September 9, 2025 • 35 mins
18 - Book the Eighteenth. 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 eighteen, book the eighteenth 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 eighteen, book the eighteenth Argument. The
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dis comforts her son for the death of Patroclus and
promises to procure him new armor from Vulcan. At the
command of Juno, Achilles comes forth and strikes terror into
the enemy. The body of Patroclus is rescued and prepared
for funeral rites and Vulcan forges a suite of armor
and a splendid shield for Achilles. Thus they then were
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fighting like a blazing fire. But swiat footed Antilochus came
as a messenger to Achilles. Him he found in front
of his lofty, proud ships, revolving in his mind those
things which had already been accomplished, And then groaning, he
communed with his own mind, Ah me, why are the
long haired Achaian strivin back in confusion to the ships
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routed through the plain? I fear lest the gods have
accomplished evil sorrows to my soul, as my mother once
informed me and told me that the bravest of the
mermadans i, being yet alive, would leave the light of
the sun by the hands of the Trojans too. Surely,
now the valiant son of Minuetius is dead, obstinate one.
Certainly I desired him, having repelled the hostile fire, to
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return to the ships, nor to fight bravely with Hector,
whilst he was revolving these things in his mind and
in his soul. In the meantime, the son of illustrious
Nestor drew near, shedding warm tears, and delivered his sad message.
Alas O, son of Warlike Pelaius, surely thou wilt hear
a very grievous message, which would that it had not
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taken place. Patroclus lies low and around his unarmed course.
They are now fighting, whilst crest tossing. Hector possesses his armor.
But he spoke, but him a black cloud of grief overshadowed,
and taking the burnt ashes with both hands, he poured
them on his head and denied his comely countenance. But
the dark ashes everywhere adhered to his rich tunic. But
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he mighty lay extended at great length in the dust
and tearing, he disordered his hair with his hands. The
handmaids whom Achilles and Patrocus had taken grieved in their souls,
shrieked aloud and ran out to the door round warlike Achilles,
and all smote their breasts with their hands, and the
limbs of each were relaxed. Antilochus, on the other side, lamented,
shedding tears, holding the hands of Achilles, and he kept
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groaning within his generous heart, for he feared lest he
should cut his throat with his sword. That he moaned dreadfully.
And his venerable mother heard him sitting in the depths
of the sea beside her aged father, and immediately lamented,
and all the goddesses assembled around her. As many nereids
as were at the bottom of the sea. There were
glousy Thealea and Simuldici, Mesaea, Spio Thoa, and large eyed
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Halia Simonthoi Actaea and Limnoria, Melita, Ayaria, Empithoi, ad Agave,
Doto Proto Ferusa and Daynamene, Dexameni and Phonomi, and Callianira,
Doris Panope, and distinguished Galatea, Nemertes, Absudes and Calianasa. There
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were also Climeni, Yanira ad Iyanasa, Mayeira Oriythia, and fair
haired Amathia, and other nereds, which were in the depths
of the sea. But the resplendent cave was full of them,
and all at once they beat their breasts. But Thedas
began the lamentation. Here, sister Nerids, that hearing, ye may
all well know what grieves are in my mind. Woe
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is me wretched, woe is me who heaven an evil
hour brought forth the bravest of men, I who, after
having borne a son, blameless and valiant, the chief of heroes,
and he grew up like a young tree. Having reared
him like a sapling in a fruitful spot of a field,
I afterwards sent him forth in the curved ships to
Ilium to fight against the Trojans. But I shall not
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receive him again, having returned home to the Palace of Pelias.
But whilst he lives and beholds the light of the sun,
he grieves. Nor can I, going to him, avail him aught.
Yet will I go, that I may see my beloved
son and hear what grief comes upon him, remaining away
from the battle. Thus having spoken, she left the cave,
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but they all went along with her, weeping, and the
wave of the ocean was cleft around for them. But
when they reached fertile Troy, they in order ascended the shore,
where the fleet ships of the Mermadans were drawn up round.
Swift Achilles, then his venerable mother, truly wailing, stood near
to him, deeply lamenting, and took the head of her son,
and mourning, addressed to him winged words, O, son, why
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weepest thou, and what sorrow has come upon thy mind?
Speak out nor conceal it. Those things indeed are fulfilled
for THEE from Jove, as thou didst formerly pray, lifting
up thy hands, that all the sons of the Greeks,
wanting THEE should be collected at the ships and suffer
disgraceful deeds. But her swift footed Achilles addressed deeply, groaning, mother,
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Mine these things indeed the Olympian king hath accomplished for me.
But what pleasure is there in them to me? Since Patroclus,
my dear companion, is dead, whom I honored beyond all
my companions equally with my own head him have I lost?
And Hector having slain him has stripped off his mighty armor,
a wonder to be seen beautiful, which the other gods
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gave to Peleaius splendid gifts on that day when they
laid THEE in the bed of a mortal man. Would
that thou hadst dwelt there among the immortal marine inhabitants,
and that Pelias had wedded a mortal spouse. But now
thou hast been wedded to the end, that immeasurable grief
may be upon thy mind for thy son slain, whom
thou shalt not again receive, having returned home, since even
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my mind urges me not to live nor have intercourse
with men, unless Hector first lose his life smitten by
my spear, and pay the penalty for the slaughter of Betroclus,
the son of Menuethius. But him Thetus, in turn, addressed,
pouring forth tears, she would lived. Thou wilt be o
my son, as thou sayest, for fate is ready for thee.
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Immediately after Hector, then, heavily, sighing, swift footed, Achilles addressed her,
May I die then immediately, since it was not destined
that I should aid my companion now slain but he
indeed hath perished far away from his native land, and
long for me to be in averter of his doom.
But now, since I shall not return to my dear fatherland,
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nor have been a preservation to Betroclus or to my
other companions, who have been subdued in great numbers by
noble Hector, but sit beside the ship's an useless weight
on the earth, being such as is none of the raisen, mail,
the Chayans, and war, though in counsel there are others superior,
would that therefore contention might be extinguished from gods and men,
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and anger, which is wont to impel even the very
wisest to be harsh, and which much sweeter than distilling
honey like smoke, rises in the breasts of men. So
now did Agamemnon, king of Men, enrage me. But although
greatly grieved, let us leave these things to pass. My
is done subduing from necessity our own spirit within our bosoms.
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But now will I go, that I may find Hector,
the destroyer of my friend, and I will accept death
whensoever Job and the other immortal God shall please to
accomplish it. For not even the might of Hercules escaped death,
who was very dear to King job, the son of Saturn,
but fate subdued him and the grievous wrath of Juno.
So also shall I lie when I am dead, if
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a similar fate be destined for me. But now may
I bear away illustrious glory and compel some one of
the Trojan women and deep robed Dardanians to sigh, frequently
wiping away the tears from her tender cheeks with both hands.
And may they know that I have long ceased from battle.
Wherefore do not hinder me from the combat, although loving me,
for thou wilt not persuade me him. Then the silver
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footed goddess Thedus answered, certainly, ye this is true, o son.
Nor is it an evil thing to avert other destruction
from our friends when afflicted. But thy beautiful arms, brezen
and shining are detained among the Trojans, which crestossing hector himself,
having on his shoulders boasts of Yet I suspect that
he will not long glory in them, for death is
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near to him. But do thou, by no means enter
the slaughter of Mars. Before thou beholdest me with thine
eyes coming hither, for at dawn I will return with
the rising sun, bearing beautiful armor from King Vulcan. Thus,
having spoken, she turned round from her son, and being
turned addressed, her marine sisters. Enter. Ye, now the broad
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bosom of the deep about to behold the marine old man,
and the mansions of my sire, and tell him all things.
But I go to lofty Olympus, to Vulcan, the skillful artist,
to try if he is willing to give my son
illustrious glittering armor. Thus she spoke, but they immediately sank
beneath the wave of the sea. But thee Is the
silver footed goddess again departed to Olympus, that she might
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bear the illustrious armour to her beloved son. Her. On
the one hand, her feet bore towards Olympus, But the Greeks,
flying with the heavens, sent uproar from manslaughtering Hector reached
the ships and the hellespont. Nor had the well grieved
Greeks drawn off the dead body of Patroclus, the attuendant
of Achilles, out of the reach of weapons. For now
again both infantry and cavalry pursued him, and Hector the
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son of Priam, like unto a flame in violence. Thrice
did illustrious Hector seize him behind the feet, eager to
draw him away, and loudly shouted to the Trojans, and
thrice to the two aegass clad in impetuous might forcibly
repulse him from the course, whilst he, with steady purpose,
ever relying on his might, sometimes charged through the crowd,
and sometimes again stopped, loudly shouting, but never retreated altogether.
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But as night watching shepherds are by no means able
to drive away from a carcass a tawny lion greatly hungering,
so were the two warriors the Aegaces, unable to drive
away Hector the son of Priam, from the body. And
now indeed would he we have dragged it off and
obtained great glory, had not fleet windfooted Iris come as
a messenger to the son of Peleas, running down from Olympus,
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that he should arm himself, unknown to Jove and the
other gods, for Juno sent her forth, and standing near
she addressed to him winged words, Horase, son of Peleas,
most terrible of all men, defend Petroclus, for whom a
dire contest is maintained before the ships, but they are
slaughtering each other, the one party fighting for the same corpse,
while the other the Trojans, rush on that they may
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drag him away to windswept Ilium. And above all, illustrious
Hector desire to seize him, for his mind prompts him
to fix his head upon stakes, having cut it from
the tender neck. But up, nor lie longer, but let
reverence touch thy soul. That Petroclus should be a source
of delight to Trojan dogs, a disgrace would be to
thee if the dead body should come at all defiled.
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But her noble swift footed Achilles then answered, which of
the gods o goddess Syris sent thee as a messenger
to me? But him fleet windfooted Iris again, and Juno
sent me forth the glorious spouse of Jove. Nor does
a losty throned son of Saturn know it, nor were
any of the immortals who inhabit snowy Olympus. But her
sweet footed Achilles answering addressed, and how can I go
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to the slaughter, for they possess my armor. Besides, my
dear mother does not permit me to be armed before that,
with my eyes I behold her coming, for she hath
promised that she will bear me beautiful armor from Vulcan.
But I indeed not know of another whose splendid armor
I could put on, except the shield of Ajax, son
of Telemann. But he, I hope Mingles in the front ranks,
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slaying with his spear round the head of Patroclus. But
him swot footed Iris again addressed, well, too, do we
know that they possess I distinguished armor? Yet, even thus
going towards a ditch, show thyself to the Trojans, if
perchance the Trojans, terrified, may desist from battle, and the
warlike harassed sons of the Greeks may breathe again, and
there be a short respite from fighting. Thus, indeed, having spoken,
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sweet footed Iris departed, But Achilles, dear to Jove, arose
and around his strong shoulders, Minerva, through her fringed ages,
and the divine one of goddesses, crowned his head around
with a golden cloud, and from which she kindled a
shining flame. And as when smoke ascending from a city
reaches the ether from an island afar off which foes
invest who pouring out from their city content all day
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in hateful fight. But with the setting sun, torches blaze
one after another, and the splendor arises, rushing upwards for
their neighbors to behold, if per chance they may come
with ships as repellers of the war. Thus did the
flame from the head of Achilles reach the sky. He stood,
having advanced from the wall to the trench, nor mingled
with the Greeks, for he reverenced the prudent advice of
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his mother. There standing he shouted, and Pallas Minerva, on
the other side, vociferated and stirred up immense tumult among
the Trojans. And as a tone is very clear when
a trumpet sounds while deadly foes are investing a city.
So distinct then was the voice of the descendant of Acus.
But when they heard the brazen voice of Achilles, the
soul was disturbed to all. Whilst the beautiful maned steeds
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turned the chariots backwards, for they pressured sorrows in their mind.
The charioteers were panic struck when they beheld the terrific
and fatigable flame blazing over the head of magnanimous Pelides.
Where the azured eyed goddess Minerva lighted it thrice over
the trench loudly shouted Noble Achilles, and thrice were the
Trojans and their illustrious allies thrown into confusion. There then
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perished twelve bravest heroes by their chariots and spears, whilst
the Greeks, dragging Petrocus with joy atter the reach of weapons,
stretched him on a bier, But his beloved companion stood
round him mourning, and with them followed his swift footed Achilles,
shedding warm tears when he beheld his faithful comrade lying
upon a bier lacerated with the sharp brass, whom indeed
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he has sent forth with his horses and chariots to battle.
But he did not receive him again. Having returned, but
the large eyed venerable Juno sent the unwearied Sun to
return to the flowing of the ocean, against his inclination.
The sun then set, and noble Greeks desisted from the
violent conflict and the equally destructive battle. The Trojans, again
on the other side, retiring from the violent combat, loosed
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their fleet steeds from their chariots, but they assembled in
the council before they bethought them of their banquet. The
assembly consisted of persons standing up. Nor did any one
dare to sit or fear possessed, all because Achilles had appeared,
who had long abstained for the direful combat. Among them,
prudent Polydamus, the son of Prenthes, began to speak, for
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he alone saw both the future and the past. He
was a companion of Hector, and they were born in
one night. But the one excelled in council, and the
other greatly in the spear. He wisely counseling, harangued them,
and spoke, my friends, consider will on both sides. For
I advise that we now return to the city, nor
await the sacred mourn in the plain near the ships,
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for we are far away from the wall. As long indeed,
as this man was wroth with noble likea menon, so
long were the Greeks more easy to fight with. For
even I was delighted the night by with the swift barks,
expecting that we should take the equally plied barks. But
now greatly do I fear swift footed peladies, so violent
is his soul. Nor will he be content to remain
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in the plain, where usually the Trojans and Greeks in
the intervening space divide the force of war. But he
will combat for the city and our wives. We will
go then towards the city, be persuaded by me, For
so it must be ambrosial night. At present hath made
swift footed peladies cease. But if rushing forth tomorrow with
his arms he shall find us here, then will someone
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know him? For gladly will he reach sacred ilium. Whosoever
shall escape, But dogs and voters will devour many of
the Trojans. Oh that such tidings may be far from
our ears. But if we be obedient to my words,
although sad, we shall have protection in the assembly during
the night, and the towers at the lofty gates, and
the valves fitted to them, long well polished, fashioned, together
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will protect the city. But tomorrow, at early dawn we
will stand on the towers arrayed in armor. And it
would be difficult for him, even if he should wish it,
coming from the ships, to fight with us around the wall.
Back again will he go to the ships after he
has satiated his high necked steed with a varied course,
driving beneath the city, but his mind will not permit
him to rush within, nor will he ever lay at waste.
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Sooner shall the fleet dogs devour him. Him then crestossing
hector sternly regarding addressed, no longer o polydamus, dost thou
speak these things agreeable to me? Thou who advisest us
returning to be cooped up in the city, are ye
not yet satiated with being shot up within the towers? Formerly? Indeed,
all articulately speaking men pronounce the city of Priam rich
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in gold and in brass. But now have the rich
treasures of our houses perished, and many possessions have already departed,
Phrygia and agreeable Moeonia to be sold since Mighty Jove
was enraged. But at this crisis, when a son of
politic Saturn has granted me to obtain glory at the
ships and to hem in the Greeks by the sea,
no longer foolish man disclose these councils to the people.
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For none of the Trojans will obey, nor will I
permit them. But come let us all obey, as I
shall advise at present, take supper into your ranks throughout
the army. Be mindful of the watch and keep guard
each of you. But whosoever the Trojans is particularly anxious
about his possessions, collecting them together, let him give to
the people to be publicly consumed. It is better that
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any of them should enjoy them than the Greeks. But tomorrow,
with the dawn arrayed in armor, let us excite sharp
conflict at the hollow ships. And if truly noble Achilles
has arisen at the ships, it will be the worse
for him if he wishes to fight. I indeed will
not fly him from the horrid sounding battle, but will
stand very obstinately against him, whether he bear away great
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glory or I bear it away. Mars is common and
even slays the slayer. Thus Hector harangued, and the Trojans
shouted in applause, foolish men, for Pallas Minerva had taken
away their senses from them. The assented to Hector, advising
destructive things, whilst no one assented to Polydamus, who advised
prudent council. Then they took supper through the army, but
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the Greeks, lamenting all night, wept over Patroclus but among
them Pelades led a ceaseless lamentation, placing his man slaying
hands upon the breast of his companion, very frequently sighing
as the well bearded lion from whom the stag hunter
has stolen the cubs out of the thick forest, and
he is grieved. Coming afterwards and through many valleys, he
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goes at tracking the footsteps of the man, if anywhere
he may find him, for very keen rage possesses him,
so deeply sighing, he addressed the myrmidons alas vain. Indeed
was the promise I uttered on that day, encouraging the
hero Menoetius in our halls. For I said that I
would bring back his illustrious son to Opus, having wasted
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Troy and obtained a share of the spoil. But if
job fulfills not for men all their intentions, for it
is fated that we shall both stain with blood the
same earth here in Troy. But neither shall aged horse
driving Palais receive me in his palaces, returning, nor my
mother Thetis. But the earth shall here hold me. Now, however,
o Patroclus, since after thee I go beneath the earth,
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I shall not perform thy funeral rite. Before that I
bring hither thee arms and head of magnanimous hector, thy murderer,
and behead twelve illustrious sons of the Trojans before thy pile,
enraged on account of thee slain. Meanwhile, thou shalt lie
thus at the crooked ships and round thee Trojan dames
and deep bosomed Dardanians shall weep and shed tears night
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and day, whom we ourselves have toiled to get by
our valor, and the long spear, laying waste the rich
cities of articulate speaking men. Thus having spoken noble, Achilles
ordered his companions to surround a large tripod with fire,
that as soon as possible, they might wash away the
bloody gore from Petroclas. They then placed a bathing tripod
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on the blazing fire, and poured water into it, and,
taking faggots, lighted them under it. The fire indeed encircled
the belly of the tripod, and the water was warmed.
But when the water boiled in the sonorous brass, then
they both washed him and anointed him with rich oil,
and they filled up his wounds with ointment. Nine years
old and laying him upon a bed, they covered him
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with fine linen from head to foot, and over all
with a white mantle. All night. Then the Myrmidons, lamenting Patroclus,
wept around swift footed Achilles. But Jove addressed Juno, his
sister and wife, and at length thou hast accomplished thy object, o,
large eyed venerable Juno, having aroused swift fooled Achilles, Surely
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the waving crested Greeks are borne from thy very self.
But him, large eyed venerable Juno then answered, most imperious
son of Saturn, what a word hast thou spoken? Surely? Now,
any man who was mortal and knows not so many
designs might accomplish this against a man. How therefore ought
not I, who boast myself to be the chief of
the goddesses, both from birth and also because I am
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called thy wife, and thou rulest over all the immortals
being enraged with the Trojans to be able to design
evils against them, Thus they indeed conversed with one another.
But silver footed Thetis reached the abode of Vulcan, incorruptible starry,
remarkable amongst the immortals brazen, which the lame footed himself
had constructed him. She found sweating exerting himself at the bellows,
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earnestly working, for he was making full twenty tripods to
send around the wall of his well built palace. Under
the base of each he placed golden wheels, that of
their own accord, they might enter the heavenly council and
again return home a wonder to be seen. So much
finish had they, But he had not yet added the
well made handles which he was preparing, and he was
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forging the rivets whilst he was toiling at these things
with skillful mind. Meanwhile, Thedis, a silver footed goddess, came
to him. But the beautiful and fair veiled Cheris, whom
Illustrious Vulcan had espoused advancing, beheld her and hung upon
her hand, and addressed her, and spoke, why, O long robe,
thetis venerable beloved, dost thou visit our abode? Formerly thou
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wast not in the habit of coming frequently, but follow
farther onwards, that I may set before thee hospitable fare.
Thus having spoken, the divine goddesses led on that indeed,
she placed her upon a silver studded throne, beautiful, variously wrought,
and there was a stool under her feet. But she
called Vulcan, the distinguished artist, and spoke this word, Come hither, Vulcan.
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Thetis now has need of thee. But her illustrious Vulcan
then answered assuredly. Then an awful and revered goddess is within,
who saved me when distress came upon me, fallen down
far by the contrivance of my shameless mother, who wished
to conceal me being lame. Then should I have suffered
sorrows in my mind had not Uryinomi and Thetis received
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me in their bosoms. Eurynomy, daughter of the refluent ocean,
with them for nine years wrought eye and brass, many
ingenious works of art, buckles, twisted bracelets, and clasped tubes
in the hollow cave, whilst round us flowed the immense
stream of ocean, murmuring with foam. Nor did any other,
either of gods or mortal men, know it. But Thetis
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and Yurinomi, who preserved me, knew it. She now comes
to my house. Wherefore there is need that I should
repay all the rewards of my safety to fair haired Thetis.
But set now before her good hospitable fare, whilst I
lay aside my bellows and all my tools. He spoke
and rose a wondrous bulk from his anvil block, limping,
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and his weak legs moved actively beneath him. The bellows
he laid apart from the fire, and all the tools
with which he labored, he collected into a silver chest
with a sponge, he wiped all over his face and
both his hands, his strong neck and shaggy breast. Then
put on his tunic and seized his stout scepter. But
he went out of the doors limping, and golden handmaids,
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like unto living maidens, moved briskly about the king. And
in theirs was prudence with understanding, and within them was
voice and strength, And they are instructed in works by
the immortal gods. These were busily occupied by the king's side.
But he, hobbling along, sat down upon a splendid throne
near where Thetis was, and hung upon her hand, and
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spoke and addressed her. Why long robed Thetis venerable, and
dear hast thou come to our abode? For indeed, thou
didst not often come before make known what thou desirest.
For my mind orders me to perform it, if in
truth I can perform it, And if it is to
be performed him, then thetis pouring forth tears, answered, O
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Vulcan has any then, as many as are the goddesses
in Olympus endured so many bitter griefs in her mind.
As to me above all, Jove, the son of Saturn,
has given sorrows me from among the other marine inhabitants.
Has he subjected to a man, to Pelaus, son of Acus,
And I have endured the count of a man very
much against my will. He indeed now eyes in his
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palaces afflicted with grievous old age. But now other woes
are my lot. After he had granted me to bring
forth and nurture a son distinguished among heroes, and who
grew up like a plant. Him having reared as a
plant in a fertile spot of the field, I sent
forth in the crooked barks to William to fight with
the Trojans. But him I shall not receive again. Having
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returned home to the mansion of Pelaius, as long however
as he lives, to me and beholds the light of
the sun. He suffers sorrow, nor am I going to
him able to avail him. Aught the maid whom the
sons of the Greeks selected as a reward for him,
Her hath King Agamemnon taken back again from his hands,
certainly grieving for her. He has been wasting his soul
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whilst the Trojans were hemming in the Greeks at the ships.
Nor suffered them to go beyond the gates. But the
elders of the Greeks supplicated him and named many distinguished presents.
But then he refused to avert destruction. Yet he clad
Patroclus in his own armor, and sent him forth to
the bed, and he gave with him much people. All
day they fought round the scay and gates, And certainly
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on that day had overturned Troy, had not Apollo slain
among the foremost warriors, the gallant son of Menoetius, after
having done much mischief, and given glory to Hector. On
this account, do I now approach thy knees, if thou
wilt give to my short lived son a shield and helmet,
and beautiful grieves joined with clasps and a corselet, for
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what were his His faithful companion has lost, subdued by
the Trojans, and Achilles lies upon the ground, grieving in
his soul. Her then, illustrious Vulcan, answered, take courage, nor
let these things because of uneasiness in thy mind. For
would that I could so surely conceal him from dread
sounding death when grievous fate approaches him, as that beautiful
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armor shall be ready for him, such as any one
of many men shall hereafter admire, whosoever may behold it.
So saying, he left her there and went towards the bellows,
which she turned towards the fire, and commanded them to work,
and full twenty bells blue in the furnaces, exciting a
varied well regulated blast to be ready for him at
(27:10):
one time, busy at another the reverse. As Vulcan pleased,
and that the work might be complete, he cast into
the fire impenetrable brass and tin, precious gold and silver.
But next he placed a mighty anvil on the stock,
and took in one hand his strong hammer, and with
the other grasped the forceps. First of all he formed
a shield, both large and solid, decorating it all over
(27:33):
and around it. He threw a shining border, triple and glittering,
and from it there hung a silver belt. Of the
shield itself there were five folds, but on it he
formed many curious works with cunning skill. On it he
wrought the Earth, and the Heaven, and the sea, the
unwearied Sun, and the full Moon. On it also he
represented all the constellations with which the heaven is crowned,
(27:56):
the Pleiades, the Hyades, and the strength of Orion, and
the bear, which they also called the appellation of the Wain,
which there revolves and watches o Ion. But it alone
is free from the baths of the ocean. In it.
Likewise he wrought two fair cities of articulate speaking men.
In the one. Indeed, there were marriages and feasts, and
they were conducting the brides from their chambers through the
(28:18):
city with brilliant torches, and many a bridal song was raised.
The youthful dancers were wheeling round, and amongst them pipes
and liars uttered a sound, and the women standing each
other portals admired, and people were crowded together in an assembly,
and there a contest had arisen or. Two men contended
for the rents of money of a slain man. The
one affirm that he had paid all appealing to the people,
(28:40):
but the other denied a bearing, that he had received naught,
and both wished to find an end of the dispute
before a judge. The people were applauding both supporters of
either party, and the heralds were keeping back the people.
But the elders sat upon polished stones in a sacred circle,
and the pleaders held in their hands the staves of
the clear voiced heralds. With these, then they arose and
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alternately pleaded their cause. Moreover, in the midst lay two
talents of gold to give to him who should best
establish his claim among them. But round the other city
sat two armies of people, glittering in arms, and one
of two plans was agreeable to them, either to waste
it or to divide all things into two parts the
wealth whatever the pleasant city contained within it. They, however,
(29:24):
had not yet complied, but were secretly arming themselves for
an ambuscade. Meanwhile, their beloved wives and young children kept watch,
standing above, and amongst them the men whom old age possessed.
But the younger men advanced, but Mars was their leader,
and the palas Minerva, both golden and clad in golden dresses,
beautiful and large, along with their armor, radiant all around,
(29:46):
and indeed like gods. But the people were of humbler size.
But when they now had reached a place where it
appeared fit to lay an ambuscade by a river, where
there was a watering place for all sorts of cattle there,
then they settled, clad in shy steel. There, Apart from
the people, sat two spies, watching when they might perceive
the sheep and crooked horned oxen. These, however, soon advanced,
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and two shepherds accompanied them, amusing themselves with their pipes,
But they had not yet perceived the stratagem. Then they,
discerning them, ran in upon them and immediately soldered on
all sides the herds of oxen and the beautiful flocks
of snow white sheep, and slew the shepherds besides. But they,
when they heard the great tumult amongst the oxen, previously
sitting in front of the assembly, mounting their nimble footed steeds,
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pursued and soon came up with them. Then, having marshaled themselves,
they fought a battle on the banks of the river,
and wounded one another with their brazen spears. Amongst them
mingled discord and tumult and destructive fate, holding one alive
recently wounded, another unwounded, but a third slain. She drew
by the feet through the battle, and had the garment
around her shoulders. Crimsoned with the gore of men, but
(30:54):
they turned about like living mortals, and fought and drew
away the slaughtered bodies of each other. On it. He
also placed a soft fallow field, rich glabe, wide thrice plowed,
and in it many plowmen drove hither and thither, turning
round their teams. But when returning they reached the end
of the field. Then a man advancing gave into their
(31:15):
hands a cup of very sweet wine. But they turned
themselves in series, eager to reach the other end of
the deep follow but it was all black behind, similar
to plowed land, which indeed was a marvel beyond all
others on it. Likewise, he placed a field of deep
corn where reapers were cutting, having sharp sickles in their hands.
Some handfuls fell one after the other upon the ground
(31:37):
along the furrow, and the binders of sheaves, tied others
with bands. Three binders followed the reapers, whilst behind them
boys gathering the handfuls and bearing them, and their arms
continually supplied them and amongst them. The master stood by
the swathed in silence, holding a scepter, delighted in heart.
But apart beneath an oak, servants were preparing a banquet
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and sacrificing a hue jocks. They ministered, whilst women sprinkled
much white barley on the meat as a supper for
the reapers on it. Likewise, he placed a vineyard heavily
laden with grapes, beautiful golden, but the clusters throughout were black,
and it was supported throughout by silver poles. Rounded he
drew an azure trench, and about it a hedge of tin.
(32:19):
But there was only one path to it, by which
the gatherers went. When they collected the vintage, young virgins
and youths of tender mindes bore the luscious fruit and
woven baskets, in the midst of whom a boy played
sweetly on a shrill harp, and with tender voice, sang
gracefully to the cord, whilstay beating the ground in unison
with dancing and shouts, followed skipping with their feet in it.
(32:40):
He also wrought a herd of oxen with horns erect,
but the kind were made of gold and of tin,
and rushed out with a lowing from the stall to
the pasture beside a murmuring stream along the breeze waving reeds.
Four golden herdsmen accompanied the oxen, and nine dogs swift
a foot followed. But two terrible lions today tamed the bull,
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roaring among the foremost oxen, and he was dragged away
loudly bellowing, and the dogs and youths followed for a rescue. They, indeed,
having torn off the skin of the great hawks, lapped
up his entrails and black blood, and the shepherds vainly
pressed upon them, urging on their fleet dogs. These, however,
refused to bite the lions, but standing very near, barked
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and shunned them on it. Illustrious Vulcan also formed a
pasture in a beautiful grobe, full of white sheep and folds,
and covered huts and cottages. Illustrious Vulcan likewise adorned it
with a dance like unto that which in wide gnosses,
they duless contrived for fair hair to Ariadne. There danced
youths and alluring virgins, holding each other's hands at the wrist.
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These wore fine linen robes, but those were dressed in
well woven tunics, shining as with oil. These also had
beautiful garlands, and those wore golden swords hanging from silver belts.
Sometimes with skillful feet, they nimbly bounded round, as when
a potter sitting shall make trial of a wheel fitted
to his hands whether it will run. And at other
times again they ran back to their places through one another.
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But a great crowd surrounded the pleasing dance, amusing themselves,
and amongst them two tumblers, beginning their song, spun rounds
through the midst. But in it he also formed the
vast strength of the river Oceanus, near the last border
of the well formed shield. But when he had finished
the shield large and solid, he next formed for him
a corselet brighter than a splendor of fire. He also
(34:28):
made for him a strong helmet fitted to his temples,
beautiful and variously ornamented, and on it placed a golden crest,
and made grieves for him of ductil Tin. But when renowned,
Vulcan had with toil made all the armor. Lifting it up,
he laid it before the mother of Achilles, but she,
like a hawk, darted down from snowy Olympus, bearing from
(34:49):
Vulcan the shining armor. End of book the eighteenth read
by Stephen Carney,
Section eighteen, book the eighteenth 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 eighteen, book the eighteenth Argument. The
(00:20):
dis comforts her son for the death of Patroclus and
promises to procure him new armor from Vulcan. At the
command of Juno, Achilles comes forth and strikes terror into
the enemy. The body of Patroclus is rescued and prepared
for funeral rites and Vulcan forges a suite of armor
and a splendid shield for Achilles. Thus they then were
(00:41):
fighting like a blazing fire. But swiat footed Antilochus came
as a messenger to Achilles. Him he found in front
of his lofty, proud ships, revolving in his mind those
things which had already been accomplished, And then groaning, he
communed with his own mind, Ah me, why are the
long haired Achaian strivin back in confusion to the ships
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routed through the plain? I fear lest the gods have
accomplished evil sorrows to my soul, as my mother once
informed me and told me that the bravest of the
mermadans i, being yet alive, would leave the light of
the sun by the hands of the Trojans too. Surely,
now the valiant son of Minuetius is dead, obstinate one.
Certainly I desired him, having repelled the hostile fire, to
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return to the ships, nor to fight bravely with Hector,
whilst he was revolving these things in his mind and
in his soul. In the meantime, the son of illustrious
Nestor drew near, shedding warm tears, and delivered his sad message.
Alas O, son of Warlike Pelaius, surely thou wilt hear
a very grievous message, which would that it had not
(01:44):
taken place. Patroclus lies low and around his unarmed course.
They are now fighting, whilst crest tossing. Hector possesses his armor.
But he spoke, but him a black cloud of grief overshadowed,
and taking the burnt ashes with both hands, he poured
them on his head and denied his comely countenance. But
the dark ashes everywhere adhered to his rich tunic. But
(02:06):
he mighty lay extended at great length in the dust
and tearing, he disordered his hair with his hands. The
handmaids whom Achilles and Patrocus had taken grieved in their souls,
shrieked aloud and ran out to the door round warlike Achilles,
and all smote their breasts with their hands, and the
limbs of each were relaxed. Antilochus, on the other side, lamented,
shedding tears, holding the hands of Achilles, and he kept
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groaning within his generous heart, for he feared lest he
should cut his throat with his sword. That he moaned dreadfully.
And his venerable mother heard him sitting in the depths
of the sea beside her aged father, and immediately lamented,
and all the goddesses assembled around her. As many nereids
as were at the bottom of the sea. There were
glousy Thealea and Simuldici, Mesaea, Spio Thoa, and large eyed
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Halia Simonthoi Actaea and Limnoria, Melita, Ayaria, Empithoi, ad Agave,
Doto Proto Ferusa and Daynamene, Dexameni and Phonomi, and Callianira,
Doris Panope, and distinguished Galatea, Nemertes, Absudes and Calianasa. There
(03:17):
were also Climeni, Yanira ad Iyanasa, Mayeira Oriythia, and fair
haired Amathia, and other nereds, which were in the depths
of the sea. But the resplendent cave was full of them,
and all at once they beat their breasts. But Thedas
began the lamentation. Here, sister Nerids, that hearing, ye may
all well know what grieves are in my mind. Woe
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is me wretched, woe is me who heaven an evil
hour brought forth the bravest of men, I who, after
having borne a son, blameless and valiant, the chief of heroes,
and he grew up like a young tree. Having reared
him like a sapling in a fruitful spot of a field,
I afterwards sent him forth in the curved ships to
Ilium to fight against the Trojans. But I shall not
(04:02):
receive him again, having returned home to the Palace of Pelias.
But whilst he lives and beholds the light of the sun,
he grieves. Nor can I, going to him, avail him aught.
Yet will I go, that I may see my beloved
son and hear what grief comes upon him, remaining away
from the battle. Thus having spoken, she left the cave,
(04:23):
but they all went along with her, weeping, and the
wave of the ocean was cleft around for them. But
when they reached fertile Troy, they in order ascended the shore,
where the fleet ships of the Mermadans were drawn up round.
Swift Achilles, then his venerable mother, truly wailing, stood near
to him, deeply lamenting, and took the head of her son,
and mourning, addressed to him winged words, O, son, why
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weepest thou, and what sorrow has come upon thy mind?
Speak out nor conceal it. Those things indeed are fulfilled
for THEE from Jove, as thou didst formerly pray, lifting
up thy hands, that all the sons of the Greeks,
wanting THEE should be collected at the ships and suffer
disgraceful deeds. But her swift footed Achilles addressed deeply, groaning, mother,
(05:08):
Mine these things indeed the Olympian king hath accomplished for me.
But what pleasure is there in them to me? Since Patroclus,
my dear companion, is dead, whom I honored beyond all
my companions equally with my own head him have I lost?
And Hector having slain him has stripped off his mighty armor,
a wonder to be seen beautiful, which the other gods
(05:29):
gave to Peleaius splendid gifts on that day when they
laid THEE in the bed of a mortal man. Would
that thou hadst dwelt there among the immortal marine inhabitants,
and that Pelias had wedded a mortal spouse. But now
thou hast been wedded to the end, that immeasurable grief
may be upon thy mind for thy son slain, whom
thou shalt not again receive, having returned home, since even
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my mind urges me not to live nor have intercourse
with men, unless Hector first lose his life smitten by
my spear, and pay the penalty for the slaughter of Betroclus,
the son of Menuethius. But him Thetus, in turn, addressed,
pouring forth tears, she would lived. Thou wilt be o
my son, as thou sayest, for fate is ready for thee.
(06:12):
Immediately after Hector, then, heavily, sighing, swift footed, Achilles addressed her,
May I die then immediately, since it was not destined
that I should aid my companion now slain but he
indeed hath perished far away from his native land, and
long for me to be in averter of his doom.
But now, since I shall not return to my dear fatherland,
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nor have been a preservation to Betroclus or to my
other companions, who have been subdued in great numbers by
noble Hector, but sit beside the ship's an useless weight
on the earth, being such as is none of the raisen, mail,
the Chayans, and war, though in counsel there are others superior,
would that therefore contention might be extinguished from gods and men,
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and anger, which is wont to impel even the very
wisest to be harsh, and which much sweeter than distilling
honey like smoke, rises in the breasts of men. So
now did Agamemnon, king of Men, enrage me. But although
greatly grieved, let us leave these things to pass. My
is done subduing from necessity our own spirit within our bosoms.
(07:13):
But now will I go, that I may find Hector,
the destroyer of my friend, and I will accept death
whensoever Job and the other immortal God shall please to
accomplish it. For not even the might of Hercules escaped death,
who was very dear to King job, the son of Saturn,
but fate subdued him and the grievous wrath of Juno.
So also shall I lie when I am dead, if
(07:34):
a similar fate be destined for me. But now may
I bear away illustrious glory and compel some one of
the Trojan women and deep robed Dardanians to sigh, frequently
wiping away the tears from her tender cheeks with both hands.
And may they know that I have long ceased from battle.
Wherefore do not hinder me from the combat, although loving me,
for thou wilt not persuade me him. Then the silver
(07:57):
footed goddess Thedus answered, certainly, ye this is true, o son.
Nor is it an evil thing to avert other destruction
from our friends when afflicted. But thy beautiful arms, brezen
and shining are detained among the Trojans, which crestossing hector himself,
having on his shoulders boasts of Yet I suspect that
he will not long glory in them, for death is
(08:18):
near to him. But do thou, by no means enter
the slaughter of Mars. Before thou beholdest me with thine
eyes coming hither, for at dawn I will return with
the rising sun, bearing beautiful armor from King Vulcan. Thus,
having spoken, she turned round from her son, and being
turned addressed, her marine sisters. Enter. Ye, now the broad
(08:38):
bosom of the deep about to behold the marine old man,
and the mansions of my sire, and tell him all things.
But I go to lofty Olympus, to Vulcan, the skillful artist,
to try if he is willing to give my son
illustrious glittering armor. Thus she spoke, but they immediately sank
beneath the wave of the sea. But thee Is the
silver footed goddess again departed to Olympus, that she might
(09:00):
bear the illustrious armour to her beloved son. Her. On
the one hand, her feet bore towards Olympus, But the Greeks,
flying with the heavens, sent uproar from manslaughtering Hector reached
the ships and the hellespont. Nor had the well grieved
Greeks drawn off the dead body of Patroclus, the attuendant
of Achilles, out of the reach of weapons. For now
again both infantry and cavalry pursued him, and Hector the
(09:22):
son of Priam, like unto a flame in violence. Thrice
did illustrious Hector seize him behind the feet, eager to
draw him away, and loudly shouted to the Trojans, and
thrice to the two aegass clad in impetuous might forcibly
repulse him from the course, whilst he, with steady purpose,
ever relying on his might, sometimes charged through the crowd,
and sometimes again stopped, loudly shouting, but never retreated altogether.
(09:46):
But as night watching shepherds are by no means able
to drive away from a carcass a tawny lion greatly hungering,
so were the two warriors the Aegaces, unable to drive
away Hector the son of Priam, from the body. And
now indeed would he we have dragged it off and
obtained great glory, had not fleet windfooted Iris come as
a messenger to the son of Peleas, running down from Olympus,
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that he should arm himself, unknown to Jove and the
other gods, for Juno sent her forth, and standing near
she addressed to him winged words, Horase, son of Peleas,
most terrible of all men, defend Petroclus, for whom a
dire contest is maintained before the ships, but they are
slaughtering each other, the one party fighting for the same corpse,
while the other the Trojans, rush on that they may
(10:29):
drag him away to windswept Ilium. And above all, illustrious
Hector desire to seize him, for his mind prompts him
to fix his head upon stakes, having cut it from
the tender neck. But up, nor lie longer, but let
reverence touch thy soul. That Petroclus should be a source
of delight to Trojan dogs, a disgrace would be to
thee if the dead body should come at all defiled.
(10:50):
But her noble swift footed Achilles then answered, which of
the gods o goddess Syris sent thee as a messenger
to me? But him fleet windfooted Iris again, and Juno
sent me forth the glorious spouse of Jove. Nor does
a losty throned son of Saturn know it, nor were
any of the immortals who inhabit snowy Olympus. But her
sweet footed Achilles answering addressed, and how can I go
(11:12):
to the slaughter, for they possess my armor. Besides, my
dear mother does not permit me to be armed before that,
with my eyes I behold her coming, for she hath
promised that she will bear me beautiful armor from Vulcan.
But I indeed not know of another whose splendid armor
I could put on, except the shield of Ajax, son
of Telemann. But he, I hope Mingles in the front ranks,
(11:33):
slaying with his spear round the head of Patroclus. But
him swot footed Iris again addressed, well, too, do we
know that they possess I distinguished armor? Yet, even thus
going towards a ditch, show thyself to the Trojans, if
perchance the Trojans, terrified, may desist from battle, and the
warlike harassed sons of the Greeks may breathe again, and
there be a short respite from fighting. Thus, indeed, having spoken,
(11:56):
sweet footed Iris departed, But Achilles, dear to Jove, arose
and around his strong shoulders, Minerva, through her fringed ages,
and the divine one of goddesses, crowned his head around
with a golden cloud, and from which she kindled a
shining flame. And as when smoke ascending from a city
reaches the ether from an island afar off which foes
invest who pouring out from their city content all day
(12:19):
in hateful fight. But with the setting sun, torches blaze
one after another, and the splendor arises, rushing upwards for
their neighbors to behold, if per chance they may come
with ships as repellers of the war. Thus did the
flame from the head of Achilles reach the sky. He stood,
having advanced from the wall to the trench, nor mingled
with the Greeks, for he reverenced the prudent advice of
(12:40):
his mother. There standing he shouted, and Pallas Minerva, on
the other side, vociferated and stirred up immense tumult among
the Trojans. And as a tone is very clear when
a trumpet sounds while deadly foes are investing a city.
So distinct then was the voice of the descendant of Acus.
But when they heard the brazen voice of Achilles, the
soul was disturbed to all. Whilst the beautiful maned steeds
(13:03):
turned the chariots backwards, for they pressured sorrows in their mind.
The charioteers were panic struck when they beheld the terrific
and fatigable flame blazing over the head of magnanimous Pelides.
Where the azured eyed goddess Minerva lighted it thrice over
the trench loudly shouted Noble Achilles, and thrice were the
Trojans and their illustrious allies thrown into confusion. There then
(13:25):
perished twelve bravest heroes by their chariots and spears, whilst
the Greeks, dragging Petrocus with joy atter the reach of weapons,
stretched him on a bier, But his beloved companion stood
round him mourning, and with them followed his swift footed Achilles,
shedding warm tears when he beheld his faithful comrade lying
upon a bier lacerated with the sharp brass, whom indeed
(13:46):
he has sent forth with his horses and chariots to battle.
But he did not receive him again. Having returned, but
the large eyed venerable Juno sent the unwearied Sun to
return to the flowing of the ocean, against his inclination.
The sun then set, and noble Greeks desisted from the
violent conflict and the equally destructive battle. The Trojans, again
on the other side, retiring from the violent combat, loosed
(14:09):
their fleet steeds from their chariots, but they assembled in
the council before they bethought them of their banquet. The
assembly consisted of persons standing up. Nor did any one
dare to sit or fear possessed, all because Achilles had appeared,
who had long abstained for the direful combat. Among them,
prudent Polydamus, the son of Prenthes, began to speak, for
(14:29):
he alone saw both the future and the past. He
was a companion of Hector, and they were born in
one night. But the one excelled in council, and the
other greatly in the spear. He wisely counseling, harangued them,
and spoke, my friends, consider will on both sides. For
I advise that we now return to the city, nor
await the sacred mourn in the plain near the ships,
(14:50):
for we are far away from the wall. As long indeed,
as this man was wroth with noble likea menon, so
long were the Greeks more easy to fight with. For
even I was delighted the night by with the swift barks,
expecting that we should take the equally plied barks. But
now greatly do I fear swift footed peladies, so violent
is his soul. Nor will he be content to remain
(15:11):
in the plain, where usually the Trojans and Greeks in
the intervening space divide the force of war. But he
will combat for the city and our wives. We will
go then towards the city, be persuaded by me, For
so it must be ambrosial night. At present hath made
swift footed peladies cease. But if rushing forth tomorrow with
his arms he shall find us here, then will someone
(15:33):
know him? For gladly will he reach sacred ilium. Whosoever
shall escape, But dogs and voters will devour many of
the Trojans. Oh that such tidings may be far from
our ears. But if we be obedient to my words,
although sad, we shall have protection in the assembly during
the night, and the towers at the lofty gates, and
the valves fitted to them, long well polished, fashioned, together
(15:55):
will protect the city. But tomorrow, at early dawn we
will stand on the towers arrayed in armor. And it
would be difficult for him, even if he should wish it,
coming from the ships, to fight with us around the wall.
Back again will he go to the ships after he
has satiated his high necked steed with a varied course,
driving beneath the city, but his mind will not permit
him to rush within, nor will he ever lay at waste.
(16:17):
Sooner shall the fleet dogs devour him. Him then crestossing
hector sternly regarding addressed, no longer o polydamus, dost thou
speak these things agreeable to me? Thou who advisest us
returning to be cooped up in the city, are ye
not yet satiated with being shot up within the towers? Formerly? Indeed,
all articulately speaking men pronounce the city of Priam rich
(16:40):
in gold and in brass. But now have the rich
treasures of our houses perished, and many possessions have already departed,
Phrygia and agreeable Moeonia to be sold since Mighty Jove
was enraged. But at this crisis, when a son of
politic Saturn has granted me to obtain glory at the
ships and to hem in the Greeks by the sea,
no longer foolish man disclose these councils to the people.
(17:03):
For none of the Trojans will obey, nor will I
permit them. But come let us all obey, as I
shall advise at present, take supper into your ranks throughout
the army. Be mindful of the watch and keep guard
each of you. But whosoever the Trojans is particularly anxious
about his possessions, collecting them together, let him give to
the people to be publicly consumed. It is better that
(17:25):
any of them should enjoy them than the Greeks. But tomorrow,
with the dawn arrayed in armor, let us excite sharp
conflict at the hollow ships. And if truly noble Achilles
has arisen at the ships, it will be the worse
for him if he wishes to fight. I indeed will
not fly him from the horrid sounding battle, but will
stand very obstinately against him, whether he bear away great
(17:46):
glory or I bear it away. Mars is common and
even slays the slayer. Thus Hector harangued, and the Trojans
shouted in applause, foolish men, for Pallas Minerva had taken
away their senses from them. The assented to Hector, advising
destructive things, whilst no one assented to Polydamus, who advised
prudent council. Then they took supper through the army, but
(18:09):
the Greeks, lamenting all night, wept over Patroclus but among
them Pelades led a ceaseless lamentation, placing his man slaying
hands upon the breast of his companion, very frequently sighing
as the well bearded lion from whom the stag hunter
has stolen the cubs out of the thick forest, and
he is grieved. Coming afterwards and through many valleys, he
(18:30):
goes at tracking the footsteps of the man, if anywhere
he may find him, for very keen rage possesses him,
so deeply sighing, he addressed the myrmidons alas vain. Indeed
was the promise I uttered on that day, encouraging the
hero Menoetius in our halls. For I said that I
would bring back his illustrious son to Opus, having wasted
(18:51):
Troy and obtained a share of the spoil. But if
job fulfills not for men all their intentions, for it
is fated that we shall both stain with blood the
same earth here in Troy. But neither shall aged horse
driving Palais receive me in his palaces, returning, nor my
mother Thetis. But the earth shall here hold me. Now, however,
o Patroclus, since after thee I go beneath the earth,
(19:14):
I shall not perform thy funeral rite. Before that I
bring hither thee arms and head of magnanimous hector, thy murderer,
and behead twelve illustrious sons of the Trojans before thy pile,
enraged on account of thee slain. Meanwhile, thou shalt lie
thus at the crooked ships and round thee Trojan dames
and deep bosomed Dardanians shall weep and shed tears night
(19:34):
and day, whom we ourselves have toiled to get by
our valor, and the long spear, laying waste the rich
cities of articulate speaking men. Thus having spoken noble, Achilles
ordered his companions to surround a large tripod with fire,
that as soon as possible, they might wash away the
bloody gore from Petroclas. They then placed a bathing tripod
(19:56):
on the blazing fire, and poured water into it, and,
taking faggots, lighted them under it. The fire indeed encircled
the belly of the tripod, and the water was warmed.
But when the water boiled in the sonorous brass, then
they both washed him and anointed him with rich oil,
and they filled up his wounds with ointment. Nine years
old and laying him upon a bed, they covered him
(20:17):
with fine linen from head to foot, and over all
with a white mantle. All night. Then the Myrmidons, lamenting Patroclus,
wept around swift footed Achilles. But Jove addressed Juno, his
sister and wife, and at length thou hast accomplished thy object, o,
large eyed venerable Juno, having aroused swift fooled Achilles, Surely
(20:37):
the waving crested Greeks are borne from thy very self.
But him, large eyed venerable Juno then answered, most imperious
son of Saturn, what a word hast thou spoken? Surely? Now,
any man who was mortal and knows not so many
designs might accomplish this against a man. How therefore ought
not I, who boast myself to be the chief of
the goddesses, both from birth and also because I am
(20:59):
called thy wife, and thou rulest over all the immortals
being enraged with the Trojans to be able to design
evils against them, Thus they indeed conversed with one another.
But silver footed Thetis reached the abode of Vulcan, incorruptible starry,
remarkable amongst the immortals brazen, which the lame footed himself
had constructed him. She found sweating exerting himself at the bellows,
(21:21):
earnestly working, for he was making full twenty tripods to
send around the wall of his well built palace. Under
the base of each he placed golden wheels, that of
their own accord, they might enter the heavenly council and
again return home a wonder to be seen. So much
finish had they, But he had not yet added the
well made handles which he was preparing, and he was
(21:42):
forging the rivets whilst he was toiling at these things
with skillful mind. Meanwhile, Thedis, a silver footed goddess, came
to him. But the beautiful and fair veiled Cheris, whom
Illustrious Vulcan had espoused advancing, beheld her and hung upon
her hand, and addressed her, and spoke, why, O long robe,
thetis venerable beloved, dost thou visit our abode? Formerly thou
(22:05):
wast not in the habit of coming frequently, but follow
farther onwards, that I may set before thee hospitable fare.
Thus having spoken, the divine goddesses led on that indeed,
she placed her upon a silver studded throne, beautiful, variously wrought,
and there was a stool under her feet. But she
called Vulcan, the distinguished artist, and spoke this word, Come hither, Vulcan.
(22:28):
Thetis now has need of thee. But her illustrious Vulcan
then answered assuredly. Then an awful and revered goddess is within,
who saved me when distress came upon me, fallen down
far by the contrivance of my shameless mother, who wished
to conceal me being lame. Then should I have suffered
sorrows in my mind had not Uryinomi and Thetis received
(22:51):
me in their bosoms. Eurynomy, daughter of the refluent ocean,
with them for nine years wrought eye and brass, many
ingenious works of art, buckles, twisted bracelets, and clasped tubes
in the hollow cave, whilst round us flowed the immense
stream of ocean, murmuring with foam. Nor did any other,
either of gods or mortal men, know it. But Thetis
(23:14):
and Yurinomi, who preserved me, knew it. She now comes
to my house. Wherefore there is need that I should
repay all the rewards of my safety to fair haired Thetis.
But set now before her good hospitable fare, whilst I
lay aside my bellows and all my tools. He spoke
and rose a wondrous bulk from his anvil block, limping,
(23:34):
and his weak legs moved actively beneath him. The bellows
he laid apart from the fire, and all the tools
with which he labored, he collected into a silver chest
with a sponge, he wiped all over his face and
both his hands, his strong neck and shaggy breast. Then
put on his tunic and seized his stout scepter. But
he went out of the doors limping, and golden handmaids,
(23:56):
like unto living maidens, moved briskly about the king. And
in theirs was prudence with understanding, and within them was
voice and strength, And they are instructed in works by
the immortal gods. These were busily occupied by the king's side.
But he, hobbling along, sat down upon a splendid throne
near where Thetis was, and hung upon her hand, and
(24:17):
spoke and addressed her. Why long robed Thetis venerable, and
dear hast thou come to our abode? For indeed, thou
didst not often come before make known what thou desirest.
For my mind orders me to perform it, if in
truth I can perform it, And if it is to
be performed him, then thetis pouring forth tears, answered, O
(24:38):
Vulcan has any then, as many as are the goddesses
in Olympus endured so many bitter griefs in her mind.
As to me above all, Jove, the son of Saturn,
has given sorrows me from among the other marine inhabitants.
Has he subjected to a man, to Pelaus, son of Acus,
And I have endured the count of a man very
much against my will. He indeed now eyes in his
(25:00):
palaces afflicted with grievous old age. But now other woes
are my lot. After he had granted me to bring
forth and nurture a son distinguished among heroes, and who
grew up like a plant. Him having reared as a
plant in a fertile spot of the field, I sent
forth in the crooked barks to William to fight with
the Trojans. But him I shall not receive again. Having
(25:22):
returned home to the mansion of Pelaius, as long however
as he lives, to me and beholds the light of
the sun. He suffers sorrow, nor am I going to
him able to avail him. Aught the maid whom the
sons of the Greeks selected as a reward for him,
Her hath King Agamemnon taken back again from his hands,
certainly grieving for her. He has been wasting his soul
(25:43):
whilst the Trojans were hemming in the Greeks at the ships.
Nor suffered them to go beyond the gates. But the
elders of the Greeks supplicated him and named many distinguished presents.
But then he refused to avert destruction. Yet he clad
Patroclus in his own armor, and sent him forth to
the bed, and he gave with him much people. All
day they fought round the scay and gates, And certainly
(26:05):
on that day had overturned Troy, had not Apollo slain
among the foremost warriors, the gallant son of Menoetius, after
having done much mischief, and given glory to Hector. On
this account, do I now approach thy knees, if thou
wilt give to my short lived son a shield and helmet,
and beautiful grieves joined with clasps and a corselet, for
(26:26):
what were his His faithful companion has lost, subdued by
the Trojans, and Achilles lies upon the ground, grieving in
his soul. Her then, illustrious Vulcan, answered, take courage, nor
let these things because of uneasiness in thy mind. For
would that I could so surely conceal him from dread
sounding death when grievous fate approaches him, as that beautiful
(26:49):
armor shall be ready for him, such as any one
of many men shall hereafter admire, whosoever may behold it.
So saying, he left her there and went towards the bellows,
which she turned towards the fire, and commanded them to work,
and full twenty bells blue in the furnaces, exciting a
varied well regulated blast to be ready for him at
(27:10):
one time, busy at another the reverse. As Vulcan pleased,
and that the work might be complete, he cast into
the fire impenetrable brass and tin, precious gold and silver.
But next he placed a mighty anvil on the stock,
and took in one hand his strong hammer, and with
the other grasped the forceps. First of all he formed
a shield, both large and solid, decorating it all over
(27:33):
and around it. He threw a shining border, triple and glittering,
and from it there hung a silver belt. Of the
shield itself there were five folds, but on it he
formed many curious works with cunning skill. On it he
wrought the Earth, and the Heaven, and the sea, the
unwearied Sun, and the full Moon. On it also he
represented all the constellations with which the heaven is crowned,
(27:56):
the Pleiades, the Hyades, and the strength of Orion, and
the bear, which they also called the appellation of the Wain,
which there revolves and watches o Ion. But it alone
is free from the baths of the ocean. In it.
Likewise he wrought two fair cities of articulate speaking men.
In the one. Indeed, there were marriages and feasts, and
they were conducting the brides from their chambers through the
(28:18):
city with brilliant torches, and many a bridal song was raised.
The youthful dancers were wheeling round, and amongst them pipes
and liars uttered a sound, and the women standing each
other portals admired, and people were crowded together in an assembly,
and there a contest had arisen or. Two men contended
for the rents of money of a slain man. The
one affirm that he had paid all appealing to the people,
(28:40):
but the other denied a bearing, that he had received naught,
and both wished to find an end of the dispute
before a judge. The people were applauding both supporters of
either party, and the heralds were keeping back the people.
But the elders sat upon polished stones in a sacred circle,
and the pleaders held in their hands the staves of
the clear voiced heralds. With these, then they arose and
(29:02):
alternately pleaded their cause. Moreover, in the midst lay two
talents of gold to give to him who should best
establish his claim among them. But round the other city
sat two armies of people, glittering in arms, and one
of two plans was agreeable to them, either to waste
it or to divide all things into two parts the
wealth whatever the pleasant city contained within it. They, however,
(29:24):
had not yet complied, but were secretly arming themselves for
an ambuscade. Meanwhile, their beloved wives and young children kept watch,
standing above, and amongst them the men whom old age possessed.
But the younger men advanced, but Mars was their leader,
and the palas Minerva, both golden and clad in golden dresses,
beautiful and large, along with their armor, radiant all around,
(29:46):
and indeed like gods. But the people were of humbler size.
But when they now had reached a place where it
appeared fit to lay an ambuscade by a river, where
there was a watering place for all sorts of cattle there,
then they settled, clad in shy steel. There, Apart from
the people, sat two spies, watching when they might perceive
the sheep and crooked horned oxen. These, however, soon advanced,
(30:09):
and two shepherds accompanied them, amusing themselves with their pipes,
But they had not yet perceived the stratagem. Then they,
discerning them, ran in upon them and immediately soldered on
all sides the herds of oxen and the beautiful flocks
of snow white sheep, and slew the shepherds besides. But they,
when they heard the great tumult amongst the oxen, previously
sitting in front of the assembly, mounting their nimble footed steeds,
(30:32):
pursued and soon came up with them. Then, having marshaled themselves,
they fought a battle on the banks of the river,
and wounded one another with their brazen spears. Amongst them
mingled discord and tumult and destructive fate, holding one alive
recently wounded, another unwounded, but a third slain. She drew
by the feet through the battle, and had the garment
around her shoulders. Crimsoned with the gore of men, but
(30:54):
they turned about like living mortals, and fought and drew
away the slaughtered bodies of each other. On it. He
also placed a soft fallow field, rich glabe, wide thrice plowed,
and in it many plowmen drove hither and thither, turning
round their teams. But when returning they reached the end
of the field. Then a man advancing gave into their
(31:15):
hands a cup of very sweet wine. But they turned
themselves in series, eager to reach the other end of
the deep follow but it was all black behind, similar
to plowed land, which indeed was a marvel beyond all
others on it. Likewise, he placed a field of deep
corn where reapers were cutting, having sharp sickles in their hands.
Some handfuls fell one after the other upon the ground
(31:37):
along the furrow, and the binders of sheaves, tied others
with bands. Three binders followed the reapers, whilst behind them
boys gathering the handfuls and bearing them, and their arms
continually supplied them and amongst them. The master stood by
the swathed in silence, holding a scepter, delighted in heart.
But apart beneath an oak, servants were preparing a banquet
(31:58):
and sacrificing a hue jocks. They ministered, whilst women sprinkled
much white barley on the meat as a supper for
the reapers on it. Likewise, he placed a vineyard heavily
laden with grapes, beautiful golden, but the clusters throughout were black,
and it was supported throughout by silver poles. Rounded he
drew an azure trench, and about it a hedge of tin.
(32:19):
But there was only one path to it, by which
the gatherers went. When they collected the vintage, young virgins
and youths of tender mindes bore the luscious fruit and
woven baskets, in the midst of whom a boy played
sweetly on a shrill harp, and with tender voice, sang
gracefully to the cord, whilstay beating the ground in unison
with dancing and shouts, followed skipping with their feet in it.
(32:40):
He also wrought a herd of oxen with horns erect,
but the kind were made of gold and of tin,
and rushed out with a lowing from the stall to
the pasture beside a murmuring stream along the breeze waving reeds.
Four golden herdsmen accompanied the oxen, and nine dogs swift
a foot followed. But two terrible lions today tamed the bull,
(33:01):
roaring among the foremost oxen, and he was dragged away
loudly bellowing, and the dogs and youths followed for a rescue. They, indeed,
having torn off the skin of the great hawks, lapped
up his entrails and black blood, and the shepherds vainly
pressed upon them, urging on their fleet dogs. These, however,
refused to bite the lions, but standing very near, barked
(33:21):
and shunned them on it. Illustrious Vulcan also formed a
pasture in a beautiful grobe, full of white sheep and folds,
and covered huts and cottages. Illustrious Vulcan likewise adorned it
with a dance like unto that which in wide gnosses,
they duless contrived for fair hair to Ariadne. There danced
youths and alluring virgins, holding each other's hands at the wrist.
(33:43):
These wore fine linen robes, but those were dressed in
well woven tunics, shining as with oil. These also had
beautiful garlands, and those wore golden swords hanging from silver belts.
Sometimes with skillful feet, they nimbly bounded round, as when
a potter sitting shall make trial of a wheel fitted
to his hands whether it will run. And at other
times again they ran back to their places through one another.
(34:07):
But a great crowd surrounded the pleasing dance, amusing themselves,
and amongst them two tumblers, beginning their song, spun rounds
through the midst. But in it he also formed the
vast strength of the river Oceanus, near the last border
of the well formed shield. But when he had finished
the shield large and solid, he next formed for him
a corselet brighter than a splendor of fire. He also
(34:28):
made for him a strong helmet fitted to his temples,
beautiful and variously ornamented, and on it placed a golden crest,
and made grieves for him of ductil Tin. But when renowned,
Vulcan had with toil made all the armor. Lifting it up,
he laid it before the mother of Achilles, but she,
like a hawk, darted down from snowy Olympus, bearing from
(34:49):
Vulcan the shining armor. End of book the eighteenth read
by Stephen Carney,
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