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

The games all closed, the people went dispersed Each to his ship; they, mindful of repast, And to enjoy repose; but other thoughts Achilles’ mind employ’d: he still deplored With tears his loved Patroclus, nor the force5 Felt of all-conquering sleep, but turn’d and turn’d Restless from side to side, mourning the loss Of such a friend, so manly, and so brave. Their fellowship in toil; their hardships oft Sustain’d in fight laborious, or o’ercome10 With difficulty on the perilous deep— Remembrance busily retracing themes Like these, drew down his cheeks continual tears. Now on his side he lay, now lay supine, Now prone, then starting from his couch he roam’d15 Forlorn the beach, nor did the rising morn On seas and shores escape his watchful eye, But joining to his chariot his swift steeds, He fasten’d Hector to be dragg’d behind. Around the tomb of Menœtiades20 Him thrice he dragg’d; then rested in his tent, Leaving him at his length stretch’d in the dust. Meantime Apollo with compassion touch’d Even of the lifeless Hector, from all taint Saved him, and with the golden ægis broad25 Covering, preserved him, although dragg’d, untorn.

While he, indulging thus his wrath, disgraced Brave Hector, the immortals at that sight With pity moved, exhorted Mercury The watchful Argicide, to steal him thence.30 That counsel pleased the rest, but neither pleased Juno, nor Neptune, nor the blue-eyed maid. They still, as at the first, held fast their hate Of sacred Troy, detested Priam still, And still his people, mindful of the crime35 Of Paris, who when to his rural hut They came, those Goddesses affronting,[1] praise And admiration gave to her alone Who with vile lusts his preference repaid. But when the twelfth ensuing morn arose,40 Apollo, then, the immortals thus address’d.

Ye Gods, your dealings now injurious seem And cruel. Was not Hector wont to burn Thighs of fat goats and bullocks at your shrines? Whom now, though dead, ye cannot yet endure45 To rescue, that Andromache once more Might view him, his own mother, his own son, His father and the people, who would soon Yield him his just demand, a funeral fire. But, oh ye Gods! your pleasure is alone50 To please Achilles, that pernicious chief, Who neither right regards, nor owns a mind That can relent, but as the lion, urged By his own dauntless heart and savage force, Invades without remorse the rights of man,55 That he may banquet on his herds and flocks, So Peleus’ son all pity from his breast Hath driven, and shame, man’s blessing or his curse.[2] For whosoever hath a loss sustain’d Still dearer, whether of his brother born60 From the same womb, or even of his son, When he hath once bewail’d him, weeps no more, For fate itself gives man a patient mind. Yet Peleus’ son, not so contented, slays Illustrious Hector first, then drags his corse65 In cruel triumph at his chariot-wheels Around Patroclus’ tomb; but neither well He acts, nor honorably to himself, Who may, perchance, brave though he be, incur Our anger, while to gratify revenge70 He pours dishonor thus on senseless clay.

To whom, incensed, Juno white-arm’d replied. And be it so; stand fast this word of thine, God of the silver bow! if ye account Only such honor to Achilles due75 As Hector claims; but Hector was by birth Mere man, and suckled at a woman’s breast. Not such Achilles; him a Goddess bore, Whom I myself nourish’d, and on my lap Fondled, and in due time to Peleus gave80 In marriage, to a chief beloved in heaven Peculiarly; ye were yourselves, ye Gods! Partakers of the nuptial feast, and thou Wast present also with thine harp in hand, Thou comrade of the vile! thou faithless ever!85

Then answer thus cloud-gatherer Jove return’d. Juno, forbear. Indulge not always wrath Against the Gods. They shall not share alike, And in the same proportion our regards. Yet even Hector was the man in Troy90 Most favor’d by the Gods, and him no less I also loved, for punctual were his gifts To us; mine altar never miss’d from him Libation, or the steam of sacrifice, The meed allotted to us from of old.95 But steal him not, since by Achilles’ eye Unseen ye cannot, who both day and night Watches[3] him, as a mother tends her son. But call ye Thetis hither, I would give The Goddess counsel, that, at Priam’s hands100 Accepting gifts, Achilles loose the dead.

He ceased. Then Iris tempest-wing’d arose. Samos between, and Imbrus rock-begirt, She plunged into the gloomy flood; loud groan’d The briny pool, while sudden down she rush’d,105 As sinks the bull’s[4] horn with its leaden weight, Death bearing to the raveners of the deep. Within her vaulted cave Thetis she found By every nymph of Ocean round about Encompass’d; she, amid them all, the fate110 Wept of her noble son ordain’d to death At fertile Troy, from Phthia far remote. Then, Iris, drawing near, her thus address’d.

So saying, the Goddess took her sable veil (Eye ne’er beheld a darker) and began Her progress, by the storm-wing’d Iris led. On either hand the billows open’d wide A pass before them; they, ascending soon125 The shore, updarted swift into the skies. They found loud-voiced Saturnian Jove around Environ’d by the ever-blessed Gods Convened in full assembly; she beside Her Father Jove (Pallas retiring) sat.130 Then, Juno, with consolatory speech, Presented to her hand a golden cup, Of which she drank, then gave it back again, And thus the sire of Gods and men began.

Goddess of ocean, Thetis! thou hast sought135 Olympus, bearing in thy bosom grief Never to be assuaged, as well I know. Yet shalt thou learn, afflicted as thou art, Why I have summon’d thee. Nine days the Gods, Concerning Hector’s body and thy own140 Brave city-spoiler son, have held dispute, And some have urged ofttimes the Argicide Keen-sighted Mercury, to steal the dead. But I forbade it for Achilles’ sake, Whom I exalt, the better to insure145 Thy reverence and thy friendship evermore. Haste, therefore, seek thy son, and tell him thus, The Gods resent it, say (but most of all Myself am angry) that he still detains Amid his fleet, through fury of revenge,150 Unransom’d Hector; so shall he, at length, Through fear of me, perchance, release the slain. Myself to generous Priam will, the while, Send Iris, who shall bid him to the fleet Of Greece, such ransom bearing as may soothe155 Achilles, for redemption of his son.

So spake the God, nor Thetis not complied. Descending swift from the Olympian heights She reach’d Achilles’ tent. Him there she found Groaning disconsolate, while others ran160 To and fro, occupied around a sheep New-slaughter’d, large, and of exuberant fleece. She, sitting close beside him, softly strok’d His cheek, and thus, affectionate, began.

How long, my son! sorrowing and mourning here,165 Wilt thou consume thy soul, nor give one thought Either to food or love? Yet love is good, And woman grief’s best cure; for length of days Is not thy doom, but, even now, thy death And ruthless destiny are on the wing.170 Mark me,—I come a lieger sent from Jove. The Gods, he saith, resent it, but himself More deeply than the rest, that thou detain’st Amid thy fleet, through fury of revenge, Unransom’d Hector. Be advised, accept175 Ransom, and to his friends resign the dead.

Hence, rapid Iris! leave the Olympian heights. And, finding noble Priam, bid him haste185 Into Achaia’s fleet, bearing such gifts As may assuage Achilles, and prevail To liberate the body of his son. Alone, he must; no Trojan of them all May company the senior thither, save190 An ancient herald to direct his mules And his wheel’d litter, and to bring the dead Back into Ilium, whom Achilles slew. Let neither fear of death nor other fear Trouble him aught, so safe a guard and sure195 We give him; Mercury shall be his guide Into Achilles’ presence in his tent. Nor will himself Achilles slay him there, Or even permit his death, but will forbid All violence; for he is not unwise200 Nor heedless, no—nor wilful to offend, But will his suppliant with much grace receive.[5]

He ceased; then Iris tempest-wing’d arose, Jove’s messenger, and, at the gates arrived Of Priam, wo and wailing found within.205 Around their father, in the hall, his sons Their robes with tears water’d, while them amidst The hoary King sat mantled, muffled close, And on his venerable head and neck Much dust was spread, which, rolling on the earth,210 He had shower’d on them with unsparing hands. The palace echoed to his daughters’ cries, And to the cries of matrons calling fresh Into remembrance many a valiant chief Now stretch’d in dust, by Argive hands destroy’d.215 The messenger of Jove at Priam’s side Standing, with whisper’d accents low his ear Saluted, but he trembled at the sound.

Courage, Dardanian Priam! fear thou nought; To thee no prophetess of ill, I come;220 But with kind purpose: Jove’s ambassadress Am I, who though remote, yet entertains Much pity, and much tender care for thee. Olympian Jove commands thee to redeem The noble Hector, with an offering large225 Of gifts that may Achilles’ wrath appease. Alone, thou must; no Trojan of them all Hath leave to attend thy journey thither, save An ancient herald to direct thy mules And thy wheel’d litter, and to bring the dead230 Back into Ilium, whom Achilles slew. Let neither fear of death nor other fear Trouble thee aught, so safe a guard and sure He gives thee; Mercury shall be thy guide Even to Achilles’ presence in his tent.235 Nor will himself Achilles slay thee there, Or even permit thy death, but will forbid All violence; for he is not unwise Nor heedless, no—nor wilful to offend, But will his suppliant with much grace receive.240

So spake the swift ambassadress, and went. Then, calling to his sons, he bade them bring His litter forth, and bind the coffer on, While to his fragrant chamber he repair’d Himself, with cedar lined and lofty-roof’d,245 A treasury of wonders into which The Queen he summon’d, whom he thus bespake.

Hecuba! the ambassadress of Jove Hath come, who bids me to the Grecian fleet, Bearing such presents thither as may soothe250 Achilles, for redemption of my son. But say, what seems this enterprise to thee? Myself am much inclined to it, I feel My courage prompting me amain toward The fleet, and into the Achaian camp.255

Then wept the Queen aloud, and thus replied. Ah! whither is thy wisdom fled, for which Both strangers once, and Trojans honor’d thee? How canst thou wish to penetrate alone The Grecian fleet, and to appear before260 His face, by whom so many valiant sons Of thine have fallen? Thou hast an iron heart! For should that savage man and faithless once Seize and discover thee, no pity expect Or reverence at his hands. Come—let us weep265 Together, here sequester’d; for the thread Spun for him by his destiny severe When he was born, ordain’d our son remote From us his parents to be food for hounds In that chief’s tent. Oh! clinging to his side,270 How I could tear him with my teeth! His deeds, Disgraceful to my son, then should not want Retaliation; for he slew not him Skulking, but standing boldly for the wives, The daughters fair, and citizens of Troy,275 Guiltless of flight,[6] and of the wish to fly.

Whom godlike Priam answer’d, ancient King. Impede me not who willing am to go, Nor be, thyself, a bird of ominous note To terrify me under my own roof,280 For thou shalt not prevail. Had mortal man Enjoin’d me this attempt, prophet, or priest, Or soothsayer, I had pronounced him false And fear’d it but the more. But, since I saw The Goddess with these eyes, and heard, myself,285 The voice divine, I go; that word shall stand; And, if my doom be in the fleet of Greece To perish, be it so; Achilles’ arm Shall give me speedy death, and I shall die Folding my son, and satisfied with tears.290

So saying, he open’d wide the elegant lids Of numerous chests, whence mantles twelve he took Of texture beautiful; twelve single cloaks; As many carpets, with as many robes, To which he added vests, an equal store.295 He also took ten talents forth of gold, All weigh’d, two splendid tripods, caldrons four, And after these a cup of matchless worth Given to him when ambassador in Thrace; A noble gift, which yet the hoary King300 Spared not, such fervor of desire he felt To loose his son. Then from his portico, With angry taunts he drove the gather’d crowds.

Away! away! ye dregs of earth, away! Ye shame of human kind! Have ye no griefs305 At home, that ye come hither troubling me? Deem ye it little that Saturnian Jove Afflicts me thus, and of my very best, Best boy deprives me? Ah! ye shall be taught Yourselves that loss, far easier to be slain310 By the Achaians now, since he is dead. But I, ere yet the city I behold Taken and pillaged, with these aged eyes, Shall find safe hiding in the shades below.

He said, and chased them with his staff; they left315 In haste the doors, by the old King expell’d. Then, chiding them aloud, his sons he call’d, Helenus, Paris, noble Agathon, Pammon, Antiphonus, and bold in fight Polites, Dios of illustrious fame,320 Hippothoüs and Deiphobus—all nine He call’d, thus issuing, angry, his commands.

Quick! quick! ye slothful in your father’s cause, Ye worthless brood! would that in Hector’s stead Ye all had perish’d in the fleet of Greece!325 Oh altogether wretched! in all Troy No man had sons to boast valiant as mine, And I have lost them all. Mestor is gone The godlike, Troilus the steed-renown’d, And Hector, who with other men compared330 Seem’d a Divinity, whom none had deem’d From mortal man derived, but from a God. These Mars hath taken, and hath left me none But scandals of my house, void of all truth, Dancers, exact step-measurers,[7] a band335 Of public robbers, thieves of kids and lambs. Will ye not bring my litter to the gate This moment, and with all this package quick Charge it, that we may hence without delay?

He said, and by his chiding awed, his sons340 Drew forth the royal litter, neat, new-built, And following swift the draught, on which they bound The coffer; next, they lower’d from the wall The sculptured boxen yoke with its two rings;[8] And with the yoke its furniture, in length345 Nine cubits; this to the extremest end Adjusting of the pole, they cast the ring Over the ring-bolt; then, thrice through the yoke They drew the brace on both sides, made it fast With even knots, and tuck’d[9] the dangling ends.350 Producing, next, the glorious ransom-price Of Hector’s body, on the litter’s floor They heap’d it all, then yoked the sturdy mules, A gift illustrious by the Mysians erst Conferr’d on Priam; to the chariot, last,355 They led forth Priam’s steeds, which the old King (In person serving them) with freshest corn Constant supplied; meantime, himself within The palace, and his herald, were employ’d Girding[10] themselves, to go; wise each and good.360 And now came mournful Hecuba, with wine Delicious charged, which in a golden cup She brought, that not without libation due First made, they might depart. Before the steeds Her steps she stay’d, and Priam thus address’d.365

Take this, and to the Sire of all perform Libation, praying him a safe return From hostile hands, since thou art urged to seek The Grecian camp, though not by my desire. Pray also to Idæan Jove cloud-girt,370 Who oversees all Ilium, that he send His messenger or ere thou go, the bird His favorite most, surpassing all in strength, At thy right hand; him seeing, thou shalt tend With better hope toward the fleet of Greece.375 But should loud-thundering Jove his lieger swift Withhold, from me far be it to advise This journey, howsoe’er thou wish to go.

So saying, he bade the maiden o’er the rest, Chief in authority, pour on his hands Pure water, for the maiden at his side385 With ewer charged and laver, stood prepared. He laved his hands; then, taking from the Queen The goblet, in his middle area stood Pouring libation with his eyes upturn’d Heaven-ward devout, and thus his prayer preferr’d.390

Jove, great and glorious above all, who rulest, On Ida’s summit seated, all below! Grant me arrived within Achilles’ tent Kindness to meet and pity, and oh send Thy messenger or ere I go, the bird395 Thy favorite most, surpassing all in strength, At my right hand, which seeing, I shall tend With better hope toward the fleet of Greece.

He ended, at whose prayer, incontinent, Jove sent his eagle, surest of all signs,400 The black-plumed bird voracious, Morphnos[11] named, And Percnos.[11] Wide as the well-guarded door Of some rich potentate his vans he spread On either side; they saw him on the right, Skimming the towers of Troy; glad they beheld405 That omen, and all felt their hearts consoled.

Delay’d not then the hoary King, but quick Ascending to his seat, his coursers urged Through vestibule and sounding porch abroad. The four-wheel’d litter led, drawn by the mules410 Which sage Idæus managed, behind whom Went Priam, plying with the scourge his steeds Continual through the town, while all his friends, Following their sovereign with dejected hearts, Lamented him as going to his death.415 But when from Ilium’s gate into the plain They had descended, then the sons-in-law Of Priam, and his sons, to Troy return’d. Nor they, now traversing the plain, the note Escaped of Jove the Thunderer; he beheld420 Compassionate the venerable King, And thus his own son Mercury bespake.

Mercury! (for above all others thou Delightest to associate with mankind Familiar, whom thou wilt winning with ease425 To converse free) go thou, and so conduct Priam into the Grecian camp, that none Of all the numerous Danaï may see Or mark him, till he reach Achilles’ tent.

He spake, nor the ambassador of heaven430 The Argicide delay’d, but bound in haste His undecaying sandals to his feet, Golden, divine, which waft him o’er the floods Swift as the wind, and o’er the boundless earth. He took his rod with which he charms to sleep435 All eyes, and theirs who sleep opens again. Arm’d with that rod, forth flew the Argicide. At Ilium and the Hellespontic shores Arriving sudden, a king’s son he seem’d, Now clothing first his ruddy cheek with down,440 Which is youth’s loveliest season; so disguised, His progress he began. They now (the tomb Magnificent of Ilus past) beside The river stay’d the mules and steeds to drink, For twilight dimm’d the fields. Idæus first445 Perceived him near, and Priam thus bespake.

Whither, my father! in the dewy night Drivest thou thy mules and steeds, while others sleep? And fear’st thou not the fiery host of Greece, Thy foes implacable, so nigh at hand?460 Of whom should any, through the shadow dun Of flitting night, discern thee bearing forth So rich a charge, then what wouldst thou expect? Thou art not young thyself, nor with the aid Of this thine ancient servant, strong enough465 Force to repulse, should any threaten force. But injury fear none or harm from me; I rather much from harm by other hands Would save thee, thou resemblest so my sire.

Whom answer’d godlike Priam, hoar with age.470 My son! well spoken. Thou hast judged aright. Yet even me some Deity protects Thus far; to whom I owe it that I meet So seasonably one like thee, in form So admirable, and in mind discreet475 As thou art beautiful. Blest parents, thine!

To whom the messenger of heaven again, The Argicide. Oh ancient and revered! Thou hast well spoken all. Yet this declare, And with sincerity; bear’st thou away480 Into some foreign country, for the sake Of safer custody, this precious charge? Or, urged by fear, forsake ye all alike Troy’s sacred towers! since he whom thou hast lost, Thy noble son, was of excelling worth485 In arms, and nought inferior to the Greeks.