The Iliad of Homer Part 36

Thus he spoke; but him the brave son of Mentius rebuked: "Meriones, why dost thou, although being brave, harangue thus? O, my friend, the Trojans will not retire from the corse by opprobrious words: first will the earth possess some of them; for the emergency of battle is placed in the hands, but of counsel in words; wherefore it is by no means necessary to multiply words, but to fight."

So saying, he on his part led the way, and along with him the G.o.dlike hero followed. And as the crash of woodcutting men arises in the dells of a mountain, and the sound is heard from afar; so the noise of these, smitten with swords and two-edged spears, arose from the wide-extended plain, from bra.s.s, from leather, and from well-prepared bull's-hide shields. Nor would a man, although very discerning, have recognized n.o.ble Sarpedon, since he was totally involved, from his head to the soles of his feet, with weapons, and blood, and dust. But they still crowded round the corse, as when flies in the stall hum around the pails full of milk, during the spring season, when the milk makes moist the vessel. So they still crowded round the body: nor did Jove ever turn his bright eyes from the violent conflict; but he ever beheld them, and meditated many evil things in his mind concerning the death of Patroclus, anxiously deliberating whether now ill.u.s.trious Hector should kill him with his spear in the brave battle, over G.o.dlike Sarpedon, and spoil the armour from his shoulders, or whether he should still increase the severe labour to the mult.i.tude. To him, thus reflecting, it appeared better that the brave servant of Achilles, the son of Peleus, should repulse the Trojans and brazen-armed Hector, towards the city, and take away the life of many. Into Hector, therefore, first [of all], he sent unwarlike flight, and ascending his chariot, he turned himself to flight, and advised the other Trojans to fly, for he recognized the sacred scales of Jove.[540] Then not even the brave Lycians remained, but were all turned in flight, when they beheld their king wounded to the heart, lying in the heap of dead; for many had fallen over him, whilst the son of Saturn stretched on the violent strife. But after they had taken from the shoulders of Sarpedon the brazen and glittering armour, the gallant son of Mentius gave them to his companions to carry to the hollow ships; and then cloud-compelling Jove addressed Apollo:

"Come now, dear Phbus, going, cleanse Sarpedon, [withdrawn] from among the heap of weapons, of sable gore, and afterwards bearing him far away, lave him in the stream of the river, and anoint him with ambrosia, and put around him immortal garments, then give him in charge to the twin-brothers. Sleep and Death, swift conductors, to be borne away, who will quickly place him in the rich state of wide Lycia. There will his brethren and kindred perform his obsequies with a tomb and a pillar,[541] for this is the honour of the dead."

[Footnote 540: _I.e._ He perceived that the fortune of the battle was changed by the will of Jove.]

[Footnote 541: _I.e._ A cippus, or column reared upon the tomb.

See Pollux, viii. 14, and the Scriptores Rei Agrim. p. 88, ed.

Goes.]

Thus he spoke; nor was Apollo inattentive to his father, but he descended from the Idaean mountains to the grievous conflict. Immediately removing n.o.ble Sarpedon out of [the reach of] weapons, and bearing him far away, he laved him in the stream of the river, anointed him with ambrosia, and placed around him immortal garments, then gave him in charge to the twin-brothers, Sleep and Death, swift conductors, to be borne away with them; who accordingly quickly placed him in the rich state of wide Lycia.

In the meantime Patroclus, cheering on his steeds, and Automedon, followed upon the Trojans and Lycians, and came to great harm,--infatuate one!--but if he had observed the direction of the son of Peleus, he had certainly escaped the evil fate of black death. But the counsel of Jove is ever better than that of men, who puts to flight even the valiant man, and easily deprives him of victory, even when he himself has impelled him to fight; who then also excited courage in his breast. Then whom first, and whom last, didst thou slay, O Patroclus, when the G.o.ds now called thee on to death? Adrastus indeed first, Autonous and Echeclus, and Perimus, son of Megas, and Epistor and Melanippus; but then Elasus, and Mulius, and Pylartes. These he slew, but the others were, each of them, mindful of flight. Then indeed had the sons of the Greeks taken lofty-gated Troy, by the hands of Patroclus, for he raged greatly beyond [others] with his spear, had not Phbus Apollo stood upon a well-built tower, meditating destructive things to him, and a.s.sisting the Trojans. Thrice indeed Patroclus mounted a b.u.t.tress of the lofty wall, and thrice did Apollo repel him with violence, striking his glittering shield with his immortal hands.

But when now, G.o.dlike, he rushed on the fourth time, far-casting Apollo, threatening fearfully, addressed him:

"Retire, thou Jove-sprung Patroclus; by no means is it destined that the city of the magnanimous Trojans should be destroyed by thy spear, nor by Achilles, who is much better than thou."

Thus he spoke, but Patroclus retired far back, avoiding the wrath of far-darting Apollo. But Hector detained his steeds at the Scaean[542]

gates; for he doubted whether, having driven again into the crowd, he should fight, or should loudly command the people to be collected within the walls. To him then, meditating these things, Phbus Apollo stood near, having a.s.similated himself to a hero youthful and brave, to Asius, who was the maternal uncle of horse-breaking Hector, own brother of Hecuba, and the son of Dymas, who dwelt in Phrygia, by the streams of the Sangarius: to him Phbus Apollo, a.s.similating himself, spoke:

[Footnote 542: Schneider on Nicander, Ther. 264-9, p. 229, observes: "In Homerica Iliade fuerunt olim qui S?a??? p??a?, quae alibi Dardaniae dic.u.n.tur, interpretabantur obliquas, teste Hesychio: ? d?? t? s?????? e??a? ?at? t?? e?s????. Plane uti Servius ad aen. iii. 351: 'Scaea porta dicta est--nec ab itinere ingressis scaevo id est sinistro, quod ingressi non recto sed sinistro eunt itinere, sed a cadavere Laomedontis, hoc est scaeomate, quod in ejus fuerit superliminio.' Ita Vitruvius, i. 5, 2; unde vides, quomodo notio _sinistri_ et _obliqui_ in hac voce coaluerit. Notio ipsa serius tandem invaluisse videtur: antiquiorem enim Nicandreo loc.u.m ignore."]

"Hector, why dost thou cease from battle? Nor does it at all become thee. Would that I were so much superior to thee as I am inferior; then indeed wouldst thou quickly have retired from the battle to thy loss.

But come, direct thy solid-hoofed steeds against Patroclus, if perchance thou mayest slay him, and Apollo may give thee glory." So saying, the G.o.d on his part went again through the labour of men; but ill.u.s.trious Hector on his part commanded warlike Cebriones to lash on his steeds to the battle, whilst Apollo, proceeding, entered the throng; and sent an evil tumult among the Greeks; but gave glory to the Trojans and Hector.

Then indeed did Hector neglect the other Greeks, nor slew them; but directed his solid-hoofed horses against Patroclus. But Patroclus, on the other side, leaped from his chariot to the ground, in his left hand holding his spear; but in the other he seized a stone, white, rugged, which his hand embraced around. Putting his force to it, he hurled it; nor did it err far from the man, nor was the weapon hurled in vain,[543] for in the forehead with the sharp stone he smote the charioteer of Hector, Cebriones, the illegitimate son of ill.u.s.trious Priam, whilst holding the reins of the horses. But the stone crushed both his eyebrows, nor did the bone sustain it, and his eyes fell amid the dust upon the ground before his feet. But he then, like unto a diver, fell from the well-formed chariot-seat, and life left his bones.

But him insulting, thou didst address, O equestrian Patroclus:

[Footnote 543: See Kennedy. Others make ???? the accusative, and take ????se transitively.]

"O G.o.ds! truly he is a very active man! how nimbly he dives! if indeed he were anywhere in the fishy sea, this man, groping for oysters, might have satisfied many, plunging from his ship, although it might be stormy; so easily now in the plain does he dive from his chariot!

Without doubt there are divers among the Trojans."

So saying, he advanced against the hero Cebriones, having the force of a lion, which, ravaging the folds, is wounded in the breast, and his own courage destroys him; thus, O Patroclus, ardent, didst thou spring upon Cebriones; whilst Hector, on the other side, leaped from his chariot to the ground. These two, as lions, fought for Cebriones, when both being hungry fight with utmost courage for a slaughtered stag in mountain tops. So, for Cebriones, these two masters of the fight, Patroclus, son of Mentius, and ill.u.s.trious Hector, wished to rend each other's body with the pitiless bra.s.s. Hector indeed, after he seized him by the head, did not let him go; but Patroclus, on the other side, held [him by the]

foot; and now the rest of the Trojans and Greeks engaged in the violent conflict.

And as the East and South winds strive with each other, in the dells of a mountain, to shake a deep wood, beech, ash, and rugged cornel, but they strike their long-extended boughs against each other with an immense sound, and a crash of them breaking [arises]; thus the Trojans and Greeks, leaping upon each other, slaughtered, but neither were mindful of pernicious flight. And many sharp spears were fixed round Cebriones, and winged arrows bounding from the string; and many huge stones smote the shields of those fighting round him; but he, mighty over mighty s.p.a.ce, lay in a whirlwind of dust, forgetful of his equestrian skill.

As long indeed as the sun was ascending the middle heaven, so long did the weapons reach both sides effectually, and the people kept falling.

But when the sun had pa.s.sed over towards the west, then indeed the Greeks were superior, contrary to fate. They drew the hero Cebriones from the weapons, out of the tumult of Trojans, and took the armour from his shoulders. But Patroclus, devising evils against the Trojans, rushed on. Thrice then he charged, equal to swift Mars, shouting horridly, and thrice he slew nine heroes. But when, like unto a G.o.d, he made the attack for the fourth time, then indeed, O Patroclus, was the end of thy life manifest; for Phbus, terrible in the dire battle, met thee. He did not indeed perceive him coming through the crowd, for he advanced against him covered with much darkness; but he stood behind, and smote him with his flat hand upon the back and broad shoulders, and his eyes were seized with giddiness.[544] And from his head Phbus Apollo struck the helmet, and the oblong helmet rattled, rolling under the horses'

feet, and the crest was defiled with blood and dust; although before this it was not permitted that [this] helmet, crested with horse-hair, should be contaminated by the dust; for it protected the head of a G.o.dlike hero, even the venerable forehead of Achilles; but Jove then gave it to Hector to wear upon his head; but his destruction was near.

But the long-shadowed spear, great, st.u.r.dy, pointed [with bra.s.s], was utterly shattered in his hands; whilst the shield, which reached to his heels, with its belt, fell to the ground; and king Apollo, the son of Jove, unbound his corslet. But stupor seized his brain, and his fair limbs were relaxed under him, and he stood astounded. But a Trojan, hero, Euphorbus, the son of Panthous, who excelled those of his own age in the spear, in horsemanship, and in swiftness of foot, smote him close at hand with his sharp spear, in the back between the shoulders. For even before this he had hurled twenty men from their horses, at first coming with his chariot, learning [the art] of war. He [it was] who first hurled a weapon at thee, O knight Patroclus, nor did he subdue thee; for he ran back, and was mingled with the crowd, having plucked the ashen spear out of thy body; nor did he await Patroclus, though being unarmed, in the fight. Patroclus, however, subdued by the blow of the G.o.d, and by the spear, retired into the crowd of his companions, avoiding death. But Hector, when he perceived magnanimous Patroclus retiring, wounded with a sharp spear, went through the ranks near him, and smote him with his javelin in the lowest part of the groin, and drove the bra.s.s quite through. Falling, he gave a crash, and greatly grieved the people of the Greeks. As when a lion presses on an unwearied boar in fight, and they twain, high spirited, contend upon the mountain tops for a small rill, for they both desire to drink, but the lion subdues him by force, panting much; so Hector, the son of Priam, in close fight with his spear, deprived the gallant son of Mentius of life, having slain many; and, boasting over him, spoke winged words:

[Footnote 544: Swam round, probably from exhaustion. Celsus; i.

3: "Si quando insuetus aliquis laboravit, aut si multo plus, quam solet, etiam is qui a.s.suevit...... oculi caligant." The affection is well described by Caelius Aurol. Chron. i. 2: "Repentina visus tenebratio, atque nebula, c.u.m capitis vertigine."]

"Patroclus, doubtless thou didst think to waste our city, and to carry off in thy ships the Trojan women to thy dear father-land, having taken away their day of freedom,--infatuated one! But in defence of these, the fleet steeds of Hector hasten with their feet to war, and I myself, who avert the day of slavery[545] from them, am conspicuous amongst the war-loving Trojans in [the use of] the spear. But the vultures shall devour thee here. Unhappy man! Nor indeed did Achilles, although being brave, aid thee, who remaining behind, doubtless enjoined many things to thee, going forth: 'Do not return to me, O equestrian Patroclus, to the hollow barks, before thou rendest the blood-stained garment around the breast of man-slaughtering Hector.' Thus, doubtless, he addressed thee, and persuaded the mind of foolish thee."

But him, O knight Patroclus, breathing faintly, thou didst address: "Even now, Hector, vaunt greatly, for Jove, the son of Saturn, and Apollo, have given thee the victory, who subdued me easily; for they stripped the armour from my shoulders. But if even twenty such [as thou]

had opposed me, they had all perished here, subdued by my spear. But destructive fate, and the son of Latona, have slain me, and of men, Euphorbus; whilst thou, the third, dost despoil me slain. Another thing will I tell thee, and do thou ponder it in thy soul.[546] Not long, indeed, shalt thou thyself advance in life, but death and violent fate already stand near thee, subdued by the hands of Achilles, the blameless descendant of aeacus."

[Footnote 545: So ??e??e??? ?a? in ver. 830. Thus ??????

?f?pt????, "slavery caused by the capture of a city," aesch.

Choeph. 75.]

[Footnote 546: This prophecy of the dying Patroclus seems to have attracted the notice of Aristotle, if we may believe s.e.xtus, Empir. adv. Phys. ix. p. 553: "?ta? ???, f?s??, ?? t? ?p???? ?a?'

?a?t?? ???eta? ? ????, t?te t?? ?d??? ?p??a??sa f?s??

p??a?te?eta? te ?a? p??a???e?e? t? ?????ta' t??a?t? d? ?st? ?a?

?? t? ?at? t?? ???at?? ?????es?a? t?? s??t??." He then refers to the similar example of Hector prophesying the death of Achilles, xxiii. 358, sqq.]

Him then, having thus spoken, the end of death then overshadowed. But his soul flying from his members, departed to Hades, bewailing its lot,[547] relinquishing manliness and youth. But him dead ill.u.s.trious Hector addressed:

"Why now, Patroclus, dost thou prophesy cruel destruction to me? Who knows whether Achilles, the son of fair-haired Thetis, stricken by my spear, may not be the first to lose his life?"

[Footnote 547: See my note on p???a?e?, II. i. 3. and Heyne.]

Thus having spoken, he extracted the brazen spear from the wound, pressing on him with his heel; and thrust him prostrate from the spear.

Then immediately, with the spear, he went against Automedon, the G.o.dlike servant of swift-footed aeacides, for he was anxious to strike him. But the fleet immortal steeds, which the G.o.ds bestowed on Peleus, splendid gifts, bore him away.

BOOK THE SEVENTEENTH.

ARGUMENT.

Euphorbus, attempting to despoil Patroclus of his armour, is slain by Menelaus. It falls to the lot of Hector, but he retires on the approach of Ajax. Being rebuked by Glaucus, he returns, and a fierce contest is renewed over the body of Patroclus. The chariot of Achilles is bravely defended by Automedon, but the Greeks at last begin to give way, even Ajax being seized with consternation. Meriones and Menelaus, however, succeed in carrying off the body of Patroclus, although the Greeks are completely routed.

Nor did Patroclus, subdued in fight by the Trojans, escape the notice of the son of Atreus, Mars-beloved Menelaus; but he advanced through the foremost warriors, armed in glittering bra.s.s. And round him he walked, like a dam around its calf, having brought forth for the first time, moaning, not being before conscious of parturition: thus did yellow-haired Menelaus walk around Patroclus. But before him he extended his spear, and his shield on all sides equal, anxious to slay him, whoever indeed should come against him. Nor was the son of Panthus, of the good ashen spear, neglectful of blameless Patroclus, fallen; but he stood near him, and addressed warlike Menelaus:

"O Menelaus! son of Atreus, Jove-nurtured one, leader of the people, retire, and leave the body, and let alone the b.l.o.o.d.y spoils; for not any of the ill.u.s.trious Trojans or allies smote Patroclus with the spear in the violent conflict before me. Wherefore permit me to bear away the great glory amongst the Trojans, lest I should strike thee, and take away thy sweet life."

But him yellow-haired Menelaus, very indignant, addressed:

"Father Jove, certainly it is not fitting to boast inordinately. Not so great is the might of a panther, nor a lion, nor of a destructive wild boar, whose most mighty courage rages in his heart, violently in its strength, as much as the sons of Panthus, of the good ashen spear, breathe forth. Nor did the might of horse-breaking Hyperenor enjoy his youth, when he reproached me, and withstood me; and said that I was the most reproachful warrior amongst the Greeks; nor did he, I think, returning upon his feet, gratify his dear wife and respected parents.

Thus certainly will I dissolve thy strength, if thou wilt stand against me. But I advise thee, retiring, to go back into the crowd; nor do thou stand against me, before thou suffer any harm: for it is a fool that perceives a thing when it is done." [548]

[Footnote 548: Cf. Hesiod, Opp. 216: ?a??? d? te ??p??? ????.

Plato, Sympos. p. 336, A.: ???' ?p? t?? ?et???? pa???t??

????ta, e??a????a?, ?a? ?, ?at? t?? pa????a?, ?spe? ??p???, pa???ta ????a?. aesch. Ag. 177: ??? p??e? ???? ???ta ??????

??e??--?a? pa?' ????ta? ???e s?f???e??. See Proclus on Hesiod, Opp. 89.]

Thus he spoke, but persuaded him not; but he answering, spoke:

"Now indeed, O Jove-nurtured Menelaus, shalt thou make atonement for my brother, whom thou hast slain, and [over whom] thou speakest boastingly; and thou hast widowed his wife in the recess of her new bridal chamber, and caused accursed mourning and sorrow to his parents. Certainly I should be some alleviation of woe to them wretched, if indeed, bearing back thy head and armour, I should place them in the hands of Panthus and n.o.ble Phrontis. Nor shall the labour of valour or flight be untried or invincible any longer."

So saying, he smote [him] upon the shield equal on all sides, nor did the bra.s.s break through, for the point was bent in the stout shield: and Menelaus, the son of Atreus, next made the attack with his brazen spear, having prayed to father Jove. He smote him upon the lowest part of the gullet as he retired, and he himself forcibly impressed [the spear], relying on his strong hand; and the point went quite through his soft neck. And falling, he made a crash, and his armour rang upon him. And his locks, like unto the Graces, were bedewed with blood, and his curls, which were bound with gold and silver. And as a man rears a widely-blooming plant of olive, fair budding, in a solitary place, where water is wont to spring[549] up in abundance, and which the breezes of every wind agitate, and it buds forth with a white flower; but a wind, suddenly coming on with a mighty blast, overturns it from the furrow, and stretches it upon the earth: so the son of Panthus, Euphorbus, skilled in [the use of] the ashen spear, Menelaus, son of Atreus, when he had slain [him], spoiled of his armour. As when any mountain-nurtured lion, relying on his strength, has carried off from the pasturing herd a heifer, which is the best; but first he breaks its neck, seizing it in his strong teeth, and then tearing it in pieces, laps up the blood and all the entrails; whilst around him dogs and herdsmen shout very frequently from a distance, nor do they wish to go against him, for pale fear violently seizes them: thus the soul of no one within his breast dared to advance against glorious Menelaus. Then indeed the son of Atreus had easily borne off the celebrated arms of the son of Panthus, had not Phbus Apollo envied him, who immediately aroused Hector, equal to fleet Mars, against him, a.s.similating himself to the hero Mentes, leader of the Cicones; and addressing him, he spoke winged words: