Book I

Homeric Greek

1μῆνιν ἄειδε θεὰ Πηληϊάδεω Ἀχιλῆος

οὐλομένην, ἣ μυρί' Ἀχαιοῖς ἄλγε' ἔθηκε,

πολλὰς δ' ἰφθίμους ψυχὰς Ἄϊδι προί̈αψεν

ἡρώων, αὐτοὺς δὲ ἑλώρια τεῦχε κύνεσσιν

5οἰωνοῖσί τε πᾶσι, Διὸς δ' ἐτελείετο βουλή,

Transliteration

1mēnin aeide thea Pēlēïadeō Achilēos

oulomenēn, hē myri' Achaiois alge' ethēke,

pollas d' iphthimous psychas Aïdi proïapsen

hērōōn, autous de helōria teuche kynessin

5oiōnoisi te pasi, Dios d' eteleieto boulē,

English

Sing, O goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans. Many a brave soul did it send hurrying down to Hades, and many a hero did it yield a prey to dogs and vultures, for so was the will of Zeus fulfilled from the

Homeric Greek

ἐξ οὗ δὴ τὰ πρῶτα διαστήτην ἐρίσαντε

Ἀτρεί̈δης τε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν καὶ δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς.

τίς τ' ἄρ σφωε θεῶν ἔριδι ξυνέηκε μάχεσθαι;

Λητοῦς καὶ Διὸς υἱός: ὃ γὰρ βασιλῆϊ χολωθεὶς

10νοῦσον ἀνὰ στρατὸν ὄρσε κακήν, ὀλέκοντο δὲ λαοί,

Transliteration

ex hou dē ta prōta diastētēn erisante

Atreïdēs te anax andrōn kai dios Achilleus.

tis t' ar sphōe theōn eridi xyneēke machesthai;

Lētous kai Dios huios: ho gar basilēï cholōtheis

10nouson ana straton orse kakēn, olekonto de laoi,

English

day on which the son of Atreus, king of men, and great Achilles, first fell out with one another. And which of the gods was it that set them on to quarrel? It was the son of Zeus and Leto; for he was angry with the king and sent a pestilence upon the host to plague the people, because the son of Atreus had dishonored Chryses his priest.

Homeric Greek

οὕνεκα τὸν Χρύσην ἠτίμασεν ἀρητῆρα

Ἀτρεί̈δης: ὃ γὰρ ἦλθε θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν

λυσόμενός τε θύγατρα φέρων τ' ἀπερείσι' ἄποινα,

στέμματ' ἔχων ἐν χερσὶν ἑκηβόλου Ἀπόλλωνος

15χρυσέῳ ἀνὰ σκήπτρῳ, καὶ λίσσετο πάντας Ἀχαιούς,

Transliteration

houneka ton Chrysēn ētimasen arētēra

Atreïdēs: ho gar ēlthe thoas epi nēas Achaiōn

lysomenos te thygatra pherōn t' apereisi' apoina,

stemmat' echōn en chersin hekēbolou Apollōnos

15chryseōi ana skēptrōi, kai lisseto pantas Achaious,

English

Now Chryses had come to the ships of the Achaeans to free his daughter, and had brought with him a great ransom: moreover he bore in his hand the scepter of Apollo wreathed with a suppliant's wreath and he besought the Achaeans, but most of all the two sons of Atreus, who were their chiefs.

Homeric Greek

Ἀτρεί̈δα δὲ μάλιστα δύω, κοσμήτορε λαῶν:

Ἀτρεί̈δαι τε καὶ ἄλλοι ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοί,

ὑμῖν μὲν θεοὶ δοῖεν Ὀλύμπια δώματ' ἔχοντες

ἐκπέρσαι Πριάμοιο πόλιν, εὖ δ' οἴκαδ' ἱκέσθαι:

20παῖδα δ' ἐμοὶ λύσαιτε φίλην, τὰ δ' ἄποινα δέχεσθαι,

Transliteration

Atreïda de malista dyō, kosmētore laōn:

Atreïdai te kai alloi eÿknēmides Achaioi,

hymin men theoi doien Olympia dōmat' echontes

ekpersai Priamoio polin, eu d' oikad' hikesthai:

20paida d' emoi lysaite philēn, ta d' apoina dechesthai,

English

"Sons of Atreus," he cried, "and all other Achaeans, may the gods who dwell in Olympus grant you to sack the city of Priam, and to reach your homes in safety; but free my daughter, and accept a ransom for her, in reverence to Apollo, son of Zeus."

Homeric Greek

ἁζόμενοι Διὸς υἱὸν ἑκηβόλον Ἀπόλλωνα.

ἔνθ' ἄλλοι μὲν πάντες ἐπευφήμησαν Ἀχαιοὶ

αἰδεῖσθαί θ' ἱερῆα καὶ ἀγλαὰ δέχθαι ἄποινα:

ἀλλ' οὐκ Ἀτρεί̈δῃ Ἀγαμέμνονι ἥνδανε θυμῷ,

25ἀλλὰ κακῶς ἀφίει, κρατερὸν δ' ἐπὶ μῦθον ἔτελλε:

Transliteration

hazomenoi Dios huion hekēbolon Apollōna.

enth' alloi men pantes epeuphēmēsan Achaioi

aideisthai th' hierēa kai aglaa dechthai apoina:

all' ouk Atreïdēi Agamemnoni hēndane thymōi,

25alla kakōs aphiei, krateron d' epi mython etelle:

English

On this the rest of the Achaeans with one voice were for respecting the priest and taking the ransom that he offered; but not so Agamemnon, who spoke fiercely to him and sent him roughly away.

Homeric Greek

μή σε γέρον κοίλῃσιν ἐγὼ παρὰ νηυσὶ κιχείω

ἢ νῦν δηθύνοντ' ἢ ὕστερον αὖτις ἰόντα,

μή νύ τοι οὐ χραίσμῃ σκῆπτρον καὶ στέμμα θεοῖο:

τὴν δ' ἐγὼ οὐ λύσω: πρίν μιν καὶ γῆρας ἔπεισιν

30ἡμετέρῳ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ ἐν Ἄργεϊ τηλόθι πάτρης

Transliteration

mē se geron koilēisin egō para nēusi kicheiō

ē nyn dēthynont' ē hysteron autis ionta,

mē ny toi ou chraismēi skēptron kai stemma theoio:

tēn d' egō ou lysō: prin min kai gēras epeisin

30hēmeterōi eni oikōi en Argeï tēlothi patrēs

English

"Old man," said he, "let me not find you tarrying about our ships, nor yet coming hereafter. Your scepter of the god and your wreath shall profit you nothing. I will not free her. She shall grow old in my house at Argos far from her own home, busying herself with her loom and visiting my couch;

Homeric Greek

ἱστὸν ἐποιχομένην καὶ ἐμὸν λέχος ἀντιόωσαν:

ἀλλ' ἴθι μή μ' ἐρέθιζε σαώτερος ὥς κε νέηαι.

ὣς ἔφατ', ἔδεισεν δ' ὃ γέρων καὶ ἐπείθετο μύθῳ:

βῆ δ' ἀκέων παρὰ θῖνα πολυφλοίσβοιο θαλάσσης:

35πολλὰ δ' ἔπειτ' ἀπάνευθε κιὼν ἠρᾶθ' ὃ γεραιὸς

Transliteration

histon epoichomenēn kai emon lechos antioōsan:

all' ithi mē m' erethize saōteros hōs ke neēai.

hōs ephat', edeisen d' ho gerōn kai epeitheto mythōi:

bē d' akeōn para thina polyphloisboio thalassēs:

35polla d' epeit' apaneuthe kiōn ērath' ho geraios

English

so go, and do not provoke me or it shall be the worse for you." The old man feared him and obeyed. Not a word he spoke, but went by the shore of the sounding sea and prayed apart to King Apollo whom lovely Leto had borne.

Homeric Greek

Ἀπόλλωνι ἄνακτι, τὸν ἠύ̈κομος τέκε Λητώ:

κλῦθί μευ ἀργυρότοξ', ὃς Χρύσην ἀμφιβέβηκας

Κίλλάν τε ζαθέην Τενέδοιό τε ἶφι ἀνάσσεις,

Σμινθεῦ εἴ ποτέ τοι χαρίεντ' ἐπὶ νηὸν ἔρεψα,

40ἢ εἰ δή ποτέ τοι κατὰ πίονα μηρί' ἔκηα

Transliteration

Apollōni anakti, ton ēÿkomos teke Lētō:

klythi meu argyrotox', hos Chrysēn amphibebēkas

Killan te zatheēn Tenedoio te iphi anasseis,

Smintheu ei pote toi charient' epi nēon erepsa,

40ē ei dē pote toi kata piona mēri' ekēa

English

"Hear me," he cried, "O god of the silver bow, you who protect Chryse and holy Cilla and rule Tenedos with your might, hear me O god of Sminthe. If I have ever decked your temple with garlands, or burned for you thigh-bones in fat of bulls

Homeric Greek

ταύρων ἠδ' αἰγῶν, τὸ δέ μοι κρήηνον ἐέλδωρ:

τίσειαν Δαναοὶ ἐμὰ δάκρυα σοῖσι βέλεσσιν.

ὣς ἔφατ' εὐχόμενος, τοῦ δ' ἔκλυε Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων,

βῆ δὲ κατ' Οὐλύμποιο καρήνων χωόμενος κῆρ,

45τόξ' ὤμοισιν ἔχων ἀμφηρεφέα τε φαρέτρην:

Transliteration

taurōn ēd' aigōn, to de moi krēēnon eeldōr:

tiseian Danaoi ema dakrya soisi belessin.

hōs ephat' euchomenos, tou d' eklye Phoibos Apollōn,

bē de kat' Oulympoio karēnōn chōomenos kēr,

45tox' ōmoisin echōn amphērephea te pharetrēn:

English

or goats, grant my prayer, and let your arrows avenge these my tears upon the Danaans." Thus did he pray, and Apollo heard his prayer. He came down furious from the summits of Olympus, with his bow and his quiver upon his shoulder, and the arrows rattled on his back with the rage that trembled within him.

Homeric Greek

ἔκλαγξαν δ' ἄρ' ὀϊστοὶ ἐπ' ὤμων χωομένοιο,

αὐτοῦ κινηθέντος: ὃ δ' ἤϊε νυκτὶ ἐοικώς.

ἕζετ' ἔπειτ' ἀπάνευθε νεῶν, μετὰ δ' ἰὸν ἕηκε:

δεινὴ δὲ κλαγγὴ γένετ' ἀργυρέοιο βιοῖο:

50οὐρῆας μὲν πρῶτον ἐπῴχετο καὶ κύνας ἀργούς,

Transliteration

eklanxan d' ar' oïstoi ep' ōmōn chōomenoio,

autou kinēthentos: ho d' ēïe nykti eoikōs.

hezet' epeit' apaneuthe neōn, meta d' ion heēke:

deinē de klangē genet' argyreoio bioio:

50ourēas men prōton epōicheto kai kynas argous,

English

He sat himself down away from the ships with a face as dark as night, and his silver bow rang death as he shot his arrow in the midst of them. First he smote their mules and their hounds, but presently

Homeric Greek

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτ' αὐτοῖσι βέλος ἐχεπευκὲς ἐφιεὶς

βάλλ': αἰεὶ δὲ πυραὶ νεκύων καίοντο θαμειαί.

ἐννῆμαρ μὲν ἀνὰ στρατὸν ᾤχετο κῆλα θεοῖο,

τῇ δεκάτῃ δ' ἀγορὴν δὲ καλέσσατο λαὸν Ἀχιλλεύς:

55τῷ γὰρ ἐπὶ φρεσὶ θῆκε θεὰ λευκώλενος Ἥρη:

Transliteration

autar epeit' autoisi belos echepeukes ephieis

ball': aiei de pyrai nekyōn kaionto thameiai.

ennēmar men ana straton ōicheto kēla theoio,

tēi dekatēi d' agorēn de kalessato laon Achilleus:

55tōi gar epi phresi thēke thea leukōlenos Hērē:

English

he aimed his shafts at the people themselves, and all day long the pyres of the dead were burning. For nine whole days he shot his arrows among the people, but upon the tenth day Achilles called them in assembly - moved thereto by Hera, who saw the Achaeans in their death-throes and had compassion upon them.

Homeric Greek

κήδετο γὰρ Δαναῶν, ὅτι ῥα θνήσκοντας ὁρᾶτο.

οἳ δ' ἐπεὶ οὖν ἤγερθεν ὁμηγερέες τε γένοντο,

τοῖσι δ' ἀνιστάμενος μετέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς:

Ἀτρεί̈δη νῦν ἄμμε παλιμπλαγχθέντας ὀί̈ω

60ἂψ ἀπονοστήσειν, εἴ κεν θάνατόν γε φύγοιμεν,

Transliteration

kēdeto gar Danaōn, hoti rha thnēskontas horato.

hoi d' epei oun ēgerthen homēgerees te genonto,

toisi d' anistamenos metephē podas ōkys Achilleus:

Atreïdē nyn amme palimplanchthentas oïō

60aps aponostēsein, ei ken thanaton ge phygoimen,

English

Then, when they were got together, he rose and spoke among them. "Son of Atreus," said he, "I deem that we should now turn roving home if we would escape destruction, for we are being cut down by war and pestilence at once.

Homeric Greek

εἰ δὴ ὁμοῦ πόλεμός τε δαμᾷ καὶ λοιμὸς Ἀχαιούς:

ἀλλ' ἄγε δή τινα μάντιν ἐρείομεν ἢ ἱερῆα

ἢ καὶ ὀνειροπόλον, καὶ γάρ τ' ὄναρ ἐκ Διός ἐστιν,

ὅς κ' εἴποι ὅ τι τόσσον ἐχώσατο Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων,

65εἴτ' ἄρ' ὅ γ' εὐχωλῆς ἐπιμέμφεται ἠδ' ἑκατόμβης,

Transliteration

ei dē homou polemos te damāi kai loimos Achaious:

all' age dē tina mantin ereiomen ē hierēa

ē kai oneiropolon, kai gar t' onar ek Dios estin,

hos k' eipoi ho ti tosson echōsato Phoibos Apollōn,

65eit' ar' ho g' euchōlēs epimemphetai ēd' hekatombēs,

English

Let us ask some priest or seer, or some reader of dreams (for dreams, too, are of Zeus) who can tell us why Phoebus Apollo is so angry, and say whether it is for some vow that we have broken, or

Homeric Greek

αἴ κέν πως ἀρνῶν κνίσης αἰγῶν τε τελείων

βούλεται ἀντιάσας ἡμῖν ἀπὸ λοιγὸν ἀμῦναι.

ἤτοι ὅ γ' ὣς εἰπὼν κατ' ἄρ' ἕζετο: τοῖσι δ' ἀνέστη

Κάλχας Θεστορίδης οἰωνοπόλων ὄχ' ἄριστος,

70ὃς ᾔδη τά τ' ἐόντα τά τ' ἐσσόμενα πρό τ' ἐόντα,

Transliteration

ai ken pōs arnōn knisēs aigōn te teleiōn

bouletai antiasas hēmin apo loigon amynai.

ētoi ho g' hōs eipōn kat' ar' hezeto: toisi d' anestē

Kalchas Thestoridēs oiōnopolōn och' aristos,

70hos ēidē ta t' eonta ta t' essomena pro t' eonta,

English

hecatomb that we have not offered, and whether he will accept the savor of lambs and goats without blemish, so as to take away the plague from us." With these words he sat down, and Kalkhas son of Thestor, wisest of augurs, who knew things past present and to come, rose to speak.

Homeric Greek

καὶ νήεσσ' ἡγήσατ' Ἀχαιῶν Ἴλιον εἴσω

ἣν διὰ μαντοσύνην, τήν οἱ πόρε Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων:

ὅ σφιν ἐὺ φρονέων ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπεν:

ὦ Ἀχιλεῦ κέλεαί με Διὶ̈ φίλε μυθήσασθαι

75μῆνιν Ἀπόλλωνος ἑκατηβελέταο ἄνακτος:

Transliteration

kai nēess' hēgēsat' Achaiōn Ilion eisō

hēn dia mantosynēn, tēn hoi pore Phoibos Apollōn:

ho sphin eu phroneōn agorēsato kai meteeipen:

ō Achileu keleai me Diï phile mythēsasthai

75mēnin Apollōnos hekatēbeletao anaktos:

English

He it was who had guided the Achaeans with their fleet to Ilion, through the prophesyings with which Phoebus Apollo had inspired him. With all sincerity and goodwill he addressed them thus: - "Achilles, loved of heaven, you bid me tell you about the anger of King Apollo, I will therefore do so;

Homeric Greek

τοὶ γὰρ ἐγὼν ἐρέω: σὺ δὲ σύνθεο καί μοι ὄμοσσον

ἦ μέν μοι πρόφρων ἔπεσιν καὶ χερσὶν ἀρήξειν:

ἦ γὰρ ὀί̈ομαι ἄνδρα χολωσέμεν, ὃς μέγα πάντων

Ἀργείων κρατέει καί οἱ πείθονται Ἀχαιοί:

80κρείσσων γὰρ βασιλεὺς ὅτε χώσεται ἀνδρὶ χέρηϊ:

Transliteration

toi gar egōn ereō: sy de syntheo kai moi omosson

ē men moi prophrōn epesin kai chersin arēxein:

ē gar oïomai andra cholōsemen, hos mega pantōn

Argeiōn krateei kai hoi peithontai Achaioi:

80kreissōn gar basileus hote chōsetai andri cherēï:

English

but consider first and swear that you will stand by me heartily in word and deed, for I know that I shall offend one who rules the Argives with might, to whom all the Achaeans are in subjection. A plain man cannot stand against the anger

Homeric Greek

εἴ περ γάρ τε χόλον γε καὶ αὐτῆμαρ καταπέψῃ,

ἀλλά τε καὶ μετόπισθεν ἔχει κότον, ὄφρα τελέσσῃ,

ἐν στήθεσσιν ἑοῖσι: σὺ δὲ φράσαι εἴ με σαώσεις.

τὸν δ' ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς:

85θαρσήσας μάλα εἰπὲ θεοπρόπιον ὅ τι οἶσθα:

Transliteration

ei per gar te cholon ge kai autēmar katapepsēi,

alla te kai metopisthen echei koton, ophra telessēi,

en stēthessin heoisi: sy de phrasai ei me saōseis.

ton d' apameibomenos prosephē podas ōkys Achilleus:

85tharsēsas mala eipe theopropion ho ti oistha:

English

of a king, who if he swallow his displeasure now, will yet nurse revenge till he has wreaked it. Consider, therefore, whether or no you will protect me." And Achilles answered, "Fear not, but speak as it is borne in upon you

Homeric Greek

οὐ μὰ γὰρ Ἀπόλλωνα Διὶ̈ φίλον, ᾧ τε σὺ Κάλχαν

εὐχόμενος Δαναοῖσι θεοπροπίας ἀναφαίνεις,

οὔ τις ἐμεῦ ζῶντος καὶ ἐπὶ χθονὶ δερκομένοιο

σοὶ κοίλῃς παρὰ νηυσί βαρείας χεῖρας ἐποίσει

90συμπάντων Δαναῶν, οὐδ' ἢν Ἀγαμέμνονα εἴπῃς,

Transliteration

ou ma gar Apollōna Diï philon, hōi te sy Kalchan

euchomenos Danaoisi theopropias anaphaineis,

ou tis emeu zōntos kai epi chthoni derkomenoio

soi koilēis para nēusi bareias cheiras epoisei

90sympantōn Danaōn, oud' ēn Agamemnona eipēis,

English

from heaven, for by Apollo, Kalkhas, to whom you pray, and whose oracles you reveal to us, not a Danaan at our ships shall lay his hand upon you, while I yet live to look upon the face of the earth - no, not though you name Agamemnon himself, who is by far the foremost of the Achaeans."

Homeric Greek

ὃς νῦν πολλὸν ἄριστος Ἀχαιῶν εὔχεται εἶναι.

καὶ τότε δὴ θάρσησε καὶ ηὔδα μάντις ἀμύμων:

οὔ τ' ἄρ ὅ γ' εὐχωλῆς ἐπιμέμφεται οὐδ' ἑκατόμβης,

ἀλλ' ἕνεκ' ἀρητῆρος ὃν ἠτίμησ' Ἀγαμέμνων,

95οὐδ' ἀπέλυσε θύγατρα καὶ οὐκ ἀπεδέξατ' ἄποινα,

Transliteration

hos nyn pollon aristos Achaiōn euchetai einai.

kai tote dē tharsēse kai ēuda mantis amymōn:

ou t' ar ho g' euchōlēs epimemphetai oud' hekatombēs,

all' henek' arētēros hon ētimēs' Agamemnōn,

95oud' apelyse thygatra kai ouk apedexat' apoina,

English

Thereon the seer spoke boldly. "The god," he said, "is angry neither about vow nor hecatomb, but for his priest's sake, whom Agamemnon has dishonored, in that he would not free his daughter nor take a ransom for her;

Homeric Greek

τοὔνεκ' ἄρ' ἄλγε' ἔδωκεν ἑκηβόλος ἠδ' ἔτι δώσει:

οὐδ' ὅ γε πρὶν Δαναοῖσιν ἀεικέα λοιγὸν ἀπώσει

πρίν γ' ἀπὸ πατρὶ φίλῳ δόμεναι ἑλικώπιδα κούρην

ἀπριάτην ἀνάποινον, ἄγειν θ' ἱερὴν ἑκατόμβην

100ἐς Χρύσην: τότε κέν μιν ἱλασσάμενοι πεπίθοιμεν.

Transliteration

tounek' ar' alge' edōken hekēbolos ēd' eti dōsei:

oud' ho ge prin Danaoisin aeikea loigon apōsei

prin g' apo patri philōi domenai helikōpida kourēn

apriatēn anapoinon, agein th' hierēn hekatombēn

100es Chrysēn: tote ken min hilassamenoi pepithoimen.

English

therefore has he sent these evils upon us, and will yet send others. He will not deliver the Danaans from this pestilence till Agamemnon has restored the girl without fee or ransom to her father, and has sent a holy hecatomb to Chryse. Thus we may perhaps appease him."

Homeric Greek

ἤτοι ὅ γ' ὣς εἰπὼν κατ' ἄρ' ἕζετο: τοῖσι δ' ἀνέστη

ἥρως Ἀτρεί̈δης εὐρὺ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

ἀχνύμενος: μένεος δὲ μέγα φρένες ἀμφιμέλαιναι

πίμπλαντ', ὄσσε δέ οἱ πυρὶ λαμπετόωντι ἐί̈κτην:

105Κάλχαντα πρώτιστα κάκ' ὀσσόμενος προσέειπε:

Transliteration

ētoi ho g' hōs eipōn kat' ar' hezeto: toisi d' anestē

hērōs Atreïdēs eury kreiōn Agamemnōn

achnymenos: meneos de mega phrenes amphimelainai

pimplant', osse de hoi pyri lampetoōnti eïktēn:

105Kalchanta prōtista kak' ossomenos proseeipe:

English

With these words he sat down, and Agamemnon rose in anger. His heart was black with rage, and his eyes flashed fire as he scowled on Kalkhas and said, "Seer of

Homeric Greek

μάντι κακῶν οὐ πώ ποτέ μοι τὸ κρήγυον εἶπας:

αἰεί τοι τὰ κάκ' ἐστὶ φίλα φρεσὶ μαντεύεσθαι,

ἐσθλὸν δ' οὔτέ τί πω εἶπας ἔπος οὔτ' ἐτέλεσσας:

καὶ νῦν ἐν Δαναοῖσι θεοπροπέων ἀγορεύεις

110ὡς δὴ τοῦδ' ἕνεκά σφιν ἑκηβόλος ἄλγεα τεύχει,

Transliteration

manti kakōn ou pō pote moi to krēgyon eipas:

aiei toi ta kak' esti phila phresi manteuesthai,

esthlon d' oute ti pō eipas epos out' etelessas:

kai nyn en Danaoisi theopropeōn agoreueis

110hōs dē toud' heneka sphin hekēbolos algea teuchei,

English

evil, you never yet prophesied smooth things concerning me, but have ever loved to foretell that which was evil. You have brought me neither comfort nor performance; and now you come seeing among Danaans, and saying that Apollo has plagued us because I would not take a ransom for this girl, the daughter of Chryses.

Homeric Greek

οὕνεκ' ἐγὼ κούρης Χρυσηί̈δος ἀγλά' ἄποινα

οὐκ ἔθελον δέξασθαι, ἐπεὶ πολὺ βούλομαι αὐτὴν

οἴκοι ἔχειν: καὶ γάρ ῥα Κλυταιμνήστρης προβέβουλα

κουριδίης ἀλόχου, ἐπεὶ οὔ ἑθέν ἐστι χερείων,

115οὐ δέμας οὐδὲ φυήν, οὔτ' ἂρ φρένας οὔτέ τι ἔργα.

Transliteration

hounek' egō kourēs Chrysēïdos agla' apoina

ouk ethelon dexasthai, epei poly boulomai autēn

oikoi echein: kai gar rha Klytaimnēstrēs probeboula

kouridiēs alochou, epei ou hethen esti chereiōn,

115ou demas oude phyēn, out' ar phrenas oute ti erga.

English

I have set my heart on keeping her in my own house, for I love her better even than my own wife Clytemnestra, whose peer she is alike in form and feature, in understanding and accomplishments.

Homeric Greek

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὧς ἐθέλω δόμεναι πάλιν εἰ τό γ' ἄμεινον:

βούλομ' ἐγὼ λαὸν σῶν ἔμμεναι ἢ ἀπολέσθαι:

αὐτὰρ ἐμοὶ γέρας αὐτίχ' ἑτοιμάσατ' ὄφρα μὴ οἶος

Ἀργείων ἀγέραστος ἔω, ἐπεὶ οὐδὲ ἔοικε:

120λεύσσετε γὰρ τό γε πάντες ὅ μοι γέρας ἔρχεται ἄλλῃ.

Transliteration

alla kai hōs ethelō domenai palin ei to g' ameinon:

boulom' egō laon sōn emmenai ē apolesthai:

autar emoi geras autich' hetoimasat' ophra mē oios

Argeiōn agerastos eō, epei oude eoike:

120leussete gar to ge pantes ho moi geras erchetai allēi.

English

Still I will give her up if I must, for I would have the people live, not die; but you must find me a prize instead, or I alone among the Argives shall be without one. This is not well; for you behold, all of you, that my prize is to go elsewhere."

Homeric Greek

τὸν δ' ἠμείβετ' ἔπειτα ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς:

Ἀτρεί̈δη κύδιστε φιλοκτεανώτατε πάντων,

πῶς γάρ τοι δώσουσι γέρας μεγάθυμοι Ἀχαιοί;

οὐδέ τί που ἴδμεν ξυνήϊα κείμενα πολλά:

125ἀλλὰ τὰ μὲν πολίων ἐξεπράθομεν, τὰ δέδασται,

Transliteration

ton d' ēmeibet' epeita podarkēs dios Achilleus:

Atreïdē kydiste philokteanōtate pantōn,

pōs gar toi dōsousi geras megathymoi Achaioi;

oude ti pou idmen xynēïa keimena polla:

125alla ta men poliōn exeprathomen, ta dedastai,

English

And Achilles answered, "Most noble son of Atreus, covetous beyond all humankind, how shall the Achaeans find you another prize? We have no common store from which to take one. Those we took from the cities have been awarded;

Homeric Greek

λαοὺς δ' οὐκ ἐπέοικε παλίλλογα ταῦτ' ἐπαγείρειν.

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν νῦν τήνδε θεῷ πρόες: αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὶ

τριπλῇ τετραπλῇ τ' ἀποτείσομεν, αἴ κέ ποθι Ζεὺς

δῷσι πόλιν Τροίην εὐτείχεον ἐξαλαπάξαι.

130τὸν δ' ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων:

Transliteration

laous d' ouk epeoike palilloga taut' epageirein.

alla sy men nyn tēnde theōi proes: autar Achaioi

triplēi tetraplēi t' apoteisomen, ai ke pothi Zeus

dōisi polin Troiēn euteicheon exalapaxai.

130ton d' apameibomenos prosephē kreiōn Agamemnōn:

English

we cannot disallow the awards that have been made already. Give this girl, therefore, to the god, and if ever Zeus grants us to sack the city of Troy we will requite you three and fourfold." Then Agamemnon said, "Achilles, valiant though you be, you shall not thus get the better of me in matters of the mind.

Homeric Greek

μὴ δ' οὕτως ἀγαθός περ ἐὼν θεοείκελ' Ἀχιλλεῦ

κλέπτε νόῳ, ἐπεὶ οὐ παρελεύσεαι οὐδέ με πείσεις.

ἦ ἐθέλεις ὄφρ' αὐτὸς ἔχῃς γέρας, αὐτὰρ ἔμ' αὔτως

ἧσθαι δευόμενον, κέλεαι δέ με τήνδ' ἀποδοῦναι;

135ἀλλ' εἰ μὲν δώσουσι γέρας μεγάθυμοι Ἀχαιοὶ

Transliteration

mē d' houtōs agathos per eōn theoeikel' Achilleu

klepte noōi, epei ou pareleuseai oude me peiseis.

ē etheleis ophr' autos echēis geras, autar em' autōs

hēsthai deuomenon, keleai de me tēnd' apodounai;

135all' ei men dōsousi geras megathymoi Achaioi

English

You shall not overreach and you shall not persuade me. Are you to keep your own prize, while I sit tamely under my loss and give up the girl at your bidding? Let the Achaeans find me a prize in

Homeric Greek

ἄρσαντες κατὰ θυμὸν ὅπως ἀντάξιον ἔσται:

εἰ δέ κε μὴ δώωσιν ἐγὼ δέ κεν αὐτὸς ἕλωμαι

ἢ τεὸν ἢ Αἴαντος ἰὼν γέρας, ἢ Ὀδυσῆος

ἄξω ἑλών: ὃ δέ κεν κεχολώσεται ὅν κεν ἵκωμαι.

140ἀλλ' ἤτοι μὲν ταῦτα μεταφρασόμεσθα καὶ αὖτις,

Transliteration

arsantes kata thymon hopōs antaxion estai:

ei de ke mē dōōsin egō de ken autos helōmai

ē teon ē Aiantos iōn geras, ē Odysēos

axō helōn: ho de ken kecholōsetai hon ken hikōmai.

140all' ētoi men tauta metaphrasomestha kai autis,

English

fair exchange to my liking, or I will come and take your own, or that of Ajax or of Odysseus; and he to whomsoever I may come shall rue my coming. But of this we will take thought hereafter;

Homeric Greek

νῦν δ' ἄγε νῆα μέλαιναν ἐρύσσομεν εἰς ἅλα δῖαν,

ἐν δ' ἐρέτας ἐπιτηδὲς ἀγείρομεν, ἐς δ' ἑκατόμβην

θείομεν, ἂν δ' αὐτὴν Χρυσηί̈δα καλλιπάρῃον

βήσομεν: εἷς δέ τις ἀρχὸς ἀνὴρ βουληφόρος ἔστω,

145ἢ Αἴας ἢ Ἰδομενεὺς ἢ δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς

Transliteration

nyn d' age nēa melainan eryssomen eis hala dian,

en d' eretas epitēdes ageiromen, es d' hekatombēn

theiomen, an d' autēn Chrysēïda kalliparēion

bēsomen: heis de tis archos anēr boulēphoros estō,

145ē Aias ē Idomeneus ē dios Odysseus

English

for the present, let us draw a ship into the sea, and find a crew for her expressly; let us put a hecatomb on board, and let us send Chryseis also; further, let some chief man among us be in command, either Ajax, or Idomeneus, or yourself, son of

Homeric Greek

ἠὲ σὺ Πηλεί̈δη πάντων ἐκπαγλότατ' ἀνδρῶν,

ὄφρ' ἥμιν ἑκάεργον ἱλάσσεαι ἱερὰ ῥέξας.

τὸν δ' ἄρ' ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς:

ὤ μοι ἀναιδείην ἐπιειμένε κερδαλεόφρον

150πῶς τίς τοι πρόφρων ἔπεσιν πείθηται Ἀχαιῶν

Transliteration

ēe sy Pēleïdē pantōn ekpaglotat' andrōn,

ophr' hēmin hekaergon hilasseai hiera rhexas.

ton d' ar' hypodra idōn prosephē podas ōkys Achilleus:

ō moi anaideiēn epieimene kerdaleophron

150pōs tis toi prophrōn epesin peithētai Achaiōn

English

Peleus, mighty warrior that you are, that we may offer sacrifice and appease the anger of the god." Achilles scowled at him and answered, "You are steeped in insolence and lust of gain. With what heart can any of the Achaeans do your bidding, either on foray or in open fighting?

Homeric Greek

ἢ ὁδὸν ἐλθέμεναι ἢ ἀνδράσιν ἶφι μάχεσθαι;

οὐ γὰρ ἐγὼ Τρώων ἕνεκ' ἤλυθον αἰχμητάων

δεῦρο μαχησόμενος, ἐπεὶ οὔ τί μοι αἴτιοί εἰσιν:

οὐ γὰρ πώποτ' ἐμὰς βοῦς ἤλασαν οὐδὲ μὲν ἵππους,

155οὐδέ ποτ' ἐν Φθίῃ ἐριβώλακι βωτιανείρῃ

Transliteration

ē hodon elthemenai ē andrasin iphi machesthai;

ou gar egō Trōōn henek' ēlython aichmētaōn

deuro machēsomenos, epei ou ti moi aitioi eisin:

ou gar pōpot' emas bous ēlasan oude men hippous,

155oude pot' en Phthiēi eribōlaki bōtianeirēi

English

I came to make war here not because the Trojans are responsible for any wrong committed against me. I have no quarrel with them. They have not raided my cattle nor my horses, nor cut down my harvests on the fertile plains of Phthia;

Homeric Greek

καρπὸν ἐδηλήσαντ', ἐπεὶ ἦ μάλα πολλὰ μεταξὺ

οὔρεά τε σκιόεντα θάλασσά τε ἠχήεσσα:

ἀλλὰ σοὶ ὦ μέγ' ἀναιδὲς ἅμ' ἑσπόμεθ' ὄφρα σὺ χαίρῃς,

τιμὴν ἀρνύμενοι Μενελάῳ σοί τε κυνῶπα

160πρὸς Τρώων: τῶν οὔ τι μετατρέπῃ οὐδ' ἀλεγίζεις:

Transliteration

karpon edēlēsant', epei ē mala polla metaxy

ourea te skioenta thalassa te ēchēessa:

alla soi ō meg' anaides ham' hespometh' ophra sy chairēis,

timēn arnymenoi Menelaōi soi te kynōpa

160pros Trōōn: tōn ou ti metatrepēi oud' alegizeis:

English

for between me and them there is a great space, both mountain and sounding sea. We have followed you, Sir Insolence! for your pleasure, not ours - to gain satisfaction from the Trojans for your shameless self and for Menelaos. You forget this, and threaten to rob me of

Homeric Greek

καὶ δή μοι γέρας αὐτὸς ἀφαιρήσεσθαι ἀπειλεῖς,

ᾧ ἔπι πολλὰ μόγησα, δόσαν δέ μοι υἷες Ἀχαιῶν.

οὐ μὲν σοί ποτε ἶσον ἔχω γέρας ὁππότ' Ἀχαιοὶ

Τρώων ἐκπέρσωσ' εὖ ναιόμενον πτολίεθρον:

165ἀλλὰ τὸ μὲν πλεῖον πολυάϊκος πολέμοιο

Transliteration

kai dē moi geras autos aphairēsesthai apeileis,

hōi epi polla mogēsa, dosan de moi huies Achaiōn.

ou men soi pote ison echō geras hoppot' Achaioi

Trōōn ekpersōs' eu naiomenon ptoliethron:

165alla to men pleion polyaïkos polemoio

English

the prize for which I have toiled, and which the sons of the Achaeans have given me. Never when the Achaeans sack any rich city of the Trojans do I receive so good a prize as you do, though it is my hands that do the better part of the fighting.

Homeric Greek

χεῖρες ἐμαὶ διέπουσ': ἀτὰρ ἤν ποτε δασμὸς ἵκηται,

σοὶ τὸ γέρας πολὺ μεῖζον, ἐγὼ δ' ὀλίγον τε φίλον τε

ἔρχομ' ἔχων ἐπὶ νῆας, ἐπεί κε κάμω πολεμίζων.

νῦν δ' εἶμι Φθίην δ', ἐπεὶ ἦ πολὺ φέρτερόν ἐστιν

170οἴκαδ' ἴμεν σὺν νηυσὶ κορωνίσιν, οὐδέ σ' ὀί̈ω

Transliteration

cheires emai diepous': atar ēn pote dasmos hikētai,

soi to geras poly meizon, egō d' oligon te philon te

erchom' echōn epi nēas, epei ke kamō polemizōn.

nyn d' eimi Phthiēn d', epei ē poly pherteron estin

170oikad' imen syn nēusi korōnisin, oude s' oïō

English

When the sharing comes, your share is far the largest, and I, indeed, must go back to my ships, take what I can get and be thankful, when my labor of fighting is done. Now, therefore, I shall go back to Phthia; it will be much better for me to return home with my ships,

Homeric Greek

ἐνθάδ' ἄτιμος ἐὼν ἄφενος καὶ πλοῦτον ἀφύξειν.

τὸν δ' ἠμείβετ' ἔπειτα ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων:

φεῦγε μάλ' εἴ τοι θυμὸς ἐπέσσυται, οὐδέ σ' ἔγωγε

λίσσομαι εἵνεκ' ἐμεῖο μένειν: πάρ' ἔμοιγε καὶ ἄλλοι

175οἵ κέ με τιμήσουσι, μάλιστα δὲ μητίετα Ζεύς.

Transliteration

enthad' atimos eōn aphenos kai plouton aphyxein.

ton d' ēmeibet' epeita anax andrōn Agamemnōn:

pheuge mal' ei toi thymos epessytai, oude s' egōge

lissomai heinek' emeio menein: par' emoige kai alloi

175hoi ke me timēsousi, malista de mētieta Zeus.

English

for I will not stay here dishonored to gather gold and substance for you." And Agamemnon answered, "Flee if you will, I shall make you no prayers to stay you. I have others here who will do me honor, and above all Zeus, the lord of counsel.

Homeric Greek

ἔχθιστος δέ μοί ἐσσι διοτρεφέων βασιλήων:

αἰεὶ γάρ τοι ἔρις τε φίλη πόλεμοί τε μάχαι τε:

εἰ μάλα καρτερός ἐσσι, θεός που σοὶ τό γ' ἔδωκεν:

οἴκαδ' ἰὼν σὺν νηυσί τε σῇς καὶ σοῖς ἑτάροισι

180Μυρμιδόνεσσιν ἄνασσε, σέθεν δ' ἐγὼ οὐκ ἀλεγίζω,

Transliteration

echthistos de moi essi diotrepheōn basilēōn:

aiei gar toi eris te philē polemoi te machai te:

ei mala karteros essi, theos pou soi to g' edōken:

oikad' iōn syn nēusi te sēis kai sois hetaroisi

180Myrmidonessin anasse, sethen d' egō ouk alegizō,

English

There is no king here so hateful to me as you are, for you are ever quarrelsome and ill affected. What though you be brave? Was it not heaven that made you so? Go home, then, with your ships and comrades to lord it over the Myrmidons.

Homeric Greek

οὐδ' ὄθομαι κοτέοντος: ἀπειλήσω δέ τοι ὧδε:

ὡς ἔμ' ἀφαιρεῖται Χρυσηί̈δα Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων,

τὴν μὲν ἐγὼ σὺν νηί̈ τ' ἐμῇ καὶ ἐμοῖς ἑτάροισι

πέμψω, ἐγὼ δέ κ' ἄγω Βρισηί̈δα καλλιπάρῃον

185αὐτὸς ἰὼν κλισίην δὲ τὸ σὸν γέρας ὄφρ' ἐὺ̈ εἰδῇς

Transliteration

oud' othomai koteontos: apeilēsō de toi hōde:

hōs em' aphaireitai Chrysēïda Phoibos Apollōn,

tēn men egō syn nēï t' emēi kai emois hetaroisi

pempsō, egō de k' agō Brisēïda kalliparēion

185autos iōn klisiēn de to son geras ophr' eÿ eidēis

English

I care neither for you nor for your anger; and thus will I do: since Phoebus Apollo is taking Chryseis from me, I shall send her with my ship and my followers, but I shall come to your tent and take your own prize Briseis, that you may learn how

Homeric Greek

ὅσσον φέρτερός εἰμι σέθεν, στυγέῃ δὲ καὶ ἄλλος

ἶσον ἐμοὶ φάσθαι καὶ ὁμοιωθήμεναι ἄντην.

ὣς φάτο: Πηλεί̈ωνι δ' ἄχος γένετ', ἐν δέ οἱ ἦτορ

στήθεσσιν λασίοισι διάνδιχα μερμήριξεν,

190ἢ ὅ γε φάσγανον ὀξὺ ἐρυσσάμενος παρὰ μηροῦ

Transliteration

hosson pherteros eimi sethen, stygeēi de kai allos

ison emoi phasthai kai homoiōthēmenai antēn.

hōs phato: Pēleïōni d' achos genet', en de hoi ētor

stēthessin lasioisi diandicha mermērixen,

190ē ho ge phasganon oxy eryssamenos para mērou

English

much more prestigious I am than you are, and that another may fear to set himself up as equal or comparable with me." The son of Peleus felt grief, and his heart within his shaggy breast was divided whether to draw his

Homeric Greek

τοὺς μὲν ἀναστήσειεν, ὃ δ' Ἀτρεί̈δην ἐναρίζοι,

ἦε χόλον παύσειεν ἐρητύσειέ τε θυμόν.

ἧος ὃ ταῦθ' ὥρμαινε κατὰ φρένα καὶ κατὰ θυμόν,

ἕλκετο δ' ἐκ κολεοῖο μέγα ξίφος, ἦλθε δ' Ἀθήνη

195οὐρανόθεν: πρὸ γὰρ ἧκε θεὰ λευκώλενος Ἥρη

Transliteration

tous men anastēseien, ho d' Atreïdēn enarizoi,

ēe cholon pauseien erētyseie te thymon.

hēos ho tauth' hōrmaine kata phrena kai kata thymon,

helketo d' ek koleoio mega xiphos, ēlthe d' Athēnē

195ouranothen: pro gar hēke thea leukōlenos Hērē

English

sword, push the others aside, and kill the son of Atreus, or to restrain himself and check his anger.

Homeric Greek

ἄμφω ὁμῶς θυμῷ φιλέουσά τε κηδομένη τε:

στῆ δ' ὄπιθεν, ξανθῆς δὲ κόμης ἕλε Πηλεί̈ωνα

οἴῳ φαινομένη: τῶν δ' ἄλλων οὔ τις ὁρᾶτο:

θάμβησεν δ' Ἀχιλεύς, μετὰ δ' ἐτράπετ', αὐτίκα δ' ἔγνω

200Παλλάδ' Ἀθηναίην: δεινὼ δέ οἱ ὄσσε φάανθεν:

Transliteration

amphō homōs thymōi phileousa te kēdomenē te:

stē d' opithen, xanthēs de komēs hele Pēleïōna

oiōi phainomenē: tōn d' allōn ou tis horato:

thambēsen d' Achileus, meta d' etrapet', autika d' egnō

200Pallad' Athēnaiēn: deinō de hoi osse phaanthen:

English

While he was thus in two minds, and was drawing his mighty sword from its scabbard, Athena came down from heaven (for Hera had sent her in the love she bore to them both), and seized the son of Peleus by his yellow hair, visible to him alone, for of the others no man could see her. Achilles turned in amaze, and by the fire that flashed from her eyes at once knew that she was Athena.

Homeric Greek

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα:

τίπτ' αὖτ' αἰγιόχοιο Διὸς τέκος εἰλήλουθας;

ἦ ἵνα ὕβριν ἴδῃ Ἀγαμέμνονος Ἀτρεί̈δαο;

ἀλλ' ἔκ τοι ἐρέω, τὸ δὲ καὶ τελέεσθαι ὀί̈ω:

205ᾗς ὑπεροπλίῃσι τάχ' ἄν ποτε θυμὸν ὀλέσσῃ.

Transliteration

kai min phōnēsas epea pteroenta prosēuda:

tipt' aut' aigiochoio Dios tekos eilēlouthas;

ē hina hybrin idēi Agamemnonos Atreïdao;

all' ek toi ereō, to de kai teleesthai oïō:

205hēis hyperopliēisi tach' an pote thymon olessēi.

English

"Why are you here," said he, "daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus? To see the pride of Agamemnon, son of Atreus? Let me tell you - and it shall surely be - he shall pay for this insolence with his life."

Homeric Greek

τὸν δ' αὖτε προσέειπε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη:

ἦλθον ἐγὼ παύσουσα τὸ σὸν μένος, αἴ κε πίθηαι,

οὐρανόθεν: πρὸ δέ μ' ἧκε θεὰ λευκώλενος Ἥρη

ἄμφω ὁμῶς θυμῷ φιλέουσά τε κηδομένη τε:

210ἀλλ' ἄγε λῆγ' ἔριδος, μηδὲ ξίφος ἕλκεο χειρί:

Transliteration

ton d' aute proseeipe thea glaukōpis Athēnē:

ēlthon egō pausousa to son menos, ai ke pithēai,

ouranothen: pro de m' hēke thea leukōlenos Hērē

amphō homōs thymōi phileousa te kēdomenē te:

210all' age lēg' eridos, mēde xiphos helkeo cheiri:

English

And Athena said, "I come from heaven, if you will hear me, to bid you stay your anger. Hera has sent me, who cares for both of you alike. Cease, then, this brawling, and do not draw your sword;

Homeric Greek

ἀλλ' ἤτοι ἔπεσιν μὲν ὀνείδισον ὡς ἔσεταί περ:

ὧδε γὰρ ἐξερέω, τὸ δὲ καὶ τετελεσμένον ἔσται:

καί ποτέ τοι τρὶς τόσσα παρέσσεται ἀγλαὰ δῶρα

ὕβριος εἵνεκα τῆσδε: σὺ δ' ἴσχεο, πείθεο δ' ἡμῖν.

215τὴν δ' ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς:

Transliteration

all' ētoi epesin men oneidison hōs esetai per:

hōde gar exereō, to de kai tetelesmenon estai:

kai pote toi tris tossa paressetai aglaa dōra

hybrios heineka tēsde: sy d' ischeo, peitheo d' hēmin.

215tēn d' apameibomenos prosephē podas ōkys Achilleus:

English

rail at him if you will, and your railing will not be vain, for I tell you - and it shall surely be - that you shall hereafter receive gifts three times as splendid by reason of this present insult. Hold, therefore, and obey." "Goddess," answered Achilles, "however angry a man may be, he must do as you two command him.

Homeric Greek

χρὴ μὲν σφωί̈τερόν γε θεὰ ἔπος εἰρύσσασθαι

καὶ μάλα περ θυμῷ κεχολωμένον: ὧς γὰρ ἄμεινον:

ὅς κε θεοῖς ἐπιπείθηται μάλα τ' ἔκλυον αὐτοῦ.

ἦ καὶ ἐπ' ἀργυρέῃ κώπῃ σχέθε χεῖρα βαρεῖαν,

220ἂψ δ' ἐς κουλεὸν ὦσε μέγα ξίφος, οὐδ' ἀπίθησε

Transliteration

chrē men sphōïteron ge thea epos eiryssasthai

kai mala per thymōi kecholōmenon: hōs gar ameinon:

hos ke theois epipeithētai mala t' eklyon autou.

ē kai ep' argyreēi kōpēi schethe cheira bareian,

220aps d' es kouleon ōse mega xiphos, oud' apithēse

English

This will be best, for the gods ever hear the prayers of him who has obeyed them." He stayed his hand on the silver hilt of his sword, and thrust it back into the scabbard as Athena bade him.

Homeric Greek

μύθῳ Ἀθηναίης: ἣ δ' Οὔλυμπον δὲ βεβήκει

δώματ' ἐς αἰγιόχοιο Διὸς μετὰ δαίμονας ἄλλους.

Πηλεί̈δης δ' ἐξαῦτις ἀταρτηροῖς ἐπέεσσιν

Ἀτρεί̈δην προσέειπε, καὶ οὔ πω λῆγε χόλοιο:

225οἰνοβαρές, κυνὸς ὄμματ' ἔχων, κραδίην δ' ἐλάφοιο,

Transliteration

mythōi Athēnaiēs: hē d' Oulympon de bebēkei

dōmat' es aigiochoio Dios meta daimonas allous.

Pēleïdēs d' exautis atartērois epeessin

Atreïdēn proseeipe, kai ou pō lēge choloio:

225oinobares, kynos ommat' echōn, kradiēn d' elaphoio,

English

Then she went back to Olympus among the other gods, and to the house of aegis-bearing Zeus. But the son of Peleus again began railing at the son of Atreus, for he was still in a rage. "Wine-bibber," he cried, "with the face of a dog and

Homeric Greek

οὔτέ ποτ' ἐς πόλεμον ἅμα λαῷ θωρηχθῆναι

οὔτε λόχον δ' ἰέναι σὺν ἀριστήεσσιν Ἀχαιῶν

τέτληκας θυμῷ: τὸ δέ τοι κὴρ εἴδεται εἶναι.

ἦ πολὺ λώϊόν ἐστι κατὰ στρατὸν εὐρὺν Ἀχαιῶν

230δῶρ' ἀποαιρεῖσθαι ὅς τις σέθεν ἀντίον εἴπῃ:

Transliteration

oute pot' es polemon hama laōi thōrēchthēnai

oute lochon d' ienai syn aristēessin Achaiōn

tetlēkas thymōi: to de toi kēr eidetai einai.

ē poly lōïon esti kata straton euryn Achaiōn

230dōr' apoaireisthai hos tis sethen antion eipēi:

English

the heart of a hind, you never dare to go out with the host in fight, nor yet with our chosen men in ambuscade. You shun this as you do death itself. You had rather go round and rob his prizes from any man who contradicts you.

Homeric Greek

δημοβόρος βασιλεὺς ἐπεὶ οὐτιδανοῖσιν ἀνάσσεις:

ἦ γὰρ ἂν Ἀτρεί̈δη νῦν ὕστατα λωβήσαιο.

ἀλλ' ἔκ τοι ἐρέω καὶ ἐπὶ μέγαν ὅρκον ὀμοῦμαι:

ναὶ μὰ τόδε σκῆπτρον, τὸ μὲν οὔ ποτε φύλλα καὶ ὄζους

235φύσει, ἐπεὶ δὴ πρῶτα τομὴν ἐν ὄρεσσι λέλοιπεν,

Transliteration

dēmoboros basileus epei outidanoisin anasseis:

ē gar an Atreïdē nyn hystata lōbēsaio.

all' ek toi ereō kai epi megan horkon omoumai:

nai ma tode skēptron, to men ou pote phylla kai ozous

235physei, epei dē prōta tomēn en oressi leloipen,

English

You devour your people, for you are king over a feeble folk; otherwise, son of Atreus, henceforward you would insult no man. Therefore I say, and swear it with a great oath - nay, by this my scepter which shall sprout neither leaf nor shoot, nor bud anew from the day on which it left

Homeric Greek

οὐδ' ἀναθηλήσει: περὶ γάρ ῥά ἑ χαλκὸς ἔλεψε

φύλλά τε καὶ φλοιόν: νῦν αὖτέ μιν υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

ἐν παλάμῃς φορέουσι δικασπόλοι, οἵ τε θέμιστας

πρὸς Διὸς εἰρύαται: ὃ δέ τοι μέγας ἔσσεται ὅρκος:

240ἦ ποτ' Ἀχιλλῆος ποθὴ ἵξεται υἷας Ἀχαιῶν

Transliteration

oud' anathēlēsei: peri gar rha he chalkos elepse

phylla te kai phloion: nyn aute min huies Achaiōn

en palamēis phoreousi dikaspoloi, hoi te themistas

pros Dios eiryatai: ho de toi megas essetai horkos:

240ē pot' Achillēos pothē hixetai huias Achaiōn

English

its parent stem upon the mountains - for the axe stripped it of leaf and bark, and now the sons of the Achaeans bear it as judges and guardians of the decrees of heaven - so surely and solemnly do I swear that hereafter they shall look fondly for Achilles and shall not find him.

Homeric Greek

σύμπαντας: τότε δ' οὔ τι δυνήσεαι ἀχνύμενός περ

χραισμεῖν, εὖτ' ἂν πολλοὶ ὑφ' Ἕκτορος ἀνδροφόνοιο

θνήσκοντες πίπτωσι: σὺ δ' ἔνδοθι θυμὸν ἀμύξεις

χωόμενος ὅ τ' ἄριστον Ἀχαιῶν οὐδὲν ἔτισας.

245ὣς φάτο Πηλεί̈δης, ποτὶ δὲ σκῆπτρον βάλε γαίῃ

Transliteration

sympantas: tote d' ou ti dynēseai achnymenos per

chraismein, eut' an polloi hyph' Hektoros androphonoio

thnēskontes piptōsi: sy d' endothi thymon amyxeis

chōomenos ho t' ariston Achaiōn ouden etisas.

245hōs phato Pēleïdēs, poti de skēptron bale gaiēi

English

In the day of your distress, when your men fall dying by the murderous hand of Hektor, you shall not know how to help them, and shall rend your heart with rage for the hour when you offered insult to the best of the Achaeans." With this the son of Peleus dashed his gold-bestudded scepter on

Homeric Greek

χρυσείοις ἥλοισι πεπαρμένον, ἕζετο δ' αὐτός:

Ἀτρεί̈δης δ' ἑτέρωθεν ἐμήνιε: τοῖσι δὲ Νέστωρ

ἡδυεπὴς ἀνόρουσε λιγὺς Πυλίων ἀγορητής,

τοῦ καὶ ἀπὸ γλώσσης μέλιτος γλυκίων ῥέεν αὐδή:

250τῷ δ' ἤδη δύο μὲν γενεαὶ μερόπων ἀνθρώπων

Transliteration

chryseiois hēloisi peparmenon, hezeto d' autos:

Atreïdēs d' heterōthen emēnie: toisi de Nestōr

hēdyepēs anorouse ligys Pyliōn agorētēs,

tou kai apo glōssēs melitos glykiōn rheen audē:

250tōi d' ēdē dyo men geneai meropōn anthrōpōn

English

the ground and took his seat, while the son of Atreus was beginning fiercely from his place upon the other side. Then stood up smooth-tongued Nestor, the facile speaker of the Pylians, and the words fell from his lips sweeter than honey. Two generations of men born and bred in Pylos

Homeric Greek

ἐφθίαθ', οἵ οἱ πρόσθεν ἅμα τράφεν ἠδ' ἐγένοντο

ἐν Πύλῳ ἠγαθέῃ, μετὰ δὲ τριτάτοισιν ἄνασσεν:

ὅ σφιν ἐὺ φρονέων ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπεν:

ὦ πόποι ἦ μέγα πένθος Ἀχαιί̈δα γαῖαν ἱκάνει:

255ἦ κεν γηθήσαι Πρίαμος Πριάμοιό τε παῖδες

Transliteration

ephthiath', hoi hoi prosthen hama traphen ēd' egenonto

en Pylōi ēgatheēi, meta de tritatoisin anassen:

ho sphin eu phroneōn agorēsato kai meteeipen:

ō popoi ē mega penthos Achaiïda gaian hikanei:

255ē ken gēthēsai Priamos Priamoio te paides

English

had passed away under his rule, and he was now reigning over the third. With all sincerity and goodwill, therefore, he addressed them thus: - "Of a truth," he said, "a great sorrow has befallen the Achaean land. Surely Priam with his sons would rejoice, and the

Homeric Greek

ἄλλοι τε Τρῶες μέγα κεν κεχαροίατο θυμῷ

εἰ σφῶϊν τάδε πάντα πυθοίατο μαρναμένοιϊν,

οἳ περὶ μὲν βουλὴν Δαναῶν, περὶ δ' ἐστὲ μάχεσθαι.

ἀλλὰ πίθεσθ': ἄμφω δὲ νεωτέρω ἐστὸν ἐμεῖο:

260ἤδη γάρ ποτ' ἐγὼ καὶ ἀρείοσιν ἠέ περ ὑμῖν

Transliteration

alloi te Trōes mega ken kecharoiato thymōi

ei sphōïn tade panta pythoiato marnamenoiïn,

hoi peri men boulēn Danaōn, peri d' este machesthai.

alla pithesth': amphō de neōterō eston emeio:

260ēdē gar pot' egō kai areiosin ēe per hymin

English

Trojans be glad at heart if they could hear this quarrel between you two, who are so excellent in fight and counsel. I am older than either of you; therefore be guided by me. Moreover I have been the familiar friend of

Homeric Greek

ἀνδράσιν ὡμίλησα, καὶ οὔ ποτέ μ' οἵ γ' ἀθέριζον.

οὐ γάρ πω τοίους ἴδον ἀνέρας οὐδὲ ἴδωμαι,

οἷον Πειρίθοόν τε Δρύαντά τε ποιμένα λαῶν

Καινέα τ' Ἐξάδιόν τε καὶ ἀντίθεον Πολύφημον

265Θησέα τ' Αἰγεί̈δην, ἐπιείκελον ἀθανάτοισιν:

Transliteration

andrasin hōmilēsa, kai ou pote m' hoi g' atherizon.

ou gar pō toious idon aneras oude idōmai,

hoion Peirithoon te Dryanta te poimena laōn

Kainea t' Exadion te kai antitheon Polyphēmon

265Thēsea t' Aigeïdēn, epieikelon athanatoisin:

English

men even greater than you are, and they did not disregard my counsels. Never again can I behold such men as Peirithoos and Dryas shepherd of his people, or as Kaineus, Exadios, godlike Polyphemus, and Theseus son of Aegeus, peer of the immortals.

Homeric Greek

κάρτιστοι δὴ κεῖνοι ἐπιχθονίων τράφεν ἀνδρῶν:

κάρτιστοι μὲν ἔσαν καὶ καρτίστοις ἐμάχοντο

φηρσὶν ὀρεσκῴοισι καὶ ἐκπάγλως ἀπόλεσσαν.

καὶ μὲν τοῖσιν ἐγὼ μεθομίλεον ἐκ Πύλου ἐλθὼν

270τηλόθεν ἐξ ἀπίης γαίης: καλέσαντο γὰρ αὐτοί:

Transliteration

kartistoi dē keinoi epichthoniōn traphen andrōn:

kartistoi men esan kai kartistois emachonto

phērsin oreskōioisi kai ekpaglōs apolessan.

kai men toisin egō methomileon ek Pylou elthōn

270tēlothen ex apiēs gaiēs: kalesanto gar autoi:

English

These were the mightiest men ever born upon this earth: mightiest were they, and when they fought the fiercest tribes of mountain savages they utterly overthrew them. I came from distant Pylos, and went about among them, for they would have me come, and I fought as it was in me to do.

Homeric Greek

καὶ μαχόμην κατ' ἔμ' αὐτὸν ἐγώ: κείνοισι δ' ἂν οὔ τις

τῶν οἳ νῦν βροτοί εἰσιν ἐπιχθόνιοι μαχέοιτο:

καὶ μέν μευ βουλέων ξύνιεν πείθοντό τε μύθῳ:

ἀλλὰ πίθεσθε καὶ ὔμμες, ἐπεὶ πείθεσθαι ἄμεινον:

275μήτε σὺ τόνδ' ἀγαθός περ ἐὼν ἀποαίρεο κούρην,

Transliteration

kai machomēn kat' em' auton egō: keinoisi d' an ou tis

tōn hoi nyn brotoi eisin epichthonioi macheoito:

kai men meu bouleōn xynien peithonto te mythōi:

alla pithesthe kai ymmes, epei peithesthai ameinon:

275mēte sy tond' agathos per eōn apoaireo kourēn,

English

Not a man now living could withstand them, but they heard my words, and were persuaded by them. So be it also with yourselves, for this is the more excellent way. Therefore, Agamemnon, though you be prestigious, take not this girl

Homeric Greek

ἀλλ' ἔα ὥς οἱ πρῶτα δόσαν γέρας υἷες Ἀχαιῶν:

μήτε σὺ Πηλείδη ἔθελ' ἐριζέμεναι βασιλῆϊ

ἀντιβίην, ἐπεὶ οὔ ποθ' ὁμοίης ἔμμορε τιμῆς

σκηπτοῦχος βασιλεύς, ᾧ τε Ζεὺς κῦδος ἔδωκεν.

280εἰ δὲ σὺ καρτερός ἐσσι θεὰ δέ σε γείνατο μήτηρ,

Transliteration

all' ea hōs hoi prōta dosan geras huies Achaiōn:

mēte sy Pēleidē ethel' erizemenai basilēï

antibiēn, epei ou poth' homoiēs emmore timēs

skēptouchos basileus, hōi te Zeus kydos edōken.

280ei de sy karteros essi thea de se geinato mētēr,

English

away, for the sons of the Achaeans have already given her to Achilles; and you, Achilles, strive not further with the king, for no man who by the grace of Zeus wields a scepter has like honor with Agamemnon. You are strong, and have a goddess for your mother;

Homeric Greek

ἀλλ' ὅ γε φέρτερός ἐστιν ἐπεὶ πλεόνεσσιν ἀνάσσει.

Ἀτρεί̈δη σὺ δὲ παῦε τεὸν μένος: αὐτὰρ ἔγωγε

λίσσομ' Ἀχιλλῆϊ μεθέμεν χόλον, ὃς μέγα πᾶσιν

ἕρκος Ἀχαιοῖσιν πέλεται πολέμοιο κακοῖο.

285τὸν δ' ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων:

Transliteration

all' ho ge pherteros estin epei pleonessin anassei.

Atreïdē sy de paue teon menos: autar egōge

lissom' Achillēï methemen cholon, hos mega pasin

herkos Achaioisin peletai polemoio kakoio.

285ton d' apameibomenos prosephē kreiōn Agamemnōn:

English

but Agamemnon is more prestigious than you, for he has more people under him. Son of Atreus, check your anger, I implore you; end this quarrel with Achilles, who in the day of battle is a tower of strength to the Achaeans." And Agamemnon answered, "Old sir, all that you

Homeric Greek

ναὶ δὴ ταῦτά γε πάντα γέρον κατὰ μοῖραν ἔειπες:

ἀλλ' ὅδ' ἀνὴρ ἐθέλει περὶ πάντων ἔμμεναι ἄλλων,

πάντων μὲν κρατέειν ἐθέλει, πάντεσσι δ' ἀνάσσειν,

πᾶσι δὲ σημαίνειν, ἅ τιν' οὐ πείσεσθαι ὀί̈ω:

290εἰ δέ μιν αἰχμητὴν ἔθεσαν θεοὶ αἰὲν ἐόντες

Transliteration

nai dē tauta ge panta geron kata moiran eeipes:

all' hod' anēr ethelei peri pantōn emmenai allōn,

pantōn men krateein ethelei, pantessi d' anassein,

pasi de sēmainein, ha tin' ou peisesthai oïō:

290ei de min aichmētēn ethesan theoi aien eontes

English

have said is true, but this man wants to become our lord and master: he must be lord of all, king of all, and leader of all, and this shall hardly be. Granted that the gods have made him a great warrior, have they also given him the right to speak with railing?"

Homeric Greek

τοὔνεκά οἱ προθέουσιν ὀνείδεα μυθήσασθαι;

τὸν δ' ἄρ' ὑποβλήδην ἠμείβετο δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς:

ἦ γάρ κεν δειλός τε καὶ οὐτιδανὸς καλεοίμην

εἰ δὴ σοὶ πᾶν ἔργον ὑπείξομαι ὅττί κεν εἴπῃς:

295ἄλλοισιν δὴ ταῦτ' ἐπιτέλλεο, μὴ γὰρ ἔμοιγε

Transliteration

touneka hoi protheousin oneidea mythēsasthai;

ton d' ar' hypoblēdēn ēmeibeto dios Achilleus:

ē gar ken deilos te kai outidanos kaleoimēn

ei dē soi pan ergon hypeixomai hotti ken eipēis:

295alloisin dē taut' epitelleo, mē gar emoige

English

Achilles in turn said to him: "I should be a mean coward," he cried, "were I to give in to you in all things. Order other people about, not me, for I shall obey no longer.

Homeric Greek

σήμαιν': οὐ γὰρ ἔγωγ' ἔτι σοὶ πείσεσθαι ὀί̈ω.

ἄλλο δέ τοι ἐρέω, σὺ δ' ἐνὶ φρεσὶ βάλλεο σῇσι:

χερσὶ μὲν οὔ τοι ἔγωγε μαχήσομαι εἵνεκα κούρης

οὔτε σοὶ οὔτέ τῳ ἄλλῳ, ἐπεί μ' ἀφέλεσθέ γε δόντες:

300τῶν δ' ἄλλων ἅ μοί ἐστι θοῇ παρὰ νηὶ̈ μελαίνῃ

Transliteration

sēmain': ou gar egōg' eti soi peisesthai oïō.

allo de toi ereō, sy d' eni phresi balleo sēisi:

chersi men ou toi egōge machēsomai heineka kourēs

oute soi oute tōi allōi, epei m' aphelesthe ge dontes:

300tōn d' allōn ha moi esti thoēi para nēï melainēi

English

Furthermore I say - and lay my saying to your heart - I shall fight neither you nor any man about this girl, for those that take were those also that gave. But of all else that is at my ship you shall carry away nothing by force.

Homeric Greek

τῶν οὐκ ἄν τι φέροις ἀνελὼν ἀέκοντος ἐμεῖο:

εἰ δ' ἄγε μὴν πείρησαι ἵνα γνώωσι καὶ οἵδε:

αἶψά τοι αἷμα κελαινὸν ἐρωήσει περὶ δουρί.

ὣς τώ γ' ἀντιβίοισι μαχεσσαμένω ἐπέεσσιν

305ἀνστήτην, λῦσαν δ' ἀγορὴν παρὰ νηυσὶν Ἀχαιῶν:

Transliteration

tōn ouk an ti pherois anelōn aekontos emeio:

ei d' age mēn peirēsai hina gnōōsi kai hoide:

aipsa toi haima kelainon erōēsei peri douri.

hōs tō g' antibioisi machessamenō epeessin

305anstētēn, lysan d' agorēn para nēusin Achaiōn:

English

Try, that others may see; if you do, my spear shall be reddened with your blood." When they had quarreled thus angrily, they rose, and broke up the assembly at the ships of the Achaeans.

Homeric Greek

Πηλεί̈δης μὲν ἐπὶ κλισίας καὶ νῆας ἐί̈σας

ἤϊε σύν τε Μενοιτιάδῃ καὶ οἷς ἑτάροισιν:

Ἀτρεί̈δης δ' ἄρα νῆα θοὴν ἅλα δὲ προέρυσσεν,

ἐν δ' ἐρέτας ἔκρινεν ἐείκοσιν, ἐς δ' ἑκατόμβην

310βῆσε θεῷ, ἀνὰ δὲ Χρυσηί̈δα καλλιπάρῃον

Transliteration

Pēleïdēs men epi klisias kai nēas eïsas

ēïe syn te Menoitiadēi kai hois hetaroisin:

Atreïdēs d' ara nēa thoēn hala de proeryssen,

en d' eretas ekrinen eeikosin, es d' hekatombēn

310bēse theōi, ana de Chrysēïda kalliparēion

English

The son of Peleus went back to his tents and ships with the son of Menoitios and his company, while Agamemnon drew a vessel into the water and chose a crew of twenty oarsmen. He escorted Chryseis on board and sent moreover a hecatomb for the god.

Homeric Greek

εἷσεν ἄγων: ἐν δ' ἀρχὸς ἔβη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς.

οἳ μὲν ἔπειτ' ἀναβάντες ἐπέπλεον ὑγρὰ κέλευθα,

λαοὺς δ' Ἀτρεί̈δης ἀπολυμαίνεσθαι ἄνωγεν:

οἳ δ' ἀπελυμαίνοντο καὶ εἰς ἅλα λύματα βάλλον,

315ἕρδον δ' Ἀπόλλωνι τεληέσσας ἑκατόμβας

Transliteration

heisen agōn: en d' archos ebē polymētis Odysseus.

hoi men epeit' anabantes epepleon hygra keleutha,

laous d' Atreïdēs apolymainesthai anōgen:

hoi d' apelymainonto kai eis hala lymata ballon,

315herdon d' Apollōni telēessas hekatombas

English

And Odysseus went as leader. These, then, went on board and sailed their ways over the sea. But the son of Atreus bade the people purify themselves; so they purified themselves and cast their filth into the sea. Then they offered hecatombs of bulls and goats without

Homeric Greek

ταύρων ἠδ' αἰγῶν παρὰ θῖν' ἁλὸς ἀτρυγέτοιο:

κνίση δ' οὐρανὸν ἷκεν ἑλισσομένη περὶ καπνῷ.

ὣς οἳ μὲν τὰ πένοντο κατὰ στρατόν: οὐδ' Ἀγαμέμνων

λῆγ' ἔριδος τὴν πρῶτον ἐπηπείλησ' Ἀχιλῆϊ,

320ἀλλ' ὅ γε Ταλθύβιόν τε καὶ Εὐρυβάτην προσέειπε,

Transliteration

taurōn ēd' aigōn para thin' halos atrygetoio:

knisē d' ouranon hiken helissomenē peri kapnōi.

hōs hoi men ta penonto kata straton: oud' Agamemnōn

lēg' eridos tēn prōton epēpeilēs' Achilēï,

320all' ho ge Talthybion te kai Eurybatēn proseeipe,

English

blemish on the sea-shore, and the smoke with the savor of their sacrifice rose curling up towards heaven. Thus did they busy themselves throughout the host. But Agamemnon did not forget the threat that he had made Achilles, and called his trusty messengers and squires Talthybios and Eurybates.

Homeric Greek

τώ οἱ ἔσαν κήρυκε καὶ ὀτρηρὼ θεράποντε:

ἔρχεσθον κλισίην Πηληϊάδεω Ἀχιλῆος:

χειρὸς ἑλόντ' ἀγέμεν Βρισηί̈δα καλλιπάρῃον:

εἰ δέ κε μὴ δώῃσιν ἐγὼ δέ κεν αὐτὸς ἕλωμαι

325ἐλθὼν σὺν πλεόνεσσι: τό οἱ καὶ ῥίγιον ἔσται.

Transliteration

tō hoi esan kēryke kai otrērō theraponte:

erchesthon klisiēn Pēlēïadeō Achilēos:

cheiros helont' agemen Brisēïda kalliparēion:

ei de ke mē dōēisin egō de ken autos helōmai

325elthōn syn pleonessi: to hoi kai rhigion estai.

English

"Go," said he, "to the tent of Achilles, son of Peleus; take Briseis by the hand and bring her hither; if he will not give her I shall come with others and take her - which will press him harder."

Homeric Greek

ὣς εἰπὼν προί̈ει, κρατερὸν δ' ἐπὶ μῦθον ἔτελλε:

τὼ δ' ἀέκοντε βάτην παρὰ θῖν' ἁλὸς ἀτρυγέτοιο,

Μυρμιδόνων δ' ἐπί τε κλισίας καὶ νῆας ἱκέσθην,

τὸν δ' εὗρον παρά τε κλισίῃ καὶ νηὶ̈ μελαίνῃ

330ἥμενον: οὐδ' ἄρα τώ γε ἰδὼν γήθησεν Ἀχιλλεύς.

Transliteration

hōs eipōn proïei, krateron d' epi mython etelle:

tō d' aekonte batēn para thin' halos atrygetoio,

Myrmidonōn d' epi te klisias kai nēas hikesthēn,

ton d' heuron para te klisiēi kai nēï melainēi

330hēmenon: oud' ara tō ge idōn gēthēsen Achilleus.

English

He charged them straightly further and dismissed them, whereon they went their way sorrowfully by the seaside, till they came to the tents and ships of the Myrmidons. They found Achilles sitting by his tent and his ships, and ill-pleased he was when he beheld them.

Homeric Greek

τὼ μὲν ταρβήσαντε καὶ αἰδομένω βασιλῆα

στήτην, οὐδέ τί μιν προσεφώνεον οὐδ' ἐρέοντο:

αὐτὰρ ὃ ἔγνω ᾗσιν ἐνὶ φρεσὶ φώνησέν τε:

χαίρετε κήρυκες Διὸς ἄγγελοι ἠδὲ καὶ ἀνδρῶν,

335ἆσσον ἴτ': οὔ τί μοι ὔμμες ἐπαίτιοι ἀλλ' Ἀγαμέμνων,

Transliteration

tō men tarbēsante kai aidomenō basilēa

stētēn, oude ti min prosephōneon oud' ereonto:

autar ho egnō hēisin eni phresi phōnēsen te:

chairete kērykes Dios angeloi ēde kai andrōn,

335asson it': ou ti moi ymmes epaitioi all' Agamemnōn,

English

They stood fearfully and reverently before him, and never a word did they speak, but he knew them and said, "Welcome, heralds, messengers of gods and men; draw near;

Homeric Greek

ὃ σφῶϊ προί̈ει Βρισηί̈δος εἵνεκα κούρης.

ἀλλ' ἄγε διογενὲς Πατρόκλεες ἔξαγε κούρην

καί σφωϊν δὸς ἄγειν: τὼ δ' αὐτὼ μάρτυροι ἔστων

πρός τε θεῶν μακάρων πρός τε θνητῶν ἀνθρώπων

340καὶ πρὸς τοῦ βασιλῆος ἀπηνέος εἴ ποτε δ' αὖτε

Transliteration

ho sphōï proïei Brisēïdos heineka kourēs.

all' age diogenes Patroklees exage kourēn

kai sphōïn dos agein: tō d' autō martyroi estōn

pros te theōn makarōn pros te thnētōn anthrōpōn

340kai pros tou basilēos apēneos ei pote d' aute

English

my quarrel is not with you but with Agamemnon who has sent you for the girl Briseis. Therefore, Patroklos, bring her and give her to them, but let them be witnesses by the blessed gods, by mortal men, and by the fierceness of Agamemnon's anger, that if ever again

Homeric Greek

χρειὼ ἐμεῖο γένηται ἀεικέα λοιγὸν ἀμῦναι

τοῖς ἄλλοις: ἦ γὰρ ὅ γ' ὀλοιῇσι φρεσὶ θύει,

οὐδέ τι οἶδε νοῆσαι ἅμα πρόσσω καὶ ὀπίσσω,

ὅππως οἱ παρὰ νηυσὶ σόοι μαχέοιντο Ἀχαιοί.

345ὣς φάτο, Πάτροκλος δὲ φίλῳ ἐπεπείθεθ' ἑταίρῳ,

Transliteration

chreiō emeio genētai aeikea loigon amynai

tois allois: ē gar ho g' oloiēisi phresi thyei,

oude ti oide noēsai hama prossō kai opissō,

hoppōs hoi para nēusi sooi macheointo Achaioi.

345hōs phato, Patroklos de philōi epepeitheth' hetairōi,

English

there be need of me to save the people from ruin, they shall seek and they shall not find. Agamemnon is mad with rage and knows not how to look before and after that the Achaeans may fight by their ships in safety." Patroklos did as his dear comrade had bidden him.

Homeric Greek

ἐκ δ' ἄγαγε κλισίης Βρισηί̈δα καλλιπάρῃον,

δῶκε δ' ἄγειν: τὼ δ' αὖτις ἴτην παρὰ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν:

ἣ δ' ἀέκουσ' ἅμα τοῖσι γυνὴ κίεν: αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

δακρύσας ἑτάρων ἄφαρ ἕζετο νόσφι λιασθείς,

350θῖν' ἔφ' ἁλὸς πολιῆς, ὁρόων ἐπ' ἀπείρονα πόντον:

Transliteration

ek d' agage klisiēs Brisēïda kalliparēion,

dōke d' agein: tō d' autis itēn para nēas Achaiōn:

hē d' aekous' hama toisi gynē kien: autar Achilleus

dakrysas hetarōn aphar hezeto nosphi liastheis,

350thin' eph' halos poliēs, horoōn ep' apeirona ponton:

English

He brought Briseis from the tent and gave her over to the heralds, who took her with them to the ships of the Achaeans - and the woman was loath to go. Then Achilles went all alone by the side of the hoar sea, weeping and looking out upon the boundless waste of waters.

Homeric Greek

πολλὰ δὲ μητρὶ φίλῃ ἠρήσατο χεῖρας ὀρεγνύς:

μῆτερ ἐπεί μ' ἔτεκές γε μινυνθάδιόν περ ἐόντα,

τιμήν πέρ μοι ὄφελλεν Ὀλύμπιος ἐγγυαλίξαι

Ζεὺς ὑψιβρεμέτης: νῦν δ' οὐδέ με τυτθὸν ἔτισεν:

355ἦ γάρ μ' Ἀτρεί̈δης εὐρὺ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

Transliteration

polla de mētri philēi ērēsato cheiras oregnys:

mēter epei m' etekes ge minynthadion per eonta,

timēn per moi ophellen Olympios engyalixai

Zeus hypsibremetēs: nyn d' oude me tytthon etisen:

355ē gar m' Atreïdēs eury kreiōn Agamemnōn

English

He raised his hands in prayer to his immortal mother, "Mother," he cried, "you bore me doomed to live but for a brief season; surely Zeus, who thunders from Olympus, might have given honor in return. It is not so. Agamemnon, son of Atreus, has done me dishonor, and has robbed me of my prize by force."

Homeric Greek

ἠτίμησεν: ἑλὼν γὰρ ἔχει γέρας αὐτὸς ἀπούρας.

ὣς φάτο δάκρυ χέων, τοῦ δ' ἔκλυε πότνια μήτηρ

ἡμένη ἐν βένθεσσιν ἁλὸς παρὰ πατρὶ γέροντι:

καρπαλίμως δ' ἀνέδυ πολιῆς ἁλὸς ἠύ̈τ' ὀμίχλη,

360καί ῥα πάροιθ' αὐτοῖο καθέζετο δάκρυ χέοντος,

Transliteration

ētimēsen: helōn gar echei geras autos apouras.

hōs phato dakry cheōn, tou d' eklye potnia mētēr

hēmenē en benthessin halos para patri geronti:

karpalimōs d' anedy poliēs halos ēÿt' omichlē,

360kai rha paroith' autoio kathezeto dakry cheontos,

English

As he spoke he wept aloud, and his mother heard him where she was sitting in the depths of the sea hard by the Old One, her father. Forthwith she rose as it were a gray mist out of the waves, sat down before him as he stood weeping, caressed him with her hand, and said, "My son, why are you weeping?

Homeric Greek

χειρί τέ μιν κατέρεξεν ἔπος τ' ἔφατ' ἔκ τ' ὀνόμαζε:

τέκνον τί κλαίεις; τί δέ σε φρένας ἵκετο πένθος;

ἐξαύδα, μὴ κεῦθε νόῳ, ἵνα εἴδομεν ἄμφω.

τὴν δὲ βαρὺ στενάχων προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς:

365οἶσθα: τί ἤ τοι ταῦτα ἰδυίῃ πάντ' ἀγορεύω;

Transliteration

cheiri te min katerexen epos t' ephat' ek t' onomaze:

teknon ti klaieis; ti de se phrenas hiketo penthos;

exauda, mē keuthe noōi, hina eidomen amphō.

tēn de bary stenachōn prosephē podas ōkys Achilleus:

365oistha: ti ē toi tauta iduiēi pant' agoreuō;

English

What is it that gives you grief ? Keep it not from my thinking, but tell me, that we may know it together." Achilles drew a deep sigh and said, "You know it; why tell you what you know well already?

Homeric Greek

ᾠχόμεθ' ἐς Θήβην ἱερὴν πόλιν Ἠετίωνος,

τὴν δὲ διεπράθομέν τε καὶ ἤγομεν ἐνθάδε πάντα:

καὶ τὰ μὲν εὖ δάσσαντο μετὰ σφίσιν υἷες Ἀχαιῶν,

ἐκ δ' ἕλον Ἀτρεί̈δῃ Χρυσηί̈δα καλλιπάρῃον.

370Χρύσης δ' αὖθ' ἱερεὺς ἑκατηβόλου Ἀπόλλωνος

Transliteration

ōichometh' es Thēbēn hierēn polin Ēetiōnos,

tēn de dieprathomen te kai ēgomen enthade panta:

kai ta men eu dassanto meta sphisin huies Achaiōn,

ek d' helon Atreïdēi Chrysēïda kalliparēion.

370Chrysēs d' auth' hiereus hekatēbolou Apollōnos

English

We went to Thebe the strong city of Eetion, sacked it, and brought hither the spoil. The sons of the Achaeans shared it duly among themselves, and chose lovely Chryseis as the prize of Agamemnon; but Chryses, priest of Apollo, came to the ships

Homeric Greek

ἦλθε θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων

λυσόμενός τε θύγατρα φέρων τ' ἀπερείσι' ἄποινα,

στέμματ' ἔχων ἐν χερσὶν ἑκηβόλου Ἀπόλλωνος

χρυσέῳ ἀνὰ σκήπτρῳ, καὶ λίσσετο πάντας Ἀχαιούς,

375Ἀτρεί̈δα δὲ μάλιστα δύω κοσμήτορε λαῶν.

Transliteration

ēlthe thoas epi nēas Achaiōn chalkochitōnōn

lysomenos te thygatra pherōn t' apereisi' apoina,

stemmat' echōn en chersin hekēbolou Apollōnos

chryseōi ana skēptrōi, kai lisseto pantas Achaious,

375Atreïda de malista dyō kosmētore laōn.

English

of the Achaeans to free his daughter, and brought with him a great ransom: moreover he bore in his hand the scepter of Apollo, wreathed with a suppliant's wreath, and he besought the Achaeans, but most of all the two sons of Atreus who were their chiefs.

Homeric Greek

ἔνθ' ἄλλοι μὲν πάντες ἐπευφήμησαν Ἀχαιοὶ

αἰδεῖσθαί θ' ἱερῆα καὶ ἀγλαὰ δέχθαι ἄποινα:

ἀλλ' οὐκ Ἀτρεί̈δῃ Ἀγαμέμνονι ἥνδανε θυμῷ,

ἀλλὰ κακῶς ἀφίει, κρατερὸν δ' ἐπὶ μῦθον ἔτελλε:

380χωόμενος δ' ὁ γέρων πάλιν ᾤχετο: τοῖο δ' Ἀπόλλων

Transliteration

enth' alloi men pantes epeuphēmēsan Achaioi

aideisthai th' hierēa kai aglaa dechthai apoina:

all' ouk Atreïdēi Agamemnoni hēndane thymōi,

alla kakōs aphiei, krateron d' epi mython etelle:

380chōomenos d' ho gerōn palin ōicheto: toio d' Apollōn

English

On this the rest of the Achaeans with one voice were for respecting the priest and taking the ransom that he offered; but not so Agamemnon, who spoke fiercely to him and sent him roughly away. So he went back in anger, and Apollo, who loved him dearly, heard his prayer.

Homeric Greek

εὐξαμένου ἤκουσεν, ἐπεὶ μάλα οἱ φίλος ἦεν,

ἧκε δ' ἐπ' Ἀργείοισι κακὸν βέλος: οἳ δέ νυ λαοὶ

θνῇσκον ἐπασσύτεροι, τὰ δ' ἐπῴχετο κῆλα θεοῖο

πάντῃ ἀνὰ στρατὸν εὐρὺν Ἀχαιῶν: ἄμμι δὲ μάντις

385εὖ εἰδὼς ἀγόρευε θεοπροπίας ἑκάτοιο.

Transliteration

euxamenou ēkousen, epei mala hoi philos ēen,

hēke d' ep' Argeioisi kakon belos: hoi de ny laoi

thnēiskon epassyteroi, ta d' epōicheto kēla theoio

pantēi ana straton euryn Achaiōn: ammi de mantis

385eu eidōs agoreue theopropias hekatoio.

English

Then the god sent a deadly dart upon the Argives, and the people died thick on one another, for the arrows went everywhere among the wide host of the Achaeans. At last a seer in the fullness of his knowledge declared to us the

Homeric Greek

αὐτίκ' ἐγὼ πρῶτος κελόμην θεὸν ἱλάσκεσθαι:

Ἀτρεί̈ωνα δ' ἔπειτα χόλος λάβεν, αἶψα δ' ἀναστὰς

ἠπείλησεν μῦθον ὃ δὴ τετελεσμένος ἐστί:

τὴν μὲν γὰρ σὺν νηὶ̈ θοῇ ἑλίκωπες Ἀχαιοὶ

390ἐς Χρύσην πέμπουσιν, ἄγουσι δὲ δῶρα ἄνακτι:

Transliteration

autik' egō prōtos kelomēn theon hilaskesthai:

Atreïōna d' epeita cholos laben, aipsa d' anastas

ēpeilēsen mython ho dē tetelesmenos esti:

tēn men gar syn nēï thoēi helikōpes Achaioi

390es Chrysēn pempousin, agousi de dōra anakti:

English

oracles of Apollo, and I was myself first to say that we should appease him. Whereon the son of Atreus rose in anger, and threatened that which he has since done. The Achaeans are now taking the girl in a ship to Chryse, and sending gifts of sacrifice to the god;

Homeric Greek

τὴν δὲ νέον κλισίηθεν ἔβαν κήρυκες ἄγοντες

κούρην Βρισῆος τήν μοι δόσαν υἷες Ἀχαιῶν.

ἀλλὰ σὺ εἰ δύνασαί γε περίσχεο παιδὸς ἑῆος:

ἐλθοῦσ' Οὔλυμπον δὲ Δία λίσαι, εἴ ποτε δή τι

395ἢ ἔπει ὤνησας κραδίην Διὸς ἠὲ καὶ ἔργῳ.

Transliteration

tēn de neon klisiēthen eban kērykes agontes

kourēn Brisēos tēn moi dosan huies Achaiōn.

alla sy ei dynasai ge perischeo paidos heēos:

elthous' Oulympon de Dia lisai, ei pote dē ti

395ē epei ōnēsas kradiēn Dios ēe kai ergōi.

English

but the heralds have just taken from my tent the daughter of Briseus, whom the Achaeans had awarded to myself. Help your brave son, therefore, if you are able. Go to Olympus, and if you have ever done him service in word or deed, implore the aid of Zeus.

Homeric Greek

πολλάκι γάρ σεο πατρὸς ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἄκουσα

εὐχομένης ὅτ' ἔφησθα κελαινεφέϊ Κρονίωνι

οἴη ἐν ἀθανάτοισιν ἀεικέα λοιγὸν ἀμῦναι,

ὁππότε μιν ξυνδῆσαι Ὀλύμπιοι ἤθελον ἄλλοι

400Ἥρη τ' ἠδὲ Ποσειδάων καὶ Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη:

Transliteration

pollaki gar seo patros eni megaroisin akousa

euchomenēs hot' ephēstha kelainepheï Kroniōni

oiē en athanatoisin aeikea loigon amynai,

hoppote min xyndēsai Olympioi ēthelon alloi

400Hērē t' ēde Poseidaōn kai Pallas Athēnē:

English

Ofttimes in my father's house have I heard you glory in that you alone of the immortals saved the son of Kronos from ruin, when the others, with Hera, Poseidon, and Pallas Athena would have put him in bonds.

Homeric Greek

ἀλλὰ σὺ τόν γ' ἐλθοῦσα θεὰ ὑπελύσαο δεσμῶν,

ὦχ' ἑκατόγχειρον καλέσασ' ἐς μακρὸν Ὄλυμπον,

ὃν Βριάρεων καλέουσι θεοί, ἄνδρες δέ τε πάντες

Αἰγαίων', ὃ γὰρ αὖτε βίην οὗ πατρὸς ἀμείνων:

405ὅς ῥα παρὰ Κρονίωνι καθέζετο κύδεϊ γαίων:

Transliteration

alla sy ton g' elthousa thea hypelysao desmōn,

ōch' hekatoncheiron kalesas' es makron Olympon,

hon Briareōn kaleousi theoi, andres de te pantes

Aigaiōn', ho gar aute biēn hou patros ameinōn:

405hos rha para Kroniōni kathezeto kydeï gaiōn:

English

It was you, goddess, who delivered him by calling to Olympus the hundred-handed one whom gods call Briareus, but men Aigaion, for he has more force even than his father; when therefore he took his seat all-glorious beside the son of Kronos, the other gods were afraid, and did not bind him.

Homeric Greek

τὸν καὶ ὑπέδεισαν μάκαρες θεοὶ οὐδ' ἔτ' ἔδησαν.

τῶν νῦν μιν μνήσασα παρέζεο καὶ λαβὲ γούνων

αἴ κέν πως ἐθέλῃσιν ἐπὶ Τρώεσσιν ἀρῆξαι,

τοὺς δὲ κατὰ πρύμνας τε καὶ ἀμφ' ἅλα ἔλσαι Ἀχαιοὺς

410κτεινομένους, ἵνα πάντες ἐπαύρωνται βασιλῆος,

Transliteration

ton kai hypedeisan makares theoi oud' et' edēsan.

tōn nyn min mnēsasa parezeo kai labe gounōn

ai ken pōs ethelēisin epi Trōessin arēxai,

tous de kata prymnas te kai amph' hala elsai Achaious

410kteinomenous, hina pantes epaurōntai basilēos,

English

Go, then, to him, remind him of all this, clasp his knees, and bid him give succor to the Trojans. Let the Achaeans be hemmed in at the sterns of their ships, and perish on the sea-shore, that they may reap what joy they may of

Homeric Greek

γνῷ δὲ καὶ Ἀτρεί̈δης εὐρὺ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

ἣν ἄτην ὅ τ' ἄριστον Ἀχαιῶν οὐδὲν ἔτισεν.

τὸν δ' ἠμείβετ' ἔπειτα Θέτις κατὰ δάκρυ χέουσα:

ὤ μοι τέκνον ἐμόν, τί νύ σ' ἔτρεφον αἰνὰ τεκοῦσα;

415αἴθ' ὄφελες παρὰ νηυσὶν ἀδάκρυτος καὶ ἀπήμων

Transliteration

gnōi de kai Atreïdēs eury kreiōn Agamemnōn

hēn atēn ho t' ariston Achaiōn ouden etisen.

ton d' ēmeibet' epeita Thetis kata dakry cheousa:

ō moi teknon emon, ti ny s' etrephon aina tekousa;

415aith' opheles para nēusin adakrytos kai apēmōn

English

their king, and that Agamemnon may rue his derangement in offering insult to the best of the Achaeans." Thetis wept and answered, "My son, woe is me that I should have borne or suckled you. Would indeed that you had lived your span free from all sorrow at your ships, for it is all too brief;

Homeric Greek

ἧσθαι, ἐπεί νύ τοι αἶσα μίνυνθά περ οὔ τι μάλα δήν:

νῦν δ' ἅμα τ' ὠκύμορος καὶ ὀϊζυρὸς περὶ πάντων

ἔπλεο: τώ σε κακῇ αἴσῃ τέκον ἐν μεγάροισι.

τοῦτο δέ τοι ἐρέουσα ἔπος Διὶ τερπικεραύνῳ

420εἶμ' αὐτὴ πρὸς Ὄλυμπον ἀγάννιφον αἴ κε πίθηται.

Transliteration

hēsthai, epei ny toi aisa minyntha per ou ti mala dēn:

nyn d' hama t' ōkymoros kai oïzyros peri pantōn

epleo: tō se kakēi aisēi tekon en megaroisi.

touto de toi ereousa epos Dii terpikeraunōi

420eim' autē pros Olympon aganniphon ai ke pithētai.

English

alas, that you should be at once short of life and long of sorrow above your peers: woe, therefore, was the hour in which I bore you; nevertheless I will go to the snowy heights of Olympus, and tell this tale to Zeus, if he will hear our prayer:

Homeric Greek

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν νῦν νηυσὶ παρήμενος ὠκυπόροισι

μήνι' Ἀχαιοῖσιν, πολέμου δ' ἀποπαύεο πάμπαν:

Ζεὺς γὰρ ἐς Ὠκεανὸν μετ' ἀμύμονας Αἰθιοπῆας

χθιζὸς ἔβη κατὰ δαῖτα, θεοὶ δ' ἅμα πάντες ἕποντο:

425δωδεκάτῃ δέ τοι αὖτις ἐλεύσεται Οὔλυμπον δέ,

Transliteration

alla sy men nyn nēusi parēmenos ōkyporoisi

mēni' Achaioisin, polemou d' apopaueo pampan:

Zeus gar es Ōkeanon met' amymonas Aithiopēas

chthizos ebē kata daita, theoi d' hama pantes heponto:

425dōdekatēi de toi autis eleusetai Oulympon de,

English

meanwhile stay where you are with your ships, nurse your anger against the Achaeans, and hold aloof from fight. For Zeus went yesterday to Okeanos, to a feast among the Ethiopians, and the other gods went with him. He will return to Olympus twelve days hence;

Homeric Greek

καὶ τότ' ἔπειτά τοι εἶμι Διὸς ποτὶ χαλκοβατὲς δῶ,

καί μιν γουνάσομαι καί μιν πείσεσθαι ὀί̈ω.

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσασ' ἀπεβήσετο, τὸν δὲ λίπ' αὐτοῦ

χωόμενον κατὰ θυμὸν ἐϋζώνοιο γυναικὸς

430τήν ῥα βίῃ ἀέκοντος ἀπηύρων: αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

Transliteration

kai tot' epeita toi eimi Dios poti chalkobates dō,

kai min gounasomai kai min peisesthai oïō.

hōs ara phōnēsas' apebēseto, ton de lip' autou

chōomenon kata thymon eÿzōnoio gynaikos

430tēn rha biēi aekontos apēurōn: autar Odysseus

English

I will then go to his mansion paved with bronze and will beseech him; nor do I doubt that I shall be able to persuade him." On this she left him, still furious at the loss of her that had been taken by force from him.

Homeric Greek

ἐς Χρύσην ἵκανεν ἄγων ἱερὴν ἑκατόμβην.

οἳ δ' ὅτε δὴ λιμένος πολυβενθέος ἐντὸς ἵκοντο

ἱστία μὲν στείλαντο, θέσαν δ' ἐν νηὶ̈ μελαίνῃ,

ἱστὸν δ' ἱστοδόκῃ πέλασαν προτόνοισιν ὑφέντες

435καρπαλίμως, τὴν δ' εἰς ὅρμον προέρεσσαν ἐρετμοῖς.

Transliteration

es Chrysēn hikanen agōn hierēn hekatombēn.

hoi d' hote dē limenos polybentheos entos hikonto

histia men steilanto, thesan d' en nēï melainēi,

histon d' histodokēi pelasan protonoisin hyphentes

435karpalimōs, tēn d' eis hormon proeressan eretmois.

English

Meanwhile Odysseus reached Chryse with the hecatomb. When they had come inside the harbor they furled the sails and laid them in the ship's hold; they slackened the forestays, lowered the mast into its place, and rowed the ship to the place where they would have her lie;

Homeric Greek

ἐκ δ' εὐνὰς ἔβαλον, κατὰ δὲ πρυμνήσι' ἔδησαν:

ἐκ δὲ καὶ αὐτοὶ βαῖνον ἐπὶ ῥηγμῖνι θαλάσσης,

ἐκ δ' ἑκατόμβην βῆσαν ἑκηβόλῳ Ἀπόλλωνι:

ἐκ δὲ Χρυσηὶ̈ς νηὸς βῆ ποντοπόροιο.

440τὴν μὲν ἔπειτ' ἐπὶ βωμὸν ἄγων πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεὺς

Transliteration

ek d' eunas ebalon, kata de prymnēsi' edēsan:

ek de kai autoi bainon epi rhēgmini thalassēs,

ek d' hekatombēn bēsan hekēbolōi Apollōni:

ek de Chrysēïs nēos bē pontoporoio.

440tēn men epeit' epi bōmon agōn polymētis Odysseus

English

there they cast out their mooring-stones and made fast the hawsers. They then got out upon the sea-shore and landed the hecatomb for Apollo; Chryseis also left the ship, and Odysseus led her to the altar to deliver her into the hands of her father.

Homeric Greek

πατρὶ φίλῳ ἐν χερσὶ τίθει καί μιν προσέειπεν:

ὦ Χρύση, πρό μ' ἔπεμψεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων

παῖδά τε σοὶ ἀγέμεν, Φοίβῳ θ' ἱερὴν ἑκατόμβην

ῥέξαι ὑπὲρ Δαναῶν ὄφρ' ἱλασόμεσθα ἄνακτα,

445ὃς νῦν Ἀργείοισι πολύστονα κήδε' ἐφῆκεν.

Transliteration

patri philōi en chersi tithei kai min proseeipen:

ō Chrysē, pro m' epempsen anax andrōn Agamemnōn

paida te soi agemen, Phoibōi th' hierēn hekatombēn

rhexai hyper Danaōn ophr' hilasomestha anakta,

445hos nyn Argeioisi polystona kēde' ephēken.

English

"Chryses," said he, "King Agamemnon has sent me to bring you back your child, and to offer sacrifice to Apollo on behalf of the Danaans, that we may propitiate the god, who has now brought sorrow upon the Argives."

Homeric Greek

ὣς εἰπὼν ἐν χερσὶ τίθει, ὃ δὲ δέξατο χαίρων

παῖδα φίλην: τοὶ δ' ὦκα θεῷ ἱερὴν ἑκατόμβην

ἑξείης ἔστησαν ἐύ̈δμητον περὶ βωμόν,

χερνίψαντο δ' ἔπειτα καὶ οὐλοχύτας ἀνέλοντο.

450τοῖσιν δὲ Χρύσης μεγάλ' εὔχετο χεῖρας ἀνασχών:

Transliteration

hōs eipōn en chersi tithei, ho de dexato chairōn

paida philēn: toi d' ōka theōi hierēn hekatombēn

hexeiēs estēsan eÿdmēton peri bōmon,

chernipsanto d' epeita kai oulochytas anelonto.

450toisin de Chrysēs megal' eucheto cheiras anaschōn:

English

So saying he gave the girl over to her father, who received her gladly, and they ranged the holy hecatomb all orderly round the altar of the god. They washed their hands and took up the barley-meal to sprinkle over the victims, while Chryses lifted up his hands and prayed aloud on their behalf.

Homeric Greek

κλῦθί μευ ἀργυρότοξ', ὃς Χρύσην ἀμφιβέβηκας

Κίλλαν τε ζαθέην Τενέδοιό τε ἶφι ἀνάσσεις:

ἦ μὲν δή ποτ' ἐμεῦ πάρος ἔκλυες εὐξαμένοιο,

τίμησας μὲν ἐμέ, μέγα δ' ἴψαο λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν:

455ἠδ' ἔτι καὶ νῦν μοι τόδ' ἐπικρήηνον ἐέλδωρ:

Transliteration

klythi meu argyrotox', hos Chrysēn amphibebēkas

Killan te zatheēn Tenedoio te iphi anasseis:

ē men dē pot' emeu paros eklyes euxamenoio,

timēsas men eme, mega d' ipsao laon Achaiōn:

455ēd' eti kai nyn moi tod' epikrēēnon eeldōr:

English

"Hear me," he cried, "O god of the silver bow, you who protect Chryse and holy Cilla, and rule Tenedos with your might. Even as you did hear me aforetime when I prayed, and did press hard upon the Achaeans, so hear me yet again, and stay this fearful pestilence from the Danaans."

Homeric Greek

ἤδη νῦν Δαναοῖσιν ἀεικέα λοιγὸν ἄμυνον.

ὣς ἔφατ' εὐχόμενος, τοῦ δ' ἔκλυε Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥ' εὔξαντο καὶ οὐλοχύτας προβάλοντο,

αὐέρυσαν μὲν πρῶτα καὶ ἔσφαξαν καὶ ἔδειραν,

460μηρούς τ' ἐξέταμον κατά τε κνίσῃ ἐκάλυψαν

Transliteration

ēdē nyn Danaoisin aeikea loigon amynon.

hōs ephat' euchomenos, tou d' eklye Phoibos Apollōn.

autar epei rh' euxanto kai oulochytas probalonto,

auerysan men prōta kai esphaxan kai edeiran,

460mērous t' exetamon kata te knisēi ekalypsan

English

Thus did he pray, and Apollo heard his prayer. When they had done praying and sprinkling the barley-meal, they drew back the heads of the victims and killed and flayed them. They cut out the thigh-bones, wrapped them round in two layers of fat,

Homeric Greek

δίπτυχα ποιήσαντες, ἐπ' αὐτῶν δ' ὠμοθέτησαν:

καῖε δ' ἐπὶ σχίζῃς ὁ γέρων, ἐπὶ δ' αἴθοπα οἶνον

λεῖβε: νέοι δὲ παρ' αὐτὸν ἔχον πεμπώβολα χερσίν.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ κατὰ μῆρε κάη καὶ σπλάγχνα πάσαντο,

465μίστυλλόν τ' ἄρα τἆλλα καὶ ἀμφ' ὀβελοῖσιν ἔπειραν,

Transliteration

diptycha poiēsantes, ep' autōn d' ōmothetēsan:

kaie d' epi schizēis ho gerōn, epi d' aithopa oinon

leibe: neoi de par' auton echon pempōbola chersin.

autar epei kata mēre kaē kai splanchna pasanto,

465mistyllon t' ara talla kai amph' obeloisin epeiran,

English

set some pieces of raw meat on the top of them, and then Chryses laid them on the wood fire and poured wine over them, while the young men stood near him with five-pronged spits in their hands. When the thigh-bones were burned and they had tasted the inward meats, they cut the rest up small, put the pieces upon the spits, roasted them till they were done, and drew them off:

Homeric Greek

ὤπτησάν τε περιφραδέως, ἐρύσαντό τε πάντα.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ παύσαντο πόνου τετύκοντό τε δαῖτα

δαίνυντ', οὐδέ τι θυμὸς ἐδεύετο δαιτὸς ἐί̈σης.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

470κοῦροι μὲν κρητῆρας ἐπεστέψαντο ποτοῖο,

Transliteration

ōptēsan te periphradeōs, erysanto te panta.

autar epei pausanto ponou tetykonto te daita

dainynt', oude ti thymos edeueto daitos eïsēs.

autar epei posios kai edētyos ex eron hento,

470kouroi men krētēras epestepsanto potoio,

English

then, when they had finished their work and the feast was ready, they ate it, and every man had his full share, so that all were satisfied. As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink, pages filled the mixing-bowl with wine and water and handed it round, after giving every man his drink-offering.

Homeric Greek

νώμησαν δ' ἄρα πᾶσιν ἐπαρξάμενοι δεπάεσσιν:

οἳ δὲ πανημέριοι μολπῇ θεὸν ἱλάσκοντο

καλὸν ἀείδοντες παιήονα κοῦροι Ἀχαιῶν

μέλποντες ἑκάεργον: ὃ δὲ φρένα τέρπετ' ἀκούων.

475ἦμος δ' ἠέλιος κατέδυ καὶ ἐπὶ κνέφας ἦλθε,

Transliteration

nōmēsan d' ara pasin eparxamenoi depaessin:

hoi de panēmerioi molpēi theon hilaskonto

kalon aeidontes paiēona kouroi Achaiōn

melpontes hekaergon: ho de phrena terpet' akouōn.

475ēmos d' ēelios katedy kai epi knephas ēlthe,

English

Thus all day long the young men worshipped the god with song, hymning him and chanting the joyous paean, and the god took pleasure in their voices; but when the sun went down, and it came on

Homeric Greek

δὴ τότε κοιμήσαντο παρὰ πρυμνήσια νηός:

ἦμος δ' ἠριγένεια φάνη ῥοδοδάκτυλος Ἠώς,

καὶ τότ' ἔπειτ' ἀνάγοντο μετὰ στρατὸν εὐρὺν Ἀχαιῶν:

τοῖσιν δ' ἴκμενον οὖρον ἵει ἑκάεργος Ἀπόλλων:

480οἳ δ' ἱστὸν στήσαντ' ἀνά θ' ἱστία λευκὰ πέτασσαν,

Transliteration

dē tote koimēsanto para prymnēsia nēos:

ēmos d' ērigeneia phanē rhododaktylos Ēōs,

kai tot' epeit' anagonto meta straton euryn Achaiōn:

toisin d' ikmenon ouron hiei hekaergos Apollōn:

480hoi d' histon stēsant' ana th' histia leuka petassan,

English

dark, they laid themselves down to sleep by the stern cables of the ship, and when the child of morning, rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared they again set sail for the host of the Achaeans. Apollo sent them a fair wind, so they raised their mast and hoisted their white sails aloft.

Homeric Greek

ἐν δ' ἄνεμος πρῆσεν μέσον ἱστίον, ἀμφὶ δὲ κῦμα

στείρῃ πορφύρεον μεγάλ' ἴαχε νηὸς ἰούσης:

ἣ δ' ἔθεεν κατὰ κῦμα διαπρήσσουσα κέλευθον.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥ' ἵκοντο κατὰ στρατὸν εὐρὺν Ἀχαιῶν,

485νῆα μὲν οἵ γε μέλαιναν ἐπ' ἠπείροιο ἔρυσσαν

Transliteration

en d' anemos prēsen meson histion, amphi de kyma

steirēi porphyreon megal' iache nēos iousēs:

hē d' etheen kata kyma diaprēssousa keleuthon.

autar epei rh' hikonto kata straton euryn Achaiōn,

485nēa men hoi ge melainan ep' ēpeiroio eryssan

English

As the sail bellied with the wind the ship flew through the seething deep water, and the foam hissed against her bows as she sped onward. When they reached the wide-stretching host of the Achaeans, they drew the vessel ashore, high and

Homeric Greek

ὑψοῦ ἐπὶ ψαμάθοις, ὑπὸ δ' ἕρματα μακρὰ τάνυσσαν:

αὐτοὶ δ' ἐσκίδναντο κατὰ κλισίας τε νέας τε.

αὐτὰρ ὃ μήνιε νηυσὶ παρήμενος ὠκυπόροισι

διογενὴς Πηλῆος υἱὸς πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς:

490οὔτέ ποτ' εἰς ἀγορὴν πωλέσκετο κυδιάνειραν

Transliteration

hypsou epi psamathois, hypo d' hermata makra tanyssan:

autoi d' eskidnanto kata klisias te neas te.

autar ho mēnie nēusi parēmenos ōkyporoisi

diogenēs Pēlēos huios podas ōkys Achilleus:

490oute pot' eis agorēn pōlesketo kydianeiran

English

dry upon the sands, set her strong props beneath her, and went their ways to their own tents and ships. But Achilles stayed at his ships and nursed his anger. He went not to the honorable assembly, and

Homeric Greek

οὔτέ ποτ' ἐς πόλεμον, ἀλλὰ φθινύθεσκε φίλον κῆρ

αὖθι μένων, ποθέεσκε δ' ἀϋτήν τε πτόλεμόν τε.

ἀλλ' ὅτε δή ῥ' ἐκ τοῖο δυωδεκάτη γένετ' ἠώς,

καὶ τότε δὴ πρὸς Ὄλυμπον ἴσαν θεοὶ αἰὲν ἐόντες

495πάντες ἅμα, Ζεὺς δ' ἦρχε: Θέτις δ' οὐ λήθετ' ἐφετμέων

Transliteration

oute pot' es polemon, alla phthinytheske philon kēr

authi menōn, potheeske d' aÿtēn te ptolemon te.

all' hote dē rh' ek toio dyōdekatē genet' ēōs,

kai tote dē pros Olympon isan theoi aien eontes

495pantes hama, Zeus d' ērche: Thetis d' ou lēthet' ephetmeōn

English

sallied not forth to fight, but gnawed at his own heart, pining for battle and the war-cry. Now after twelve days the immortal gods came back in a body to Olympus, and Zeus led the way.

Homeric Greek

παιδὸς ἑοῦ, ἀλλ' ἥ γ' ἀνεδύσετο κῦμα θαλάσσης.

ἠερίη δ' ἀνέβη μέγαν οὐρανὸν Οὔλυμπόν τε.

εὗρεν δ' εὐρύοπα Κρονίδην ἄτερ ἥμενον ἄλλων

ἀκροτάτῃ κορυφῇ πολυδειράδος Οὐλύμποιο:

500καί ῥα πάροιθ' αὐτοῖο καθέζετο, καὶ λάβε γούνων

Transliteration

paidos heou, all' hē g' anedyseto kyma thalassēs.

ēeriē d' anebē megan ouranon Oulympon te.

heuren d' euryopa Kronidēn ater hēmenon allōn

akrotatēi koryphēi polydeirados Oulympoio:

500kai rha paroith' autoio kathezeto, kai labe gounōn

English

Thetis was not unmindful of the charge her son had laid upon her, so she rose from under the sea and went, enveloped in mist, through great heaven with early morning to Olympus, where she found the mighty son of Kronos sitting all alone upon its topmost ridges. She sat herself down before him, and with her

Homeric Greek

σκαιῇ, δεξιτερῇ δ' ἄρ' ὑπ' ἀνθερεῶνος ἑλοῦσα

λισσομένη προσέειπε Δία Κρονίωνα ἄνακτα:

Ζεῦ πάτερ εἴ ποτε δή σε μετ' ἀθανάτοισιν ὄνησα

ἢ ἔπει ἢ ἔργῳ, τόδε μοι κρήηνον ἐέλδωρ:

505τίμησόν μοι υἱὸν ὃς ὠκυμορώτατος ἄλλων

Transliteration

skaiēi, dexiterēi d' ar' hyp' anthereōnos helousa

lissomenē proseeipe Dia Kroniōna anakta:

Zeu pater ei pote dē se met' athanatoisin onēsa

ē epei ē ergōi, tode moi krēēnon eeldōr:

505timēson moi huion hos ōkymorōtatos allōn

English

left hand seized his knees, while with her right she caught him under the chin, and besought him, saying - "Father Zeus, if I ever did you service in word or deed among the immortals, hear my prayer, and do honor to my son, whose life is to be cut short so early.

Homeric Greek

ἔπλετ': ἀτάρ μιν νῦν γε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων

ἠτίμησεν: ἑλὼν γὰρ ἔχει γέρας αὐτὸς ἀπούρας.

ἀλλὰ σύ πέρ μιν τῖσον Ὀλύμπιε μητίετα Ζεῦ:

τόφρα δ' ἐπὶ Τρώεσσι τίθει κράτος ὄφρ' ἂν Ἀχαιοὶ

510υἱὸν ἐμὸν τίσωσιν ὀφέλλωσίν τέ ἑ τιμῇ.

Transliteration

eplet': atar min nyn ge anax andrōn Agamemnōn

ētimēsen: helōn gar echei geras autos apouras.

alla sy per min tison Olympie mētieta Zeu:

tophra d' epi Trōessi tithei kratos ophr' an Achaioi

510huion emon tisōsin ophellōsin te he timēi.

English

King Agamemnon has dishonored him by taking his prize and keeping her. Honor him then yourself, Olympian lord of counsel, and grant victory to the Trojans, till the Achaeans give my son his due and load him with riches in requital."

Homeric Greek

ὣς φάτο: τὴν δ' οὔ τι προσέφη νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς,

ἀλλ' ἀκέων δὴν ἧστο: Θέτις δ' ὡς ἥψατο γούνων

ὣς ἔχετ' ἐμπεφυυῖα, καὶ εἴρετο δεύτερον αὖτις:

νημερτὲς μὲν δή μοι ὑπόσχεο καὶ κατάνευσον

515ἢ ἀπόειπ', ἐπεὶ οὔ τοι ἔπι δέος, ὄφρ' ἐὺ̈ εἰδέω

Transliteration

hōs phato: tēn d' ou ti prosephē nephelēgereta Zeus,

all' akeōn dēn hēsto: Thetis d' hōs hēpsato gounōn

hōs echet' empephyuia, kai eireto deuteron autis:

nēmertes men dē moi hyposcheo kai kataneuson

515ē apoeip', epei ou toi epi deos, ophr' eÿ eideō

English

Zeus sat for a while silent, and without a word, but Thetis still kept firm hold of his knees, and besought him a second time. "Nod your head," said she, "and promise me surely, or else deny me - for you have nothing to fear - that I may learn how greatly you disdain me."

Homeric Greek

ὅσσον ἐγὼ μετὰ πᾶσιν ἀτιμοτάτη θεός εἰμι.

τὴν δὲ μέγ' ὀχθήσας προσέφη νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς:

ἦ δὴ λοίγια ἔργ' ὅ τέ μ' ἐχθοδοπῆσαι ἐφήσεις

Ἥρῃ ὅτ' ἄν μ' ἐρέθῃσιν ὀνειδείοις ἐπέεσσιν:

520ἣ δὲ καὶ αὔτως μ' αἰεὶ ἐν ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσι

Transliteration

hosson egō meta pasin atimotatē theos eimi.

tēn de meg' ochthēsas prosephē nephelēgereta Zeus:

ē dē loigia erg' ho te m' echthodopēsai ephēseis

Hērēi hot' an m' erethēisin oneideiois epeessin:

520hē de kai autōs m' aiei en athanatoisi theoisi

English

At this Zeus was much troubled and answered, "I shall have trouble if you set me quarreling with Hera, for she will provoke me with her taunting speeches; even now she is always railing at me

Homeric Greek

νεικεῖ, καί τέ μέ φησι μάχῃ Τρώεσσιν ἀρήγειν.

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν νῦν αὖτις ἀπόστιχε μή τι νοήσῃ

Ἥρη: ἐμοὶ δέ κε ταῦτα μελήσεται ὄφρα τελέσσω:

εἰ δ' ἄγε τοι κεφαλῇ κατανεύσομαι ὄφρα πεποίθῃς:

525τοῦτο γὰρ ἐξ ἐμέθεν γε μετ' ἀθανάτοισι μέγιστον

Transliteration

neikei, kai te me phēsi machēi Trōessin arēgein.

alla sy men nyn autis apostiche mē ti noēsēi

Hērē: emoi de ke tauta melēsetai ophra telessō:

ei d' age toi kephalēi kataneusomai ophra pepoithēis:

525touto gar ex emethen ge met' athanatoisi megiston

English

before the other gods and accusing me of giving aid to the Trojans. Go back now, lest she should find out. I will consider the matter, and will bring it about as wish. See, I nod my head that you believe me.

Homeric Greek

τέκμωρ: οὐ γὰρ ἐμὸν παλινάγρετον οὐδ' ἀπατηλὸν

οὐδ' ἀτελεύτητον ὅ τί κεν κεφαλῇ κατανεύσω.

ἦ καὶ κυανέῃσιν ἐπ' ὀφρύσι νεῦσε Κρονίων:

ἀμβρόσιαι δ' ἄρα χαῖται ἐπερρώσαντο ἄνακτος

530κρατὸς ἀπ' ἀθανάτοιο: μέγαν δ' ἐλέλιξεν Ὄλυμπον.

Transliteration

tekmōr: ou gar emon palinagreton oud' apatēlon

oud' ateleutēton ho ti ken kephalēi kataneusō.

ē kai kyaneēisin ep' ophrysi neuse Kroniōn:

ambrosiai d' ara chaitai eperrōsanto anaktos

530kratos ap' athanatoio: megan d' elelixen Olympon.

English

This is the most solemn act that I can offer to any god. I never recall my word, or deceive, or fail to do what I say, when I have nodded my head." As he spoke the son of Kronos bowed his dark brows, and the ambrosial locks swayed on his immortal head, till vast Olympus reeled.

Homeric Greek

τώ γ' ὣς βουλεύσαντε διέτμαγεν: ἣ μὲν ἔπειτα

εἰς ἅλα ἆλτο βαθεῖαν ἀπ' αἰγλήεντος Ὀλύμπου,

Ζεὺς δὲ ἑὸν πρὸς δῶμα: θεοὶ δ' ἅμα πάντες ἀνέσταν

ἐξ ἑδέων σφοῦ πατρὸς ἐναντίον: οὐδέ τις ἔτλη

535μεῖναι ἐπερχόμενον, ἀλλ' ἀντίοι ἔσταν ἅπαντες.

Transliteration

tō g' hōs bouleusante dietmagen: hē men epeita

eis hala alto batheian ap' aiglēentos Olympou,

Zeus de heon pros dōma: theoi d' hama pantes anestan

ex hedeōn sphou patros enantion: oude tis etlē

535meinai eperchomenon, all' antioi estan hapantes.

English

When the pair had thus laid their plans, they parted - Zeus to his mansion, while the goddess left the splendor of Olympus, and plunged into the depths of the sea. The gods rose from their seats, before the coming of their sire. Not one of them dared to remain sitting, but all stood up as he came among them.

Homeric Greek

ὣς ὃ μὲν ἔνθα καθέζετ' ἐπὶ θρόνου: οὐδέ μιν Ἥρη

ἠγνοίησεν ἰδοῦσ' ὅτι οἱ συμφράσσατο βουλὰς

ἀργυρόπεζα Θέτις θυγάτηρ ἁλίοιο γέροντος.

αὐτίκα κερτομίοισι Δία Κρονίωνα προσηύδα:

540τίς δ' αὖ τοι δολομῆτα θεῶν συμφράσσατο βουλάς;

Transliteration

hōs ho men entha kathezet' epi thronou: oude min Hērē

ēgnoiēsen idous' hoti hoi symphrassato boulas

argyropeza Thetis thygatēr halioio gerontos.

autika kertomioisi Dia Kroniōna prosēuda:

540tis d' au toi dolomēta theōn symphrassato boulas;

English

There, then, he took his seat. But Hera, when she saw him, knew that he and silver-footed Thetis, the daughter of the Old One of the Sea, had been planning mischief, so she at once began to upbraid him. "Trickster," she cried, "which of the gods have you been taking into your counsels now?

Homeric Greek

αἰεί τοι φίλον ἐστὶν ἐμεῦ ἀπὸ νόσφιν ἐόντα

κρυπτάδια φρονέοντα δικαζέμεν: οὐδέ τί πώ μοι

πρόφρων τέτληκας εἰπεῖν ἔπος ὅττι νοήσῃς.

τὴν δ' ἠμείβετ' ἔπειτα πατὴρ ἀνδρῶν τε θεῶν τε:

545Ἥρη μὴ δὴ πάντας ἐμοὺς ἐπιέλπεο μύθους

Transliteration

aiei toi philon estin emeu apo nosphin eonta

kryptadia phroneonta dikazemen: oude ti pō moi

prophrōn tetlēkas eipein epos hotti noēsēis.

tēn d' ēmeibet' epeita patēr andrōn te theōn te:

545Hērē mē dē pantas emous epielpeo mythous

English

You are always settling matters in secret behind my back, and have never yet told me, if you could help it, one word of your intentions." "Hera," replied the sire of gods and men, "you must not expect to be informed of all my counsels.

Homeric Greek

εἰδήσειν: χαλεποί τοι ἔσοντ' ἀλόχῳ περ ἐούσῃ:

ἀλλ' ὃν μέν κ' ἐπιεικὲς ἀκουέμεν οὔ τις ἔπειτα

οὔτε θεῶν πρότερος τὸν εἴσεται οὔτ' ἀνθρώπων:

ὃν δέ κ' ἐγὼν ἀπάνευθε θεῶν ἐθέλωμι νοῆσαι

550μή τι σὺ ταῦτα ἕκαστα διείρεο μηδὲ μετάλλα.

Transliteration

eidēsein: chalepoi toi esont' alochōi per eousēi:

all' hon men k' epieikes akouemen ou tis epeita

oute theōn proteros ton eisetai out' anthrōpōn:

hon de k' egōn apaneuthe theōn ethelōmi noēsai

550mē ti sy tauta hekasta dieireo mēde metalla.

English

You are my wife, but you would find it hard to understand them. When it is proper for you to hear, there is no one, god or man, who will be told sooner, but when I mean to keep a matter to myself, you must not pry nor ask questions."

Homeric Greek

τὸν δ' ἠμείβετ' ἔπειτα βοῶπις πότνια Ἥρη:

αἰνότατε Κρονίδη ποῖον τὸν μῦθον ἔειπες;

καὶ λίην σε πάρος γ' οὔτ' εἴρομαι οὔτε μεταλλῶ,

ἀλλὰ μάλ' εὔκηλος τὰ φράζεαι ἅσσ' ἐθέλῃσθα.

555νῦν δ' αἰνῶς δείδοικα κατὰ φρένα μή σε παρείπῃ

Transliteration

ton d' ēmeibet' epeita boōpis potnia Hērē:

ainotate Kronidē poion ton mython eeipes;

kai liēn se paros g' out' eiromai oute metallō,

alla mal' eukēlos ta phrazeai hass' ethelēistha.

555nyn d' ainōs deidoika kata phrena mē se pareipēi

English

"Dread son of Kronos," answered Hera, "what are you talking about? I? Pry and ask questions? Never. I let you have your own way in everything. Still, I have a strong misgiving that Thetis, daughter of the Old

Homeric Greek

ἀργυρόπεζα Θέτις θυγάτηρ ἁλίοιο γέροντος:

ἠερίη γὰρ σοί γε παρέζετο καὶ λάβε γούνων:

τῇ σ' ὀί̈ω κατανεῦσαι ἐτήτυμον ὡς Ἀχιλῆα

τιμήσῃς, ὀλέσῃς δὲ πολέας ἐπὶ νηυσὶν Ἀχαιῶν.

560τὴν δ' ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς:

Transliteration

argyropeza Thetis thygatēr halioio gerontos:

ēeriē gar soi ge parezeto kai labe gounōn:

tēi s' oïō kataneusai etētymon hōs Achilēa

timēsēis, olesēis de poleas epi nēusin Achaiōn.

560tēn d' apameibomenos prosephē nephelēgereta Zeus:

English

One of the Sea, has been talking you over, for she was with you and had hold of your knees this self-same morning. I believe, therefore, that you have been promising her to give glory to Achilles, and to kill many people at the ships of the Achaeans." "Wife," said Zeus, "I can do nothing but you suspect me and find it out.

Homeric Greek

δαιμονίη αἰεὶ μὲν ὀί̈εαι οὐδέ σε λήθω:

πρῆξαι δ' ἔμπης οὔ τι δυνήσεαι, ἀλλ' ἀπὸ θυμοῦ

μᾶλλον ἐμοὶ ἔσεαι: τὸ δέ τοι καὶ ῥίγιον ἔσται.

εἰ δ' οὕτω τοῦτ' ἐστὶν ἐμοὶ μέλλει φίλον εἶναι:

565ἀλλ' ἀκέουσα κάθησο, ἐμῷ δ' ἐπιπείθεο μύθῳ,

Transliteration

daimoniē aiei men oïeai oude se lēthō:

prēxai d' empēs ou ti dynēseai, all' apo thymou

mallon emoi eseai: to de toi kai rhigion estai.

ei d' houtō tout' estin emoi mellei philon einai:

565all' akeousa kathēso, emōi d' epipeitheo mythōi,

English

You will take nothing by it, for I shall only dislike you the more, and it will go harder with you. Granted that it is as you say; I mean to have it so; sit down and hold your tongue as I bid you

Homeric Greek

μή νύ τοι οὐ χραίσμωσιν ὅσοι θεοί εἰσ' ἐν Ὀλύμπῳ

ἆσσον ἰόνθ', ὅτε κέν τοι ἀάπτους χεῖρας ἐφείω.

ὣς ἔφατ' ἔδεισεν δὲ βοῶπις πότνια Ἥρη,

καί ῥ' ἀκέουσα καθῆστο ἐπιγνάμψασα φίλον κῆρ:

570ὄχθησαν δ' ἀνὰ δῶμα Διὸς θεοὶ Οὐρανίωνες:

Transliteration

mē ny toi ou chraismōsin hosoi theoi eis' en Olympōi

asson ionth', hote ken toi aaptous cheiras epheiō.

hōs ephat' edeisen de boōpis potnia Hērē,

kai rh' akeousa kathēsto epignampsasa philon kēr:

570ochthēsan d' ana dōma Dios theoi Ouraniōnes:

English

for if I once begin to lay my hands about you, though all heaven were on your side it would profit you nothing." On this Hera was frightened, so she curbed her stubborn will and sat down in silence. But the heavenly beings were disquieted throughout

Homeric Greek

τοῖσιν δ' Ἥφαιστος κλυτοτέχνης ἦρχ' ἀγορεύειν

μητρὶ φίλῃ ἐπίηρα φέρων λευκωλένῳ Ἥρῃ:

ἦ δὴ λοίγια ἔργα τάδ' ἔσσεται οὐδ' ἔτ' ἀνεκτά,

εἰ δὴ σφὼ ἕνεκα θνητῶν ἐριδαίνετον ὧδε,

575ἐν δὲ θεοῖσι κολῳὸν ἐλαύνετον: οὐδέ τι δαιτὸς

Transliteration

toisin d' Hēphaistos klytotechnēs ērch' agoreuein

mētri philēi epiēra pherōn leukōlenōi Hērēi:

ē dē loigia erga tad' essetai oud' et' anekta,

ei dē sphō heneka thnētōn eridaineton hōde,

575en de theoisi kolōion elauneton: oude ti daitos

English

the house of Zeus, till the cunning workman Hephaistos began to try and pacify his mother Hera. "It will be intolerable," said he, "if you two fall to wrangling and setting heaven in an uproar about a pack of mortals.

Homeric Greek

ἐσθλῆς ἔσσεται ἦδος, ἐπεὶ τὰ χερείονα νικᾷ.

μητρὶ δ' ἐγὼ παράφημι καὶ αὐτῇ περ νοεούσῃ

πατρὶ φίλῳ ἐπίηρα φέρειν Διί, ὄφρα μὴ αὖτε

νεικείῃσι πατήρ, σὺν δ' ἡμῖν δαῖτα ταράξῃ.

580εἴ περ γάρ κ' ἐθέλῃσιν Ὀλύμπιος ἀστεροπητὴς

Transliteration

esthlēs essetai ēdos, epei ta chereiona nikāi.

mētri d' egō paraphēmi kai autēi per noeousēi

patri philōi epiēra pherein Dii, ophra mē aute

neikeiēisi patēr, syn d' hēmin daita taraxēi.

580ei per gar k' ethelēisin Olympios asteropētēs

English

If such ill counsels are to prevail, we shall have no pleasure at our banquet. Let me then advise my mother - and she must herself know that it will be better - to make friends with my dear father Zeus, lest he again scold her and disturb our feast. If the Olympian Thunderer wants to hurl us all from

Homeric Greek

ἐξ ἑδέων στυφελίξαι: ὃ γὰρ πολὺ φέρτατός ἐστιν.

ἀλλὰ σὺ τὸν ἐπέεσσι καθάπτεσθαι μαλακοῖσιν:

αὐτίκ' ἔπειθ' ἵλαος Ὀλύμπιος ἔσσεται ἡμῖν.

ὣς ἄρ' ἔφη καὶ ἀναί̈ξας δέπας ἀμφικύπελλον

585μητρὶ φίλῃ ἐν χειρὶ τίθει καί μιν προσέειπε:

Transliteration

ex hedeōn styphelixai: ho gar poly phertatos estin.

alla sy ton epeessi kathaptesthai malakoisin:

autik' epeith' hilaos Olympios essetai hēmin.

hōs ar' ephē kai anaïxas depas amphikypellon

585mētri philēi en cheiri tithei kai min proseeipe:

English

our seats, he can do so, for he is far the strongest, so give him fair words, and he will then soon be in a good humor with us." As he spoke, he took a double cup of nectar, and placed it in his mother's hand.

Homeric Greek

τέτλαθι μῆτερ ἐμή, καὶ ἀνάσχεο κηδομένη περ,

μή σε φίλην περ ἐοῦσαν ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἴδωμαι

θεινομένην, τότε δ' οὔ τι δυνήσομαι ἀχνύμενός περ

χραισμεῖν: ἀργαλέος γὰρ Ὀλύμπιος ἀντιφέρεσθαι:

590ἤδη γάρ με καὶ ἄλλοτ' ἀλεξέμεναι μεμαῶτα

Transliteration

tetlathi mēter emē, kai anascheo kēdomenē per,

mē se philēn per eousan en ophthalmoisin idōmai

theinomenēn, tote d' ou ti dynēsomai achnymenos per

chraismein: argaleos gar Olympios antipheresthai:

590ēdē gar me kai allot' alexemenai memaōta

English

"Cheer up, my dear mother," said he, "and make the best of it. I love you dearly, and should be very sorry to see you get a thrashing; however grieved I might be, I could not help for there is no standing against Zeus. Once before when I was trying to help you, he caught me by the foot and flung me from the heavenly threshold.

Homeric Greek

ῥῖψε ποδὸς τεταγὼν ἀπὸ βηλοῦ θεσπεσίοιο,

πᾶν δ' ἦμαρ φερόμην, ἅμα δ' ἠελίῳ καταδύντι

κάππεσον ἐν Λήμνῳ, ὀλίγος δ' ἔτι θυμὸς ἐνῆεν:

ἔνθά με Σίντιες ἄνδρες ἄφαρ κομίσαντο πεσόντα.

595ὣς φάτο, μείδησεν δὲ θεὰ λευκώλενος Ἥρη,

Transliteration

rhipse podos tetagōn apo bēlou thespesioio,

pan d' ēmar pheromēn, hama d' ēeliōi katadynti

kappeson en Lēmnōi, oligos d' eti thymos enēen:

entha me Sinties andres aphar komisanto pesonta.

595hōs phato, meidēsen de thea leukōlenos Hērē,

English

All day long from morn till eve, was I falling, till at sunset I came to ground in the island of Lemnos, and there I lay, with very little life left in me, till the Sintians came and tended me." Hera smiled at this, and as she smiled she took the cup from her son's hands.

Homeric Greek

μειδήσασα δὲ παιδὸς ἐδέξατο χειρὶ κύπελλον:

αὐτὰρ ὃ τοῖς ἄλλοισι θεοῖς ἐνδέξια πᾶσιν

οἰνοχόει γλυκὺ νέκταρ ἀπὸ κρητῆρος ἀφύσσων:

ἄσβεστος δ' ἄρ' ἐνῶρτο γέλως μακάρεσσι θεοῖσιν

600ὡς ἴδον Ἥφαιστον διὰ δώματα ποιπνύοντα.

Transliteration

meidēsasa de paidos edexato cheiri kypellon:

autar ho tois alloisi theois endexia pasin

oinochoei glyky nektar apo krētēros aphyssōn:

asbestos d' ar' enōrto gelōs makaressi theoisin

600hōs idon Hēphaiston dia dōmata poipnyonta.

English

Then Hephaistos drew sweet nectar from the mixing-bowl, and served it round among the gods, going from left to right; and the blessed gods laughed out a loud approval as they saw him bustling about the heavenly mansion.

Homeric Greek

ὣς τότε μὲν πρόπαν ἦμαρ ἐς ἠέλιον καταδύντα

δαίνυντ', οὐδέ τι θυμὸς ἐδεύετο δαιτὸς ἐί̈σης,

οὐ μὲν φόρμιγγος περικαλλέος ἣν ἔχ' Ἀπόλλων,

Μουσάων θ' αἳ ἄειδον ἀμειβόμεναι ὀπὶ καλῇ.

605αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ κατέδυ λαμπρὸν φάος ἠελίοιο,

Transliteration

hōs tote men propan ēmar es ēelion katadynta

dainynt', oude ti thymos edeueto daitos eïsēs,

ou men phormingos perikalleos hēn ech' Apollōn,

Mousaōn th' hai aeidon ameibomenai opi kalēi.

605autar epei katedy lampron phaos ēelioio,

English

Thus through the livelong day to the going down of the sun they feasted, and every one had his full share, so that all were satisfied. Apollo struck his lyre, and the Muses lifted up their sweet voices, taking turns. But when the sun's glorious light had faded,

Homeric Greek

οἳ μὲν κακκείοντες ἔβαν οἶκον δὲ ἕκαστος,

ἧχι ἑκάστῳ δῶμα περικλυτὸς ἀμφιγυήεις

Ἥφαιστος ποίησεν ἰδυίῃσι πραπίδεσσι:

Ζεὺς δὲ πρὸς ὃν λέχος ἤϊ' Ὀλύμπιος ἀστεροπητής,

610ἔνθα πάρος κοιμᾶθ' ὅτε μιν γλυκὺς ὕπνος ἱκάνοι:

Transliteration

hoi men kakkeiontes eban oikon de hekastos,

hēchi hekastōi dōma periklytos amphigyēeis

Hēphaistos poiēsen iduiēisi prapidessi:

Zeus de pros hon lechos ēï' Olympios asteropētēs,

610entha paros koimath' hote min glykys hypnos hikanoi:

English

they went home to bed, each in his own abode, which lame Hephaistos with his consummate skill had fashioned for them. So Zeus, the Olympian Lord of Thunder, hied him to the bed in which he always slept;

Homeric Greek

ἔνθα καθεῦδ' ἀναβάς, παρὰ δὲ χρυσόθρονος Ἥρη.

Transliteration

entha katheud' anabas, para de chrysothronos Hērē.

English

and when he had got on to it he went to sleep, with Hera of the golden throne by his side.