BOOK XXIV

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

While he, indulging thus his wrath, disgraced Brave Hector, the immortals at that sight With pity moved, exhorted Mercury The watchful Argicide, to steal him thence.30 That counsel pleased the rest, but neither pleased Juno, nor Neptune, nor the blue-eyed maid. They still, as at the first, held fast their hate Of sacred Troy, detested Priam still, And still his people, mindful of the crime35 Of Paris, who when to his rural hut They came, those Goddesses affronting,[1] praise And admiration gave to her alone Who with vile lusts his preference repaid. But when the twelfth ensuing morn arose,40 Apollo, then, the immortals thus address’d. Ye Gods, your dealings now injurious seem And cruel. Was not Hector wont to burn Thighs of fat goats and bullocks at your shrines? Whom now, though dead, ye cannot yet endure45 To rescue, that Andromache once more Might view him, his own mother, his own son, His father and the people, who would soon Yield him his just demand, a funeral fire. But, oh ye Gods! your pleasure is alone50 To please Achilles, that pernicious chief, Who neither right regards, nor owns a mind That can relent, but as the lion, urged By his own dauntless heart and savage force, Invades without remorse the rights of man,55 That he may banquet on his herds and flocks, So Peleus’ son all pity from his breast Hath driven, and shame, man’s blessing or his curse.[2] For whosoever hath a loss sustain’d Still dearer, whether of his brother born60 From the same womb, or even of his son, When he hath once bewail’d him, weeps no more, For fate itself gives man a patient mind. Yet Peleus’ son, not so contented, slays Illustrious Hector first, then drags his corse65 In cruel triumph at his chariot-wheels Around Patroclus’ tomb; but neither well He acts, nor honorably to himself, Who may, perchance, brave though he be, incur Our anger, while to gratify revenge70 He pours dishonor thus on senseless clay. To whom, incensed, Juno white-arm’d replied. And be it so; stand fast this word of thine, God of the silver bow! if ye account Only such honor to Achilles due75 As Hector claims; but Hector was by birth Mere man, and suckled at a woman’s breast. Not such Achilles; him a Goddess bore, Whom I myself nourish’d, and on my lap Fondled, and in due time to Peleus gave80 In marriage, to a chief beloved in heaven Peculiarly; ye were yourselves, ye Gods! Partakers of the nuptial feast, and thou Wast present also with thine harp in hand, Thou comrade of the vile! thou faithless ever!85 Then answer thus cloud-gatherer Jove return’d. Juno, forbear. Indulge not always wrath Against the Gods. They shall not share alike, And in the same proportion our regards. Yet even Hector was the man in Troy90 Most favor’d by the Gods, and him no less I also loved, for punctual were his gifts To us; mine altar never miss’d from him Libation, or the steam of sacrifice, The meed allotted to us from of old.95 But steal him not, since by Achilles’ eye Unseen ye cannot, who both day and night Watches[3] him, as a mother tends her son. But call ye Thetis hither, I would give The Goddess counsel, that, at Priam’s hands100 Accepting gifts, Achilles loose the dead. He ceased. Then Iris tempest-wing’d arose. Samos between, and Imbrus rock-begirt, She plunged into the gloomy flood; loud groan’d The briny pool, while sudden down she rush’d,105 As sinks the bull’s[4] horn with its leaden weight, Death bearing to the raveners of the deep. Within her vaulted cave Thetis she found By every nymph of Ocean round about Encompass’d; she, amid them all, the fate110 Wept of her noble son ordain’d to death At fertile Troy, from Phthia far remote. Then, Iris, drawing near, her thus address’d. Arise, O Thetis! Jove, the author dread Of everlasting counsels, calls for thee.115 To whom the Goddess of the silver feet. Why calls the mighty Thunderer me? I fear, Oppress’d with countless sorrows as I am, To mingle with the Gods. Yet I obey— No word of his can prove an empty sound.120 So saying, the Goddess took her sable veil (Eye ne’er beheld a darker) and began Her progress, by the storm-wing’d Iris led. On either hand the billows open’d wide A pass before them; they, ascending soon125 The shore, updarted swift into the skies. They found loud-voiced Saturnian Jove around Environ’d by the ever-blessed Gods Convened in full assembly; she beside Her Father Jove (Pallas retiring) sat.130 Then, Juno, with consolatory speech, Presented to her hand a golden cup, Of which she drank, then gave it back again, And thus the sire of Gods and men began. Goddess of ocean, Thetis! thou hast sought135 Olympus, bearing in thy bosom grief Never to be assuaged, as well I know. Yet shalt thou learn, afflicted as thou art, Why I have summon’d thee. Nine days the Gods, Concerning Hector’s body and thy own140 Brave city-spoiler son, have held dispute, And some have urged ofttimes the Argicide Keen-sighted Mercury, to steal the dead. But I forbade it for Achilles’ sake, Whom I exalt, the better to insure145 Thy reverence and thy friendship evermore. Haste, therefore, seek thy son, and tell him thus, The Gods resent it, say (but most of all Myself am angry) that he still detains Amid his fleet, through fury of revenge,150 Unransom’d Hector; so shall he, at length, Through fear of me, perchance, release the slain. Myself to generous Priam will, the while, Send Iris, who shall bid him to the fleet Of Greece, such ransom bearing as may soothe155 Achilles, for redemption of his son. So spake the God, nor Thetis not complied. Descending swift from the Olympian heights She reach’d Achilles’ tent. Him there she found Groaning disconsolate, while others ran160 To and fro, occupied around a sheep New-slaughter’d, large, and of exuberant fleece. She, sitting close beside him, softly strok’d His cheek, and thus, affectionate, began. How long, my son! sorrowing and mourning here,165 Wilt thou consume thy soul, nor give one thought Either to food or love? Yet love is good, And woman grief’s best cure; for length of days Is not thy doom, but, even now, thy death And ruthless destiny are on the wing.170 Mark me,—I come a lieger sent from Jove. The Gods, he saith, resent it, but himself More deeply than the rest, that thou detain’st Amid thy fleet, through fury of revenge, Unransom’d Hector. Be advised, accept175 Ransom, and to his friends resign the dead. To whom Achilles, swiftest of the swift. Come then the ransomer, and take him hence; If Jove himself command it,—be it so. So they, among the ships, conferring sat180 On various themes, the Goddess and her son; Meantime Saturnian Jove commanded down His swift ambassadress to sacred Troy. Hence, rapid Iris! leave the Olympian heights. And, finding noble Priam, bid him haste185 Into Achaia’s fleet, bearing such gifts As may assuage Achilles, and prevail To liberate the body of his son. Alone, he must; no Trojan of them all May company the senior thither, save190 An ancient herald to direct his mules And his wheel’d litter, and to bring the dead Back into Ilium, whom Achilles slew. Let neither fear of death nor other fear Trouble him aught, so safe a guard and sure195 We give him; Mercury shall be his guide Into Achilles’ presence in his tent. Nor will himself Achilles slay him there, Or even permit his death, but will forbid All violence; for he is not unwise200 Nor heedless, no—nor wilful to offend, But will his suppliant with much grace receive.[5]

He ceased; then Iris tempest-wing’d arose, Jove’s messenger, and, at the gates arrived Of Priam, wo and wailing found within.205 Around their father, in the hall, his sons Their robes with tears water’d, while them amidst The hoary King sat mantled, muffled close, And on his venerable head and neck Much dust was spread, which, rolling on the earth,210 He had shower’d on them with unsparing hands. The palace echoed to his daughters’ cries, And to the cries of matrons calling fresh Into remembrance many a valiant chief Now stretch’d in dust, by Argive hands destroy’d.215 The messenger of Jove at Priam’s side Standing, with whisper’d accents low his ear Saluted, but he trembled at the sound. Courage, Dardanian Priam! fear thou nought; To thee no prophetess of ill, I come;220 But with kind purpose: Jove’s ambassadress Am I, who though remote, yet entertains Much pity, and much tender care for thee. Olympian Jove commands thee to redeem The noble Hector, with an offering large225 Of gifts that may Achilles’ wrath appease. Alone, thou must; no Trojan of them all Hath leave to attend thy journey thither, save An ancient herald to direct thy mules And thy wheel’d litter, and to bring the dead230 Back into Ilium, whom Achilles slew. Let neither fear of death nor other fear Trouble thee aught, so safe a guard and sure He gives thee; Mercury shall be thy guide Even to Achilles’ presence in his tent.235 Nor will himself Achilles slay thee there, Or even permit thy death, but will forbid All violence; for he is not unwise Nor heedless, no—nor wilful to offend, But will his suppliant with much grace receive.240

So spake the swift ambassadress, and went. Then, calling to his sons, he bade them bring His litter forth, and bind the coffer on, While to his fragrant chamber he repair’d Himself, with cedar lined and lofty-roof’d,245 A treasury of wonders into which The Queen he summon’d, whom he thus bespake. Hecuba! the ambassadress of Jove Hath come, who bids me to the Grecian fleet, Bearing such presents thither as may soothe250 Achilles, for redemption of my son. But say, what seems this enterprise to thee? Myself am much inclined to it, I feel My courage prompting me amain toward The fleet, and into the Achaian camp.255 Then wept the Queen aloud, and thus replied. Ah! whither is thy wisdom fled, for which Both strangers once, and Trojans honor’d _thee_? How canst thou wish to penetrate alone The Grecian fleet, and to appear before260 His face, by whom so many valiant sons Of thine have fallen? Thou hast an iron heart! For should that savage man and faithless once Seize and discover thee, no pity expect Or reverence at his hands. Come—let us weep265 Together, here sequester’d; for the thread Spun for him by his destiny severe When he was born, ordain’d our son remote From us his parents to be food for hounds In that chief’s tent. Oh! clinging to his side,270 How I could tear him with my teeth! His deeds, Disgraceful to my son, then should not want Retaliation; for he slew not him Skulking, but standing boldly for the wives, The daughters fair, and citizens of Troy,275 Guiltless of flight,[6] and of the wish to fly.

Whom godlike Priam answer’d, ancient King. Impede me not who willing am to go, Nor be, thyself, a bird of ominous note To terrify me under my own roof,280 For thou shalt not prevail. Had mortal man Enjoin’d me this attempt, prophet, or priest, Or soothsayer, I had pronounced him false And fear’d it but the more. But, since I saw The Goddess with these eyes, and heard, myself,285 The voice divine, I go; that word shall stand; And, if my doom be in the fleet of Greece To perish, be it so; Achilles’ arm Shall give me speedy death, and I shall die Folding my son, and satisfied with tears.290 So saying, he open’d wide the elegant lids Of numerous chests, whence mantles twelve he took Of texture beautiful; twelve single cloaks; As many carpets, with as many robes, To which he added vests, an equal store.295 He also took ten talents forth of gold, All weigh’d, two splendid tripods, caldrons four, And after these a cup of matchless worth Given to him when ambassador in Thrace; A noble gift, which yet the hoary King300 Spared not, such fervor of desire he felt To loose his son. Then from his portico, With angry taunts he drove the gather’d crowds. Away! away! ye dregs of earth, away! Ye shame of human kind! Have ye no griefs305 At home, that ye come hither troubling _me_? Deem ye it little that Saturnian Jove Afflicts me thus, and of my very best, Best boy deprives me? Ah! ye shall be taught Yourselves that loss, far easier to be slain310 By the Achaians now, since he is dead. But I, ere yet the city I behold Taken and pillaged, with these aged eyes, Shall find safe hiding in the shades below.

He said, and chased them with his staff; they left315 In haste the doors, by the old King expell’d. Then, chiding them aloud, his sons he call’d, Helenus, Paris, noble Agathon, Pammon, Antiphonus, and bold in fight Polites, Dios of illustrious fame,320 Hippothoüs and Deiphobus—all nine He call’d, thus issuing, angry, his commands. Quick! quick! ye slothful in your father’s cause, Ye worthless brood! would that in Hector’s stead Ye all had perish’d in the fleet of Greece!325 Oh altogether wretched! in all Troy No man had sons to boast valiant as mine, And I have lost them all. Mestor is gone The godlike, Troilus the steed-renown’d, And Hector, who with other men compared330 Seem’d a Divinity, whom none had deem’d From mortal man derived, but from a God. These Mars hath taken, and hath left me none But scandals of my house, void of all truth, Dancers, exact step-measurers,[7] a band335 Of public robbers, thieves of kids and lambs. Will ye not bring my litter to the gate This moment, and with all this package quick Charge it, that we may hence without delay? He said, and by his chiding awed, his sons340 Drew forth the royal litter, neat, new-built, And following swift the draught, on which they bound The coffer; next, they lower’d from the wall The sculptured boxen yoke with its two rings;[8] And with the yoke its furniture, in length345 Nine cubits; this to the extremest end Adjusting of the pole, they cast the ring Over the ring-bolt; then, thrice through the yoke They drew the brace on both sides, made it fast With even knots, and tuck’d[9] the dangling ends.350 Producing, next, the glorious ransom-price Of Hector’s body, on the litter’s floor They heap’d it all, then yoked the sturdy mules, A gift illustrious by the Mysians erst Conferr’d on Priam; to the chariot, last,355 They led forth Priam’s steeds, which the old King (In person serving them) with freshest corn Constant supplied; meantime, himself within The palace, and his herald, were employ’d Girding[10] themselves, to go; wise each and good.360 And now came mournful Hecuba, with wine Delicious charged, which in a golden cup She brought, that not without libation due First made, they might depart. Before the steeds Her steps she stay’d, and Priam thus address’d.365 Take this, and to the Sire of all perform Libation, praying him a safe return From hostile hands, since thou art urged to seek The Grecian camp, though not by my desire. Pray also to Idæan Jove cloud-girt,370 Who oversees all Ilium, that he send His messenger or ere thou go, the bird His favorite most, surpassing all in strength, At thy right hand; him seeing, thou shalt tend With better hope toward the fleet of Greece.375 But should loud-thundering Jove his lieger swift Withhold, from me far be it to advise This journey, howsoe’er thou wish to go. To whom the godlike Priam thus replied. This exhortation will I not refuse,380 O Queen! for, lifting to the Gods his hands In prayer for their compassion, none can err. So saying, he bade the maiden o’er the rest, Chief in authority, pour on his hands Pure water, for the maiden at his side385 With ewer charged and laver, stood prepared. He laved his hands; then, taking from the Queen The goblet, in his middle area stood Pouring libation with his eyes upturn’d Heaven-ward devout, and thus his prayer preferr’d.390 Jove, great and glorious above all, who rulest, On Ida’s summit seated, all below! Grant me arrived within Achilles’ tent Kindness to meet and pity, and oh send Thy messenger or ere I go, the bird395 Thy favorite most, surpassing all in strength, At my right hand, which seeing, I shall tend With better hope toward the fleet of Greece. He ended, at whose prayer, incontinent, Jove sent his eagle, surest of all signs,400 The black-plumed bird voracious, Morphnos[11] named, And Percnos.[11] Wide as the well-guarded door Of some rich potentate his vans he spread On either side; they saw him on the right, Skimming the towers of Troy; glad they beheld405 That omen, and all felt their hearts consoled. Delay’d not then the hoary King, but quick Ascending to his seat, his coursers urged Through vestibule and sounding porch abroad. The four-wheel’d litter led, drawn by the mules410 Which sage Idæus managed, behind whom Went Priam, plying with the scourge his steeds Continual through the town, while all his friends, Following their sovereign with dejected hearts, Lamented him as going to his death.415 But when from Ilium’s gate into the plain They had descended, then the sons-in-law Of Priam, and his sons, to Troy return’d. Nor they, now traversing the plain, the note Escaped of Jove the Thunderer; he beheld420 Compassionate the venerable King, And thus his own son Mercury bespake. Mercury! (for above all others thou Delightest to associate with mankind Familiar, whom thou wilt winning with ease425 To converse free) go thou, and so conduct Priam into the Grecian camp, that none Of all the numerous Danaï may see Or mark him, till he reach Achilles’ tent. He spake, nor the ambassador of heaven430 The Argicide delay’d, but bound in haste His undecaying sandals to his feet, Golden, divine, which waft him o’er the floods Swift as the wind, and o’er the boundless earth. He took his rod with which he charms to sleep435 All eyes, and theirs who sleep opens again. Arm’d with that rod, forth flew the Argicide. At Ilium and the Hellespontic shores Arriving sudden, a king’s son he seem’d, Now clothing first his ruddy cheek with down,440 Which is youth’s loveliest season; so disguised, His progress he began. They now (the tomb Magnificent of Ilus past) beside The river stay’d the mules and steeds to drink, For twilight dimm’d the fields. Idæus first445 Perceived him near, and Priam thus bespake. Think, son of Dardanus! for we have need Of our best thought. I see a warrior. Now, Now we shall die; I know it. Turn we quick Our steeds to flight; or let us clasp his knees450 And his compassion suppliant essay. Terror and consternation at that sound The mind of Priam felt; erect the hair Bristled his limbs, and with amaze he stood Motionless. But the God, meantime, approach’d,455 And, seizing ancient Priam’s hand, inquired. Whither, my father! in the dewy night Drivest thou thy mules and steeds, while others sleep? And fear’st thou not the fiery host of Greece, Thy foes implacable, so nigh at hand?460 Of whom should any, through the shadow dun Of flitting night, discern thee bearing forth So rich a charge, then what wouldst thou expect? Thou art not young thyself, nor with the aid Of this thine ancient servant, strong enough465 Force to repulse, should any threaten force. But injury fear none or harm from me; I rather much from harm by other hands Would save thee, thou resemblest so my sire. Whom answer’d godlike Priam, hoar with age.470 My son! well spoken. Thou hast judged aright. Yet even me some Deity protects Thus far; to whom I owe it that I meet So seasonably one like thee, in form So admirable, and in mind discreet475 As thou art beautiful. Blest parents, thine! To whom the messenger of heaven again, The Argicide. Oh ancient and revered! Thou hast well spoken all. Yet this declare, And with sincerity; bear’st thou away480 Into some foreign country, for the sake Of safer custody, this precious charge? Or, urged by fear, forsake ye all alike Troy’s sacred towers! since he whom thou hast lost, Thy noble son, was of excelling worth485 In arms, and nought inferior to the Greeks. Then thus the godlike Priam, hoary King. But tell me first who _Thou_ art, and from whom Descended, loveliest youth! who hast the fate So well of my unhappy son rehearsed?490 To whom the herald Mercury replied. Thy questions, venerable sire! proposed Concerning noble Hector, are design’d To prove me. Him, not seldom, with these eyes In man-ennobling fight I have beheld495 Most active; saw him when he thinn’d the Greeks With his sharp spear, and drove them to the ships. Amazed we stood to notice him; for us, Incensed against the ruler of our host, Achilles suffer’d not to share the fight.500 I serve Achilles; the same gallant bark Brought us, and of the Myrmidons am I, Son of Polyctor; wealthy is my sire, And such in years as thou; six sons he hath, Beside myself the seventh, and (the lots cast505 Among us all) mine sent me to the wars. That I have left the ships, seeking the plain, The cause is this; the Greeks, at break of day, Will compass, arm’d, the city, for they loathe To sit inactive, neither can the chiefs510 Restrain the hot impatience of the host. Then godlike Priam answer thus return’d. If of the band thou be of Peleus’ son, Achilles, tell me undisguised the truth. My son, subsists he still, or hath thy chief515 Limb after limb given him to his dogs? Him answer’d then the herald of the skies. Oh venerable sir! him neither dogs Have eaten yet, nor fowls, but at the ships His body, and within Achilles’ tent520 Neglected lies. Twelve days he so hath lain; Yet neither worm which diets on the brave In battle fallen, hath eaten him, or taint Invaded. He around Patroclus’ tomb Drags him indeed pitiless, oft as day525 Reddens the east, yet safe from blemish still His corse remains. Thou wouldst, thyself, admire Seeing how fresh the dew-drops, as he lies, Rest on him, and his blood is cleansed away That not a stain is left. Even his wounds530 (For many a wound they gave him) all are closed, Such care the blessed Gods have of thy son, Dead as he is, whom living much they loved. So he; then, glad, the ancient King replied. Good is it, oh my son! to yield the Gods535 Their just demands. My boy, while yet he lived, Lived not unmindful of the worship due To the Olympian powers, who, therefore, him Remember, even in the bands of death. Come then—this beauteous cup take at my hand—540 Be thou my guard, and, if the Gods permit, My guide, till to Achilles’ tent I come. Whom answer’d then the messenger of heaven. Sir! thou perceivest me young, and art disposed To try my virtue; but it shall not fail.545 Thou bidd’st me at thine hand a gift accept, Whereof Achilles knows not; but I fear Achilles, and on no account should dare Defraud him, lest some evil find me next. But thee I would with pleasure hence conduct550 Even to glorious Argos, over sea Or over land, nor any, through contempt Of such a guard, should dare to do thee wrong. So Mercury, and to the chariot seat Upspringing, seized at once the lash and reins,555 And with fresh vigor mules and steeds inspired. Arriving at the foss and towers, they found The guard preparing now their evening cheer, All whom the Argicide with sudden sleep Oppress’d, then oped the gates, thrust back the bars,560 And introduced, with all his litter-load Of costly gifts, the venerable King. But when they reached the tent for Peleus’ son Raised by the Myrmidons (with trunks of pine They built it, lopping smooth the boughs away,555 Then spread with shaggy mowings of the mead Its lofty roof, and with a spacious court Surrounded it, all fenced with driven stakes; One bar alone of pine secured the door, Which ask’d three Grecians with united force570 To thrust it to its place, and three again To thrust it back, although Achilles oft Would heave it to the door himself alone;) Then Hermes, benefactor of mankind, That bar displacing for the King of Troy,575 Gave entrance to himself and to his gifts For Peleus’ son design’d, and from the seat Alighting, thus his speech to Priam turn’d. Oh ancient Priam! an immortal God Attends thee; I am Hermes, by command580 Of Jove my father thy appointed guide. But I return. I will not, entering here, Stand in Achilles’ sight; immortal Powers May not so unreservedly indulge Creatures of mortal kind. But enter thou,585 Embrace his knees, and by his father both And by his Goddess mother sue to him, And by his son, that his whole heart may melt. So Hermes spake, and to the skies again Ascended. Then leap’d Priam to the ground,590 Leaving Idæus; he, the mules and steeds Watch’d, while the ancient King into the tent Proceeded of Achilles dear to Jove. Him there he found, and sitting found apart His fellow-warriors, of whom two alone595 Served at his side, Alcimus, branch of Mars And brave Automedon; he had himself Supp’d newly, and the board stood unremoved. Unseen of all huge Priam enter’d, stood Near to Achilles, clasp’d his knees, and kiss’d600 Those terrible and homicidal hands That had destroy’d so many of his sons. As when a fugitive for blood the house Of some chief enters in a foreign land, All gaze, astonish’d at the sudden guest,605 So gazed Achilles seeing Priam there, And so stood all astonish’d, each his eyes In silence fastening on his fellow’s face. But Priam kneel’d, and suppliant thus began. Think, oh Achilles, semblance of the Gods!610 On thy own father full of days like me, And trembling on the gloomy verge of life.[12] Some neighbor chief, it may be, even now Oppresses him, and there is none at hand, No friend to suocor him in his distress.615 Yet, doubtless, hearing that Achilles lives, He still rejoices, hoping, day by day, That one day he shall see the face again Of his own son from distant Troy return’d. But me no comfort cheers, whose bravest sons,620 So late the flower of Ilium, all are slain. When Greece came hither, I had fifty sons; Nineteen were children of one bed, the rest Born of my concubines. A numerous house! But fiery Mars hath thinn’d it. One I had,625 One, more than all my sons the strength of Troy, Whom standing for his country thou hast slain— Hector—his body to redeem I come Into Achaia’s fleet, bringing, myself, Ransom inestimable to thy tent.630 Reverence the Gods, Achilles! recollect Thy father; for his sake compassion show To me more pitiable still, who draw Home to my lips (humiliation yet Unseen on earth) his hand who slew my son.635 So saying, he waken’d in his soul regret Of his own sire; softly he placed his hand On Priam’s hand, and push’d him gently away. Remembrance melted both. Rolling before Achilles’ feet, Priam his son deplored640 Wide-slaughtering Hector, and Achilles wept By turns his father, and by turns his friend Patroclus; sounds of sorrow fill’d the tent. But when, at length satiate, Achilles felt His heart from grief, and all his frame relieved,645 Upstarting from his seat, with pity moved Of Priam’s silver locks and silver beard, He raised the ancient father by his hand, Whom in wing’d accents kind he thus bespake. Wretched indeed! ah what must thou have felt!650 How hast thou dared to seek alone the fleet Of the Achaians, and his face by whom So many of thy valiant sons have fallen? Thou hast a heart of iron, terror-proof. Come—sit beside me—let us, if we may,665 Great mourners both, bid sorrow sleep awhile. There is no profit of our sighs and tears; For thus, exempt from care themselves, the Gods Ordain man’s miserable race to mourn. Fast by the threshold of Jove’s courts are placed660 Two casks, one stored with evil, one with good, From which the God dispenses as he wills. For whom the glorious Thunderer mingles both, He leads a life checker’d with good and ill Alternate; but to whom he gives unmixt665 The bitter cup, he makes that man a curse, His name becomes a by-word of reproach, His strength is hunger-bitten, and he walks The blessed earth, unblest, go where he may. So was my father Peleus at his birth670 Nobly endow’d with plenty and with wealth Distinguish’d by the Gods past all mankind, Lord of the Myrmidons, and, though a man, Yet match’d from heaven with an immortal bride. But even him the Gods afflict, a son675 Refusing him, who might possess his throne Hereafter; for myself, his only heir, Pass as a dream, and while I live, instead Of solacing his age, here sit, before Your distant walls, the scourge of thee and thine.680 Thee also, ancient Priam, we have heard Reported, once possessor of such wealth As neither Lesbos, seat of Macar, owns, Nor eastern Phrygia, nor yet all the ports Of Hellespont, but thou didst pass them all685 In riches, and in number of thy sons. But since the Powers of heaven brought on thy land This fatal war, battle and deeds of death Always surround the city where thou reign’st. Cease, therefore, from unprofitable tears,690 Which, ere they raise thy son to life again Shall, doubtless, find fresh cause for which to flow. To whom the ancient King godlike replied. Hero, forbear. No seat is here for me, While Hector lies unburied in your camp.695 Loose him, and loose him now, that with these eyes I may behold my son; accept a price Magnificent, which may’st thou long enjoy, And, since my life was precious in thy sight, May’st thou revisit safe thy native shore!700 To whom Achilles, lowering, and in wrath.[13] Urge me no longer, at a time like this, With that harsh note; I am already inclin’d To loose him. Thetis, my own mother came Herself on that same errand, sent from Jove.705 Priam! I understand thee well. I know That, by some God conducted, thou hast reach’d Achaia’s fleet; for, without aid divine, No mortal even in his prime of youth, Had dared the attempt; guards vigilant as ours710 He should not easily elude, such gates, So massy, should not easily unbar. Thou, therefore, vex me not in my distress, Lest I abhor to see thee in my tent, And, borne beyond all limits, set at nought715 Thee, and thy prayer, and the command of Jove. He said; the old King trembled, and obey’d. Then sprang Pelides like a lion forth, Not sole, but with his two attendant friends Alcimus and Automedon the brave,720 For them (Patroclus slain) he honor’d most Of all the Myrmidons. They from the yoke Released both steeds and mules, then introduced And placed the herald of the hoary King. They lighten’d next the litter of its charge725 Inestimable, leaving yet behind Two mantles and a vest, that, not unveil’d, The body might be borne back into Troy. Then, calling forth his women, them he bade Lave and anoint the body, but apart,730 Lest haply Priam, noticing his son, Through stress of grief should give resentment scope, And irritate by some affront himself To slay him, in despite of Jove’s commands.[14] They, therefore, laving and anointing first735 The body, cover’d it with cloak and vest; Then, Peleus’ son disposed it on the bier, Lifting it from the ground, and his two friends Together heaved it to the royal wain. Achilles, last, groaning, his friend invoked.740

Patroclus! should the tidings reach thine ear, Although in Ades, that I have released The noble Hector at his father’s suit, Resent it not; no sordid gifts have paid His ransom-price, which thou shalt also share.745 So saying, Achilles to his tent return’d, And on the splendid couch whence he had risen Again reclined, opposite to the seat Of Priam, whom the hero thus bespake. Priam! at thy request thy son is loosed,750 And lying on his bier; at dawn of day Thou shalt both see him and convey him hence Thyself to Troy. But take we now repast; For even bright-hair’d Niobe her food Forgat not, though of children twelve bereft,755 Of daughters six, and of six blooming sons. Apollo these struck from his silver bow, And those shaft-arm’d Diana, both incensed That oft Latona’s children and her own Numbering, she scorn’d the Goddess who had borne760 Two only, while herself had twelve to boast. Vain boast! those two sufficed to slay them all. Nine days they welter’d in their blood, no man Was found to bury them, for Jove had changed To stone the people; but themselves, at last,765 The Powers of heaven entomb’d them on the tenth. Yet even she, once satisfied with tears, Remember’d food; and now the rocks among And pathless solitudes of Sipylus, The rumor’d cradle of the nymphs who dance770 On Acheloüs’ banks, although to stone Transform’d, she broods her heaven-inflicted woes. Come, then, my venerable guest! take we Refreshment also; once arrived in Troy With thy dear son, thou shalt have time to weep775 Sufficient, nor without most weighty cause. So spake Achilles, and, upstarting, slew A sheep white-fleeced, which his attendants flay’d, And busily and with much skill their task Administ’ring, first scored the viands well,780 Then pierced them with the spits, and when the roast Was finish’d, drew them from the spits again. And now, Automedon dispensed around The polish’d board bread in neat baskets piled, Which done, Achilles portion’d out to each785 His share, and all assail’d the ready feast. But when nor hunger more nor thirst they felt, Dardanian Priam, wond’ring at his bulk And beauty (for he seem’d some God from heaven) Gazed on Achilles, while Achilles held790 Not less in admiration of his looks Benign, and of his gentle converse wise, Gazed on Dardanian Priam, and, at length (The eyes of each gratified to the full) The ancient King thus to Achilles spake.795 Hero! dismiss us now each to our bed, That there at ease reclined, we may enjoy Sweet sleep; for never have these eyelids closed Since Hector fell and died, but without cease I mourn, and nourishing unnumber’d woes,800 Have roll’d me in the ashes of my courts. But I have now both tasted food, and given Wine to my lips, untasted till with thee. So he, and at his word Achilles bade His train beneath his portico prepare805 With all dispatch two couches, purple rugs, And arras, and warm mantles over all. Forth went the women bearing lights, and spread A couch for each, when feigning needful fear,[15] Achilles thus his speech to Priam turn’d.810 My aged guest beloved; sleep thou without; Lest some Achaian chief (for such are wont Ofttimes, here sitting, to consult with me) Hither repair; of whom should any chance To spy thee through the gloom, he would at once815 Convey the tale to Agamemnon’s ear, Whence hindrance might arise, and the release Haply of Hector’s body be delay’d. But answer me with truth. How many days Wouldst thou assign to the funereal rites820 Of noble Hector, for so long I mean Myself to rest, and keep the host at home? Then thus the ancient King godlike replied. If thou indeed be willing that we give Burial to noble Hector, by an act825 So generous, O Achilles! me thou shalt Much gratify; for we are shut, thou know’st, In Ilium close, and fuel must procure From Ida’s side remote; fear, too, hath seized On all our people. Therefore thus I say.830 Nine days we wish to mourn him in the house; To his interment we would give the tenth, And to the public banquet; the eleventh Shall see us build his tomb; and on the twelfth (If war we must) we will to war again.835 To whom Achilles, matchless in the race. So be it, ancient Priam! I will curb Twelve days the rage of war, at thy desire.[16] He spake, and at his wrist the right hand grasp’d Of the old sovereign, to dispel his fear.840 Then in the vestibule the herald slept And Priam, prudent both, but Peleus’ son In the interior tent, and at his side Brisëis, with transcendent beauty adorn’d.

Now all, all night, by gentle sleep subdued,845 Both Gods and chariot-ruling warriors lay, But not the benefactor of mankind, Hermes; him sleep seized not, but deep he mused How likeliest from amid the Grecian fleet He might deliver by the guard unseen850 The King of Ilium; at his head he stood In vision, and the senior thus bespake. Ah heedless and secure! hast thou no dread Of mischief, ancient King, that thus by foes Thou sleep’st surrounded, lull’d by the consent855 And sufferance of Achilles? Thou hast given Much for redemption of thy darling son, But thrice that sum thy sons who still survive Must give to Agamemnon and the Greeks For _thy_ redemption, should they know thee here.860 He ended; at the sound alarm’d upsprang The King, and roused his herald. Hermes yoked Himself both mules and steeds, and through the camp Drove them incontinent, by all unseen. Soon as the windings of the stream they reach’d,865 Deep-eddied Xanthus, progeny of Jove, Mercury the Olympian summit sought, And saffron-vested morn o’erspread the earth. They, loud lamenting, to the city drove Their steeds; the mules close follow’d with the dead.870 Nor warrior yet, nor cinctured matron knew Of all in Ilium aught of their approach, Cassandra sole except. She, beautiful As golden Venus, mounted on the height Of Pergamus, her father first discern’d,875 Borne on his chariot-seat erect, and knew: The herald heard so oft in echoing Troy; Him also on his bier outstretch’d she mark’d, Whom the mules drew. Then, shrieking, through the streets She ran of Troy, and loud proclaim’d the sight.880 Ye sons of Ilium and ye daughters, haste, Haste all to look on Hector, if ye e’er With joy beheld him, while he yet survived, From fight returning; for all Ilium erst In him, and all her citizens rejoiced.885 She spake. Then neither male nor female more In Troy remain’d, such sorrow seized on all. Issuing from the city-gate, they met Priam conducting, sad, the body home, And, foremost of them all, the mother flew890 And wife of Hector to the bier, on which Their torn-off tresses with unsparing hands They shower’d, while all the people wept around. All day, and to the going down of day They thus had mourn’d the dead before the gates,895 Had not their Sovereign from his chariot-seat Thus spoken to the multitude around. Fall back on either side, and let the mules Pass on; the body in my palace once Deposited, ye then may weep your fill.900 He said; they, opening, gave the litter way. Arrived within the royal house, they stretch’d The breathless Hector on a sumptuous bed, And singers placed beside him, who should chant The strain funereal; they with many a groan905 The dirge began, and still, at every close, The female train with many a groan replied. Then, in the midst, Andromache white-arm’d Between her palms the dreadful Hector’s head Pressing, her lamentation thus began.910 [17]My hero! thou hast fallen in prime of life, Me leaving here desolate, and the fruit Of our ill-fated loves, a helpless child, Whom grown to manhood I despair to see. For ere that day arrive, down from her height915 Precipitated shall this city fall, Since thou hast perish’d once her sure defence, Faithful protector of her spotless wives, And all their little ones. Those wives shall soon In Grecian barks capacious hence be borne,920 And I among the rest. But thee, my child! Either thy fate shall with thy mother send Captive into a land where thou shalt serve In sordid drudgery some cruel lord, Or haply some Achaian here, thy hand925 Seizing, shall hurl thee from a turret-top To a sad death, avenging brother, son, Or father by the hands of Hector slain; For he made many a Grecian bite the ground. Thy father, boy, bore never into fight930 A milky mind, and for that self-same cause Is now bewail’d in every house of Troy. Sorrow unutterable thou hast caused Thy parents, Hector! but to me hast left Largest bequest of misery, to whom,935 Dying, thou neither didst thy arms extend Forth from thy bed, nor gavest me precious word To be remember’d day and night with tears. So spake she weeping, whom her maidens all With sighs accompanied, and her complaint940 Mingled with sobs Hecuba next began. Ah Hector! dearest to thy mother’s heart Of all her sons, much must the Gods have loved Thee living, whom, though dead, they thus preserve. What son soever of our house beside945 Achilles took, over the barren deep To Samos, Imbrus, or to Lemnos girt With rocks inhospitable, him he sold; But thee, by his dread spear of life deprived, He dragg’d and dragg’d around Patroclus’ tomb,950 As if to raise again his friend to life Whom thou hadst vanquish’d; yet he raised him not. But as for thee, thou liest here with dew Besprinkled, fresh as a young plant,[18] and more Resemblest some fair youth by gentle shafts955 Of Phœbus pierced, than one in battle slain. So spake the Queen, exciting in all hearts Sorrow immeasurable, after whom Thus Helen, third, her lamentation pour’d. [19]Ah dearer far than all my brothers else960 Of Priam’s house! for being Paris’ spouse, Who brought me (would I had first died!) to Troy, I call thy brothers mine; since forth I came From Sparta, it is now the twentieth year, Yet never heard I once hard speech from thee,965 Or taunt morose, but if it ever chanced, That of thy father’s house female or male Blamed me, and even if herself the Queen (For in the King, whate’er befell, I found Always a father) thou hast interposed970 Thy gentle temper and thy gentle speech To soothe them; therefore, with the same sad drops Thy fate, oh Hector! and my own I weep; For other friend within the ample bounds Of Ilium have I none, nor hope to hear975 Kind word again, with horror view’d by all. So Helen spake weeping, to whom with groans The countless multitude replied, and thus Their ancient sovereign next his people charged. Ye Trojans, now bring fuel home, nor fear980 Close ambush of the Greeks; Achilles’ self Gave me, at my dismission from his fleet, Assurance, that from hostile force secure We shall remain, till the twelfth dawn arise. All, then, their mules and oxen to the wains985 Join’d speedily, and under Ilium’s walls Assembled numerous; nine whole days they toil’d, Bringing much fuel home, and when the tenth Bright morn, with light for human kind, arose, Then bearing noble Hector forth, with tears990 Shed copious, on the summit of the pile They placed him, and the fuel fired beneath. But when Aurora, daughter of the Dawn, Redden’d the east, then, thronging forth, all Troy Encompass’d noble Hector’s pile around.995 The whole vast multitude convened, with wine They quench’d the pile throughout, leaving no part Unvisited, on which the fire had seized. His brothers, next, collected, and his friends, His white bones, mourning, and with tears profuse1000 Watering their cheeks; then in a golden urn They placed them, which with mantles soft they veil’d Mæonian-hued, and, delving, buried it, And overspread with stones the spot adust. Lastly, short time allowing to the task,1005 They heap’d his tomb, while, posted on all sides, Suspicious of assault, spies watch’d the Greeks. The tomb once heap’d, assembling all again Within the palace, they a banquet shared Magnificent, by godlike Priam given.1010

Such burial the illustrious Hector found.[20]

[I cannot take my leave of this noble poem, without expressing how much I am struck with this plain conclusion of it. It is like the exit of a great man out of company whom he has entertained magnificently; neither pompous nor familiar; not contemptuous, yet without much ceremony. I recollect nothing, among the works of mere man, that exemplifies so strongly the true style of great antiquity.]—Tr.

FOOTNOTES

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