September 9, 2025 • 28 mins
20 - Book the Twentieth. 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".
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Section twenty book, the twentieth 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 twenty book, the twentieth argument. Jove
permits the gods to join in the battle, and they
(00:20):
take their respective places on either side. Aenius engages Achilles,
but is rescued by Neptune. Hector in revenge for the
death of his brother. Polydorus also attacks Achilles and is
only saved from death by the intervention of Apollo. Achilles
then slays many Trojans. Thus around thee O son of Pelaius,
were the Achaeans armed, insatiable in fight beside their crooked ships,
(00:44):
and the Trojans on the other side on the acclivity
of the plain. But Jove ordered themis to summon the
gods to an assembly from the top of many valleed Olympus,
and she, going round, ordered them to proceed to the
palace of Jove. Nor was any one of the rivers absent,
save Oceanus, nor of the nymphs who inhabit the pleasant groves,
and springs of rivers and the grassy meads. Then, coming
(01:05):
to the habitation of Cloud Compelling Jove, they sat down
upon shining, polished benches which Vulcan, with cunning skill, had
made for Father Jove. Thus were they assembled within the
palace of Jove. Nor did Neptune disobey the goddess, but
he came to them from the sea. Then he sat
in the midst and inquired the design of Jove. Why again,
(01:26):
o hurler of the glowing lightning, hast thou summoned the
gods to an assembly? Dost thou deliberate anything respecting the
Trojans and Greeks, For now their combat and the battle
are on the point of being kindled. But him Cloud
Compelling Jove, answering, addressed, thou knowest, o Earthshaker, my design
with my breast, and for whose sake I have assembled you.
(01:47):
For though about to perish, they are a care to me.
I will, however, remain sitting on the top of Olympus.
Whence looking, I shall delight my soul, but depart the
rest of you, that he may go to the Trojans
and the Greeks. Give to both according as is the
inclination of each. For if Achilles alone shall fight against
the Trojans, they will not even for a little sustain
(02:07):
the swift footed son of Peleus. Formerly even beholding him,
they fled terrified. But now when he is grievously enraged
in his mind on account of his companion, I fear
lest he overthrow the wall, even contrary to fate. Thus
Spoke's attorneyan Job, and he starred up the unyielding contest.
And the gods hastened to proceed to the battle, having
(02:28):
discordant minds. Juno indeed and Pallas Minerva went to the
assemblage of the ships, as well as earthsaking Neptune and
useful Mercury, who excelled in a prudent mind, with whom
went Vulcan, looking savage in his might, limping and under
him his weak limbs moved with all their forces. But
to the Trojans went Crest, tossing Mars, and with him
(02:49):
unshorn Phoebus and Diana, delighting in archery, Latona Xanthus and
laughter loving Venus. As long as the gods were apart
from mortal men, so long the Greeks were greatly elated.
Because Achilles appeared, for he had long abstained from the
dire battle, and the violent tremor came upon the Trojans,
upon each of them as to their limbs, fearing because
they beheld the swift footed son of Pelias, glittering in
(03:11):
arms equal to manslaughtering Mars. But after the Olympians had
come to the crowd of men, then arose fierce contention
the exciter of the people, and Minerva shouted, sometimes standing
beside the trench outside the wall. At other times she
loudly shouted along the echoing shores. But Mars yelled aloud
on the other side, like unto a dark whirlwind, keenly
(03:33):
animating the Trojans from the lofty city, at other times
running along the samoas over Calicologne. Thus the blessed gods,
inciting both sides, engaged, and among them made severe contention
to break out, but dreadfully from above thunder, the father
of gods and men, whilst beneath Neptune shook the boundless
earth and the lofty summits of the mountains. The roots
(03:54):
and all the summits of many real Ddah were shaken,
and the city of the Trojans and the ships of
the Greeks. Pluto himself, king of the nether World, trembled
beneath and leaped up from his throne, terrified, and shouted
aloud lest earth shaking Neptune should rend asunder the earth
over him, and disclosed to mortals and immortals his mansions,
terrible squalid, which even the gods loathe. So great a
(04:16):
tumult arose from the gods engaging in combat against King Neptune.
Indeed stood Phoebus, Apollo, having his winged shafts, and against Mars,
the Azurid goddess Minerva. Opposed to Juno, stood the goddess
of the Golden beau huntress Diana, rejoicing in archery, the
sister of Apollo, and opposite Latona, the preserver useful mercury.
(04:37):
Against Vulcan also was a great, deep, eddying river, which
the gods call Xanthus, and men the Scamander. Thus, indeed,
gods went against gods. But Achilles chiefly longed to penetrate
through the crowd against Hector, the son of Priam, for
with his blood his mind particularly ordered him to satiate Mars,
the invincible warrior. But Apollo, exciter of troops immediately aroused
(04:59):
Aeneus against the son of Pelias, and infused into him
strong courage, And he likened himself and voice to Leichaeon,
the son of Priam, And having likened himself to him, Apollo,
the son of Job, said O, Aeneus, counselor of the Trojans,
where are thy threats, which whilst carousing thou didst promise
to the leaders of the Trojans that thou wouldst fight
(05:20):
against Achilles, the son of Pelias. But him Aeneus, answering,
addressed in turn, son of Priam, why dost thou order me,
not wishing it these things to fight against magnanimous Pelides?
For shall I not now for the first time stand
against to a footed Achilles? But already on another occasion
he chased me with his spear from Ida when he
(05:40):
attacked our cattle and laid waste Leernessus and Pedesus. But
Jove preserved me, who excited my strength and nimble limbs.
Certainly I should have been subdued beneath the hands of Achilles,
and Minerva, who proceeding gave him victory and encouraged him
to slay the Legelens and Trojans with his brazen spear.
Wherefore it is not possible that a man should fight
(06:01):
against Achilles, because one of the gods is ever beside him,
who averts destruction. Besides, also his weapon flies direct, nor
stops before it has pierced through human flesh. Though if
the deity would extend an equal scale of victory, not
very easily would he conquer me, although he boasts himself
to be all brazen. But him again, King Apollo, the
(06:21):
son of Jove addressed, But do thou also pray, o hero,
to the immortal gods. For they say that thou too
art sprung from Venus, the daughter of Jove, but he
from an inferior goddess. For the one is from Jove,
and the other from the age to see God. But
direct thy invincible brass right against him, nor let him
at all avert thee by haughty words and threats. Thus saying,
(06:43):
he breathed great courage into the shepherd of the people,
and he advanced through the front ranks, accouterred in shiding brass.
Nor did the son of Angasies escape the notice of
white armed Juno, going against the son of Helaias through
the ranks of men. But calling the gods together, she
addressed them, Consider now, both Neptune and Minerva in your minds,
(07:03):
how these things shall be. This Aeneus, accoutred and shining brass,
has advanced against the son of Peleus, and TheBus Apollo
has urged him on. But come, let us, however, turn
him back again, or let some one of us stand
by Achilles and give him great strength. Nor let him
at all be wanting in courage, that he may know
that the mightiest of the immortals love him, and that
(07:24):
those on the contrary are vain who hitherto avert war
and slaughter from the Trojans. But we have all come
down from Olympus about to participate in this battle, lest
he should suffer anything among the Trojans to day. But
hereafter he shall suffer those things as many as Fate
at his birth wove in his thread of destiny to
him what time his mother brought him forth. But if
(07:45):
Achilles shall not learn these things from the voice of
a god, he will afterwards be afraid when any god
comes against him in battle. For the gods, when made manifest,
are terrible to be seen manifestly. But her then Earth shaking,
Neptune answered Juno, be not beyond reason enraged, nor is
it at all necessary. I indeed would not desire that
we should engage the other gods in a battle, since
(08:08):
we are much more powerful. Rather, let us, going out
of the way, sit down upon the place of observation.
But the war shall be a care to mortals. But
if Mars shall begin the combat, or Apollo or shall
restrain Achilles and not suffer him to fight, then immediately
shall the strife of contention there arise to us? And
I think that they, having very speedily decided it, will
(08:29):
return to Olympus and mix with the assembly of other gods,
violently subdued by necessity under our hands. Thus, then, having spoken,
the azure haired god led the way to the lofty
mound raised wall of divine Hercules, which the Trojans and
palace mn Neva had made that flying he might escape
from the sea monster when pursued from the shore to
(08:50):
the plain. There then Neptune sat down and the other
gods and drew an indissoluble cloud round their shoulders, whilst
on the other side they sat upon the top side
of Cali Cologne around thee O archer Apollo and Mars,
the sacro of cities. Thus they sat on both sides
planning designs. Yet both were unwilling to commence grievous war.
(09:11):
But Jove, sitting aloft, cheered them on. All. The plane, however,
was filled with them, and glittered with the brass of
men and horses, and the earth echoed under the feet
of them rushing together. But two heroes, by far the
most valiant, advanced towards each other into the midst of
both armies, eager to fight. A Eneus, son of Encissies
and noble Achilles, and first Aenius, threatening advance, nodding with
(09:35):
his strong cask, and before his breast, he held his
impetuous shield and shook his brazen spear. But on the
other side Pelades rushed against him like a destructive lion,
which men, assembled together a whole village, are anxious to kill. He, however,
at first, despising them, proceeds, But when some one of
vigorous yields has wounded him with a dart, yawning, he
(09:56):
collects himself for a spring, and the foam arises round
his and his valiant soul groans within his breast. And
he lashes his sides and thighs on both sides with
his tail, and rouses himself to battle. Then, grimly glaring,
he is born strait on by his strength if he
can kill some of the men, or is himself destroyed
in the first crowd. Thus did his might and noble
(10:18):
soul urge Achilles to go against the magnanimous Aenius. But
when now advancing they approach to each other, swift footed,
noble Achilles first address the other. Why O Aeneus, coming
through so great a length of crowd, dost thou stand
against me? Does? Then thy soul urge thee to fight
with me, hoping that thou wilt govern the horse breaking
Trojans and the place of Priam. Yet even if thou
(10:40):
shalt slay me, not thus will Priam place this reward
in thy hand, for he has sons, and he is
himself steady, nor inconstant. Or if thou slayest me, have
the trojans cut off for thee an enclosure of soil,
surpassing others suited divines, and the plow that thou mayst
cultivate it. Still, I hope thou wilt affect it with difficulty,
(11:00):
for I think I have, at some other time put
thee to flight with my spear. Dost thou not remember
when I impetuously drove thee when alone from the Oxen,
with rapid feet down thee Adaean mountains. Then indeed thou
didst never turn round while flying, but didst escape thence
into learnessus. But I wasted it, having attacked it with
the aid of Minerva and Father Jove. The women also
(11:21):
I led away captives, having taken away their day of freedom.
But Jove and the other gods preserved thee. However, I
do not think they will protect thee now, as thou
castest in thy mind. But I exhort thee, retiring to
go into the crowd, nor stand against me before thou
suffer some evil. But it is a fool who knows
a thing only when it is done. But him Aeneas
(11:44):
answered in turn and said, do not think, o, Sonopelaeus,
to affright me like an infant boy with words, since
I also well know how to utter both threats and reproaches.
But we know each other's race, and we know our parents.
Hearing the words of mortal men long since uttered, although
by sight indeed, neither dost thou nor mine, nor I thine.
(12:04):
They say, indeed that thou art the offspring of renowned palaeas,
and of thy mother, thetis the fair haired sea nymph,
whereas I boast myself to be sprung from magnanimous anchasses,
and Venus is my mother. Of these, the one or
the other shall this day lament their beloved son, For
I think we shall not return from the battle thus
separated by childish words. But if thou desirest to be
(12:25):
taught these matters, that thou mayst well know our race,
for many men know it. Cloud compelling Jove indeed first
begat Dardanus, and he built Dardania, for sacred Ilium, the
city of articulate speaking men, was not as yet built
in the plain, and they still dwelt at the foot
of many rilled ida. Dardanus again begat, a son King Erictonius,
(12:46):
who was then the richest of mortal men, whose three
thousand mayors pastured through the marsh, rejoicing in their tender foals. Thorius, however,
was enamored of some of these when pasturing, and having
likened himself to an azuremained steed, come them, and they,
becoming pregnant, brought forth twelve female folds, which, when they
bounded upon the fruitful earth, ran over the highest fruit
(13:08):
of the stalks of corn. Nor did they break them.
But when they sported over the broad back of the ocean,
they ran along the surface of the ridge of the
Hoary Sea. But Erectonius begat Tros, king of the Trojans,
from Troes again were descended three illustrious son Elus Asaricus
and god like Ganymede, who indeed was the handsomest of
mortal men, and whom the gods caught up into heaven
(13:31):
to pour out wine for Jove, that on account of
his beauty he might be with the immortals. Ilus again
begat his renowned son Laomedon, but Leomedon begat Tithonus, and
Priam Lampus Clytius, and Hysataeon, a branch of Mars, and
Asseracus Capus, who also beget his son Anchises, but Anchses
beget me and Priam noble hector of this race and
(13:53):
blood do I boast myself to be. But Jove increases
and diminishes valor to men as he pleases, for he
is a most powerful of all. But come, let us
no longer talk of these things like little boys standing
in the middle combat of the strife. For it is
possible for both to utter very many reproaches, so that
a hundred ord galley would not contain the birthed. For
(14:14):
the language of mortals is voluble, and the discourses in
it numerous and varied and vast. Is a distribution of
words here and there. Whatsoever word thou mayst speak, such
also wilt thou hear. But what need is there to
us of dispute and railing that we should quarrel with
each other like women, who, being angry with a soul
destroying strife, proceeding into the middle of the way, chide
(14:36):
each other with many things, true and not true. For
rage also suggests those things with words. However, thou shalt
not turn me courageous from my valor before thou lightest
against me with thy brass. But come quickly, let us
make trial of each other with raisin spears. He spoke
and hurled his raisen spear against a dreadful shield terrible
to be seen, and the huge butler resounded with the
(14:58):
stroke of the javelin. But the sun of Pelaeus, alarmed,
held the shield from him with his strong hand, for
he supposed that the long spear of great hearted Aenius
would easily penetrate foolish, nor did he reflect in his
mind and soul that the glorious gifts of the gods
are not easy to be subdued by mortal men, nor
to yield. Nor then did the heavy spear of warlike
Aenius penetrate the shield, but the gold stopped it. The
(15:21):
gift of the god. It penetrated, however, through two folds,
but there were still three, since Vulcan had drawn five
folds over it, two brazen, three inside of tin, and
one golden, in which the brazen spear was stopped. But
Achilles next sent forth his long shadowed spear and struck
against the shield of Aenius, equal on all sides, at
the outside edge, where the thinnest brass ran round it,
(15:43):
and the ox hide was sinnisced upon it. But the
palian ash broke through and the shield was crushed by it.
But Aenius, crouched and being terrified, held the shield from him,
whilst the spear, passing over his back, struck in the earth.
Eager to go on, for it had burst through both
orbs the mighty shield. But he, having escaped the long spear,
stood still. But a moderate sadness was poured over his eyes,
(16:06):
terrified because the weapon had stuck so near him. But
Achilles eagerly sprang upon him, drawing his sharp sword and
shouting dreadfully. Then Aenius seized in his hand a stone,
a great weight which not two men could bear, such
as men now are, But he, though alone, easily wielded it.
Then indeed, had Aenius smitten him, rushing on with the stone,
either upon the helmet or the shield, which kept off
(16:29):
grievous destruction from him, and Pelades, in close fight, had
taken away his life with the sword, had not earth
shaking Neptune quickly perceived it and immediately addressed this speech
to the immortal gods. He God, certainly, there is now
grief to me on account of magnanimous Aenius, who will
quickly descend to Hades, subdued by the son of Pelias,
foolish being persuaded by the words of far darting Apollo.
(16:50):
Nor can he by any means avert sad destruction from him?
But why now should this guiltless man suffer evils gratuitously
on account of sorrows due to others, for he always
presents gifts agreeable to the gods who inhabit the wide heaven.
But come, let us withdraw from him death, lest even
the son of Saturn be angry. If indeed Achilles slay
this man. Moreover, it has fated that he should escape,
(17:12):
that the race of Dardanus, whom Jove loved above all
the children that were descended from him, and mortal women,
may not perish without offspring and become extinct. For already
had the son of Saturn hated, the race of Priam,
and the might of Aenius shall now rule over the
Trojans and the sons of his sons who may be
born in after times. But him large eyed, venerable Juno
(17:32):
then answered, oh, earthsakre, do thou thyself reflect within thy
mind with respect to Aenius, whether thou wilt withdraw him
or suffer him, being brave to be subdued by Achilles,
the son of Pelaius. For already we two I and
Pallas Minerva have sworn many oaths amongst all the immortals
that we will never help to avert the evil day
from the Trojans, not even when all Troy fired shall
(17:54):
burn with consuming flame, and the warlike sons of the
Greeks fire it. But when the earth taking Newtiune heard this,
he hastened to go through the battle and the clash
of spears, and came where were Aenius and renowned Achilles.
And immediately he shed a darkness upon the eyes of
achilles son Apelius. And he drew out the ashen spear,
well guarded with brass, from the shield of magnanimous Aenius,
(18:16):
and laid it before the feet of Achilles, and pushed
on Aenius, lifting him high up from the ground. But
Aenius leaped over many ranks of men and many of horses,
impelled by the hand of the god, and came to
the rear of the troubled fight, where the cacones were
arrayed for war. But very near him came earth shaking Neptune,
and addressing him spoke winged words O Aenius, which of
(18:38):
the gods commanded thee thus mad to combat against Achilles,
who was at once more valiant than thou and more
dear to the immortals but retire whenever thou shalt be
opposed to him, lest even contrary to fate, thou arrive
at the habitation of Pluto. But when Achilles shall have
attained his death and destiny, then again, being confident, fight
among the front ranks, because no other of the Greeks
(19:00):
shall slay thee. So saying, he left him there when
he had told him all, And immediately afterwards dissipated the
thick darkness from the eyes of Achilles, and he then
saw very clearly with his eyes, whereupon, groaning, he addressed
his magnanimous soul, Ye Gods, certainly I behold this a
great marvel with mine eyes. The spear indeed lies upon
(19:20):
the ground. Nor do I at all perceive the man
at whom I hurled it, desiring to kill him, undoubtedly Aeneas,
who was dear to the immortal gods. Although I suppose
that he boasted thus idly. Let him go. There'll be
no spirit in him hereafter to make trial of me, who,
even now rejoicing, has escaped from death. But come, having
encouraged the warlike Greeks, I will make trial of the
(19:41):
other Trojans going against them. He spoke, and sprang into
the ranks and cheered on every man. No longer now
stand off from the Trojans or noble Greeks. But on
let man advance against man, and let him be eager
to engage. Difficult is it for me, although being valiant,
to attack so many warriors and to fight with them all.
Not even Mars, who is an immortal god, nor yet Minerva,
(20:02):
could charge and toil against the force of such a conflict.
Yet whatever I can deal with hands, with feet, and
with strength, I declare that I will no longer be remiss,
not ever so little, but I will go right through
their line. Nor do I think that any Trojan will
rejoice whoever may come near my javelin. Thus he spoke
encouraging them. But illustrious Hector upbraiding animated the Trojans, and
(20:23):
said that he would go against Achilles. Ye, magnanimous Trojans,
fear not the son of Pelaius. I too could fight
with words, even with the immortals. But with the spear
it is difficult, for they are far more powerful. Nor
shall Achilles give effect to all his words, but one
part he shall fulfill, and the other leave half imperfect.
Against him, will I go, even though he were like
(20:45):
to fire as to his hands, and to shining iron
as to his might. Thus he spoke, inciting them, But
the Trojans opposite quickly raised their spears. Their strength was
mingled together, and the shout arose. Then also Phebus Apollo,
standing near addressed Hector. Hector, do not at all fight
in the van with Achilles, but receive him in the
(21:05):
crowd and from the tumult, lest by any chance he
hit thee, or strike thee with a sword in close combat.
Thus he spoke, and Hector sunk back again into the
thick body of men, dismayed when he heard the voice
of the god speaking. But Achilles leaped among the Trojans,
clad with courage as to his soul, shouting dreadfully, and
first slew gallant Iphythion, son of Atrynthius, the leader of
(21:27):
many people, whom the nymph Nius born to Atrnius, the
sacer of cities under snowy Tamalus in the rich district
of Haida. Him eagerly rushing straightforward, noble Achilles struck with
his javelin in the middle of the head, and it
was entirely split in two. He gave a crash as
he fell, and noble Achilles boasted over him, O son
(21:48):
of Atrynthius, most terrible of all men, thou liest death
is here upon thee Thy birth, however, is at the
Jigian lake, where is thy paternal land beside fishy hillis
and eddying hermus. Thus he spoke boasting, but darkness covered
Ephythian's eyes. But the horses of the Greeks tore him
with the tires of the wheels, and the front ranks
(22:08):
after him. Achilles small Demoleon, son of Antonor, a brave
repeller of the fight in the temples, through his brazen,
cheeked helmet, nor indeed did the brazen cask resist it.
But through what the eager javelin broke, the bone and
the whole brain within it was defiled, and he subdued
him ardent. Next he wounded with his spear in the
back Hippodamus as he was leaping down from his chariot
(22:29):
while flying before him. But he breathed out his soul
and groaned like as when a bull dragged round. The
Heliconian king bellows, as the youths drag him, and the
earth shakers delighted with them so as he moaned, his
fierce soul left his bones. But he went with his
spear against God, like Polydorus, the son of Priam. But him,
his father did not permit to fight, because he was
(22:51):
the youngest among all and dearest to him, and surpassed
all in speed. Then, indeed, through youthful folly, exhibiting the
excellence of his speed, he ran among the front rings
till he lost his life. Him nobleswift footed, Achilles smote,
rushing by in the middle of the back, where the
golden rings of his belt clasped together, and the double
corselet met right through at the navel, pierced the point
(23:12):
of the spear, and uttering a groan, he fell upon
his knees. A black cloud enveloped him, and stooping down,
he gathered his intestines in his hands. But when Hector
perceived his brother Polydorus holding his intestines in his hands,
and rolled on the earth, a darkness was immediately poured
over his eyes. Nor could he any longer be employed
afar off, but advanced towards Achilles like unto a flame,
(23:34):
brandishing his sharp spear. On the other hand, Achilles, as
soon as he saw him, leaped up, and boasting, spoke,
near is a man who has most stung my soul,
who has slain my cherished companion. No longer. Indeed, let
us dread each other through the bridges of war. He spoke,
and sternly, regarding him, addressed, Noble Hector, come nearer, that
thou mist the sooner reached the end of death. But
(23:57):
him not daunted, Chris tossing Hector addressed, O, son of Pelaius,
do not expect to terrify me now like a little boy,
at least with words, since I myself also well know
how to speak both revilings and reproaches. I know that
thou indeed art brave, and that I am inferior to thee.
But these things indeed are placed at the knees of
the gods. Whether although being inferior, I shall take away
(24:19):
thy life, striking THEE with my spear, since my weapon
also is sharp. At the point, he spoke and brandishing,
sent forth his spear, and Minerva, with a breath, turned
it back from glorious Achilles, having breathed very gently. But
it came back to noble Hector and lay before his feet.
But Achilles, eager to slay him, rushed furiously on, shouting dreadfully,
(24:39):
but Apollo, as a god, very easily snatched him away
and covered him with abundant haze. Thrice, indeed, swift footed
noble Achilles rushed on with his brazen spear, and thrice
he smote the deep haze. But when he rushed on
the fourth time, like unto a god, he dreadfully, chiding
addressed to him, winged words dog Now again hast thou
escaped death? Assuredly? Evil came very near thee, But Phoebus
(25:03):
Apollo has now again preserved thee, to whom thou art
wont to pray when going into the clang of spears. Yet,
while I certainly finished thee, meeting thee hereafter, if indeed
any of the gods begin ally to me also at present, however,
I will go after others of the Trojans, whomsoever I
can so, saying, he struck Dryops with his spear in
the middle of the neck, and he fell before his
(25:24):
feet him. Then he left and then detained de Mucus,
son of Philtre, brave and great, wounding him in the
knee with his spear, whom then striking with his great sword,
he deprived of life. But attacking both, he pushed Leaogonus
and Dardanus, the sons of Bias, from their chariot, to
the ground, wounding one with his spear and striking the
other in close combat with his sword. Also chose the
(25:45):
son of a laster who came towards him, taking him
by the knees, if on any terms he would spare
him and dismiss him alive, nor slay him, taking pity
on their equal age. Fool who knew not that he
would not be persuaded, for he was by no means
a tender mind minded, nor gentle man, but very ferocious.
Troes indeed clasped his knees with his hands, desiring to
(26:06):
suffocate him. But Achilles wounded him in the liver with
his sword, and his liver fell out, and the black
blood from it filled his bosom, and darkness veiled his eyes.
Wanting life, But standing near Mulius, he smote him with
his javelin on the ear, and immediately the brazen blade
went through the other ear. Then with his large hilted sword,
he smote a checkless son of Antonoor in the center
(26:28):
of the head and the whole sword became tepid with blood.
But purple death and violent fate seized his eyes. Then Deochleon,
where the tendons of the elbow unite. There he pierced
him through his hand with his brazen spear, but he
weighed down as to his hand, awaited him, perceiving death
before him. But Achilles, smiting his neck with his sword,
(26:48):
knocked the head off Afar with its helmet, and the
marill sprang forth from the spine, and the o'kleon lay
extended on the ground. Then he hastened to go towards Erygmus,
the renowned son of Pyrieus, who had come from fertile Thrace,
whom he smote in the middle with his javelin, and
the brass was fixed in his stomach, and he fell
from his chariot, and Achilles wounded in the back with
(27:08):
his sharp javelin a Raethus the attendant, while turning back
the steeds, and threw him from the chariot, and the
horses were thrown into confusion. And as the blazing fire
burns through the deep dells of a dry mountain, and
the dense forest is consumed, and the wind agitating turns
round the flame on all sides. Thus he raged in
every direction with his spear, like unto a deity, following
(27:29):
those that were to be slain, And the black earth
flowed with blood, as when anyone yokes broad four headed
bulls to trample out white barley on the well leveled floor,
and it easily becomes small beneath the feet of the
bellowing oxen. So the solid hooved horses driven by magnanimous
Achilles trod down together both horses and shield, and the
(27:50):
wholed axle tree beneath was polluted with gore, and the
rings which were round the chariot's seat, which the drops
from the horses's hoofs spattered, as well as from the fellows.
But the son of Pelaius was eager to bear away glory,
and was polluted with gore as to his invincible hands.
End of book The twentieth read by Stephen Carney
Section twenty book, the twentieth 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 twenty book, the twentieth argument. Jove
permits the gods to join in the battle, and they
(00:20):
take their respective places on either side. Aenius engages Achilles,
but is rescued by Neptune. Hector in revenge for the
death of his brother. Polydorus also attacks Achilles and is
only saved from death by the intervention of Apollo. Achilles
then slays many Trojans. Thus around thee O son of Pelaius,
were the Achaeans armed, insatiable in fight beside their crooked ships,
(00:44):
and the Trojans on the other side on the acclivity
of the plain. But Jove ordered themis to summon the
gods to an assembly from the top of many valleed Olympus,
and she, going round, ordered them to proceed to the
palace of Jove. Nor was any one of the rivers absent,
save Oceanus, nor of the nymphs who inhabit the pleasant groves,
and springs of rivers and the grassy meads. Then, coming
(01:05):
to the habitation of Cloud Compelling Jove, they sat down
upon shining, polished benches which Vulcan, with cunning skill, had
made for Father Jove. Thus were they assembled within the
palace of Jove. Nor did Neptune disobey the goddess, but
he came to them from the sea. Then he sat
in the midst and inquired the design of Jove. Why again,
(01:26):
o hurler of the glowing lightning, hast thou summoned the
gods to an assembly? Dost thou deliberate anything respecting the
Trojans and Greeks, For now their combat and the battle
are on the point of being kindled. But him Cloud
Compelling Jove, answering, addressed, thou knowest, o Earthshaker, my design
with my breast, and for whose sake I have assembled you.
(01:47):
For though about to perish, they are a care to me.
I will, however, remain sitting on the top of Olympus.
Whence looking, I shall delight my soul, but depart the
rest of you, that he may go to the Trojans
and the Greeks. Give to both according as is the
inclination of each. For if Achilles alone shall fight against
the Trojans, they will not even for a little sustain
(02:07):
the swift footed son of Peleus. Formerly even beholding him,
they fled terrified. But now when he is grievously enraged
in his mind on account of his companion, I fear
lest he overthrow the wall, even contrary to fate. Thus
Spoke's attorneyan Job, and he starred up the unyielding contest.
And the gods hastened to proceed to the battle, having
(02:28):
discordant minds. Juno indeed and Pallas Minerva went to the
assemblage of the ships, as well as earthsaking Neptune and
useful Mercury, who excelled in a prudent mind, with whom
went Vulcan, looking savage in his might, limping and under
him his weak limbs moved with all their forces. But
to the Trojans went Crest, tossing Mars, and with him
(02:49):
unshorn Phoebus and Diana, delighting in archery, Latona Xanthus and
laughter loving Venus. As long as the gods were apart
from mortal men, so long the Greeks were greatly elated.
Because Achilles appeared, for he had long abstained from the
dire battle, and the violent tremor came upon the Trojans,
upon each of them as to their limbs, fearing because
they beheld the swift footed son of Pelias, glittering in
(03:11):
arms equal to manslaughtering Mars. But after the Olympians had
come to the crowd of men, then arose fierce contention
the exciter of the people, and Minerva shouted, sometimes standing
beside the trench outside the wall. At other times she
loudly shouted along the echoing shores. But Mars yelled aloud
on the other side, like unto a dark whirlwind, keenly
(03:33):
animating the Trojans from the lofty city, at other times
running along the samoas over Calicologne. Thus the blessed gods,
inciting both sides, engaged, and among them made severe contention
to break out, but dreadfully from above thunder, the father
of gods and men, whilst beneath Neptune shook the boundless
earth and the lofty summits of the mountains. The roots
(03:54):
and all the summits of many real Ddah were shaken,
and the city of the Trojans and the ships of
the Greeks. Pluto himself, king of the nether World, trembled
beneath and leaped up from his throne, terrified, and shouted
aloud lest earth shaking Neptune should rend asunder the earth
over him, and disclosed to mortals and immortals his mansions,
terrible squalid, which even the gods loathe. So great a
(04:16):
tumult arose from the gods engaging in combat against King Neptune.
Indeed stood Phoebus, Apollo, having his winged shafts, and against Mars,
the Azurid goddess Minerva. Opposed to Juno, stood the goddess
of the Golden beau huntress Diana, rejoicing in archery, the
sister of Apollo, and opposite Latona, the preserver useful mercury.
(04:37):
Against Vulcan also was a great, deep, eddying river, which
the gods call Xanthus, and men the Scamander. Thus, indeed,
gods went against gods. But Achilles chiefly longed to penetrate
through the crowd against Hector, the son of Priam, for
with his blood his mind particularly ordered him to satiate Mars,
the invincible warrior. But Apollo, exciter of troops immediately aroused
(04:59):
Aeneus against the son of Pelias, and infused into him
strong courage, And he likened himself and voice to Leichaeon,
the son of Priam, And having likened himself to him, Apollo,
the son of Job, said O, Aeneus, counselor of the Trojans,
where are thy threats, which whilst carousing thou didst promise
to the leaders of the Trojans that thou wouldst fight
(05:20):
against Achilles, the son of Pelias. But him Aeneus, answering,
addressed in turn, son of Priam, why dost thou order me,
not wishing it these things to fight against magnanimous Pelides?
For shall I not now for the first time stand
against to a footed Achilles? But already on another occasion
he chased me with his spear from Ida when he
(05:40):
attacked our cattle and laid waste Leernessus and Pedesus. But
Jove preserved me, who excited my strength and nimble limbs.
Certainly I should have been subdued beneath the hands of Achilles,
and Minerva, who proceeding gave him victory and encouraged him
to slay the Legelens and Trojans with his brazen spear.
Wherefore it is not possible that a man should fight
(06:01):
against Achilles, because one of the gods is ever beside him,
who averts destruction. Besides, also his weapon flies direct, nor
stops before it has pierced through human flesh. Though if
the deity would extend an equal scale of victory, not
very easily would he conquer me, although he boasts himself
to be all brazen. But him again, King Apollo, the
(06:21):
son of Jove addressed, But do thou also pray, o hero,
to the immortal gods. For they say that thou too
art sprung from Venus, the daughter of Jove, but he
from an inferior goddess. For the one is from Jove,
and the other from the age to see God. But
direct thy invincible brass right against him, nor let him
at all avert thee by haughty words and threats. Thus saying,
(06:43):
he breathed great courage into the shepherd of the people,
and he advanced through the front ranks, accouterred in shiding brass.
Nor did the son of Angasies escape the notice of
white armed Juno, going against the son of Helaias through
the ranks of men. But calling the gods together, she
addressed them, Consider now, both Neptune and Minerva in your minds,
(07:03):
how these things shall be. This Aeneus, accoutred and shining brass,
has advanced against the son of Peleus, and TheBus Apollo
has urged him on. But come, let us, however, turn
him back again, or let some one of us stand
by Achilles and give him great strength. Nor let him
at all be wanting in courage, that he may know
that the mightiest of the immortals love him, and that
(07:24):
those on the contrary are vain who hitherto avert war
and slaughter from the Trojans. But we have all come
down from Olympus about to participate in this battle, lest
he should suffer anything among the Trojans to day. But
hereafter he shall suffer those things as many as Fate
at his birth wove in his thread of destiny to
him what time his mother brought him forth. But if
(07:45):
Achilles shall not learn these things from the voice of
a god, he will afterwards be afraid when any god
comes against him in battle. For the gods, when made manifest,
are terrible to be seen manifestly. But her then Earth shaking,
Neptune answered Juno, be not beyond reason enraged, nor is
it at all necessary. I indeed would not desire that
we should engage the other gods in a battle, since
(08:08):
we are much more powerful. Rather, let us, going out
of the way, sit down upon the place of observation.
But the war shall be a care to mortals. But
if Mars shall begin the combat, or Apollo or shall
restrain Achilles and not suffer him to fight, then immediately
shall the strife of contention there arise to us? And
I think that they, having very speedily decided it, will
(08:29):
return to Olympus and mix with the assembly of other gods,
violently subdued by necessity under our hands. Thus, then, having spoken,
the azure haired god led the way to the lofty
mound raised wall of divine Hercules, which the Trojans and
palace mn Neva had made that flying he might escape
from the sea monster when pursued from the shore to
(08:50):
the plain. There then Neptune sat down and the other
gods and drew an indissoluble cloud round their shoulders, whilst
on the other side they sat upon the top side
of Cali Cologne around thee O archer Apollo and Mars,
the sacro of cities. Thus they sat on both sides
planning designs. Yet both were unwilling to commence grievous war.
(09:11):
But Jove, sitting aloft, cheered them on. All. The plane, however,
was filled with them, and glittered with the brass of
men and horses, and the earth echoed under the feet
of them rushing together. But two heroes, by far the
most valiant, advanced towards each other into the midst of
both armies, eager to fight. A Eneus, son of Encissies
and noble Achilles, and first Aenius, threatening advance, nodding with
(09:35):
his strong cask, and before his breast, he held his
impetuous shield and shook his brazen spear. But on the
other side Pelades rushed against him like a destructive lion,
which men, assembled together a whole village, are anxious to kill. He, however,
at first, despising them, proceeds, But when some one of
vigorous yields has wounded him with a dart, yawning, he
(09:56):
collects himself for a spring, and the foam arises round
his and his valiant soul groans within his breast. And
he lashes his sides and thighs on both sides with
his tail, and rouses himself to battle. Then, grimly glaring,
he is born strait on by his strength if he
can kill some of the men, or is himself destroyed
in the first crowd. Thus did his might and noble
(10:18):
soul urge Achilles to go against the magnanimous Aenius. But
when now advancing they approach to each other, swift footed,
noble Achilles first address the other. Why O Aeneus, coming
through so great a length of crowd, dost thou stand
against me? Does? Then thy soul urge thee to fight
with me, hoping that thou wilt govern the horse breaking
Trojans and the place of Priam. Yet even if thou
(10:40):
shalt slay me, not thus will Priam place this reward
in thy hand, for he has sons, and he is
himself steady, nor inconstant. Or if thou slayest me, have
the trojans cut off for thee an enclosure of soil,
surpassing others suited divines, and the plow that thou mayst
cultivate it. Still, I hope thou wilt affect it with difficulty,
(11:00):
for I think I have, at some other time put
thee to flight with my spear. Dost thou not remember
when I impetuously drove thee when alone from the Oxen,
with rapid feet down thee Adaean mountains. Then indeed thou
didst never turn round while flying, but didst escape thence
into learnessus. But I wasted it, having attacked it with
the aid of Minerva and Father Jove. The women also
(11:21):
I led away captives, having taken away their day of freedom.
But Jove and the other gods preserved thee. However, I
do not think they will protect thee now, as thou
castest in thy mind. But I exhort thee, retiring to
go into the crowd, nor stand against me before thou
suffer some evil. But it is a fool who knows
a thing only when it is done. But him Aeneas
(11:44):
answered in turn and said, do not think, o, Sonopelaeus,
to affright me like an infant boy with words, since
I also well know how to utter both threats and reproaches.
But we know each other's race, and we know our parents.
Hearing the words of mortal men long since uttered, although
by sight indeed, neither dost thou nor mine, nor I thine.
(12:04):
They say, indeed that thou art the offspring of renowned palaeas,
and of thy mother, thetis the fair haired sea nymph,
whereas I boast myself to be sprung from magnanimous anchasses,
and Venus is my mother. Of these, the one or
the other shall this day lament their beloved son, For
I think we shall not return from the battle thus
separated by childish words. But if thou desirest to be
(12:25):
taught these matters, that thou mayst well know our race,
for many men know it. Cloud compelling Jove indeed first
begat Dardanus, and he built Dardania, for sacred Ilium, the
city of articulate speaking men, was not as yet built
in the plain, and they still dwelt at the foot
of many rilled ida. Dardanus again begat, a son King Erictonius,
(12:46):
who was then the richest of mortal men, whose three
thousand mayors pastured through the marsh, rejoicing in their tender foals. Thorius, however,
was enamored of some of these when pasturing, and having
likened himself to an azuremained steed, come them, and they,
becoming pregnant, brought forth twelve female folds, which, when they
bounded upon the fruitful earth, ran over the highest fruit
(13:08):
of the stalks of corn. Nor did they break them.
But when they sported over the broad back of the ocean,
they ran along the surface of the ridge of the
Hoary Sea. But Erectonius begat Tros, king of the Trojans,
from Troes again were descended three illustrious son Elus Asaricus
and god like Ganymede, who indeed was the handsomest of
mortal men, and whom the gods caught up into heaven
(13:31):
to pour out wine for Jove, that on account of
his beauty he might be with the immortals. Ilus again
begat his renowned son Laomedon, but Leomedon begat Tithonus, and
Priam Lampus Clytius, and Hysataeon, a branch of Mars, and
Asseracus Capus, who also beget his son Anchises, but Anchses
beget me and Priam noble hector of this race and
(13:53):
blood do I boast myself to be. But Jove increases
and diminishes valor to men as he pleases, for he
is a most powerful of all. But come, let us
no longer talk of these things like little boys standing
in the middle combat of the strife. For it is
possible for both to utter very many reproaches, so that
a hundred ord galley would not contain the birthed. For
(14:14):
the language of mortals is voluble, and the discourses in
it numerous and varied and vast. Is a distribution of
words here and there. Whatsoever word thou mayst speak, such
also wilt thou hear. But what need is there to
us of dispute and railing that we should quarrel with
each other like women, who, being angry with a soul
destroying strife, proceeding into the middle of the way, chide
(14:36):
each other with many things, true and not true. For
rage also suggests those things with words. However, thou shalt
not turn me courageous from my valor before thou lightest
against me with thy brass. But come quickly, let us
make trial of each other with raisin spears. He spoke
and hurled his raisen spear against a dreadful shield terrible
to be seen, and the huge butler resounded with the
(14:58):
stroke of the javelin. But the sun of Pelaeus, alarmed,
held the shield from him with his strong hand, for
he supposed that the long spear of great hearted Aenius
would easily penetrate foolish, nor did he reflect in his
mind and soul that the glorious gifts of the gods
are not easy to be subdued by mortal men, nor
to yield. Nor then did the heavy spear of warlike
Aenius penetrate the shield, but the gold stopped it. The
(15:21):
gift of the god. It penetrated, however, through two folds,
but there were still three, since Vulcan had drawn five
folds over it, two brazen, three inside of tin, and
one golden, in which the brazen spear was stopped. But
Achilles next sent forth his long shadowed spear and struck
against the shield of Aenius, equal on all sides, at
the outside edge, where the thinnest brass ran round it,
(15:43):
and the ox hide was sinnisced upon it. But the
palian ash broke through and the shield was crushed by it.
But Aenius, crouched and being terrified, held the shield from him,
whilst the spear, passing over his back, struck in the earth.
Eager to go on, for it had burst through both
orbs the mighty shield. But he, having escaped the long spear,
stood still. But a moderate sadness was poured over his eyes,
(16:06):
terrified because the weapon had stuck so near him. But
Achilles eagerly sprang upon him, drawing his sharp sword and
shouting dreadfully. Then Aenius seized in his hand a stone,
a great weight which not two men could bear, such
as men now are, But he, though alone, easily wielded it.
Then indeed, had Aenius smitten him, rushing on with the stone,
either upon the helmet or the shield, which kept off
(16:29):
grievous destruction from him, and Pelades, in close fight, had
taken away his life with the sword, had not earth
shaking Neptune quickly perceived it and immediately addressed this speech
to the immortal gods. He God, certainly, there is now
grief to me on account of magnanimous Aenius, who will
quickly descend to Hades, subdued by the son of Pelias,
foolish being persuaded by the words of far darting Apollo.
(16:50):
Nor can he by any means avert sad destruction from him?
But why now should this guiltless man suffer evils gratuitously
on account of sorrows due to others, for he always
presents gifts agreeable to the gods who inhabit the wide heaven.
But come, let us withdraw from him death, lest even
the son of Saturn be angry. If indeed Achilles slay
this man. Moreover, it has fated that he should escape,
(17:12):
that the race of Dardanus, whom Jove loved above all
the children that were descended from him, and mortal women,
may not perish without offspring and become extinct. For already
had the son of Saturn hated, the race of Priam,
and the might of Aenius shall now rule over the
Trojans and the sons of his sons who may be
born in after times. But him large eyed, venerable Juno
(17:32):
then answered, oh, earthsakre, do thou thyself reflect within thy
mind with respect to Aenius, whether thou wilt withdraw him
or suffer him, being brave to be subdued by Achilles,
the son of Pelaius. For already we two I and
Pallas Minerva have sworn many oaths amongst all the immortals
that we will never help to avert the evil day
from the Trojans, not even when all Troy fired shall
(17:54):
burn with consuming flame, and the warlike sons of the
Greeks fire it. But when the earth taking Newtiune heard this,
he hastened to go through the battle and the clash
of spears, and came where were Aenius and renowned Achilles.
And immediately he shed a darkness upon the eyes of
achilles son Apelius. And he drew out the ashen spear,
well guarded with brass, from the shield of magnanimous Aenius,
(18:16):
and laid it before the feet of Achilles, and pushed
on Aenius, lifting him high up from the ground. But
Aenius leaped over many ranks of men and many of horses,
impelled by the hand of the god, and came to
the rear of the troubled fight, where the cacones were
arrayed for war. But very near him came earth shaking Neptune,
and addressing him spoke winged words O Aenius, which of
(18:38):
the gods commanded thee thus mad to combat against Achilles,
who was at once more valiant than thou and more
dear to the immortals but retire whenever thou shalt be
opposed to him, lest even contrary to fate, thou arrive
at the habitation of Pluto. But when Achilles shall have
attained his death and destiny, then again, being confident, fight
among the front ranks, because no other of the Greeks
(19:00):
shall slay thee. So saying, he left him there when
he had told him all, And immediately afterwards dissipated the
thick darkness from the eyes of Achilles, and he then
saw very clearly with his eyes, whereupon, groaning, he addressed
his magnanimous soul, Ye Gods, certainly I behold this a
great marvel with mine eyes. The spear indeed lies upon
(19:20):
the ground. Nor do I at all perceive the man
at whom I hurled it, desiring to kill him, undoubtedly Aeneas,
who was dear to the immortal gods. Although I suppose
that he boasted thus idly. Let him go. There'll be
no spirit in him hereafter to make trial of me, who,
even now rejoicing, has escaped from death. But come, having
encouraged the warlike Greeks, I will make trial of the
(19:41):
other Trojans going against them. He spoke, and sprang into
the ranks and cheered on every man. No longer now
stand off from the Trojans or noble Greeks. But on
let man advance against man, and let him be eager
to engage. Difficult is it for me, although being valiant,
to attack so many warriors and to fight with them all.
Not even Mars, who is an immortal god, nor yet Minerva,
(20:02):
could charge and toil against the force of such a conflict.
Yet whatever I can deal with hands, with feet, and
with strength, I declare that I will no longer be remiss,
not ever so little, but I will go right through
their line. Nor do I think that any Trojan will
rejoice whoever may come near my javelin. Thus he spoke
encouraging them. But illustrious Hector upbraiding animated the Trojans, and
(20:23):
said that he would go against Achilles. Ye, magnanimous Trojans,
fear not the son of Pelaius. I too could fight
with words, even with the immortals. But with the spear
it is difficult, for they are far more powerful. Nor
shall Achilles give effect to all his words, but one
part he shall fulfill, and the other leave half imperfect.
Against him, will I go, even though he were like
(20:45):
to fire as to his hands, and to shining iron
as to his might. Thus he spoke, inciting them, But
the Trojans opposite quickly raised their spears. Their strength was
mingled together, and the shout arose. Then also Phebus Apollo,
standing near addressed Hector. Hector, do not at all fight
in the van with Achilles, but receive him in the
(21:05):
crowd and from the tumult, lest by any chance he
hit thee, or strike thee with a sword in close combat.
Thus he spoke, and Hector sunk back again into the
thick body of men, dismayed when he heard the voice
of the god speaking. But Achilles leaped among the Trojans,
clad with courage as to his soul, shouting dreadfully, and
first slew gallant Iphythion, son of Atrynthius, the leader of
(21:27):
many people, whom the nymph Nius born to Atrnius, the
sacer of cities under snowy Tamalus in the rich district
of Haida. Him eagerly rushing straightforward, noble Achilles struck with
his javelin in the middle of the head, and it
was entirely split in two. He gave a crash as
he fell, and noble Achilles boasted over him, O son
(21:48):
of Atrynthius, most terrible of all men, thou liest death
is here upon thee Thy birth, however, is at the
Jigian lake, where is thy paternal land beside fishy hillis
and eddying hermus. Thus he spoke boasting, but darkness covered
Ephythian's eyes. But the horses of the Greeks tore him
with the tires of the wheels, and the front ranks
(22:08):
after him. Achilles small Demoleon, son of Antonor, a brave
repeller of the fight in the temples, through his brazen,
cheeked helmet, nor indeed did the brazen cask resist it.
But through what the eager javelin broke, the bone and
the whole brain within it was defiled, and he subdued
him ardent. Next he wounded with his spear in the
back Hippodamus as he was leaping down from his chariot
(22:29):
while flying before him. But he breathed out his soul
and groaned like as when a bull dragged round. The
Heliconian king bellows, as the youths drag him, and the
earth shakers delighted with them so as he moaned, his
fierce soul left his bones. But he went with his
spear against God, like Polydorus, the son of Priam. But him,
his father did not permit to fight, because he was
(22:51):
the youngest among all and dearest to him, and surpassed
all in speed. Then, indeed, through youthful folly, exhibiting the
excellence of his speed, he ran among the front rings
till he lost his life. Him nobleswift footed, Achilles smote,
rushing by in the middle of the back, where the
golden rings of his belt clasped together, and the double
corselet met right through at the navel, pierced the point
(23:12):
of the spear, and uttering a groan, he fell upon
his knees. A black cloud enveloped him, and stooping down,
he gathered his intestines in his hands. But when Hector
perceived his brother Polydorus holding his intestines in his hands,
and rolled on the earth, a darkness was immediately poured
over his eyes. Nor could he any longer be employed
afar off, but advanced towards Achilles like unto a flame,
(23:34):
brandishing his sharp spear. On the other hand, Achilles, as
soon as he saw him, leaped up, and boasting, spoke,
near is a man who has most stung my soul,
who has slain my cherished companion. No longer. Indeed, let
us dread each other through the bridges of war. He spoke,
and sternly, regarding him, addressed, Noble Hector, come nearer, that
thou mist the sooner reached the end of death. But
(23:57):
him not daunted, Chris tossing Hector addressed, O, son of Pelaius,
do not expect to terrify me now like a little boy,
at least with words, since I myself also well know
how to speak both revilings and reproaches. I know that
thou indeed art brave, and that I am inferior to thee.
But these things indeed are placed at the knees of
the gods. Whether although being inferior, I shall take away
(24:19):
thy life, striking THEE with my spear, since my weapon
also is sharp. At the point, he spoke and brandishing,
sent forth his spear, and Minerva, with a breath, turned
it back from glorious Achilles, having breathed very gently. But
it came back to noble Hector and lay before his feet.
But Achilles, eager to slay him, rushed furiously on, shouting dreadfully,
(24:39):
but Apollo, as a god, very easily snatched him away
and covered him with abundant haze. Thrice, indeed, swift footed
noble Achilles rushed on with his brazen spear, and thrice
he smote the deep haze. But when he rushed on
the fourth time, like unto a god, he dreadfully, chiding
addressed to him, winged words dog Now again hast thou
escaped death? Assuredly? Evil came very near thee, But Phoebus
(25:03):
Apollo has now again preserved thee, to whom thou art
wont to pray when going into the clang of spears. Yet,
while I certainly finished thee, meeting thee hereafter, if indeed
any of the gods begin ally to me also at present, however,
I will go after others of the Trojans, whomsoever I
can so, saying, he struck Dryops with his spear in
the middle of the neck, and he fell before his
(25:24):
feet him. Then he left and then detained de Mucus,
son of Philtre, brave and great, wounding him in the
knee with his spear, whom then striking with his great sword,
he deprived of life. But attacking both, he pushed Leaogonus
and Dardanus, the sons of Bias, from their chariot, to
the ground, wounding one with his spear and striking the
other in close combat with his sword. Also chose the
(25:45):
son of a laster who came towards him, taking him
by the knees, if on any terms he would spare
him and dismiss him alive, nor slay him, taking pity
on their equal age. Fool who knew not that he
would not be persuaded, for he was by no means
a tender mind minded, nor gentle man, but very ferocious.
Troes indeed clasped his knees with his hands, desiring to
(26:06):
suffocate him. But Achilles wounded him in the liver with
his sword, and his liver fell out, and the black
blood from it filled his bosom, and darkness veiled his eyes.
Wanting life, But standing near Mulius, he smote him with
his javelin on the ear, and immediately the brazen blade
went through the other ear. Then with his large hilted sword,
he smote a checkless son of Antonoor in the center
(26:28):
of the head and the whole sword became tepid with blood.
But purple death and violent fate seized his eyes. Then Deochleon,
where the tendons of the elbow unite. There he pierced
him through his hand with his brazen spear, but he
weighed down as to his hand, awaited him, perceiving death
before him. But Achilles, smiting his neck with his sword,
(26:48):
knocked the head off Afar with its helmet, and the
marill sprang forth from the spine, and the o'kleon lay
extended on the ground. Then he hastened to go towards Erygmus,
the renowned son of Pyrieus, who had come from fertile Thrace,
whom he smote in the middle with his javelin, and
the brass was fixed in his stomach, and he fell
from his chariot, and Achilles wounded in the back with
(27:08):
his sharp javelin a Raethus the attendant, while turning back
the steeds, and threw him from the chariot, and the
horses were thrown into confusion. And as the blazing fire
burns through the deep dells of a dry mountain, and
the dense forest is consumed, and the wind agitating turns
round the flame on all sides. Thus he raged in
every direction with his spear, like unto a deity, following
(27:29):
those that were to be slain, And the black earth
flowed with blood, as when anyone yokes broad four headed
bulls to trample out white barley on the well leveled floor,
and it easily becomes small beneath the feet of the
bellowing oxen. So the solid hooved horses driven by magnanimous
Achilles trod down together both horses and shield, and the
(27:50):
wholed axle tree beneath was polluted with gore, and the
rings which were round the chariot's seat, which the drops
from the horses's hoofs spattered, as well as from the fellows.
But the son of Pelaius was eager to bear away glory,
and was polluted with gore as to his invincible hands.
End of book The twentieth read by Stephen Carney
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!