The Iliad of Homer · Homer
BOOK XVII.
Nor Menelaus, Atreus’ valiant son, Knew not how Menœtiades had fallen By Trojan hands in battle; forth he rush’d All bright in burnish’d armor through his van, And as some heifer with maternal fears5 Now first acquainted, compasses around Her young one murmuring, with tender moan, So moved the hero of the amber locks Around Patroclus, before whom his spear Advancing and broad shield, he death denounced10 On all opposers; neither stood the son Spear-famed of Panthus inattentive long To slain Patroclus, but approach’d the dead, And warlike Menelaus thus bespake. Prince! Menelaus! Atreus’ mighty son!15 Yield. Leave the body and these gory spoils; For of the Trojans or allies of Troy None sooner made Patroclus bleed than I. Seek not to rob me, therefore, of my praise Among the Trojans, lest my spear assail20 Thee also, and thou perish premature.[1] To whom, indignant, Atreus’ son replied. Self-praise, the Gods do know, is little worth. But neither lion may in pride compare Nor panther, nor the savage boar whose heart’s25 High temper flashes in his eyes, with these The spear accomplish’d youths of Panthus’ house. Yet Hyperenor of equestrian fame Lived not his lusty manhood to enjoy, Who scoffingly defied my force in arms,30 And call’d me most contemptible in fight Of all the Danaï.
But him, I ween, His feet bore never hence to cheer at home His wife and parents with his glad return. So also shall thy courage fierce be tamed,35 If thou oppose me. I command thee, go— Mix with the multitude; withstand not me, Lest evil overtake thee! To be taught By sufferings only, is the part of fools. He said, but him sway’d not, who thus replied.40 Now, even now, Atrides! thou shalt rue My brother’s blood which thou hast shed, and mak’st His death thy boast. Thou hast his blooming bride Widow’d, and thou hast fill’d his parents’ hearts With anguish of unutterable wo;45 But bearing hence thy armor and thy head To Troy, and casting them at Panthus’ feet, And at the feet of Phrontis, his espoused, I shall console the miserable pair. Nor will I leave that service unessay’d50 Longer, nor will I fail through want of force, Of courage, or of terrible address. He ceased, and smote his shield, nor pierced the disk, But bent his point against the stubborn brass. Then Menelaus, prayer preferring first55 To Jove,[2] assail’d Euphorbus in his turn, Whom pacing backward in the throat he struck, And both hands and his full force the spear Impelled, urged it through his neck behind.
Sounding he fell; loud rang his batter’d arms.60 His locks, which even the Graces might have own’d, Blood-sullied, and his ringlets wound about With twine of gold and silver, swept the dust. As the luxuriant olive by a swain Rear’d in some solitude where rills abound,65 Puts forth her buds, and fann’d by genial airs On all sides, hangs her boughs with whitest flowers, But by a sudden whirlwind from its trench Uptorn, it lies extended on the field; Such, Panthus’ warlike son Euphorbus seem’d,70 By Menelaus, son of Atreus, slain Suddenly, and of all his arms despoil’d. But as the lion on the mountains bred, Glorious in strength, when he hath seized the best And fairest of the herd, with savage fangs75 First breaks her neck, then laps the bloody paunch Torn wide; meantime, around him, but remote, Dogs stand and swains clamoring, yet by fear Repress’d, annoy him not nor dare approach; So there all wanted courage to oppose80 The force of Menelaus, glorious Chief. Then, easily had Menelaus borne The armor of the son of Panthus thence, But that Apollo the illustrious prize Denied him, who in semblance of the Chief85 Of the Ciconians, Mentes, prompted forth Against him Hector terrible as Mars, Whose spirit thus in accents wing’d he roused.
Hector! the chase is vain; here thou pursuest The horses of Æacides the brave,90 Which thou shalt never win, for they are steeds Of fiery nature, such as ill endure To draw or carry mortal man, himself Except, whom an immortal mother bore. Meantime, bold Menelaus, in defence95 Of dead Patroclus, hath a Trojan slain Of highest note, Euphorbus, Panthus’ son, And hath his might in arms for ever quell’d. So spake the God and to the fight return’d. But grief intolerable at that word100 Seized Hector; darting through the ranks his eye, He knew at once who stripp’d Euphorbus’ arms, And him knew also lying on the field, And from his wide wound bleeding copious still. Then dazzling bright in arms, through all the van105 He flew, shrill-shouting, fierce as Vulcan’s fire Unquenchable; nor were his shouts unheard By Atreus’ son, who with his noble mind Conferring sad, thus to himself began. Alas! if I forsake these gorgeous spoils,110 And leave Patroclus for my glory slain, I fear lest the Achaians at that sight Incensed, reproach me; and if, urged by shame, I fight with Hector and his host, alone, Lest, hemm’d around by multitudes, I fall;115 For Hector, by his whole embattled force Attended, comes. But whither tend my thoughts?
No man may combat with another fenced By power divine and whom the Gods exalt, But he must draw down wo on his own head.120 Me, therefore, none of all Achaia’s host Will blame indignant, seeing my retreat From Hector, whom themselves the Gods assist. But might the battle-shout of Ajax once Reach me, with force united we would strive,125 Even in opposition to a God, To rescue for Achilles’ sake, his friend. Task arduous! but less arduous than this. While he thus meditated, swift advanced The Trojan ranks, with Hector at their head.130 He then, retiring slow, and turning oft, Forsook the body. As by dogs and swains With clamors loud and spears driven from the stalls A bearded lion goes, his noble heart Abhors retreat, and slow he quits the prey;135 So Menelaus with slow steps forsook Patroclus, and arrived in front, at length, Of his own phalanx, stood, with sharpen’d eyes Seeking vast Ajax, son of Telamon. Him leftward, soon, of all the field he mark’d140 Encouraging aloud his band, whose hearts With terrors irresistible himself Phœbus had fill’d. He ran, and at his side Standing, incontinent him thus bespake. My gallant Ajax, haste—come quickly—strive145 With me to rescue for Achilles’ sake His friend, though bare, for Hector hath his arms.
He said, and by his words the noble mind Of Ajax roused; issuing through the van He went, and Menelaus at his side.150 Hector the body of Patroclus dragg’d, Stript of his arms, with falchion keen erelong Purposing to strike off his head, and cast His trunk, drawn distant, to the dogs of Troy. But Ajax, with broad shield tower-like, approach’d.155 Then Hector, to his bands retreating, sprang Into his chariot, and to others gave The splendid arms in charge, who into Troy Should bear the destined trophy of his praise, But Ajax with his broad shield guarding stood160 Slain Menœtiades, as for his whelps The lion stands; him through some forest drear Leading his little ones, the hunters meet; Fire glimmers in his looks, and down he draws His whole brow into frowns, covering his eyes;165 So, guarding slain Patroclus, Ajax lour’d. On the other side, with tender grief oppress’d Unspeakable, brave Menelaus stood. But Glaucus, leader of the Lycian band, Son of Hippolochus, in bitter terms170 Indignant, reprimanded Hector thus, Ah, Hector, Chieftain of excelling form, But all unfurnish’d with a warrior’s heart! Unwarranted I deem thy great renown Who art to flight addicted. Think, henceforth,175 How ye shall save city and citadel Thou and thy people born in Troy, alone.
No Lycian shall, at least, in your defence Fight with the Grecians, for our ceaseless toil In arms, hath ever been a thankless task.180 Inglorious Chief! how wilt thou save a worse From warring crowds, who hast Sarpedon left Thy guest, thy friend, to be a spoil, a prey To yonder Argives? While he lived he much Thee and thy city profited, whom dead185 Thou fear’st to rescue even from the dogs. Now, therefore, may but my advice prevail, Back to your country, Lycians! so, at once, Shall remediless ruin fall on Troy. For had the Trojans now a daring heart190 Intrepid, such as in the breast resides Of laborers in their country’s dear behalf, We soon should drag Patroclus into Troy; And were his body, from the battle drawn, In Priam’s royal city once secured,195 As soon, the Argives would in ransom give Sarpedon’s body with his splendid arms To be conducted safe into the town. For when Patroclus fell, the friend was slain Of such a Chief as is not in the fleet200 For valor, and his bands are dauntless all. But thou, at the first glimpse of Ajax’ eye Confounded, hast not dared in arms to face That warrior bold, superior far to thee.
To whom brave Hector, frowning stern, replied,205 Why, Glaucus! should a Chief like thee his tongue Presume to employ thus haughtily? My friend! I thee accounted wisest, once, of all Who dwell in fruitful Lycia, but thy speech Now utter’d altogether merits blame,210 In which thou tell’st me that I fear to stand Against vast Ajax. Know that I from fight Shrink not, nor yet from sound of prancing steeds; But Jove’s high purpose evermore prevails Against the thoughts of man; he turns to flight215 The bravest, and the victory takes with ease Even from those whom once he favor’d most. But hither, friend! stand with me; mark my deed; Prove me, if I be found, as thou hast said, An idler all the day, or if by force220 I not compel some Grecian to renounce Patroclus, even the boldest of them all. He ceased, and to his host exclaim’d aloud. Trojans, and Lycians, and close-fighting sons Of Dardanus, oh be ye men, my friends!225 Now summon all your fortitude, while I Put on the armor of Achilles, won From the renown’d Patroclus slain by me. So saying, illustrious Hector from the clash Of spears withdrew, and with his swiftest pace230 Departing, overtook, not far remote, The bearers of Achilles’ arms to Troy.
Apart from all the horrors of the field Standing, he changed his armor; gave his own To be by them to sacred Ilium borne,235 And the immortal arms of Peleus’ son Achilles, by the ever-living Gods To Peleüs given, put on. Those arms the Sire, Now old himself, had on his son conferr’d But in those arms his son grew never old.240 Him, therefore, soon as cloud-assembler Jove Saw glittering in divine Achilles’ arms, Contemplative he shook his brows, and said, Ah hapless Chief! thy death, although at hand, Nought troubles thee. Thou wear’st his heavenly245 Who all excels, terror of Ilium’s host. His friend, though bold yet gentle, thou hast slain And hast the brows and bosom of the dead Unseemly bared: yet, bright success awhile I give thee; so compensating thy lot,250 From whom Andromache shall ne’er receive Those glorious arms, for thou shalt ne’er return. So spake the Thunderer, and his sable brows Shaking, confirm’d the word. But Hector found The armor apt; the God of war his soul255 With fury fill’d, he felt his limbs afresh Invigorated, and with loudest shouts Return’d to his illustrious allies.
To them he seem’d, clad in those radiant arms, Himself Achilles; rank by rank he pass’d260 Through all the host, exhorting every Chief, Asteropæus, Mesthles, Phorcys, Medon, Thersilochus, Deisenor, augur Ennomus, Chromius, Hippothoüs; all these he roused To battle, and in accents wing’d began.265 Hear me, ye myriads, neighbors and allies! For not through fond desire to fill the plain With multitudes, have I convened you here Each from his city, but that well-inclined To Ilium, ye might help to guard our wives270 And little ones against the host of Greece. Therefore it is that forage large and gifts Providing for you, I exhaust the stores Of Troy, and drain our people for your sake. Turn then direct against them, and his life275 Save each, or lose; it is the course of war. Him who shall drag, though dead, Patroclus home Into the host of Troy, and shall repulse Ajax, I will reward with half the spoils And half shall be my own; glory and praise280 Shall also be his meed, equal to mine.
He ended; they compact with lifted spears Bore on the Danaï, conceiving each Warm expectation in his heart to wrest From Ajax son of Telamon, the dead.285 Vain hope! he many a lifeless Trojan heap’d On slain Patroclus, but at length his speech To warlike Menelaus thus address’d. Ah, Menelaus, valiant friend! I hope No longer, now, that even we shall ’scape290 Ourselves from fight; nor fear I so the loss Of dead Patroclus, who shall soon the dogs Of Ilium, and the fowls sate with his flesh, As for my life I tremble and for thine, That cloud of battle, Hector, such a gloom295 Sheds all around; death manifest impends. Haste—call our best, if even they can hear. He spake, nor Menelaus not complied, But call’d aloud on all the Chiefs of Greece. Friends, senators, and leaders of the powers300 Of Argos! who with Agamemnon drink And Menelaus at the public feast, Each bearing rule o’er many, by the will Of Jove advanced to honor and renown! The task were difficult to single out305 Chief after Chief by name amid the blaze Of such contention; but oh, come yourselves Indignant forth, nor let the dogs of Troy Patroclus rend, and gambol with his bones!
He ceased, whom Oïliades the swift310 Hearing incontinent, of all the Chiefs Ran foremost, after whom Idomeneus Approach’d, and dread as homicidal Mars Meriones. But never mind of man Could even in silent recollection name315 The whole vast multitude who, following these Renew’d the battle on the part of Greece. The Trojans first, with Hector at their head, Wedged in close phalanx, rush’d to the assault As when within some rapid river’s mouth320 The billows and stream clash, on either shore[3] Loud sounds the roar[3] of waves ejected wide, Such seem’d the clamors of the Trojan host. But the Achaians, one in heart, around Patroclus stood, bulwark’d with shields of brass325 And over all their glittering helmets Jove Darkness diffused, for he had loved Patroclus While yet he lived friend of Æacides, And now, abhorring that the dogs of Troy Should eat him, urged the Greeks to his defence,330 The host of Troy first shook the Grecian host; The body left, they fled; yet of them all, The Trojan powers, determined as they were, Slew none, but dragg’d the body. Neither stood The Greeks long time aloof, soon as repulsed335 Again led on by Ajax, who in form And in exploits all others far excell’d. Peerless Æacides alone except.
Right through the foremost combatants he rush’d, In force resembling most some savage boar340 That in the mountains bursting through the brakes, The swains disperses and their hounds with ease; Like him, illustrious Ajax, mighty son Of Telamon, at his assault dispersed With ease the close imbattled ranks who fought345 Around Patroclus’ body, strong in hope To achieve it, and to make the glory theirs. Hippothoüs, a youth of high renown, Son of Pelasgian Lethus, by a noose Around his ancle cast dragg’d through the fight350 Patroclus, so to gratify the host Of Ilium and their Chief; but evil him Reached suddenly, by none of all his friends (Though numerous wish’d to save him) turn’d aside. For swift advancing on him through the crowd355 The son of Telamon pierced, spear in hand, His helmet brazen-cheek’d; the crested casque, So smitten, open’d wide, for huge the hand And ponderous was the spear that gave the blow And all around its neck, mingled with blood360 Gush’d forth the brain. There, lifeless, down he sank, Let fall the hero’s foot, and fell himself Prone on the dead, never to see again? Deep-soil’d Larissa, never to require Their kind solicitudes who gave him birth,365 In bloom of life by dauntless Ajax slain.
Then Hector hurl’d at Ajax his bright spear, But he, forewarn’d of its approach, escaped Narrowly, and it pierced Schedius instead, Brave son of Iphitus; he, noblest Chief370 Of the Phocensians, over many reign’d, Dwelling in Panopeus the far-renown’d. Entering beneath the clavicle[4] the point Right through his shoulder’s summit pass’d behind, And on his loud-resounding arms he fell.375 But Ajax at his waist wounded the son Of Phœnops, valiant Phorcys, while he stood Guarding Hippothöus; through his hollow mail Enforced the weapon drank his inmost life, And in his palm, supine, he clench’d the dust.380 Then, Hector with the foremost Chiefs of Troy Fell back; the Argives sent a shout to heaven, And dragging Phorcys and Hippothöus thence Stripp’d both. In that bright moment Ilium’s host Fear-quell’d before Achaia’s warlike sons385 Had Troy re-enter’d, and the host of Greece By matchless might and fortitude their own Had snatch’d a victory from the grasp of fate, But that, himself, the King of radiant shafts Æneas roused; Epytis’ son he seem’d390 Periphas, ancient in the service grown Of old Anchises whom he dearly loved; His form assumed, Apollo thus began.
How could ye save, Æneas, were the Gods Your enemies, the towers of lofty Troy?395 As I have others seen, warriors who would, Men fill’d with might and valor, firm themselves And Chiefs of multitudes disdaining fear. But Jove to us the victory far more Than to the Grecians wills; therefore the fault400 Is yours, who tremble and refuse the fight. He ended, whom Æneas marking, knew At once the glorious Archer of the skies, And thus to distant Hector call’d aloud. Oh, Hector, and ye other Chiefs of Troy405 And of her brave confederates! Shame it were Should we re-enter Ilium, driven to flight By dastard fear before the host of Greece. A God assured me even now, that Jove, Supreme in battle, gives his aid to Troy.410 Rush, therefore, on the Danaï direct, Nor let them, safe at least and unannoy’d, Bear hence Patroclus’ body to the fleet. He spake, and starting far into the van Stood foremost forth; they, wheeling, faced the Greeks.415 Then, spear in hand, Æneas smote the friend Of Lycomedes, brave Leocritus, Son of Arisbas. Lycomedes saw Compassionate his death, and drawing nigh First stood, then hurling his resplendent lance,420 Right through the liver Apisaon pierced Offspring of Hippasus, his chest beneath, And, lifeless, instant, on the field he fell.
He from Pæonia the deep soil’d to Troy Came forth, Asteropæus sole except,425 Bravest of all Pæonia’s band in arms. Asteropæus saw, and to the van Sprang forth for furious combat well prepared, But room for fight found none, so thick a fence Of shields and ported spears fronted secure430 The phalanx guarding Menœtiades. For Ajax ranging all the ranks, aloud Admonish’d them that no man yielding ground Should leave Patroclus, or advance before The rest, but all alike fight and stand fast.435 Such order gave huge Ajax; purple gore Drench’d all the ground; in slaughter’d heaps they fell Trojans and Trojan aids of dauntless hearts And Grecians; for not even they the fight Waged bloodless, though with far less cost of blood,440 Each mindful to avert his fellow’s fate. Thus burn’d the battle; neither hadst thou deem’d The sun himself in heaven unquench’d, or moon, Beneath a cope so dense of darkness strove Unceasing all the most renown’d in arms445 For Menœtiades. Meantime the war, Wherever else, the bright-arm’d Grecians waged And Trojans under skies serene. The sun On them his radiance darted; not a cloud, From mountain or from vale rising, allay’d450 His fervor; there at distance due they fought And paused by turns, and shunn’d the cruel dart.
But in the middle field not war alone They suffer’d, but night also; ruthless raged The iron storm, and all the mightiest bled.455 Two glorious Chiefs, the while, Antilochus And Thrasymedes, had no tidings heard Of brave Patroclus slain, but deem’d him still Living, and troubling still the host of Troy; For watchful[5] only to prevent the flight460 Or slaughter of their fellow-warriors, they Maintain’d a distant station, so enjoin’d By Nestor when he sent them to the field. But fiery conflict arduous employ’d The rest all day continual; knees and legs,465 Feet, hands, and eyes of those who fought to guard The valiant friend of swift Æacides Sweat gather’d foul and dust. As when a man A huge ox-hide drunken with slippery lard Gives to be stretch’d, his servants all around470 Disposed, just intervals between, the task Ply strenuous, and while many straining hard Extend it equal on all sides, it sweats The moisture out, and drinks the unction in,[6] So they, in narrow space struggling, the dead475 Dragg’d every way, warm hope conceiving, these To drag him thence to Troy, those, to the ships.
Wild tumult raged around him; neither Mars, Gatherer of hosts to battle, nor herself Pallas, however angry, had beheld480 That conflict with disdain, Jove to such length Protracted on that day the bloody toil Of steeds and men for Menœtiades. Nor knew divine Achilles or had aught Heard of Patroclus slain, for from the ships485 Remote they fought, beneath the walls of Troy. He, therefore, fear’d not for his death, but hope Indulged much rather, that, the battle push’d To Ilium’s gates, he should return alive. For that his friend, unaided by himself490 Or ever aided, should prevail to lay Troy waste, he nought supposed; by Thetis warn’d In secret conference oft, he better knew Jove’s purpose; yet not even she had borne Those dreadful tidings to his ear, the loss495 Immeasurable of his dearest friend. They all around the dead fought spear in hand With mutual slaughter ceaseless, and amid Achaia’s host thus spake a Chief mail-arm’d. Shame were it, Grecians! should we seek by flight500 Our galleys now; yawn earth our feet beneath And here ingulf us rather! Better far Than to permit the steed-famed host of Troy To drag Patroclus hence into the town, And make the glory of this conflict theirs.505 Thus also of the dauntless Trojans spake A certain warrior.
Oh, my friends! although The Fates ordain us, one and all, to die Around this body, stand! quit not the field. So spake the warrior prompting into act510 The courage of his friends, and such they strove On both sides; high into the vault of heaven The iron din pass’d through the desart air. Meantime the horses of Æacides From fight withdrawn, soon as they understood515 Their charioteer fallen in the dust beneath The arm of homicidal Hector, wept. Them oft with hasty lash Diores’ son Automedon impatient smote, full oft He stroked them gently, and as oft he chode;[7]520 Yet neither to the fleet ranged on the shore Of spacious Hellespont would they return, Nor with the Grecians seek the fight, but stood As a sepulchral pillar stands, unmoved Between their traces;[8] to the earth they hung525 Their heads, with plenteous tears their driver mourn’d, And mingled their dishevell’d manes with dust. Jove saw their grief with pity, and his brows Shaking, within himself thus, pensive, said. Ah hapless pair! Wherefore by gift divine530 Were ye to Peleus given, a mortal king, Yourselves immortal and from age exempt? Was it that ye might share in human woes?
For, of all things that breathe or creep the earth, No creature lives so mere a wretch as man.535 Yet shall not Priameian Hector ride Triumphant, drawn by you. Myself forbid. Suffice it that he boasts vain-gloriously Those arms his own. Your spirit and your limbs I will invigorate, that ye may bear540 Safe hence Automedon into the fleet. For I ordain the Trojans still to spread Carnage around victorious, till they reach The gallant barks, and till the sun at length Descending, sacred darkness cover all.545 He said, and with new might the steeds inspired. They, shaking from their hair profuse the dust, Between the van of either army whirl’d The rapid chariot. Fighting as he pass’d, Though fill’d with sorrow for his slaughter’d friend,550 Automedon high-mounted swept the field Impetuous as a vulture scattering geese; Now would he vanish, and now, turn’d again, Chase through a multitude his trembling foe; But whomsoe’er he follow’d, none he slew,555 Nor was the task possible to a Chief Sole in the sacred chariot, both to aim The spear aright and guide the fiery steeds. At length Alcimedon, his friend in arms, Son of Laerceus son of Æmon, him560 Observing, from behind the chariot hail’d The flying warrior, whom he thus bespake.
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.