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

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

Introduction:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ll. 74-113. Agamemnon refers to Ate.

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

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

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

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

Ll. 154-183. Odysseus gives his advice. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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