The Iliad of Homer Translated into English Blank Verse by...

Aurora from Tithonus’ side arose With light for heaven and earth, when Jove dispatch’d Discord, the fiery signal in her hand Of battle bearing, to the Grecian fleet. High on Ulysses’ huge black ship she stood5 The centre of the fleet, whence all might hear, The tent of Telamon’s huge son between, And of Achilles; for confiding they In their heroic fortitude, their barks Well-poised had station’d utmost of the line.10 There standing, shrill she sent a cry abroad Among the Achaians, such as thirst infused Of battle ceaseless into every breast. All deem’d, at once, war sweeter, than to seek Their native country through the waves again.15 Then with loud voice Atrides bade the Greeks Gird on their armor, and himself his arms Took radiant. First around his legs he clasp’d His shining greaves with silver studs secured, Then bound his corselet to his bosom, gift20 Of Cynyras long since;[1] for rumor loud Had Cyprus reached of an Achaian host Assembling, destined to the shores of Troy: Wherefore, to gratify the King of men, He made the splendid ornament his own.25 Ten rods of steel cœrulean all around Embraced it, twelve of gold, twenty of tin; Six[2] spiry serpents their uplifted heads

Cœrulean darted at the wearer’s throat, Splendor diffusing as the various bow30 Fix’d by Saturnian Jove in showery clouds, A sign to mortal men.[3] He slung his sword Athwart his shoulders; dazzling bright it shone With gold emboss’d, and silver was the sheath Suspended graceful in a belt of gold.35 His massy shield o’ershadowing him whole, High-wrought and beautiful, he next assumed. Ten circles bright of brass around its field Extensive, circle within circle, ran; The central boss was black, but hemm’d about40 With twice ten bosses of resplendent tin. There, dreadful ornament! the visage dark Of Gorgon scowl’d, border’d by Flight and Fear. The loop was silver, and a serpent form Cœrulean over all its surface twined,45 Three heads erecting on one neck, the heads Together wreath’d into a stately crown. His helmet quâtre-crested,[4] and with studs Fast riveted around he to his brows Adjusted, whence tremendous waved his crest50 Of mounted hair on high. Two spears he seized Ponderous, brass-pointed, and that flash’d to heaven. Sounds[5] like clear thunder, by the spouse of Jove And by Minerva raised to extol the King Of opulent Mycenæ, roll’d around.55 At once each bade his

charioteer his steeds Hold fast beside the margin of the trench In orderly array; the foot all arm’d Rush’d forward, and the clamor of the host Rose infinite into the dawning skies.60 First, at the trench, the embattled infantry[6] Stood ranged; the chariots follow’d close behind; Dire was the tumult by Saturnian Jove Excited, and from ether down he shed Blood-tinctured dews among them, for he meant65 That day to send full many a warrior bold To Pluto’s dreary realm, slain premature.

Opposite, on the rising-ground, appear’d The Trojans; them majestic Hector led, Noble Polydamas, Æneas raised70 To godlike honors in all Trojan hearts, And Polybus, with whom Antenor’s sons Agenor, and young Acamas advanced. Hector the splendid orb of his broad shield Bore in the van, and as a comet now75 Glares through the clouds portentous, and again, Obscured by gloomy vapors, disappears, So Hector, marshalling his host, in front Now shone, now vanish’d in the distant rear. All-cased he flamed in brass, and on the sight80 Flash’d as the lightnings of Jove Ægis-arm’d. As reapers, toiling opposite,[7] lay bare Some rich man’s furrows, while the sever’d grain, Barley or wheat, sinks as the sickle moves, So Greeks and Trojans springing into fight85 Slew mutual; foul retreat alike they scorn’d, Alike in fierce hostility their heads Both bore aloft, and rush’d like wolves to war. Discord, spectatress terrible, that sight Beheld exulting; she, of all the Gods,90 Alone was present; not a Power beside There interfered, but each his bright abode Quiescent occupied wherever built Among the windings of the Olympian heights; Yet blamed they all the storm-assembler King95 Saturnian, for his purposed aid to Troy. The eternal father reck’d not; he, apart, Seated in solitary pomp, enjoy’d His glory, and from on high the towers survey’d Of Ilium and the fleet of Greece, the flash100 Of gleaming arms, the slayer and the slain.

While morning lasted, and the light of day Increased, so long the weapons on both sides Flew in thick vollies, and the people fell. But, what time his repast the woodman spreads105 In some umbrageous vale, his sinewy arms Wearied with hewing many a lofty tree, And his wants satisfied, he feels at length The pinch of appetite to pleasant food,[8] Then was it, that encouraging aloud110 Each other, in their native virtue strong, The Grecians through the phalanx burst of Troy. Forth sprang the monarch first; he slew the Chief Bianor, nor himself alone, but slew Oïleus also driver of his steeds.115 Oïleus, with a leap alighting, rush’d On Agamemnon; he his fierce assault Encountering, with a spear met full his front. Nor could his helmet’s ponderous brass sustain That force, but both his helmet and his skull120 It shatter’d, and his martial rage repress’d. The King of men, stripping their corselets, bared Their shining breasts, and left them. Isus, next, And Antiphus he flew to slay, the sons Of Priam both, and in one chariot borne,125 This spurious, genuine that. The bastard drove, And Antiphus, a warrior high-renown’d, Fought from the chariot; them Achilles erst Feeding their flocks

on Ida had surprised And bound with osiers, but for ransom loosed.130 Of these, imperial Agamemnon, first, Above the pap pierced Isus; next, he smote Antiphus with his sword beside the ear, And from his chariot cast him to the ground. Conscious of both, their glittering arms he stripp’d,135 For he had seen them when from Ida’s heights Achilles led them to the Grecian fleet. As with resistless fangs the lion breaks The young in pieces of the nimble hind, Entering her lair, and takes their feeble lives;140 She, though at hand, can yield them no defence, But through the thick wood, wing’d with terror, starts Herself away, trembling at such a foe; So them the Trojans had no power to save, Themselves all driven before the host of Greece.145 Next, on Pisandrus, and of dauntless heart Hippolochus he rush’d; they were the sons Of brave Antimachus, who with rich gifts By Paris bought, inflexible withheld From Menelaus still his lovely bride.150 His sons, the monarch, in one chariot borne Encounter’d; they (for they had lost the reins) With trepidation and united force Essay’d to check the steeds; astonishment Seized both; Atrides with a lion’s rage155 Came on, and from the chariot thus

Oh spare us! son of Atreus, and accept Ransom immense. Antimachus our sire Is rich in various treasure, gold and brass, And temper’d steel, and, hearing the report160 That in Achaia’s fleet his sons survive, He will requite thee with a glorious price.

Are ye indeed the offspring of the Chief165 Antimachus, who when my brother once With godlike Laertiades your town Enter’d ambassador, his death advised In council, and to let him forth no more? Now rue ye both the baseness of your sire.170

He said, and from his chariot to the plain Thrust down Pisandrus, piercing with keen lance His bosom, and supine he smote the field. Down leap’d Hippolochus, whom on the ground He slew, cut sheer his hands, and lopp’d his head,175 And roll’d it like a mortar[9] through the ranks. He left the slain, and where he saw the field With thickest battle cover’d, thither flew By all the Grecians follow’d bright in arms. The scatter’d infantry constrained to fly,180 Fell by the infantry; the charioteers, While with loud hoofs their steeds the dusty soil Excited, o’er the charioteers their wheels Drove brazen-fellied, and the King of men Incessant slaughtering, called his Argives[10] on.185 As when fierce flames some ancient forest seize, From side to side in flakes the various wind Rolls them, and to the roots devour’d, the trunks Fall prostrate under fury of the fire, So under Agamemnon fell the heads190 Of flying Trojans. Many a courser proud The empty chariots through the paths of war Whirl’d rattling, of their charioteers deprived; They breathless press’d the plain, now fitter far To feed the vultures than to cheer their wives.195

Conceal’d, meantime, by Jove, Hector escaped The dust, darts, deaths, and tumult of the field; And Agamemnon to the swift pursuit Call’d loud the Grecians. Through the middle plain Beside the sepulchre of Ilus, son200 Of Dardanus, and where the fig-tree stood, The Trojans flew, panting to gain the town, While Agamemnon pressing close the rear, Shout after shout terrific sent abroad, And his victorious hands reek’d, red with gore.205 But at the beech-tree and the Scæan gate Arrived, the Trojans halted, waiting there The rearmost fugitives; they o’er the field Came like a herd, which in the dead of night A lion drives; all fly, but one is doom’d210 To death inevitable; her with jaws True to their hold he seizes, and her neck Breaking, embowels her, and laps the blood; So, Atreus’ royal son, the hindmost still Slaying, and still pursuing, urged them on.215 Many supine, and many prone, the field Press’d, by the son of Atreus in their flight Dismounted; for no weapon raged as his. But now, at last, when he should soon have reach’d The lofty walls of Ilium, came the Sire220 Of Gods and men descending from the skies, And on the heights of Ida fountain-fed, Sat arm’d with thunders. Calling to his foot Swift Iris golden-pinion’d, thus he spake.

Iris! away. Thus speak in Hector’s ears.225 While yet he shall the son of Atreus see Fierce warring in the van, and mowing down The Trojan ranks, so long let him abstain From battle, leaving to his host the task Of bloody contest furious with the Greeks.230 But soon as Atreus’ son by spear or shaft Wounded shall climb his chariot, with such force I will endue Hector, that he shall slay Till he have reach’d the ships, and till, the sun Descending, sacred darkness cover all.235

He spake, nor rapid Iris disobey’d Storm-wing’d ambassadress, but from the heights Of Ida stoop’d to Ilium. There she found The son of royal Priam by the throng Of chariots and of steeds compass’d about240 She, standing at his side, him thus bespake.

Oh, son of Priam! as the Gods discreet! I bring thee counsel from the Sire of all. While yet thou shalt the son of Atreus see Fierce warring in the van, and mowing down245 The warrior ranks, so long he bids thee pause From battle, leaving to thy host the task Of bloody contest furious with the Greeks. But soon as Atreus’ son, by spear or shaft Wounded, shall climb his chariot, Jove will then250 Endue thee with such force, that thou shalt slay Till thou have reach’d the ships, and till, the sun Descending, sacred darkness cover all.

So saying, swift-pinion’d Iris disappear’d. Then Hector from his chariot at a leap255 Came down all arm’d, and, shaking his bright spears, Ranged every quarter, animating loud The legions, and rekindling horrid war. Back roll’d the Trojan ranks, and faced the Greeks; The Greeks their host to closer phalanx drew;260 The battle was restored, van fronting van They stood, and Agamemnon into fight Sprang foremost, panting for superior fame.

Say now, ye Nine, who on Olympus dwell! What Trojan first, or what ally of Troy265 Opposed the force of Agamemnon’s arm? Iphidamas, Antenor’s valiant son, Of loftiest stature, who in fertile Thrace Mother of flocks was nourish’d, Cisseus him His grandsire, father of Theano praised270 For loveliest features, in his own abode Rear’d yet a child, and when at length he reach’d The measure of his glorious manhood firm Dismiss’d him not, but, to engage him more, Gave him his daughter. Wedded, he his bride275 As soon deserted, and with galleys twelve Following the rumor’d voyage of the Greeks, The same course steer’d; but at Percope moor’d, And marching thence, arrived on foot at Troy. He first opposed Atrides. They approach’d.280 The spear of Agamemnon wander’d wide; But him Iphidamas on his broad belt Beneath the corselet struck, and, bearing still On his spear-beam, enforced it; but ere yet He pierced the broider’d zone, his point, impress’d285 Against the silver, turn’d, obtuse as lead. Then royal Agamemnon in his hand The weapon grasping, with a lion’s rage Home drew it to himself, and from his gripe Wresting it, with his falchion keen his neck290 Smote full, and stretch’d him

lifeless at his foot. So slept Iphidamas among the slain; Unhappy! from his virgin bride remote, Associate with the men of Troy in arms He fell, and left her beauties unenjoy’d.295 He gave her much, gave her a hundred beeves, And sheep and goats a thousand from his flocks Promised, for numberless his meadows ranged; But Agamemnon, son of Atreus, him Slew and despoil’d, and through the Grecian host300 Proceeded, laden with his gorgeous arms. Coön that sight beheld, illustrious Chief, Antenor’s eldest born, but with dim eyes Through anguish for his brother’s fall. Unseen Of noble Agamemnon, at his side305 He cautious stood, and with a spear his arm, Where thickest flesh’d, below his elbow, pierced, Till opposite the glittering point appear’d. A thrilling horror seized the King of men So wounded; yet though wounded so, from fight310 He ceased not, but on Coön rush’d, his spear Grasping, well-thriven growth[11] of many a wind. He by the foot drew off Iphidamas, His brother, son of his own sire, aloud Calling the Trojan leaders to his aid;315 When him so occupied with his keen point Atrides pierced his bossy shield beneath. Expiring on Iphidamas he fell Prostrate, and Agamemnon lopp’d

his head. Thus, under royal Agamemnon’s hand,320 Antenor’s sons their destiny fulfill’d, And to the house of Ades journey’d both. Through other ranks of warriors then he pass’d, Now with his spear, now with his falchion arm’d, And now with missile force of massy stones,325 While yet his warm blood sallied from the wound. But when the wound grew dry, and the blood ceased, Anguish intolerable undermined Then all the might of Atreus’ royal son. As when a laboring woman’s arrowy throes330 Seize her intense, by Juno’s daughters dread The birth-presiding Ilithyæ deep Infixt, dispensers of those pangs severe; So, anguish insupportable subdued Then all the might of Atreus’ royal son.335 Up-springing to his seat, instant he bade His charioteer drive to the hollow barks, Heart-sick himself with pain; yet, ere he went, With voice loud-echoing hail’d the Danaï.

He ended, and the charioteer his steeds Lash’d to the ships; they not unwilling flew,345 Bearing from battle the afflicted King With foaming chests and bellies grey with dust. Soon Hector, noting his retreat, aloud Call’d on the Trojans and allies of Troy.

Trojans and Lycians, and close-fighting sons350 Of Dardanus! oh summon all your might; Now, now be men! Their bravest is withdrawn! Glory and honor from Saturnian Jove On me attend; now full against the Greeks Drive all your steeds, and win a deathless name.355

He spake—and all drew courage from his word. As when his hounds bright-tooth’d some hunter cheers Against the lion or the forest-boar, So Priameïan Hector cheer’d his host Magnanimous against the sons of Greece,360 Terrible as gore-tainted Mars. Among The foremost warriors, with success elate He strode, and flung himself into the fight Black as a storm which sudden from on high Descending, furrows deep the gloomy flood.365

Then whom slew Priameïan Hector first, Whom last, by Jove, that day, with glory crown’d? Assæus, Dolops, Orus, Agelaüs, Autonoüs, Hipponoüs, Æsymnus, Opheltius and Opites first he slew,370 All leaders of the Greeks, and, after these, The people. As when whirlwinds of the West A storm encounter from the gloomy South, The waves roll multitudinous, and the foam Upswept by wandering gusts fills all the air,375 So Hector swept the Grecians. Then defeat Past remedy and havoc had ensued, Then had the routed Grecians, flying, sought Their ships again, but that Ulysses[12] thus Summon’d the brave Tydides to his aid.380

The Hero spake, and from his chariot cast390 Thymbræus to the ground pierced through the pap, While by Ulysses’ hand his charioteer Godlike Molion, fell. The warfare thus Of both for ever closed, them there they left, And plunging deep into the warrior-throng395 Troubled the multitude. As when two boars Turn desperate on the close-pursuing hounds, So they, returning on the host of Troy, Slew on all sides, and overtoil’d with flight From Hector’s arm, the Greeks meantime respired.400 Two warriors, next, their chariot and themselves They took, plebeians brave, sons of the seer Percosian Merops in prophetic skill Surpassing all; he both his sons forbad The mortal field, but disobedient they405 Still sought it, for their destiny prevail’d. Spear-practised Diomede of life deprived Both these, and stripp’d them of their glorious arms, While by Ulysses’ hand Hippodamus Died and Hypeirochus. And now the son410 Of Saturn, looking down from Ida, poised The doubtful war, and mutual deaths they dealt. Tydides plunged his spear into the groin Of the illustrious son of Pæon, bold Agastrophus. No steeds at his command415 Had he, infatuate! but his charioteer His steeds detain’d remote, while through the van Himself on foot rush’d madly till he fell. But Hector through the ranks darting his eye Perceived, and with ear-piercing cries advanced420 Against them, follow’d by the host of Troy. The son of Tydeus, shuddering, his approach Discern’d, and instant to Ulysses spake.[13]

He said, and hurling his long-shadow’d beam Smote Hector. At his helmet’s crown he aim’d, Nor err’d, but brass encountering brass, the point Glanced wide, for he had cased his youthful brows In triple brass, Apollo’s glorious gift.430 Yet with rapidity at such a shock Hector recoil’d into the multitude Afar, where sinking to his knees, he lean’d On his broad palm, and darkness veil’d his eyes. But while Tydides follow’d through the van435 His stormy spear, which in the distant soil Implanted stood, Hector his scatter’d sense Recovering, to his chariot sprang again, And, diving deep into his host, escaped. The noble son of Tydeus, spear in hand,440 Rush’d after him, and as he went, exclaim’d.

Dog! thou hast now escaped; but, sure the stroke Approach’d thee nigh, well-aim’d. Once more thy prayers Which ever to Apollo thou prefer’st Entering the clash of battle, have prevail’d,445 And he hath rescued thee. But well beware Our next encounter, for if also me Some God befriend, thou diest. Now will I seek Another mark, and smite whom next I may.

He spake, and of his armor stripp’d the son450 Spear-famed of Pæon. Meantime Paris, mate Of beauteous Helen, drew his bow against Tydides; by a pillar of the tomb Of Ilus, ancient senator revered, Conceal’d he stood, and while the Hero loosed455 His corselet from the breast of Pæon’s son Renown’d, and of his helmet and his targe Despoil’d him; Paris, arching quick his bow, No devious shaft dismiss’d, but his right foot Pierced through the sole, and fix’d it to the ground.460 Transported from his ambush forth he leap’d With a loud laugh, and, vaunting, thus exclaim’d:

To whom, undaunted, Diomede replied. Archer shrew-tongued! spie-maiden! man of curls![14] Shouldst thou in arms attempt me face to face,470 Thy bow and arrows should avail thee nought. Vain boaster! thou hast scratch’d my foot—no more— And I regard it as I might the stroke Of a weak woman or a simple child. The weapons of a dastard and a slave475 Are ever such. More terrible are mine, And whom they pierce, though slightly pierced, he dies. His wife her cheeks rends inconsolable, His babes are fatherless, his blood the glebe Incarnadines, and where he bleeds and rots480 More birds of prey than women haunt the place.

He ended, and Ulysses, drawing nigh, Shelter’d Tydides; he behind the Chief Of Ithaca sat drawing forth the shaft, But pierced with agonizing pangs the while.485 Then, climbing to his chariot-seat, he bade Sthenelus hasten to the hollow ships, Heart-sick with pain. And now alone was seen Spear-famed Ulysses; not an Argive more Remain’d, so universal was the rout,490 And groaning, to his own great heart he said.

Alas! what now awaits me? If, appall’d By multitudes, I fly, much detriment; And if alone they intercept me here, Still more; for Jove hath scatter’d all the host,495 Yet why these doubts! for know I not of old That only dastards fly, and that the voice Of honor bids the famed in battle stand, Bleed they themselves, or cause their foes to bleed?

While busied in such thought he stood, the ranks500 Of Trojans fronted with broad shields, enclosed The hero with a ring, hemming around Their own destruction. As when dogs, and swains In prime of manhood, from all quarters rush Around a boar, he from his thicket bolts,505 The bright tusk whetting in his crooked jaws: They press him on all sides, and from beneath Loud gnashings hear, yet firm, his threats defy; Like them the Trojans on all sides assail’d Ulysses dear to Jove. First with his spear510 He sprang impetuous on a valiant chief, Whose shoulder with a downright point he pierced, Deïopites; Thoön next he slew, And Ennomus, and from his coursers’ backs Alighting quick, Chersidamas; beneath515 His bossy shield the gliding weapon pass’d Right through his navel; on the plain he fell Expiring, and with both hands clench’d the dust. Them slain he left, and Charops wounded next, Brother of Socus, generous Chief, and son520 Of Hippasus; brave Socus to the aid Of Charops flew, and, godlike, thus began.

So saying, Ulysses’ oval disk he smote. Through his bright disk the stormy weapon flew, Transpierced his twisted mail, and from his side530 Drove all the skin, but to his nobler parts Found entrance none, by Pallas turn’d aslant.[15] Ulysses, conscious of his life untouch’d, Retired a step from Socus, and replied.

Ah hapless youth; thy fate is on the wing;535 Me thou hast forced indeed to cease a while From battle with the Trojans, but I speak Thy death at hand; for vanquish’d by my spear, This self-same day thou shalt to me resign Thy fame, thy soul to Pluto steed-renown’d.540