamus slew selenian Otis, the companion of the
son of Philias, chief of the magnanimous Epaeans. Medus rushed
(30:39):
upon him, perceiving it, but Polydamus stooped obliquely, and he
missed him. For Apollo did not suffer the son of
Panthus to be subdued among the foremost warriors. But he
wounded Crossmus in the middle of the breast with his spear,
but falling he resounded, and he stripped the arms from
his shoulders. In the meantime, Dolops, the descendant of Lampus,
well skilled, and the spear leaped upon him, he whom Lampus,
(31:03):
son of Laomedon, the best of men, begat skilled in
impetuous fight, who, then, attacking him in close fight, struck
the middle of Medus's shield with his spear, but the
thick corselet defended him, which he wore compact in his cavities.
This Phileas formerly brought from a fire from the river
Silius for his host Euphates king of Men had given
(31:24):
it to him to bear into the battle as a
defense against the enemy, and which then warded off destruction
from the body of his son. But Medus, with his
sharp spear, smote the base of the highest cone of
his brazen horse haired helmet, and struck off his horse
haired crest, and the whole fell on the ground in
the dust, lately shining with purple. Whilst the one Mejus,
(31:45):
standing firm fought with the other dolops and still expected victory. Meanwhile,
warlike Menelaus came as an assistant to Mejus, and stood
at his side with his spear, escaping notice, and wounded
him from behind in the shoulder, But the spear, driven
with violence, passed through his breast, proceeding farther, and he
fell on his face. Both then rushed on about to
(32:07):
tear the brazen armor from his shoulders, but Hector strenuously
exhorted all his relations and rebuked the gallant men Lippus first,
the son of Hechaeton he till then had fed his
curved footed oxen at Pracoti, the enemy being yet at
a distance. But when the equally plied barks of the
Greeks had arrived. He came back to Troy and was
distinguished amongst the Trojans, and he dwelt near Priam, and
(32:31):
he honored him equally with his sons. But Hector rebuked
him and spoke and addressed him, shall we be thus remiss, Omanilippus,
is not thy heart moved thy kinsmen being slain, Dost
thou not perceive how busy they are about the arms
of dolops, but follow, For it is no longer justifiable
to fight at a distance with the Greeks, before that
(32:51):
either we slay them, or that they tear lofty ilium
from its summit and slay its citizens. So saying, he
led on, and the godlike hero falloord with him. But
many telemonian ajax aroused the Greeks. O, my friends, be men,
and set honor in your hearts, and have reverence for
each other during the vehement conflicts, For more of those
(33:11):
men who reverence each other are saved than slain. But
of the fugitives neither glory arises nor any defense. Thus
he spoke, But they too were eager to repel the enemy,
and they fixed his advice in their mind and enclosed
the ships with a brazen fence, But Jove urged on
the Trojans, and Menelaeus, brave than did of battle, incited Antilochus.
(33:33):
O Antilochus, no other of the Greeks is younger than thou,
nor swifter afoot, nor strong as thou art to fight.
Would that attacking some hear of the Trojans, thou couldst
wound him, so saying he on his part withdrew again,
and he aroused him. But Antilochus leaped forth from amongst
the foremost warriors and took aim with his shining spear,
gazing around him, But the Trojans retired the hero hurling,
(33:56):
but he did not cast his weapon in vain, for
he struck magnanimous Menilppus, the son of hicotaeon in the
breast near the pap advancing to the battle, and falling,
he made a crash, and his arms rang upon him.
But Antilochus sprang upon him as a dog that rushes
on a wounded fawn, which the huntsmen aiming at has wounded,
leaping from its lair and relaxed its limbs under it.
(34:18):
Thus so Menilppus did war like Antilochus spring on thee
about to despoil thee of thy armor, but he did
not escape noble Hector, who came against him, running through
the battle. But Antilochus did not await him, though being
an expert warrior. But he fled, like unto a wild
beast that has done some mischief, which having slain a
dog or herdsman in charge of oxen flies before a
(34:38):
crowd of men is assembled. So fled the son of Nestor.
But the Trojans and Hector, with great clamor, poured forth
their deadly weapons. Yet when he reached a band of
his own companions being turned round, he stood. But the Trojans,
like raw devouring lions, rushed upon the ships and were
fulfilling the commands of Job, whoever kept exciting their great
strength and innervated the courage of the Greeks, and took
(35:01):
away their glory, but encouraged those, for his mind wished
to bestow glory on Hector, the son of Priam, that
he might cast a dreadfully burning, indefatigable fire upon the
crooked barks and accomplish all the unseasonable prayer of Thedus.
For this did provident Jove await till he should behold
with his eyes the flame of a burning vessel, For
from that time he was about to make a retreat
(35:23):
of the Trojans from the ships, and to afford glory
to the Greeks designing these things. He aroused Hector, the
son of Priam, against the hollow ships, although himself very eager,
but he raged as when Mars rages, brandishing his spear,
or when a destructive fire rages in the mountains, in
the thickets of a deep wood, and foam arose about
his mouth, and his eyes flashed from beneath his grim eyebrows,
(35:45):
and the helm was shaken awfully upon the temples of Hector,
fighting for Jove himself from the ether was an assistant
to him, and honored and glorified him alone amongst many men,
because he was destined to be short lived, for Pallas
Minerva already impelled him towards a fatal day by the
might of the sun of Pelias. And he wished to
break the ranks of heroes, trying them Wheresoever, he beheld
(36:07):
the greatest crowd in the best arms, but not thus
was he able to break through them. Although very eager,
for they compact in squares, sustained his attack as a lofty,
huge cliff, being near the hoary deep, which abides the
impetuous inroads of the shrill winds and the swollen billows
which are dashed against it. Thus the Greeks firmly awaited
the Trojans, nor fled, But he gleaming with fire on
(36:30):
all sides, rushed upon the crowd and fell upon them,
as when an impetuous wave wind nurtured from the clouds,
dashes against the swift ship, and the ship is wholly
enveloped with the spray, and a dreadful blast of wind
roars within the sail. But the sailors tremble in mind,
fearing because they are borne but a little way from death.
Thus was the mind of the Greeks, divided in their breasts. He, however,
(36:54):
like a destructive lion coming upon oxen, which feed in
myriads in the moist ground of a spacious marsh, and
amongst them a keeper not very skillful in fighting with
a wild beast, for the slaughter of a crooked horned ox.
He indeed always accompanies the foremost or hindmost cattle, whilst
the lion, springing into the mist devours an ox, and
all the rest fly in terror. Thus then were the
(37:16):
Greeks wondrously put to flight by Hector and Father Jove.
But Hector slew only Mycenian Periphetes, the dear son of Coprius,
who went with a messenger of King Eurystheus to Mighty Hercules.
From this far inferior father sprung a son superior in
all kinds of accomplishments, as well in the race as
in the combat, and who, in prudence, was among the
(37:37):
first of the Mycenians who at that time gave into
the hands of Hector's superior glory. For turning backwards, he
trod upon the rim of his shield, which he bore
a fence against javelins which reached to his feet. By
this incommoded, he fell upon his back, and the helmet
terribly sounded round the temples of him fallen. But Hector
(37:57):
quickly perceived, and running stood near him, and fixed his
spear in his breast, and slew him near his beloved companions.
Nor indeed were they able all agreed for their comrade
to avail him, for they themselves greatly feared noble hector,
But they retreated within the line of their ships, and
the extreme ships enclosed them, which were first drawn up,
(38:17):
and the others were poured in the archives. Therefore, from
necessity retreated from the foremost vessels, and remained there at
their tents in close array, and were not dispersed through
the camp, for shame and fear restrained them, and the
unceasingly exhorted one another with shouting. More particularly, did Gerenian
nestor the guardian of the Greeks, adjure them by their
parents earnestly supplicating each man, O, my friends, be men,
(38:42):
and place a sense of reverence of other men in
your minds. Call to memory each of you, your children, wives, property,
and parents, as well he to whom they survive, as
he to whom they are dead. For by those not present,
I here supplicate you to stand bravely, nor be ye
turned to flight, so saying he aroused the might and
(39:02):
spirit of each. But for them, Minerva removed the heaven
sent cloud of darkness from their eyes, and abundant light
arose to them on both sides, both towards the ships
and towards the equally destructive battle. Then they observed Hector
brave in the dead of battle, and his companions as well,
whatever of them stood behind and did not fight as
those who fought the battle at the swift ships. Nor
(39:25):
was it longer pleasing to the mind of great hearted
Ajax to stand there where the other sons of the
Greek stood together. But he went about upon the decks
of the vessels, taking long strides, and wielding in his
hands a great sea fighting pole studded with iron nails,
twenty two cubits long. And as when a man well
skilled and vaulting upon steeds, who after he has selected
(39:46):
four horses out of a greater number, driving them from
the plain, urges them towards a mighty city along the
public way, and him many men and women behold with admiration.
But he, always, leaping up firmly and safely, changes alternately
from one to the other whilst they are flying along.
So went Ajax along many decks of swift ships, shouting loudly,
(40:08):
and his voice reached to the sky, and always terribly shouting,
he ordered the Greeks to defend their ships into tents.
Nor indeed did Hector remain among the crowd of well
corselited Trojans. But as a tawny eagle pounces upon a
flock of winged birds feeding on a river's bank, either
geese or cranes, or long necked swans, so did Hector
(40:28):
direct his course toward an assured, proud vessel, rushing against it.
But Jove, with a very mighty hand, impelled him from behind,
and animated his forces along with him. Again was a
sharp contest waged at the ships. You would have said
that unwearied and indefatigable, they met each other in battle,
so furiously they fought, and to them fighting, this was
(40:50):
the opinion. The Greeks indeed, thought that they could not
escape from destruction, but must perish. But the soles of
each within his breast to the Trojans hoped to burn
the ships and slay the Grecian heroes. They, thinking these things,
opposed one another. But Hector seized the stern of a
sea traversing bark, beautiful swift, which had carried partesse Leus
(41:10):
to Troy, but did not bear him back again to
his fatherland. Round his ship. The Greeks and Trojans were
now slaying one another in close combat. Nor did they
indeed at a distance await the attacks of arrows and
of javelins, but standing near, having one mind, they fought
with sharp battle axes and hatchets, with large swords and
two edged spears, and many fierce swords, black hilted with
(41:33):
massive handles that fell to the ground, some indeed from
the hands and others from the shoulders of the contending heroes.
And the dark earth streamed with gore. But Hector, after
he had seized the vessel by the stern, did not
let go, holding the furthest edge with his hands, and
he teered on the Trojans, bring fire, and at the
same time, do yourselves together excite the battle. Now hath
(41:56):
Jove vouchsafed us a day worth all to take the ships, which,
coming hither, against the will of the gods, brought many
evils upon us through the cowardice of our elders, who
kept me back when desirous myself to fight at the
sterns of the ships, and restrained the people. But if
indeed far sounding Jove then injured our minds, he now
impels and orders us. Thus he spoke. But they rushed
(42:19):
the more against the Greeks. Even Ajax no longer sustained them,
for he was overwhelmed with many darts, but thinking he
should fall, retired back a short space to the seven
feet bench and deserted the deck of his equal ship.
There he stood, watching, and with his spear continually repulsed
the Trojans from the ships, whoever might bring the indefatigable fire,
(42:39):
And always shouting dreadfully, he animated the Greeks, O, my friends,
Grecian heroes, servants of Mars, be men, my friends, and
be mindful of impetuous strength. Whether do we think that
we have any assistance in the rear, or any stronger
rampart which may avert destruction from the men. Indeed, there
is not any other city near foried with towers, where
(43:01):
we may be defended, having a reinforcing army. But bordering
on the sea, we sit on the plane of the
well armed Trojans, far away from our native land. Therefore
safety is in our exertions, not in remission of battle,
he said, and furious charged with his sharp spear whoever
the Trojans was borne towards the hollow ships with burning fire.
(43:22):
For the sake of Hector, who incited him him Ajax wounded,
receiving him with his long spear, and he slew twelve
in close fight before the ships. End of book the
fifteenth read by Stephen Karney,
Section fifteen, book the fifteenth of the Iliad of Homer.
This LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by
Stephen Carney. The Iliad of Homer by Homer, translated by
Theodore Alois Buckley, section fifteen, book the fifteenth argument. Jove,
awaking and finding the Trojans routed menaces Juno. He then
(00:25):
sends Irish to Desire, Neptune to relinquish the battle, and
Apollo to restore Hector to health. Armed with the Ages,
Apollo puts the Greeks to flight, who are pursued home
to their fleet, while Telamonian Ajax slays twelve Trojans who
were bringing fire to burn it. But after the fugitives
had crossed both the rampart and the trench, and many
were subdued by the hands of the Greeks. The rest
(00:47):
were at length detained, waiting beside their chariots, pallid with
fear and terrified. But Jove arose on the summits of
Ida from beside golden throned Judo, and starting up, he
stood and beheld the Trojans and Greeks, those indeed in confusion,
and the Greeks throwing them into confusion in the rear,
and amongst them King Neptune Hector, he beheld lying upon
(01:09):
the plain, and his companion sat round him. But he
was afflicted with grievous difficulty of respiration, and devoid of
his senses, vomiting blood. For it was not the weakest
of the Greeks who had wounded him. The Father of
men and God seeing pitied him, and sternly, regarding Juno,
severely addressed her O, Juno, of evil art impracticable. Thy
(01:29):
stratagem has made noble Hector cease from battle and put
his troops to flight. Indeed, I know not whether again
thou mayest not be the first to reap the fruits
of thy pernicious machinations, and I may chastise thee with stripes.
Dost thou not remember when thou didst swing from on high,
and I hung to anvils from thy feet, and bound
(01:50):
a golden chain around thy hands that could not be broken,
And thou didst hang in the air, and clouds and
the gods commiserated thee throughout law to Olympus, But standing
around they were not able to release thee. But whomsoever
I caught seizing I hurled from the threshold of heaven
till he reached the earth, hardly breathing nor even Thus
(02:12):
did my vehement anger through grief for divine hercules leave me,
whom thou, prevailing upon the storms with the north wind,
didst send over the unfruitful sea, designing evils, and afterwards
bore him out of his course to well inhabited couse.
I liberated him, indeed, and brought him back thence to
steed nourishing Argus. Although having accomplished many toils these things,
(02:35):
will I again recall to thy memory, that thou mayest
cease from deceits, in order that thou mayst know whether
the intercourse and a couch will avail thee in which
thou wast mingled, coming apart from the gods, and having
deceived me. Thus he spoke, but venerable large eyed Juno shuddered,
and addressing him, spoke wingedwards. Be witnessed now earth and
(02:57):
boundless heaven above, and the water of sticks gliding beneath,
which is the greatest and most dreaded oath amongst the
blessed gods. Likewise, thy sacred head and our own nuptial
couch by which I would not rashly swear at any
time that it is not by my instigation that earth
shaking Neptune harasses the Trojans and hector and age the
(03:18):
other side, but certainly his own mind in sights and
orders him for beholding the Greeks oppressed at the ships,
he took compassion on them, And even him would I
advise to go there where thou olt cloud collector mayest command.
Thus she spoke, But the father of men and gods smiled,
and answering her spoke wingedwards. If indeed thou, from henceforth
(03:40):
o venerable, large eyed junal wouldst sit amongst the mortals,
being of the same mind with me, then truly would Neptune,
even although he very much wishes otherwise, immediately change his
mind to the same point to thy wish and mine.
But if indeed thou speakest in sincerity and truely go
now to the assemblies of the gods, and call Iris
(04:03):
to come hither, and Apollo, renowned in archery, that she
may go to the people of the brazen mailed Greeks
and tell King Neptune, ceasing from battle, to repair to
his own palaces. But let Phoebus Apollo, excite Hector to battle,
and breathe strength into him again, and make him forgetful
of the pains which now afflict him in his mind.
(04:24):
But let him again put the Greeks to flight, exciting
unwarlike panic amongst them, and flying, let them fall back
upon the many benched ships of Achilles, the son of Pelias.
Then shall he stimulate his companion Patroclus, whom illustrious Hector
shall slay with his spear before Ilium, Patroclus having slain
many other youths, and with them my son noble Sarbadon,
(04:46):
But noble Achilles shall slay Hector. From this time forward,
will I always continually effect for thee that there shall
be a retreat of the Trojans from the ships, until
the Greeks, by the council of Minerva, shall take lofty Ilium. However,
I shall not abate my anger, nor will I here
permit any of the immortals to assist the Greeks before
(05:07):
that the request of the son of Peleies be completed,
as first I promised to him, and nodded ascent with
my head. On that day when the goddess Thetis touched
my knees, beseeching me that I would honor Achilles, the
destroyer of cities. Thus he spoke. Nor did the white
armed Goddess Juno disobey, but went down from the Adaean
mountains to Lofty Olympus. And as when the mind of
(05:29):
a man flashes swiftly in thought, who having traversed over
many a land, thinks within his prudent heart, I was here.
I was there, and deliberates much. Thus, quickly, hastening up,
sprung venerable Juno. But she reached Lofty Olympus and came
in upon the immortal gods assembled in the House of Jove.
But they beholding her all rose up and welcomed her
(05:50):
with their cups. The rest, however, she neglected, but received
a goblet from fair cheeked themis for she first running
came to meet her, and addressing her, spoke winged words.
While Juno hast thou come hither and art like unto
one incosternation has then the son of Saturn, who is
thy husband, greatly terrified thee. But her, the white armed
Goddess Juno, then answered, do not o, goddesseemest ask me
(06:13):
these things? Even thou thyself knowest how overbearing and cruel
a spirit is his. But do thou preside over the
equal feast in the palaces of the gods, And thou
shalt hear these things, along with all the immortals, what
evil deeds Jove denounces. Nor do I at all think
that the mind will equally rejoice to all, neither to
mortals nor to the gods, although some one even yet
(06:35):
be feasting pleasantly. Thus having spoken venerable, Juno sat down.
But the gods were grieved throughout the palace of Jove.
But she laughed with her lips only, nor was her
forehead above her dark brows. Exhilarated and indignant. She spoke
amongst them, all senseless, we who are thus foolishly enraged
with Father Jove of a truth, we still desire to
(06:56):
restrain him, approaching near, either by persuasion or by force.
Whilst he sitting apart, does not regard nor is mood,
For he says he is decidedly the most mighty in
strength and power among the immortal gods. Wherefore, endear whatever
evil he may please descend upon each of you. For
now already I think misfortune has been inflicted upon Mars,
(07:16):
since his son has perished in the fight the dearest
of mortals Ascalphulis, whom impetuous Mars calls his own. Thus
she spake, But Mars smote his brawny thighs with his
dropped hands, and sorrowing addressed them. Do not now blame me,
he who possessed the Olympic mansions, repairing to the ships
of the Greeks, to avenge the solder of my son,
(07:37):
even although it should be my fate smitten with a
thunderbolt of Job, to lie together with the dead bodies
and blood and dust. Thus he spake, and he commanded
fear and fly to yoke his steeds, But he himself
girded on his shining armor. Then, indeed, some other greater
and more grievous wrath and indignation had fallen upon the
immortals from Job, had not Minerva, greatly, fearing for all
(08:00):
the gods, leaped forth from the vestibule and left the
throne where she sat. From his head, she snatched the
helmet and the shield from his shoulders, and taking the
brazen spear out of his strong hand, she placed it
upright and rebuked Himpetuous Mars. With these words infuriated one
infatuated in mind, Thou art undone, are thy ears indeed
(08:21):
useless for hearing? And have thy sense and shame perished?
Dost thou not hear what the white armed goddess Juno says.
And she has just now come from Olympian job. Dost
thou thyself wish, having fulfilled many misfortunes, to return to Olympus,
very much grieved and by compulsion, and also to create
a great evil to all the rest. For he will
(08:42):
immediately leave the Trojans and magnanimous Greeks, and will come
against us about to disturb us in Olympus, and will
seize us one after the other, whoever is culpable, and
who is not. Wherefore I exhort thee now to lay
aside thy wrath on account of thy son, for already
someone even superior to him in strength and in hands,
either is slain or will be hereafter, For it would
(09:04):
be a difficult task to liberate from death the race
and offspring of all men. So saying, she seated impetuous
Mars upon his throne. But Juna called Apollo outside the house,
and Iris, who is the messenger among the immortal gods,
and addressing them spoke winged words, Jove orders you twain
to repair with all haste to Ida. But when ye
(09:25):
arrive and look upon the countenance of Job, do whatsoever
he may urge and command. Then. Indeed, having thus spoken,
venerable Juno retired and sat down upon her throne. But they, hastening,
flew and arrived at Ida of many rills, the mother
of wild beasts. They found the far seeing son of
Saturn sitting upon lofty gargarus, and an odoriferous cloud encircled
(09:47):
him around. But coming before cloud, compelling Jove, they stood.
Nor was he enraged in his mind beholding them, because
they quickly obeyed the commands of his dear wife. And
first to Iris he addressed winged words, Haste begone, fleet, Iris,
tell all these things to King Neptune. Nor be thou
a false messenger, order him, having ceased from the battle
(10:09):
and the war, to repair to the assemblies of the gods,
or to the vast sea. If however, he will not
obey my words, but shall despise them, Let him then
consider in his mind and soul, lest how powerful he
may be, he may not be able to withstand me
coming against him, for I say that I am superior
to him in strength and elder in birth. But his
(10:29):
hard fears riot to assert himself equal to me, whom
even the others dread. Thus he spoke, nor was windfooted
swift Iris disobedient, but she ascended from the Adaean mountains
to sacred Ilium. And as when snow drifts from the clouds,
or cold hailed by the impulse of cloud dispelling boreus,
so quickly, swift Iris, with eagerness, flew along, and standing
(10:50):
near illustrious Neptune, she addressed him, Oh, is your heir
to earthshaker, I have come hither bringing a certain message
to THEE from ages bearing job. He has come THEE,
having ceased from the battle and the war, to repair
either to the assemblies of the gods or to the
vast sea. But if thou wilt not obey his words,
but shalt despise him. He threatens that he will come
(11:11):
hither himself to fight against THEE, and advises he to
avoid his hands, because he asserts that he is greatly
superior to THEE in strength and elder in birth. But
thy heart does not fear to profess that thou art
equal to him, whom even the others dread. But her
illustrious Neptune, greatly indignant, then addressed Gods, powerful though he be,
(11:31):
he surely has spoken proudly, if he will by force
restrain me unwilling, who am of equal honor. For we
are three brothers descended from Saturn, whom Raa brought forth,
Jupiter and I and Pluto, governing the infernal regions. The third,
all things were divided into three parts, and each was
allotted his dignity. I, in the first place the lot's
(11:53):
being shaken, was allotted to inhabit forever the hoary sea,
and Pluto next obtained the pitchy darkness. But Jove, in
a third place, had allotted to him the wide heaven,
in the air and in the clouds. Nevertheless, the earth
is still common property of all and lofty Olympus. Wherefore
I shall not live according to the will of Job.
But although being very powerful, let him remain quiet in
(12:14):
his third part, and let him, by no means terrify
me as a coward with his hands, For it would
be better for him to insult with terrific language, to
daughters and sons whom he hath begotten, who will also,
through necessity, attend to him, exhorting them. But him the
fleet wind footed Iris then answered, oh is your haired
earth shaker? Shall I really thus bear back from thee
(12:35):
to jove this relentless and violent reply, or wilt thou
change it at all? The minds of the prudent, indeed
are flexible. Thou knowest that the furies are ever attendant
on the elders. But her again, earth shaking Neptune in
turn addressed Goddess Iris, very rightly, hast thou delivered this opinion. Moreover,
it is good when a messenger knows fitting things. But
(12:58):
on this account severe indignation comes upon my heart and soul,
because he wishes to chide with angry words, me equal
to him by lot and doomed to an equal destiny. Nevertheless,
at present, although being indignant, I will give way. But
another thing will I tell THEE, And I will threaten
this from my soul. If indeed, without me and pray
(13:18):
hunting Minerva Juno Mercury and King Vulcan, he shall spare
lofty ilium, nor shall wish to destroy it and give
great glory to the Greeks. Let him know this, that
endless animosity shall arise between us. So saying the earth
Shaker quitted the Grecian army, and proceeding he plunged into
the deep. But the Grecian heroes longed for him, and
(13:39):
then cloud compelling Jove addressed Apollo, go now, dear Phoebus
to brazen helmed Hector, for already hath Earth encircling Neptune,
and departed to the vast sea, avoiding our dreadful anger.
For otherwise the rest, who are infernal gods, being around Saturn,
would surely have heard our quarrel. This, however, is much
better for me as well as for him, that he
(14:00):
at first yielded to my hands, counting himself worthy of blame,
because a matter would not have been accomplished without sweat.
But do thou take the fringed aegis in thy hands,
with which, by violently shaking it, do thou greatly terrify
the Grecian heroes to thyself. However, will far darting Apollo,
let illustrious Hector be a care so long then arouse
(14:21):
his great might unto him, until the Greeks and flight
reached the ships and the hellespont. Thenceforth I shall myself
deliberate indeed and word how the Greeks also may revive
from labor. Thus he spoke, Nor did Apollo disobey his sire.
But he descended from the Adaean mountains like unto a
swift hawk, the dove destroyer, the swiftest of birds. He
(14:43):
found the son of warlike Priam, noble Hector sitting, for
he no longer lay on the ground, but had just
collected his senses, recognizing his friends around him. But the
panting and perspiration had ceased, since a will of ages
bearing Jove had aroused him. Then, far darting Apollo, standing near,
addressed him, Hector, son of Priam, Why sittest thou apart
(15:04):
from the rest, failing in strength? Has any grief invaded thee?
But him? Then, crest tossing Hector languidly addressed, And who
art thou best of the gods who inquirest face to face?
Hast thou not heard that Ajax, brave in the din
of battle, smote me with a stone upon the breast
and caused me to cease from Impetuo's valor. When slaying
(15:24):
his companions at the sterns of the Grecian gyps. And
truly I thought that I should this day behold the
dead and the mansion of Pluto, since I was on
the point of breathing out my dear life. But him
far darting King Apollo addressed in turn, be of good courage.
Now so great an assistant, has a son of Saturn
sent forth from Ida to stand up and help thee
Phoebus Apollo of the Golden Sword, who am accustomed to
(15:47):
defend at the same time thyself and the lofty city.
But come, encourage now thy numerous cavalry to drive their
fleet steeds towards the hollow ships. But I, going before,
will level the whole way for the horse Si, and
I will turn to flight the Grecian heroes. Thus speaking,
he inspired great strength into the shepherd of the people,
as when some stalled horse fed on barley at the manger.
(16:10):
Having snapped his halter, runs over the plain, striking the
earth with his feet. Accustomed to bathe in the smooth
flowing river, exulting, he holds his head on high, and
around his shoulders. His mane is disheveled and trusting to
his beauty. His knees easily bear him to the accustomed
places and pasture of the mares. So Hector swiftly moved
his feet and knees, encouraging the horsemen after he had
(16:34):
heard the voice of the God. But they, as dogs
and rustic men, rush against either a horned stag or
wild goat, which, however, a lofty rock and shady forests protect,
Nor is it distant for them to catch it. But
at their clamor a bushy bearded lion appears in the
way and turns them all back, although ardently pursuing. Thus
the Greeks hitherto indeed ever kept following in troops, striking
(16:56):
with their swords and double edged spears. But when they
beheld Hector entering the ranks of heroes, they were troubled,
and the courage of all fell at their feet. Then
Tho asked the son of Andreim, and addressed them, by
far the bravest of the Aetolians, skilled in the use
of the javelin and brave in the standing fight. Few
also of the Greeks excelled him in the council. When
the youths contended in eloquence, who wisely counseling, harangued them
(17:19):
and said, O, Gods, surely I behold with mine eyes
this mighty miracle, since Hector has thus risen again, having
escaped death. Certainly the mind of each was in great
hopes that he had died by the hands of Telemonian Ajax.
But some one of the gods has again liberated and
preserved Hector, who hath already relaxed the knees of many Greeks,
(17:41):
as I think is about to occur now. Also, for
not without far sounding jove, does he stand in the
van thus earnest. But come, let us all obey as
I shall desire. Let us order the multitude to retreat
towards the ships. But let us, as many as boast
ourselves to be the best in the army, take a stand.
If indeed opposing, we may the outset interrupt him, upraising
(18:02):
our spears. And I think that he, although raging, will
dread in mind to enter the bands of the Greeks.
Thus he spoke, but all heard him attentively and obeyed.
Those around the aegaces and King O Domineus, Thauser, Marionus,
and Medus equal to Mars, culling the chiefs together marshaled
their lines against Hector and the Trojans, whilst the multitude
(18:24):
in the rear retreated to the ships of the Greeks.
But the Trojans, in close array, pressed forward, and Hector,
taking long strides, led the way. But before him walked
Phoebus Apollo, clad as to his shoulders with the cloud,
and he held the mighty, dreadful, fringed, dazzling Aegis, which
the artist Vulcan had given to job to be borne
along for the routing of men. Holding this in his hands,
(18:45):
he led on the people, but the Greeks remained in
close array, and a shrill shout arose on both sides.
Many arrows bounded from the strings, and many spears from
gallant hands. Some were fixed in the bodies of warlike youths,
but many, half way before they had touched the fair body,
struck in the earth, longing to satiate themselves with flesh.
As long as Phoebus Apollo held the aegis unmoved in
(19:08):
his hands, so long did the weapons reach both sides,
and the people fell. But when looking full in the
faces of the swift horsed Greeks, he shook it and
he himself besides shouted very loudly. Then he checked the
courage in their breasts, and they became forgetful of impetuous valor.
But they as when two wild beasts in the depth
of the dark night disturb a drove of oxen, nor
(19:31):
a great flock of sheep, coming suddenly upon them, the
keeper not being present. So the enfeebled Greeks were routed
for amongst them. Apollo sent terror and gave glory to
the Trojans and to Hector, that indeed man slew man.
When the battle gave way, Hector slew Stychius and Archisilaus,
the one the leader of the brazen mailed Bowetians, but
(19:51):
the other the faithful companion of the magnanimous Menseus. But
Aeneas slew Madon and Aiasis. Maydon indeed was the illegitimate
son of godlin Coelius and brother of Ajax, and he
dwelt in PHILESI, away from his fatherland, having slain a man,
the brother of his stepmother Areopus, whom Oelius had betrothed. Hyasius, however,
(20:12):
was appointed leader of the Athenians, and was called the
son of Splus, the son of Bucolus, but Polydamas slew
Masistus and polthes Achaeus in the van, and Noble Agenor
slew Clonius Paris also wounded Dacous in the extremity of
the shoulder from behind whilst he was flying amongst the
foremost combatants, and drove the brass quite through whilst they
(20:34):
were spoiling these of their armor. The Greeks, in the meantime,
falling into the dug trench and stakes, fled here and there,
and from necessity entered within the rampart. But Hector, shouting aloud,
exhorted the Trojans to rush upon the ships and to
let go the bloody spoils. And whatever person shall perceive
apart from the ships anywhere there will I cause his death.
(20:56):
Nor indeed shall his male and female relatives make him,
when dead, partaker of a funeral pile. But dogs shall
tear him before our city. So, saying with the lash
upon the shoulder, he drove on his horses against the ranks,
cheering on the Trojans, but they, all shouting along with him,
directed their car drawing steed with a mighty clamor. But
(21:16):
Phoebus Apollo in front of them, easily, overthrowing the banks
of the deep ditch with his feet, cast them into
the middle, and bridged a causeway long and wide as
far as the cast of a spear reaches, when a man,
making trial of his strength, hurls it. In that way.
They poured onward by troops, and Apollo went before them,
holding the highly prized ages. But he overthrew the wall
(21:38):
of the Greeks very easily, as when any boy does
the sand from the shore, who, when amusing himself in
childishness he has made playthings again, destroys them with his
feet and hands. Thus, so archer Phoebus, didst thou destroy
the great labor and toil of the Greeks, and didst
excite flight amongst themselves in this manner. Indeed, remaining they
(21:58):
were penned up at the ship, animating each other, and
raising up their hands to all the gods. They each
loudly offered vows. But the guardian of the Greek's Geranian Nester,
most particularly prayed, stretching forth his hands to the starry heaven. O,
Father Jove, if ever any one in fruitful argus to
thee burning the fat thighs of either oxen or sheep,
(22:21):
supplicated that he might return. And thou didst promise and descent,
be mindful of these sings, o Olympian and averts the
cruel day, nor thus permit the Greeks to be subdued
by the Trojans. Thus he spoke praying, But providence Jove
loudly thundered, hearing the prayers of the Nelaian old man.
But the Trojans, when they understood the will of ades
(22:43):
bearing Jove, rushed the more against the Greeks, and remindful
of battle. And as a mighty wave of the wide
flowing ocean dashes over the sides of a ship when
the force of the wind impels it, for that most
of all increases waves, so the Trojans, with a mighty shout,
mounted over the wall, and having driven in their horses,
they fought at the sterns hand to hand with two
(23:04):
edged spears, the one party from the chariots, but the
other on high from their black ships, having ascended them
with long poles, which lay in their vessels for fighting
by sea, well glued and clad on the tip with brass.
But Patroclus as long, indeed as the Greeks and the
Trojans fought round the wall without the swift ships. So
long he sat in a tent of valor, loving Euypolis,
(23:26):
and delighted him with his disclosure. And to the severe
wound he applied medicines as seuagers of dark paines. But
when he perceived that the Trojans had burst within the walls,
and moreover that the clamor and the flight of the
Greeks had risen, then indeed he groaned and smote both
his thighs with his downward bent hands, and lamenting spoke
(23:47):
O Eurypolus, I cannot any longer remain here with thee,
although needing much, for now has a mighty contester risen.
But let thy attendant entertain THEE, and I will hasten
to Achilles, that I may encourage him to and who
knows whether, with God's assistance persuading, I may move his soul,
for the admonition of a companion is effectual, but him
(24:08):
his feet then boring away, thus speaking, Meanwhile, the Greeks
firmly withstood the Trojans rushing on, nor were they able
to repel them from the ships, although being fewer, nor
could the Trojans breaking through the phalanxies of the Greeks,
be mingled with the tents or ships, but as a
plumb line in the hands of a skillful shipwright who
knows well the whole art by the precepts of Minerva,
(24:30):
correctly adjust a naval plank. Soul was the battle and
war equally extended. Some indeed supported the conflict round one ship,
and others round another. But Hector advanced against glorious Ajax.
Thus these two undertook the task round one ship. Nor
were they able, the one to drive the other away
and burn the ship with fire, nor the one to
(24:51):
repulse him, since a divinity had brought him near. Then
illustrious Ajax smote upon the breast with his spear, Callator,
son of Clytius, bearing fire against the ship, and falling.
He resounded, and the torch fell from his hand. But
when Hector proceeded with his eyes his cousin fallen in
a dust before the black ship. He cheered on the
(25:11):
Trojans and Lycians, loudly exclaiming, Ye Trojans and Lycians and
close fighting. Dardanians do not now retire from the fight.
And this narrow pass, but preserve the son of Clytius,
lest the Greeks despoil him of his armor, having fallen
in the contess at the ships. Thus, having spoken, he
took aim with his shining spear at Ajax, whom he missed.
(25:33):
But he smote like Afron, the son of Mastor, the
servant of Ajax, a Scythian, who dwelt with him, since
he had killed a man amongst the celebrated Cytherians. He
struck him on the head over the ear with a
sharp brass, whilst he was standing near Ajax. But he
fell supine to the ground from the stern of the ship,
in the dust, and his limbs were relaxed. Then Ajax
(25:54):
shuddered and accosted his brother. Dear te you, sir, now
is our faithful companion, the son of Master, whom, being
domesticated in Cythera, we honored equally with our beloved parents
in our palaces. But him, magnanimous Hector, has slain, where
now are thy death, bearing arrows and bow which Phibus
Apollo gave thee. Thus he spoke, but he understood, and
(26:16):
running he stood near him, holding in his hand his
bent bow and arrow bearing quiver, and very quickly he
shot his arrows against the Trojans. He struck Litus, the
illustrious son of Pisenore, the companion of Polydamus, the renowned
son of Panthus holding the reins in his hands. He
indeed was employed in guiding the horses, for he directed
them there where the most numerous hileanxes were thrown in confusion,
(26:39):
gratifying Hector and the Trojans. But soon came evil upon him,
which no one averted from him, although eager for the
bitter shout fell upon his neck from behind, and he
fell from the chariot, whilst his horses started back rattling
the empty car. But the king Polydamus very quickly perceived
it and first came to meet his horses. Them. He
entrusted to Astonus, son of Proeteon, and exhorted him much
(27:02):
to keep the horses near him within sight, but he himself, returning,
was mingled with the foremost combatants. The user, however, drew
another arrow against brazen armed Hector, and would have made
him cease from battle at the ships of the Greeks,
as striking him while bravely fighting, he had taken away
his life but it did not escape the prudent mind
of Jove, who protected Hector and deprived to User, the
(27:24):
son of Telemon of Glory, and whom Jove broke the
well twisted string in his blameless bow as he was
drawing against Hector. But the brass laden arrow was turned
off in another direction, and the bow fell from his hand.
Then the User shuddered and addressed his brother, He Gods,
a deity without doubt cuts short the plans of our battle,
who has shaken the bow from my hand, and has
(27:45):
snapped asunder the newly twisted string which I tied to
it this morning, that it might sustain the shafts frequently
bounding from it. But him, the mighty Telemonian Ajax, then answered, O,
my friend, permit then thy bow and numerous arrows to
lie aside to God has confounded them. Envying the Greeks,
but taking a long spear in thy hands and a
shield upon thy shoulder, fight against the Trojans and encourage
(28:08):
the other forces. Nor let them take the well benched
ships without labor at least, although having subdued us. But
let us be mindful of the fight. Thus he spoke,
and he placed his bow within the tents. Then around
his shoulders he hung a fourfold shield, and upon his
brave head fixed a well made helmet crested with horse hair,
and the plume nodded dreadfully from above, and he grasped
(28:31):
a stout spear tipped with sharp brass, and hastened to advance, and,
running very quickly, stood beside Ajax. But when Hector perceived
the arrows of Teese are frustrated, he encouraged the Trojans
and Lysians, calling aloud Etrojans, Lycians, and close fighting Dardanians.
Be men, my friends, and be mindful of impetuous valor
at the hollow ships. For I have beheld with my
(28:53):
eyes the arrows of their chief warrior, rendered vain by jove,
easily recognizable amongst men is the power of as well,
among those into whose hands he has delivered superior glory,
as those whom Ye deteriorates and does not wish to defend.
As now he diminishes the might of the Greeks and
aids us. But fight in close array at the ships,
(29:14):
And whichever a view, wounded or stricken, shall draw on
his death, and fate let him die. It is not
inglorious to him to die fighting for his country, but
his wife shall be safe, and his children left behind him,
his house and patrimony unimpaired. If indeed the Greeks depart
with their ships to their dear fatherland, So saying he
kindled the strength and spirit of each, and ajax again
(29:37):
on the other side, animated his companions. Shame O argives,
now is the moment for us either to perish or
to be preserved, and to repel destruction from the ships.
Do ye expect that if crest tossing Hector capture the ships,
ye will reach on foot each his native land. Do
ye not hear Hector who now rages to fire the ships,
(29:57):
inciting all his people, Nor indeed does he in fight
them to come to a dance, but to a battle.
But for us there is no opinion or design better
than this to join in close fight, our hands and strength.
Better either to perish at once or live, rather than
uselessly to be wasted away for a length of time
and dire contention at the ships by inferior men, So
(30:19):
saying he aroused the strength and courage of each. Then
Hector indeed slew Scadius son at Pyramides, Prince of the Phocians,
and Ajax Slulaodamus, leader of the infantry. The illustrious son
of Antenor Polydamus slew selenian Otis, the companion of the
son of Philias, chief of the magnanimous Epaeans. Medus rushed
(30:39):
upon him, perceiving it, but Polydamus stooped obliquely, and he
missed him. For Apollo did not suffer the son of
Panthus to be subdued among the foremost warriors. But he
wounded Crossmus in the middle of the breast with his spear,
but falling he resounded, and he stripped the arms from
his shoulders. In the meantime, Dolops, the descendant of Lampus,
well skilled, and the spear leaped upon him, he whom Lampus,
(31:03):
son of Laomedon, the best of men, begat skilled in
impetuous fight, who, then, attacking him in close fight, struck
the middle of Medus's shield with his spear, but the
thick corselet defended him, which he wore compact in his cavities.
This Phileas formerly brought from a fire from the river
Silius for his host Euphates king of Men had given
(31:24):
it to him to bear into the battle as a
defense against the enemy, and which then warded off destruction
from the body of his son. But Medus, with his
sharp spear, smote the base of the highest cone of
his brazen horse haired helmet, and struck off his horse
haired crest, and the whole fell on the ground in
the dust, lately shining with purple. Whilst the one Mejus,
(31:45):
standing firm fought with the other dolops and still expected victory. Meanwhile,
warlike Menelaus came as an assistant to Mejus, and stood
at his side with his spear, escaping notice, and wounded
him from behind in the shoulder, But the spear, driven
with violence, passed through his breast, proceeding farther, and he
fell on his face. Both then rushed on about to
(32:07):
tear the brazen armor from his shoulders, but Hector strenuously
exhorted all his relations and rebuked the gallant men Lippus first,
the son of Hechaeton he till then had fed his
curved footed oxen at Pracoti, the enemy being yet at
a distance. But when the equally plied barks of the
Greeks had arrived. He came back to Troy and was
distinguished amongst the Trojans, and he dwelt near Priam, and
(32:31):
he honored him equally with his sons. But Hector rebuked
him and spoke and addressed him, shall we be thus remiss, Omanilippus,
is not thy heart moved thy kinsmen being slain, Dost
thou not perceive how busy they are about the arms
of dolops, but follow, For it is no longer justifiable
to fight at a distance with the Greeks, before that
(32:51):
either we slay them, or that they tear lofty ilium
from its summit and slay its citizens. So saying, he
led on, and the godlike hero falloord with him. But
many telemonian ajax aroused the Greeks. O, my friends, be men,
and set honor in your hearts, and have reverence for
each other during the vehement conflicts, For more of those
(33:11):
men who reverence each other are saved than slain. But
of the fugitives neither glory arises nor any defense. Thus
he spoke, But they too were eager to repel the enemy,
and they fixed his advice in their mind and enclosed
the ships with a brazen fence, But Jove urged on
the Trojans, and Menelaeus, brave than did of battle, incited Antilochus.
(33:33):
O Antilochus, no other of the Greeks is younger than thou,
nor swifter afoot, nor strong as thou art to fight.
Would that attacking some hear of the Trojans, thou couldst
wound him, so saying he on his part withdrew again,
and he aroused him. But Antilochus leaped forth from amongst
the foremost warriors and took aim with his shining spear,
gazing around him, But the Trojans retired the hero hurling,
(33:56):
but he did not cast his weapon in vain, for
he struck magnanimous Menilppus, the son of hicotaeon in the
breast near the pap advancing to the battle, and falling,
he made a crash, and his arms rang upon him.
But Antilochus sprang upon him as a dog that rushes
on a wounded fawn, which the huntsmen aiming at has wounded,
leaping from its lair and relaxed its limbs under it.
(34:18):
Thus so Menilppus did war like Antilochus spring on thee
about to despoil thee of thy armor, but he did
not escape noble Hector, who came against him, running through
the battle. But Antilochus did not await him, though being
an expert warrior. But he fled, like unto a wild
beast that has done some mischief, which having slain a
dog or herdsman in charge of oxen flies before a
(34:38):
crowd of men is assembled. So fled the son of Nestor.
But the Trojans and Hector, with great clamor, poured forth
their deadly weapons. Yet when he reached a band of
his own companions being turned round, he stood. But the Trojans,
like raw devouring lions, rushed upon the ships and were
fulfilling the commands of Job, whoever kept exciting their great
strength and innervated the courage of the Greeks, and took
(35:01):
away their glory, but encouraged those, for his mind wished
to bestow glory on Hector, the son of Priam, that
he might cast a dreadfully burning, indefatigable fire upon the
crooked barks and accomplish all the unseasonable prayer of Thedus.
For this did provident Jove await till he should behold
with his eyes the flame of a burning vessel, For
from that time he was about to make a retreat
(35:23):
of the Trojans from the ships, and to afford glory
to the Greeks designing these things. He aroused Hector, the
son of Priam, against the hollow ships, although himself very eager,
but he raged as when Mars rages, brandishing his spear,
or when a destructive fire rages in the mountains, in
the thickets of a deep wood, and foam arose about
his mouth, and his eyes flashed from beneath his grim eyebrows,
(35:45):
and the helm was shaken awfully upon the temples of Hector,
fighting for Jove himself from the ether was an assistant
to him, and honored and glorified him alone amongst many men,
because he was destined to be short lived, for Pallas
Minerva already impelled him towards a fatal day by the
might of the sun of Pelias. And he wished to
break the ranks of heroes, trying them Wheresoever, he beheld
(36:07):
the greatest crowd in the best arms, but not thus
was he able to break through them. Although very eager,
for they compact in squares, sustained his attack as a lofty,
huge cliff, being near the hoary deep, which abides the
impetuous inroads of the shrill winds and the swollen billows
which are dashed against it. Thus the Greeks firmly awaited
the Trojans, nor fled, But he gleaming with fire on
(36:30):
all sides, rushed upon the crowd and fell upon them,
as when an impetuous wave wind nurtured from the clouds,
dashes against the swift ship, and the ship is wholly
enveloped with the spray, and a dreadful blast of wind
roars within the sail. But the sailors tremble in mind,
fearing because they are borne but a little way from death.
Thus was the mind of the Greeks, divided in their breasts. He, however,
(36:54):
like a destructive lion coming upon oxen, which feed in
myriads in the moist ground of a spacious marsh, and
amongst them a keeper not very skillful in fighting with
a wild beast, for the slaughter of a crooked horned ox.
He indeed always accompanies the foremost or hindmost cattle, whilst
the lion, springing into the mist devours an ox, and
all the rest fly in terror. Thus then were the
(37:16):
Greeks wondrously put to flight by Hector and Father Jove.
But Hector slew only Mycenian Periphetes, the dear son of Coprius,
who went with a messenger of King Eurystheus to Mighty Hercules.
From this far inferior father sprung a son superior in
all kinds of accomplishments, as well in the race as
in the combat, and who, in prudence, was among the
(37:37):
first of the Mycenians who at that time gave into
the hands of Hector's superior glory. For turning backwards, he
trod upon the rim of his shield, which he bore
a fence against javelins which reached to his feet. By
this incommoded, he fell upon his back, and the helmet
terribly sounded round the temples of him fallen. But Hector
(37:57):
quickly perceived, and running stood near him, and fixed his
spear in his breast, and slew him near his beloved companions.
Nor indeed were they able all agreed for their comrade
to avail him, for they themselves greatly feared noble hector,
But they retreated within the line of their ships, and
the extreme ships enclosed them, which were first drawn up,
(38:17):
and the others were poured in the archives. Therefore, from
necessity retreated from the foremost vessels, and remained there at
their tents in close array, and were not dispersed through
the camp, for shame and fear restrained them, and the
unceasingly exhorted one another with shouting. More particularly, did Gerenian
nestor the guardian of the Greeks, adjure them by their
parents earnestly supplicating each man, O, my friends, be men,
(38:42):
and place a sense of reverence of other men in
your minds. Call to memory each of you, your children, wives, property,
and parents, as well he to whom they survive, as
he to whom they are dead. For by those not present,
I here supplicate you to stand bravely, nor be ye
turned to flight, so saying he aroused the might and
(39:02):
spirit of each. But for them, Minerva removed the heaven
sent cloud of darkness from their eyes, and abundant light
arose to them on both sides, both towards the ships
and towards the equally destructive battle. Then they observed Hector
brave in the dead of battle, and his companions as well,
whatever of them stood behind and did not fight as
those who fought the battle at the swift ships. Nor
(39:25):
was it longer pleasing to the mind of great hearted
Ajax to stand there where the other sons of the
Greek stood together. But he went about upon the decks
of the vessels, taking long strides, and wielding in his
hands a great sea fighting pole studded with iron nails,
twenty two cubits long. And as when a man well
skilled and vaulting upon steeds, who after he has selected
(39:46):
four horses out of a greater number, driving them from
the plain, urges them towards a mighty city along the
public way, and him many men and women behold with admiration.
But he, always, leaping up firmly and safely, changes alternately
from one to the other whilst they are flying along.
So went Ajax along many decks of swift ships, shouting loudly,
(40:08):
and his voice reached to the sky, and always terribly shouting,
he ordered the Greeks to defend their ships into tents.
Nor indeed did Hector remain among the crowd of well
corselited Trojans. But as a tawny eagle pounces upon a
flock of winged birds feeding on a river's bank, either
geese or cranes, or long necked swans, so did Hector
(40:28):
direct his course toward an assured, proud vessel, rushing against it.
But Jove, with a very mighty hand, impelled him from behind,
and animated his forces along with him. Again was a
sharp contest waged at the ships. You would have said
that unwearied and indefatigable, they met each other in battle,
so furiously they fought, and to them fighting, this was
(40:50):
the opinion. The Greeks indeed, thought that they could not
escape from destruction, but must perish. But the soles of
each within his breast to the Trojans hoped to burn
the ships and slay the Grecian heroes. They, thinking these things,
opposed one another. But Hector seized the stern of a
sea traversing bark, beautiful swift, which had carried partesse Leus
(41:10):
to Troy, but did not bear him back again to
his fatherland. Round his ship. The Greeks and Trojans were
now slaying one another in close combat. Nor did they
indeed at a distance await the attacks of arrows and
of javelins, but standing near, having one mind, they fought
with sharp battle axes and hatchets, with large swords and
two edged spears, and many fierce swords, black hilted with
(41:33):
massive handles that fell to the ground, some indeed from
the hands and others from the shoulders of the contending heroes.
And the dark earth streamed with gore. But Hector, after
he had seized the vessel by the stern, did not
let go, holding the furthest edge with his hands, and
he teered on the Trojans, bring fire, and at the
same time, do yourselves together excite the battle. Now hath
(41:56):
Jove vouchsafed us a day worth all to take the ships, which,
coming hither, against the will of the gods, brought many
evils upon us through the cowardice of our elders, who
kept me back when desirous myself to fight at the
sterns of the ships, and restrained the people. But if
indeed far sounding Jove then injured our minds, he now
impels and orders us. Thus he spoke. But they rushed
(42:19):
the more against the Greeks. Even Ajax no longer sustained them,
for he was overwhelmed with many darts, but thinking he
should fall, retired back a short space to the seven
feet bench and deserted the deck of his equal ship.
There he stood, watching, and with his spear continually repulsed
the Trojans from the ships, whoever might bring the indefatigable fire,
(42:39):
And always shouting dreadfully, he animated the Greeks, O, my friends,
Grecian heroes, servants of Mars, be men, my friends, and
be mindful of impetuous strength. Whether do we think that
we have any assistance in the rear, or any stronger
rampart which may avert destruction from the men. Indeed, there
is not any other city near foried with towers, where
(43:01):
we may be defended, having a reinforcing army. But bordering
on the sea, we sit on the plane of the
well armed Trojans, far away from our native land. Therefore
safety is in our exertions, not in remission of battle,
he said, and furious charged with his sharp spear whoever
the Trojans was borne towards the hollow ships with burning fire.
(43:22):
For the sake of Hector, who incited him him Ajax wounded,
receiving him with his long spear, and he slew twelve
in close fight before the ships. End of book the
fifteenth read by Stephen Karney,
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