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

Then Athenæan Pallas on the son Of Tydeus,[1] Diomede, new force conferr’d And daring courage, that the Argives all He might surpass, and deathless fame achieve. Fires on his helmet and his shield around5 She kindled, bright and steady as the star Autumnal,[2] which in Ocean newly bathed Assumes fresh beauty; with such glorious beams His head encircling and his shoulders broad, She urged him forth into the thickest fight.10

There lived a man in Troy, Dares his name, The priest of Vulcan; rich he was and good, The father of two sons, Idæus this, That, Phegeus call’d; accomplish’d warriors both. These, issuing from their phalanx, push’d direct15 Their steeds at Diomede, who fought on foot. When now small interval was left between, First Phegeus his long-shadow’d spear dismiss’d; But over Diomede’s left shoulder pass’d The point, innocuous. Then his splendid lance20 Tydides hurl’d; nor ineffectual flew The weapon from his hand, but Phegeus pierced His paps between, and forced him to the ground. At once, his sumptuous chariot left, down leap’d Idæsus, wanting courage to defend25 His brother slain; nor had he scaped himself His louring fate, but Vulcan, to preserve His ancient priest from unmixt sorrow, snatch’d The fugitive in darkness wrapt, away. Then brave Tydides, driving off the steeds,30 Consign’d them to his fellow-warriors’ care, That they might lead them down into the fleet.

And now the host of Troy to flight inclined45 Before the Grecians, and the Chiefs of Greece Each slew a warrior. Agamemnon first Gigantic Odius from his chariot hurl’d. Chief of the Halizonians. He to flight Turn’d foremost, when the monarch in his spine50 Between the shoulder-bones his spear infixt, And urged it through his breast. Sounding he fell, And loud his batter’d armor rang around.

By brave Idomeneus a Lydian died, Phæstus, from fruitful Tarne sent to Troy,55 Son of Mæonian Borus; him his steeds Mounting, Idomeneus the spear-renown’d Through his right shoulder pierced; unwelcome night Involved him; from his chariot down he fell,[4] And the attendant Cretans stripp’d his arms.60

But Menelaus, son of Atreus slew With his bright spear Scamandrius, Stropius’ son, A skilful hunter; for Diana him, Herself, the slaughter of all savage kinds Had taught, on mountain or in forest bred.65 But she, shaft-aiming Goddess, in that hour Avail’d him not, nor his own matchless skill; For Menelaus, Atreus son spear-famed, Him flying wounded in the spine between His shoulders, and the spear urged through his breast.70 Prone on his loud-resounding arms he fell.

Next, by Meriones, Phereclus died, Son of Harmonides. All arts that ask A well-instructed hand his sire had learn’d, For Pallas dearly loved him. He the fleet,75 Prime source of harm to Troy and to himself, For Paris built, unskill’d to spell aright The oracles predictive of the wo. Phereclus fled; Meriones his flight Outstripping, deep in his posterior flesh80 A spear infix’d; sliding beneath the bone It grazed his bladder as it pass’d, and stood Protruded far before. Low on his knees Phereclus sank, and with a shriek expired. Pedæus, whom, although his spurious son,85 Antenor’s wife, to gratify her lord, Had cherish’d as her own—him Meges slew. Warlike Phylides[5] following close his flight, His keen lance drove into his poll, cut sheer His tongue within, and through his mouth enforced90 The glittering point. He, prostrate in the dust, The cold steel press’d between his teeth and died.

Eurypylus, Evemon’s son, the brave Hypsenor slew; Dolopion was his sire, Priest of Scamander, reverenced as a God.95 In vain before Eurypylus he fled; He, running, with his falchion lopp’d his arm Fast by the shoulder; on the field his hand Fell blood-distained, and destiny severe With shades of death for ever veil’d his eyes.100

Thus strenuous they the toilsome battle waged. But where Tydides fought, whether in aid Of Ilium’s host, or on the part of Greece, Might none discern. For as a winter-flood Impetuous, mounds and bridges sweeps away;[6]105 The buttress’d bridge checks not its sudden force, The firm inclosure of vine-planted fields Luxuriant, falls before it; finish’d works Of youthful hinds, once pleasant to the eye, Now levell’d, after ceaseless rain from Jove;110 So drove Tydides into sudden flight The Trojans; phalanx after phalanx fled Before the terror of his single arm.

When him Lycaon’s son illustrious saw Scouring the field, and from before his face115 The ranks dispersing wide, at once he bent Against Tydides his elastic bow. The arrow met him in his swift career Sure-aim’d; it struck direct the hollow mail Of his right shoulder, with resistless force120 Transfix’d it, and his hauberk stain’d with blood. Loud shouted then Lycaon’s son renown’d.

Unconquer’d daughter of Jove Ægis-arm’d! If ever me, propitious, or my sire Thou hast in furious fight help’d heretofore, Now aid me also. Bring within the reach140 Of my swift spear, Oh grant me to strike through The warrior who hath check’d my course, and boasts The sun’s bright beams for ever quench’d to me![8]

Now Diomede, be bold! Fight now with Troy. To thee, thy father’s spirit I impart Fearless; shield-shaking Tydeus felt the same. I also from thine eye the darkness purge150 Which dimm’d thy sight[9] before, that thou may’st know Both Gods and men; should, therefore, other God Approach to try thee, fight not with the powers Immortal; but if foam-born Venus come, Her spare not. Wound her with thy glittering spear.155

So spake the blue-eyed Deity, and went, Then with the champions in the van again Tydides mingled; hot before, he fights With threefold fury now, nor less enraged Than some gaunt lion whom o’erleaping light160 The fold, a shepherd hath but gall’d, not kill’d, Him irritating more; thenceforth the swain Lurks unresisting; flies the abandon’d flock; Heaps slain on heaps he leaves, and with a bound Surmounting all impediment, escapes;165 Such seem’d the valiant Diomede incensed To fury, mingling with the host of Troy.

Them leaving, Polyides next he sought And Abas, sons of a dream-dealing seer, Eurydamas; their hoary father’s dreams175 Or not interpreted, or kept concealed, Them saved not, for by Diomede they died. Xanthus and Thöon he encounter’d next, Both sons of Phænops, sons of his old age, Who other heir had none of all his wealth,180 Nor hoped another, worn with many years. Tydides slew them both; nor aught remain’d To the old man but sorrow for his sons For ever lost, and strangers were his heirs. Two sons of Priam in one chariot borne185 Echemon next, and Chromius felt his hand Resistless. As a lion on the herd Leaping, while they the shrubs and bushes browse, Breaks short the neck of heifer or of steer, So them, though clinging fast and loth to fall,190 Tydides hurl’d together to the ground, Then stripp’d their splendid armor, and the steeds Consigned and chariot to his soldiers’ care.

Thy bow, thy feather’d shafts, and glorious name Where are they, Pandarus? whom none of Troy200 Could equal, whom of Lycia, none excel. Come. Lift thine hands to Jove, and at yon Chief Dispatch an arrow, who afflicts the host Of Ilium thus, conquering where’er he flies, And who hath slaughter’d numerous brave in arms,205 But him some Deity I rather deem Avenging on us his neglected rites, And who can stand before an angry God?

Him answer’d then Lycaon’s son renown’d. Brave leader of the Trojans brazen-mail’d,210 Æneas! By his buckler which I know, And by his helmet’s height, considering, too His steeds, I deem him Diomede the bold; Yet such pronounce him not, who seems a God. But if bold Diomede indeed he be215 Of whom I speak, not without aid from heaven His fury thus prevails, but at his side Some God, in clouds enveloped, turns away From him the arrow to a devious course. Already, at his shoulder’s hollow mail220 My shaft hath pierced him through, and him I deem’d Dismiss’d full sure to Pluto ere his time But he survives; whom therefore I at last Perforce conclude some angry Deity. Steeds have I none or chariot to ascend,225 Who have eleven chariots in the stands Left of Lycaon, with fair hangings all O’ermantled, strong, new finish’d, with their steeds In pairs beside them, eating winnow’d grain. Me much Lycaon my old valiant sire230 At my departure from his palace gates Persuaded, that my chariot and my steeds Ascending, I should so conduct my bands To battle; counsel wise, and ill-refused! But anxious, lest (the host in Troy so long235 Immew’d) my steeds, fed plenteously at home, Should here want food, I left them, and on foot To Ilium came, confiding in my bow Ordain’d at last to yield me little good. Twice have I shot, and twice I struck the mark,240 First Menelaus, and Tydides next; From each I drew the blood, true, genuine blood, Yet have but more incensed them.

In an hour Unfortunate, I therefore took my bow Down from the wall that day, when for the sake245 Of noble Hector, to these pleasant plains I came, a leader on the part of Troy. But should I once return, and with these eyes Again behold my native land, my sire, My wife, my stately mansion, may the hand,250 That moment, of some adversary there Shorten me by the head, if I not snap This bow with which I charged myself in vain, And burn the unprofitable tool to dust.

To whom Æneas, Trojan Chief, replied.255 Nay, speak not so. For ere that hour arrive We will, with chariot and with horse, in arms Encounter him, and put his strength to proof. Delay not, mount my chariot. Thou shalt see With what rapidity the steeds of Troy260 Pursuing or retreating, scour the field. If after all, Jove purpose still to exalt The son of Tydeus, these shall bear us safe Back to the city. Come then. Let us on. The lash take thou, and the resplendent reins,265 While I alight for battle, or thyself Receive them, and the steeds shall be my care.

Him answer’d then Lycaon’s son renown’d. Æneas! manage thou the reins, and guide Thy proper steeds. If fly at last we must270 The son of Tydeus, they will readier draw Directed by their wonted charioteer. Else, terrified, and missing thy control, They may refuse to bear us from the fight, And Tydeus’ son assailing us, with ease275 Shall slay us both, and drive thy steeds away. Rule therefore thou the chariot, and myself With my sharp spear will his assault receive.

Tydides, Diomede, my heart’s delight! Two warriors of immeasurable force In battle, ardent to contend with thee,285 Come rattling on. Lycaon’s offspring one, Bow-practised Pandarus; with whom appears Æneas; he who calls the mighty Chief Anchises father, and whom Venus bore. Mount—drive we swift away—lest borne so far290 Beyond the foremost battle, thou be slain.

To whom, dark-frowning, Diomede replied Speak not of flight to me, who am disposed To no such course. I am ashamed to fly Or tremble, and my strength is still entire;295 I cannot mount. No. Rather thus, on foot, I will advance against them. Fear and dread Are not for me; Pallas forbids the thought. One falls, be sure; swift as they are, the steeds That whirl them on, shall never rescue both.300 But hear my bidding, and hold fast the word. Should all-wise Pallas grant me my desire To slay them both, drive not my coursers hence, But hook the reins, and seizing quick the pair That draw Æneas, urge them from the powers305 Of Troy away into the host of Greece. For they are sprung from those which Jove to Tros In compensation gave for Ganymede; The Sun himself sees not their like below. Anchises, King of men, clandestine them310 Obtain’d, his mares submitting to the steeds Of King Laomedon. Six brought him foals; Four to himself reserving, in his stalls He fed them sleek, and two he gave his son: These, might we win them, were a noble prize.315

He said, and shaking his long-shadow’d spear, Dismiss’d it. Forceful on the shield it struck Of Diomede, transpierced it, and approach’d325 With threatening point the hauberk on his breast. Loud shouted Pandarus—Ah nobly thrown! Home to thy bowels. Die, for die thou must, And all the glory of thy death is mine.

He said and threw. Pallas the spear herself335 Directed; at his eye fast by the nose Deep-entering, through his ivory teeth it pass’d, At its extremity divided sheer His tongue, and started through his chin below. He headlong fell, and with his dazzling arms340 Smote full the plain. Back flew the fiery steeds With swift recoil, and where he fell he died. Then sprang Æneas forth with spear and shield, That none might drag the body;[11] lion-like He stalk’d around it, oval shield and spear345 Advancing firm, and with incessant cries Terrific, death denouncing on his foes. But Diomede with hollow grasp a stone Enormous seized, a weight to overtask Two strongest men of such as now are strong,350 Yet he, alone, wielded the rock with ease. Full on the hip he smote him, where the thigh Rolls in its cavity, the socket named. He crushed the socket, lacerated wide Both tendons, and with that rough-angled mass355 Flay’d all his flesh, The Hero on his knees Sank, on his ample palm his weight upbore Laboring, and darkness overspread his eyes.

There had Æneas perish’d, King of men, Had not Jove’s daughter Venus quick perceived360 His peril imminent, whom she had borne Herself to Anchises pasturing his herds. Her snowy arras her darling son around She threw maternal, and behind a fold Of her bright mantle screening close his breast365 From mortal harm by some brave Grecian’s spear, Stole him with eager swiftness from the fight.

Nor then forgat brave Sthenelus his charge Received from Diomede, but his own steeds Detaining distant from the boisterous war,370 Stretch’d tight the reins, and hook’d them fast behind. The coursers of Æneas next he seized Ardent, and them into the host of Greece Driving remote, consign’d them to his care, Whom far above all others his compeers375 He loved, Deipylus, his bosom friend Congenial. Him he charged to drive them thence Into the fleet, then, mounting swift his own, Lash’d after Diomede; he, fierce in arms, Pursued the Cyprian Goddess, conscious whom,380 Not Pallas, not Enyo, waster dread Of cities close-beleaguer’d, none of all Who o’er the battle’s bloody course preside, But one of softer kind and prone to fear. When, therefore, her at length, after long chase385 Through all the warring multitude he reach’d, With his protruded spear her gentle hand He wounded, piercing through her thin attire Ambrosial, by themselves the graces wrought, Her inside wrist, fast by the rosy palm.390 Blood follow’d, but immortal; ichor pure, Such as the blest inhabitants of heaven May bleed, nectareous; for the Gods eat not Man’s food, nor slake as he with sable wine Their thirst, thence bloodless and from death exempt.395 She, shrieking, from her arms cast down her son, And Phœbus, in impenetrable clouds Him hiding, lest the spear of some brave Greek Should pierce his bosom, caught him swift away. Then shouted brave Tydides after her—400

He said, and Venus with excess of pain Bewilder’d went; but Iris tempest-wing’d Forth led her through the multitude, oppress’d With anguish, her white wrist to livid changed. They came where Mars far on the left retired410 Of battle sat, his horses and his spear In darkness veil’d. Before her brother’s knees She fell, and with entreaties urgent sought The succor of his coursers golden-rein’d.