HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XXI: THE FIGHT WITH THE RIVER.

 HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XXI: THE FIGHT WITH THE RIVER.

Introduction: 

Achilles' aristeia continues into Book XXI, but largely in set confrontations, as Homer uses every device he can to delay his eventual meeting with Hector. The book falls into four distinct episodes, each one skilfully joined to its predecessor and successor by a transitional passage: 1) single combats with Lycaon and Asteropaeus (ll. 34-210); 2) the fight between Achilles and the river Xanthus (ll. 227-327); 3) the battle of the gods (ll. 383-513); and 4) Achilles' pursuit of the Trojans into their city, with the brave Agenor providing a diversion (ll. 520-611). In the third of these episodes the conflict between the pro-Achaean and pro-Trojan gods provides one with some comic relief, as the gods cannot seriously hurt one another. 

Ll. 1-33. Achilles reaches the Scamander. 

But, when they came to the ford of the swirling fair-flowing river Xanthus (i.e. men called it the Scamander), which immortal Zeus had begot, there he split (them) in two, and one part he chased over the plain in the direction of the city, to where the bewildered Achaeans had fled on the previous day, when glorious Hector was raging; so they poured across it in flight, and Hera spread a thick mist before (them) in order to hold (them) back; and the other half were forced together into the deep-flowing river with its silver eddies, and into (it) they fell with a great crash, and the rapid torrent resounded, and the banks echoed greatly all around (them); and they swam this way and that with a shout, as they were whirled around in the eddies. And, as, when beneath the blast of a fire, locusts float in the air, and flee to the river; and, having been suddenly aroused, the tireless fire blazes, and they shrink down into the water; and so beneath Achilles the roaring stream of the deep-swirling Xanthus was filled with a mixture of horses and men.   

But the god-begotten (warrior) (i.e. Achilles) left his spear there on the bank, leaning against the tamarisk (bushes) and he leapt in like a demon with only his sword, and he devised grim deeds in his mind, and he struck out in all directions; and pitiful groaning arose from those that were struck by his sword, and the water became red with blood. And, as the other fish flee from under a dolphin of huge size and, in their terror, fill the nooks of a well-sheltered harbour - for greedily does he devour whichever (one) he catches - so the Trojans cowered down beneath the overhanging banks of the streams of that dread river. And, when his hands grew weary of slaying, he chose twelve youths live from the river (as) payment for the dead Patroclus, son of Menoetius. These he led outside, amazed like fawns, and he bound their hands behind (them) with the well-cut straps, which they themselves used to wear on their pliant tunics, and he gave (them) to his comrades to lead (them) down to the hollow ships. Then, back he sprang again, eager to slaughter.  

Ll. 34-63. Achilles captures Lycaon, son of Priam. 

There he met a son of Dardanian Priam, (as he was) fleeing from the river, (namely) Lycaon, whom he himself had once taken and brought, against his will, from his father's orchard, having come forth during the night; and he was cutting the young shoots of a wild fig-tree, in order to be the rims of a chariot; but upon (him) came godlike Achilles, that unexpected bane. Then, he sold him to well-established Lemnos, having led (him there) in his ships, but the son of Jason (i.e. Euneos) had given a price (for him). But a guest-friend ransomed him from there, (namely,) Eëtion of Imbros, and a good price he gave, and he sent him to sacred Arisbe (i.e. probably a sanctuary on Lemnos); from there he secretly escaped and came to his ancestral home (i.e. Troy). Having come from Lemnos, his heart was joyful amid his loved ones for eleven days; but on the twelfth (day) a god threw him once more into the hands of Achilles, who would send him to Hades, loath though he was to go (there). Now, when swift-footed godlike Achilles became aware of him, (he was) unarmed, without helmet and shield, nor was he carrying a spear, but he had thrown away all these (things) on to the ground; for sweat oppressed (him), as he fled from the river, and weariness came over his knees; then, sorely angered, he (i.e. Achilles) spoke to his great-hearted spirit: "Oh, in truth, this is a great wonder that I behold with my eyes; the great-hearted Trojans, whom I have slain, will assuredly rise up again from the murky darkness below, seeing that this (man) has come (here), having escaped the pitiless day (of doom), when he was sold across the sea into sacred Lemnos; nor has the salt of the grey sea held him back, though it restrains many (men) against their will. But come now, the point of our grey spear shall he taste, so that I may see in my heart and know whether he will come back from that place in a similar manner, or whether the life-giving earth, which holds down even a strong (man), will restrain him."  

Ll. 64-96. Lycaon begs Achilles not to slay him.

So he (i.e. Achilles) waited and pondered; but the other one (i.e. Lycaon) came near him in a dazed state, eager to touch his knees, and he very much wished in his heart to escape grim death and dark fate. Now, godlike Achilles raised his long spear, eager to smite (him), but the other one ran under it, and, bending forward, took hold of his knees; and the spear stuck in the ground over his back, eager to have its fill of human flesh. Then, he began to beg (for mercy), as he clasped his knees with one hand, and held the sharp-edged spear with the other, nor would he let (it) go; and he spoke these winged words as he addressed him: "By your knees, I beseech you, Achilles; and do you take pity on me and show me mercy; beloved of Zeus, I am equivalent to you and deserving of respect; for I first ate the grain of Demeter with you, on that day when you took me captive in that well-ordered orchard, and you sold me across the sea, taking me to sacred Lemnos far from my father and my friends, and I earned you the price of a hundred oxen. And now I have bought my freedom by paying three times as much; and this is my twelfth morning, since I came to Ilium, having suffered much; now deadly fate has put me in your hands once more; I must surely be hated by Father Zeus, (seeing that) he has given me to you again; now, my mother bore me to a short span of life, Laothoe (that is), the daughter of old man Altes, Altes (that is), he who is lord of the war-loving Leleges and who dwells in lofty Pedasus (i.e. a town in the Troad) on the (river) Satnioeis. Priam had his daughter to be his wife, and many others too; and from her the two (of us) were born, and you will cut the throats of (us) both. In truth, you overcame him among the foremost men-at-arms, godlike Polydorus (that is), when you struck (him) with a sharp spear; and now evil shall come upon me even here; for I do not think I shall escape your hands, since a god has brought (me to them). And I will tell you another (thing), and do you bear it in your mind; do not slay me, since I am not (come) from the same womb as Hector, who killed your kind and valiant companion."

Ll. 97-135. The death of Lycaon.     

So the glorious son of Priam spoke to him with words of entreaty, but the voice he heard (was) a harsh (one): "(You) fool, do not talk to me of ransom, nor try to lecture me; for, until Patroclus met his fateful day, so it was, to some extent, a better (thing) in my mind to spare the Trojans, and I took many (of them) alive and sold them overseas; but now there is not one (of them) who shall escape death, not one of all those Trojans whom a god shall deliver into my hands, and (that is) particularly (the case) with regard to the sons of Priam. And you too shall die, my friend; why then do you lament in such a way? Patroclus also died, though (he was) a much better (man) than you. Do you not see what kind (of man) I (am), both tall and handsome? I am (the son) of a noble father (i.e. Peleus), and the mother (who) bore me (i.e. Thetis) (is) a goddess; but, let me tell you, over me too (hang) death and mighty fate; a morning, or an evening, or a mid-day shall come, when some (man) shall take my life in battle, whether he struck me with a spear or with an arrow from the string."   

So he (i.e. Achilles) spoke, and then did his (i.e. Lycaon's) knees and his heart collapse; and he let go of the spear, and he sat with both his hands outstretched; then, Achilles drew his sharp sword and smote (him) on the collar-bone beside the neck, and the whole of his two-edged sword sank into him; and he lay there prone stretched upon the ground, and dark blood flowed forth and soaked the earth. Then, Achilles seized him by the  foot and flung (him) into the river to float, and, as he exulted over him, he spoke these winged words: "Lie there now among the fishes, who shall carelessly lick the blood from your wound; nor shall your mother lay you on a bier and lament, but the swirling Scamander will bear you into the broad gulf of the sea; many a fish, as he springs beneath the waves, shall dart beneath the black ripples, and he shall eat the white fat of Lycaon. So shall you perish as we come to the city of sacred Ilium, you in flight and I creating havoc in your rear. Not even the fair-flowing river with his silver eddies will assist you, and to him you used, for a long time, to sacrifice many bulls, and to cast single-hooved horses into his eddies, (while they were still) alive. But even so you will perish by an evil fate, until you have all paid the price for the death of Patroclus and the destruction of those Achaeans, whom you slew by the swift ships in my absence."

Ll. 136-160. Asteropaeus challenges Achilles.

So he spoke, and the river (god) (i.e. Xanthus) was further angered in his heart, and pondered in his mind how he might restrain godlike Achilles from his work, and ward off ruin from the Trojans. Meanwhile, in his eagerness to slay (him), the son of Peleus leapt with his long-shafted spear upon Asteropaeus, the son of Pelegon; and the broad-flowing Axius and Periboea, Acessamenus' eldest daughter, had begotten him; for the deeply-eddying river (god) had lain with her. So, Achilles sprang at him, and he stood forth from the river to face (him), holding two spears. Now, Xanthus put courage in his heart, since he had been angered at the slaying of the active men, whom Achilles was cutting down along the stream without pity. But, when they were at close range, as they advanced against one another, swift-footed godlike Achilles spoke to him first: "Who among men, and from where, are you, who has dared to come against me? Unhappy (are they whose) children will face my might."  

Then, the glorious son of Pelegon replied to him: "Great-hearted son of Peleus, why indeed do you ask about my birth? I come from fertile Paeonia (i.e. a region of Thrace), (a place) which is far away, bringing (with me) men of Paeonia with their long spears; and, as for me, this is now the eleventh morning since I came to Ilium. But my descent (is) from the wide-flowing Axius, whose water is the loveliest on earth, who begat Pelegon, renowned for his spear; and they say that he was my father; now then, glorious Achilles, let us fight!"

Ll. 161-199. The death of Asteropaeus.

So he spoke in a threatening manner, but godlike Achilles lifted up his spear of Pelian ash; then, the warrior Asteropaeus threw spears from both of his hands at the same time, for he was ambidextrous. Now, with one spear he struck his shield, but it did not pierce the shield right through; for gold, the gift of a god, blocked (it); and with the other (hand) he smote him with a grazing blow on the elbow of his right arm, and black blood spouted forth; but, though longing to taste the flesh, it fixed itself in the earth above him. Then, secondly, in his eagerness to slaw (him), Achilles hurled his straight-flying ashen spear at Asteropaeus. But he missed his (man), and he struck the lofty bank, and he drove the ashen spear up to half of its length into the bank. But the son of Peleus, drawing his sharp sword from beside his thigh, leapt eagerly upon him; but the other (one) could not draw Achilles' ashen spear from the bank with his stout hand. Three times he made it quiver in his eagerness to draw (it), and three times he withdrew his efforts; but on the fourth (occasion) he wished in his heart to bend and break the ashen spear of the son of Aeacus (i.e. Achilles' father, Peleus), but before that Achilles (drew) near and took away his life with his sword. For he struck him in the belly beside his navel, and all his bowels gushed forth on to the ground; and darkness covered his eyes as he (lay) gasping; then, Achilles leapt upon his breast, and stripped him of his armour and said these words in triumph: "So, lie (there); hard (it is) for you to strive with the children of the most mighty son of Cronos, begat from a river (god) though (you may be). You said you were born from a wide-flowing river, but I claim to be sprung from almighty Zeus. The man who begat me is lord of the many Myrmidons, (namely) Peleus, son of Aeacus; and Aeacus himself was sprung from Zeus. Therefore, as Zeus is mightier than the rivers that flow into the sea, so the stock of Zeus (is) mightier than (that which) stems from a river. For beside you there is a great river, if it can help you in any way; but there is (to be) no fighting with Zeus, the son of Cronos, and not even lord Achelous (i.e. by tradition the largest and most ancient river in Greece, it rises in the Central Pindus Mountains and flows for 140 miles to the Ionian Sea to the west) can vie with him, nor the great might of the deep-flowing Ocean, from whom flow all rivers and all seas, all springs and all deep wells; but he too is afraid of the lightning and dread thunder of great Zeus, when it crashes down from heaven." 

Ll. 200-232. Achilles continues to kill one Trojan after another, until the Scamander makes a protest. 

So he (i.e. Achilles) spoke, and he drew forth his spear of bronze from the bank, and there he left him (i.e. Asteropaeus) lying on the sand, since he had robbed him of his life, and they dark water kept him wet. Then, the eels and the fishes took charge of him, plucking out and feeding on the fat on his kidneys, but he (i.e. Achilles) went his way after the Paeonian horsemen, who were still running in panic along the swirling river, when they saw their best (man) in the fierce conflict forcibly vanquished beneath the hands and sword of the son of Peleus. There he slew Thersilochus, and Mydon, and Astypylus, and Mnesus, and Thrasius, and Aenius and Ophelestes; and yet more of the Paeonians would Achilles have slain, if the deep swirling river, in the guise of a man, had not addressed (him) in anger and sent forth his voice from a deep whirlpool: "O Achilles, beyond (all) men you are the strongest, and beyond (all men) do you perform evil (deeds); for the gods themselves always give you assistance. If the son of Cronos has given you (the power) to slay all the men of Troy, do you drive them from my (stream) and do your deadly deeds on the plain; nor, choked with bodies (as I am), can I pour forth my waters into the bright sea, while you continue your murderous slaughter. But come, let (things) be! Amazement takes hold of me, (you) leader of hosts."

Then, swift-footed Achilles said to him in answer: "So shall it be, Scamander, nurtured of Zeus, just as you say. But I shall not cease from slaying the proud Trojans, until I have penned (them) in the city, and I have tried to match myself with Hector face to face, whether he should slay me, or I him."

So saying, he leapt upon the Trojans like a god; and then the deep-swirling river addressed Apollo: "Shame on you, (lord) of the silver bow, child of Zeus, you have not respected the will of the son of Cronos, who strongly enjoined you to stand by the Trojans and protect (them), until the the late-setting (star of) evening shall come, and has darkened the very fertile ploughland."   

Ll. 233-271. Achilles is harassed by the Scamander. 

So he (i.e. Xanthus/the Scamander) spoke, and Achilles, famed for his spear, sprang from the overhanging bank and leapt into the midst (of the stream); and he (i.e. Xanthus/the Scamander) rushed furiously upon him in a swell, and whipped up all his waters into turmoil, and pushed away the many dead bodies that were heaped in his (bed, of men) whom Achilles had slain, and cast them out on to (dry) land, bellowing like a bull; and the living he rescued by means of his lovely streams, hiding (them) in his eddies deep (and) wide. But the water rose up around Achilles, seething terribly, and the stream beat upon his shield and thrust (him back), nor was he able to stand firmly on his feet; but he grasped in his hands an elm-tree tall (and) shapely; but it fell from the roots and tore away the whole bank, and it held back the whole stream with its thick branches, and he (i.e. Xanthus/the Scamander) dammed himself up as they crashed into the entire river, but he (i.e. Achilles) sprang out from the eddy, and, in his fear, he darted in flight across the plain on his swift feet; but the great god (i.e. Xanthus/the Scamander) did not leave off, but rushed upon him in a darkening swell, so that he might stop godlike Achilles from his work, and ward off destruction from the Trojans. But the son of Peleus rushed off as far as the cast of a spear with the swoop of a black eagle, the hunter that (is) both the strongest and the swiftest of winged (creatures); like him he darted, and the bronze (armour) on his breast rang terribly; and he fled from beneath the swerving of the flood, but it followed behind him, flowing with a mighty roar. And, as when a man conducts water from a dusky spring amid his plants and gardens, he guides its flow, and, with a mattock in his hands, he clears away the obstacles from the water-course; and, as it flowed forwards, all the small pebbles are swept away by (the water), and it murmurs as it glides swiftly along in sloping country, and even outstrips its guide; so did the flood of the river always overtake Achilles, even though he was fleet of foot; for gods are mightier than men. As often as the swift-footed godlike Achilles sought to make a stand against (him), and to see if all the immortals who hold broad heaven were forcing him to flee, so often would the great flood of the heaven-sent river crash down upon his shoulders from above; and the river would overpower his knees, as it flowed furiously beneath (him), and wash away the dust beneath his feet. 

Ll. 272-297. Poseidon and Athene come to the assistance of Achilles. 

Then, the son of Peleus uttered a bitter cry as he looked at the broad heaven; "Father Zeus, how (is it) that not one of the gods undertook to rescue me in my plight from the river? Then should I suffer anything! In my case, not one of the heavenly beings (is) as culpable as my dear mother, who beguiled me with falsehoods; she said that I should perish by the swift missiles of Apollo beneath the wall of the mail-clad Trojans. Would that Hector had slain me, (he) who is the best (man) bred here; then would a brave (man) have been the slayer, and a brave (man) would have been slain; but now I am fated to be taken by a miserable death, trapped (as I am) in the great river like a boy herding pigs, whom the torrent sweeps away as he is crossing in a storm."

So he spoke, and then Poseidon and Athene came very quickly and stood by his side, like mortal men in form, and they clasped his hands in their hands and reassured him with their words. And of the two of them, Poseidon the Earth-Shaker was the first to speak: "Son of Peleus, do not tremble so much, and do not be at all afraid; for we, let me tell you, are your helpers from the gods, of whom Zeus approves, even I and Pallas Athene; therefore, it is not your destiny to be vanquished by a river, but he will soon give you respite, and you shall know (it) yourself; but we will give you wise counsel, if you should hearken to (it); do not withhold your hands from fearful battle, until you have penned the Trojan host who have escaped you within the famed walls of Ilium; and, when you have deprived Hector of his life, go you back to the ships; and we grant that you win this glory."    

Ll. 298-323. Xanthus seeks the assistance of Simois in checking Achilles. 

When the two of them had spoken thus, they went back among the immortals; but he (i.e. Achilles) went towards the plain, for the bidding of the gods had mightily aroused (him); and the whole (plain) was filled with a flood of water and the fair suits of armour and the corpses of young men slain in battle; but his knees leapt on high as he rushed straight on towards the plain, nor could the wide-flowing river hold him back; for Athene had put great strength in (him). nor would the Scamander abate his fury, but he was even more wrathful with the son of Peleus, and, raising himself aloft, he called out with a shout to Simois (the god of the River Simois, which flows from Mount Ida to the plain of Troy, where, he joined the Xanthus/Scamander): "May the two of us check the might of this man, seeing that he will soon destroy the great city of King Priam, and the Trojans will not withstand (him) in battle. But come you with all speed to my aid and fill your streams with water from your springs, and arouse all your torrents and make a great wave, and raise a great din of tree-trunks and stones, so that we may check this fierce man, who prevails even now, and he strives in equality with the gods. I do not think that his strength or his appearance will avail (him) at all, nor those fine arms which will lie deep beneath the mere, covered by slime; and himself will I enwrap in the sands of the seashore, and over him shall I spread a mass of shingle, beyond measurement, nor will the Achaeans know (from where) to gather his bones; such a pile of silt shall I heap on top of him. Here will his sepulchre be forged, nor will he have any need of a cairn, when the Achaeans shall come to inter him." 

Ll. 324-360. The fires of Hephaestus lead Xanthus into submission.

(So) he (i.e. Xanthus) spoke, and, in his excitement, he rushed at Achilles, raging on high and seething with foam, and blood and corpses. And a dark wave of the heaven-fed river stood hanging (above him), and was about to overwhelm the son of Peleus; but Hera cried out loudly, in her fear for Achilles, lest the great deep-swirling river should sweep him away, and forthwith she spoke to her dear son Hephaestus: "Rouse yourself, my crook-footed child, for it was against you that we thought to match the swirling Xanthus in fight; but do you bring help as quickly as possible, and kindle a great fire. But I will come and rouse from the sea a fierce blast of the West Wind and the brightening South Wind, which, by driving on the evil flame, shall utterly consume the Trojans and their battle-gear, and do you burn up his trees along the banks of the Xanthus, and set him on fire; and do not let him turn you back at all with soft words and threats; and do not put a stop to your fury, but only when I call (you) with a shout, and then do you quench your tireless fire."`So she spoke, and Hephaestus made ready a god-kindled fire. The fire was first kindled on the plain, and it buried many corpses, which lay in piles around him, (of men) whom Achilles had slain; and the whole plain was parched, and the shining water was held back. And, as when in the early autumn the North Wind dries up a freshly watered garden, and he who tills it is glad, so the whole plain was parched and he consumed the dead bodies; and then he turned his gleaming flame towards the river. And the elms, and the willows and the tamarisk bushes were burned, and burned were the lotus and the rushes and the galingale that grew in abundance around the fair streams of the river; distressed were the eels and the fishes in the eddies, and they tumbled this way and that in the fair streams, sore distressed by the blast of the quick-witted Hephaestus. And the mighty river (i.e. Xanthus) burned as well, and spoke these words in a loud voice: "None of the gods can vie with you (i.e. Hephaestus), nor can I fight with you, ablaze with fire as you are. Cease from strife, and (as for) the Trojans, let the godlike Achilles drive (them) out of their city at once; what have I to do with strife and the bearing of aid?" 

Ll. 361-399. The strife of the gods continues.

So he (i.e. Xanthus) spoke, burning with fire. And as a cauldron boils within, when driven by a fierce fire, and it melts the lard of a plump fatted hog, while bubbling up on every side, and dry pieces of timber are laid beneath (it), so his fair streams burned with fire, and the water boiled; nor did he wish to flow any further, but he held himself in check; and the blast of the might of resourceful Hephaestus distressed (him). Then, as he prayed urgently to Hera, he spoke these winged words: "Why, pray, has your son soiled my stream in order to torment me beyond (all) the others? Truly, I am not so much at fault as all the others, who are helping the Trojans. But I shall certainly stop, if you bid (me). But let him also stop; for I shall swear this (oath), never to ward off the evil day from the Trojans, not even when all of Troy is burning with raging fire, and the warlike sons of the Achaeans shall kindle (it)." 

Now, when the white-armed goddess Hera heard this (plea), she spoke at once to her dear son Hephaestus: "Check yourself, Hephaestus, my glorious child; for it is not seemly to strike an immortal god in this way for the sake of mortals!"  

So she spoke, and Hephaestus quenched his wondrous fire, and the fair streams rushed back down again, but, when the fury of Xanthus was overcome, then the two of them ceased (to fight), for Hera restrained (them) despite her anger; but strife, weighty (and) grievous, fell upon the other gods, and the spirit in their breasts was driven in different directions; then, they joined together with a great crash, and the wide earth rang (with it), and great heaven rang loudly round about (them), as with a trumpet. And Zeus heard (it) as he sat upon Olympus; and the heart within him laughed loudly with joy, as he beheld the gods joining in strife. Then, they no more held aloof; for Ares, piercer of shields, began (the fray), and he leapt first upon Athene with his brazen spear, and he spoke these words of reproach: "Why then, you dog-fly, are you driving the gods in strife with your stormy courage, as your mighty spirit forces (you) on with your stormy courage? Or do you not remember (the time) when you sent Diomedes, the son of Tydeus, to wound me and you openly grasped his spear and drove (it) straight at me, and rent my fair flesh? So, now I think that you will pay the price for all that you have done." 

Ll. 400-433. Athene overcomes Aphrodite.

Thus speaking, he struck at the dread tasselled aegis, against which not even the lightning of Zeus could prevail; there did the murderous Ares strike at it with his long spear. But she (i.e. Athene) drew back, and with her stout hand she seized a stone that lay on the plain, black, and jagged and huge (it was), which men of former times had set there to be the boundary mark of a field; with it she smote the furious Ares on the neck, and loosened his limbs. And in his fall he stretched over seven plethra (i.e. about seven hundred feet), and he sullied his hair with dust, and his armour clanged about him; but Athene laughed, and, exulting over him, she spoke these winged words: "(You) childish (one), not even yet have you now learned how much stronger (than you) I claim to be, so that you match your strength with mine. So you shall fully satisfy the Erinyes (i.e. the Furies) invoked by your mother (i.e. Hera), who devises evil (things) against you in her wrath, because you deserted the Achaeans and bring aid to the overbearing Trojans."

When she (i.e. Athene) had thus spoken, she turned her bright eyes away (from him); then, Aphrodite, the daughter of Zeus, took his hand and sought to lead him away, groaning very frequently (as he was); and scarcely were his senses recovering. But, when the white-armed goddess Hera became aware of her, forthwith she spoke these winged words to Athene: "Alas, Atrytone (i.e. the Tireless One, an epithet of Athene), the child of Zeus who bears the aegis, there again the dog-fly (i.e. Aphrodite) is leading Ares, the bane of mortals, amid the throng from the press of battle; but (you must) go after her." 

So she (i.e. Hera) spoke, and Athene pursued (her) glad at heart, and she came up and smote her (i.e. Aphrodite), and there her knees were loosened and her heart (melted). So, they both lay on the bounteous earth, and, exultingly, she (i.e. Athene) spoke these winged words: "Like this may they all now be, who fight against the mail-clad Argives to aid the Trojans, even as daring and steadfast as Aphrodite (was) when she came as an ally to Ares to face my strength; now soon after this we shall have ceased from war, having sacked the well-established city of Ilium." 

Ll. 434-467. Poseidon and Apollo argue with each other.

So she (i.e. Athene) spoke, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled (at this). But the Lord Earth-shaker (i.e. Poseidon) addressed Apollo: "Why, Phoebus, are the two of us standing aloof? It does not seem right when others have made a start. Shameful it would be, if we went back without fighting to Olympus and to the house of Zeus with its brazen base; for you (are) the younger by birth; for in my case it would not be right, since I am the elder born, and know more. (You) fool, what a stupid heart you have! Nor do you now remember all the woes we two, alone of the gods, suffered around Ilium, when, at the bidding of Zeus, we came to serve the lordly Laomedon for a year at a stipulated price; and he gave us orders and told us what to do. Indeed, for the Trojans I built a wall around their city, wide and very magnificent (it was), so that their city would be impregnable. And you, Phoebus, tended cattle with a shambling gait and twisted horns on the slopes of wooded Ida with its many glens. But now, when the glad seasons were bringing to an end the (terms of) our hire, then did dread Laomedon defraud the two of us of all of our wages, and send us away in a threatening manner. And he threatened that he would bind our feet and hands together from above, and export us for sale to some distant islands; and he promised to lop off the ears of us both with his bronze (dagger). Then, the two of us (i.e. Poseidon and Apollo) went back with malice in our hearts, angry at the wages, which he had promised (us) but had not delivered. Now you (i.e. Apollo) are showing favour to his (i.e. Laomedon's) folks, nor do you seek with us that the overbearing Trojans should perish in a wretched plight with their children and their honoured wives."

Then, the far-shooting lord Apollo spoke to him (i.e. Poseidon) again: "(You would) not (consider) me to be of sound mind, if I should go to war with you for the sake of wretched mortals, who are like leaves, at one time full of flames, consuming the fruit of the field, and at another time they pine away and perish. But let us speedily cease from fighting; and may they do battle by themselves." 

Ll. 468-501. Artemis is overpowered by Hera.

So, having spoken, he (i.e. Apollo) turned back, for he felt ashamed to engage hand to hand with his father's brother (i.e. Poseidon). But his sister, the huntress Artemis, the queen of wild beasts, strongly berated him, and spoke these words of reproach: "Then, far-shooter, you are fleeing, and you have yielded a complete victory to Poseidon, and a worthless offering you have given him; (you) fool, why do you now bear a bow (which is) so windy (i.e. useless)? Now I shall no longer hear you boasting in the halls of our father that once among the immortal gods, you fought face to face against Poseidon."

So she spoke, but Apollo the far-shooter did not reply to her at all, but the revered wife of Zeus (was) angered and rebuked the lady of the bow (i.e. Artemis) with these reproachful words: "How do you now strive to stand against me, (you) fearless bitch? I am, let me tell you, hard to match in might, even in the case of a bow-bearer, since it was against women that Zeus made you a lion, and granted that you slay whichever one you wish. Surely it is better to be slaying wild beasts and deer in the mountains than to be fighting (those) mightier (than you) in strength. But, if you wish to learn about war, then may you know full well how much stronger I am, whenever you match your strength with mine." 

So she (i.e. Hera) spoke, and she grabbed both her arms at the wrist with her left hand, and with her right hand she took the bow and quiver from her shoulders, and with these she beat (her) about the ears, as she kept on turning around smiling; and the swift arrows fell from (their quiver). Then, from underneath (her) the goddess (i.e. Artemis) fled away in tears, like a dove that flew before a falcon into a hollow rock, a cleft; so, it is not her fate to be caught; then she ran away in tears, and she left her bow and arrows there. But the messenger, the slayer of Argos (i.e. Hermes), spoke to Leto (i.e. the mother of Artemis):  "I will not fight with you in any way; for hard (it is) to bandy blows with the wives of Zeus the cloud-gatherer, but I am very willing that you should boast among the immortal gods that you did overpower me with your mighty strength." 

Ll. 502-536. While the gods quarrel, Achilles continues to slay the Trojans. 

So he (i.e. Hermes) spoke, and Leto gathered up the curved bow and arrows that had fallen here and there amid the whirl of dust. When she had taken her daughter's bow and arrows, she went back; and the maiden (i.e. Artemis) went to the bronze-floored mansion of Zeus on Olympus, and sat weeping on her father's knees, and her immortal robe quivered around (her); then, her father, the son of Cronos, drew her to him, and, laughing pleasantly, he began to question her: "Which of the heavenly beings has been treating you in so thoughtless a manner as this, my dear child, as if you were openly doing something wicked?" 

And the well-crowned (goddess) answered him again in a clear voice: "(It was) your wife, white-armed Hera, who beat me, Father; because of her, quarrels and strife have taken hold of the immortals." 

Thus did they say such (things) to each other; then did Phoebus Apollo enter the sacred (city of) Ilium; for it was a matter of concern to him that the Danaans should not sack the wall of the well-built city on that day contrary to its destiny. But the rest of the ever-living gods went (back) to Olympus, some angry, and some openly rejoicing; and they sat down beside their father, wrapt in clouds (as he was); but Achilles continued to slay the Trojans, both them and their single-hooved horses alike. And, as when smoke from some burning city goes up to the broad sky, when the anger of the gods has kindled it, and toil comes upon everyone, and sorrow is extended to many, even so did Achilles bring toil and sorrow to the Trojans.  

And the old man Priam stood upon the sacred wall, and became aware of the monstrous Achilles; now the Trojans were being driven by him forthwith in headlong flight, and there was no help (for them). Then, he got down from the wall with a groan, and, calling upon the renowned gate-keepers along the wall, (he said): "Hold the gates wide open with your hands, until the people shall come to the city in their flight; for here at hand is Achilles as he drives (them) on; now I think there will be deadly (work). But, when they get their breath back, confined within the wall, then close the close-fitting double-doors again; for I am afraid lest that dreadful man should jump on to the wall."  

Ll. 537-570. Agenor prepares to take on Achilles.

So he spoke, and they opened the gates and pulled back the bolts; and the opening of the gates brought deliverance; but Apollo leapt forth to face (Achilles), in order to ward off ruin from the Trojans. And they were fleeing straight for the city and its high wall, parched with thirst and covered in dust from the plain; and he (i.e. Achilles) pursued (them) eagerly with his spear, and a mighty rage ever took hold of his heart, and he earnestly desired to win (himself) glory. 

Then would the sons of the Achaeans have taken high-gated Troy, if Phoebus Apollo had not aroused the godlike Agenor, son of Antenor, and a peerless and most powerful man (he was). He put courage in his heart, and he himself stood by his side, as he was leaning against an oak-tree (i.e. the one near the Scaean Gate), in order that he might ward off the heavy hands of death; and he was hidden in thick mist. But he halted, when he saw Achilles, sacker of cities, and his dark heart (pondered) many (things) as he waited; and, heavy at heart, he (i.e. Agenor) spoke to his great-hearted spirit: "Woe is me; if I flee from mighty Achilles (to the place) where the rest are being driven, distraught with terror (as they are); even so shall he slay me, and in my impotence behead (me).  But (what) if I should suffer these (men) to be driven in rout by Achilles, son of Peleus, and flee on my feet from the wall elsewhere towards the plain of Ilium, until I come to the slopes of Ida and dive into the bushes; then, in the evening, when I have washed myself in the river and got rid of my sweat, I may return to Ilium; but why does my heart converse with me about these (things)? Let him not notice me, as I set off from the city to the plain, and, darting after me, overtake me with his fleetness of foot. Then, it will no longer be possible to avoid death and the fates; for he is exceedingly mighty beyond all men. But (what) if I go forth to meet him in front of the city; for even his flesh may be vulnerable to this sharp bronze, and in him there is but one life, and mortal do men consider him to be; however, Zeus, the son of Cronos, gives the glory to him (i.e. Achilles)."

Ll. 571-611. Apollo saves Agenor.

So saying, he (i.e. Agenor) crouched down and awaited Achilles, and the valiant heart within him was eager to wage war and to fight. Just as a leopardess goes forth from a deep thicket before the face of a huntsman, and has no fear at all in her heart, and does not flee when she hears the baying (of hounds); for even though he outstrips her and wounds or strikes (her), yet, though she is pierced through by a spear, she does not cease from her fury, until she grapples with him or is slain; so did godlike Agenor, the son of lordly Antenor, refuse to flee until he should put Achilles to the test. But he held before (him) his all even (i.e. quite round) shield and took aim at him with his spear, and loudly shouted: "Now I think that you very much hope in your heart, glorious Achilles, to sack the city of the lordly Trojans on this day, fool (that you are); in truth, many woes will still be brought about because of her. For within her there are many valiant men, who in front of their dear parents, wives and sons are guarding Ilium; and here you shall meet your doom, despite your being so violent and daring a warrior."  

So he (i.e. Agenor) spoke, and he hurled the sharp spear from his heavy hand, and it struck (him) (i.e Achilles) on the shin below the knee, and it did not miss (him). And the greave of newly wrought tin rang out terribly around him; but the bronze (point) darted back from (him) after it had struck (him), nor did it pierce (him), but the gift of the god held it back.Then, the son of Peleus set upon godlike Agenor in his turn; but Apollo did not allow (him) to win glory, but snatched him away and covered (him) in thick mist, and sent him quietly away from the battle. But he kept the son of Peleus away from the people by a trick; for resembling Agenor himself in every way, the one who works from afar stood in front of his feet, and rushed to pursue (him) on his feet; while he pursued him over the wheat-bearing plain, and, turning towards the deep-swirling river Scamander, he kept running a little in front of him; and Apollo deceived (him) with his cunning, so that he ever hoped to overtake him on his feet; meanwhile, the rest of the Trojans, having been put to flight, came gladly to the city in a mass, and the town was filled with them thronging together. They no longer dared to await one another outside the city and its wall, and to know who had escaped and who had been slain in battle; but they poured eagerly into the city, whichever one of them his feet and his knees had saved. 

HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XX: THE RETURN OF ACHILLES.

HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XX: THE RETURN OF ACHILLES. 

Introduction:

After the long preliminaries in Book XIX, Achilles and the Achaeans move into battle. But first there is a scene on Olympus, where Zeus calls an assembly and tells the gods to take sides in the human struggle below. Hera, Athene, Poseidon, Hermes and Hephaestus are on the side of the Achaeans; Ares, Apollo, Artemis, Leto, Aphrodite and Xanthus are supporting the Trojans. Apollo then spurs a reluctant Aeneas against Achilles, but the action is retarded by a long rambling speech by Aeneas, who is then rescued by Poseidon. The 'aristeia' (i.e. the prize-winning gallantry) of Achilles then begins in earnest and he kills fourteen Trojans in quick succession. Among these is Polydorus, the youngest and the favourite son of Priam, and in order to avenge his brother Hector attacks Achilles. His spear cast is blown back by Athene, and Apollo then snatches Hector away in a thick mist. The book ends with Achilles totally in the ascendant.  

Ll. 1-30. Zeus summons the gods and removes his objection to their taking part in the conflict. 

So, by the beaked ships around you, son of Peleus, insatiate of fighting (as you are), the Achaeans armed themselves for battle, and opposite (them) the Trojans did likewise on the rising plain. Meanwhile, from the peak of Olympus with its many valleys, Zeus bade Themis summon the gods to an assembly; and so, backwards and forwards she went in all directions, and commanded (them) to come to the house of Zeus. And so there was no river that did not come except Ocean, nor any of the nymphs that inhabit the fair groves and the springs of the rivers and the grassy meadows. And, coming to the house of cloud-gathering Zeus, they sat themselves down within the polished porticoes, which Hephaestus had built for his father Zeus with a knowing heart.

Thus had they assembled within (the house) of Zeus; nor did the Earthshaker (i.e. Poseidon) fail to pay heed to (the summons of) the goddess, but he came from the sea to join them, and he sat in their midst and inquired into Zeus' plan: "So why have you, the lord of bright lightning, called the gods to the place of assembly? Are you pondering something concerning the Trojans and the Achaeans? For now is their battle and conflict blazing most closely (to us)." 

Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer spoke to him in reply: "Earthshaker, you are aware of the plan in my mind; for the sake of these (warriors) I have called (you) together; they  are of concern to me even as they die, but now I shall stay (here) sitting in a fold of Olympus, and, when I look on, I shall gladden my heart; but the rest (of you) go to be with the Trojans and the Achaeans, and bring help to both (of them), as each of you is so minded. For if Achilles alone fights against the Trojans, they will not withstand the swift-footed son of Peleus, even for a very short time. Even previously they used to tremble when they saw him; and now, when he is terribly angry in his heart on account of his companion (i.e. Patroclus), I fear lest he should exceed his destiny and storm the wall.

Ll. 31-53. The gods join the battle on both sides. 

So spoke the son of Cronos, and he aroused unabating war. And the gods went their way to the battle, having their different intentions. Hera (went) to the assembly of ships, as did Pallas Athene and earth-gathering Poseidon, and Hermes the helper, who excelled in the subtlety of his mind; and Hephaestus went together with them, exulting in his might, lame (he was) but his thin legs moved swiftly beneath (him). But Ares of the flashing helmet (went) to the Trojans, and with him (went) Phoebus with his hair unshorn, and Artemis the archer, and Leto, and Xanthus and laughter-loving Aphrodite. 

Now as long as the gods were afar from mortal men, for so long did the Achaeans win great glory, on account of Achilles having reappeared, and he had long kept way from the grievous fighting. And dread trembling in every limb came over the Trojans, fearful when they beheld the swift-footed son of Peleus gleaming in his armour like Ares, the bane of men. But when the Olympians came into the midst of the throng of men, then uprose mighty Strife, the rouser of armies, and Athene cried aloud, when standing beside the trench dug outside the wall, and at another time she cried out loudly on the resounding seashore. And from the other side Ares, like a black storm-cloud, shouted out, urging on the Trojans in shrill tones from the topmost citadel, and at another time from the banks of the Simois, as he ran towards the (hill) Callicolone.  

Ll. 54-85. The gods oppose each other.

So did the blessed gods urge on both parties to clash together, and whipped up grievous strife among them; then did the father of men and of the gods thunder terribly from on high; and from beneath did Poseidon cause the boundless earth and the lofty peaks of the mountains to shake, and all the foothills and the peaks of many-fountained Ida were shaken, as were the city of the Trojans and the ships of the Achaeans. And down below Aïdoneus (i.e. Hades), the lord of the dead, was terrified, and in his fear he leapt from his throne and cried aloud, lest above him Poseidon the Earth-shaker should break up the earth and his abode should be revealed to mortals and immortals, (as) those fearful and dank (places) which the gods themselves abhor; so great (was) the din (that) arose when the gods clashed in strife. For, in truth, against lord Poseidon there stood Phoebus Apollo with his winged arrows, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene (stood) against Enyalius (i.e. Ares); and against Hera there stood the boisterous archer Artemis of the golden distaff, sister of the one who shoots from afar (i.e. Apollo); and against Leto (there stood) the strong helper Hermes, and against Hephaestus the great deep-eddying river, which gods call Xanthus and men Scamander. 

So gods went forth against gods; but Achilles was especially longing to plunge into the throng against Priam's son, Hector; for his spirit especially bid him to sate Ares, the fighter with the bull's-hide shield, with his blood. But Apollo, the rouser (of armies), set Aeneas straight against the son of Peleus, and into him he put great might; and he likened his voice to (that) of Lycaon, son of Priam; in his likeness Apollo, son of Zeus, spoke to him: "Aeneas, counsellor of the Trojans, where (now are) those threats of yours,  which you promised to the princes of Troy, as you drank your wine, to fight against Achilles, son of Peleus?" 

Ll. 86-109.  Apollo urges on the reluctant Aeneas.

Then, Aeneas spoke to him in reply: "Son of Priam, why do you bid me fight the high-spirited son of Peleus, though I do not wish (to do) this? For I shall not now stand against swift-footed Achilles for the first time, but on another occasion he put me to flight from Ida with his spear, when he came upon our cattle, and sacked Lyrnessus (i.e. a city in Dardania, Asia Minor) and Pedasus (i.e. a town in the Troad on the banks of the River Satniois); but Zeus rescued me, and aroused in me strength and nimble knees. I would have been slain for sure at the hands of Achilles and Athene, who set (on him) the light (of deliverance), and bade him slay the Leleges (i.e. aboriginal people of South-west Anatolia) and the Trojans. Therefore, may it not be (the case) that any man should fight face to face with Achilles; for ever by his side (is) one of the gods, who wards off destruction. But, apart from that, his spear flies straight, and does not stop until it has pierced a man's flesh. But if a god were to evenly stretch the issue of war, he would not vanquish me very easily, not even if he professes to be made of bronze."

Then, prince Apollo, son of Zeus, replied to him: "But come (now), warrior, pray you also to the eternal gods; for of you too (men) say that you (i.e. Aeneas) were born of Aphrodite, daughter of Zeus, but that he (i.e Achilles) is sprung from a lesser god (i.e. Thetis); for the (former) is a child of Zeus and the (latter) (is sprung) from the old man of the sea (i.e. Nereus). But bear your unyielding bronze straight (at him), and do not let him turn (you) back at all with pitiful words and threats." 

Ll. 110-143. Hera is determined to protect Achilles, and Poseidon wants the gods to avoid the fighting.   

So saying, he breathed great might into the shepherd of the host, and he (i.e. Aeneas) strode through the foremost fighters, furnished with a helmet of gleaming bronze. Nor did the son of Anchises escape the notice of white-armed Hera, as he went through the throng of men to face the son of Peleus; and, having brought the gods together, she spoke these words to (them): "Now consider within your minds, Poseidon and Athene, the two of you, how these things are (to happen). Aeneas has come here, helmeted in shining bronze, to face the son of Peleus, and Phoebus Apollo has sent (him) forth. But come (now), let us turn him back from here, or else let one of us then stand beside Achilles and give (him) great strength and suffer not the heart (in his breast) to fail, so that he may know that (those) that love him (are) the best of the immortals, and that (those) who have warded off war and battle from the Trojans hitherto (are) empty as the winds. We have all come down from Olympus to meet face to face in this battle, so that he shall not suffer today at the hands of the Trojans; but thereafter he shall suffer whatever fate spun for him with her thread  at his birth, when his mother bore him. But, if Achilles does not learn of this from a voice of the gods, then he will be afraid when some god comes against (him) in battle; for gods are hard (to face) when they appear in their bodily form.  

Then, Poseidon the Earth-shaker answered her: "Do not be angry beyond what is prudent; there is no need at all for you (to be so). I would not wish that we (i.e. the pro-Greek gods) should drive the other gods (i.e. the pro-Trojan gods) together in conflict, when we are certainly more powerful (than they are); but let us go from the path to a lookout spot and then sit down, and let war be the concern of men. But if Ares or Phoebus Apollo begin the fight, or hold back Achilles and do not let him fight, then the strife of battle will arise from us on the spot forthwith; and I think they will be parted very quickly (from the battle), and back they will go to Olympus to join the company of the other gods, overcome by the force of our hands."

Ll. 144-175. Aeneas and Achilles prepare to do battle.

So saying, the dark-haired god (i.e. Poseidon) led the way to the heaped up wall of godlike Heracles, the high (wall) that the Trojans and Pallas Athene once built, so that he might escape from the monster of the deep and avoid (it), whenever it pursued him from the seashore to the plain. There Poseidon and the other gods (i.e. the pro-Greek gods) sat down, and around their shoulders they covered themselves with a cloud (that could not be) broken; and those on the other side (i.e. the pro-Trojan gods) sat on the brows of Callicolone, and round about (them) went Phoebus and Ares, the sacker of cities.

And so, on both sides, they sat, contemplating their intentions; but both sides shrank from starting a grievous war, albeit Zeus, who sat on high, had bidden (them to do so). And the whole plain was filled with men and horses, and was aflame with bronze; and the earth shook beneath their feet as they rushed together. And by far the two best warriors came together in the midst of both sides, Aeneas, son of Anchises, and godlike Achilles. And Aeneas (was) the first to stride forward in a threatening manner, with his strong helmet nodding (above him); now, his impetuous shield he held in front of his breast, and he brandished a spear of bronze. And from the other side, the son of Peleus rushed against (him) like a ravening lion that the men of a whole village gather together eager to slay; at first he pays (them) no attention but goes on his way, but when one of the hunters, swift in battle, has smitten (him) with a spear cast, he opens his mouth and foam comes forth from around his teeth, and in his heart his valiant spirit groans, and with his tail he lashes both his ribs and his flanks on both sides, and he urges himself on to fight, and, with glaring (eyes), he rushes straight on in his fury, whether he slays one of the men, or he himself is slain in the foremost throng; so his fury and his lordly spirit spurred Achilles on to go forth to face great-hearted Aeneas. 

Ll. 176-198. Achilles and Aeneas exchange  words.

And when, as they advanced, they came close to one another, swift-footed godlike Achilles spoke first to his (adversary): "Why have you come so very far from your throng, Aeneas, to take your stand (against me)? Does your spirit bid you fight with me in the hope of ruling over the horse-taming Trojans in the domain of Priam? But even if you should slay me, Priam will not place the prize in your hands on that account; for he has sons, and he is strong-willed and not inclined to change his mind. Or perhaps the Trojans have marked out a piece of land, pre-eminent above all others, a fair orchard and ploughland, so that you may possess (it) if you should slay me? But I think that (you will find) that hard to do. Before now (there was), I think, a previous occasion when I put you to flight with my spear. Or do you not recall that, when you were (all) alone, I drove (you) rapidly away from your cattle down the slopes of Ida with swift steps? On that day you did not once look behind you as you fled. From there you fled to Lyrnessus; but I sacked it, with Athene and father Zeus following (me) closely, and I led away the women (as) prisoners, and took away their day of freedom; but Zeus and the other gods rescued you. But I do not think they will save you now, as in your heart you imagine; but I urge you to go back into the throng, and not to stand and face me, until some evil should befall (you); for even a fool knows (a thing) when it has happened."      

Ll. 199-241. Aeneas sets out his family lineage.

Then, Aeneas answered him and said: "Son of Peleus, do not think you will frighten me with words, as (if I were) a child, since I myself know full well (how) to deliver insults and taunts. We know each other's pedigree, and we know (each other's) parents, from hearing the stories that mortal men (have) long (told of them); but you have never set eyes on my parents, nor I (on) yours. They say that you are born of peerless Peleus, and from Thetis, your sea-born mother with beautiful locks; whereas I profess that I was born (as) the son of great-hearted Anchises, and that my mother is Aphrodite; now on this day one or other of these (pairs) will be mourning their dear son; for I do not think we shall thus part and leave the battle with these childish words.  

"But. (listen), if you wish to learn of this family of ours, well-known though (it is), and many men know of it: now in the first place, Zeus the cloud-gatherer begat Dardanus, and he founded Dardania, when sacred Ilium had not yet been built on the plain (as) a city of mortal men, but they (still) lived on the slopes of Ida with its many springs. Dardanus in turn begat a son, king Erichthonius, who became the richest of mortal men; his three thousand horses grazed in the marsh-meadows, mares (they were), exulting in their tender foals. The North Wind fell in love with them as they grazed, and lay beside them in the form of a dark-maned stallion; and they conceived, and gave birth to, twelve foals. And, when they bounded across the fertile corn-field, they ran over the top of the ears of corn, and did not break (them); and, when they bounded over the broad backs of the sea, they used to run on the top of the breakers of the grey sea. And Erichthonius begat Tros, king of the Trojans; and then again three peerless sons were born to Tros, (namely) Ilus, and Assaracus and godlike Ganymedes, who was the most beautiful of mortal men; now, the gods carried him off (to be) Zeus' cup-bearer on account of his beauty, so that he might live with the immortals. And then again Ilus begat a son, the peerless Laomedon; and then Laomedon begat Tithonus, and Priam, and Lampus, and Clytius and Hicetaon, the scion of Ares; and Assaracus begat sons, Capys and Anchises; now, Anchises is my father, and Priam fathered godlike Hector. So this I declare is my lineage and my blood.    

Ll. 242-272. Achilles and Aeneas meet in battle; Aeneas' spear is blocked by the golden layer in Achilles' shield.  

"Now, Zeus increases and diminishes the courage in men, just as he wishes; for he is the mightiest of all. But come let us say these childish (things) no longer, as the two of us are standing in the midst of a deadly struggle. For it is possible for us both to utter insults, but not even a hundred-benched sailing ship could bear the weight. For glib is the tongue of mortals, and therein the words (are) many and various, and the range of words is wide on this side and on that one. And whatever words you may say, such words you may hear. But what need is there for us to bandy quarrelsome (words) and insults against one another like women, who, having been provoked by a heart-eating squabble, have gone out into the middle of the street to shout abuse at each other in a torrent of words, true and false; for anger bids (them say the false ones) also. Eager (as I am) for battle, you will not deter me with words, until we have fought (it) out face to face with bronze; but come, let us forthwith give one another the taste of our bronze-tipped spears."   

So he (i.e. Aeneas) spoke, and he drove his mighty spear into (Achilles') dread and awesome shield; and loudly rang the shield around the spear point.And the son of Peleus, being seized with dread, held his shield away from his (body) with his stout hand; for he thought that the long-shafted spear of great-hearted Aeneas would easily pierce through (it), fool (that he was); for he did not know in his mind and heart that it was not easy for mortal men to overcome or to avoid the glorious gifts of the gods. Nor did the mighty spear of bold Aeneas then break through his shield; for the gold, the gift of the god, stopped (it); although it had driven through two layers, yet there were still three (more), since the lame god (i.e. Hephaestus) had welded five layers, two of bronze, two within of tin, and one of gold, by which the ashen spar was halted.

Ll. 273-308. Poseidon plans to rescue Aeneas. 

Then, in his turn, Achilles hurled his long-shafted spear and smote Aeneas' shield, rounded (as it was) on every side, on the edge of the rim, where the bronze ran thinnest and the ox-hide backing was thinnest; and the spear of Pelian ash (i.e. from ash trees on Mount Pelion) shot right through (it), and the shield rang beneath it. Aeneas crouched, and in his fear held his shield above him; and the spear flew over his back and stuck in the ground, but it had ripped open both layers of his covering shield; and, having avoided the long spear, he stood up, and an immeasurable pain flooded over his eyes in his horror that the missile had come so close to him. But Achilles drew his sharp sword and leapt eagerly upon (him), shouting fearfully; then Aeneas grasped a boulder in his hand, a great feat, as it was one that two men could not bear, such as mortal men now are; yet he wielded it easily on his own. Then, as he (i.e. Achilles) rushed upon him, Aeneas would have struck (him) with the stone on his helmet or his shield, which would have saved him from a mournful death, but the son of Peleus would have robbed him of his life at close range with his sword, if Poseidon the Earth-shaker had not quickly seen (what was happening). And forthwith he spoke these words among the immortal gods: "Alas, I feel sorrow for great-hearted Aeneas, who will soon go down to Hades, overcome by the son of Peleus, having been persuaded by the promptings of Apollo the far-shooter, fool (that he was), nor will he (i.e. Apollo) in any way ward off from him woeful death. But why now should he, an innocent (man), suffer woes in vain on account of others' troubles, while he always gives pleasing gifts to the gods who hold broad heaven? But come, let us rescue him from death, lest perhaps the son of Cronos should also be angry, if Achilles should slay him; for he is ordained to escape, so that the race of Dardanus should not perish without seed, and be seen no more, (of Dadanus) whom the son of Cronos loved above all the children born to him from mortal women. For by now has the son of Cronos come to hate the race of Priam; and now indeed shall the mighty Aeneas be king of the Trojans, and (so shall) the sons of his children, who shall be born in the time to come."    

Ll. 309-339. Having rescued Aeneas, Poseidon warns him not to fight with Achilles.

Then, ox-eyed queenly Hera replied to him: "Earth-shaker, you yourself must decide in your own mind about Aeneas, whether you will rescue him, or whether you will let (him) be overpowered by Achilles, son of Peleus, brave though he is. For, in truth, we two, Pallas Athene and I, have sworn many oaths in the midst of all the immortals that we shall never ward off the evil day from the Trojans, not even when the whole of Troy shall be ablaze, burned by consuming fire, and the warrior sons of the Achaeans are burning (it)."

Now, when Poseidon the Earth-shaker heard this, he went his way amid the battle and the throng of spears, and came (to the place) where Aeneas was, and the glorious Achilles. Then, forthwith, he shed a mist over the eyes of Achilles, son of Peleus, and he drew the ashen spear, well shod with bronze, from the shield of great-hearted Aeneas; and he laid it before the feet of Achilles, and he lifted Aeneas up off the ground and raised (him) aloft. And, as he (i.e. Aeneas) darted from the hand of the god, he sprang over many ranks of warriors and many chariots, and he came to the verge of the furious battle, where the Caucones (i.e. an Anatolian tribe, who were allies of the Trojans) were arming themselves for battle. Then, Poseidon the Earth-shaker came very close to his (side), and, in addressing him, he spoke these winged words: "Which one of the gods bids you to fight thus recklessly against the high-spirited son of Peleus, who is a better (man) than you and dearer to the immortals? But you must go back whenever you are thrown together with him, lest you should enter the house of Hades before your fated time. But, when Achilles has met his death and doom, then have the courage to fight among the foremost; for no one else among the Achaeans shall slay you."  

Ll. 340-372. Achilles and Hector urge on the warriors in their respective armies. 

So saying, he (i.e. Poseidon) left (him) there, when he had told (him) everything. Then, he quickly dispersed the wondrous mist from the eyes of Achilles; and then he (i.e. Achilles) stared hard with his eyes, and, sorely vexed, he spoke to his great-hearted spirit: "Oh, in truth, this is a great wonder I am seeing with my eyes; this spear of mine is lying on the ground, but I cannot see at all the man, at whom I cast (it) in my eagerness to kill (him). So it is clear that Aeneas was also beloved by the immortal gods; whereas I thought that he was boasting in so vain a manner. Let him go on his way; he will not have the heart to try me again, now that he is glad to have escaped from death. But come, let me bid the war-loving Danaans to go forth against the other Trojans to put (them) to the test."  

So he (i.e. Achilles) spoke, and he leapt back into the ranks and urged on every man: "Now, (you) godlike Achaeans, no longer do you stand far apart from the Trojans, but come, let man go forth against man and be eager to fight. Hard it is for me, mighty though I may be, to go against so many men and fight (them) all; not even Ares, immortal god though he is, nor even Athene, could face the jaws (i.e. make a frontal assault) of so great a battle and labour on; but as much as I can do with my hands and feet and with my strength, I do not think I shall be at all slack, not even a whit, but straight through the lines shall I go, and I do not think that any Trojan who comes near my spear shall be glad (of it)." 

So he spoke, urging (them) on; and glorious Hector called to the Trojans with a shout, and said that he would go forth against Achilles: "(You) high-spirited men of Troy, do not be afraid of the son of Peleus. With words I could even fight the immortals, but with a spear (it would be) hard, since they are surely mightier by far. Not even Achilles shall bring all the things that he says to fulfilment, but some he will fulfil, and others he will leave incomplete. But I will go forth against him, even if his hands are like fire, his hands are like fire (that is), and his strength (is like) molten iron."

Ll. 373-418. Achilles attacks the Trojans.

So he (i.e. Hector) spoke, urging (them) on, and the Trojans raised their spears as they faced (the foe); and they were joined together in their fury, and up went the battle-cry. Then, Phoebus Apollo drew near to Hector and said: "You are no longer to challenge Achilles in any circumstances, but you are to  await (him) in the throng and in the din of battle, lest he may strike you with a spear-cast or close at hand with his sword."

So he spoke, and Hector fell back again into the throng of warriors, seized with fear when he heard the voice of the god speaking. Then, Achilles, clothed in his heart with courage, leapt upon the Trojans, shouting fearfully, and in the first place he slew Iphition, the noble son of Otrynteus, (and) leader of many people, whom a water-nymph bore to Otrynteus, sacker of cities, beneath snowy Tmolus (i.e. a mountain in Maeonia with Sardis at its foot) and the rich land of Hyde (i.e. a Maeonian city lying in the valley of the river Hermus). And, as he rushed straight at him, godlike Achilles smote him with his spear in the middle of his head; and it was cloven wholly asunder, and he crashed heavily as he fell, and the godlike Achilles spoke (over him) in triumph: "(There) you lie, son of Otrynteus, most dreaded of all men; here (is the place of) your death, though you were born by the Gygaean lake (i.e. the Maeonian lake of the nymph Gyge, possibly the mother of Iphition), where is your family's land by Hyllus (i.e. a northern tributary of the River Hermus), teeming with fish, and the swirling waters of the Hermus."

So he (i.e. Achilles) spoke in triumph, and darkness covered the eyes of the other (i.e. Iphition). Now the chariots of the Achaeans tore him in pieces with their wheel-rims in the fore-front of the fray, and over him he struck Demoleon, a brave battle-warden (and) the son of Antenor, on the temple through his bronze-cheeked helmet. Nor did his bronze helmet check (it). but through it went the spear-point and smashed  the bone, and all of his brain was scattered inside (it); and he overpowered him, as he was pressing forward. And then, when Hippodamas (i.e. a son of Priam) had jumped down from his chariot and was fleeing before him, he stabbed (him) in the back with his spear; now he gasped out his life and he bellowed, just as a bull  that is dragged bellows when young men drag (him) around (the altar) of the lord of Helice (i.e. an ancient city on the Gulf of Corinth, that was a sanctuary of Poseidon); and the Earth-shaker delights in them; so he (i.e. Hippodamas) bellowed as his lordly spirit left his bones; but he (i.e. Achilles) went with his spear after godlike Polydorus, son of Priam. But his father did not allow him to fight at all, because he was born the youngest among his children, and by him he was the most beloved, and he surpassed with all with his feet, and now in his childish folly he proclaimed his fleetness of foot, and he was rushing through the foremost fighters, until he lost his life. Swift-footed godlike Achilles smote him with his spear in the middle of his back as he darted past, when the golden clasps of his belt were joined and his corselet was composed of a double layer; and the point of his spear went right through by his navel, and he dropped on his knees with a cry, and a dark cloud enveloped him, and he clutched his entrails to himself with his hands as he sank.

Ll. 419-454. Apollo rescues Hector.

But, when Hector saw his brother Polydorus clasping his entrails in his hand and sinking to earth, then a mist spread down over his eyes; so he could not bear to keep himself at a distance any longer, but went against Achilles, brandishing his sharp spear like a flame; but Achilles, when he saw (him), sprang up thus, and spoke these words in triumph: "Near (to me is) the man, who has especially touched my heart, for (he it was) who slew the companion (whom I) honoured; no longer will we shrink from one another between the lines of battle."  

So he spoke, and, looking (at him) with a scowl, he spoke to godlike Hector: "Come closer (now), so that you can meet your end (which is) death the sooner." 

But Hector of the flashing helmet addressed him without fear: "Son of Peleus, do not think you can frighten me with words as if I were a child, since I myself know clearly also (how) to issue insults and slighting words. And I know that you (are) valiant, and that I (am) much inferior to you. But, in truth, these (matters) lie on the knees of the gods, whether I, though weaker than you, can take the life from you with a cast of my spear, since my weapon too  has proved sharp in the past."  

So he spoke, and setting his spear in motion, he let (it) fly, but Athene with her breath turned it back from glorious Achilles, though breathing very faintly (as she did so); and back it came to godlike Hector and fell in front of his feet. But Achilles sprang at (him) eagerly, wanting to kill (him), and shouting fearfully. But Apollo snatched him away very easily, as he was a god, and wrapped (him) in thick mist. Three times then did swift-footed godlike Achilles charge in with his bronze spear, and three times did he smite the thick mist. But, when he rushed upon him for the fourth time like a god, then, shouting terribly, he uttered these winged words: "Now then (you) dog, you have escaped from death; but, verily, your bane came close; now once more has Phoebus Apollo saved you; you probably pray to him when you go towards the thud of spears. Surely now I shall finish you off the next time we meet, if perhaps some god may likewise be a helpmate to me. But now I shall attack the others, whomever I shall light upon."    

Ll. 455-489. Achilles kills one Trojan after another. 

So he (i.e. Achilles) spoke, and he struck Dryops full in the neck with his spear; and down he fell before his feet; but (there) he let him (lie), and he halted the approach of Demuchus, Philetor's brave and tall son, striking (him) upon the knee with his spear. Then, smiting him with his great sword, he took away his life. Then, he set upon Laogonus and Dardanus, the (two) sons of Bias, and he knocked both (of them) out of their chariot on to the ground, smiting one with his spear and striking the other with his sword at close quarters. Then Tros, the son of Alastor, - he came right up to his knees (to see) if perhaps he would spare (him) and take (him) captive and send (him) forth alive, and not slay him but take pity on someone of the same age, fool (that he was), nor did he know that he was not open to persuasion; for the man was not at all soft-hearted, nor was he of a kindly disposition, but (he was) quite determined to press on; now, he sought to clasp his knees in his hands, intent (as he was) in begging for mercy, but he stabbed (him) in the liver with his sword; and out slipped his liver, so the black blood (pouring) from it filled his lap; and darkness covered his eyes as he was deprived of his life; then he stood beside Mulius and stabbed (him) in the ear with his spear; then, he struck Echeclus, son of Agenor, full on the head with his hilted sword, and the whole blade grew warm with his blood; and dark death and mighty fate came over his eyes. And then he pierced Deucalion with his bronze spear-point through his arm at the point where the tendons come together at the elbow, and he awaited (him) with his arm hanging down, beholding his death before (him); then, he struck (him) on the neck with his sword and sent his head and its helmet (flying) into the distance; and the marrow spurted out from his spine, and he lay (there) stretched on the ground. Then he went after Rhigmus, the peerless son of Peiros, (he) who had come from fertile Thrace; he hit him in the middle with his spear, and the bronze was fixed in his belly, and he fell from his chariot; then, as his squire Areïthous (was) turning back the horses, he stabbed (him) in the back with his sharp spear, and knocked him from the chariot; and the horses bolted.  

Ll. 490-503. The ground is covered with the blood of the Trojans whom Achilles has killed. 

As a furious fire rages through the deep valleys of a parched mountainside, and the deep forest burns, and the wind, driving (it) on, whirls the flames about in all directions, so he (i.e. Achilles) rushed everywhere with his spear like some god, driving (men) on and killing (them); and the black earth ran with blood. And, as when a man yokes together male and broad-fronted oxen to tread white barley on a well-made threshing-floor, and (the grains) are swiftly husked beneath the feet of the loud-bellowing bulls, so beneath great-hearted Achilles his single-hooved horses trampled alike on corpses and shields; and all of the axle beneath and the rails around the chariot were bespattered with blood, which fell upon them in drops from the horses' hooves and from the rims of the wheels; but the son of Peleus went on to win glory, and he besmeared his invincible hands with gore.

 

 

  

HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XIX: ACHILLES AND AGAMEMNON ARE RECONCILED.

HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XIX: ACHILLES AND AGAMEMNON ARE RECONCILED. 

Introduction:

After the three long days of fighting, which have encompassed Books XI-XVIII, Book XIX sees the dawn of a new day.  At the beginning of the book, Thetis comes to Achilles, bringing him the armour which Hephaestus has made for him. Achilles wishes to go straight into battle, but Odysseus insists that the soldiers must eat first, and that he and Agamemnon must first be comprehensively and publicly reconciled. Then, the gifts which were promised in the Embassy to Achilles in Book IX are then handed over, including the return of the girl  Briseïs, who breaks into a moving lament, when she perceives the body of Patroclus. The Book ends with a vivid description of Achilles arming himself for battle, and the prophecy of the horse Xanthus, to whom Hera has temporarily imparted the power of speech, that Achilles is destined to die in battle.  

Ll. 1-36. Thetis brings Achilles the armour made by Hephaestus.

Now, saffron-robed Dawn arose from the streams of Ocean, to bring light to immortals and mortal men; and she (i.e. Thetis) came to the ships bearing the gifts of the god. And she found her beloved son (i.e. Achilles) weeping loudly as he clasped (the body of) Patroclus; and many of his companions were mourning around him; and she stood in their midst, and she took his hand and spoke these words and addressed (him): "My child, we must let this (man) lie, despite our grief, since now in the first place he has been slain by the will of the gods; but do you (now) receive this glorious armour, so very fine such as no man has ever worn on his shoulders."

So speaking, the goddess laid down the armour in front of Achilles, and all that cunningly-wrought (metal-work) clashed loudly. Then, trembling took hold of all the Myrmidons, and no one dared to look full at (it), but they fled away. But, when Achilles saw (it), then anger came upon him all the more, and his eyes blazed forth dreadfully from beneath their lids like flame; and he delighted in holding the glorious gifts of the god in his hands. But, when he had gladdened his heart in gazing at these cunningly-wrought (works), forthwith he spoke these winged words to his mother: "My mother, the arms the god has given (me) are works such as befit immortals, and no mortal man could have made (them). Now indeed I shall arm myself for battle; but I am sorely afraid lest in the meantime before my eyes flies should creep into his bronze-inflicted wounds and breed worms and desecrate his body, for life has gone from (it), and all its flesh may rot."

Then, the silver-footed goddess Thetis answered him: "My child, do not be concerned in your heart about these (things). From him, I will undertake to ward off the cruel swarms of flies that feed on (the bodies of) men killed in war; for even if he shall lie (here) for the full course of a year, his flesh shall always be sound (as it is now) or even better. But do you call the Achaean warriors to the place of assembly and renounce your wrath against Agamemnon, shepherd of the host, and arm yourself immediately for battle, and don your fighting spirit."  

Ll. 37-73. Achilles ends his quarrel with Agamemnon.

So saying, she implanted fearless strength in (him), and then she slipped ambrosia and red nectar into Patroclus down through his nostrils. so that his flesh would be sound. 

Meanwhile, the godlike Achilles strode along the shore of the sea, shouting fearfully, and he aroused the Achaean warriors. And even (those) that formerly used to abide in the gathering of the ships, the pilots, and those who were in charge of the ships' rudders, and the stewards, (who) were the dispensers of food on board the ships, even these now came to the place of assembly, because Achilles had reappeared, for he had been absent for so long from the grievous fighting. Then, two squires of Ares came limping along, the son of Tydeus (i.e. Diomedes), staunch in battle, and godlike Odysseus, leaning on their spears; for their wounds still caused (them) pain; and they came and sat down at the front of the assembly. Now, last (of all) came Agamemnon, king of men, bearing a wound; for Coön, son of Antenor, had wounded him with his bronze-tipped spear. Then, when all the Achaeans were gathered together, swift-footed Achilles stood up and spoke to them: "Son of Atreus, as it now appears, was this (strife) really better for the two of us, for you and for me, when with grief in our hearts we raged in soul-eating strife, on that day when I destroyed Lyrnessus and took (her). Then, all those Achaean (men) would not have sunk their teeth in the unspeakably great earth at the hands of their enemies, as I persevered in my wrath. For Hector and the Trojans that (was) better; yet I think the Achaeans will long remember the strife between me and you. But now let these (things) be over and done with, despite our pain, curbing the hearts in our breasts through necessity; and now, in truth, I cease my wrath, nor indeed do I need to be raging so stubbornly all the time; but come, do you rouse the long-haired Achaeans speedily to  battle, so that I may go forth against the Trojans and put (them) to the test once more, (to see) whether they will wish to spend the night by our ships; but I think that some of them (will be) glad to bend the knee (in rest), whoever shall escape the fury of war and my spear. 

Ll. 74-113. Agamemnon refers to Ate.

So he spoke, and the well-greaved Achaeans were delighted that the great-hearted son of Peleus had renounced his wrath. Then, Agamemnon, king of men, also spoke, from the spot where he was sitting, and not standing in their midst: "My friends, Danaan warriors, squires of Ares, when (a man) is standing (to speak, it is) right to listen, and it is not right to interrupt (him); for that is hard, even for (one who) is an experienced (speaker). But in the midst of a great uproar how should any man hear or speak? Then is he hampered, clear-voiced speaker though he be. To the son of Peleus I shall speak my mind; but do you other Argives pay attention and mark well my words, each one (of you). Often have the Achaeans said these words to me and chided me; but I am not to blame, but (rather) Zeus, and Fate, and the Fury that walks in darkness, for they implanted a cruel delusion in my mind on that day when I myself took away Achilles's prize (i.e. the maid Briseïs). But what could I do? (It is) God (who) brings all (things) to fulfilment. (It is) Ate, the eldest daughter of Zeus, who deludes (us) all, accursed (though she is); and her feet (are) delicate; for she does not touch the ground, but she walks over the heads of men, bringing harm to mankind, and so she constrains one or other (of the disputants). For she once even blinded Zeus, even (he) who is said to be the greatest of men and gods; but Hera, female though she is, even tricked him with her cunning on the day when Alcmene was about to give birth to the mighty Heracles in well-turreted Thebes. Now indeed, he (i.e. Zeus) spoke assertively to all of the gods: 'Listen to me, all (you) gods and all (you) goddesses, so that I may say the (things that) the heart in my breast bids me. Today. Eileithyia, (the goddess) of birth-pangs will reveal to the light a man who will rule over all those (who) dwell around (him, that is) of those men who are of the race of my blood.' Then, queenly Hera spoke to him with a deceitful intention: 'You will prove to be a liar, nor will you bring what you say to fufilment.  But, come now, Olympian, swear a solemn oath to me, that, in very truth, that (man) shall be lord of all those who dwell around (him), who on this day shall fall between a woman's feet, (that is) even one of those men who are of the blood of your stock.' So she spoke; now Zeus was quite unaware of her cunning, but he swore a great oath, and in so doing he was sorely misled.

Ll. 114-153. Agamemnon offers to compensate Achilles with gifts.

"Then, Hera darted down and left the peak of Olympus, and came swiftly to Achaean Argos, where she knew of the strong wife (i.e. Nicippe) of Sthenelus, son of Perseus. Now, she was pregnant with her son, and the seventh month had come; and she brought (the child) forward to the light, and he was before his time, and she forestalled Alcmene's childbirth, and stopped Eileithyia (from bringing on her pains). And she herself brought the news to Zeus, son of Cronos, and said: Father Zeus, who flashes bright lightning, I shall put some words in your mind: today there was born a valiant man, who shall be lord of the Argives, (namely) Eurystheus, son of Sthenelus, son of Perseus, of your stock; (so it is) not unmeet for him to rule the Argives.' So she spoke, and a sharp pain struck him deeply in the heart; and, forthwith, full of wrath in his heart, he seized hold of Ate by her brightly-tressed head, and he swore a great oath that never again should Ate, who deludes everyone, come to Olympus and the starry heaven. Speaking thus, he whirled (her) in his hand and flung (her) from the starry heaven; and she came quickly to the tilled fields of men. And he would always groan at the thought of her, whenever he beheld his dear son (i.e. Heracles) labouring at unseemly tasks, by reason of the trials of Eurystheus. In my case also, when mighty Hector of the shining helmet kept killing Argives by the sterns of their ships, I could not forget Ate, by whom I was deluded in the first place. But, since I was deluded, and Zeus stole my wits, now do I wish to make amends and to offer reparations without limit. But (now) do you prepare for battle and rouse the rest of our people. But I am ready to offer all of those gifts which godlike Odysseus promised yesterday when he came to your hut. Or, if you wish, abide here for a while, eager though (you are) for war, and my attendants will take the gifts from my ship and bring (them) to you, so you can see what agreeable (things) I will be giving you."

Then, swift-footed Achilles answered him and said: "Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, it is up to you whether you wish to give (them) as is fitting, or to keep (them). But now let us think straightaway of the joys of battle; for we ought not to be here plotting idly, nor wasting time; for (there is) great work still unaccomplished; so may one again behold Achilles amid the foremost, destroying the ranks of the Trojans with his bronze spear. May each one of you be mindful of this, as you are fighting your man."       

Ll. 154-183. Odysseus gives his advice. 

Then, Odysseus, (that man) of many wiles, said to him in reply: "Brave (man) though you are, godlike Achilles, do not thus urge the sons of the Achaeans (to go) against Ilium to fight the Trojans while they are not eating, since the battle will not last for a short time once the ranks of men have met in battle and god breathes strength into both sides. But do you tell the Achaeans to consume food and wine by the swift ships; for therein lies their strength and their courage. For no man can fight face-to-face (with the enemy) all day long till the setting of the sun while fasting from food; for though in his heart he may be eager to fight, yet his limbs wax heavy unawares, and thirst comes over (him), and hunger too, and his knees grow weary as he goes. But the man who (is) full of wine and food shall fight all day long against the foemen, and now his heart in his chest is full of confidence, and his limbs do not grow weary at all, until everyone withdraws from battle. But come, dismiss the host and tell (them) to prepare the meal; and let Agamemnon, king of men, bring forward the gifts into the midst of the place of gathering, so that all the Achaeans may behold (them) with their eyes, and you can find delight in your heart. And let him rise up among the Argives and swear an oath to you that he never got into her (i.e. Briseïs') bed and had intercourse with (her), as is the way, (O) king, between men and women; and in your own (case) too, the heart in your breast will be gracious. And then he should make amends to you by a rich feast in his hut, in order that you should not at all be lacking in justice. And you, son of Atreus, will then be more righteous to others also. For it is in no way a source of blame that a king should make amends to a man, when he was the first to grow angry."     

Ll. 184-214. Achilles wishes to avenge the death of Patroclus before any feasting and receipt of gifts occur.

Then, Agamemnon, king of men, spoke to him again: "Glad am I, son of Laertes, to hear your words, for you have gone through everything in the case, and set things in order. And I am willing to swear this (oath), and my heart urges me (to do so), nor shall I swear falsely before god. But let Achilles remain here in the meantime, eager though (he is) for battle; and may all the rest of you stay here together, until the gifts can come from my hut and I can ratify the sacred oath (with a sacrifice). And upon you yourself (i.e. Odysseus) I am laying this (charge) and commandment: choose the best young men of all the Achaeans, and fetch all the gifts from my ship that we promised yesterday to give to Achilles, and bring the women (too). And may Talthybius (i.e. Agamemnon's herald) be quick to prepare a boar in the broad camp of the Achaeans for sacrifice to Zeus and the Sun."

Then, swift-footed Achilles said to him in response: "Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, it ought to be better to do this work at another time, when some pause occurs in the fighting, and there is not so much fury in my heart. Now those whom Hector, son of Priam, killed, when Zeus gave him the power, lie here mangled, and you (two) are urging (us) to (think of) food. I would definitely order the sons of the Achaeans to fight now, unfed (and) fasting, and, when the sun sets, to make ready a large meal, when we have atoned for our disgrace. But, before that, neither food nor drink shall go down my throat, when my comrade (is) dead and he lies in my hut rent by sharp bronze, with (his feet) pointing towards the door (i.e. the traditional position for a body awaiting burial), and around (him) his companions are mourning; therefore, these (things) are not matters of concern to my heart, but (rather is the thought of) slaughter, and blood, and men's grievous groaning." 

Ll. 215-237. With regard to the need for the men to eat, Odysseus over-rules Achilles.

Then, Odysseus, (that man) of many wiles, said to him in reply: "O Achilles, son of Peleus, by far the greatest of the Achaeans, (you are) a greater (man) than I, and not a little stronger with the spear, but in counsel I would (claim to) surpass you by far, since I was born before (you) and have more knowledge. Therefore, let your heart hearken carefully to my words. Men quickly have a surfeit of battle, when the bronze (blade) strews the most straw (i.e. the bodies of dead men) on the ground, but there is little harvest, when Zeus, who has been made the dispenser of battle for men, has inclined his balance (i.e. has decided which side shall win). For it should not be that the Achaeans should mourn a corpse with the belly; for very many are falling in heaps every day; when would a man (ever) find respite from toil? But we need to bury him who is dead, hardening our hearts and shedding tears for a day; and those of us who survive the hateful fighting, must take thought for food and drink, so that we may fight the enemy warriors ever relentlessly, our bodies clad in stubborn bronze. But none of our people should hold back from accepting the summons to battle; for the summons (is) this: it will be hard (for any man) who shall be left behind by the ships of the Argives; but let us attack in full strength and arouse keen battle against the horse-taming Trojans."  

Ll. 238-275. The Achaeans sacrifice to the gods. 

So he spoke, and he took (with him) the sons of glorious Nestor (i.e. Antilochus and Thrasymedes), and Meges, son of Phyleus, and Thoas, and Meriones, and Lycomedes, son of Creon, and Melanippus; and they made their way to the hut of Agamemnon, son of Atreus. Then, straightway the word was (said), and the deed was done; and they bore the seven tripods, which he had promised him, from the hut, and twenty gleaming cauldrons and twelve horses; and speedily did they lead forth seven women skilled in excellent handicraft, and the fair-cheeked Briseïs (as) the eighth (one). Then, Odysseus, having weighed out ten talents of gold in all, led (the way), and with him other young men of the Achaeans bore gifts. These then they set in the midst of the place of gathering, and Agamemnon arose; and Talthybius, like a god with regard to his voice, stood beside the shepherd of the host, holding a boar in his hands. Then, the son of Atreus drew forth in his hands the large knife, that always hung beside the great sheath of his sword, and, beginning the sacrifice (by cutting) hairs from the boar, he raised his hands to Zeus and prayed; and all the Argives sat in silence in their places, duly hearkening to the king. And, looking up to the wide heaven he spoke in prayer: "May Zeus, the highest and best of the gods, be my first witness, then Earth and Sun and the Erinyes (i.e. the Furies), that punish men under the earth, when anyone of them has sworn a false oath, that I never laid hands on the girl Briseïs, neither on account of wanting (to go) to bed (with her), nor for any other reason. But she remained untouched in my hut. Now, if any of these (things is) falsely sworn, may the gods heap on me a great multitude of woes, such as they are wont to give to any man who sins against (them) when he swears."      

So he spoke, and he cut the boar's throat with the pitiless bronze. And Talthybius whirled around and cast it into the great depths of the grey sea (as) food for the fishes; but Achilles stood up and addressed the war-loving Argives: "You surely do inflict great blindness upon men; for otherwise you never would have (so) utterly aroused the fury in my breast, nor would he have led off the girl (so) inexplicably against my will; but maybe Zeus wished for the death of (so) many Achaeans to happen. But now, go to your meal, so that we can join together in battle." 

Ll. 276-308. Briseïs mourns the death of Patroclus.

So he spoke, and dismissed the quickly called assembly. Then they dispersed, each to his own ship, but the great-hearted Myrmidons took charge of the gifts, and, bearing (them), they made their way to the ship of godlike Achilles. And they placed them in the huts, and settled the women (in them), and the proud squires drove the horses to (join) the herd. 

But then, Briseïs, (she who) resembled golden Aphrodite, when she saw Patroclus cloven by the sharp bronze, flung herself around him and shrieked loudly, and she tore with her hands at her breasts, and her tender throat, and her beautiful face. Then, the woman, (who was) like unto the gods, cried out in lament (for him): "Patroclus, most pleasing to my hapless heart, (you were) alive when I went away from the hut and left you, and now I find you dead, (you) leader of the hosts; thus evil after evil ever awaits me. My husband, to whom my father (i.e. Briseus) and my queenly mother gave me, I beheld cloven by the sharp bronze in front of our city, and my three brothers, whom my own mother bore, beloved (as they were), they all incurred their day of doom. When swift Achilles killed my husband, and sacked the city of godlike Mynes, you would not even suffer me to weep, but you said you would make me the wedded wife of godlike Achilles, and that he (i.e. Achilles) would take me in his ships to Phthia, and celebrate his marriage-feast among the Myrmidons. And so, I bewail your death incessantly, kind (as you) always (were)."   

So she spoke while she lamented, and the women let out groans on account of Patroclus, and they each had sorrows of their own. Now the elders gathered around him (i.e. Achilles), beseeching (him) to eat; but, groaning, he refused: "I beseech (you), if any of my dear comrades will hearken unto me, do not now urge me to satisfy my appetite with food and drink, since this grievous pain has come upon me; till set of sun, I will abide and endure at any rate."

Ll. 309-348. Achilles continues to grieve for Patroclus.

So he spoke, and he sent the other chiefs away, but the two sons of Atreus remained, and so did the godlike Odysseus, Nestor and Idomeneus, and the old charioteer Phoenix, (who was) trying to comfort him as he sorrowed greatly, but in no way could he be comforted in his heart, until he sunk into the jaws of bloody battle. And, as he thought (of him), he heaved a heavy sigh, and said: "So now in truth, you too, (O) hapless (one), the dearest of my companions, you yourself would once have laid out before me a pleasing meal in my hut quickly and readily, whenever the Achaeans were eager to bring tearful war upon the horse-taming Trojans. But now you lie (there) mangled, and my heart goes without meat and drink, here (though) they are, out of my longing for you; for I could not suffer anything worse, not even if I should hear of the death of my father, who I think must now be letting soft tears drop in Phthia for want of such a son (as me); and I am waging war in a foreign land with the Trojans for the sake of spine-chilling Helen; nor even (of the death of) him who is being brought up for me in Scyros (i.e. an island in the central Aegean, off the coast of Euboea), my dear son, the godlike Neoptolemus, if indeed he still lives. For until now the heart in my breast had cause to hope that I alone should perish away from horse-grazing Argos (i.e. Thessaly) here in (the land of) Troy, but that you should return to Phthia, so that you might take my son from Scyros in your swift back ship and show him everything (of mine), my property, my slaves, and my great high-roofed house. For by now I presume that Peleus is either altogether dead, or perhaps he is still just living, but is sorely distressed by hateful old age, and is always awaiting sad news of me, when he shall learn of my death." 

So he spoke lamenting, and with (him) groaned the elders, each one (of them) remembering (the things) he had left behind in his home, and, as they grieved, the son of Cronos saw them and took pity on (them), and forthwith he spoke winged words to Athene: "My child, you have utterly deserted that noble man. In truth now, is Achilles no longer of concern to your mind at all? He is sitting (there) in front of his horned ships, grieving for his dear companion; now, the others have gone to their meal, but he (is) fasting and (is) without food. But go you and shed nectar and lovely ambrosia into his breast, so that (the pangs of) hunger do not come upon him."  

Ll. 349-386. Achilles arms himself for battle.  

So speaking, he urged on Athene, (who was) eager already; and she, like a bird of prey (i.e. probably a falcon) swooped down from heaven through the upper air. Now, the Achaeans were speedily arraying themselves for battle throughout the camp; then, she (i.e. Athene) shed nectar and lovely ambrosia into the breast of Achilles, so that the grim (pangs of) hunger should not come upon his limbs; then, she went back to the strongly-built house of her mighty father, and they (i.e. the Achaeans) poured forth from their swift ships. Now, as when Zeus' snowflakes fly thick, born cold in the sky under the blast of the north wind, so thick then (were) the bright-shining helmets being carried from the ships, and the bossed shields, and the strong-plated corselets and ashen spears. Then, sunlight struck the sky, and all the earth smiled around (them) beneath the gleam of bronze; and a din went up from beneath their feet; and in their midst godlike Achilles arrayed himself for battle. And there was a gnashing of his teeth, and then his eyes glowed like the light of a fire, and insufferable pain sunk into his heart; and then, in his rage against the Trojans, he donned the gifts of the god, (the things) which Hephaestus had worked (so) hard to make for him. First he placed the greaves around his legs, beautiful (they were) (and) fitted with silver ankle-pieces; and next he put the corselet around his chest. And about his shoulders he slung his silver-studded sword of bronze; and then he took hold of his great and sturdy shield, and light came from it like the moon's. And as when from the sea there appeared to seamen the light of a blazing fire, and it burns high in the mountains in a lonely farmstead; but the storm-winds are not with them but carry them over the fish-filled sea away from their loved ones; so from the beautiful and richly-wrought shield of Achilles a gleam went up into the sky; and he lifted up the massive helmet and set (it) on his head; and the helmet with its plume of horse-hair shone like a star, and the golden hairs which Hephaestus had set thickly around the crest, shimmered around (it). Then, godlike Achilles tried himself out in his armour, (to see) if it fitted him and (if) his splendid limbs moved freely in (it); and it became like wings to him, and raised up the shepherd of the host.  

Ll. 387-424. The horse Xanthus prophesies Achilles' death. 

Then, he drew from its casing his father's spear, heavy, huge and sturdy (it was); no other Achaean could brandish it, but Achilles only knew how to wield it, (that spear) of Pelian ash from the peak of (Mount) Pelion, which Chiron (i.e. the Centaur) gave to his beloved father (i.e. Peleus) to be the death of warriors; Automedon and Alcimus went about the yoking of the horses; and they set breast-bands around (them) and cast the bits between their jaws, and drew the reins back tightly into the chariot. Then, Automedon took the bright lash that fitted well in his hands, and leapt up on to the chariot; and behind (him) went Achilles, armed for battle, gleaming in his armour like the gleaming sun Hyperion, and he called out to his horses in a terrible voice: "Xanthus and Balios, famous foals of Podarge: "Now (let it be) different, and mind that you bring back your charioteer safely to the mass of the Danaans, when we have had enough of battle, and not as you left Patroclus (lying) there dead (on the field)."

Xanthus, the horse with the nimble feet, replied to him from beneath the yoke, and at once he bowed his head, and all his mane streamed downwards from the collar beside the yoke and reached the ground; for the white-armed goddess Hera had made (him) speak: "Yes, this time we shall still bring you back very safely, mighty Achilles; but for you the day of doom (is) near; we shall not be responsible (for this), let me tell you, but a great god and strong Fate (will be). For (it was) not through any slowness or laziness of ours that the Trojans were (able to) strip the armour from the shoulders of Patroclus; but (one of) the greatest of the gods, (he) whom fair-haired Leto bore (i.e. Apollo), slew (him) amid the foremost fighters and gave the glory to Hector. For we two (i.e. Xanthus and Balios) would race together with the blast of the west wind, which (men) say is the swiftest (of all things); but it is your own fate to be forcibly brought down by a god and a man (i.e. Apollo and Paris)." 

Then, when he had said these things, the Erinyes (i.e. the Furies) checked his voice. Greatly vexed, swift-footed Achilles answered him: "Xanthus, why do you prophesy my death? There is no need at all for you (to do so). Now, I myself know well that (it is) my fate to perish here, far from my beloved father (i.e. Peleus) and my mother (i.e. Thetis); but even so, I shall not cease until I have driven the Trojans to their fill of war."

So he spoke, and with a shout he drove his single-hooved horses amid the foremost.