The Iliad by Homer

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So these were the leaders of the Danaans and their captains.

Now tell me,

O Muse,

who among them was first and foremost,

of warriors alike and horses that followed the sons of Atreus.

Of horses they of Pheres’ son were far goodliest,

those that Eumelos drave, swift as birds,

like of coat,

like of age,

matched to the measure of a levelling line across their backs.

These were reared in Peraia by Apollo of the silver bow,

two mares carrying onward the terror of battle.

But of warriors far best was the Telamonian Aias,

while the wrath of Achilles yet endured;

for he was greatest of all,

he and his horses that bore him,

even Peleus’ noble son.

But he lay idle among his seafaring ships,

in sore wrath against Agamemnon Atreus’ son,

shepherd of the host;

and his folk along the sea-shore sported with quoits and with casting of javelins and archery;

and the horses each beside his own chariot stood idle,

champing clover and parsley of the marsh,

and their lords’ chariots lay well covered up within the huts,

while the men yearned for their warrior chief,

and wandered hither and thither through the camp and fought not.
 
So marched they then as though all the land were consuming with fire;

and the earth groaned beneath them as at the wrath of Zeus whose joy is in the thunder,

when he lasheth the earth about Typhoeus in the country of the Arimoi,

where men say is Typhoeus’ couch.

Even so groaned the earth aloud at their tread as they went:

and with speed advanced they across the plain.
 
Now fleet Iris the wind-footed went to the Trojans,

a messenger from aegis-bearing Zeus,

with a grievous message.

These were holding assembly at Priam’s gate,

being gathered all together both young men and old.

And fleet-footed Iris stood hard by and spake to them;

and she made her voice like to the voice of Polites son of Priam,

who was the sentinel of the Trojans and was wont to sit trusting in his fleetness upon the barrow of Aisyetes of old,

and on the top thereof wait the sallying of the Achaians forth from their ships.

Even in his likeness did fleet-footed Iris speak to Priam:

“Old man,

words beyond number are still pleasant to thee as erst in the days of peace;

but war without respite is upon us.

Of a truth have I very oft ere now entered into battles of the warriors,

yet have I never seen so goodly a host and so great;

for in the very likeness of the leaves of the forest or the sands of the sea are they marching along the plain to fight against the city.

But Hector,

thee do I charge beyond all to do even as I shall say.

Seeing that the allies are very many throughout Priam’s great city,

and diverse men,

being scattered abroad,

have diverse tongues;

therefore let each one give the word to those whose chieftain he is,

and them let him lead forth and have the ordering of his countrymen.”
 
So spake she,

and Hector failed not to know the voice of the goddess,

and straightway dismissed the assembly,

and they rushed to arms.

And the gates were thrown open wide,

and the host issued forth,

footmen and horsemen,

and mighty din arose.
 
Now there is before the city a certain steep mound apart in the plain,

with a clear way about it on this side and on that;

and men indeed call this “Batieia,”

but the immortals call it “The tomb of lithe Myrine.”

There did the Trojans and their allies divide their companies.
 
Amid the Trojans great Hector of the glancing helm was leader,

the son of Priam;

with him the greatest hosts by far and the goodliest were arrayed,

eager warriors of the spear.
 
But the Dardanians were led of the princely son of Anchises,

Aineias,

whom bright Aphrodite conceived to Anchises amids the spurs of Ida,

a goddess wedded to a mortal.

Neither was he alone;

with him were Antenor’s two sons,

Archelochos and Akamas,

well skilled in all the ways of war.
 
And of them that dwelt in Zeleia beneath the nethermost foot of Ida,

the men of substance that drink the dark waters of Aisepos,

even the Troes;

of these Lykaol’s glorious son was leader,

Pandaros,

to whom Apollo himself gave the bow.
 
And of them that possessed Adresteia and the land of Apaisos and possessed Pityeia and the steep hill of Tereia,

of these Adrestos was captain,

and Amphios of the linen corslet,

the two sons of Merops of Perkote,

that beyond all men knew soothsaying,

and would have hindered his children marching to murderous war.

But they gave him no heed,

for the fates of black death led them on.
 
And they that dwelt about Perkote and Praktios and possessed Sestos and Abydos and bright Arisbe,

these were led of Hyrtakos’ son Asios,

a prince of men,

Asios son of Hyrtakos,

whom his tall sorrel steeds brought from Arisbe,

from the river Selleeis.
 
And Hippothoos led the tribes of the Pelasgians that fight with spears,

them that inhabited deep-soiled Larisa. These were led of Hippothoos and

Pylaios of the stock of Ares, twain sons of Pelasgian Lethos son of

Teutamos.
 
And the Thracians were led of Akamas and hero Peiroos,

even all they that the strong stream of Hellespont shutteth in.

And Euphemos was captain of the Kikonian spearmen,

the son of Troizenos Keos’ son,

fosterling of Zeus.
 
But Pyraichmes led the Paionians with curving bows,

from far away in Amydon,

from the broad stream of Axios,

Axios whose water is the fairest that floweth over the face of the earth.
 
And Pylaimenes of rugged heart led the Paphlagonians from the land of the Eneti,

whence is the breed of wild mules.

This folk were they that possessed Kytoros and dwelt about Sesamon,

and inhabited their famed dwellings round the river Parthenios and Kromna and Aigialos and lofty Erythini.
 
And the Mysians were led of Chromis and Ennomos the augur,

yet with all his auguries warded he not black fate from him,

but was vanguished by the hand of fleet-footed Aiakides in the river,

when he made havoc of the Trojans there and of the rest.
 
And Phorkys and godlike Askanios led the Phrygians from far Askania,

and these were eager to fight in the battle-throng.
 
And the Maionians were commanded of Mesthles and Antiphos,

Talaimenes’ two sons,

whose mother was the Gygaian mere.

So these led the Maionians,

whose birthplace was under Tmolos.
 
But Nastes led the Karians,

uncouth of speech,

that possessed Miletos and the mountain of Phthires,

of leafage numberless,

and the streams of Maiandros and the steep crest of Mykale.

These were led of Amphimachos and Nastes:

Nastes and Amphimachos the glorious children of Nomion.

And he came,

forsooth,

to battle with golden attire like a girl—fond man:

that held not back in any wise grievous destruction,

but he was vanguished by the hands of fleet-footed Aiakides in the river,

and wise-hearted Achilles carried away his gold.
 

BOOK III.​

How Menelaos and Paris fought in single combat;

and Aphrodite rescued Paris.

And how Helen and Priam beheld the Achaian host from the walls of Troy.
 
Now when they were arrayed,

each company with their captains,

the Trojans marched with clamour and with shouting like unto birds,

even as when there goeth up before heaven a clamour of cranes which flee from the coming of winter and sudden rain,

and fly with clamour towards the streams of ocean,

bearing slaughter and fate to the Pigmy men,

and in early morn offer cruel battle.

But on the other side marched the Achaians in silence breathing courage,

eager at heart to give succour man to man.
 
Even as when the south wind sheddeth mist over the crests of a mountain,

mist unwelcome to the shepherd,

but to the robber better than night,

and a man can see no further than he casteth a stone;

even so thick arose the gathering dust-clouds at their tread as they went;

and with all speed they advanced across the plain.
 
So when they were now come nigh in onset on each other,

godlike Alexandros played champion to the Trojans,

wearing upon his shoulders panther-skin and curved bow and sword;

and he brandished two bronze-headed spears and challenged all the chieftains of the Argives to fight him man to man in deadly combat.

But when Menelaos dear to Ares marked him coming in the forefront of the multitude with long strides,

then even as a lion is glad when he lighteth upon a great carcase,

a horned stag,

or a wild goat that he hath found,

being an hungered;

and so he devoureth it amain,

even though the fleet hounds and lusty youths set upon him;

even thus was Menelaos glad when his eyes beheld godlike Alexandros;

for he thought to take vengeance upon the sinner.

So straightway he leap in his armour from his chariot to the ground.
 
But when godlike Alexandros marked him appear amid the champions,

his heart was smitten,

and he shrank back into the host of his comrades,

avoiding death.

And even as a man that hath seen a serpent in a mountain glade starteth backward and trembling seizeth his feet beneath him,

and he retreateth back again,

and paleness hath hold of his cheeks,

even so did godlike Alexandros for fear of Atreus’ son shrink back into the throng of lordly Trojans.

But Hector beheld and upbraided him with scornful words:

“Ill Paris,

most fair in semblance,

thou deceiver woman-mad,

would thou hadst been unborn and died unwed.

Yea,

that were my desire,

and it were far better than thus to be our shame and looked at askance of all men.

I ween that the flowing-haired Achaians laugh,

deeming that a prince is our champion only because a goodly favour is his;

but in his heart is there no strength nor any courage.

Art thou indeed such an one that in thy seafaring ships thou didst sail over the deep with the company of thy trusty comrades,

and in converse with strangers didst bring back a fair woman from a far country,

one that was by marriage daughter to warriors that bear the spear,

that she might be a sore mischief to they father and city and all the realm,

but to our foes a rejoicing,

and to thyself a hanging of the head?

And canst thou not indeed abide Menelaos dear to Ares?

Thou mightest see what sort of warrior is he whose lovely wife thou hast.

Thy lyre will not avail thee nor the gifts of Aphrodite,

those thy locks and fair favour,

when thou grovellest in the dust.

But the Trojans are very cowards:

else ere this hadst thou donned a robe of stone [i.e., been stoned by the people] for all the ill thou hast wrought.”
 
And godlike Alexandros made answer to him again:

“Hector,

since in measure thou chidest me and not beyond measure—they heart is ever keen,

even as an axe that pierceth a beam at the hand of a man that shapeth a ship’s timber with skill,

and thereby is the mal’s blow strengthened;

even such is thy heart undaunted in thy breast.

Cast not in my teeth the lovely gifts of golden Aphrodite;

not to be flung aside are the gods’ glorious gifts that of their own good will they give;

for by his desire can no man win them.

But now if thou wilt have me do battle and fight,

make the other Trojans sit down and all the Achaians,

and set ye me in the midst,

and Menelaos dear to Ares,

to fight for Helen and all her wealth.

And whichsoever shall vanquish and gain the upper hand,

let him take all the wealth aright,

and the woman,

and bear them home.

And let the rest pledge friendship and sure oaths;

so may ye dwell in deep-soiled Troy,

and let them depart to Argos pasture-land of horses,

and Achaia home of fair women.”
 
So spake he,

and Hector rejoiced greatly to hear his saying,

and went into the midst and restrained the battalions of the Trojans,

with his spear grasped by the middle;

and they all sate them down.

But the flowing-haired Achaians kept shooting at him,

aiming with arrows and casting stones.

But Agamemnon king of men cried aloud:

“Refrain,

ye Argives;

shoot not,

ye sons of the Achaians;

for Hector of the glancing helm hath set himself to say somewhat.”
 
So spake he,

and they refrained from battle and made silence speedily.

And Hector spake between the two hosts,

“Hear of me,

Trojans and well-greaved Achaians,

the saying of Alexandros,

for whose sake strife hath come about.

He biddeth the other Trojans and all the Achaians to lay down their goodly armour on the bounteous earth,

and himself in the midst and Menelaos dear to Ares to fight alone for Helen and all her wealth.

And whichsoever shall vanquish and gain the upper hand,

let him take all the wealth aright,

and the woman,

and bear them home;

but let all of us pledge friendship and sure oaths.”
 
So spake he,

and they all kept silence and were still.

Then in their midst spake Menelaos of the loud war-cry:

“Hearken ye now to me,

too;

for into my heart most of all is grief entered;

and I deem that the parting of Argives and Trojans hath come at last;

seeing ye have endured many ills because of my quarrel and the first sin of Alexandros.

And for whichsoever of us death and fate are prepared,

let him lie dead:

and be ye all parted with speed.

Bring ye two lambs,

one white ram and one black ewe,

for earth and sun;

and let us bring one for Zeus.

And call hither great Priam,

that he may pledge the oath himself,

seeing he hath sons that are overweening and faithless,

lest any by transgression do violence to the oath of Zeus;

for young mel’s hearts are ever lifted up.

But wheresoever an old man entereth in,

he looketh both before and after,

whereby the best issue shall come for either side.”
 
So spake he,

and Achaians and Trojans were glad,

deeming that they should have rest from grievous war.

So they refrained their chariots to the ranks,

and themselves alighted and doffed their arms.

And these they laid upon the earth each close to each,

and there was but small space between.

And Hector sent two heralds to the city will all speed,

to bring the lambs,

and to call Priam.

And lord Agamemnon sent forth Talthybios to go to the hollow ships,

and bade him bring a ram;

and he was not disobedient to noble Agamemnon.
 
Now Iris went with a message to white-armed Helen in the likeness of her husband’s sister,

the spouse of Antenor’s son,

even her that lord Helikaon Antenor’s son had to wife,

Laodike fairest favoured of Priam’s daughters.

And in the hall she found Helen weaving a great purple web of double fold,

and embroidering thereon many battles of horse-taming Trojans and mail-clad Achaians,

that they had endured for her sake at the hands of Ares.

So fleet-footed Iris stood by her side and said:

“Come hither,

dear sister,

that thou mayest see the wondrous doings of horse-taming Trojans and mail-clad Achaians.

They that erst waged tearful war upon each other in the plain,

eager for deadly battle,

even they sit now in silence,

and the tall spears are planted by their sides.

But Alexandros and Menelaos dear to Ares will fight with their tall spears for thee;

and thou wilt be declared the dear wife of him that conquereth.”
 
Forthwith she veiled her face in shining linen,

and hastened from her chamber,

letting fall a round tear;

not unattended,

for there followed with her two handmaidens,

Aithre daughter of Pittheus and ox-eyed Klymene.

Then came she straightway to the place of the Skaian gates.

And they that were with Priam and Panthoos and Thymoites and Lampos and Klytios and Hiketaon of the stock of Ares,

Oukalegon withal and Antenor,

twain sages,

being elders of the people,

sat at the Skaian gates.

These had now ceased from battle for old age,

yet were they right good orators,

like grasshoppers that in a forest sit upon a tree and utter their lily-like [supposed to mean “delicate” or “tender”] voice;

even so sat the elders of the Trojans upon the tower.

Now when they saw Helen coming to the tower they softly spake winged words one to the other:

“Small blame is it that Trojans and well-greaved Achaians should for such a woman long time suffer hardships;

marvellously like is she to the immortal goddesses to look upon.

Yet even so,

though she be so goodly,

let her go upon their ships and not stay to vex us and our children after us.”
 
So said they,

and Priam lifted up his voice and called to Helen:

“Come hither,

dear child,

and sit before me,

that thou mayest see thy former husband and they kinsfolk and thy friends.

I hold thee not to blame;

nay,

I hold the gods to blame who brought on me the dolorous war of the Achaians—so mayest thou now tell me who is this huge hero,

this Achaian warrior so goodly and great.

Of a truth there are others even taller by a head;

yet mine eyes never behold a man so beautiful nor so royal;

for he is like unto one that is a king.”
 
And Helen,

fair among women,

spake and answered him:

“Reverend art thou to me and dread,

dear father of my lord;

would that sore death had been my pleasure when I followed thy son hither,

and left my home and my kinsfolk and my daughter in her girlhood and the lovely company of mine age-fellows.

But that was not so,

wherefore I pine with weeping.

Now will I tell thee that whereof thou askest me and enquirest.

This is Atreides,

wide-ruling Agamemnon,

one that is both a goodly king and mighty spearman.

And he was my husband’s brother to me,

ah shameless me;

if ever such an one there was.”
 
So said she,

and the old man marvelled at him,

and said:

“Ah, happy Atreides,

child of fortune,

blest of heaven;

now know I that many sons of the Achaians are subject to thee.

Erewhile fared I to Phrygia,

the land of vines,

and there saw I that the men of Phrygia,

they of the nimble steeds,

were very many,

even the hosts of Otreus and godlike Mygdon,

that were then encamped along the banks of Sangarios.

For I too being their ally was numbered among them on the day that the Amazons came,

the peers of men.

Yet were not even they so many as are the glancing-eyed Achaians.”
 
And next the old man saw Odysseus,

and asked:

“Come now,

tell me of this man too,

dear child,

who is he,

shorter by a head than Agamemnon son of Atreus,

but broader of shoulder and of chest to behold?

His armour lieth upon the bounteous earth,

and himself like a bell-wether rangeth the ranks of warriors.

Yea,

I liken him to a thick-fleeced ram ordering a great flock of ewes.”
 
Then Helen sprung of Zeus made answer to him:

“Now this is Laertes’ son,

crafty Odysseus,

that was reared in the realm of Ithaka,

rugged though it be,

and skilled in all the ways of wile and cunning device.”
 
Then sage Antenor made answer to her:

“Lady,

verily the thing thou sayest is true indeed,

for erst came goodly Odysseus hither also on an embassage for thee,

in the company of Menelaos dear to Ares;

and I gave them entertainment and welcomed them in my halls,

and learnt the aspect of both and their wise devices.

Now when they mingled with the Trojans in the assembly,

while all stood up Menelaos overpassed them all by the measure of his broad shoulders;

but when both sat down,

Odysseus was the more stately.

And when they began to weave the web of words and counsel in the face of all,

then Menelaos harangued fluently,

in few words,

but very clearly,

seeing he was not long of speech,

neither random,

though in years he was the younger.

But whenever Odysseus full of wiles rose up,

he stood and looked down,

with eyes fixed upon the ground,

and waved not his staff whether backwards or forwards,

but held it stiff,

like to a man of no understanding;

one would deem him to be churlish,

and naught but a fool.

But when he uttered his great voice from his chest,

and words like unto the snowflakes of winter,

then could no mortal man contend with Odysseus;

then marvelled we not thus to behold Odysseus’ aspect.”
 
And thirdly the old man say Aias,

and asked:

“Who then is this other Achaian warrior,

goodly and great,

preeminent among the Archives by the measure of his head and broad shoulders?”
 
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