HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK II: THE DEBATE IN ITHACA

HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK II: THE DEBATE IN ITHACA

Introduction:

At the assembly which Telemachus calls at the beginning of this book, he is critical of the behaviour of the suitors, one of whom, Antinous, then blames Telemachus' mother, Penelope, for deceiving the suitors, and urges him to send her to her father so another marriage can be arranged for her. After Telemachus rejects this advice, the seer Halitherses interprets the flight of two eagles as indicating that the suitors are putting themselves at great risk by their misbehaviour, as Odysseus will soon be returning home to take his revenge on them. After another suitor, Eurymachus, ridicules Halitherses' augury, Telemachus demands a ship to take him to take him to the mainland to seek for news of his father, and the assembly is dissolved. The goddess Athene, disguised as Mentor, then promises to support Telemachus in arranging a voyage to Pylos, and Telemachus returns to his house, where he rebukes Antinous, who has been taunting him. He then asks the housekeeper, and his former nurse, Eurycleia, to prepare provisions for his journey. Although Eurycleia seeks to dissuade Telemachus from going on this journey, she does then agree not to tell his mother about it until his absence becomes a matter of public knowledge. Athene then acquires a ship, and arranges to  recruit oarsmen to man it. The book ends with Telemachus, Athene and their crew heading for the Greek mainland.

Ll. 1-38. The Assembly convenes. 

As soon as the child of the morning, rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared, then he (i.e. Telemachus) arose from his bed and put on his clothing and slung his sharp sword around his shoulder, and bound his fair sandals beneath his gleaming feet, and he made his way from the bedroom with his face looking like a god's, and at once he gave orders to the clear-voiced heralds to summon the long-haired Achaeans to the assembly. And they made their summons and the (people) came together very quickly. Now, when they were assembled and had come together, he made his way to the place of assembly, and in his hand he held a bronze spear; nor (was he) alone, as two gleaming dogs followed after him. And upon him Athene shed a wondrous grace. And all the people marvelled at him as he came; then, he sat down in his father's seat, and the elders made way (for him).  

Then, among them noble Aegyptius was the first to speak, (a man) who was bent with age and knew countless (things). For the truth was that his son, the spearman Antiphus had gone in the hollow ships to Ilium, (the city) of fine colts, in the company of the godlike Odysseus; but the savage Cyclops slew him in his hollow cave, and made (of him) his last meal (i.e. the last one he made before he was blinded). Now, he had three other sons: one of them, Eurynomus, was consorting with the suitors, and the other two constantly kept up their father's lands. But, even so, he could not forget him (i.e. Antiphus), and mourned and grieved (for him). And, shedding tears for him, he addressed the assembly and spoke to (them as follows): "Listen to me now, men of Ithaca, (and to the words) that I shall say. Never has our assembly or council met, since the day when godlike Odysseus departed in the hollow ships. And now who has thus gathered (us) together? Upon whom has such a need come; (was it one) of the young men, or (one of) the older generation? Has he heard some tidings of the army returning, about which he might tell us plainly, since he must have learned (of it) first (himself)? Or (is this) some other public (matter, on which) he is to speak and address (us)? To me he seems to be a good man, and a blessed (one). Would that Zeus may accomplish (something) good, (something) that he desires in his heart!" 

So he spoke, and the dear son of Odysseus rejoiced at his speech, nor did he remain seated any longer, but was eager to speak; then, he stood in the middle of the assembly; and the herald Pisenor, full of wise counsel (as he was), placed the staff in his hands. 

Ll. 39-83. Telemachus states his case.

Then he spoke, appealing to the old man first: "O old man, this man who has called the host together (is) not far off, as you yourself shall soon learn; for on me especially has sorrow come. I have not heard any news of the army returning, about which I should plainly tell you, as soon as I should first learn (of it myself), nor am I bringing to your attention, or coming to talk to you about, any other public (matter) but my own concerns, (namely) the twin evils which have fallen upon my house: in the first place, I have lost my noble father, who was once king among you here, and he was as gentle as a father (to all of you). But now there has also come a much greater (evil, one) which will shortly destroy entirely my whole house, and will utterly ruin all my livelihood. (For) suitors are pestering my mother against her will, (and) the sons of men who (are) here are foremost (among them); they shrink from going to the house of her father Icarius (i.e. in Cephallenia), so that he may extract presents for the betrothal of his daughter, and give her to whomever he wishes, even to him who meets his favour; but now they are going in and out of our (house) every day, slaughtering our oxen, sheep and fat goats, (and) they feast together in large numbers and recklessly drink our sparkling wine; and our wealt0h is being exhausted. For (there is) no man available, such as Odysseus was, to ward off our household from ruin. Now we (are) not in any way such (as he was), so we can drive (it) away; and, indeed, if we do try, we shall then prove to be weaklings, and to have learned no prowess. But, in truth, I would defend myself, if I had but the power (to do so). For deeds, which are no longer endurable, have been wrought, (and) my house, (which is) no longer in a good condition, is being utterly destroyed. You yourselves should also feel resentment and a sense of shame with regard to those other men who are your neighbours, (that is those) who live roundabout, and you should fear the wrath of the gods, lest they turn upon you in some way through anger at these evil deeds. I pray (you), both by Olympian Zeus and by Themis, who dissolves and gathers the assemblies of men, forbear, my friends, and leave me alone to pine in my bitter grief, unless perhaps (you think that) my father, the noble Odysseus, did harm in some way to the well-greaved Achaeans out of ill-will, and that you should take your revenge on me for these (things, by) urging these men on to work evils (on me) in a malicious fashion. But, for me, it would be better that you (yourselves) should consume my treasures and my stocks. If you were to devour (them), there would be recompense in a short time; for just so long we should go up and down the city, demanding our goods back in a (loud) voice, until everything were repaid. But now, you cast woes upon my heart (that are) beyond cure."  

So he spoke in his wrath, and he dashed the staff down on the ground, as he burst into tears; and compassion took hold of all of the people. Then, all the others were silent, and no one had the heart to answer Telemachus with angry words; 

Ll. 84-128. Antinous justifies the suitors' behaviour. 

Antinous alone spoke to him in reply: "Telemachus, (you) braggart, unrestrained in your fury, what (a thing) you have said, putting us to shame; so you wish to fasten the blame on us. But (it is) not the Achaean suitors (who) are at fault in any way, but your own dear mother, who, let me tell you, knows cunning tricks better than any other (woman). For already it is the third year - and the fourth will soon be (upon us) - during which she deceives the hearts in the breasts of the Achaeans. She offers hope to all, and makes promises to each man, when sending (them) messages, but her mind is set on other (things). And she has set up in her halls a great web, full of fine thread and very wide (it is), and (on it) she has begun to weave; and at once she spoke with us: 'My young wooers, since godlike Odysseus is dead, be patient, though you are eager for my marriage, until I finish this (piece of) cloth - for let not my spinning come to nothing! - (for it is) a shroud for lord Laertes, for the time when the deadly fate of grievous death shall strike him down, lest any of the Achaean women in this land should be angry with me, if (a man who) won (so) many (possessions) should lie without a burial cloth.'

"So she spoke, and our manly hearts persuaded us (to agree). Then, day by day she kept weaving at her great web, but at night she unravelled (it), when she had torches placed beside (her). So for three years she beguiled the Achaeans by this trick, and kept their trust. But, when the fourth year came and the seasons went by, then one of her women, who knew all about it, informed us, and we caught her unravelling the splendid web. So she completed it against her will  by necessity; the suitors answer you thus, (Telemachus), so that you yourself may know (it) in your heart, and all the Achaeans (as well); send your mother away, and command her to wed whomever her father bids and (who) is pleasing to her. But, if she continues to vex the sons of the Achaeans for a long time, and is mindful of this in her heart, that Athene has endowed her above other (women) with knowledge of very beautiful handiwork, and an excellent mind, and wiles, such as hers, which we have never yet heard that any, even of the women of old (did devise); of those who were formerly fair-tressed Achaean women, Tyro for instance, and Alcmene, and Mycene of the lovely crown, not one of them was like Penelope in shrewdness of mind; however, she did not devise this (scheme) in a fitting manner. For they (i.e. the suitors) will continue to devour your livelihood and your possessions for as long as she shall keep the plan which the gods have now put in her heart. She is creating great fame for herself, but for you the loss of much of your substance. (As for) us, we shall not go to our own estates, or anywhere else, until she marries whichever one of the Achaeans she chooses."  

Ll. 129-176. After the omen of the two eagles, Halitherses prophesies. 

Then, wise Telemachus spoke to him again in reply: "Antinous, it is by no means possible that I might thrust from this house against her will (the woman) who bore me and reared me; and, as for my father, (he is) elsewhere in the world, but whether he is alive or dead (we do not know); it would be a terrible (thing) for me to repay Icarius a great (sum), if I myself should willingly send my mother away. For from him, her father, I should suffer evil, and a god will send other (evils), since she will invoke the avenging Furies, as she leaves this house; and for me there will be blame from men; so I shall never give this instruction. If your heart is indignant at these (things), (then) leave my halls, and prepare other feasts, eating your own substance, and moving alternately from house to house. But if it seems to you to be better and more desirable that one man's livelihood should be destroyed without compensation, (then) consume (it); but I shall call upon the gods that live forever, (to see) if somehow Zeus will grant that deeds of requital do occur. Then may you perish within my halls unrequited."

So spoke Telemachus, and then Zeus, who sees from afar, sent forth two eagles to fly from on high from a mountain peak. For a while they flew in company with the blasts of the wind, close to one another with outstretched wings; but when they reached the middle of the assembly, then they wheeled about and rapidly flapped their wings, and they looked down on the heads of everyone, and their looks forebode destruction; then they tore their cheeks and necks on all sides with their talons, and darted to the east across the houses and the city of the inhabitants. They were amazed at the birds, when the saw (them);  with their eyes; and  they pondered in their hearts at what was about to happen. Then among them, spoke the lordly old man, Halitherses, son of Mastor; for he surpassed all his peers in his knowledge of birds and in uttering words of fate; he sat in debate with good intentions, and addressed them (as follows):     

"Listen to me now, men of Ithaca, (and) to what I have to say; and to the suitors do I especially declare and say these (things); for upon them a great calamity is rolling; for Odysseus will not be apart from his friends for long, but, I think, he is already nearby and is sowing (the seeds of) bloodshed and death for all of them; and this will also be a disaster for many others who dwell on clear-skied Ithaca. But long before (that), let us plan how we can put a stop to (this); and let them themselves bring (it) to an end; for straightway this is the better (course) for them. For I do not prophesy untried, but as one with sure knowledge; for in his case I declare that all (things) are fulfilled, as I told him when the Argives embarked for Ilium, and with them went Odysseus of the many wiles. I said that after many sufferings and losing all his companions, he would come home in the twentieth year; and so all this is now being brought to pass."

Ll. 177-223. Telemachus plans to search for news. 

Then, Eurymachus, son of Polybus, said to him in reply: "O old man, if you would get up now, you should go home and prophesy to your children, lest perhaps they may suffer some disaster in the days to come; in these matters, I am much better at prophesying than you. (There are) many birds that fly to and fro under the rays of the sun, and not all (of them) are (birds) of omen. As for Odysseus, he has perished in a far-off land, as I wish that you too had perished with him. (Then,) you could not talk so much about prophesying, nor would you be thus urging Telemachus on in his wrath, hoping to receive some gift for your house, if perchance, he should give (you one). But (now) I tell you this, and it shall come to pass. If you, knowing much ancient (lore), should exhort and stir up by your words a younger man to act harshly, for him in the first place it will be the more grievous, and in any case he will not be able to achieve anything, because of these (men) who are here. And on you, old man, we shall impose a fine, which you will be grieved in your heart to pay; and your pain will be bitter. And to Telemachus, I myself, in the midst of everyone, shall offer this counsel: tell your mother to go back to the (house) of her father; and they will prepare a wedding feast, and arrange the very many wedding gifts, as is it fitting should accompany a beloved daughter. For until (that happens) I do not think that the sons of the Achaeans will cease from their troublesome wooing, since, in any case, we fear no man, no, not even Telemachus, so full of words as he is, nor do we take heed of any prophecy, which you, old man, declare to no purpose, and (which) only makes you the more hated. Then his (i.e. Telemachus') goods will be ruthlessly devoured, nor shall there ever be any recompense, so long as she (i.e. Penelope) obstructs the Achaeans in relation to her marriage; now we, waiting patiently every day, are rivals on account of her excellence, nor do we pursue any other (women), whom it might be appropriate for each one (of us) to wed."  

Then, the wise Telemachus spoke to him in reply: "Eurymachus, and (all) the rest (of you), illustrious wooers that (you are), in this matter I entreat you no longer, nor do I make my case; for the gods and all of the Achaeans are already aware of it. But come, give me a swift ship and twenty companions, who shall accomplish my journey there and back. For I shall go to Sparta and sandy Pylos to seek tidings of the return of my father who has been away for so long, if perchance some man may tell me, or I shall hear a rumour from Zeus, (of the kind) which so often brings news to men; if I shall hear of my father's life and journey home, in truth, although I am sore afflicted, I could endure for a year; but, if I hear that he is dead and no longer living, then I shall return to my native land, and heap up a mound for him, and I shall bury him with due honours, (and) a great many (of them), as (will be) fitting, and I shall give my mother to a husband."  

Ll. 224-266. Mentor defends Telemachus. 

Now indeed, having thus spoken, he sat down, and among them arose Mentor, (he) who was a comrade of the noble Odysseus, and, when he departed in his ships, he entrusted to him his whole household, and (asked him) to obey the old man (i.e. Laertes) and to keep everything in its place; full of good intentions, he addressed them and spoke to (them as follows): "Listen to me now, men of Ithaca, (and) to what I have to say: let no sceptred king be deliberately kind and gentle any longer, nor know (what is) right in his head, but let him always be harsh and do evil (things); (this is) because not one of the people whose lord he was remembers divine Odysseus, though he was mild like a father (to them). But, in truth, I do not begrudge in any way the haughty suitors that they perform deeds of violence in the base scheming of their minds; for (it is) at the hazard of their lives that they are (so) violently devouring the household of Odysseus, whom they say will return no longer. But now (it is) with the rest of the people that I am angry, how (it is) that you all sit (there) in silence, and utter no words at all of rebuke (so as) to put a stop to the suitors, (although they are) few, (while you) are many."

Then, Euenor's son, Leocritus, spoke to him in reply: "Mentor, (you) mentally crazed mischief maker, what kind of thing have you said, bidding our (people) to make (us) cease! And (it is) a painful (thing), even for men with the advantage in numbers, to fight just about a feast. For even if Ithacan Odysseus himself were to come, eager in his heart to drive the haughty wooers (who are) feasting in his house out of his hall, his wife would not rejoice at his coming, even though she was yearning (for him) greatly, but he would bring upon (himself) a shameful death then and there, if he were to fight with men who outnumbered (him); but you have not spoken properly. But come (now, you) people, disperse, each one (of you) to his own lands, and, as for this (fellow) (i.e. Telemachus), Mentor and Halitherses will speed him on his way, as they are his father's companions from long ago. But I believe that he will never make this journey, but sit (here) in Ithaca for a long time inquiring about rumours."  

So he spoke, and hastily dissolved the assembly. Then, they scattered, each to his own house, but the suitors went to the house of the divine Odysseus.

But Telemachus went separately to the shore of the sea, and, having washed his hands in the grey sea-water, he prayed to Athene: "Hear me, (O you) who came yesterday (as) a god to our house, and bid me go in a ship over the misty deep to learn of the return of my father who has been gone for so long; all of these (arrangements) the Achaeans hinder, and the suitors, in their evil insolence, most of all."  

Ll. 267-308. Athene, using the voice of Mentor, offers to prepare a ship for Telemachus. 

So he spoke in prayer, and Athene drew near to him in the likeness of Mentor, both in appearance and also in voice, and she spoke and addressed him in winged words: "Telemachus, in the time to come you will be neither a base nor a witless (man), if any of your father's fine spirit has been instilled into you, considering what a man he was in his accomplishments, both in word and deed; (so) then, this journey of yours will be neither fruitless nor unfulfilled. But, if you are not the son of him and Penelope, then I have no reason to hope that you will accomplish what you wish. For, let me tell you, few sons are like their fathers, the greater (part of them) are worse, and few (are) better, than their fathers. But since in the time to come you will be neither base nor witless, and the wisdom of Odysseus has not wholly failed you, then there is hope of you accomplishing this work. So now, heed not the will and counsel of the suitors, mad (as they are), since they are in no way intelligent or lawful; nor do they know anything of death and black fate, which, in their case, is close at hand, (for) they shall all perish in a day. And that journey of yours, on which you have set your heart, will not be long delayed; for I am such a comrade of your father's (house) that I shall prepare a swift ship for you, and I shall go with (you) myself. But go to your house (now) (and join) the crowd of suitors, and make ready provisions and put everything in vessels, the wine in jars, and barley-meal, the marrow of men, in stout skins; and I will gather willing comrades from the town. Now, there are many ships in sea-girt Ithaca, new and old; of these I will choose for you the one that (is) best, and we will quickly get (her) ready and launch (her) on the broad deep." 

So spoke Athene, daughter of Zeus; nor did Telemachus tarry for long, when he heard the voice of the goddess; but he went his way to his house, and his heart was sorrowful, and there he found the haughty suitors in his halls, skinning goats and roasting hogs in the courtyard. And, with a laugh, Antinous went straight to Telemachus, and grasped him by the hand and spoke these words (to him) and addressed (him) by name: "Telemachus, (you) braggart, unrestrained (as you are) in your daring, let there be no other evil word or deed in your heart, but, I pray you, eat and drink, just as (you did) before. All these (things) the Achaeans will surely provide for you, the ship, (that is,) and the chosen oarsmen, so that you may speedily go to most holy Pylos to hear (news) of your noble father." 

Ll. 309-360. After the suitors have mocked him, Telemachus gathers the provisions for his trip. 

Then, wise Telemachus spoke to him in reply: "Antinous, it is by no means possible (for me) to feast quietly and to make merry at my ease with your overweening (companions). Is it not enough that in the past you consumed many goodly possessions of mine, while I was still a child? But now that I am grown and learn (by) hearing the words of others, and as now my spirit waxes within me, I shall try to hasten your evil fate, either (by) going to Pylos, or (by staying) here in this land. But go I will, nor will the voyage that I speak of (as) a passenger, be in vain; for I am not the owner of the ship or its oarsmen; as, I suppose, seemed to you to be the more profitable (policy)."  

So he spoke, and easily withdrew his hand from the hand of Antinous; and the suitors were busy with the feast throughout the hall. Then, they mocked and taunted (him) in their speech. And thus would one of the overbearing young men speak (to him): "For sure now Telemachus is planning our murder. He will bring men to help (him) from sandy Pylos, or even from Sparta, since he is now so terribly set upon (it); or he wants to go to the rich land of Ephyra (i.e. a city of Thesprotia in north-western Greece) to bring deadly drugs from there and drop (them) in the wine-bowl and kill us all."

And again another of the arrogant young men would say: "But who knows, if he himself goes on the hollow ship, he may perish wandering far from his friends, just as Odysseus (did)? And so he would cause our troubles to grow even more; for we should have to divide up his possessions among ourselves, and then we should have to give this house to his mother and the man who should wed (her)."

So they spoke, but he (i.e. Telemachus) went down to his father's inner chamber, a wide (storeroom) where gold and bronze lay in piles, and raiment in large chests, and plenty of fragrant olive-oil; and in (it) there stood great jars of wine, old and sweet to drink, holding the unblended divine drink within (them), packed close in rows along the wall, if ever Odysseus should return home, even after suffering (so) many grievous (troubles). The closely fitted double-doors were locked; and a housekeeper was there inside (it) night and day, (and) she, with all her wits about her, kept everything safe, Eurycleia (that is), the daughter of Ops, the son of Pisenor. Then, Telemachus summoned (her) to the storeroom and spoke to her (as follows): "Come now, nurse, and draw wine for me in jars, sweet (wine) that (is) the choicest next to that which you are guarding, (ever) thinking of that ill-fated one, if perchance Zeus-born Odysseus may come, having escaped death and the fates. Now fill twelve (jars) and fit (them) all with lids. And pour my barley-meal into well-sewn skins; and let there be twenty measures of barley-meal crushed in a mill. But keep the knowledge (of it) to yourself alone; and let all the (provisions) be got together in piles; for in the evening I shall fetch (them), when my mother goes up to her upper-chamber and thinks of (going to) bed. For I am going to Sparta and to sandy Pylos, to seek news of the return of my dear father, if perchance I shall hear (some)."  

Ll. 361-387. Eurycleia agrees not to tell Penelope of Telemachus' mission until some time has elapsed after his departure. 

So he spoke, and his beloved nurse Eurycleia let out a cry, and, as she wept, she spoke these winged words to (him): "Why then, my dear child, has this thought come into your mind? How are you willing to go over the wide earth, when you are an only (son) and well-beloved? Zeus-born Odysseus has perished far from his native-land in an unknown country. And, as soon as you are gone, these (men) will devise evil (things for you) thereafter, so that you may die through their cunning, and they will divide all these (things) among themselves. But stay here, sitting on (all) your (possessions); there is absolutely no need for you to suffer evil (things) and to go wandering over the barren sea." 

Then, wise Telemachus spoke to her again in reply: "Take heart, nurse, since, I must tell you, this plan is not without (the support) of the gods. but you must swear not to say (anything about) this to my dear mother, until the eleventh or twelfth (day) has come, or she herself shall miss me and she hears that I have gone, lest she mars her fair face with weeping."

So he spoke, and the old woman swore a mighty oath to the gods that she would not do so. But when she had sworn and accomplished that oath of hers, then at once she poured wine into large jars for him, and poured barley-meal into well-sewn skins. And Telemachus went to the house and joined company with the suitors. 

Then, the goddess, bright-eyed Athene, had another idea. In the likeness of Telemachus, she went everywhere through the city, and she stood beside each man (i.e. each of the twenty men she had selected) and spoke words (to them), and she bid (them) gather beside the swift ship when evening came. And then she asked Noemon, the splendid son of Phronius, for a swift ship; and he readily promised it to her.  

Ll. 388-434. Athene and Telemachus depart.   

Now, the sun set and all the ways grew dark, and then she drew the swift ship down to the sea, and she put into it all the gear which well-benched ships should carry. And she moored it at the farthest point of the harbour, and round (it) the goodly companions gathered in a throng; and the goddess encouraged each (man). 

Then, the goddess, bright-eyed Athene, had another idea. She went her way to the house of divine Odysseus; (and) there she began to shed sweet sleep upon the suitors, and she kept clouding their minds as they drank, and she cast the cups from their hands. Then, they rose and went to their beds in the town, nor did they remain seated for any length of time, since sleep fell on their eyelids. Then, the bright-eyed Athene spoke to Telemachus, calling (him) forth from the well-inhabited halls, in the likeness of Mentor, both in form and also in voice: "Telemachus, your well-greaved comrades are already sitting at the oar awaiting your (instruction) to set out; but (come), let us go, so that we no longer delay their voyage."  

Having spoken thus, Pallas Athene swiftly led the way; and then he followed in the footsteps of the goddess. Now, when they came down to the ship and the sea, then they found their long-haired comrades on the shore. And the strong and powerful Telemachus spoke among them (thus): "Come, my friends, let us fetch the provisions for the journey; for (they are) all now gathered together in the hall. My mother knows nothing about (it) at all, nor the housemaids either, and only one (person) has heard my account (of it)."

Having spoken thus, he led the way and they followed after (him). So, they brought everything and stowed (it) in the well-benched ship, as the dear son of Odysseus bade (them). Then, Telemachus went on board the ship, and Athene went before (him) and sat down on the stern of the ship; and Telemachus sat down beside her; and the (men) loosed the stern-cables, and came on board themselves and sat down on the benches. Then, bright-eyed Athene sent them a favourable wind, a West Wind blowing steadily and whistling over the wine-dark sea. And Telemachus urged on his comrades and ordered (them) to fasten the rigging; and they hearkened to his call. They raised the pine-mast and set it in the hollow mast-box, and bound (it) fast with forestays, and they hoisted the white sail with its well-twisted thongs of ox-hide. Then, the wind swelled out the middle of the sail, and the dark waves hissed loudly around the stem of the ship as she went; and she sped over the waves in accomplishing her journey. Then, when they had made fast the tackle in the swift black ship, they set forth mixing-bowls full of wine, and poured libations to the immortal gods who live forever, and above all to the bright-eyed daughter of Zeus. And all night long and into the dawn, the (swift ship) ploughed her way.

HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK I: ATHENE VISITS TELEMACHUS.

HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK I: ATHENE VISITS TELEMACHUS.

Introduction:

One of the peculiarities of the "Odyssey" is that Odysseus, the Greek hero, whose travails are the subject of this book, does not actually make an appearance himself until Book V. Indeed, the first four books describe the plight of Odysseus' only son Telemachus in the prolonged absence of his father, and how he responds to the situation of great uncertainty in which he finds himself.  Because of his particular interest in the character of Odysseus, Sabidius has previously prioritised translations of Books V-XII, but, before embarking upon the second half of the Book, and the events which occur when Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca, he has decided to undertake successive translations of the first four books, which deal with Telemachus and his exploits. 

Book I begins with an invocation to the Muse and a report of the circumstances in which Odysseus finds himself in the tenth year of his wanderings between Troy and his home island of Ithaca. Then, Zeus summons an assembly of the gods on Olympus, and, after a desperate appeal from his daughter Athene concerning the fate of Odysseus, Zeus indicates that he wishes to assist him to return safely to Ithaca. Athene then goes down to Ithaca herself in the disguise of a former male friend of Odysseus and encourages Telemachus both to seek to stand up to the outrageous behaviour of the local suitors for the hand of his mother, Penelope, and to make a journey to the mainland of Greece to seek news of his father. One of the features of Book I is that it enables us to form an opinion of the character of the young Telemachus as he begins to shoulder the burdens of manhood. He comes over as a thoughtful and discreet young man, cautious, but brave and determined. Indeed, after the firm advice he receives from the disguised Athene, his mother finds him strangely masterful.   

Ll. 1-43. Invocation and introduction. Zeus prepares to address the gods. 

(Pray) tell me, Muse, of the man of many wiles, who wandered far and wide after he had sacked the sacred citadel of Troy. He saw the cities of many men, and came to know their minds, and on the sea he suffered much anguish in his heart, striving to preserve his life and (to secure) the homecoming of his companions. But, even so, he could not save his comrades, much as he longed (to do so); for they perished through their very own blind folly, childish fools (that they were,) who devoured the cattle of Helios Hyperion (i.e. the Sun-God); but he took from them the day of their return. Of these (events), goddess, daughter of Zeus, tell us also at whatever point you please.

Then all the rest, those who had escaped sheer destruction, were at home, and were free of both war and sea; him alone, though he was longing for his return home and for his wife, did the queenly nymph Calypso, most divine of goddesses, keep in her hollow caves, yearning that he should be her husband. But, when, as the seasons revolved, and the year came round in which the gods had ordained that he should return home and (be) among his own people, not even then was he free of tribulations. But all the gods took pity (on him), except Poseidon; but he continued to rage unceasingly against godlike Odysseus until he could reach his native land. 

But he (i.e. Poseidon) had gone on a visit to the Ethiopians, who live far away, the Ethiopians, the remotest of men, who have been divided in two, (of whom) some (live where) Hyperion sets, and some (where) he rises, in order to take part in a hecatomb of bulls and rams. And there he was enjoying (the pleasures of) the feast; but the other (gods) were gathered together in the halls of Olympian Zeus. And the father of men and gods was the first to speak to them; for he had in his mind the handsome Aegisthus (i.e. the lover of Clytemnestra, who murdered her husband Agamemnon when he returned from Troy) whom Orestes, the far-famed son of Agamemnon, had slain; and, thinking of him, he spoke these words to the immortals:  

"For shame, to think how mortals are ready now to blame the gods! For they say that evils come from us, buy they themselves also by their own reckless sins have sorrows beyond their destiny, as even now Aegisthus exceeded his destiny when he wooed the wedded wife of the son of Atreus and slew him on his return, though he knew that (this would lead to) his utter destruction, since we had spoken to him beforehand, sending Hermes, the watchful slayer of Argus, (to tell him) not to slay the man (i.e. Agamemnon), nor woo his wife; for from Orestes retribution shall come for (the murder of) Atreus' son, once he has come to manhood and is longing (to inherit) his land. So spake Hermes, but, despite his good intention, he failed to persuade the mind of Aegisthus; and now he has paid in full the price for everything."

Ll. 44-79.  In response to Athene's concern about the fate of Odysseus, Zeus indicates his wish to assist him to return home.   

And then bright-eyed Athene answered him: "O father of us (all), son of Cronos, (and) highest of lords, surely that (man) lies in fitting ruin; so too may any other who does such deeds be destroyed; but my heart is torn for wise, ill-fated Odysseus, who suffers sorrows far from his friends on a sea-girt island, just where the centre of the sea is. (It is) a wooded island, and a goddess dwells in a house therein, (and she is) the daughter of crafty Atlas, who knows the depths of every sea, and himself supports the tall pillars that keep earth and sky apart. His daughter (i.e. Calypso) holds back that wretched sorrowing (man), and she charms him with soft, winning words, (suggesting) that he should forget Ithaca; but Odysseus, in his longing to see the smoke springing up from his land, yearns to die. Yet even now, Olympian, your own heart does not give heed to this at all. Now did not Odysseus, beside the ships of the Argives, freely offer to make sacrifices on the broad (land) of Troy (i.e. the Troad)? Why then are you so greatly aggrieved at him, (O) Zeus?" 

Then, Zeus the cloud-gatherer, spoke to her in reply: "My child, what a word has escaped the barrier of your teeth (i.e. what nonsense you are speaking)!  How could I forget godlike Odysseus, who surpasses (all other) mortals in wisdom, and (who) gave sacrifices more abundantly to the immortal gods who inhabit broad heaven? But (it is) Poseidon the earth-supporter (who is) always (so) implacably wrathful (towards him), on account of the Cyclops whose eye he blinded, (namely) the godlike Polyphemus, whose strength is greatest among all the Cyclopes; and the nymph Thoosa bore him, (she) who is the daughter of Phorcys, who rules over the barren sea, for she slept with Poseidon in the hollow caves. From that time onward Poseidon the earthshaker does not actually slay Odysseus but leads (him) astray from his native land. But come, let all of us who are here take careful thought of his journey home, so he may return; and Poseidon will have to let go of his anger; for he will not be able to contend alone in opposition against the will of all the immortal gods."  

Ll. 80-124. Athene goes to visit Telemachus. 

Then, the goddess, the bright-eyed Athene, answered him: "O father of us (all), son of Cronos, (and) highest of lords, if indeed it (is) pleasing to the blessed gods that wise Odysseus should return to his home, let us rouse Hermes, the slayer of Argus, (to go as) a messenger to the island of Ogygia, so that he may speedily tell the fair-tressed nymph of our fixed resolve that stout-hearted Odysseus should set off on his homeward journey. But, as for me, I shall go to Ithaca, so that I can instil more spirit in his son (i.e. Telemachus), and put the courage in his heart to call the long-haired Achaeans to an assembly and to speak his mind to all the suitors, who are continually slaying his close-packed sheep and his shambling cattle with their twisted horns. Then, I shall send (him) to Sparta and to sandy Pylos, to seek news of his father's return, if perhaps he may hear (of it), and so that a good report among men may sustain him." 

So she (i.e. Athene) spoke, and she bound beneath her feet her beautiful sandals of imperishable gold, which bore her over the deep and over the boundless earth, keeping pace with the blast of the wind, and she seized her stout spear, tipped with bronze, heavy, huge and strong (it is), and with it she subdues the ranks of heroic warriors, against whom she, the daughter of a mighty sire, bears a grudge. Then, she went darting down from the peaks of Olympus, and in the land of Ithaca she took her stand by Odysseus' outer-gate, at the entrance to the courtyard; and she held her bronze spear in her hand, and assumed the likeness of a stranger, Mentes, the leader of the Taphians (i.e. the inhabitants of Taphos, a place near the west coast of Greece). There she found the haughty suitors. They were enjoying themselves (playing) with draughts in front of the doors, sitting on hides of oxen, which they themselves had slain; (of) the heralds and busy pages, some were mixing wine and water for them in bowls, and others were washing down the tables with porous sponges and putting (them) out, and they were distributing the meat in lavish portions. 

Now, the godlike Telemachus (was) by far the first (to) see her, for he was sitting among the suitors, sad in his heart, imagining in his mind (how) his noble father, if he should come from somewhere, might effect a scattering of those suitors from his palace, and win honour for himself and be the master in his own house. As he sat among the suitors, thinking these (things), he caught sight of Athene. Then, he went straight to the porch, for in his heart he thought it shameful that a stranger should have to stand at the gates for a long time; then, drawing near, he clasped her right hand and took her bronze spear (from her), and, when he spoke, he addressed her with these winged words: "Welcome, stranger; in our house you will receive entertainment; and, when you have tasted some food, you can tell (us) what (it is) you are in need of."

Ll. 125-177. Telemachus asks Athene to explain the reason for her visit. 

Speaking thus, he led the way, and Pallas Athene followed. And, when they were inside the lofty house, he took her spear and placed it against a tall pillar, within a well-polished spear-rack, where many spears belonging to stout-hearted Odysseus were set as well, and then he led her in and sat her on a beautiful well-wrought chair, and spread a smooth (linen cloth) beneath (it); and below there was a footstool for her feet. And beside (it) he placed an embroidered chair for himself, (set) apart from the others, the suitors, lest the stranger, distressed by their noise, and, being in the company of such overweening (men), should decline the meal; and, also, he might wish to ask her about his absent father. Then, a handmaid brought water in a fine golden pitcher, and poured (it) over a silver basin, so they could wash (their hands), and beside (them) she laid out a well-polished table. And the revered housekeeper brought bread and laid (it) before (them), and she set out many delicacies, giving freely of what she had by (her); and a carver lifted up meat and placed before (them) platters containing all kinds of meat, and put golden goblets before them; and a herald came to (them) frequently, pouring out wine for them to drink.   

Then in came the swaggering suitors. And then they sat down one after another on the seats and chairs, and the heralds poured water on their hands, and the handmaids heaped bread in baskets beside them, and the pages filled the mixing-bowls (to the brim) with drink. And they put out their hands to the food that was set out just in front of (them). Now, when the suitors had satisfied their desire for food and drink, they turned their hearts to other (things, namely) song and dance; for these (are) the accompaniments of a feast. and a herald put a most beautiful lyre into the hands of Phemius, who was forced to sing among the suitors. Indeed, he had (just) begun to sing a pleasant (song).

But Telemachus addressed the bright-eyed Athene, putting his head close (to hers), so that the others might not hear (him): "Dear guest, will you be angry with me, (if) I should say something? To (men) such as these, things such as lyre and song are managed easily (enough), since they consume another's livelihood without any compensation, (in this case,) of a man whose white bones are perhaps made to rot in the rain, as they lie on the mainland, or a wave rolls (them) in the sea. If they were to see him returned to Ithaca, they would all pray to be swifter of foot than richer in gold and raiment. But now has he thus perished by an evil fate, nor is there any comfort for us, if anyone of the men upon the earth should predict that he will come; for the day of his return is gone (forever). But come (now), tell me this, and tell (it to me) truly: who are you among men, and from where (do you come)? (And) where (is) your city, and (who are) your parents? And on what kind of (vessel) did you come to this island, and how did sailors lead (you) to Ithaca? And who did they profess to be? For in no way do I think that you came here on foot. (And) tell me this truly also, so that I may know (it) well, whether you are coming here for the first time, or whether you are even a guest-friend of my father, since many were the men (who came) to our house (as) strangers, since he too was conversant with men."  

Ll. 178-229. Athene introduces herself as Mentes of Taphos. 

Then, the goddess, bright-eyed Athene, answered him: "Well then, I shall truly tell you everything. I declare that I am Mentes, son of wise Anchialus, and that I am lord of the sea-loving Taphians. But now I have put in here with my ship and its crew, sailing over the wine-dark sea to (meet) some strange-speaking men at Temesa with its (stocks of) bronze, and I bring gleaming iron. My ship has been berthed by the (open) countryside some distance from the city in Rheithron Cove beneath Neion's woods. We declare (ourselves) to be guest-friends of one another, (just as) our fathers (were) of old, if you'll only go and ask that old warrior Laertes, who they say no longer comes to the city, but from afar endures his toils (i.e. lives a hard life) on his farm, with an old woman attending (him), who places food and drink beside him, when weariness takes hold of his limbs as he creeps along the ridge of his vineyard plot. But now I am come; for they did say that he was living at home among his people, your father, (that is); but now the gods are thwarting his journey (home). For godlike Odysseus has not yet perished, but is still living somewhere on the earth, and is detained on a sea-girt island in the broad sea, and harsh men keep him (there), savage (men they are,) who are doubtless restraining him against his will. But now I shall make you a prophecy, as the immortals put (it) in my mind, and I think that it will be fulfilled, though I am in no way a soothsayer, nor one who knows for sure the (signs of) birds. Yet, not much longer, let me tell you, will he be (absent) from his native-land, not even if iron bonds shall hold (him); he will devise a plan of how he will return, since he is a most resourceful (man). But come, tell me this, and tell (it to me) truly, whether tall (as you are), you are the son of Odysseus himself. Your head and your fine eyes are terribly like his, since ever so often did we mix with each other before he embarked for (the land of) Troy, whither others too, the best of the Achaeans, went in their hollow ships."

Then, the wise Telemachus spoke to her in reply: "Well then, I will speak to you, stranger, quite truthfully. My mother keeps telling me that I am his, but yet I do not know: for no man can himself ever know his parentage for certain. Would that I had been the son of some blessed man, whom old age overtook (while he was) among his own belongings! But now, since you ask this of me, they say that I am born of the man who was the most ill-fated of (all) mortal men."

Then, the goddess, bright-eyed Athene, addressed him once more: "Surely the gods have not given you so inglorious a lineage for the time to come, since Penelope bore you, such (as you are). But come. tell me this, and tell (it to me) truly: what is this feast, and (what is) this throng? And what, pray, is your need (for it)? (Is it) a private banquet or a wedding (feast)? (For) it is clearly not a meal where everyone contributes his own share; so, to me they seem to be feasting in your house riotously and in an overbearing manner. Seeing their many disgraceful (acts), a man would feel anger, (that is) any man of understanding who should come among (them)." 

Ll. 230-279. Telemachus complains about the behaviour of the suitors, and Athene expresses her disgust at what he tells her. 

Then, the wise Telemachus spoke to her in reply: "Stranger, since you are indeed asking and questioning me about this, this house was once likely to have been prosperous and respectable, when that man (i.e. Odysseus) was still among (us); but, since then, the gods have willed otherwise, meditating sinister (designs), and they have made him invisible to all (other) men, since if he were dead, and if he had fallen among his companions in the land of Troy, or (he had died) in the arms of his friends, when he had wound up the long thread of war, I should not grieve over (him) so much. In that case, the whole host of the Achaeans would have made him a tomb, and for his son too he would have won great glory in the days to come. But, as it is, the spirits of the storm have snatched him up ingloriously, and he has gone out of sight and out of hearing, and in my case he has left behind (much)  weeping and wailing. Nor do I, in any way, weep and wail for him only, since the gods have granted me other bad troubles. For all of the princes who hold sway over the islands, Dulichium, Same, and wooded Zacynthus, and those who lord (it) over rocky Ithaca, all of these are wooing my mother, and wrecking my house. But she neither declines the hateful marriage, nor can she (bring herself to) take the final step; and, by their feasting, they are exhausting (the resources of) my household, and soon they will even destroy me myself." 

Then, overcome with wrath, Pallas Athene addressed him: "For shame, in truth you do have much need for the absent Odysseus, that he might lay his hands on these shameless suitors. For if (only) he would come now and take his stand at the outer gates of the house, with helmet and shield and two spears, (a man) such as he was (when) I first observed him in our house, drinking and making merry, on his way back from Ephyra (i.e. a city in northwestern Greece), from the house of Ilus, son of Mermerus - for thither too went Odysseus in his swift ship in search of a deadly drug, that he might have it to anoint his bronze-tipped arrows; but he did not give (it) to him, since he stood in awe of the ever-living gods, but my father gave (it) to him; for he regarded him with great affection - (yes, if only) such a man, as Odysseus was, would meet up with these suitors; then they should all find swift destruction and a bitter end to their wooing. But in truth these (matters) lie on the knees (i.e. in the lap) of the gods, whether he shall return and wreak vengeance on them in these halls, or not; and I bid you consider how you may drive away these suitors from your hall. But come now, listen to, and take heed of, my words; on the morrow call your Achaean gentlemen to an assembly, and announce your will to (them) all, and let the gods also be your witnesses. Bid the suitors disperse to their own (people), and your mother, if her heart is urging her to marry, let her go back to the hall of her very powerful father (i.e. Icarius, who had settled in Acarnania); and her (kinsfolk) will provide the wedding feast and arrange the numerous suitors' gifts, all those that are fitting to follow as the price of a well-loved daughter. And yourself, I shall counsel firmly, if you would (but) hear (me). 

Ll. 280-324. Athene advises Telemachus to seek news of his father.

"Man a ship with twenty oarsmen, the best one that (you have), and go forth to learn about your father who has been gone for so long, if by chance some mortal may tell you, or you may hear a rumour (sent) from Zeus, (of the kind) which so often brings news to mortal men. First, go to Pylos and question godlike Nestor, and from there (go) to Sparta (and) to auburn-haired Menelaus; for he (was) the last of the bronze-clad Achaeans (to) return home. If you should hear that your father (is) alive and coming home, though you are certainly being abused, you could still endure for a year; but, if you hear that he has died and is no longer living, then you should return to your native land and build him a mound, and pile funeral gifts upon (it). as many as are fitting, and give your mother to a husband. Now, when you have settled and done these (things), you must consider in your heart and in your mind how you may slay those suitors in your halls, whether by guile or openly. You no longer need to hold to childish (ways), since you are no longer of such an age. Or are you not aware of how much fame godlike Orestes won among all of mankind when he slew his father's murderer, the guileful Aegisthus, because he had killed his father? You too, my friend, for I see that you (are) handsome and tall, be you valiant, so that one yet to be born may also praise you. But now I shall go down to my swift ship and my comrades, who, I believe, are awaiting me with much impatience; for yourself, take care, and take heed of my words." 

Then again, the wise Telemachus spoke to her in reply: "Stranger, in truth you say these (things) with kind intentions, as a father (speaks) to his son, and never shall I forget them. But come now, tarry (for a while), eager as you are for the road, so that, (when you have) bathed and have gladdened your heart to the full, you may go to your ship, happy in your mind, bearing a precious (and) most beautiful gift, which shall be a keepsake to you from me, one of those sort of things which dear friends give to friends."  

Then, the goddess, bright-eyed Athene, answered him: "Now detain me no longer, eager as I am for the road, But whatever gift your heart may bid (you) give me, when I am am on my way back (from Temesa), (then) give (it to me) to bring home, having chosen a right beautiful (one) from the store-room); and you will have a recompense of equal value."

So speaking, the (goddess,) the bright-eyed Athene, departed, and she flew away upwards unnoticed like a bird; and she put strength and courage in his heart, and made him think of his father even more than before. And he marked (this) in his mind, and in his heart he marvelled; and it struck him that this was a god. And straightway he rejoined the suitors, (as) a man equal to the gods.   

Ll. 325-364. Telemachus rebukes his mother Penelope. 

The famous minstrel (i.e. Phemius) was singing to them, and they sat listening in silence; and he sang of the Achaeans' woeful return from Troy, which Pallas Athene had inflicted on (them). And, from her upper chamber, wise Penelope, the daughter of Icarius, took to heart (the words of) the divinely-inspired song; then, from her bedroom she came down the steep staircase, not alone, as two handmaids followed after her. Now, when she came to the suitors, she, the most divine of women took her stand by a pillar of the well-built roof, holding her shining veil before her face; and a trusty handmaid stood on either side of her. Then, bursting into tears, she addressed the divine minstrel: "Phemius, since you know many (things) which charm mortals other (than this song, and these include) the deeds of men and gods, which minstrels celebrate, sing them one of these as you sit (there), and let them drink their wine in silence; but stop singing this woeful song, which ever wrings the heart in my breast, since this never-to-be-forgotten grief bears down especially upon me. For I ever remember with longing that dear face of my husband, whose fame (is spread) widely across Hellas and the heart of Argos."

Then, the wise Telemachus spoke to her in reply: "My mother, why do you begrudge the good minstrel the right to give pleasure in whatever way his heart is moved? Now, it is not the minstrels (who are) to blame (for it), but (it is) Zeus (who is) somehow to blame, (he) who dispenses to hard-working men (good and bad fortune), to each as he wills. But to this (man) no ill-will (can be felt), if he sings of the evil fate of the Danaans; for men praise that song the more that comes most recently to (the ears of) the hearers. And, as for yourself, let your heart and soul agree to listen. For Odysseus (is) not the only (one) to have been lost in Troy on the day of his return, but other men have perished too. But go to your chamber and take care of your own tasks, the loom and the spindle, and bid your handmaids go about their business; but taking decisions is a matter for men, all (men), but especially for me; for the authority in this house is mine."   

Full of astonishment she went back to her bed-chamber; for she had taken to heart her son's wise words. Up to her upper chamber she went, together with her women handmaids, (and) there she lamented her dear husband Odysseus, until bright-eyed Athene cast sweet sleep upon her eyelids. 

Ll. 365-420. Telemachus addresses the suitors. 

But the suitors burst into uproar throughout the shadowy halls, and they all prayed to lie beside her on her bed. Then, the wise Telemachus began to speak to them: "Suitors of my mother, outrageous as you are in your insolence, for the present let us make merry with feasting, but let there be no clamour, as it is a fine (thing) to listen to a minstrel of such a kind as this (man) is, like to the gods in his voice. But in the morning let us go the place of assembly and take our seats, so that I may declare to you bluntly my message that you should leave these halls; but may you provide other feasts, eating your own substance, and moving alternately from house to house. But, if it seems to you that it is better and more desirable that one man's livelihood should be destroyed without recompense, (then) devour (it); but I shall call upon the gods that live forever (to see) if somehow Zeus may grant that deeds of requital do happen; then would you perish within my household without any compensation having been exacted."

So he spoke, and the men all bit their lips and marvelled at Telemachus, because he spoke (so) boldly. Then, Antinous, son of Eupeithes, answered him: "Telemachus, (it must) surely (be) the gods themselves that are teaching you to be (so) boastful, and to speak with such boldness. May the son of Cronos never make you king in sea-girt Ithaca, (though it is something) which is your heritage by birth."  

Then, the wise Telemachus spoke to him in reply: "Are you really angry with me, Antinous, for the words that I may have said? Even this I should be willing to accept, if it were given (to me) by Zeus. Do you really think that this is the worst (thing) that could be wrought among men? For (it is) not all a bad (thing) to be a king; not only does his house become rich at once, but (he) himself (becomes) more honourable. But, in truth, there are also many other kings of the Achaeans in sea-girt Ithaca, (both) young and old; may one of these gain this (place), since godlike Odysseus is dead; but I shall be lord of our own house and of the slaves that godlike Odysseus won for me."

Then, Eurymachus, son of Polybus, spoke to him in reply: "In truth, Telemachus, this (matter), (that is) which one of the Achaeans shall be king in sea-girt Ithaca, lies on the knees of the gods (i.e. is in the lap of the gods); (as for) your possessions, you may keep (them) yourself, and you may be lord in your own house. For never may that man come who, against your will and by violence, will deprive you of your possessions, while people are still dwelling on Ithaca. But I do wish to ask you, (O) best of men, about the stranger, from where this man (comes), and from what land does he declare himself to be, and where now (are) his kinsmen and his native soil. Does he bring us some tidings of your father's coming, or does he come thus searching for some need of his own? (I noticed) how he sprang up and was gone straightaway, nor did he wait (for us) to recognise (him); and yet, in his appearance, he did not look at all like a base (fellow)."

Then, the wise Telemachus spoke to him once more in reply: "In truth, Eurymachus, (the prospect of) my father's homecoming is dead and gone. So I no longer let myself be persuaded by any message, wherever it may come from, nor do I take heed of any prophecy, of the kind which my mother may learn from a seer (whom she has) called to the hall. But this (man) is a guest-friend of my father's house from Taphos, and he declares himself to be Mentes, son of the wise Anchialus, and he is the lord of the sea-loving Taphians."

So spoke Telemachus, but in his heart he knew (her as) an immortal goddess.  

Ll. 421-444. Telemachus and Eurycleia.

Now, they (i.e. the suitors) turned to dancing and the delights of song, and they made merry, and waited for evening to come on. And, as they made merry, dark evening came upon them; then, they went, each to his own house, to take their rest. But Telemachus, where his lofty upper-chamber was built in the very beautiful courtyard in a place with a clear view around it, there he went to his bed, pondering many (things) in his mind. And, (as she went along) with (him), the true-hearted Eurycleia, daughter of Ops, the son of Pisenor, carried blazing torches for him, (she,) whom Laertes had once bought as his own property, when she was still in the prime of youth, for the price of twenty oxen, and he showed her equal honour to (that which he showed) his faithful wife, but he never lay with (her) in his bed. For he sought to avoid the wrath of his wife; (as she went along) with (him), she bore his flaming torches, for, of (all) the handmaids, she loved him the most, and had nursed (him) when he was a child. Then, he opened the doors of the well-built chamber, and sat down on the bed, and took off his soft tunic; and he put it in the hands of the discreet old woman. She folded and smoothed down the tunic and hung (it) on a peg beside the perforated bedstead, and then she went forth from the chamber, and she pulled the door to by its silver handle, and drove home the bolt by means of its leather strap. So, there, all night long, wrapped in  the fleece of a ram, he pondered in his mind the journey which Athene had shown (him).    

 

HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XI: THE ACHAEAN RETREAT

HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XI: THE ACHAEAN RETREAT 

Introduction:

Book XI sees the beginning of the third successive day of fighting, a very long day, which features the most sustained and violent episode of fighting in the "Iliad", and which continues until the end of Book XVIII, at which point the Achaeans' defensive wall has been breached, their ships fired, and Patroclus has been killed by Hector. All this is in fulfilment of Zeus' promise to Thetis that the Achaeans will be punished because of Agamemnon's mistreatment of her son, Achilles. Book XI is essential to the plot of the "Iliad" because the wounding of the three Greek leaders Agamemnon, Diomedes and Odysseus, which occurs in this book, facilitates the successful Trojan attacks and Achilles' decision to send Patroclus out in support of his countrymen, which is the beginning of the chain of events, which leads to Patroclus' death and the consequent return of Achilles to the field of battle. Although much of the narrative of Book XI is pervaded by an atmosphere of grimness when the slaughter of the many victims is described, the Book also includes the long digression (ll. 670-761), in which Nestor reminisces at length about the experiences of his youth, in which, with the assistance of Athene, he leads the Pylians to victory over the Epeians, their neighbours from the Northern Peloponnese. Book XI is a relatively long book - indeed only three of the Iliad's twenty-four books are longer - , but the variety of content contained in it contributes to its considerable entertainment value. 

Ll. 1-46. Zeus' envoy, Eris, induces the Achaeans to return to battle. Their leader, Agamemon, arms himself for the fray. 

Now, Dawn rose from her couch beside lordly Tithonus (i.e. brother of Priam and husband of the Dawn), in order to bring light to immortals and mortal (men); then, Zeus sent forth cruel Eris (i.e. the Goddess of Strife) to the swift ships of the Achaeans, holding a symbol of war in her hands. She stood by Odysseus' huge-hulled black ship, which was (situated) in the midpoint (of the line, from where) one could shout in both (directions), both to the huts of Ajax (i.e. Aias in Greek), son of Telamon, and to (those) of Achilles, for they drew up their well-balanced ships at the furthest ends, relying on their courage and the strength of their hands. There stood the goddess, and she let out a loud and terrible cry in a high-pitched voice, and she put a great resolve into the heart of every man of the Achaeans to go to war and to fight unceasingly. And from then on war became sweeter to them than to go back in their hollow ships to their dear native land. 

The son of Atreus (i.e. Agamemnon) shouted (orders) to the Argives and commanded (them) to put on their armour; and in (their midst) he himself donned his gleaming bronze. First, he placed greaves around his lower legs; fine (they were) (and) fitted with silver ankle-clasps; next, he put around his chest the breastplate which Cinyras (i.e. king of Cyprus) once gave him as a gift of friendship. For the great news had reached Cyprus that the Achaeans were about to set sail to Troy in their ships; for this reason he gave it to him in order to please the king. Now indeed, it had ten stripes of dark blue enamel, and twelve of gold and ten of tin; and serpents of blue enamel stretched up towards the neck, three on either side like rainbows, which the son of Cronos (i.e. Zeus) has fixed in the clouds (as) a portent for mortal men. And around his shoulders he slung his sword; and on it there gleamed studs of gold, while around (it) was a silver scabbard, hanging from golden straps. Then, he took up the richly wrought shield of a valorous warrior which covered the whole of a man, a beautiful (piece of work), round about which there were ten circles of bronze, and on it there were twenty bosses white with tin, and there was (one boss) of dark blue enamel in the centre. And on it a grim-faced Gorgon's (head) was put as a crown; fearful looking (it was), and round about (it were) Terror and Rout. And from it was (hung) a baldric of silver; but upon it there writhed a serpent of blue enamel, and on it there were three heads growing out from one neck (and) turning in all directions. And on his head he placed a helmet with two horns, four bosses, (and) a plume of horse-hair; and its crest nodded savagely from above. Then, he took up two stout spears, tipped with bronze (and) sharp; and from that very spot the bronze shone far off into the heavens; and, at the sight (of it), Athene and Hera thundered (in response), so as to honour the king of Mycenae, rich in gold (i.e. Agamemnon). 

Ll. 47-83. The armies join battle. 

Then, each (man) told his charioteer to keep the horses in good order there by the ditch, and they themselves, arrayed in their armour, hurried forward on foot; and in the early morning an endless cry rose up. Now they were the first to arrive and they got into position on the far side of the ditch much more quickly than the chariot-drivers, but the chariot-drivers followed a little afterwards, and the son of Cronos stirred up an evil noise among (them), and down from on high he sent raindrops of blood from the sky, since he was about to send forth to Hades many valiant heads (of heroes).   

Now, on the other side, the Trojans (were gathered together) at (the point where) the plain was rising around mighty Hector, and peerless Polydamas, and Aeneas, who was honoured by the Trojan people like a god, and the three sons of Antenor, Polybus, and noble Agenor, and Acamas, (still) unmarried, (a man) like the immortals. And Hector bore his shield, round (as it was), amid the foremost, and, like a baleful star which appears out of the clouds gleaming, and then sinks down again beneath the shadowy clouds, so Hector kept on appearing, at one time with the foremost, and at another among the hindmost, urging (them) on; and his whole (body) shone with bronze, like the lightning of father Zeus who bears the aegis.   

And as the reapers drive their furrows opposite one another in a rich man's field of wheat or barley, and the handfuls fall thick and fast, so the Trojans and the Achaeans leapt upon one another and cut (each other) down, nor did either side consider ruinous flight. And the fight was equally balanced, and they raged about like wolves; and the much-sighing Eris rejoiced to see (them); for alone of (all) the gods she was among (them) as they fought, whereas the other gods were not there with them, but sat at ease in their own halls, where fine houses had been built for each one (of them) among the folds of Olympus. They were all blaming the cloud-wrapped son of Cronos, because he wished to give glory to the Trojans. But then the Father was not concerned about them. But, keeping aloof, he sat far away from the others, exulting in his own glory and looking down on the city of the Trojans and the ships of the Achaeans, and the flash of bronze, and (those) doing the killing and (those) being slain. 

Ll. 84-121. Agamemnon cuts down two sons of Priam. 

Now, as long as it was morning and the sacred day was waxing greatly, so did the missiles of both sides continue to hit their targets, and men kept falling; but (at the hour) when a man (who is) a woodcutter makes his dinner in some mountain glade, since his hands are tired (from) cutting trees, and weariness comes over his soul and a longing for sweet food completely takes hold of his heart, then (at that very time), the Danaans, calling to one another through the ranks, broke the (enemy's) battle-line by their valour. And (right in (their midst) Agamemnon rushed forward first and killed a man, the general Bienor himself, and then his charioteer Oïleus (who was) driving (his horses). He verily leapt down from his chariot and stood facing (him); but, as he came straight at him, he stabbed him in the forehead with his sharp spear, nor did his helmet, heavy with bronze, keep out the spear, but it passed through it and through the bone, and the whole of his brain was spattered inside (the helmet), and he overpowered him as he rushed forward. And Agamemnon, king of men, left them there with their (naked) breasts shining brightly, after he had stripped off their tunics; then, he went on to slay Isus and Antiphus, two sons of Priam, (one) a bastard, and (the other) legitimate, both (of them) being in one chariot; the bastard (i.e. Isus) drove the chariot, while in his turn the renowned Antiphus stood beside him as the warrior; Achilles had once captured (them) on the slopes of Ida as they were tending their sheep and bound (them) with willow shoots, and he freed (them) for a ransom. Then, the son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, hit (Isus) on the breast with his spear, just below the nipple, while he struck Antiphus by the ear with his sword, and flung (him) from the chariot. Then, he made haste to strip the fine armour from the two of them, knowing (them) well (as he did); for he had seen them before beside their swift ships, when swift-footed Achilles had brought (them) down from Ida. As a lion easily crunches up the young fawns of a swift-running deer, when he has come to their den and has caught (them) in his mighty jaws and has robbed them of their lives; and even if the (doe) happens to be very close by, she cannot be of any help to them; for dire trembling comes upon her; and she swiftly darts away through the forest and its dense thickets, driven into a sweat by the mighty beast's attack. Even so, not one of the Trojans was able to ward off destruction from these two (men), but they themselves were driven to flight by the Argives. 

 Ll. 122-162. Agamemnon continues to cut down the Trojans. 

Then he (was to slay) Peisander and Hipplochus, staunch in battle, sons of wise Antimachus, who, having received a splendid gift of gold from Alexander (i.e. Paris), was particularly dissuaded from (seeking to) restore Helen to the fair-haired Menelaus; yet now lord Agamemnon captured his two sons, who were in one car and trying together to control their speedy horses; for the shiny reins had slipped from their hands, and their two (horses) were running wild; but the son of Atreus sprang at (them) like a lion; and so the two (of them) began to entreat (him) from their chariot: "Take (us) alive, son of Atreus, and accept a worthy ransom; many treasures are stored in Antimachus' house - bronze and gold, and iron wrought with much toil; of these our father would freely give you a ransom beyond counting, if he should learn that we (were) alive by the ships of the Achaeans."

So, as they wept, the two (of them) addressed the king with gentle words: but they heard a harsh voice (in reply): "Now if you are (indeed) the sons of shrewd Antimachus, (the man), who, once during an assembly of the Trojans, when he had come as an ambassador with the godlike Odysseus, urged (them) to slay Menelaus then and there, and not to allow (him passage) back to the Achaeans, then you will now pay the price for your father's shameful outrage."

(So) he spoke, and he thrust Peisander from his chariot to the ground, hitting (him) with his spear on the chest; and he lay still on his back on the ground. But Hippolochus leapt down, and him he slew on the ground, slicing off his arms and cutting his throat with his sword, and he sent (his trunk) rolling through the ranks like a log. Them he let lie, but where the largest of his battalions were being driven in rout, there he leapt in, and with him other well-greaved Achaeans. Footmen were killing footmen, who were being forced to flee, and chariot-drivers (fell upon) chariot-drivers, and beneath them arose (a cloud of) dust from the plain, which the thundering hooves of the horses stirred up, ravaging the bronze; yet, lord Agamemnon followed after (them), always slaying, and shouting orders to the Argives. And, as when consuming fire falls upon dry woodland, and the whirling wind carries (it) everywhere, and the shrubs collapse root and branch as they are assailed by the onset of the fire, so the heads of the fleeing Trojans fell beneath Agamemnon, son of Atreus, and many horses with high-arching necks rattle empty carriages along the lines of battle, yearning for their peerless charioteers; but they were lying on the ground, much dearer to the vultures than to their wives.  

Ll. 163-209. Zeus sends Hector a message. 

Then, Zeus led Hector away from the missiles, and the dust, and the slaughter of men, and the blood and the din (of battle); and the son of Atreus followed, shouting out loud orders to the Danaans. And they sped over the middle of the plain, past the tomb of ancient Ilus (i.e. the son of Tros, and the founder of Troy and grandfather of Priam), (and) past the wild fig-tree, eager to get to the city; and the son of Atreus followed, shouting all the time, and he smeared his invincible hands with blood. But, when they reached the Scaean gates (i.e. the main gates of the city of Troy) and the oak-tree, there they halted and awaited one another. But some (of the Trojans) were still taking fright in the middle of the plain, like cattle that a lion that has come at the dead of night has entirely put to flight; but one of them faces utter destruction; at first, he seizes her neck in his mighty jaws and breaks (it), and then he gulps down her blood and all her inwards; so did lord Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, pursue the (Trojans), ever slaying the hindmost; and they fled in panic. And many fell headlong on their backs from their chariots under the hands of the son of Atreus; for he raged around and in front of (him) with his spear. But, when he was just about to come beneath the city and its steep wall, then the father of men and gods came down from heaven and took his seat on the peaks of Ida, rich in springs (i.e. the mountain in the centre of the Troad); and in his hands he held a thunderbolt. And he sent forth the golden-winged Iris to take a message: "Be on your way, swift Iris, and say this to Hector. As long as he can see Agamemnon, the shepherd of the host, rushing along amid the foremost fighters, (and) laying waste the ranks of men, so let him keep back and urge the rest of his army to do battle with the foe in the mighty conflict. But when, either struck by a spear or hit by an arrow, he (i.e. Agamemnon) shall jump on his chariot, then shall I give him (i.e. Hector) the strength to go on killing until he comes to the well-benched ships, and the sun sets and the sacred darkness comes on."

So he spoke and swift-footed Iris with her feet as quick as the wind did not disobey, but went down from the hills of Ida to sacred Ilium. She found wise Priam's son, godlike Hector, standing beside his horses and his well-fastened chariot; swift-footed Iris cam close and addressed (him): "Hector, son of Priam, equal to Zeus in counsel, father Zeus has sent me forth to give you this message. As long as you can see Agamemnon, the shepherd of the host, rushing along amid the foremost fighters, (and) laying waste the ranks of men, so you should withdraw from the battle, and urge the rest of your army to do battle with the foe in the mighty conflict. But when, either struck by a spear or hit by an arrow, he shall jump on his chariot, then he (i.e. Zeus) will grant you the strength to go on killing, until you come to the well-benched ships, and the sun sets and the sacred darkness comes on." 

Ll. 210-247. Agamemnon slays Iphidamas.

When she had spoken, the swift-footed Iris departed, and Hector jumped down to the ground in his armour from his chariot, and, brandishing (two) sharp spears, he went everywhere through his army, urging (them) to fight, and he roused the dread din (of battle). Then, they turned around and took their stand facing the Achaeans, and, on the other side, the Argives strengthened their ranks. And the battle (line) was fixed, and they stood opposite (one another); and among (them) Agamemnon rushed forward first, and was eager to fight far in advance of (them) all. 

Tell me now, (you) Muses who have your dwellings on Olympus, who (it was) that first came up against Agamemnon, whether (it was one) of the Trojans or (one) of their famous allies.  (It was) Iphidamas, the valiant and strong son of Antenor, (he) who was nurtured in deep-soiled Thrace, the mother of flocks; His mother's father Cisseus, (he) who begat lovely-cheeked Theano (i.e. the wife of Antenor and priestess of Athene) raised him in his home when he was small,  But, when he reached the stage of ambitious youth, he tried to keep him there, and offered (him) his daughter (in marriage). But, having married (her), he went (straight) from the bridal-chamber, following the news (of the arrival) of the Achaeans, (and he came to Troy) with twelve beaked ships that accompanied him. Then, he left these well-balanced ships at Percote (i.e. a town on the south shore of the Hellespont, to the north-east of Troy), but he, being on foot, had come to Ilium, and now he came face to face with Agamemnon, son of Atreus. But, when they came to close quarters, as they advanced on one another, The son of Atreus missed his mark and his spear was turned aside, and Iphidamas stabbed at the belt beneath his breastplate, and he himself applied all his force (to his own spear), trusting in the strength of his hand. Yet it did not pierce his flashing girdle, but as soon as it struck the silver (in his belt), the point of his spear was bent like lead. And wide-ruling Agamemnon seized the spear in his hand, and drew (it) towards him, furious as a lion, and wrenched (it) from his grip; then, he struck him on the neck with his sword, and loosened his limbs. So there he fell and slept the sleep of the bronze - pitiable man - (far) from his wedded wife, whom he had married to bring help to his countrymen, but of whom he had seen no benefit, despite the many (gifts) he had given (to win her): first he gave a hundred cows, and then he promised a thousand (beasts), goats and sheep together, which were tended by him in unspeakably large numbers. But now, Agamemnon, son of Atreus, stripped (him) and went through the throng of the Achaeans bearing his fine armour. 

Ll. 248-290. Coön wounds Agamemnon, so that he has to leave the battle-field. Hector sees his chance. 

But, when Coön, pre-eminent among warriors and Antenor's eldest son, saw him, overpowering grief for his fallen brother clouded his eyes. He stood on one side with his spear, escaping godlike Agamemnon's attention, and then he stabbed him on the middle of his arm below the elbow, and the point of his shining spear passed right through. Then, Agamemnon, king of men, shuddered; but he did not stop fighting or (withdraw) from the battle, but, grasping his wind-strengthened spear (i.e. the wood of the tree, from which his spear was made, had been strengthened in the wind), he leapt upon Coön. Now he was striving to drag Iphidamas, his brother and son of the same father, by the foot, and was calling upon the bravest (warriors to help him); but (even) as he was dragging him through the throng, he (i.e. Agamemnon) smote (him) beneath his bossed shield with his bronze-tipped spear-shaft; then he came close and hacked off his head over (the body of) Iphidamas. Then did the sons of Antenor fulfil their destiny and go down into the house of Hades. 

But he (i.e. Agamemnon) went through the ranks of the other warriors, with spear and sword and huge stones, as long as his blood was still gushing forth hot from his wound. But, when the wound became dry and the blood ceased (to flow), then sharp pains began to depress the ardour of the son of Atreus. But, as when a sharp dart (of pain) may take hold of as woman in travail, the piercing (pain), which the Eilithyiae, the goddesses of childbirth, (and) the daughters of Hera send, (as it is they) who keep these bitter pangs, so sharp pains depressed the ardour of the son of Atreus. Then, he leapt upon his chariot, and told the charioteer to drive to the hollow ships; for he was sick at heart. And he cried out in a loud (piercing (shout) so he could be heard by (all) the Danaans: "O my friends, rulers and leaders of the Argives, now (it is) you who must ward off this grim battle from our sea-going ships, since Zeus the counsellor has not allowed me to fight all day long against the Trojans."     

So he spoke, and his charioteer lashed the lovely-maned horse back to the hollow ships; and they sped on their way not unwillingly; and their chests were covered with foam, and (their bellies) beneath (them) were covered with dust, as they bore the wounded king far away from the battle(-field). 

But, when Hector saw Agamemnon going away, he urged on the Trojans and the Lycians, shouting out loudly: "(You) Trojans, and Lycians, and Dardanians that fight hand-to-hand, be men my friends, and remind yourselves of your strength in attack. The best of their men is gone, and Zeus, the son of Cronos, has granted me great glory; but now, drive your uncloven-hooved horses straight towards the mighty Danaans, so that you may win an (even) higher glory."  

Ll. 291-335. Odysseus and Diomedes stand against the Trojans. 

So speaking, he aroused the ardour and the spirit of every man. And, as when a huntsman sets his white-toothed hounds on a wild boar or a lion, so did Hector, son of Priam (and) the peer of Ares, the bane of men, set the great-hearted Trojans upon the Achaeans. He himself had gone with a high heart among the foremost, and he fell upon the conflict like a hard-blowing storm-wind that rushes down and lashes the violet-coloured deep. 

Who then did Priam's son, Hector, slay first and who (was) the last (that he slayed), when Zeus granted him glory? Asaeus (died) first, then Autonoüs and Opites, and Clytius's son, Dolops, and Opheltius and Agelaus, and Aesymnus and Orus, and Hipponoüs, staunch in battle. These, then, (were) the leaders of the Danaans (that) he slew, and then (he fell upon) the throng, as when the West Wind batters the clouds which the South Wind has set bright (in the sky), smiting (them) with a violent squall; and many a swollen wave rolls onwards, and above (it) the spray is scattered by the blast of the much-roving wind. So many (were) the heads of the host laid low by Hector.  

Then, there was havoc and irresistible deeds were happening (to them), and now would the Achaeans have fallen into their ships in flight, if Odysseus had not called out to Diomedes, the son of Tydeus: "What has come over us, son of Tydeus, that we forget our impetuous valour? But come hither, my friend, (and) stand by my side; for it will be a disgrace if Hector of the flashing helmet should capture our ships."

Then, mighty Diomedes spoke to him in reply: "Of course I shall stay and endure; but our gain will be for a short time (only), since Zeus the cloud-gatherer plainly wishes to give victory to the Trojans rather than us."

He spoke, and thrust Thymbraeus from his chariot to the ground, striking (him) on the left breast with his spear, and Odysseus (slew) Molion, the godlike comrade-in-arms of that prince. Then, when they ceased fighting, they left them (where they lay); but the two of them (i.e. Odysseus and Diomedes) went through the throng (of the enemy) creating havoc, as when two high-spirited boars fall upon the dogs that hunt (them); so they turned again upon the Trojans and slew (them); and the Achaeans gained a welcome respite, as they were fleeing from the godlike Hector. 

Then, they took a chariot and its men, the best of their race, the two sons of Merops of Percote, who had knowledge of the art of divination beyond all (others), and (who) would not suffer his sons (i.e. Adrastus and Amphius) to go to deadly war; but the two of them would not listen (to him) at all; for the fates of black death were leading (them) on. The son of Tydeus, Diomedes, famed for his spear, deprived them of life and breath, and took away their splendid armour; and Odysseus slew Hippodamus and Hypeirochus.  

Ll. 336-367. Diomedes' spear hits Hector on the helmet. 

Then, the son of Cronos pulled tight the battle on equal (terms), as he looked down on them from Ida; and they kept on slaying one another. Now indeed, the son of Tydeus wounded Agastrophus, the heroic son of Paeon, on the hip with his spear; but his horses were not close-by (to help him) flee, and with regard to his life he made a great mistake. For his squire kept them at a distance, and he was rushing along on foot amid the foremost fighters, until he lost his life. But Hector (was) quick to notice (this) through the ranks, and he charged at them shouting; and the battalions of the Trojans followed after (him). And, when he saw him, Diomedes, good at the war-cry, shuddered, and quickly called out to Odysseus, who was nearby: "That bane, the mighty Hector, is rolling towards us; but come, let us stand our ground, and defend ourselves where we stand."  

So he spoke, and he raised his long-shafted spear and flung (it), and, aiming at his head, he hit (him) - he did not miss - on the top of his helmet; but bronze was turned aside by bronze, and it did not reach his fair flesh; for his three-layered plumed helmet stopped (it), (that helmet,) which Phoebus Apollo had given him. But Hector quickly ran back a long way and mingled with the throng, and, falling on his knees, he stayed (there), and leant on the earth with his stout hand; and dark night shrouded his eyes. But, just as the son of Tydeus was following the cast of his spear at a distance through the foremost fighters (to the place) where it had fallen to earth, so Hector came to his senses, and, leaping back into his chariot, he drove into the crowd and escaped black fate. Then, rushing at him with his spear, mighty Diomedes addressed (him): "Now, (you) dog, you have escaped from death once more; but in truth your end came near; now Phoebus Apollo has saved you again, (he) to whom you probably pray whenever you go towards the sound of spears. I shall surely make an end of you when I meet you next, if anyone of the gods (i.e. here Diomedes has Athene in mind) shall be my helper too. But now I will attack any of the others, with whom I shall meet."     

Ll. 368-410. Paris wounds Diomedes, who returns to the ships, leaving Odysseus unaccompanied.  

(So) he spoke, and began to strip the son of Paeon, famed for his spear. But Alexander, the husband of fair-haired Helen, aimed an arrow at Tydeus' son, the shepherd of the host, (while) leaning on a block of stone on a burial mound that had been built for Ilus, son of Dardanus, an ancient elder (of the people). Now the former (i.e. Diomedes) was taking the gleaming breastplate of valiant Agastrophus from his chest, and the shield and strong helmet from his shoulders; then, the latter (i.e. Alexander) drew back the centre-piece of his bow and shot, and the shaft did not leave his hand in vain, (but hit him on) the flat of his right foot; and the arrow (went) right through (it) and stuck firmly in the ground; then, laughing very merrily, he leapt up from his hiding place (i.e. behind the pillar of Ilus' tomb) and spoke these boastful words: "You have been struck, and that shaft did not leave (my hand) in vain; (but) how I wish I had hit you in the bottom of your belly and had taken the life from (you). Then would the Trojans have had respite from their woe, (they) who shudder (before) you like bleating goats (before) a lion."   

But mighty Diomedes replied to him without alarm: "(You) pretty bowman, (you) leering seducer of maidens with your curly locks, if you were to try to face (me) in your armour, (then) your bow and your swift arrows would be of no help to you; but now, having grazed the flat of my foot, you boast in such a manner as this. (But) I am (as) untroubled as if a woman or a silly child had hit (me); for blunt (is) the dart of a feeble and worthless man. (Very) different indeed (is one cast) by me, and, even if (there is) but a slight touch, my spear is sharp, and immediately makes a man lifeless. Then are his wife's cheeks torn (with sorrow) on both sides, and his children (become) orphans; and he, reddening the ground with his blood, starts to rot, and vultures (are) around (him) rather than women."  

So he spoke, and Odysseus, famed for his spear, drew near to him and took his stand before (him); and he (i.e. Diomedes) sat down behind (him) and pulled the sharp arrow from his foot, and a grievous pain shot through his flesh. Then, he climbed into his chariot and told his charioteer to drive to the hollow ships; for he was sick at heart.

Then, Odysseus, famed for his spear, was left alone, nor did any of the Argives stay with him, since fear had taken hold of (them) all; then, heavy at heart, he spoke to his great-hearted spirit: "Woe (is) me, what is to become of me? (It would be) a great evil, if, fearing the throng, I were to flee; but it would be (even) more horrible if am caught alone; for the son of Cronos has put the rest of the Danaans to flight. But why is my heart debating these (matters) within me? For I know that (it is) cowards (who) depart from the battle, whereas (he) who is pre-eminent in fighting in truth he should boldly stand his ground among (them), whether he is smitten or smites another."   

Ll. 411-455. In his isolated situation, Odysseus continues to slay Trojans, even after he is injured.  

While he pondered these (things) in his mind and in his heart, so the ranks of the shield-bearing Trojans came on and penned (him) in their midst, (thus) causing trouble for themselves. And, as when hounds and sturdy huntsmen are crowding round a wild boar, and he comes forth from a deep thicket, whetting the white tusks in his curving jaws, and they rush (all) around (him), and at that there occurs a grating of tusks, but they stand their ground forthwith, however dread he is, so then did the Trojans crowd around Odysseus, beloved of Zeus; but, firstly, he sprang upon the peerless Deïopites, and wounded (him) on the shoulder from above with his sharp spear, and then he slew Thoon and Ennomus. And then, when Chersidamas jumped down from his chariot, he stabbed him in the crutch with his spear beneath his bossed shield; and he fell in the dust and clawed the earth with the palm of his hand. These he let lie, but he smote with his spear Charops, the son of Hippasus and the full brother of the wealthy Socus. That godlike man Socus came to his defence, and took his stand, coming very close (to Odysseus), and he spoke these words to him: "O much-praised Odysseus, (you) glutton for cunning and toil, this day you will either boast over both the sons of Hippasus, as you will have slain these men and stripped (them) of their armour, or, having been smitten by my spear, you will have lost your life."

So saying, he struck at his shield, rounded (as it was) on every side. Through the shining shield the mighty spear went, and through his richly-wrought breastplate it forced its way, and it tore off all the flesh from his ribs, but yet Pallas Athene did not allow (it) to reach the man's inwards. And Odysseus was aware that in his case the spear had not touched any fatal spot, and he drew back and spoke these words to Socus: "Ah, (you) poor wretch, for sure has sheer destruction met up with you. You have certainly caused me to cease to fight against the Trojans; but I know that here on this day death and black fate will come upon you, and that, overcome by my spear, (you) will give the glory to me and your life to Hades, renowned for horses." 

He finished speaking, and the other turned to flight and began running back, but, as turned, he (i.e. Odysseus) fixed the spear in his back between the shoulders, and drove (it) through his breast, and he fell with a crash, and the godlike Odysseus exulted over (him): " O Socus,  son of wise Hippasus, the horse-tamer, the end of death was quick to come upon you, nor did you escape (it). Ah, (you) poor wretch, your father and your queenly mother will not (be there) to close your eyes in death, but birds that eat raw flesh will rend (you) as they beat their thick wings around (you). But, in my case, if I should die, the noble Achaeans will give (me) burial."   

Ll. 456-488. Menelaus and Ajax rescue Odysseus.

So saying, he pulled bold Socus' mighty spear out of his flesh and his bossed shield, and blood shot up from him as (it) was drawn out, and it gave his heart pain. But the great-hearted Trojans, when they saw Odysseus' blood, called out (to one another) across their lines and rushed at him all (together). And he was driven back and shouted to his comrades. Thrice then did he shout as loud as the head of any man can manage to do, and thrice did Menelaus, dear to Ares, hear (him) calling. And at once he spoke to Ajax, who was close at hand: "Ajax, Zeus-born son of Telamon, captain of the host, the cry of stout-hearted Odysseus has rung in my (ears), as though the Trojans are overpowering him, alone as he is, having cut him off in the fierce conflict. But (come), let us make our way through the throng; for to come to his assistance (is) the better (course of action). I fear lest some (evil) has befallen (him), alone as he is among the Trojans, brave (man) though he is, and that would be a great (source of) regret to the Danaans."   

So speaking, he led (the way), and the godlike man accompanied him. Then, they found Odysseus, beloved of Zeus; and the Trojans were crowding round him, like tawny jackals in the mountains around a horned stag that has been wounded and which a man has struck with an arrow from the string; but itha escaped the (man), fleeing on its feet, so long as its blood (is) warm and its knees are light; but, when the swift arrow overpowers it, the flesh-eating jackals devour it in a shady glade in the mountains, but some god brings a ravenous lion against (them); and the jackals flee in all directions, and the (lion) consumes (the stag). So (it was) then that many brave Trojans crowded round the warlike (and) resourceful Odysseus, but the hero, darting (at them) with his spear, warded off the pitiless day. Then, Ajax drew near, bearing his shield like a tower, and he took his stand beside (him); then the Trojans fled in terror in all directions. Now, the warlike Menelaus took him by the hand and led (him) from the throng, while his squire drove his chariot up close. 

Ll. 489-530. Ajax and Nestor are in the thick of the fighting.

Then, Ajax sprang at the Trojans and slew Doryclus, a bastard son of Priam, and then he wounded Pandocus, and likewise Lysander, and Pyrasus, and Pylartes. As when a river, swollen by winter snow, comes down from the mountains to the plain, driven on by the heavy rain of Zeus, and carries with it many dried oaks, and many pines, and casts much driftwood into the sea, so then did glorious Ajax sweep tumultuously over the plain, cutting down both horses and men. Nor yet did Hector know (anything about it), since he was fighting on the left of the whole battle by the banks of the river Scamander, where the warrior's heads were mainly falling, and a ceaseless clamour arose around great Nestor (i.e. the old king of Pylos) and the warlike Idomeneus (i.e. the king of Crete). With these (men) Hector was joined (in battle), performing terrible (deeds) with his spear and his skill in chariot-driving, and he was destroying the ranks of young (men; but the noble Achaeans would still not have been forced to give ground from their position, if Alexander, the husband of fair-haired Helen, had not put a stop to brave Machaon, shepherd of the host, (i.e. together with his brother Podalirius, a famous healer and surgeon to the Greek army) by hitting (him) on the right shoulder with a three-barbed arrow. Then did the boldly-breathing Achaeans fear greatly for him, lest (progress in) the battle shifted to the other side and they should capture him. Then, Idomeneus spoke at once to godlike Nestor: "O Nestor, son of Neleus, great glory of the Achaeans, come now and get up upon your chariot and let Machaon get up beside (you), and drive your single-hooved horses to the ships as swiftly as you can; for a healer is a man worth as much as many other (men put together), (as he has the skill) both to cut out arrows and to sprinkle healing herbs.   

So he spoke, and the Gerenian horseman Nestor did not disobey (him). He mounted his chariot at once, and Machaon, the son of Asclepius, the peerless healer (i.e. the god of medicine), got up beside (him); and he whipped up the horses and, they, not unwillingly, sped to the hollow ships; for (that was) where it was dear to their hearts to be. 

But Cebriones (i.e. Hector's bastard brother and squire), standing beside Hector (in the chariot) saw that the Trojans were being thrown into confusion, and spoke these words to him: "Hector, we two are consorting here with the Danaans on the edge of this dreadful battle, but the rest of the Trojans, both horses and men, are being driven in confusion all over the place. And (it is) Ajax, son of Telamon, (who) is driving (them); and I know him well; for he has a broad shield around his shoulders; but let us also drive our horses and car to that place, where horsemen and footmen are especially exposing their wicked rivalry and are slaying one another, and the cry (of battle) goes up unquenched."

Ll. 531-574.  Ajax retreats to the Achaeans' ships.

So saying, he whips up his fair-maned horses with his shrill-sounding lash, and, hearing (the crack of) the whip, they quickly bore the swift car among the Trojans and Achaeans, trampling on bodies and shields (as they ran); and all of the axle and the rails (which were) around the chariot were bespattered with blood, which was thrown up in gouts from the horses' hooves, and (with other drops) which (came) from the wheels. And he (i.e. Hector) was longing to make his way into that mass of men, and to charge in and break (it) up. And he caused a terrible commotion among the Danaans, and he (only) held back from the spear for a short time (i.e. his spear had little rest). Yet, he went through the ranks of the other warriors (i.e. the Achaeans) with spear, sword and huge stones, but he avoided combat with Ajax, son of Telamon. [For Zeus would have been displeased with him, whenever he fought a (man) better (than himself). n.b. this line, which is no. 543, is now omitted from most editions.] 

But father Zeus, who sits on high, stirred Ajax into flight. And he stood astonished, and slung his shield of seven ox-hides behind (his back), and he trembled and looked sharply around (him) towards the mass (of his own army), and, like a wild beast, he kept on looking round, slowly exchanging knee for knee (i.e. retreating step by step). And, just as country-men and their dogs drive a tawny lion from an inner cattle-yard, and they keep watch all night long and do not allow him to seize the pick of the cattle: now he, in his hunger for meat, goes straight in, but achieves nothing: for showers of darts and burning faggots from sturdy hands fly to meet (him), and he flees from these, however eager he may be: and at dawn he departs with a sorrowful heart; so then did Ajax depart from the Trojans, distressed at heart and much against his will; for he feared for the ships of the Achaeans. And, as when a donkey, a lazy (creature), on whom many cudgels have been broken on both of his sides, gets the better of some boys, when he goes by a cornfield, and he goes in and consumes the deep corn: and the boys beat him with their cudgels, but their strength is weak; and they drove (him) out with difficulty when he was full of food; so then did the high-spirited Trojans and their numerous allies keep crowding round great Ajax, Telamon's son, stabbing the middle of his shield with their spears. And every so often Ajax would be mindful of his attacking strength, and he would turn around again and check the battalions of the horse-taming Trojans, and at other times he would turn to flee (again). But he prevented (them) all from making their way to the swift ships, and he, himself, stood between the Trojans and the Achaeans and fought furiously; and (of) the spears (thrown) by bold hands, some were stuck in his great shield as they sped onwards, and many, before they could taste his white flesh, stood (fixed) in the midst of the earth, eager (as they were) to glut themselves with flesh.      

Ll. 575-615. Eurypylus is wounded while assisting Ajax; then Achilles asks Patroclus to get information about the identity of Nestor's wounded companion. 

But, when Euaemon's splendid son Eurypylus saw him beset by a thick (shower of) missiles, he came and stood beside him and hurled his shining spear, and he hit Phausius' son Apisaon, shepherd of the host, in the liver below the midriff, and loosened the limbs under (him); and Eurypylus sprang at (him) and began to strip the armour from his shoulders. But, when godlike Alexander saw him taking Apisaon's armour, he fired his bow at Eurypylus at once and hit him with an arrow on the right thigh. Then, he (i.e. Eurypylus) fell back again into the body of his companions, avoiding his fate, and he let out a piercing cry, shouting (thus) at the Danaans: "My friends, leaders and rulers of the Argives, turn around and take your stand and ward off the pitiless day (of doom) from Ajax, who is beset with missiles, and I do not think he can escape from this hateful war; but (now) take your stand quite openly around mighty Ajax, son of Telamon." 

So spoke Eurypylus, wounded (as he was); and they stood close beside him, leaning their shields on their shoulders, and lifting up their spears; and Ajax came to meet them, and turned and took his stand, when he reached the body of his companions. 

So they fought like a blazing fire; but the mares of Neleus, full of sweat, bore Nestor from the battle, and they (also) bore Machaon, shepherd of the host. And swift-footed godlike Achilles saw him and took note; for he had been standing on the stern of his huge ship, watching the hard stress (of battle) and the tearful pursuit. And he suddenly addressed his companion Patroclus, speaking from beside the ship; and, when he heard (him), he came forth out of the tent, (looking) like Ares, and for him this was the beginning of his doom. The valiant son of Menoetius spoke to him first: "Why are you calling me, Achilles? What need (do) you (have) of me? " And, in answer, swift-footed Achilles spoke to him (thus): "Godlike son of Menoetius, you who are most welcome to my heart, now do I think that the Achaeans will stick fast around my knees in supplication, for a need has come upon (them that is) no longer bearable. But go now, Patroclus, dear to Zeus, and ask Nestor what man (is) this (that) he brings wounded from the battle; to be sure, from the back he looks in all respects like Machaon, the son of Asclepius, but I did not see the man's eyes; for the horses darted by me, as they pressed eagerly onward."

Ll. 616-654. As Nestor and Machaon are entertained by the lovely Hecamede, Patroclus arrives and recognises Machaon. 

So he spoke, and Patroclus obeyed his dear comrade, and set off running by the huts and ships of the Achaeans. But when they (i.e. Nestor and Machaon) came to the hut of the son of Neleus, they stepped down on to the much-nourishing earth, and the squire Eurymedon unyoked the horses from the chariot; and the two of them dried the sweat from their tunics, as they stood in the breeze by the sea-shore; and then they went into the hut and sat down on the chairs. And lovely-haired Hecamede prepared a potion for them, (she) whom the old man had taken from Tenedos (i.e. a small island in the Aegean near the Trojan coast) when Achilles sacked (it), (she who was) the daughter of great-hearted Arsinoüs (i.e. the ruler of Tenedos), whom the Achaeans had chosen (as a special gift for him), since in counsel (i.e. tactical planning) he was the best of (them) all. Firstly, she set out for them a beautiful polished table table with feet of cyanus (i.e. a dark blue substance used to adorn works of metal), and on it (she placed) a bronze vessel, and on (it) also a onion as an appetiser for the drink, and some fresh honey, and beside (it) the grain of sacred barley, and beside (it) too (was) a very beautiful goblet, which the old man had brought from home, pierced (as it was) with golden rivets; and there were four handles on it (i.e. almost certainly in pairs with two on each side), and on each side (of it) two golden doves were feeding, and beneath (it) there were two foundation platforms. Now another (man) could scarcely have moved (that cup) from the table when it was full, but the old man Nestor raised (it) without effort. Then  that woman who looked like the goddesses stirred up (a potion) of Pramnian wine (i.e. from Mount Pramne on the island of Icaria; it was often used as a medicine) in it for them, and on it she grated some goats' cheese with a bronze grater, and on (it) too she sprinkled some white barley (meal), and then, when she had prepared the potion, she told (them) to drink (it). So, when the two of them had drunk and they had dispatched their parching thirst, they delighted in telling tales to one another, and that godlike man Patroclus stood by the doors. But, when he saw him, the old man sprang from his shiny chair, and, taking (him) by the hand, he led (him) in and bade (him) sit down. But Patroclus, (standing) opposite (him), refused, and spoke these words: "There is no sitting-place (here for me); old man, cherished by Zeus, nor will you persuade me. Worthy of awe and quick to anger (is he) who sent me out to learn who this man (is) that you bring (back) wounded: but I even recognise (him) myself, and I see (that it is) Machaon, shepherd of the host. And now, as his messenger, I shall go back again to give the word to Achilles. And you well know, old man, cherished by Zeus, what a fearful man he (is); he would quickly find fault even with the blameless."

Ll. 655-695. After censuring Achilles for his lack of concern for the fate of his colleagues in the Greek army, Nestor begins to reminisce.

Then, the Gerenian horseman Nestor replied to him: "Why then does Achilles show such pity for those sons of the Achaeans who have been wounded by flying weapons? He knows nothing at all of the grief which has arisen throughout the army; for the best (warriors) lie (here) in the ships, shot (by arrows) or stabbed (by spear-thrusts). The mighty Diomedes, son of Tydeus, has been smitten, and Odysseus, renowned for his spear, has been wounded, and (so has) Agamemnon; Eurypylus, too, has been hit by an arrow in the thigh; another (is) this (man, whom) I have just brought in from the battle, hit by an arrow from the string. Now, Achilles, although he is a great (warrior), shows no concern or pity for the Danaans. Is he really waiting until the swift ships by the sea are blazing with destructive fire, despite the efforts of the Argives, and we are all slain one by one? For my strength is not such as it once was in my supple limbs. Would that I were (still) in the prime of life, and my strength were steadfast, as when strife broke out between the Eleans and ourselves over cattle-lifting, when I slew Itymoneus, the valiant son of Hypeirochus, (a man) who dwelt in Elis, as I was driving off what was seized in reprisal; and, as he was fighting for his cattle at the head (of his men), he was hit by a spear (thrown) from my hand, and down he fell and his rustic forces fled in terror. Then, did we drive a very large quantity of booty from the plain - fifty herds of cattle, as many flocks of sheep, as many droves of swine, as many wide-ranging herds of goats, and a hundred and fifty chestnut horses, all (of them) mares, and foals were under many (of them). These then we drove into (the city of) Nelean Pylos, (and) into the city at night; and Neleus was happy at heart because I had obtained (so) much, despite having gone to war as a youth. When dawn showed herself, heralds cried out in a loud voice that those (men) should come forward, to whom a debt was owed in goodly Elis; and the leading men of the Pylians gathered together and divided up (the spoils); for to many did the Epeians (i.e. the inhabitants of Elis and Buprasium in the North-Western Peloponnese) owe a debt, as we in Pylos were few (in number) and had been mistreated; for the might of Heracles had come and oppressed (us) in the  previous years and all our best (men) had been slain; for we had been the twelve sons of Neleus; (but,) of these, I was (now) the only (one) left, and all the others had perished. In their arrogance at these (things), the bronze-coated Epeians ill-treated us and devised reckless (schemes at our expense). 

Ll. 696-736. Nestor continues to reminisce. 

"And, from (the spoil), the old man (i.e. Neleus) took for himself a herd of cattle and a great flock of sheep, selecting three hundred (of them) and their herdsmen (with them). For to him a great debt was owed in goodly Elis - four prize-winning horses, together with their chariot, which had gone to the contest; for they were intended to race for a tripod; but then Augeas, king of men (i.e. king of Elis, and warlord of the Epeians), held them back, but he sent back their driver, grieving, (as he was,) at (the loss) of the horses. Because of those (things), (both) words and deeds, the old man had become very angry, and he took out an unspeakably large amount for himself; but the rest he gave to the people to distribute, so that none of them should be deprived of an equal (share). So, we were settling everything and offering sacrifices to the gods around the city; then, on the third day, they (i.e. the Epeians) all came together, many (men) themselves and their single-hooved horses with all their speed; and among them, the two Moliones (i.e. Augeas' nephews, Eurytus and Cteatus) put on their armour, though they were still boys and not yet very skilled in the strength of attack. Now, there is a certain steep hill-town (called) Thyroëssa far away on the Alpheus (i.e. a river in the Western Peloponnese) on the border of sandy Pylos. They laid siege to the (town) with the intention of utterly destroying (it). But, when they had crossed the plain, then did Athene come speeding down to us in the night from Olympus, with the message that we must arm ourselves, and throughout Pylos she raised an army (that was) in no way reluctant, but very eager to fight. But Neleus would not let me put on my armour, and he hid my horses. For he said that as yet I had no knowledge of the deeds of war. But even so, I distinguished myself among our horsemen, even though I was on foot, since Athene so directed the strife. Now, there is a certain river, (called) the Minyeius, that flows down to the sea near Arene (i.e. a city of Pylos), where we, the horsemen of the Pylians, waited for bright Dawn, and the companies of our foot-soldiers came streaming up (too). From there (we went) at full speed, clad in our armour, and at midday we reached the holy stream of the Alpheus. There, we made some fine sacrifices to almighty Zeus, and (we offered) a bull to Alpheus and a bull to Poseidon, but to Athene a heifer from the herd; then, we took our supper in our divisions across the army, and lay down to sleep, each (man) in his own armour, along the banks of the river. But the great-hearted Epeians were surrounding the city, intent on utterly destroying (it); but before (they could do that), they witnessed a great feat of arms: for, when the shining sun rose up above the earth, we joined battle, and offered prayers to Zeus and Athene.    

Ll. 737-779.  Nestor reminds Patroclus that he met him and his father in the house of Achilles' father, Peleus.  

But, when the strife of the Pylians and the Epeians began, I (was) the first (to) kill a man, (namely) the spearman Mulius; now, he was the son-in-law of Augeas and was married to his eldest daughter, Agamede, (she) who knew all the drugs that the wide earth nourishes. As he came at (me), I smote him with my bronze-tipped spear, and he fell into the dust; then, I jumped into his chariot and took my place with the foremost fighters; but the great-hearted Epeians fled in all directions, when they saw this man had fallen, as he was the leader of their horsemen and their best (man) at fighting. And I came on (at them) like  a black hurricane and took fifty chariots, and around each (one) two men bit the ground with their teeth, having been overcome by my spear. And now I would have slain the two Moliones, the sons of Actor, if their (true) father, the wide-ruling Earthshaker (i.e. Poseidon), had not saved (them) from the battle and shrouded (them) in thick mist. Then, Zeus granted a great victory to the Pylians; for we chased (them) as I have described so far across the wide plain, killing the (men) and gathering up their fine armour, until we drove our horses to Buprasium, rich in wheat, and the Olenian rock, and then the hill (that is) called (the hill) of Alesium; (and) there Athene turned our army back again. (Then,) I slew my last (man) and left (him) there; and the Achaeans drove their swift horses back from Buprasium to Pylos, and they all glorified Zeus among the gods and Nestor among men.    

"Such (a man) was I, if ever I was, among my (fellow-)men. But Achilles alone will get the benefit of his courage: indeed, I think that he will greatly lament hereafter, when his people are destroyed. Oh my friend, Menoetius surely gave you this advice on the day when he sent you from Phthia to (join) Agamemnon; we were inside (the house), myself and the godlike Odysseus, and in the halls we heard everything, just as he enjoined (you). For we had come to the comfortable house of Peleus, as we were gathering our host throughout Achaea. And then we found there in the house the hero Menoetius, and you, and Achilles with (you); and the old charioteer Peleus was burning the fat-wrapped thigh-bones of an ox (as a sacrifice) to Zeus who delights in thunder in the eating-place of the courtyard; and (in his hands) he was holding a golden cup, as he was making a drink-offering of flaming wine to accompany the burnt offerings. The two of you (i.e. Patroclus and Achilles) were busy with the flesh of the ox, but, when we (i.e. Nestor and Odysseus) stood in the doorway, Achilles, struck with wonder, leapt up, and, taking (us) by the hand, he led (us) in and bade us sit down, and he set before (us) that good hospitality which is the due of guests. 

Ll. 780-821. Nestor encourages Patroclus to go into battle wearing Achilles' armour; while returning, Patroclus encounters the wounded Eurypylus.  

"And, when we had had our fill of food and drink, I was the first to speak, and I urged you both to come with (us); and the two of you were very eager (to do so), and both your (fathers) gave you much advice. The old man Peleus bade his son Achilles always to be the bravest, and to be pre-eminent above (all) others. And this then was the advice that Menoetius, son of Actor, gave to you: 'My child, by birth Achilles is your superior, but you are the elder; and in might he is by far the better. But speak to him well-made words of wisdom, and give him counsel and guidance; and he will follow your lead very much for the good.' Thus did the old man advise (you), but you are forgetting (it), but yet even now you should speak such (words) to bold Achilles, and, if so, he may be persuaded. But who knows if with a god's (help) you might arouse his spirit with your persuasion? For a friend's persuasion is a good (thing). But, if in his heart he is avoiding some prophecy and some (message which) his queenly mother (i.e. Thetis) has brought him from Zeus, at least let him send you out, and let the rest of the host of the Myrmidons (i.e. the people of Phthia in Southern Thessaly, ruled by Peleus) follow after (you), and, if so, you should prove (to be) a light (of deliverance) to the Danaans. And let him give you his fine armour to be borne into battle, and, if so, the Trojans may mistake you for him and hold aloof from battle, and the warlike sons of the Achaeans may draw breath, worn out (though they are); for any respite in battle (is) brief. You, (who are) fresh, could readily drive men who have been exhausted by battle towards the city from the ships and the huts."     

So he spoke, and he stirred the heart in his (i.e. Patroclus') breast, and he went running (along) beside the ships to Achilles, the grandson of Aeacus (i.e. the father of Peleus). But when, as he ran, Patroclus came by the ships of godlike Odysseus, where their meeting-place and court were, and there too their altars to the gods had been built, Eurypylus, the Zeus-born son of Euaemon, who had been wounded in the thigh by an arrow, met him there, as he limped out of the battle; and streams of sweat flowed from his head and shoulders, and dark blood was gushing from his grievous wound; yet his spirit was unshaken. When he saw him, the valiant son of Menoetius took pity on (him), and, in his sorrow, he spoke these winged words: "Oh you wretched leaders and rulers of the Danaans, so were you destined, far away from your families and your native land, to glut the quick dogs of Troy with your white fat. But come, tell me this, Eurypylus, (you) warrior cherished by Zeus, will the Achaeans still (be able) perhaps to hold back mighty Hector, or are they now going to perish, conquered by his spear?" 

Ll. 822-848. Patroclus tends Euryplus' wound. 

Then, the wounded Eurypylus answered him: " Zeus-born Patroclus, there can no longer be any defence of the Achaeans, but they must fall, back on their black ships. For all those who were our bravest (men) lie in the ships, smitten and wounded at the hands of the Trojans; and their strength is growing all the time. But do you rescue me and take (me) to my black ship, and cut the arrow from my thigh and wash the black blood from it with warm water, and sprinkle on (me) those good soothing medicines, which they say you have learned from Achilles, whom Chiron, the most civilised of Centaurs, taught. (As for) our healers, Podalirius and Machaon, I think that one has a wound and is lying in his hut, in need himself of an excellent healer, and the other (i.e. Podalirius) steadfastly awaits sharp battle with the Trojans on the plain."  

Then, the valiant son of Menoetius answered him: "How can these things be? What shall we do, heroic Eurypylus? I am on my way to bold Achilles to give (him) a message, which Gerenian Nestor, the guardian of the Achaeans, has urged (on me); but, even so, I shall not desert you in your distressed (state)."

(So) he spoke, and, clasping the shepherd of the host beneath his chest (i.e. around the waist), he led (him) to his hut, and his squire, when he saw (him), spread ox-hides on (the ground). There he laid (him) down, and cut the very sharp arrow from his thigh with a knife, and he washed the dark blood from it with warm water, and on it, (as) a pain-killer, he applied a bitter root, after rubbing (it) hard in his hands, and it stopped all his pains; and the wound dried, and the blood ceased (to flow).