Seethatyoufallnotintothehandsofyourfoesasmencaughtinthemeshesofanet，andtheysackyourfaircityforthwith。Keepthisbeforeyourmindnightandday，andbeseechthecaptainsofyouralliestoholdonwithoutflinching，andthusputawaytheirreproachesfromyou。"
SospokeSarpedon，andHectorsmartedunderhiswords。Hesprangfromhischariotcladinhissuitofarmour，andwentaboutamongthehostbrandishinghistwospears，exhortingthementofightandraisingtheterriblecryofbattle。ThentheyralliedandagainfacedtheAchaeans，buttheArgivesstoodcompactandfirm，andwerenotdrivenback。Asthebreezessportwiththechaffuponsomegoodlythreshing-floor，whenmenarewinnowing-whileyellowCeresblowswiththewindtosiftthechafffromthegrain，andthechaff-
heapsgrowwhiterandwhiter-evensodidtheAchaeanswhiteninthedustwhichthehorses’hoofsraisedtothefirmamentofheaven，astheirdriversturnedthembacktobattle，andtheyboredownwithmightuponthefoe。FierceMars，tohelptheTrojans，coveredtheminaveilofdarkness，andwentabouteverywhereamongthem，inasmuchasPhoebusApollohadtoldhimthatwhenhesawPallas，MinervaleavethefrayhewastoputcourageintotheheartsoftheTrojans-foritwasshewhowashelpingtheDanaans。ThenApollosentAeneasforthfromhisrichsanctuary，andfilledhisheartwithvalour，whereonhetookhisplaceamonghiscomrades，whowereoverjoyedatseeinghimalive，sound，andofagoodcourage；buttheycouldnotaskhimhowithadallhappened，fortheyweretoobusywiththeturmoilraisedbyMarsandbyStrife，whoragedinsatiablyintheirmidst。
ThetwoAjaxes，UlyssesandDiomed，cheeredtheDanaanson，fearlessofthefuryandonsetoftheTrojans。TheystoodasstillascloudswhichthesonofSaturnhasspreaduponthemountaintopswhenthereisnoairandfierceBoreassleepswiththeotherboisterouswindswhoseshrillblastsscatterthecloudsinalldirections-evensodidtheDanaansstandfirmandunflinchingagainsttheTrojans。ThesonofAtreuswentaboutamongthemandexhortedthem。"Myfriends，"
saidhe，"quityourselveslikebravemen，andshundishonourinoneanother’seyesamidthestressofbattle。Theythatshundishonourmoreoftenlivethangetkilled，buttheythatflysaveneitherlifenorname。"
Ashespokehehurledhisspearandhitoneofthosewhowereinthefrontrank，thecomradeofAeneas，DeicoonsonofPergasus，whomtheTrojansheldinnolesshonourthanthesonsofPriam，forhewaseverquicktoplacehimselfamongtheforemost。ThespearofKingAgamemnonstruckhisshieldandwentrightthroughit，fortheshieldstayeditnot。Itdrovethroughhisbeltintothelowerpartofhisbelly，andhisarmourrangrattlingroundhimashefellheavilytotheground。
ThenAeneaskilledtwochampionsoftheDanaans，CrethonandOrsilochus。TheirfatherwasarichmanwholivedinthestrongcityofPhereandwasdescendedfromtheriverAlpheus，whosebroadstreamflowsthroughthelandofthePylians。TheriverbegatOrsilochus，whoruledovermuchpeopleandwasfathertoDiocles，whoinhisturnbegattwinsons，CrethonandOrsilochus，wellskilledinalltheartsofwar。These，whentheygrewup，wenttoIliuswiththeArgivefleetinthecauseofMenelausandAgamemnonsonsofAtreus，andtheretheybothofthemfell。Astwolionswhomtheirdamhasrearedinthedepthsofsomemountainforesttoplunderhomesteadsandcarryoffsheepandcattletilltheygetkilledbythehandofman，sowerethesetwovanquishedbyAeneas，andfelllikehighpine-treestotheground。
BraveMenelauspitiedthemintheirfall，andmadehiswaytothefront，cladingleamingbronzeandbrandishinghisspear，forMarseggedhimontodosowithintentthatheshouldbekilledbyAeneas；butAntilochusthesonofNestorsawhimandsprangforward，fearingthatthekingmightcometoharmandthusbringalltheirlabourtonothing；when，thereforeAeneasandMenelausweresettingtheirhandsandspearsagainstoneanothereagertodobattle，AntilochusplacedhimselfbythesideofMenelaus。Aeneas，boldthoughhewas，drewbackonseeingthetwoheroessidebysideinfrontofhim，sotheydrewthebodiesofCrethonandOrsilochustotheranksoftheAchaeansandcommittedthetwopoorfellowsintothehandsoftheircomrades。Theythenturnedbackandfoughtinthefrontranks。
TheykilledPylaemenespeerofMars，leaderofthePaphlagonianwarriors。Menelausstruckhimonthecollar-boneashewasstandingonhischariot，whileAntilochushithischarioteerandsquireMydon，thesonofAtymnius，whowasturninghishorsesinflight。Hehithimwithastoneupontheelbow，andthereins，enrichedwithwhiteivory，fellfromhishandsintothedust。Antilochusrushedtowardshimandstruckhimonthetempleswithhissword，whereonhefellheadfirstfromthechariottotheground。Therehestoodforawhilewithhisheadandshouldersburieddeepinthedust-forhehadfallenonsandysoiltillhishorseskickedhimandlaidhimflatontheground，asAntilochuslashedthemanddrovethemofftothehostoftheAchaeans。
ButHectormarkedthemfromacrosstheranks，andwithaloudcryrushedtowardsthem，followedbythestrongbattalionsoftheTrojans。
MarsanddreadEnyoledthemon，shefraughtwithruthlessturmoilofbattle，whileMarswieldedamonstrousspear，andwentabout，nowinfrontofHectorandnowbehindhim。
Diomedshookwithpassionashesawthem。Asamancrossingawideplainisdismayedtofindhimselfonthebrinkofsomegreatriverrollingswiftlytothesea-heseesitsboilingwatersandstartsbackinfear-evensodidthesonofTydeusgiveground。Thenhesaidtohismen，"Myfriends，howcanwewonderthatHectorwieldsthespearsowell？Somegodiseverbyhissidetoprotecthim，andnowMarsiswithhiminthelikenessofmortalman。KeepyourfacesthereforetowardstheTrojans，butgivegroundbackwards，forwedarenotfightwithgods。"
AshespoketheTrojansdrewcloseup，andHectorkilledtwomen，bothinonechariot，MenesthesandAnchialus，heroeswellversedinwar。AjaxsonofTelamonpitiedthemintheirfall；hecamecloseupandhurledhisspear，hittingAmphiusthesonofSelagus，amanofgreatwealthwholivedinPaesusandownedmuchcorn-growingland，buthislothadledhimtocometotheaidofPriamandhissons。Ajaxstruckhiminthebelt；thespearpiercedthelowerpartofhisbelly，andhefellheavilytotheground。ThenAjaxrantowardshimtostriphimofhisarmour，buttheTrojansrainedspearsuponhim，manyofwhichfelluponhisshield。Heplantedhisheeluponthebodyanddrewouthisspear，butthedartspressedsoheavilyuponhimthathecouldnotstripthegoodlyarmourfromhisshoulders。TheTrojanchieftains，moreover，manyandvaliant，cameabouthimwiththeirspears，sothathedarednotstay；great，braveandvaliantthoughhewas，theydrovehimfromthemandhewasbeatenback。
Thus，then，didthebattleragebetweenthem。PresentlythestronghandoffateimpelledTlepolemus，thesonofHercules，amanbothbraveandofgreatstature，tofightSarpedon；sothetwo，sonandgrandsonofgreatJove，drewneartooneanother，andTlepolemusspokefirst。"Sarpedon，"saidhe，"councilloroftheLycians，whyshouldyoucomeskulkinghereyouwhoareamanofpeace？Theyliewhocallyousonofaegis-bearingJove，foryouarelittlelikethosewhowereofoldhischildren。FarotherwasHercules，myownbraveandlion-heartedfather，whocamehereforthehorsesofLaomedon，andthoughhehadsixshipsonly，andfewmentofollowhim，sackedthecityofIliusandmadeawildernessofherhighways。Youareacoward，andyourpeoplearefallingfromyou。Forallyourstrength，andallyourcomingfromLycia，youwillbenohelptotheTrojansbutwillpassthegatesofHadesvanquishedbymyhand。"
AndSarpedon，captainoftheLycians，answered，"Tlepolemus，yourfatheroverthrewIliusbyreasonofLaomedon’sfollyinrefusingpaymenttoonewhohadservedhimwell。Hewouldnotgiveyourfatherthehorseswhichhehadcomesofartofetch。Asforyourself，youshallmeetdeathbymyspear。Youshallyieldglorytomyself，andyoursoultoHadesofthenoblesteeds。"
ThusspokeSarpedon，andTlepolemusupraisedhisspear。Theythrewatthesamemoment，andSarpedonstruckhisfoeinthemiddleofhisthroat；thespearwentrightthrough，andthedarknessofdeathfelluponhiseyes。Tlepolemus’sspearstruckSarpedonontheleftthighwithsuchforcethatittorethroughthefleshandgrazedthebone，buthisfatherasyetwardedoffdestructionfromhim。
HiscomradesboreSarpedonoutofthefight，ingreatpainbytheweightofthespearthatwasdraggingfromhiswound。Theywereinsuchhasteandstressastheyborehimthatnoonethoughtofdrawingthespearfromhisthighsoastolethimwalkuprightly。
MeanwhiletheAchaeanscarriedoffthebodyofTlepolemus，whereonUlysseswasmovedtopity，andpantedforthefrayashebeheldthem。HedoubtedwhethertopursuethesonofJove，ortomakeslaughteroftheLycianrankandfile；itwasnotdecreed，however，thatheshouldslaythesonofJove；Minerva，therefore，turnedhimagainstthemainbodyoftheLycians。HekilledCoeranus，Alastor，Chromius，Alcandrus，Halius，Noemon，andPrytanis，andwouldhaveslainyetmore，hadnotgreatHectormarkedhim，andspedtothefrontofthefightcladinhissuitofmail，fillingtheDanaanswithterror。Sarpedonwasgladwhenhesawhimcoming，andbesoughthim，saying，"SonofPriam，letmenotheheretofallintothehandsoftheDanaans。Helpme，andsinceImaynotreturnhometogladdentheheartsofmywifeandofmyinfantson，letmediewithinthewallsofyourcity。"
Hectormadehimnoanswer，butrushedonwardtofallatonceupontheAchaeansand。killmanyamongthem。HiscomradesthenboreSarpedonawayandlaidhimbeneathJove’sspreadingoaktree。Pelagon，hisfriendandcomradedrewthespearoutofhisthigh，butSarpedonfaintedandamistcameoverhiseyes。Presentlyhecametohimselfagain，forthebreathofthenorthwindasitplayeduponhimgavehimnewlife，andbroughthimoutofthedeepswoonintowhichhehadfallen。
MeanwhiletheArgiveswereneitherdriventowardstheirshipsbyMarsandHector，noryetdidtheyattackthem；whentheyknewthatMarswaswiththeTrojanstheyretreated，butkepttheirfacesstillturnedtowardsthefoe。Who，then，wasfirstandwholasttobeslainbyMarsandHector？TheywerevaliantTeuthras，andOrestestherenownedcharioteer，TrechustheAetolianwarrior，Oenomaus，HelenusthesonofOenops，andOresbiusofthegleaminggirdle，whowaspossessedofgreatwealth，anddweltbytheCephisianlakewiththeotherBoeotianswholivednearhim，ownersofafertilecountry。
NowwhenthegoddessJunosawtheArgivesthusfalling，shesaidtoMinerva，"Alas，daughterofaegis-bearingJove，unweariable，thepromisewemadeMenelausthatheshouldnotreturntillhehadsackedthecityofIliuswillbeofnoneeffectifweletMarsragethusfuriously。Letusgointothefrayatonce。"
Minervadidnotgainsayher。Thereontheaugustgoddess，daughterofgreatSaturn，begantoharnesshergold-bedizenedsteeds。Hebewithallspeedfittedontheeight-spokedwheelsofbronzethatwereoneithersideoftheironaxle-tree。Thefelloesofthewheelswereofgold，imperishable，andoverthesetherewasatireofbronze，wondroustobehold。Thenavesofthewheelsweresilver，turningroundtheaxleuponeitherside。Thecaritselfwasmadewithplaitedbandsofgoldandsilver，andithadadoubletop-railrunningallroundit。Fromthebodyofthecartherewentapoleofsilver，ontotheendofwhichsheboundthegoldenyoke，withthebandsofgoldthatweretogounderthenecksofthehorsesThenJunoputhersteedsundertheyoke，eagerforbattleandthewar-cry。
MeanwhileMinervaflungherrichlyembroideredvesture，madewithherownhands，ontoherfather’sthreshold，anddonnedtheshirtofJove，armingherselfforbattle。Shethrewhertasselledaegisabout。hershoulders，wreathedroundwithRoutaswithafringe，andonitwereStrife，andStrength，andPanicwhosebloodrunscold；
moreovertherewastheheadofthedreadmonsterGorgon，，grimandawfultobehold，portentofaegis-bearingJove。Onherheadshesetherhelmetofgold，withfourplumes，andcomingtoapeakbothinfrontandbehind-deckedwiththeemblemsofahundredcities；thenshesteppedintoherflamingchariotandgraspedthespear，sostoutandsturdyandstrong，withwhichshequellstheranksofheroeswhohavedispleasedher。Junolashedthehorseson，andthegatesofheavenbellowedastheyflewopenoftheirownaccord-gatesoverwhichtheflourspreside，inwhosehandsareHeavenandOlympus，eithertoopenthedensecloudthathidesthem，ortocloseit。
Throughthesethegoddessesdrovetheirobedientsteeds，andfoundthesonofSaturnsittingallaloneonthetopmostridgesofOlympus。
ThereJunostayedherhorses，andspoketoJovethesonofSaturn，lordofall。"FatherJove，"saidshe，"areyounotangrywithMarsforthesehighdoings？howgreatandgoodlyahostoftheAchaeanshehasdestroyedtomygreatgrief，andwithouteitherrightorreason，whiletheCyprianandApolloareenjoyingitallattheireaseandsettingthisunrighteousmadmanontodofurthermischief。Ihope，FatherJove，thatyouwillnotbeangryifIhitMarshard，andchasehimoutofthebattle。"
AndJoveanswered，"SetMinervaontohim，forshepunisheshimmoreoftenthananyoneelsedoes。"
Junodidashehadsaid。Shelashedherhorses，andtheyflewforwardnothinglothmidwaybetwixtearthandsky。Asfarasamancanseewhenhelooksoutupontheseafromsomehighbeacon，sofarcantheloud-neighinghorsesofthegodsspringatasinglebound。WhentheyreachedTroyandtheplacewhereitstwoflowingstreamsSimoisandScamandermeet，thereJunostayedthemandtookthemfromthechariot。Shehidtheminathickcloud，andSimoismadeambrosiaspringupforthemtoeat；thetwogoddessesthenwenton，flyingliketurtledovesintheireagernesstohelptheArgives。WhentheycametothepartwherethebravestandmostinnumberweregatheredaboutmightyDiomed，fightinglikelionsorwildboarsofgreatstrengthandendurance，thereJunostoodstillandraisedashoutlikethatofbrazen-voicedStentor，whosecrywasasloudasthatoffiftymentogether。"Argives，"shecried；"shameoncowardlycreatures，braveinsemblanceonly；aslongasAchilleswasfighting，fihisspearwassodeadlythattheTrojansdarednotshowthemselvesoutsidetheDardaniangates，butnowtheysallyfarfromthecityandfightevenatyourships。"
Withthesewordssheputheartandsoulintothemall，whileMinervasprangtothesideofthesonofTydeus，whomshefoundnearhischariotandhorses，coolingthewoundthatPandarushadgivenhim。Forthesweatcausedbythehandthatboretheweightofhisshieldirritatedthehurt:hisarmwaswearywithpain，andhewasliftingupthestraptowipeawaytheblood。Thegoddesslaidherhandontheyokeofhishorsesandsaid，"ThesonofTydeusisnotsuchanotherashisfather。Tydeuswasalittleman，buthecouldfight，andrushedmadlyintothefrayevenwhenItoldhimnottodoso。WhenhewentallunattendedasenvoytothecityofThebesamongtheCadmeans，I
badehimfeastintheirhousesandbeatpeace；butwiththathighspiritwhichwaseverpresentwithhim，hechallengedtheyouthoftheCadmeans，andatoncebeattheminallthatheattempted，somightilydidIhelphim。Istandbyyoutootoprotectyou，andI
bidyoubeinstantinfightingtheTrojans；buteitheryouaretiredout，oryouareafraidandoutofheart，andinthatcaseIsaythatyouarenotruesonofTydeusthesonofOeneus。"
Diomedanswered，"Iknowyou，goddess，daughterofaegis-bearingJove，andwillhidenothingfromyou。Iamnotafraidnoroutofheart，noristhereanyslacknessinme。Iamonlyfollowingyourowninstructions；youtoldmenottofightanyoftheblessedgods；
butifJove’sdaughterVenuscameintobattleIwastowoundherwithmyspear。ThereforeIamretreating，andbiddingtheotherArgivesgatherinthisplace，forIknowthatMarsisnowlordingitinthefield。"
"Diomed，sonofTydeus，"repliedMinerva，"manaftermyownheart，fearneitherMarsnoranyotheroftheimmortals，forIwillbefriendyou。Nay，drivestraightatMars，andsmitehiminclosecombat；fearnotthisragingmadman，villainincarnate，firstononesideandthenontheother。ButnowhewasholdingtalkwithJunoandmyself，sayinghewouldhelptheArgivesandattacktheTrojans；
neverthelessheiswiththeTrojans，andhasforgottentheArgives。"
WiththisshecaughtholdofSthenelusandliftedhimoffthechariotontotheground。Inasecondhewasontheground，whereuponthegoddessmountedthecarandplacedherselfbythesideofDiomed。Theoakenaxlegroanedaloudundertheburdenoftheawfulgoddessandthehero；PallasMinervatookthewhipandreins，anddrovestraightatMars。HewasintheactofstrippinghugePeriphas，sonofOchesiusandbravestoftheAetolians。BloodyMarswasstrippinghimofhisarmour，andMinervadonnedthehelmetofHades，thathemightnotseeher；when，therefore，hesawDiomed，hemadestraightforhimandletPeriphasliewherehehadfallen。Assoonastheywereatclosequartersheletflywithhisbronzespearoverthereinsandyoke，thinkingtotakeDiomed’slife，butMinervacaughtthespearinherhandandmadeitflyharmlesslyoverthechariot。Diomedthenthrew，andPallasMinervadrovethespearintothepitofMars’sstomachwherehisunder-girdlewentroundhim。ThereDiomedwoundedhim，tearinghisfairfleshandthendrawinghisspearoutagain。Marsroaredasloudlyasnineortenthousandmeninthethickofafight，andtheAchaeansandTrojanswerestruckwithpanic，soterriblewasthecryheraised。
Asadarkcloudintheskywhenitcomesontoblowafterheat，evensodidDiomedsonofTydeusseeMarsascendintothebroadheavens。
WithallspeedhereachedhighOlympus，homeofthegods，andingreatpainsatdownbesideJovethesonofSaturn。HeshowedJovetheimmortalbloodthatwasflowingfromhiswound，andspokepiteously，saying，"FatherJove，areyounotangeredbysuchdoings？Wegodsarecontinuallysufferinginthemostcruelmanneratoneanother’shandswhilehelpingmortals；andwealloweyouagrudgeforhavingbegottenthatmadtermagantofadaughter，whoisalwayscommittingoutrageofsomekind。Weothergodsmustalldoasyoubidus，butheryouneitherscoldnorpunish；youencourageherbecausethepestilentcreatureisyourdaughter。SeehowshehasbeenincitingproudDiomedtoventhisrageontheimmortalgods。FirsthewentuptotheCyprianandwoundedherinthehandnearherwrist，andthenhespranguponmetooasthoughhewereagod。HadInotrunforitI
musteitherhavelainthereforlongenoughintormentsamongtheghastlycorpes，orhavebeeneatenalivewithspearstillIhadnomorestrengthleftinme。"
Jovelookedangrilyathimandsaid，"Donotcomewhininghere，SirFacing-bothways。IhateyouworstofallthegodsinOlympus，foryouareeverfightingandmakingmischief。YouhavetheintolerableandstubbornspiritofyourmotherJuno:itisallIcandotomanageher，anditisherdoingthatyouarenowinthisplight:
still，Icannotletyouremainlongerinsuchgreatpain；youaremyownoff-spring，anditwasbymethatyourmotherconceivedyou；if，however，youhadbeenthesonofanyothergod，youaresodestructivethatbythistimeyoushouldhavebeenlyinglowerthantheTitans。"
HethenbadePaeeonhealhim，whereonPaeeonspreadpain-killingherbsuponhiswoundandcuredhim，forhewasnotofmortalmould。Asthejuiceofthefig-treecurdlesmilk，andthickensitinamomentthoughitisliquid，evensoinstantlydidPaeeoncurefierceMars。
ThenHebewashedhim，andclothedhimingoodlyraiment，andhetookhisseatbyhisfatherJoveallglorioustobehold。
ButJunoofArgosandMinervaofAlalcomene，nowthattheyhadputastoptothemurderousdoingsofMars，wentbackagaintothehouseofJove。
BOOKVI
THEfightbetweenTrojansandAchaeanswasnowlefttorageasitwould，andthetideofwarsurgedhitherandthitherovertheplainastheyaimedtheirbronze-shodspearsatoneanotherbetweenthestreamsofSimoisandXanthus。
First，AjaxsonofTelamon，towerofstrengthtotheAchaeans，brokeaphalanxoftheTrojans，andcametotheassistanceofhiscomradesbykillingAcamassonofEussorus，thebestmanamongtheThracians，beingbothbraveandofgreatstature。Thespearstrucktheprojectingpeakofhishelmet:itsbronzepointthenwentthroughhisforeheadintothebrain，anddarknessveiledhiseyes。
ThenDiomedkilledAxylussonofTeuthranus，arichmanwholivedinthestrongcityofArisbe，andwasbelovedbyallmen；forhehadahousebytheroadside，andentertainedeveryonewhopassed；howbeitnotoneofhisguestsstoodbeforehimtosavehislife，andDiomedkilledbothhimandhissquireCalesius，whowasthenhischarioteer-sothepairpassedbeneaththeearth。
EuryaluskilledDresusandOpheltius，andthenwentinpursuitofAesepusandPedasus，whomthenaiadnymphAbarbareahadbornetonobleBucolion。BucolionwaseldestsontoLaomedon，buthewasabastard。
Whiletendinghissheephehadconversewiththenymph，andsheconceivedtwinsons；thesethesonofMecisteusnowslew，andhestrippedthearmourfromtheirshoulders。PolypoetesthenkilledAstyalus，UlyssesPidytesofPercote，andTeucerAretaon。AblerusfellbythespearofNestor’ssonAntilochus，andAgamemnon，kingofmen，killedElatuswhodweltinPedasusbythebanksoftheriverSatnioeis。LeituskilledPhylacusashewasflying，andEurypylusslewMelanthus。
ThenMenelausoftheloudwar-crytookAdrestusalive，forhishorsesranintoatamariskbush，astheywereflyingwildlyovertheplain，andbrokethepolefromthecar；theywentontowardsthecityalongwiththeothersinfullflight，butAdrestusrolledout，andfellinthedustflatonhisfacebythewheelofhischariot；
Menelauscameuptohimspearinhand，butAdrestuscaughthimbythekneesbeggingforhislife。"Takemealive，"hecried，"sonofAtreus，andyoushallhaveafullransomforme:myfatherisrichandhasmuchtreasureofgold，bronze，andwroughtironlaidbyinhishouse。FromthisstorehewillgiveyoualargeransomshouldhehearofmybeingaliveandattheshipsoftheAchaeans。"
Thusdidheplead，andMenelauswasforyieldingandgivinghimtoasquiretotaketotheshipsoftheAchaeans，butAgamemnoncamerunninguptohimandrebukedhim。"MygoodMenelaus，"saidhe，"thisisnotimeforgivingquarter。Has，then，yourhousefaredsowellatthehandsoftheTrojans？Letusnotspareasingleoneofthem-noteventhechildunbornandinitsmother’swomb；letnotamanofthembeleftalive，butletallinIliusperish，unheededandforgotten。"
Thusdidhespeak，andhisbrotherwaspersuadedbyhim，forhiswordswerejust。Menelaus，therefore，thrustAdrestusfromhim，whereonKingAgamemnonstruckhimintheflank，andhefell:thenthesonofAtreusplantedhisfootuponhisbreasttodrawhisspearfromthebody。
MeanwhileNestorshoutedtotheArgives，saying，"Myfriends，Danaanwarriors，servantsofMars，letnomanlagthathemayspoilthedead，andbringbackmuchbootytotheships。Letuskillasmanyaswecan；
thebodieswilllieupontheplain，andyoucandespoilthemlateratyourleisure。"
Withthesewordsheputheartandsoulintothemall。AndnowtheTrojanswouldhavebeenroutedanddrivenbackintoIlius，hadnotPriam’ssonHelenus，wisestofaugurs，saidtoHectorandAeneas，"HectorandAeneas，youtwoarethemainstaysoftheTrojansandLycians，foryouareforemostatalltimes，alikeinfightandcounsel；holdyourgroundhere，andgoaboutamongthehosttorallytheminfrontofthegates，ortheywillflingthemselvesintothearmsoftheirwives，tothegreatjoyofourfoes。Then，whenyouhaveputheartintoallourcompanies，wewillstandfirmhereandfighttheDanaanshoweverhardtheypressus，forthereisnothingelsetobedone。Meanwhiledoyou，Hector，gotothecityandtellourmotherwhatishappening。TellhertobidthematronsgatheratthetempleofMinervaintheacropolis；letherthentakeherkeyandopenthedoorsofthesacredbuilding；there，uponthekneesofMinerva，letherlaythelargest，fairestrobeshehasinherhouse-theoneshesetsmoststoreby；lether，moreover，promisetosacrificetwelveyearlingheifersthathaveneveryetfeltthegoad，inthetempleofthegoddess，ifshewilltakepityonthetown，withthewivesandlittleonesoftheTrojans，andkeepthesonofTydeusfromfallingonthegoodlycityofIlius；forhefightswithfuryandfillsmen’ssoulswithpanic。Iholdhimmightiestofthemall；wedidnotfeareventheirgreatchampionAchilles，sonofagoddessthoughhebe，aswedothisman:hisrageisbeyondallbounds，andthereisnonecanviewithhiminprowess"
Hectordidashisbrotherbadehim。Hesprangfromhischariot，andwentabouteverywhereamongthehost，brandishinghisspears，urgingthemenontofight，andraisingthedreadcryofbattle。
ThereontheyralliedandagainfacedtheAchaeans，whogavegroundandceasedtheirmurderousonset，fortheydeemedthatsomeoneoftheimmortalshadcomedownfromstarryheaventohelptheTrojans，sostrangelyhadtheyrallied。AndHectorshoutedtotheTrojans，"Trojansandallies，bemen，myfriends，andfightwithmightandmain，whileIgotoIliusandtelltheoldmenofourcouncilandourwivestopraytothegodsandvowhecatombsintheirhonour。"
Withthishewenthisway，andtheblackrimofhidethatwentroundhisshieldbeatagainsthisneckandhisancles。
ThenGlaucussonofHippolochus，andthesonofTydeuswentintotheopenspacebetweenthehoststofightinsinglecombat。WhentheywerecloseuptooneanotherDiomedoftheloudwar-crywasthefirsttospeak。"Who，mygoodsir，"saidhe，"whoareyouamongmen？Ihaveneverseenyouinbattleuntilnow，butyouaredaringbeyondallothersifyouabidemyonset。Woetothosefatherswhosesonsfacemymight。If，however，youareoneoftheimmortalsandhavecomedownfromheaven，Iwillnotfightyou；forevenvaliantLycurgus，sonofDryas，didnotlivelongwhenhetooktofightingwiththegods。HeitwasthatdrovethenursingwomenwhowereinchargeoffrenziedBacchusthroughthelandofNysa，andtheyflungtheirthyrsionthegroundasmurderousLycurgusbeatthemwithhisoxgoad。Bacchushimselfplungedterror-strickenintothesea，andThetistookhimtoherbosomtocomforthim，forhewasscaredbythefurywithwhichthemanreviledhim。ThereonthegodswholiveateasewereangrywithLycurgusandthesonofSaturnstruckhimblind，nordidhelivemuchlongerafterhehadbecomehatefultotheimmortals。ThereforeIwillnotfightwiththeblessedgods；butifyouareofthemthateatthefruitoftheground，drawnearandmeetyourdoom。"
AndthesonofHippolochusanswered，sonofTydeus，whyaskmeofmylineage？Mencomeandgoasleavesyearbyyearuponthetrees。
Thoseofautumnthewindshedsupontheground，butwhenspringreturnstheforestbudsforthwithfreshvines。Evensoisitwiththegenerationsofmankind，thenewspringupastheoldarepassingaway。
If，then，youwouldlearnmydescent，itisonethatiswellknowntomany。ThereisacityintheheartofArgos，pasturelandofhorses，calledEphyra，whereSisyphuslived，whowasthecraftiestofallmankind。HewasthesonofAeolus，andhadasonnamedGlaucus，whowasfathertoBellerophon，whomheavenendowedwiththemostsurpassingcomelinessandbeauty。ButProetusdevisedhisruin，andbeingstrongerthanhe，drovehimfromthelandoftheArgives，overwhichJovehadmadehimruler。ForAntea，wifeofProetus，lustedafterhim，andwouldhavehadhimliewithherinsecret；butBellerophonwasanhonourablemanandwouldnot，soshetoldliesabouthimtoProteus。’Proetus，’saidshe，’killBellerophonordie，forhewouldhavehadconversewithmeagainstmywill。’Thekingwasangered，butshrankfromkillingBellerophon，sohesenthimtoLyciawithlyinglettersofintroduction，writtenonafoldedtablet，andcontainingmuchillagainstthebearer。HebadeBellerophonshowtheseletterstohisfather-in-law，totheendthathemightthusperish；BellerophonthereforewenttoLycia，andthegodsconvoyedhimsafely。
"WhenhereachedtheriverXanthus，whichisinLycia，thekingreceivedhimwithallgoodwill，feastedhimninedays，andkillednineheifersinhishonour，butwhenrosy-fingeredmorningappeareduponthetenthday，hequestionedhimanddesiredtoseetheletterfromhisson-in-lawProetus。WhenhehadreceivedthewickedletterhefirstcommandedBellerophontokillthatsavagemonster，theChimaera，whowasnotahumanbeing，butagoddess，forshehadtheheadofalionandthetailofaserpent，whileherbodywasthatofagoat，andshebreathedforthflamesoffire；butBellerophonslewher，forhewasguidedbysignsfromheaven。Henextfoughtthefar-famedSolymi，andthis，hesaid，wasthehardestofallhisbattles。
Thirdly，hekilledtheAmazons，womenwhowerethepeersofmen，andashewasreturningthencethekingdevisedyetanotherplanforhisdestruction；hepickedthebravestwarriorsinallLycia，andplacedtheminambuscade，butnotamanevercameback，forBellerophonkilledeveryoneofthem。Thenthekingknewthathemustbethevaliantoffspringofagod，sohekepthiminLycia，gavehimhisdaughterinmarriage，andmadehimofequalhonourinthekingdomwithhimself；andtheLyciansgavehimapieceofland，thebestinallthecountry，fairwithvineyardsandtilledfields，tohaveandtohold。
"Theking’sdaughterboreBellerophonthreechildren，Isander，Hippolochus，andLaodameia。Jove，thelordofcounsel，laywithLaodameia，andsheborehimnobleSarpedon；butwhenBellerophoncametobehatedbyallthegods，hewanderedalldesolateanddismayedupontheAleanplain，gnawingathisownheart，andshunningthepathofman。Mars，insatiateofbattle，killedhissonIsanderwhilehewasfightingtheSolymi；hisdaughterwaskilledbyDianaofthegoldenreins，forshewasangeredwithher；butHippolochuswasfathertomyself，andwhenhesentmetoTroyheurgedmeagainandagaintofighteveramongtheforemostandoutviemypeers，soasnottoshamethebloodofmyfatherswhowerethenoblestinEphyraandinallLycia。This，then，isthedescentIclaim。"
Thusdidhespeak，andtheheartofDiomedwasglad。Heplantedhisspearintheground，andspoketohimwithfriendlywords。"Then，"
hesaid，youareanoldfriendofmyfather’shouse。GreatOeneusonceentertainedBellerophonfortwentydays，andthetwoexchangedpresents。Oeneusgaveabeltrichwithpurple，andBellerophonadoublecup，whichIleftathomewhenIsetoutforTroy。IdonotrememberTydeus，forhewastakenfromuswhileIwasyetachild，whenthearmyoftheAchaeanswascuttopiecesbeforeThebes。
Henceforth，however，ImustbeyourhostinmiddleArgos，andyoumineinLycia，ifIshouldevergothere；letusavoidoneanother’sspearsevenduringageneralengagement；therearemanynobleTrojansandallieswhomIcankill，ifIovertakethemandheavendeliversthemintomyhand；soagainwithyourself，therearemanyAchaeanswhoselivesyoumaytakeifyoucan；wetwo，then，willexchangearmour，thatallpresentmayknowoftheoldtiesthatsubsistbetweenus。"
Withthesewordstheysprangfromtheirchariots，graspedoneanother’shands，andplightedfriendship。ButthesonofSaturnmadeGlaucustakeleaveofhiswits，forheexchangedgoldenarmourforbronze，theworthofahundredheadofcattlefortheworthofnine。
NowwhenHectorreachedtheScaeangatesandtheoaktree，thewivesanddaughtersoftheTrojanscamerunningtowardshimtoaskaftertheirsons，brothers，kinsmen，andhusbands:hetoldthemtosetaboutprayingtothegods，andmanyweremadesorrowfulastheyheardhim。
PresentlyhereachedthesplendidpalaceofKingPriam，adornedwithcolonnadesofhewnstone。Inittherewerefiftybedchambers-allofhewnstone-builtnearoneanother，wherethesonsofPriamslept，eachwithhisweddedwife。Oppositethese，ontheothersidethecourtyard，thereweretwelveupperroomsalsoofhewnstoneforPriam’sdaughters，builtnearoneanother，wherehissons-in-lawsleptwiththeirwives。WhenHectorgotthere，hisfondmothercameuptohimwithLaodicethefairestofherdaughters。Shetookhishandwithinherownandsaid，"Myson，whyhaveyouleftthebattletocomehither？AretheAchaeans，woebetidethem，pressingyouhardaboutthecitythatyouhavethoughtfittocomeandupliftyourhandstoJovefromthecitadel？WaittillIcanbringyouwinethatyoumaymakeofferingtoJoveandtotheotherimmortals，andmaythendrinkandberefreshed。Winegivesamanfreshstrengthwhenheiswearied，asyounowarewithfightingonbehalfofyourkinsmen。"
AndHectoranswered，"Honouredmother，bringnowine，lestyouunmanmeandIforgetmystrength。Idarenotmakeadrink-offeringtoJovewithunwashedhands；onewhoisbespatteredwithbloodandfilthmaynotpraytothesonofSaturn。Getthematronstogether，andgowithofferingstothetempleofMinervadriverofthespoil；there，uponthekneesofMinerva，laythelargestandfairestrobeyouhaveinyourhouse-theoneyousetmoststoreby；promise，moreover，tosacrificetwelveyearlingheifersthathaveneveryetfeltthegoad，inthetempleofthegoddessifshewilltakepityonthetown，withthewivesandlittleonesoftheTrojans，andkeepthesonofTydeusfromoffthegoodlycityofIlius，forhefightswithfury，andfillsmen’ssoulswithpanic。Go，then，tothetempleofMinerva，whileIseekParisandexhorthim，ifhewillhearmywords。Wouldthattheearthmightopenherjawsandswallowhim，forJovebredhimtobethebaneoftheTrojans，andofPriamandPriam’ssons。
CouldIbutseehimgodownintothehouseofHades，myheartwouldforgetitsheaviness。"
Hismotherwentintothehouseandcalledherwaiting-womenwhogatheredthematronsthroughoutthecity。Shethenwentdownintoherfragrantstore-room，whereherembroideredrobeswerekept，theworkofSidonianwomen，whomAlexandrushadbroughtoverfromSidonwhenhesailedtheseasuponthatvoyageduringwhichhecarriedoffHelen。Hecubatookoutthelargestrobe，andtheonethatwasmostbeautifullyenrichedwithembroidery，asanofferingtoMinerva:itglitteredlikeastar，andlayattheverybottomofthechest。Withthisshewentonherwayandmanymatronswithher。
WhentheyreachedthetempleofMinerva，lovelyTheano，daughterofCisseusandwifeofAntenor，openedthedoors，fortheTrojanshadmadeherpriestessofMinerva。Thewomenlifteduptheirhandstothegoddesswithaloudcry，andTheanotooktherobetolayituponthekneesofMinerva，prayingthewhiletothedaughterofgreatJove。"HolyMinerva，"shecried，"protectressofourcity，mightygoddess，breakthespearofDiomedandlayhimlowbeforetheScaeangates。Dothis，andwewillsacrificetwelveheifersthathaveneveryetknownthegoad，inyourtemple，ifyouwillhavepityuponthetown，withthewivesandlittleonesIftheTrojans。"Thussheprayed，butPallasMinervagrantednotherprayer。
WhiletheywerethusprayingtothedaughterofgreatJove，HectorwenttothefairhouseofAlexandrus，whichhehadbuiltforhimbytheforemostbuildersintheland。Theyhadbuilthimhishouse，storehouse，andcourtyardnearthoseofPriamandHectorontheacropolis。HereHectorentered，withaspearelevencubitslonginhishand；thebronzepointgleamedinfrontofhim，andwasfastenedtotheshaftofthespearbyaringofgold。HefoundAlexandruswithinthehouse，busiedabouthisarmour，hisshieldandcuirass，andhandlinghiscurvedbow；there，too，satArgiveHelenwithherwomen，settingthemtheirseveraltasks；andasHectorsawhimherebukedhimwithwordsofscorn。"Sir，"saidhe，"youdoilltonursethisrancour；thepeopleperishfightingroundthisourtown；
youwouldyourselfchideonewhomyousawshirkinghispartinthecombat。Upthen，orerelongthecitywillbeinablaze。"
AndAlexandrusanswered，"Hector，yourrebukeisjust；listentherefore，andbelievemewhenItellyouthatIamnotheresomuchthroughrancourorill-willtowardstheTrojans，asfromadesiretoindulgemygrief。Mywifewasevennowgentlyurgingmetobattle，andIholditbetterthatIshouldgo，forvictoryiseverfickle。Wait，then，whileIputonmyarmour，orgofirstandIwillfollow。Ishallbesuretoovertakeyou。"
Hectormadenoanswer，butHelentriedtosoothehim。"Brother，"
saidshe，"tomyabhorredandsinfulself，wouldthatawhirlwindhadcaughtmeuponthedaymymotherbroughtmeforth，andhadbornemetosomemountainortothewavesoftheroaringseathatshouldhavesweptmeawayerethismischiefhadcomeabout。But，sincethegodshavedevisedtheseevils，would，atanyrate，thatIhadbeenwifetoabetterman-toonewhocouldsmartunderdishonourandmen’sevilspeeches。Thisfellowwasneveryettobedependedupon，norneverwillbe，andhewillsurelyreapwhathehassown。Still，brother，comeinandrestuponthisseat，foritisyouwhobearthebruntofthattoilthathasbeencausedbymyhatefulselfandbythesinofAlexandrus-bothofwhomJovehasdoomedtobeathemeofsongamongthosethatshallbebornhereafter。"
AndHectoranswered，"Bidmenotbeseated，Helen，forallthegoodwillyoubearme。Icannotstay。IaminhastetohelptheTrojans，whomissmegreatlywhenIamnotamongthem；buturgeyourhusband，andofhisownselfalsolethimmakehastetoovertakemebeforeIamoutofthecity。Imustgohometoseemyhousehold，mywifeandmylittleson，forIknownotwhetherIshalleveragainreturntothem，orwhetherthegodswillcausemetofillbythehandsoftheAchaeans。"
ThenHectorlefther，andforthwithwasathisownhouse。HedidnotfindAndromache，forshewasonthewallwithherchildandoneofhermaids，weepingbitterly。Seeing，then，thatshewasnotwithin，hestoodonthethresholdofthewomen’sroomsandsaid，"Women，tellme，andtellmetrue，wheredidAndromachegowhensheleftthehouse？Wasittomysisters，ortomybrothers’wives？orissheatthetempleofMinervawheretheotherwomenarepropitiatingtheawfulgoddess？"
Hisgoodhousekeeperanswered，"Hector，sinceyoubidmetellyoutruly，shedidnotgotoyoursistersnortoyourbrothers’wives，noryettothetempleofMinerva，wheretheotherwomenarepropitiatingtheawfulgoddess，butsheisonthehighwallofIlius，forshehadheardtheTrojanswerebeinghardpressed，andthattheAchaeanswereingreatforce:shewenttothewallinfrenziedhaste，andthenursewentwithhercarryingthechild。"
Hectorhurriedfromthehousewhenshehaddonespeaking，andwentdownthestreetsbythesamewaythathehadcome。WhenhehadgonethroughthecityandhadreachedtheScaeangatesthroughwhichhewouldgooutontotheplain，hiswifecamerunningtowardshim，Andromache，daughterofgreatEetionwhoruledinThebeunderthewoodedslopesofMt。Placus，andwaskingoftheCilicians。HisdaughterhadmarriedHector，andnowcametomeethimwithanursewhocarriedhislittlechildinherbosom-amerebabe。Hector’sdarlingson，andlovelyasastar。HectorhadnamedhimScamandrius，butthepeoplecalledhimAstyanax，forhisfatherstoodaloneaschiefguardianofIlius。Hectorsmiledashelookedupontheboy，buthedidnotspeak，andAndromachestoodbyhimweepingandtakinghishandinherown。"Dearhusband，"saidshe，"yourvalourwillbringyoutodestruction；thinkonyourinfantson，andonmyhaplessselfwhoerelongshallbeyourwidow-fortheAchaeanswillsetuponyouinabodyandkillyou。Itwouldbebetterforme，shouldIloseyou，toliedeadandburied，forIshallhavenothinglefttocomfortmewhenyouaregone，saveonlysorrow。Ihaveneitherfathernormothernow。AchillesslewmyfatherwhenhesackedThebethegoodlycityoftheCilicians。Heslewhim，butdidnotforveryshamedespoilhim；whenhehadburnedhiminhiswondrousarmour，heraisedabarrowoverhisashesandthemountainnymphs，daughtersofaegis-bearingJove，plantedagroveofelmsabouthistomb。Ihadsevenbrothersinmyfather’shouse，butonthesamedaytheyallwentwithinthehouseofHades。Achilleskilledthemastheywerewiththeirsheepandcattle。Mymother-herwhohadbeenqueenofallthelandunderMt。
Placus-hebroughthitherwiththespoil，andfreedherforagreatsum，butthearcher-queenDianatookherinthehouseofyourfather。
Nay-Hector-youwhotomearefather，mother，brother，anddearhusband-havemercyuponme；stayhereuponthiswall；makenotyourchildfatherless，andyourwifeawidow；asforthehost，placethemnearthefig-tree，wherethecitycanbebestscaled，andthewallisweakest。Thricehavethebravestofthemcomethitherandassailedit，underthetwoAjaxes，Idomeneus，thesonsofAtreus，andthebravesonofTydeus，eitheroftheirownbidding，orbecausesomesoothsayerhadtoldthem。"
AndHectoranswered，"Wife，Itoohavethoughtuponallthis，butwithwhatfaceshouldIlookupontheTrojans，menorwomen，ifI
shirkedbattlelikeacoward？Icannotdoso:IknownothingsavetofightbravelyintheforefrontoftheTrojanhostandwinrenownalikeformyfatherandmyself。WelldoIknowthatthedaywillsurelycomewhenmightyIliusshallbedestroyedwithPriamandPriam’speople，butIgrievefornoneofthese-notevenforHecuba，norKingPriam，norformybrothersmanyandbravewhomayfallinthedustbeforetheirfoes-fornoneofthesedoIgrieveasforyourselfwhenthedayshallcomeonwhichsomeoneoftheAchaeansshallrobyouforeverofyourfreedom，andbearyouweepingaway。ItmaybethatyouwillhavetoplytheloominArgosatthebiddingofamistress，ortofetchwaterfromthespringsMesseisorHypereia，treatedbrutallybysomecrueltask-master；thenwillonesaywhoseesyouweeping，’ShewaswifetoHector，thebravestwarrioramongtheTrojansduringthewarbeforeIlius。’Onthisyourtearswillbreakforthanewforhimwhowouldhaveputawaythedayofcaptivityfromyou。MayI
liedeadunderthebarrowthatisheapedovermybodyereIhearyourcryastheycarryyouintobondage。"
Hestretchedhisarmstowardshischild，buttheboycriedandnestledinhisnurse’sbosom，scaredatthesightofhisfather’sarmour，andatthehorse-hairplumethatnoddedfiercelyfromhishelmet。Hisfatherandmotherlaughedtoseehim，butHectortookthehelmetfromhisheadandlaiditallgleamingupontheground。
Thenhetookhisdarlingchild，kissedhim，anddandledhiminhisarms，prayingoverhimthewhiletoJoveandtoallthegods。
"Jove，"hecried，"grantthatthismychildmaybeevenasmyself，chiefamongtheTrojans；lethimbenotlessexcellentinstrength，andlethimruleIliuswithhismight。Thenmayonesayofhimashecomesfrombattle，’Thesonisfarbetterthanthefather。’Mayhebringbacktheblood-stainedspoilsofhimwhomhehaslaidlow，andlethismother’sheartbeglad。’"
Withthishelaidthechildagaininthearmsofhiswife，whotookhimtoherownsoftbosom，smilingthroughhertears。Asherhusbandwatchedherhisheartyearnedtowardsherandhecaressedherfondly，saying，"Myownwife，donottakethesethingstoobitterlytoheart。NoonecanhurrymedowntoHadesbeforemytime，butifaman’shouriscome，behebraveorbehecoward，thereisnoescapeforhimwhenhehasoncebeenborn。Go，then，withinthehouse，andbusyyourselfwithyourdailyduties，yourloom，yourdistaff，andtheorderingofyourservants；forwarisman’smatter，andmineaboveallothersofthemthathavebeenborninIlius。"
Hetookhisplumedhelmetfromtheground，andhiswifewentbackagaintoherhouse，weepingbitterlyandoftenlookingbacktowardshim。Whenshereachedherhomeshefoundhermaidenswithin，andbadethemalljoininherlament；sotheymournedHectorinhisownhousethoughhewasyetalive，fortheydeemedthattheyshouldneverseehimreturnsafefrombattle，andfromthefurioushandsoftheAchaeans。
Parisdidnotremainlonginhishouse。Hedonnedhisgoodlyarmouroverlaidwithbronze，andhastedthroughthecityasfastashisfeetcouldtakehim。Asahorse，stabledandfed，breakslooseandgallopsgloriouslyovertheplaintotheplacewhereheiswonttobatheinthefair-flowingriver-heholdshisheadhigh，andhismanestreamsuponhisshouldersasheexultsinhisstrengthandflieslikethewindtothehauntsandfeedinggroundofthemares-evensowentforthParisfromhighPergamus，gleaminglikesunlightinhisarmour，andhelaughedaloudashespedswiftlyonhisway。
ForthwithhecameuponhisbrotherHector，whowasthenturningawayfromtheplacewherehehadheldconversewithhiswife，andhewashimselfthefirsttospeak。"Sir，"saidhe，"IfearthatIhavekeptyouwaitingwhenyouareinhaste，andhavenotcomeasquicklyasyoubademe。"
"Mygoodbrother，"answeredHector，youfightbravely，andnomanwithanyjusticecanmakelightofyourdoingsinbattle。Butyouarecarelessandwilfullyremiss。ItgrievesmetothehearttoheartheillthattheTrojansspeakaboutyou，fortheyhavesufferedmuchonyouraccount。Letusbegoing，andwewillmakethingsrighthereafter，shouldJovevouchsafeustosetthecupofourdeliverancebeforeever-livinggodsofheaveninourownhomes，whenwehavechasedtheAchaeansfromTroy。"
BOOKVII
WITHthesewordsHectorpassedthroughthegates，andhisbrotherAlexandruswithhim，botheagerforthefray。Aswhenheavensendsabreezetosailorswhohavelonglookedforoneinvain，andhavelabouredattheiroarstilltheyarefaintwithtoil，evensowelcomewasthesightofthesetwoheroestotheTrojans。
ThereonAlexandruskilledMenesthiusthesonofAreithous；helivedinAme，andwassonofAreithoustheMace-man，andofPhylomedusa。HectorthrewaspearatEioneusandstruckhimdeadwithawoundintheneckunderthebronzerimofhishelmet。
Glaucus，moreover，sonofHippolochus，captainoftheLycians，inhardhand-to-handfightsmoteIphinoussonofDexiusontheshoulder，ashewasspringingontohischariotbehindhisfleetmares；sohefelltoearthfromthecar，andtherewasnolifeleftinhim。
When，therefore，MinervasawthesemenmakinghavocoftheArgives，shedarteddowntoIliusfromthesummitsofOlympus，andApollo，whowaslookingonfromPergamus，wentouttomeether；forhewantedtheTrojanstobevictorious。Thepairmetbytheoaktree，andKingApollosonofJovewasfirsttospeak。"Whatwouldyouhavesaidhe，"daughterofgreatJove，thatyourproudspirithassentyouhitherfromOlympus？HaveyounopityupontheTrojans，andwouldyouinclinethescalesofvictoryinfavouroftheDanaans？
Letmepersuadeyou-foritwillbebetterthus-staythecombatforto-day，butletthemrenewthefighthereaftertilltheycompassthedoomofIlius，sinceyougoddesseshavemadeupyourmindstodestroythecity。"
AndMinervaanswered，"Sobeit，Far-Darter；itwasinthismindthatIcamedownfromOlympustotheTrojansandAchaeans。Tellme，then，howdoyouproposetoendthispresentfighting？"
Apollo，sonofJove，replied，"LetusincitegreatHectortochallengesomeoneoftheDanaansinsinglecombat；onthistheAchaeanswillbeshamedintofindingamanwhowillfighthim。"
Minervaassented，andHelenussonofPriamdivinedthecounselofthegods；hethereforewentuptoHectorandsaid，"HectorsonofPriam，peerofgodsincounsel，Iamyourbrother，letmethenpersuadeyou。BidtheotherTrojansandAchaeansallofthemtaketheirseats，andchallengethebestmanamongtheAchaeanstomeetyouinsinglecombat。Ihaveheardthevoiceoftheever-livinggods，andthehourofyourdoomisnotyetcome。"
Hectorwasgladwhenheheardthissaying，andwentinamongtheTrojans，graspinghisspearbythemiddletoholdthemback，andtheyallsatdown。AgamemnonalsobadetheAchaeansbeseated。ButMinervaandApollo，inthelikenessofvultures，perchedonfatherJove’shighoaktree，proudoftheirmen；andtherankssatcloserangedtogether，bristlingwithshieldandhelmetandspear。Aswhentherisingwestwindfursthefaceoftheseaandthewatersgrowdarkbeneathit，sosatthecompaniesofTrojansandAchaeansupontheplain。AndHectorspokethus:-
"Hearme，TrojansandAchaeans，thatImayspeakevenasIamminded；Joveonhishighthronehasbroughtouroathsandcovenantstonothing，andforeshadowsillforbothofus，tillyoueithertakethetowersofTroy，orareyourselvesvanquishedatyourships。TheprincesoftheAchaeansareherepresentinthemidstofyou；lethim，then，thatwillfightmestandforwardasyourchampionagainstHector。ThusIsay，andmayJovebewitnessbetweenus。Ifyourchampionslayme，lethimstripmeofmyarmourandtakeittoyourships，butlethimsendmybodyhomethattheTrojansandtheirwivesmaygivememyduesoffirewhenIamdead。Inlikemanner，ifApollovouchsafemegloryandIslayyourchampion，IwillstriphimofhisarmourandtakeittothecityofIlius，whereIwillhangitinthetempleofApollo，butIwillgiveuphisbody，thattheAchaeansmayburyhimattheirships，andthebuildhimamoundbythewidewatersoftheHellespont。Thenwillonesayhereafterashesailshisshipoverthesea，’ThisisthemonumentofonewhodiedlongsinceachampionwhowasslainbymightyHector。’Thuswillonesay，andmyfameshallnotbelost。"
Thusdidhespeak，buttheyallheldtheirpeace，ashamedtodeclinethechallenge，yetfearingtoacceptit，tillatlastMenelausroseandrebukedthem，forhewasangry。"Alas，"hecried，"vainbraggarts，womenforsoothnotmen，double-dyedindeedwillbethestainuponusifnomanoftheDanaanswillnowfaceHector。Mayyoubeturnedeverymanofyouintoearthandwaterasyousitspiritlessandingloriousinyourplaces。Iwillmyselfgooutagainstthisman，buttheupshotofthefightwillbefromonhighinthehandsoftheimmortalgods。"
Withthesewordsheputonhisarmour；andthen，OMenelaus，yourlifewouldhavecometoanendatthehandsofhandsofHector，forhewasfarbettertheman，hadnottheprincesoftheAchaeanssprunguponyouandcheckedyou。KingAgamemnoncaughthimbytherighthandandsaid，"Menelaus，youaremad；atrucetothisfolly。Bepatientinspiteofpassion，donotthinkoffightingamansomuchstrongerthanyourselfasHectorsonofPriam，whoisfearedbymanyanotheraswellasyou。EvenAchilles，whoisfarmoredoughtythanyouare，shrankfrommeetinghiminbattle。Sitdownyourownpeople，andtheAchaeanswillsendsomeotherchampiontofightHector；fearlessandfondofbattlethoughhebe，Iweenhiskneeswillbendgladlyunderhimifhecomesoutalivefromthehurly-burlyofthisfight。"
Withthesewordsofreasonablecounselhepersuadedhisbrother，whereonhissquiresgladlystrippedthearmourfromoffhisshoulders。
ThenNestorroseandspoke，"Ofatruth，"saidhe，"theAchaeanlandisfallenuponeviltimes。TheoldknightPeleus，counsellorandoratoramongtheMyrmidons，lovedwhenIwasinhishousetoquestionmeconcerningtheraceandlineageofalltheArgives。HowwoulditnotgrievehimcouldhehearofthemasnowquailingbeforeHector？ManyatimewouldhelifthishandsinprayerthathissoulmightleavehisbodyandgodownwithinthehouseofHades。Would，byfatherJove，Minerva，andApollo，thatIwerestillyoungandstrongaswhenthePyliansandArcadiansweregatheredinfightbytherapidriverCeladonunderthewallsofPheia，androundaboutthewatersoftheriverIardanus。ThegodlikeheroEreuthalionstoodforwardastheirchampion，withthearmourofKingAreithousuponhisshoulders-Areithouswhommenandwomenhadsurnamed’theMace-man，’becausehefoughtneitherwithbownorspear，butbrokethebattalionsofthefoewithhisironmace。Lycurguskilledhim，notinfairfight，butbyentrappinghiminanarrowwaywherehismaceservedhiminnostead；forLycurguswastooquickforhimandspearedhimthroughthemiddle，sohefelltoearthonhisback。LycurgusthenspoiledhimofthearmourwhichMarshadgivenhim，andboreitinbattlethenceforward；butwhenhegrewoldandstayedathome，hegaveittohisfaithfulsquireEreuthalion，whointhissamearmourchallengedtheforemostmenamongus。Theothersquakedandquailed，butmyhighspiritbademefighthimthoughnoneotherwouldventure；Iwastheyoungestmanofthemall；butwhenIfoughthimMinervavouchsafedmevictory。HewasthebiggestandstrongestmanthateverIkilled，andcoveredmuchgroundashelaysprawlingupontheearth。WouldthatIwerestillyoungandstrongasIthenwas，forthesonofPriamwouldthensoonfindonewhowouldfacehim。Butyou，foremostamongthewholehostthoughyoube，havenoneofyouanystomachforfightingHector。"
Thusdidtheoldmanrebukethem，andforthwithninemenstartedtotheirfeet。ForemostofalluproseKingAgamemnon，andafterhimbraveDiomedthesonofTydeus。NextwerethetwoAjaxes，menclothedinvalouraswithagarment，andthenIdomeneus，andMerioneshisbrotherinarms。AftertheseEurypylussonofEuaemon，ThoasthesonofAndraemon，andUlyssesalsorose。ThenNestorknightofGereneagainspoke，saying:"Castlotsamongyoutoseewhoshallbechosen。IfhecomealiveoutofthisfighthewillhavedonegoodservicealiketohisownsoulandtotheAchaeans。"
Thushespoke，andwheneachofthemhadmarkedhislot，andhadthrownitintothehelmetofAgamemnonsonofAtreus，thepeopleliftedtheirhandsinprayer，andthuswouldoneofthemsayashelookedintothevaultofheaven，"FatherJove，grantthatthelotfallonAjax，oronthesonofTydeus，oruponthekingofrichMycenehimself。"
Astheywerespeaking，NestorknightofGereneshookthehelmet，andfromittherefelltheverylotwhichtheywanted-thelotofAjax。
TheheraldboreitaboutandshowedittoallthechieftainsoftheAchaeans，goingfromlefttoright；buttheynoneofofthemownedit。
When，however，induecoursehereachedthemanwhohadwrittenuponitandhadputitintothehelmet，braveAjaxheldouthishand，andtheheraldgavehimthelot。WhenAjaxsawhimmarkheknewitandwasglad；hethrewittothegroundandsaid，"Myfriends，thelotismine，andIrejoice，forIshallvanquishHector。Iwillputonmyarmour；meanwhile，praytoKingJoveinsilenceamongyourselvesthattheTrojansmaynothearyou-oraloudifyouwill，forwefearnoman。Noneshallovercomeme，neitherbyforcenorcunning，forI
wasbornandbredinSalamis，andcanholdmyowninallthings。"
WiththistheyfellprayingtoKingJovethesonofSaturn，andthuswouldoneofthemsayashelookedintothevaultofheaven，"FatherJovethatrulestfromIda，mostgloriousinpower，vouchsafevictorytoAjax，andlethimwingreatglory:butifyouwishwelltoHectoralsoandwouldprotecthim，granttoeachofthemequalfameandprowess。
Thustheyprayed，andAjaxarmedhimselfinhissuitofgleamingbronze。WhenhewasinfullarrayhesprangforwardasmonstrousMarswhenhetakespartamongmenwhomJovehassetfightingwithoneanother-evensodidhugeAjax，bulwarkoftheAchaeans，springforwardwithagrimsmileonhisfaceashebrandishedhislongspearandstrodeonward。TheArgiveswereelatedastheybeheldhim，buttheTrojanstrembledineverylimb，andtheheartevenofHectorbeatquickly，buthecouldnotnowretreatandwithdrawintotheranksbehindhim，forhehadbeenthechallenger。Ajaxcameupbearinghisshieldinfrontofhimlikeawall-ashieldofbronzewithsevenfoldsofoxhide-theworkofTychius，wholivedinHyleandwasbyfarthebestworkerinleather。Hehadmadeitwiththehidesofsevenfull-fedbulls，andoverthesehehadsetaneighthlayerofbronze。
Holdingthisshieldbeforehim，AjaxsonofTelamoncamecloseuptoHector，andmenacedhimsaying，"Hector，youshallnowlearn，mantoman，whatkindofchampionstheDanaanshaveamongthemevenbesideslion-heartedAchillescleaveroftheranksofmen。HenowabidesattheshipsinangerwithAgamemnonshepherdofhispeople，buttherearemanyofuswhoarewellabletofaceyou；thereforebeginthefight。"
AndHectoranswered，"NobleAjax，sonofTelamon，captainofthehost，treatmenotasthoughIweresomepunyboyorwomanthatcannotfight。Ihavebeenlongusedtothebloodandbutcheriesofbattle。
Iamquicktoturnmyleathernshieldeithertorightorleft，forthisIdeemthemainthinginbattle。Icanchargeamongthechariotsandhorsemen，andinhandtohandfightingcandelighttheheartofMars；howbeitIwouldnottakesuchamanasyouareoffhisguard-butIwillsmiteyouopenlyifIcan。"
Hepoisedhisspearashespoke，andhurleditfromhim。Itstruckthesevenfoldshieldinitsoutermostlayer-theeighth，whichwasofbronze-andwentthroughsixofthelayersbutintheseventhhideitstayed。ThenAjaxthrewinhisturn，andstrucktheroundshieldofthesonofPriam。Theterriblespearwentthroughhisgleamingshield，andpressedonwardthroughhiscuirassofcunningworkmanship；itpiercedtheshirtagainsthisside，butheswervedandthussavedhislife。Theytheneachofthemdrewoutthespearfromhisshield，andfellononeanotherlikesavagelionsorwildboarsofgreatstrengthandendurance:thesonofPriamstruckthemiddleofAjax’sshield，butthebronzedidnotbreak，andthepointofhisdartwasturned。AjaxthensprangforwardandpiercedtheshieldofHector；
thespearwentthroughitandstaggeredhimashewasspringingforwardtoattack；itgashedhisneckandthebloodcamepouringfromthewound，butevensoHectordidnotceasefighting；hegaveground，andwithhisbrawnyhandseizedastone，ruggedandhuge，thatwaslyingupontheplain；withthishestrucktheshieldofAjaxonthebossthatwasinitsmiddle，sothatthebronzerangagain。ButAjaxinturncaughtupafarlargerstone，swungitaloft，andhurleditwithprodigiousforce。ThismillstoneofarockbrokeHector’sshieldinwardsandthrewhimdownonhisbackwiththeshieldcrushinghimunderit，butApolloraisedhimatonce。Thereontheywouldhavehackedatoneanotherinclosecombatwiththeirswords，hadnotheralds，messengersofgodsandmen，comeforward，onefromtheTrojansandtheotherfromtheAchaeans-TalthybiusandIdaeusbothofthemhonourablemen；thesepartedthemwiththeirstaves，andthegoodheraldIdaeussaid，"Mysons，fightnolonger，youarebothofyouvaliant，andbotharedeartoJove；weknowthis；butnightisnowfalling，andthebehestsofnightmaynotbewellgainsaid。"
AjaxsonofTelamonanswered，"Idaeus，bidHectorsayso，foritwashethatchallengedourprinces。LethimspeakfirstandIwillaccepthissaying。"
ThenHectorsaid，"Ajax，heavenhasvouchsafedyoustatureandstrength，andjudgement；andinwieldingthespearyouexcelallothersoftheAchaeans。Letusforthisdayceasefighting；
hereafterwewillfightanewtillheavendecidebetweenus，andgivevictorytooneortotheother；nightisnowfalling，andthebehestsofnightmaynotbewellgainsaid。Gladden，then，theheartsoftheAchaeansatyourships，andmoreespeciallythoseofyourownfollowersandclansmen，whileI，inthegreatcityofKingPriam，bringcomforttotheTrojansandtheirwomen，whoviewithoneanotherintheirprayersonmybehalf。Letus，moreover，exchangepresentsthatitmaybesaidamongtheAchaeansandTrojans，’Theyfoughtwithmightandmain，butwerereconciledandpartedinfriendship。’
OnthishegaveAjaxasilver-studdedswordwithitssheathandleathernbaldric，andinreturnAjaxgavehimagirdledyedwithpurple。Thustheyparted，theonegoingtothehostoftheAchaeans，andtheothertothatoftheTrojans，whorejoicedwhentheysawtheirherocometothemsafeandunharmedfromthestronghandsofmightyAjax。Theyledhim，therefore，tothecityasonethathadbeensavedbeyondtheirhopes。OntheothersidetheAchaeansbroughtAjaxelatedwithvictorytoAgamemnon。
WhentheyreachedthequartersofthesonofAtreus，Agamemnonsacrificedforthemafive-year-oldbullinhonourofJovethesonofSaturn。Theyflayedthecarcass，madeitready，anddivideditintojoints；thesetheycutcarefullyupintosmallerpieces，puttingthemonthespits，roastingthemsufficiently，andthendrawingthemoff。Whentheyhaddoneallthisandhadpreparedthefeast，theyateit，andeverymanhadhisfullandequalshare，sothatallweresatisfied，andKingAgamemnongaveAjaxsomeslicescutlengthwaysdowntheloin，asamarkofspecialhonour。Assoonastheyhadhadenoughtocatanddrink，oldNestorwhosecounselwasevertruestbegantospeak；withallsincerityandgoodwill，therefore，headdressedthemthus:-
"SonofAtreus，andotherchieftains，inasmuchasmanyoftheAchaeansarenowdead，whosebloodMarshasshedbythebanksoftheScamander，andtheirsoulshavegonedowntothehouseofHades，itwillbewellwhenmorningcomesthatweshouldceasefighting；wewillthenwheelourdeadtogetherwithoxenandmulesandburnthemnotfarfromtheships，thatwhenwesailhencewemaytakethebonesofourcomradeshometotheirchildren。Hardbythefuneralpyrewewillbuildabarrowthatshallberaisedfromtheplainforallincommon；nearthisletussetaboutbuildingahighwall，toshelterourselvesandourships，andletithavewell-madegatesthattheremaybeawaythroughthemforourchariots。Closeoutsidewewilldigadeeptrenchallroundittokeepoffbothhorseandfoot，thattheTrojanchieftainsmaynotbearharduponus。"
Thushespoke，andtheprincessshoutedinapplause。MeanwhiletheTrojansheldacouncil，angryandfullofdiscord，ontheacropolisbythegatesofKingPriam’spalace；andwiseAntenorspoke。"Hearmehesaid，"Trojans，Dardanians，andallies，thatImayspeakevenasIamminded。LetusgiveupArgiveHelenandherwealthtothesonsofAtreus，forwearenowfightinginviolationofoursolemncovenants，andshallnotprospertillwehavedoneasIsay。"
HethensatdownandAlexandrushusbandoflovelyHelenrosetospeak。"Antenor，"saidhe，"yourwordsarenottomyliking；youcanfindabettersayingthanthisifyouwill；if，however，youhavespokeningoodearnest，thenindeedhasheavenrobbedyouofyourreason。Iwillspeakplainly，andherebynotifytotheTrojansthatIwillnotgiveupthewoman；butthewealththatIbroughthomewithherfromArgosIwillrestore，andwilladdyetfurtherofmyown。"
Onthis，whenParishadspokenandtakenhisseat，PriamoftheraceofDardanus，peerofgodsincouncil，roseandwithallsincerityandgoodwilladdressedthemthus:"Hearme，Trojans，Dardanians，andallies，thatImayspeakevenasIamminded。Getyoursuppersnowashithertothroughoutthecity，butkeepyourwatchesandbewakeful。
AtdaybreakletIdaeusgototheships，andtellAgamemnonandMenelaussonsofAtreusthesayingofAlexandrusthroughwhomthisquarrelhascomeabout；andlethimalsobeinstantwiththemthattheynowceasefightingtillweburnourdead；hereafterwewillfightanew，tillheavendecidebetweenusandgivevictorytooneortotheother。"
Thusdidhespeak，andtheydidevenashehadsaid。TheytooksupperintheircompaniesandatdaybreakIdaeuswenthiswatotheships。HefoundtheDanaans，servantsofMars，incouncilatthesternofAgamemnon’sship，andtookhisplaceinthemidstofthem。"SonofAtreus，"hesaid，"andprincesoftheAchaeanhost，PriamandtheothernobleTrojanshavesentmetotellyouthesayingofAlexandrusthroughwhomthisquarrelhascomeabout，ifsobethatyoumayfinditacceptable。AllthetreasurehetookwithhiminhisshipstoTroy-wouldthathehadsoonerperished-hewillrestore，andwilladdyetfurtherofhisown，buthewillnotgiveuptheweddedwifeofMenelaus，thoughtheTrojanswouldhavehimdoso。Priambademeinquirefurtherifyouwillceasefightingtillweburnourdead；hereafterwewillfightanew，tillheavendecidebetweenusandgivevictorytooneortotheother。"
Theyallheldtheirpeace，butpresentlyDiomedoftheloudwar-cryspoke，saying，"Lettherebenotaking，neithertreasure，noryetHelen，forevenachildmayseethatthedoomoftheTrojansisathand。"
ThesonsoftheAchaeansshoutedapplauseatthewordsthatDiomedhadspoken，andthereonKingAgamemnonsaidtoIdaeus，"Idaeus，youhaveheardtheanswertheAchaeansmakeyou-andIwiththem。Butasconcerningthedead，Igiveyouleavetoburnthem，forwhenmenareoncedeadthereshouldbenogrudgingthemtheritesoffire。LetJovethemightyhusbandofJunobewitnesstothiscovenant。"
Ashespokeheupheldhissceptreinthesightofallthegods，andIdaeuswentbacktothestrongcityofIlius。TheTrojansandDardaniansweregatheredincouncilwaitinghisreturn；whenhecame，hestoodintheirmidstanddeliveredhismessage。Assoonastheyheardittheysetabouttheirtwofoldlabour，sometogatherthecorpses，andotherstobringinwood。TheArgivesontheirpartalsohastenedfromtheirships，sometogatherthecorpses，andotherstobringinwood。
Thesunwasbeginningtobeatuponthefields，freshrisenintothevaultofheavenfromtheslowstillcurrentsofdeepOceanus，whenthetwoarmiesmet。Theycouldhardlyrecognisetheirdead，buttheywashedtheclottedgorefromoffthem，shedtearsoverthem，andliftedthemupontheirwaggons。PriamhadforbiddentheTrojanstowailaloud，sotheyheapedtheirdeadsadlyandsilentlyuponthepyre，andhavingburnedthemwentbacktothecityofIlius。TheAchaeansinlikemannerheapedtheirdeadsadlyandsilentlyonthepyre，andhavingburnedthemwentbacktotheirships。
Nowinthetwilightwhenitwasnotyetdawn，chosenbandsoftheAchaeansweregatheredroundthepyreandbuiltonebarrowthatwasraisedincommonforall，andhardbythistheybuiltahighwalltoshelterthemselvesandtheirships；theygaveitstronggatesthattheremightbeawaythroughthemfortheirchariots，andcloseoutsideittheydugatrenchdeepandwide，andtheyplanteditwithinwithstakes。
ThusdidtheAchaeanstoil，andthegods，seatedbythesideofJovethelordoflightning，marvelledattheirgreatwork；butNeptune，lordoftheearthquake，spoke，saying，"FatherJove，whatmortalinthewholeworldwillagaintakethegodsintohiscounsel？SeeyounothowtheAchaeanshavebuiltawallabouttheirshipsanddrivenatrenchallroundit，withoutofferinghecatombstothegods？TheThefameofthiswallwillreachasfarasdawnitself，andmenwillnolongerthinkanythingoftheonewhichPhoebusApolloandmyselfbuiltwithsomuchlabourforLaomedon。"
Jovewasdispleasedandanswered，"What，Oshakeroftheearth，areyoutalkingabout？Agodlesspowerfulthanyourselfmightbealarmedatwhattheyaredoing，butyourfamereachesasfarasdawnitself。SurelywhentheAchaeanshavegonehomewiththeirships，youcanshattertheirwallandRingitintothesea；youcancoverthebeachwithsandagain，andthegreatwalloftheAchaeanswillthenbeutterlyeffaced。"
Thusdidtheyconverse，andbysunsettheworkoftheAchaeanswascompleted；theythenslaughteredoxenattheirtentsandgottheirsupper。ManyshipshadcomewithwinefromLemnos，sentbyEuneusthesonofJason，borntohimbyHypsipyle。ThesonofJasonfreightedthemwithtenthousandmeasuresofwine，whichhesentspeciallytothesonsofAtreus，AgamemnonandMenelaus。FromthissupplytheAchaeansboughttheirwine，somewithbronze，somewithiron，somewithhides，somewithwholeheifers，andsomeagainwithcaptives。
Theyspreadagoodlybanquetandfeastedthewholenightthrough，asalsodidtheTrojansandtheiralliesinthecity。ButallthetimeJovebodedthemillandroaredwithhisportentousthunder。Palefeargotholduponthem，andtheyspilledthewinefromtheircupsontotheground，nordidanydaredrinktillhehadmadeofferingstothemostmightysonofSaturn。Thentheylaidthemselvesdowntorestandenjoyedtheboonofsleep。
BOOKVIII
NOWwhenMorning，cladinherrobeofsaffron，hadbeguntosuffuselightovertheearth，JovecalledthegodsincouncilonthetopmostcrestofserratedOlympus。Thenhespokeandalltheothergodsgaveear。"Hearme，"saidhe，"godsandgoddesses，thatImayspeakevenasIamminded。Letnoneofyouneithergoddessnorgodtrytocrossme，butobeymeeveryoneofyouthatImaybringthismattertoanend。IfIseeanyoneactingapartandhelpingeitherTrojansorDanaans，heshallbebeateninordinatelyerehecomebackagaintoOlympus；orIwillhurlhimdownintodarkTartarusfarintothedeepestpitundertheearth，wherethegatesareironandthefloorbronze，asfarbeneathHadesasheavenishighabovetheearth，thatyoumaylearnhowmuchthemightiestIamamongyou。Trymeandfindoutforyourselves。Hangsmeagoldenchainfromheaven，andlayholdofitallofyou，godsandgoddessestogether-tugasyouwill，youwillnotdragJovethesupremecounsellorfromheaventoearth；
butwereItopullatitmyselfIshoulddrawyouupwithearthandseaintothebargain，thenwouldIbindthechainaboutsomepinnacleofOlympusandleaveyoualldanglinginthemidfirmament。
SofaramIaboveallotherseitherofgodsormen。"
Theywerefrightenedandallofthemofheldtheirpeace，forhehadspokenmasterfully；butatlastMinervaanswered，"Father，sonofSaturn，kingofkings，weallknowthatyourmightisnottobegainsaid，butwearealsosorryfortheDanaanwarriors，whoareperishingandcomingtoabadend。Wewill，however，sinceyousobidus，refrainfromactualfighting，butwewillmakeserviceablesuggestionstotheArgivesthattheymaynotallofthemperishinyourdispleasure。"
Jovesmiledatherandanswered，"Takeheart，mychild，Trito-born；Iamnotreallyinearnest，andIwishtobekindtoyou。"
Withthisheyokedhisfleethorses，withhoofsofbronzeandmanesofglitteringgold。Hegirdedhimselfalsowithgoldaboutthebody，seizedhisgoldwhipandtookhisseatinhischariot。Thereonhelashedhishorsesandtheyflewforwardnothinglothmidwaytwixtearthandstarryheaven。Afterawhilehereachedmany-fountainedIda，motherofwildbeasts，andGargarus，wherearehisgroveandfragrantaltar。Therethefatherofgodsandmenstayedhishorses，tookthemfromthechariot，andhidtheminathickcloud；thenhetookhisseatallgloriousuponthetopmostcrests，lookingdownuponthecityofTroyandtheshipsoftheAchaeans。
TheAchaeanstooktheirmorningmealhastilyattheships，andafterwardsputontheirarmour。TheTrojansontheotherhandlikewisearmedthemselvesthroughoutthecity，fewerinnumbersbutneverthelesseagerperforcetodobattlefortheirwivesandchildren。
Allthegateswereflungwideopen，andhorseandfootsalliedforthwiththetrampasofagreatmultitude。
Whentheyweregottogetherinoneplace，shieldclashedwithshield，andspearwithspear，intheconflictofmail-cladmen。Mightywasthedinasthebossedshieldspressedhardononeanother-
death-cryandshoutoftriumphofslainandslayers，andtheearthranredwithblood。
Nowsolongasthedaywaxedanditwasstillmorningtheirweaponsbeatagainstoneanother，andthepeoplefell，butwhenthesunhadreachedmid-heaven，thesireofallbalancedhisgoldenscales，andputtwofatesofdeathwithinthem，onefortheTrojansandtheotherfortheAchaeans。Hetookthebalancebythemiddle，andwhenhelifteditupthedayoftheAchaeanssank；thedeath-fraughtscaleoftheAchaeanssettleddownupontheground，whilethatoftheTrojansroseheavenwards。ThenhethunderedaloudfromIda，andsenttheglareofhislightningupontheAchaeans；whentheysawthis，palefearfelluponthemandtheyweresoreafraid。
IdomeneusdarednotstaynoryetAgamemnon，nordidthetwoAjaxes，servantsofMars，holdtheirground。NestorknightofGerenealonestoodfirm，bulwarkoftheAchaeans，notofhisownwill，butoneofhishorseswasdisabled。AlexandrushusbandoflovelyHelenhadhititwithanarrowjustonthetopofitsheadwherethemanebeginstogrowawayfromtheskull，averydeadlyplace。Thehorseboundedinhisanguishasthearrowpiercedhisbrain，andhisstrugglesthrewothersintoconfusion。Theoldmaninstantlybegancuttingthetraceswithhissword，butHector’sfleethorsesboredownuponhimthroughtheroutwiththeirboldcharioteer，evenHectorhimself，andtheoldmanwouldhaveperishedthereandthenhadnotDiomedbeenquicktomark，andwithaloudcrycalledUlyssestohelphim。
"Ulysses，"hecried，"noblesonofLaerteswhereareyouflyingto，withyourbackturnedlikeacoward？Seethatyouarenotstruckwithaspearbetweentheshoulders。StayhereandhelpmetodefendNestorfromthisman’sfuriousonset。"
Ulysseswouldnotgiveear，butspedonwardtotheshipsoftheAchaeans，andthesonofTydeusflinginghimselfaloneintothethickofthefighttookhisstandbeforethehorsesofthesonofNeleus。"Sir，"saidhe，"theseyoungwarriorsarepressingyouhard，yourforceisspent，andageisheavyuponyou，yoursquireisnaught，andyourhorsesareslowtomove。MountmychariotandseewhatthehorsesofTroscando-howcleverlytheycanscudhitherandthitherovertheplaineitherinflightorinpursuit。ItookthemfromtheheroAeneas。Letoursquiresattendtoyourownsteeds，butletusdriveminestraightattheTrojans，thatHectormaylearnhowfuriouslyItoocanwieldmyspear。"
NestorknightofGerenehearkenedtohiswords。Thereonthedoughtysquires，Sthenelusandkind-heartedEurymedon，sawtoNestor’shorses，whilethetwobothmountedDiomed’schariot。Nestortookthereinsinhishandsandlashedthehorseson；theyweresooncloseupwithHector，andthesonofTydeusaimedaspearathimashewaschargingfullspeedtowardsthem。Hemissedhim，butstruckhischarioteerandsquireEniopeussonofnobleThebaeusinthebreastbythenipplewhilethereinswereinhishands，sothathediedthereandthen，andthehorsesswervedashefellheadlongfromthechariot。
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