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

All night the leaders of the host of Greece Lay sunk in soft repose, all, save the Chief,[1] The son of Atreus; him from thought to thought Roving solicitous, no sleep relieved. As when the spouse of beauteous Juno, darts5 His frequent fires, designing heavy rain Immense, or hail-storm, or field-whitening snow, Or else wide-throated war calamitous, So frequent were the groans by Atreus’ son Heaved from his inmost heart, trembling with dread.10 For cast he but his eye toward the plain Of Ilium, there, astonish’d he beheld The city fronted with bright fires, and heard Pipes, and recorders, and the hum of war; But when again the Grecian fleet he view’d,15 And thought on his own people, then his hair Uprooted elevating to the Gods, He from his generous bosom groan’d again. At length he thus resolved; of all the Greeks To seek Neleian Nestor first, with whom20 He might, perchance, some plan for the defence Of the afflicted Danaï devise. Rising, he wrapp’d his tunic to his breast, And to his royal feet unsullied bound His sandals; o’er his shoulders, next, he threw25 Of amplest size a lion’s tawny skin That swept his footsteps, dappled o’er with blood, Then took his spear. Meantime, not less appall’d Was Menelaus, on whose eyelids sleep Sat not, lest the Achaians for his sake30 O’er many waters borne, and now intent On glorious deeds, should perish all at Troy.

With a pard’s spotted hide his shoulders broad He mantled over; to his head he raised His brazen helmet, and with vigorous hand35 Grasping his spear, forth issued to arouse His brother, mighty sovereign of the host, And by the Grecians like a God revered. He found him at his galley’s stern, his arms Assuming radiant; welcome he arrived40 To Agamemnon, whom he thus address’d.

To whom great Agamemnon thus replied. Heaven-favor’d Menelaus! We have need, Thou and myself, of some device well-framed, Which both the Grecians and the fleet of Greece50 May rescue, for the mind of Jove hath changed, And Hector’s prayers alone now reach his ear. I never saw, nor by report have learn’d From any man, that ever single chief Such awful wonders in one day perform’d55 As he with ease against the Greeks, although Nor from a Goddess sprung nor from a God. Deeds he hath done, which, as I think, the Greeks Shall deep and long lament, such numerous ills Achaia’s host hath at his hands sustain’d.60 But haste, begone, and at their several ships Call Ajax and Idomeneus; I go To exhort the noble Nestor to arise, That he may visit, if he so incline, The chosen band who watch, and his advice65 Give them; for him most prompt they will obey, Whose son, together with Meriones, Friend of Idomeneus, controls them all, Entrusted by ourselves with that command.

To whom the Sovereign of the host replied. There stay; lest striking into different paths75 (For many passes intersect the camp) We miss each other; summon them aloud Where thou shalt come; enjoin them to arise; Call each by his hereditary name, Honoring all. Beware of manners proud,80 For we ourselves must labor, at our birth By Jove ordain’d to suffering and to toil.

So saying, he his brother thence dismiss’d Instructed duly, and himself, his steps Turned to the tent of Nestor. Him he found85 Amid his sable galleys in his tent Reposing soft, his armor at his side, Shield, spears, bright helmet, and the broider’d belt Which, when the Senior arm’d led forth his host To fight, he wore; for he complied not yet90 With the encroachments of enfeebling age. He raised his head, and on his elbow propp’d, Questioning Agamemnon, thus began.

To whom the son of Atreus, King of men. Oh Nestor, glory of the Grecian name,100 Offspring of Neleus! thou in me shalt know The son of Atreus, Agamemnon, doom’d By Jove to toil, while life shall yet inform These limbs, or I shall draw the vital air. I wander thus, because that on my lids105 Sweet sleep sits not, but war and the concerns Of the Achaians occupy my soul. Terrible are the fears which I endure For these my people; such as supersede All thought; my bosom can no longer hold110 My throbbing heart, and tremors shake my limbs. But if thy mind, more capable, project Aught that may profit us (for thee it seems Sleep also shuns) arise, and let us both Visit the watch, lest, haply, overtoil’d115 They yield to sleep, forgetful of their charge. The foe is posted near, and may intend (None knows his purpose) an assault by night.

To him Gerenian Nestor thus replied. Illustrious Agamemnon, King of men!120 Deep-planning Jove the imaginations proud Of Hector will not ratify, nor all His sanguine hopes effectuate; in his turn He also (fierce Achilles once appeased) Shall trouble feel, and haply, more than we.125 But with all readiness I will arise And follow thee, that we may also rouse Yet others; Diomede the spear-renown’d, Ulysses, the swift Ajax, and the son Of Phyleus, valiant Meges. It were well130 Were others also visited and call’d, The godlike Ajax, and Idomeneus, Whose ships are at the camp’s extremest bounds. But though I love thy brother and revere, And though I grieve e’en thee, yet speak I must,135 And plainly censure him, that thus he sleeps And leaves to thee the labor, who himself Should range the host, soliciting the Chiefs Of every band, as utmost need requires.

Him answer’d Agamemnon, King of men.140 Old warrior, times there are, when I could wish Myself thy censure of him, for in act He is not seldom tardy and remiss. Yet is not sluggish indolence the cause, No, nor stupidity, but he observes145 Me much, expecting till I lead the way. But he was foremost now, far more alert This night than I, and I have sent him forth Already, those to call whom thou hast named. But let us hence, for at the guard I trust150 To find them, since I gave them so in charge.[3]

So saying, he bound his corselet to his breast,155 His sandals fair to his unsullied feet, And fastening by its clasps his purple cloak Around him, double and of shaggy pile, Seized, next, his sturdy spear headed with brass, And issued first into the Grecian fleet.160 There, Nestor, brave Gerenian, with a voice Sonorous roused the godlike counsellor From sleep, Ulysses; the alarm came o’er His startled ear, forth from his tent he sprang Sudden, and of their coming, quick, inquired.165

To whom the hoary Pylian thus replied. Laertes’ noble son, for wiles renown’d! Resent it not, for dread is our distress.170 Come, therefore, and assist us to convene Yet others, qualified to judge if war Be most expedient, or immediate flight.

He ended, and regaining, quick, his tent, Ulysses slung his shield, then coming forth175 Join’d them. The son of Tydeus first they sought. Him sleeping arm’d before his tent they found, Encompass’d by his friends also asleep; His head each rested on his shield, and each Had planted on its nether point[4] erect180 His spear beside him; bright their polish’d heads, As Jove’s own lightning glittered from afar. Himself, the Hero, slept. A wild bull’s hide Was spread beneath him, and on arras tinged With splendid purple lay his head reclined.185 Nestor, beside him standing, with his heel Shook him, and, urgent, thus the Chief reproved.

To whom Gerenian Nestor in return. My friend! thou hast well spoken. I have sons,200 And they are well deserving; I have here A numerous people also, one of whom Might have sufficed to call the Kings of Greece. But such occasion presses now the host As hath not oft occurr’d; the overthrow205 Complete, or full deliverance of us all, In balance hangs, poised on a razor’s edge. But haste, and if thy pity of my toils Be such, since thou art younger, call, thyself, Ajax the swift, and Meges to the guard.210

They, at the guard arrived, not sleeping found215 The captains of the guard, but sitting all In vigilant posture with their arms prepared. As dogs that, careful, watch the fold by night, Hearing some wild beast in the woods,[5] which hounds And hunters with tumultuous clamor drive220 Down from the mountain-top, all sleep forego; So, sat not on their eyelids gentle sleep That dreadful night, but constant to the plain At every sound of Trojan feet they turn’d. The old Chief joyful at the sight, in terms225 Of kind encouragement them thus address’d.

So saying, he traversed with quick pace the trench By every Chief whom they had thither call’d230 Attended, with whom Nestor’s noble son Went, and Meriones, invited both To join their consultation. From the foss Emerging, in a vacant space they sat, Unstrew’d with bodies of the slain, the spot,235 Whence furious Hector, after slaughter made Of numerous Greeks, night falling, had return’d. There seated, mutual converse close they held, And Nestor, brave Gerenian, thus began.

Oh friends! hath no Achaian here such trust240 In his own prowess, as to venture forth Among yon haughty Trojans? He, perchance, Might on the borders of their host surprise Some wandering adversary, or might learn Their consultations, whether they propose245 Here to abide in prospect of the fleet, Or, satiate with success against the Greeks So signal, meditate retreat to Troy. These tidings gain’d, should he at last return Secure, his recompense will be renown250 Extensive as the heavens, and fair reward. From every leader of the fleet, his gift Shall be a sable[6] ewe, and sucking lamb, Rare acquisition! and at every board And sumptuous banquet, he shall be a guest.255

Me, Nestor, my courageous heart incites To penetrate into the neighbor host Of enemies; but went some other Chief260 With me, far greater would my comfort prove, And I should dare the more. Two going forth, One quicker sees than other, and suggests Prudent advice; but he who single goes, Mark whatsoe’er he may, the occasion less265 Improves, and his expedients soon exhausts.

He ended, and no few willing arose To go with Diomede. Servants of Mars Each Ajax willing stood; willing as they Meriones; most willing Nestor’s son;270 Willing the brother of the Chief of all, Nor willing less Ulysses to explore The host of Troy, for he possess’d a heart Delighted ever with some bold exploit.

Then Agamemnon, King of men, began.275 Now Diomede, in whom my soul delights! Choose whom thou wilt for thy companion; choose The fittest here; for numerous wish to go. Leave not through deference to another’s rank, The more deserving, nor prefer a worse,280 Respecting either pedigree or power.

Since, then, ye bid me my own partner choose285 Free from constraint, how can I overlook Divine Ulysses, whose courageous heart With such peculiar cheerfulness endures Whatever toils, and whom Minerva loves? Let him attend me, and through fire itself290 We shall return; for none is wise as he.[7]

To him Ulysses, hardy Chief, replied. Tydides! neither praise me much, nor blame, For these are Grecians in whose ears thou speak’st, And know me well. But let us hence! the night295 Draws to a close; day comes apace; the stars Are far advanced; two portions have elapsed Of darkness, but the third is yet entire.

So they; then each his dreadful arms put on. To Diomede, who at the fleet had left300 His own, the dauntless Thrasymedes gave His shield and sword two-edged, and on his head Placed, crestless, unadorn’d, his bull-skin casque. It was a stripling’s helmet, such as youths Scarce yet confirm’d in lusty manhood, wear.305 Meriones with quiver, bow and sword Furnish’d Ulysses, and his brows enclosed In his own casque of hide with many a thong Well braced within;[8] guarded it was without With boar’s teeth ivory-white inherent firm310 On all sides, and with woolen head-piece lined. That helmet erst Autolycus[9] had brought From Eleon, city of Amyntor son Of Hormenus, where he the solid walls Bored through, clandestine, of Amyntor’s house.315 He on Amphidamas the prize bestow’d In Scandia;[10] from Amphidamas it pass’d To Molus as a hospitable pledge; He gave it to Meriones his son, And now it guarded shrewd Ulysses’ brows.320 Both clad in arms terrific, forth they sped, Leaving their fellow Chiefs, and as they went A heron, by command of Pallas, flew Close on the right beside them; darkling they Discern’d him not, but heard his clanging plumes.[11]325 Ulysses in the favorable sign Exulted, and Minerva thus invoked.[12]

Oh hear me, daughter of Jove Ægis-arm’d! My present helper in all straits, whose eye Marks all my ways, oh with peculiar care330 Now guard me, Pallas! grant that after toil Successful, glorious, such as long shall fill With grief the Trojans, we may safe return And with immortal honors to the fleet.

Valiant Tydides, next, his prayer preferr’d.335 Hear also me, Jove’s offspring by the toils Of war invincible! me follow now As my heroic father erst to Thebes Thou followedst, Tydeus; by the Greeks dispatch’d Ambassador, he left the mail-clad host340 Beside Asopus, and with terms of peace Entrusted, enter’d Thebes; but by thine aid Benevolent, and in thy strength, perform’d Returning, deeds of terrible renown. Thus, now, protect me also! In return345 I vow an offering at thy shrine, a young Broad-fronted heifer, to the yoke as yet Untamed, whose horns I will incase with gold.

Where is the warrior who for rich reward, Such as shall well suffice him, will the task Adventurous, which I propose, perform? A chariot with two steeds of proudest height,360 Surpassing all in the whole fleet of Greece Shall be his portion, with immortal praise, Who shall the well-appointed ships approach Courageous, there to learn if yet a guard As heretofore, keep them, or if subdued365 Beneath us, the Achaians flight intend, And worn with labor have no will to watch.

So Hector spake, but answer none return’d. There was a certain Trojan, Dolon named,[13] Son of Eumedes herald of the Gods,370 Rich both in gold and brass, but in his form Unsightly; yet the man was swift of foot, Sole brother of five sisters; he his speech To Hector and the Trojans thus address’d.

My spirit, Hector, prompts me, and my mind375 Endued with manly vigor, to approach Yon gallant ships, that I may tidings hear. But come. For my assurance, lifting high Thy sceptre, swear to me, for my reward, The horses and the brazen chariot bright380 Which bear renown’d Achilles o’er the field. I will not prove a useless spy, nor fall Below thy best opinion; pass I will Their army through, till I shall reach the ship Of Agamemnon, where the Chiefs, perchance,385 Now sit consulting, or to fight, or fly.[14]