Book XXIV

Homeric Greek

1λῦτο δ' ἀγών, λαοὶ δὲ θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας ἕκαστοι

ἐσκίδναντ' ἰέναι. τοὶ μὲν δόρποιο μέδοντο

ὕπνου τε γλυκεροῦ ταρπήμεναι: αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

κλαῖε φίλου ἑτάρου μεμνημένος, οὐδέ μιν ὕπνος

5ᾕρει πανδαμάτωρ, ἀλλ' ἐστρέφετ' ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα

Transliteration

1luto d' agōn, laoi de thoas epi nēas hekastoi

eskidnant' ienai. toi men dorpoio medonto

hupnou te glukerou tarpēmenai: autar Achilleus

klaie philou hetarou memnēmenos, oude min hupnos

5hēirei pandamatōr, all' estrephet' entha kai entha

English · Butler

The assembly now broke up and the people went their ways each to his own ship. There they made ready their supper, and then bethought them of the blessed boon of sleep; but Achilles still wept for thinking of his dear comrade, and sleep, before whom all things bow, could take no hold upon him. This way and that did he turn as he yearned after the might and manfulness of Patroklos; he thought of all they had done together, and all

Homeric Greek

Πατρόκλου ποθέων ἀνδροτῆτά τε καὶ μένος ἠύ̈,

ἠδ' ὁπόσα τολύπευσε σὺν αὐτῷ καὶ πάθεν ἄλγεα

ἀνδρῶν τε πτολέμους ἀλεγεινά τε κύματα πείρων:

τῶν μιμνησκόμενος θαλερὸν κατὰ δάκρυον εἶβεν,

10ἄλλοτ' ἐπὶ πλευρὰς κατακείμενος, ἄλλοτε δ' αὖτε

Transliteration

Patroklou potheōn androtēta te kai menos ēü,

ēd' hoposa tolupeuse sun autōi kai pathen algea

andrōn te ptolemous alegeina te kumata peirōn:

tōn mimnēskomenos thaleron kata dakruon eiben,

10allot' epi pleuras katakeimenos, allote d' aute

English · Butler

they had gone through both on the field of battle and on the waves of the weary sea. As he dwelt on these things he wept bitterly and lay now on his side, now on his back, and now face downwards, till at last he rose and went out as one distraught to wander upon the seashore. Then, when he saw dawn breaking over beach and

Homeric Greek

ὕπτιος, ἄλλοτε δὲ πρηνής: τοτὲ δ' ὀρθὸς ἀναστὰς

δινεύεσκ' ἀλύων παρὰ θῖν' ἁλός: οὐδέ μιν ἠὼς

φαινομένη λήθεσκεν ὑπεὶρ ἅλα τ' ἠϊόνας τε.

ἀλλ' ὅ γ' ἐπεὶ ζεύξειεν ὑφ' ἅρμασιν ὠκέας ἵππους,

15Ἕκτορα δ' ἕλκεσθαι δησάσκετο δίφρου ὄπισθεν,

Transliteration

huptios, allote de prēnēs: tote d' orthos anastas

dineuesk' aluōn para thin' halos: oude min ēōs

phainomenē lēthesken hupeir hala t' ēïonas te.

all' ho g' epei zeuxeien huph' harmasin ōkeas hippous,

15Hektora d' helkesthai dēsasketo diphrou opisthen,

English · Butler

sea, he yoked his horses to his chariot, and bound the body of Hektor behind it that he might drag it about. Thrice did he drag it round the tomb of the son of Menoitios, and then went back into his tent, leaving the body on the ground full length and with its face downwards.

Homeric Greek

τρὶς δ' ἐρύσας περὶ σῆμα Μενοιτιάδαο θανόντος

αὖτις ἐνὶ κλισίῃ παυέσκετο, τὸν δέ τ' ἔασκεν

ἐν κόνι ἐκτανύσας προπρηνέα: τοῖο δ' Ἀπόλλων

πᾶσαν ἀεικείην ἄπεχε χροὶ̈ φῶτ' ἐλεαίρων

20καὶ τεθνηότα περ: περὶ δ' αἰγίδι πάντα κάλυπτε

Transliteration

tris d' erusas peri sēma Menoitiadao thanontos

autis eni klisiēi pauesketo, ton de t' easken

en koni ektanusas proprēnea: toio d' Apollōn

pasan aeikeiēn apeche chroï phōt' eleairōn

20kai tethnēota per: peri d' aigidi panta kalupte

English · Butler

But Apollo would not suffer it to be disfigured, for he pitied the man, dead though he now was; therefore he shielded him with his golden aegis continually, that he might take no hurt

Homeric Greek

χρυσείῃ, ἵνα μή μιν ἀποδρύφοι ἑλκυστάζων.

ὣς ὃ μὲν Ἕκτορα δῖον ἀείκιζεν μενεαίνων:

τὸν δ' ἐλεαίρεσκον μάκαρες θεοὶ εἰσορόωντες,

κλέψαι δ' ὀτρύνεσκον ἐύ̈σκοπον ἀργεϊφόντην.

25ἔνθ' ἄλλοις μὲν πᾶσιν ἑήνδανεν, οὐδέ ποθ' Ἥρῃ

Transliteration

chruseiēi, hina mē min apodruphoi helkustazōn.

hōs ho men Hektora dion aeikizen meneainōn:

ton d' eleaireskon makares theoi eisoroōntes,

klepsai d' otruneskon eüskopon argeïphontēn.

25enth' allois men pasin heēndanen, oude poth' Hērēi

English · Butler

while Achilles was dragging him. Thus shamefully did Achilles in his fury dishonor Hektor; but the blessed gods looked down in pity from heaven, and urged Hermes, slayer of Argos, to steal the body. All were of this mind save only Hera, Poseidon, and Zeus' gray-eyed daughter,

Homeric Greek

οὐδὲ Ποσειδάων' οὐδὲ γλαυκώπιδι κούρῃ,

ἀλλ' ἔχον ὥς σφιν πρῶτον ἀπήχθετο Ἴλιος ἱρὴ

καὶ Πρίαμος καὶ λαὸς Ἀλεξάνδρου ἕνεκ' ἄτης,

ὃς νείκεσσε θεὰς ὅτε οἱ μέσσαυλον ἵκοντο,

30τὴν δ' ᾔνησ' ἥ οἱ πόρε μαχλοσύνην ἀλεγεινήν.

Transliteration

oude Poseidaōn' oude glaukōpidi kourēi,

all' echon hōs sphin prōton apēchtheto Ilios hirē

kai Priamos kai laos Alexandrou henek' atēs,

hos neikesse theas hote hoi messaulon hikonto,

30tēn d' ēinēs' hē hoi pore machlosunēn alegeinēn.

English · Butler

who persisted in the hate which they had ever borne towards Ilion with Priam and his people; for they forgave not the wrong done them by Alexander in disdaining the goddesses who came to him when he was in his sheepyards, and preferring her who had offered him a wanton to his ruin.

Homeric Greek

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

καὶ τότ' ἄρ' ἀθανάτοισι μετηύδα Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων:

σχέτλιοί ἐστε θεοί, δηλήμονες: οὔ νύ ποθ' ὑμῖν

Ἕκτωρ μηρί' ἔκηε βοῶν αἰγῶν τε τελείων;

35τὸν νῦν οὐκ ἔτλητε νέκυν περ ἐόντα σαῶσαι

Transliteration

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

kai tot' ar' athanatoisi metēuda Phoibos Apollōn:

schetlioi este theoi, dēlēmones: ou nu poth' humin

Hektōr mēri' ekēe boōn aigōn te teleiōn;

35ton nun ouk etlēte nekun per eonta saōsai

English · Butler

When, therefore, the morning of the twelfth day had now come, Phoebus Apollo spoke among the immortals saying, "You gods ought to be ashamed of yourselves; you are cruel and hard-hearted. Did not Hektor burn you thigh-bones of heifers and of unblemished goats? And now dare you not rescue even his dead body, for his wife to look upon, with his mother and child, his father Priam, and his people, who would forthwith commit him to the flames, and give him his due funeral rites?

Homeric Greek

ᾗ τ' ἀλόχῳ ἰδέειν καὶ μητέρι καὶ τέκεϊ ᾧ

καὶ πατέρι Πριάμῳ λαοῖσί τε, τοί κέ μιν ὦκα

ἐν πυρὶ κήαιεν καὶ ἐπὶ κτέρεα κτερίσαιεν.

ἀλλ' ὀλοῷ Ἀχιλῆϊ θεοὶ βούλεσθ' ἐπαρήγειν,

40ᾧ οὔτ' ἂρ φρένες εἰσὶν ἐναίσιμοι οὔτε νόημα

Transliteration

hēi t' alochōi ideein kai mēteri kai tekeï hōi

kai pateri Priamōi laoisi te, toi ke min ōka

en puri kēaien kai epi kterea kterisaien.

all' oloōi Achilēï theoi boulesth' eparēgein,

40hōi out' ar phrenes eisin enaisimoi oute noēma

English · Butler

So, then, you would all be on the side of mad Achilles, who knows neither right nor ruth? He is like some savage lion that in the pride of his great strength and spirit springs upon men's flocks and gorges on them. Even so has Achilles flung aside all pity, and all that decency which at once so greatly banes yet greatly boons him that will heed it.

Homeric Greek

γναμπτὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσι, λέων δ' ὣς ἄγρια οἶδεν,

ὅς τ' ἐπεὶ ἂρ μεγάλῃ τε βίῃ καὶ ἀγήνορι θυμῷ

εἴξας εἶσ' ἐπὶ μῆλα βροτῶν ἵνα δαῖτα λάβῃσιν:

ὣς Ἀχιλεὺς ἔλεον μὲν ἀπώλεσεν, οὐδέ οἱ αἰδὼς

45γίγνεται, ἥ τ' ἄνδρας μέγα σίνεται ἠδ' ὀνίνησι.

Transliteration

gnampton eni stēthessi, leōn d' hōs agria oiden,

hos t' epei ar megalēi te biēi kai agēnori thumōi

eixas eis' epi mēla brotōn hina daita labēisin:

hōs Achileus eleon men apōlesen, oude hoi aidōs

45gignetai, hē t' andras mega sinetai ēd' oninēsi.

English · Butler

man may lose one far dearer than Achilles has lost- a son, it may be, or a brother born from his own mother's womb; yet when he has mourned him and wept over him he will let him bide, for it takes much sorrow to kill a man; whereas Achilles, now that he

Homeric Greek

μέλλει μέν πού τις καὶ φίλτερον ἄλλον ὀλέσσαι

ἠὲ κασίγνητον ὁμογάστριον ἠὲ καὶ υἱόν:

ἀλλ' ἤτοι κλαύσας καὶ ὀδυράμενος μεθέηκε:

τλητὸν γὰρ Μοῖραι θυμὸν θέσαν ἀνθρώποισιν.

50αὐτὰρ ὅ γ' Ἕκτορα δῖον, ἐπεὶ φίλον ἦτορ ἀπηύρα,

Transliteration

mellei men pou tis kai philteron allon olessai

ēe kasignēton homogastrion ēe kai huion:

all' ētoi klausas kai oduramenos metheēke:

tlēton gar Moirai thumon thesan anthrōpoisin.

50autar ho g' Hektora dion, epei philon ētor apēura,

English · Butler

has slain noble Hektor, drags him behind his chariot round the tomb of his comrade. It were better of him, and for him, that he should not do so, for brave

Homeric Greek

ἵππων ἐξάπτων περὶ σῆμ' ἑτάροιο φίλοιο

ἕλκει: οὐ μήν οἱ τό γε κάλλιον οὐδέ τ' ἄμεινον.

μὴ ἀγαθῷ περ ἐόντι νεμεσσηθέωμέν οἱ ἡμεῖς:

κωφὴν γὰρ δὴ γαῖαν ἀεικίζει μενεαίνων.

55τὸν δὲ χολωσαμένη προσέφη λευκώλενος Ἥρη:

Transliteration

hippōn exaptōn peri sēm' hetaroio philoio

helkei: ou mēn hoi to ge kallion oude t' ameinon.

mē agathōi per eonti nemessētheōmen hoi hēmeis:

kōphēn gar dē gaian aeikizei meneainōn.

55ton de cholōsamenē prosephē leukōlenos Hērē:

English · Butler

though he be we gods may take it ill that he should vent his fury upon dead clay." Hera spoke up in a rage.

Homeric Greek

εἴη κεν καὶ τοῦτο τεὸν ἔπος ἀργυρότοξε

εἰ δὴ ὁμὴν Ἀχιλῆϊ καὶ Ἕκτορι θήσετε τιμήν.

Ἕκτωρ μὲν θνητός τε γυναῖκά τε θήσατο μαζόν:

αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεύς ἐστι θεᾶς γόνος, ἣν ἐγὼ αὐτὴ

60θρέψά τε καὶ ἀτίτηλα καὶ ἀνδρὶ πόρον παράκοιτιν

Transliteration

eiē ken kai touto teon epos argurotoxe

ei dē homēn Achilēï kai Hektori thēsete timēn.

Hektōr men thnētos te gunaika te thēsato mazon:

autar Achilleus esti theas gonos, hēn egō autē

60threpsa te kai atitēla kai andri poron parakoitin

English · Butler

Hera spoke up in a rage. "This were well," she cried, "O lord of the silver bow, if you would give like honor to Hektor and to Achilles; but Hektor was mortal and suckled at a woman's breast, whereas Achilles is the offspring of a goddess whom I myself reared and brought up. I married her to Peleus, who is above measure dear to the immortals; you gods came all of you to her wedding;

Homeric Greek

Πηλέϊ, ὃς περὶ κῆρι φίλος γένετ' ἀθανάτοισι.

πάντες δ' ἀντιάασθε θεοὶ γάμου: ἐν δὲ σὺ τοῖσι

δαίνυ' ἔχων φόρμιγγα κακῶν ἕταρ', αἰὲν ἄπιστε.

τὴν δ' ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς:

65Ἥρη μὴ δὴ πάμπαν ἀποσκύδμαινε θεοῖσιν:

Transliteration

Pēleï, hos peri kēri philos genet' athanatoisi.

pantes d' antiaasthe theoi gamou: en de su toisi

dainu' echōn phorminga kakōn hetar', aien apiste.

tēn d' apameibomenos prosephē nephelēgereta Zeus:

65Hērē mē dē pampan aposkudmaine theoisin:

English · Butler

you feasted along with them yourself and brought your lyre - false, and fond of low company, that you have ever been." Then said Zeus, "Hera, be not so bitter. Their honor shall not be equal, but of all that

Homeric Greek

οὐ μὲν γὰρ τιμή γε μί' ἔσσεται: ἀλλὰ καὶ Ἕκτωρ

φίλτατος ἔσκε θεοῖσι βροτῶν οἳ ἐν Ἰλίῳ εἰσίν:

ὣς γὰρ ἔμοιγ', ἐπεὶ οὔ τι φίλων ἡμάρτανε δώρων.

οὐ γάρ μοί ποτε βωμὸς ἐδεύετο δαιτὸς ἐί̈σης

70λοιβῆς τε κνίσης τε: τὸ γὰρ λάχομεν γέρας ἡμεῖς.

Transliteration

ou men gar timē ge mi' essetai: alla kai Hektōr

philtatos eske theoisi brotōn hoi en Iliōi eisin:

hōs gar emoig', epei ou ti philōn hēmartane dōrōn.

ou gar moi pote bōmos edeueto daitos eïsēs

70loibēs te knisēs te: to gar lachomen geras hēmeis.

English · Butler

dwell in Ilion, Hektor was dearest to the gods, as also to myself, for his offerings never failed me. Never was my altar stinted of its dues, nor of the drink-offerings and savor of sacrifice which we claim of right. I shall therefore permit the body of mighty Hektor to be stolen; and yet this may hardly be without Achilles coming to know it, for his mother keeps night and day beside him.

Homeric Greek

ἀλλ' ἤτοι κλέψαι μὲν ἐάσομεν, οὐδέ πῃ ἔστι,

λάθρῃ Ἀχιλλῆος θρασὺν Ἕκτορα: ἦ γάρ οἱ αἰεὶ

μήτηρ παρμέμβλωκεν ὁμῶς νύκτάς τε καὶ ἦμαρ.

ἀλλ' εἴ τις καλέσειε θεῶν Θέτιν ἆσσον ἐμεῖο,

75ὄφρά τί οἱ εἴπω πυκινὸν ἔπος, ὥς κεν Ἀχιλλεὺς

Transliteration

all' ētoi klepsai men easomen, oude pēi esti,

lathrēi Achillēos thrasun Hektora: ē gar hoi aiei

mētēr parmemblōken homōs nuktas te kai ēmar.

all' ei tis kaleseie theōn Thetin asson emeio,

75ophra ti hoi eipō pukinon epos, hōs ken Achilleus

English · Butler

Let some one of you, therefore, send Thetis to me, and I will impart my counsel to her, namely that Achilles is to accept a ransom from Priam,

Homeric Greek

δώρων ἐκ Πριάμοιο λάχῃ ἀπό θ' Ἕκτορα λύσῃ.

ὣς ἔφατ', ὦρτο δὲ Ἶρις ἀελλόπος ἀγγελέουσα,

μεσσηγὺς δὲ Σάμου τε καὶ Ἴμβρου παιπαλοέσσης

ἔνθορε μείλανι πόντῳ: ἐπεστονάχησε δὲ λίμνη.

80ἣ δὲ μολυβδαίνῃ ἰκέλη ἐς βυσσὸν ὄρουσεν,

Transliteration

dōrōn ek Priamoio lachēi apo th' Hektora lusēi.

hōs ephat', ōrto de Iris aellopos angeleousa,

messēgus de Samou te kai Imbrou paipaloessēs

enthore meilani pontōi: epestonachēse de limnē.

80hē de molubdainēi ikelē es busson orousen,

English · Butler

and give up the body." On this Iris fleet as the wind went forth to carry his message. Down she plunged into the dark sea midway between Samos and rocky Imbros; the waters hissed as they closed over her, and she sank into the bottom as the lead at the end of an ox-horn, that is sped to carry death to fishes.

Homeric Greek

ἥ τε κατ' ἀγραύλοιο βοὸς κέρας ἐμβεβαυῖα

ἔρχεται ὠμηστῇσιν ἐπ' ἰχθύσι κῆρα φέρουσα.

εὗρε δ' ἐνὶ σπῆϊ γλαφυρῷ Θέτιν, ἀμφὶ δ' ἄρ' ἄλλαι

εἵαθ' ὁμηγερέες ἅλιαι θεαί: ἣ δ' ἐνὶ μέσσῃς

85κλαῖε μόρον οὗ παιδὸς ἀμύμονος, ὅς οἱ ἔμελλε

Transliteration

hē te kat' agrauloio boos keras embebauia

erchetai ōmēstēisin ep' ichthusi kēra pherousa.

heure d' eni spēï glaphurōi Thetin, amphi d' ar' allai

heiath' homēgerees haliai theai: hē d' eni messēis

85klaie moron hou paidos amumonos, hos hoi emelle

English · Butler

She found Thetis sitting in a great cave with the other sea-goddesses gathered round her; there she sat in the midst of them weeping for her noble son who was to fall far from his own land, on the fertile plains of Troy. Iris went up to her and said, "Rise Thetis; Zeus, whose counsels fail not, bids you come to him."

Homeric Greek

φθίσεσθ' ἐν Τροίῃ ἐριβώλακι τηλόθι πάτρης.

ἀγχοῦ δ' ἱσταμένη προσέφη πόδας ὠκέα Ἶρις:

ὄρσο Θέτι: καλέει Ζεὺς ἄφθιτα μήδεα εἰδώς.

τὴν δ' ἠμείβετ' ἔπειτα θεὰ Θέτις ἀργυρόπεζα:

90τίπτέ με κεῖνος ἄνωγε μέγας θεός; αἰδέομαι δὲ

Transliteration

phthisesth' en Troiēi eribōlaki tēlothi patrēs.

anchou d' histamenē prosephē podas ōkea Iris:

orso Theti: kaleei Zeus aphthita mēdea eidōs.

tēn d' ēmeibet' epeita thea Thetis arguropeza:

90tipte me keinos anōge megas theos; aideomai de

English · Butler

And Thetis answered, "Why does the mighty god so bid me? I am in great grief, and shrink from going in and out among the immortals. Still, I will go, and the word that he may

Homeric Greek

μίσγεσθ' ἀθανάτοισιν, ἔχω δ' ἄχε' ἄκριτα θυμῷ.

εἶμι μέν, οὐδ' ἅλιον ἔπος ἔσσεται ὅττί κεν εἴπῃ.

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσασα κάλυμμ' ἕλε δῖα θεάων

κυάνεον, τοῦ δ' οὔ τι μελάντερον ἔπλετο ἔσθος.

95βῆ δ' ἰέναι, πρόσθεν δὲ ποδήνεμος ὠκέα Ἶρις

Transliteration

misgesth' athanatoisin, echō d' ache' akrita thumōi.

eimi men, oud' halion epos essetai hotti ken eipēi.

hōs ara phōnēsasa kalumm' hele dia theaōn

kuaneon, tou d' ou ti melanteron epleto esthos.

95bē d' ienai, prosthen de podēnemos ōkea Iris

English · Butler

speak shall not be spoken in vain." The goddess took her dark veil, than which there can be no robe more somber, and went forth with fleet Iris leading the way before her. The waves of the sea opened them a path, and when they reached the shore they flew up into the

Homeric Greek

ἡγεῖτ': ἀμφὶ δ' ἄρα σφι λιάζετο κῦμα θαλάσσης.

ἀκτὴν δ' ἐξαναβᾶσαι ἐς οὐρανὸν ἀϊχθήτην,

εὗρον δ' εὐρύοπα Κρονίδην, περὶ δ' ἄλλοι ἅπαντες

εἵαθ' ὁμηγερέες μάκαρες θεοὶ αἰὲν ἐόντες.

100ἣ δ' ἄρα πὰρ Διὶ πατρὶ καθέζετο, εἶξε δ' Ἀθήνη.

Transliteration

hēgeit': amphi d' ara sphi liazeto kuma thalassēs.

aktēn d' exanabasai es ouranon aïchthētēn,

heuron d' euruopa Kronidēn, peri d' alloi hapantes

heiath' homēgerees makares theoi aien eontes.

100hē d' ara par Dii patri kathezeto, eixe d' Athēnē.

English · Butler

heavens, where they found the all-seeing son of Kronos with the blessed gods that live for ever assembled near him. Athena gave up her seat to her, and she sat down by the side of father Zeus. Hera then placed a fair golden cup in her hand, and spoke to her in words of comfort, whereon Thetis drank and gave her back the cup;

Homeric Greek

Ἥρη δὲ χρύσεον καλὸν δέπας ἐν χερὶ θῆκε

καί ῥ' εὔφρην' ἐπέεσσι: Θέτις δ' ὤρεξε πιοῦσα.

τοῖσι δὲ μύθων ἦρχε πατὴρ ἀνδρῶν τε θεῶν τε:

ἤλυθες Οὔλυμπον δὲ θεὰ Θέτι κηδομένη περ,

105πένθος ἄλαστον ἔχουσα μετὰ φρεσίν: οἶδα καὶ αὐτός:

Transliteration

Hērē de chruseon kalon depas en cheri thēke

kai rh' euphrēn' epeessi: Thetis d' ōrexe piousa.

toisi de muthōn ērche patēr andrōn te theōn te:

ēluthes Oulumpon de thea Theti kēdomenē per,

105penthos alaston echousa meta phresin: oida kai autos:

English · Butler

and the sire of gods and men was the first to speak. "So, goddess Thetis," said he, "for all your sorrow, and the grief that I well know reigns ever in your heart, you have come hither to Olympus, and I will tell you why I have sent for you. This nine days past the immortals have been quarreling about Achilles waster of cities and the body of Hektor.

Homeric Greek

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὧς ἐρέω τοῦ σ' εἵνεκα δεῦρο κάλεσσα.

ἐννῆμαρ δὴ νεῖκος ἐν ἀθανάτοισιν ὄρωρεν

Ἕκτορος ἀμφὶ νέκυι καὶ Ἀχιλλῆϊ πτολιπόρθῳ:

κλέψαι δ' ὀτρύνουσιν ἐύ̈σκοπον ἀργεϊφόντην:

110αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ τόδε κῦδος Ἀχιλλῆϊ προτιάπτω

Transliteration

alla kai hōs ereō tou s' heineka deuro kalessa.

ennēmar dē neikos en athanatoisin orōren

Hektoros amphi nekui kai Achillēï ptoliporthōi:

klepsai d' otrunousin eüskopon argeïphontēn:

110autar egō tode kudos Achillēï protiaptō

English · Butler

The gods would have Hermes slayer of Argos steal the body, but in furtherance of our decency and sense of being near-and-dear henceforward, I will concede such honor to your son as I will now tell you. Go, then, to the host and lay these commands upon him; say that the gods are angry with him,

Homeric Greek

αἰδῶ καὶ φιλότητα τεὴν μετόπισθε φυλάσσων.

αἶψα μάλ' ἐς στρατὸν ἐλθὲ καὶ υἱέϊ σῷ ἐπίτειλον:

σκύζεσθαί οἱ εἰπὲ θεούς, ἐμὲ δ' ἔξοχα πάντων

ἀθανάτων κεχολῶσθαι, ὅτι φρεσὶ μαινομένῃσιν

115Ἕκτορ' ἔχει παρὰ νηυσὶ κορωνίσιν οὐδ' ἀπέλυσεν,

Transliteration

aidō kai philotēta teēn metopisthe phulassōn.

aipsa mal' es straton elthe kai huieï sōi epiteilon:

skuzesthai hoi eipe theous, eme d' exocha pantōn

athanatōn kecholōsthai, hoti phresi mainomenēisin

115Hektor' echei para nēusi korōnisin oud' apelusen,

English · Butler

and that I am myself more angry than them all, in that he keeps Hektor at the ships and will not give him up. He may thus fear me and let the body go. At the same time I will send Iris to great Priam to

Homeric Greek

αἴ κέν πως ἐμέ τε δείσῃ ἀπό θ' Ἕκτορα λύσῃ.

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ Πριάμῳ μεγαλήτορι Ἶριν ἐφήσω

λύσασθαι φίλον υἱὸν ἰόντ' ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν,

δῶρα δ' Ἀχιλλῆϊ φερέμεν, τά κε θυμὸν ἰήνῃ.

120ὣς ἔφατ', οὐδ' ἀπίθησε θεὰ Θέτις ἀργυρόπεζα,

Transliteration

ai ken pōs eme te deisēi apo th' Hektora lusēi.

autar egō Priamōi megalētori Irin ephēsō

lusasthai philon huion iont' epi nēas Achaiōn,

dōra d' Achillēï pheremen, ta ke thumon iēnēi.

120hōs ephat', oud' apithēse thea Thetis arguropeza,

English · Butler

bid him go to the ships of the Achaeans, and ransom his son, taking with him such gifts for Achilles as may give him satisfaction. Silver-footed Thetis did as the god had told her, and forthwith down she darted from the topmost summits of Olympus.

Homeric Greek

βῆ δὲ κατ' Οὐλύμποιο καρήνων ἀί̈ξασα,

ἷξεν δ' ἐς κλισίην οὗ υἱέος: ἔνθ' ἄρα τόν γε

εὗρ' ἁδινὰ στενάχοντα: φίλοι δ' ἀμφ' αὐτὸν ἑταῖροι

ἐσσυμένως ἐπένοντο καὶ ἐντύνοντο ἄριστον:

125τοῖσι δ' ὄϊς λάσιος μέγας ἐν κλισίῃ ἱέρευτο.

Transliteration

bē de kat' Oulumpoio karēnōn aïxasa,

hixen d' es klisiēn hou huieos: enth' ara ton ge

heur' hadina stenachonta: philoi d' amph' auton hetairoi

essumenōs epenonto kai entunonto ariston:

125toisi d' oïs lasios megas en klisiēi hiereuto.

English · Butler

Silver-footed Thetis did as the god had told her, and forthwith down she darted from the topmost summits of Olympus. She went to her son's tents where she found him grieving bitterly, while his trusty comrades round him were busy preparing their morning meal, for which they had killed a great woolly sheep. His mother sat down beside him and caressed him with her hand saying, "My son, how long will you keep on thus grieving and making moan?

Homeric Greek

ἣ δὲ μάλ' ἄγχ' αὐτοῖο καθέζετο πότνια μήτηρ,

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

τέκνον ἐμὸν τέο μέχρις ὀδυρόμενος καὶ ἀχεύων

σὴν ἔδεαι κραδίην μεμνημένος οὔτέ τι σίτου

130οὔτ' εὐνῆς; ἀγαθὸν δὲ γυναικί περ ἐν φιλότητι

Transliteration

hē de mal' anch' autoio kathezeto potnia mētēr,

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

teknon emon teo mechris oduromenos kai acheuōn

sēn edeai kradiēn memnēmenos oute ti sitou

130out' eunēs; agathon de gunaiki per en philotēti

English · Butler

You are gnawing at your own heart, and think neither of food nor of woman's embraces; and yet these too were well, for you have no long time to live, and death with the strong hand of fate are already close beside you. Now, therefore, heed what I say, for I come as a messenger from Zeus; he says that the gods

Homeric Greek

μίσγεσθ': οὐ γάρ μοι δηρὸν βέῃ, ἀλλά τοι ἤδη

ἄγχι παρέστηκεν θάνατος καὶ μοῖρα κραταιή.

ἀλλ' ἐμέθεν ξύνες ὦκα, Διὸς δέ τοι ἄγγελός εἰμι:

σκύζεσθαι σοί φησι θεούς, ἑὲ δ' ἔξοχα πάντων

135ἀθανάτων κεχολῶσθαι, ὅτι φρεσὶ μαινομένῃσιν

Transliteration

misgesth': ou gar moi dēron beēi, alla toi ēdē

anchi parestēken thanatos kai moira krataiē.

all' emethen xunes ōka, Dios de toi angelos eimi:

skuzesthai soi phēsi theous, hee d' exocha pantōn

135athanatōn kecholōsthai, hoti phresi mainomenēisin

English · Butler

are angry with you, and himself more angry than them all, in that you keep Hektor at the ships and will not give him up. Therefore let him go, and accept

Homeric Greek

Ἕκτορ' ἔχεις παρὰ νηυσὶ κορωνίσιν οὐδ' ἀπέλυσας.

ἀλλ' ἄγε δὴ λῦσον, νεκροῖο δὲ δέξαι ἄποινα.

τὴν δ' ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς:

τῇδ' εἴη: ὃς ἄποινα φέροι καὶ νεκρὸν ἄγοιτο,

140εἰ δὴ πρόφρονι θυμῷ Ὀλύμπιος αὐτὸς ἀνώγει.

Transliteration

Hektor' echeis para nēusi korōnisin oud' apelusas.

all' age dē luson, nekroio de dexai apoina.

tēn d' apameibomenos prosephē podas ōkus Achilleus:

tēid' eiē: hos apoina pheroi kai nekron agoito,

140ei dē prophroni thumōi Olumpios autos anōgei.

English · Butler

a ransom for his body." And Achilles answered, "So be it. If Olympian Zeus of his own motion thus commands me, let him that brings the ransom bear the body away."

Homeric Greek

ὣς οἵ γ' ἐν νηῶν ἀγύρει μήτηρ τε καὶ υἱὸς

πολλὰ πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἔπεα πτερόεντ' ἀγόρευον.

Ἶριν δ' ὄτρυνε Κρονίδης εἰς Ἴλιον ἱρήν:

βάσκ' ἴθι Ἶρι ταχεῖα λιποῦσ' ἕδος Οὐλύμποιο

145ἄγγειλον Πριάμῳ μεγαλήτορι Ἴλιον εἴσω

Transliteration

hōs hoi g' en nēōn agurei mētēr te kai huios

polla pros allēlous epea pteroent' agoreuon.

Irin d' otrune Kronidēs eis Ilion hirēn:

bask' ithi Iri tacheia lipous' hedos Oulumpoio

145angeilon Priamōi megalētori Ilion eisō

English · Butler

Thus did mother and son talk together at the ships in long discourse with one another. Meanwhile the son of Kronos sent Iris to the strong city of Ilion. "Go," said he, "fleet Iris, from the mansions of Olympus, and tell King Priam in Ilion, that he is to go to the ships of the Achaeans and free the body of his dear son.

Homeric Greek

λύσασθαι φίλον υἱὸν ἰόντ' ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν,

δῶρα δ' Ἀχιλλῆϊ φερέμεν τά κε θυμὸν ἰήνῃ

οἶον, μὴ δέ τις ἄλλος ἅμα Τρώων ἴτω ἀνήρ.

κῆρύξ τίς οἱ ἕποιτο γεραίτερος, ὅς κ' ἰθύνοι

150ἡμιόνους καὶ ἄμαξαν ἐύ̈τροχον, ἠδὲ καὶ αὖτις

Transliteration

lusasthai philon huion iont' epi nēas Achaiōn,

dōra d' Achillēï pheremen ta ke thumon iēnēi

oion, mē de tis allos hama Trōōn itō anēr.

kērux tis hoi hepoito geraiteros, hos k' ithunoi

150hēmionous kai amaxan eütrochon, ēde kai autis

English · Butler

He is to take such gifts with him as shall give satisfaction to Achilles, and he is to go alone, with no other Trojan, save only some honored servant who may drive his mules and wagon, and bring back the body of him whom noble Achilles has slain.

Homeric Greek

νεκρὸν ἄγοι προτὶ ἄστυ, τὸν ἔκτανε δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς.

μὴ δέ τί οἱ θάνατος μελέτω φρεσὶ μὴ δέ τι τάρβος:

τοῖον γάρ οἱ πομπὸν ὀπάσσομεν ἀργεϊφόντην,

ὃς ἄξει εἷός κεν ἄγων Ἀχιλῆϊ πελάσσῃ.

155αὐτὰρ ἐπὴν ἀγάγῃσιν ἔσω κλισίην Ἀχιλῆος,

Transliteration

nekron agoi proti astu, ton ektane dios Achilleus.

mē de ti hoi thanatos meletō phresi mē de ti tarbos:

toion gar hoi pompon opassomen argeïphontēn,

hos axei heios ken agōn Achilēï pelassēi.

155autar epēn agagēisin esō klisiēn Achilēos,

English · Butler

Let him have no thought nor fear of death in his heart, for we will send the slayer of Argos to escort him, and bring him within the tent of Achilles. Achilles will not kill him nor let another do so, for he

Homeric Greek

οὔτ' αὐτὸς κτενέει ἀπό τ' ἄλλους πάντας ἐρύξει:

οὔτε γάρ ἐστ' ἄφρων οὔτ' ἄσκοπος οὔτ' ἀλιτήμων,

ἀλλὰ μάλ' ἐνδυκέως ἱκέτεω πεφιδήσεται ἀνδρός.

ὣς ἔφατ', ὦρτο δὲ Ἶρις ἀελλόπος ἀγγελέουσα.

160ἷξεν δ' ἐς Πριάμοιο, κίχεν δ' ἐνοπήν τε γόον τε.

Transliteration

out' autos kteneei apo t' allous pantas eruxei:

oute gar est' aphrōn out' askopos out' alitēmōn,

alla mal' endukeōs hiketeō pephidēsetai andros.

hōs ephat', ōrto de Iris aellopos angeleousa.

160hixen d' es Priamoio, kichen d' enopēn te goon te.

English · Butler

will take heed to his ways and err not, and he will entreat a suppliant with all honorable courtesy." On this Iris, fleet as the wind, sped forth to deliver her message. She went to Priam's house, and found weeping and lamentation therein.

Homeric Greek

παῖδες μὲν πατέρ' ἀμφὶ καθήμενοι ἔνδοθεν αὐλῆς

δάκρυσιν εἵματ' ἔφυρον, ὃ δ' ἐν μέσσοισι γεραιὸς

ἐντυπὰς ἐν χλαίνῃ κεκαλυμμένος: ἀμφὶ δὲ πολλὴ

κόπρος ἔην κεφαλῇ τε καὶ αὐχένι τοῖο γέροντος

165τήν ῥα κυλινδόμενος καταμήσατο χερσὶν ἑῇσι.

Transliteration

paides men pater' amphi kathēmenoi endothen aulēs

dakrusin heimat' ephuron, ho d' en messoisi geraios

entupas en chlainēi kekalummenos: amphi de pollē

kopros eēn kephalēi te kai aucheni toio gerontos

165tēn rha kulindomenos katamēsato chersin heēisi.

English · Butler

His sons were seated round their father in the outer courtyard, and their raiment was wet with tears: the old man sat in the midst of them with his mantle wrapped close about his body, and his head and neck all covered with the filth which he had clutched as he lay groveling in the mire. His daughters and his sons' wives went wailing about the house,

Homeric Greek

θυγατέρες δ' ἀνὰ δώματ' ἰδὲ νυοὶ ὠδύροντο

τῶν μιμνησκόμεναι οἳ δὴ πολέες τε καὶ ἐσθλοὶ

χερσὶν ὑπ' Ἀργείων κέατο ψυχὰς ὀλέσαντες.

στῆ δὲ παρὰ Πρίαμον Διὸς ἄγγελος, ἠδὲ προσηύδα

170τυτθὸν φθεγξαμένη: τὸν δὲ τρόμος ἔλλαβε γυῖα:

Transliteration

thugateres d' ana dōmat' ide nuoi ōduronto

tōn mimnēskomenai hoi dē polees te kai esthloi

chersin hup' Argeiōn keato psuchas olesantes.

stē de para Priamon Dios angelos, ēde prosēuda

170tutthon phthenxamenē: ton de tromos ellabe guia:

English · Butler

as they thought of the many and brave men who lost their life-breath, slain by the Argives. The messenger of Zeus stood by Priam and spoke softly to him, but fear fell upon him as she did so. "Take heart," she said, "Priam offspring of Dardanos, take heart and fear not. I bring no evil tidings, but am minded well towards you. I come as a messenger from Zeus,

Homeric Greek

θάρσει Δαρδανίδη Πρίαμε φρεσί, μὴ δέ τι τάρβει:

οὐ μὲν γάρ τοι ἐγὼ κακὸν ὀσσομένη τόδ' ἱκάνω

ἀλλ' ἀγαθὰ φρονέουσα: Διὸς δέ τοι ἄγγελός εἰμι,

ὅς σευ ἄνευθεν ἐὼν μέγα κήδεται ἠδ' ἐλεαίρει.

175λύσασθαί σ' ἐκέλευσεν Ὀλύμπιος Ἕκτορα δῖον,

Transliteration

tharsei Dardanidē Priame phresi, mē de ti tarbei:

ou men gar toi egō kakon ossomenē tod' hikanō

all' agatha phroneousa: Dios de toi angelos eimi,

hos seu aneuthen eōn mega kēdetai ēd' eleairei.

175lusasthai s' ekeleusen Olumpios Hektora dion,

English · Butler

who though he be not near, takes thought for you and pities you. The lord of Olympus bids you go and ransom noble Hektor, and take with you such gifts as shall give satisfaction to Achilles.

Homeric Greek

δῶρα δ' Ἀχιλλῆϊ φερέμεν τά κε θυμὸν ἰήνῃ

οἶον, μὴ δέ τις ἄλλος ἅμα Τρώων ἴτω ἀνήρ.

κῆρύξ τίς τοι ἕποιτο γεραίτερος, ὅς κ' ἰθύνοι

ἡμιόνους καὶ ἄμαξαν ἐύ̈τροχον, ἠδὲ καὶ αὖτις

180νεκρὸν ἄγοι προτὶ ἄστυ, τὸν ἔκτανε δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς.

Transliteration

dōra d' Achillēï pheremen ta ke thumon iēnēi

oion, mē de tis allos hama Trōōn itō anēr.

kērux tis toi hepoito geraiteros, hos k' ithunoi

hēmionous kai amaxan eütrochon, ēde kai autis

180nekron agoi proti astu, ton ektane dios Achilleus.

English · Butler

You are to go alone, with no Trojan, save only some honored servant who may drive your mules and wagon, and bring back to the city the body of him whom noble Achilles has slain. You are to have no thought, nor fear of death, for Zeus will send the slayer of Argos to escort you. When he has brought you within Achilles' tent,

Homeric Greek

μὴ δέ τί τοι θάνατος μελέτω φρεσὶ μηδέ τι τάρβος:

τοῖος γάρ τοι πομπὸς ἅμ' ἕψεται ἀργεϊφόντης,

ὅς σ' ἄξει εἷός κεν ἄγων Ἀχιλῆϊ πελάσσῃ.

αὐτὰρ ἐπὴν ἀγάγῃσιν ἔσω κλισίην Ἀχιλῆος,

185οὔτ' αὐτὸς κτενέει ἀπό τ' ἄλλους πάντας ἐρύξει:

Transliteration

mē de ti toi thanatos meletō phresi mēde ti tarbos:

toios gar toi pompos ham' hepsetai argeïphontēs,

hos s' axei heios ken agōn Achilēï pelassēi.

autar epēn agagēisin esō klisiēn Achilēos,

185out' autos kteneei apo t' allous pantas eruxei:

English · Butler

Achilles will not kill you nor let another do so, for he will take heed to his ways and err not, and

Homeric Greek

οὔτε γάρ ἔστ' ἄφρων οὔτ' ἄσκοπος οὔτ' ἀλιτήμων,

ἀλλὰ μάλ' ἐνδυκέως ἱκέτεω πεφιδήσεται ἀνδρός.

ἣ μὲν ἄρ' ὣς εἰποῦσ' ἀπέβη πόδας ὠκέα Ἶρις,

αὐτὰρ ὅ γ' υἷας ἄμαξαν ἐύ̈τροχον ἡμιονείην

190ὁπλίσαι ἠνώγει, πείρινθα δὲ δῆσαι ἐπ' αὐτῆς.

Transliteration

oute gar est' aphrōn out' askopos out' alitēmōn,

alla mal' endukeōs hiketeō pephidēsetai andros.

hē men ar' hōs eipous' apebē podas ōkea Iris,

autar ho g' huias amaxan eütrochon hēmioneiēn

190hoplisai ēnōgei, peirintha de dēsai ep' autēs.

English · Butler

he will entreat a suppliant with all honorable courtesy." Iris went her way when she had thus spoken, and Priam told his sons to get a mule-wagon ready, and to make the body of the wagon fast upon the top of its bed. Then he went down into his fragrant store-room, high-vaulted, and made of cedar-wood, where his many treasures were kept, and he called Hecuba his wife.

Homeric Greek

αὐτὸς δ' ἐς θάλαμον κατεβήσετο κηώεντα

κέδρινον ὑψόροφον, ὃς γλήνεα πολλὰ κεχάνδει:

ἐς δ' ἄλοχον Ἑκάβην ἐκαλέσσατο φώνησέν τε:

δαιμονίη Διόθεν μοι Ὀλύμπιος ἄγγελος ἦλθε

195λύσασθαι φίλον υἱὸν ἰόντ' ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν,

Transliteration

autos d' es thalamon katebēseto kēōenta

kedrinon hupsorophon, hos glēnea polla kechandei:

es d' alochon Hekabēn ekalessato phōnēsen te:

daimoniē Diothen moi Olumpios angelos ēlthe

195lusasthai philon huion iont' epi nēas Achaiōn,

English · Butler

"Wife," said he, "a messenger has come to me from Olympus, and has told me to go to the ships of the Achaeans to ransom my dear son, taking with me such gifts as shall give satisfaction to Achilles. What think you of this matter?

Homeric Greek

δῶρα δ' Ἀχιλλῆϊ φερέμεν τά κε θυμὸν ἰήνῃ.

ἀλλ' ἄγε μοι τόδε εἰπὲ τί τοι φρεσὶν εἴδεται εἶναι;

αἰνῶς γάρ μ' αὐτόν γε μένος καὶ θυμὸς ἄνωγε

κεῖσ' ἰέναι ἐπὶ νῆας ἔσω στρατὸν εὐρὺν Ἀχαιῶν.

200ὣς φάτο, κώκυσεν δὲ γυνὴ καὶ ἀμείβετο μύθῳ:

Transliteration

dōra d' Achillēï pheremen ta ke thumon iēnēi.

all' age moi tode eipe ti toi phresin eidetai einai;

ainōs gar m' auton ge menos kai thumos anōge

keis' ienai epi nēas esō straton eurun Achaiōn.

200hōs phato, kōkusen de gunē kai ameibeto muthōi:

English · Butler

for my own part I am greatly moved to pass through the of the Achaeans and go to their ships." His wife cried aloud as she heard him, and said, "Alas, what has become of that judgment for which you have been ever famous both among strangers and your own people?

Homeric Greek

ὤ μοι πῇ δή τοι φρένες οἴχονθ', ᾗς τὸ πάρος περ

ἔκλε' ἐπ' ἀνθρώπους ξείνους ἠδ' οἷσιν ἀνάσσεις;

πῶς ἐθέλεις ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν ἐλθέμεν οἶος

ἀνδρὸς ἐς ὀφθαλμοὺς ὅς τοι πολέας τε καὶ ἐσθλοὺς

205υἱέας ἐξενάριξε: σιδήρειόν νύ τοι ἦτορ.

Transliteration

ō moi pēi dē toi phrenes oichonth', hēis to paros per

ekle' ep' anthrōpous xeinous ēd' hoisin anasseis;

pōs etheleis epi nēas Achaiōn elthemen oios

andros es ophthalmous hos toi poleas te kai esthlous

205huieas exenarixe: sidēreion nu toi ētor.

English · Butler

His wife cried aloud as she heard him, and said, "Alas, what has become of that judgment for which you have been ever famous both among strangers and your own people? How can you venture alone to the ships of the Achaeans, and look into the face of him who has slain so many of your brave sons? You must have iron courage, for if the cruel savage sees you and lays hold on you, he will know neither respect nor pity. Let us then weep Hektor from afar

Homeric Greek

εἰ γάρ σ' αἱρήσει καὶ ἐσόψεται ὀφθαλμοῖσιν

ὠμηστὴς καὶ ἄπιστος ἀνὴρ ὅ γε οὔ σ' ἐλεήσει,

οὐδέ τί σ' αἰδέσεται. νῦν δὲ κλαίωμεν ἄνευθεν

ἥμενοι ἐν μεγάρῳ: τῷ δ' ὥς ποθι Μοῖρα κραταιὴ

210γιγνομένῳ ἐπένησε λίνῳ, ὅτε μιν τέκον αὐτή,

Transliteration

ei gar s' hairēsei kai esopsetai ophthalmoisin

ōmēstēs kai apistos anēr ho ge ou s' eleēsei,

oude ti s' aidesetai. nun de klaiōmen aneuthen

hēmenoi en megarōi: tōi d' hōs pothi Moira krataiē

210gignomenōi epenēse linōi, hote min tekon autē,

English · Butler

here in our own house, for when I gave him birth the threads of overruling fate were spun for him that dogs should eat his flesh far from his parents, in the house of that terrible man on whose liver I would fain fasten and devour it.

Homeric Greek

ἀργίποδας κύνας ἆσαι ἑῶν ἀπάνευθε τοκήων

ἀνδρὶ πάρα κρατερῷ, τοῦ ἐγὼ μέσον ἧπαρ ἔχοιμι

ἐσθέμεναι προσφῦσα: τότ' ἄντιτα ἔργα γένοιτο

παιδὸς ἐμοῦ, ἐπεὶ οὔ ἑ κακιζόμενόν γε κατέκτα,

215ἀλλὰ πρὸ Τρώων καὶ Τρωϊάδων βαθυκόλπων

Transliteration

argipodas kunas asai heōn apaneuthe tokēōn

andri para kraterōi, tou egō meson hēpar echoimi

esthemenai prosphusa: tot' antita erga genoito

paidos emou, epei ou he kakizomenon ge katekta,

215alla pro Trōōn kai Trōïadōn bathukolpōn

English · Butler

Thus would I avenge my son, who showed no cowardice when Achilles slew him, and thought neither of Right nor of avoiding battle as he stood in defense of

Homeric Greek

ἑσταότ' οὔτε φόβου μεμνημένον οὔτ' ἀλεωρῆς.

τὴν δ' αὖτε προσέειπε γέρων Πρίαμος θεοειδής:

μή μ' ἐθέλοντ' ἰέναι κατερύκανε, μὴ δέ μοι αὐτὴ

ὄρνις ἐνὶ μεγάροισι κακὸς πέλευ: οὐδέ με πείσεις.

220εἰ μὲν γάρ τίς μ' ἄλλος ἐπιχθονίων ἐκέλευεν,

Transliteration

hestaot' oute phobou memnēmenon out' aleōrēs.

tēn d' aute proseeipe gerōn Priamos theoeidēs:

mē m' ethelont' ienai katerukane, mē de moi autē

ornis eni megaroisi kakos peleu: oude me peiseis.

220ei men gar tis m' allos epichthoniōn ekeleuen,

English · Butler

Trojan men and Trojan women." Then Priam said, "I would go, do not therefore stay me nor be as a bird of ill omen in my house, for you will not move me. Had it been some mortal man who had sent me some seer or priest who divines from sacrifice - I should have deemed him false and have given him no heed; but now I have heard the goddess and

Homeric Greek

ἢ οἳ μάντιές εἰσι θυοσκόοι ἢ ἱερῆες,

ψεῦδός κεν φαῖμεν καὶ νοσφιζοίμεθα μᾶλλον:

νῦν δ', αὐτὸς γὰρ ἄκουσα θεοῦ καὶ ἐσέδρακον ἄντην,

εἶμι καὶ οὐχ ἅλιον ἔπος ἔσσεται. εἰ δέ μοι αἶσα

225τεθνάμεναι παρὰ νηυσὶν Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων

Transliteration

ē hoi manties eisi thuoskooi ē hierēes,

pseudos ken phaimen kai nosphizoimetha mallon:

nun d', autos gar akousa theou kai esedrakon antēn,

eimi kai ouch halion epos essetai. ei de moi aisa

225tethnamenai para nēusin Achaiōn chalkochitōnōn

English · Butler

seen her face to face, therefore I will go and her saying shall not be in vain. If it be my fate to die at the ships of the Achaeans even so would I have it; let Achilles slay me, if I may but first have taken my son in

Homeric Greek

βούλομαι: αὐτίκα γάρ με κατακτείνειεν Ἀχιλλεὺς

ἀγκὰς ἑλόντ' ἐμὸν υἱόν, ἐπὴν γόου ἐξ ἔρον εἵην.

ἦ καὶ φωριαμῶν ἐπιθήματα κάλ' ἀνέῳγεν:

ἔνθεν δώδεκα μὲν περικαλλέας ἔξελε πέπλους,

230δώδεκα δ' ἁπλοί̈δας χλαίνας, τόσσους δὲ τάπητας,

Transliteration

boulomai: autika gar me katakteineien Achilleus

ankas helont' emon huion, epēn goou ex eron heiēn.

ē kai phōriamōn epithēmata kal' aneōigen:

enthen dōdeka men perikalleas exele peplous,

230dōdeka d' haploïdas chlainas, tossous de tapētas,

English · Butler

my arms and mourned him to my heart's comforting." So saying he lifted the lids of his chests, and took out twelve goodly vestments. He took also twelve cloaks of single fold, twelve rugs, twelve fair mantles, and an equal number of shirts. He weighed out ten talents of gold, and brought moreover

Homeric Greek

τόσσα δὲ φάρεα λευκά, τόσους δ' ἐπὶ τοῖσι χιτῶνας.

χρυσοῦ δὲ στήσας ἔφερεν δέκα πάντα τάλαντα,

ἐκ δὲ δύ' αἴθωνας τρίποδας, πίσυρας δὲ λέβητας,

ἐκ δὲ δέπας περικαλλές, ὅ οἱ Θρῇκες πόρον ἄνδρες

235ἐξεσίην ἐλθόντι μέγα κτέρας: οὐδέ νυ τοῦ περ

Transliteration

tossa de pharea leuka, tosous d' epi toisi chitōnas.

chrusou de stēsas epheren deka panta talanta,

ek de du' aithōnas tripodas, pisuras de lebētas,

ek de depas perikalles, ho hoi Thrēikes poron andres

235exesiēn elthonti mega kteras: oude nu tou per

English · Butler

two burnished tripods, four cauldrons, and a very beautiful cup which the Thracians had given him when he had gone to them on an embassy; it was very precious, but he grudged not even this, so eager was he to ransom the body of his son. Then he chased all the Trojans from the court and rebuked them with words of anger. "Out," he cried, "shame and disgrace to me that you are.

Homeric Greek

φείσατ' ἐνὶ μεγάροις ὃ γέρων, περὶ δ' ἤθελε θυμῷ

λύσασθαι φίλον υἱόν. ὃ δὲ Τρῶας μὲν ἅπαντας

αἰθούσης ἀπέεργεν ἔπεσσ' αἰσχροῖσιν ἐνίσσων:

ἔρρετε λωβητῆρες ἐλεγχέες: οὔ νυ καὶ ὑμῖν

240οἴκοι ἔνεστι γόος, ὅτι μ' ἤλθετε κηδήσοντες;

Transliteration

pheisat' eni megarois ho gerōn, peri d' ēthele thumōi

lusasthai philon huion. ho de Trōas men hapantas

aithousēs apeergen epess' aischroisin enissōn:

errete lōbētēres elenchees: ou nu kai humin

240oikoi enesti goos, hoti m' ēlthete kēdēsontes;

English · Butler

Have you no grief in your own homes that you are come to plague me here? Is it a small thing, think you, that the son of Kronos has sent this sorrow upon me, to lose the bravest of my sons? Nay, you shall prove it in person, for now he is gone the Achaeans will have easier work in killing you.

Homeric Greek

ἦ ὀνόσασθ' ὅτι μοι Κρονίδης Ζεὺς ἄλγε' ἔδωκε

παῖδ' ὀλέσαι τὸν ἄριστον; ἀτὰρ γνώσεσθε καὶ ὔμμες:

ῥηί̈τεροι γὰρ μᾶλλον Ἀχαιοῖσιν δὴ ἔσεσθε

κείνου τεθνηῶτος ἐναιρέμεν. αὐτὰρ ἔγωγε

245πρὶν ἀλαπαζομένην τε πόλιν κεραϊζομένην τε

Transliteration

ē onosasth' hoti moi Kronidēs Zeus alge' edōke

paid' olesai ton ariston; atar gnōsesthe kai ummes:

rhēïteroi gar mallon Achaioisin dē esesthe

keinou tethnēōtos enairemen. autar egōge

245prin alapazomenēn te polin keraïzomenēn te

English · Butler

As for me, let me go down within the house of Hades, ere mine eyes behold the sacking and wasting

Homeric Greek

ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἰδεῖν βαίην δόμον Ἄϊδος εἴσω.

ἦ καὶ σκηπανίῳ δίεπ' ἀνέρας: οἳ δ' ἴσαν ἔξω

σπερχομένοιο γέροντος: ὃ δ' υἱάσιν οἷσιν ὁμόκλα

νεικείων Ἕλενόν τε Πάριν τ' Ἀγάθωνά τε δῖον

250Πάμμονά τ' Ἀντίφονόν τε βοὴν ἀγαθόν τε Πολίτην

Transliteration

ophthalmoisin idein baiēn domon Aïdos eisō.

ē kai skēpaniōi diep' aneras: hoi d' isan exō

sperchomenoio gerontos: ho d' huiasin hoisin homokla

neikeiōn Helenon te Parin t' Agathōna te dion

250Pammona t' Antiphonon te boēn agathon te Politēn

English · Butler

of the city." He drove the men away with his staff, and they went forth as the old man sped them. Then he called to his sons, upbraiding Helenos, Paris, noble Agathon, Pammon, Antiphonos, Polites of the loud battle-cry, Deiphobos, Hippothoos, and Dios. These nine did the old man call near him.

Homeric Greek

Δηί̈φοβόν τε καὶ Ἱππόθοον καὶ δῖον Ἀγαυόν:

ἐννέα τοῖς ὃ γεραιὸς ὁμοκλήσας ἐκέλευε:

σπεύσατέ μοι κακὰ τέκνα κατηφόνες: αἴθ' ἅμα πάντες

Ἕκτορος ὠφέλετ' ἀντὶ θοῇς ἐπὶ νηυσὶ πεφάσθαι.

255ὤ μοι ἐγὼ πανάποτμος, ἐπεὶ τέκον υἷας ἀρίστους

Transliteration

Dēïphobon te kai Hippothoon kai dion Agauon:

ennea tois ho geraios homoklēsas ekeleue:

speusate moi kaka tekna katēphones: aith' hama pantes

Hektoros ōphelet' anti thoēis epi nēusi pephasthai.

255ō moi egō panapotmos, epei tekon huias aristous

English · Butler

"Come to me at once," he cried, "worthless sons who do me shame; would that you had all been killed at the ships rather than Hektor. Miserable man that I am, I have had the bravest sons

Homeric Greek

Τροίῃ ἐν εὐρείῃ, τῶν δ' οὔ τινά φημι λελεῖφθαι,

Μήστορά τ' ἀντίθεον καὶ Τρωί̈λον ἱππιοχάρμην

Ἕκτορά θ', ὃς θεὸς ἔσκε μετ' ἀνδράσιν, οὐδὲ ἐῴκει

ἀνδρός γε θνητοῦ πάϊς ἔμμεναι ἀλλὰ θεοῖο.

260τοὺς μὲν ἀπώλεσ' Ἄρης, τὰ δ' ἐλέγχεα πάντα λέλειπται

Transliteration

Troiēi en eureiēi, tōn d' ou tina phēmi leleiphthai,

Mēstora t' antitheon kai Trōïlon hippiocharmēn

Hektora th', hos theos eske met' andrasin, oude eōikei

andros ge thnētou païs emmenai alla theoio.

260tous men apōles' Arēs, ta d' elenchea panta leleiptai

English · Butler

in all Troy - noble Nestor, Troilus the dauntless charioteer, and Hektor who was a god among men, so that one would have thought he was son to an immortal - yet there is not one of them left. Ares has slain them and those of whom I am ashamed are alone left me. Liars, and light of foot, heroes of the dance,

Homeric Greek

ψεῦσταί τ' ὀρχησταί τε χοροιτυπίῃσιν ἄριστοι

ἀρνῶν ἠδ' ἐρίφων ἐπιδήμιοι ἁρπακτῆρες.

οὐκ ἂν δή μοι ἄμαξαν ἐφοπλίσσαιτε τάχιστα,

ταῦτά τε πάντ' ἐπιθεῖτε, ἵνα πρήσσωμεν ὁδοῖο;

265ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δ' ἄρα πατρὸς ὑποδείσαντες ὁμοκλὴν

Transliteration

pseustai t' orchēstai te choroitupiēisin aristoi

arnōn ēd' eriphōn epidēmioi harpaktēres.

ouk an dē moi amaxan ephoplissaite tachista,

tauta te pant' epitheite, hina prēssōmen hodoio;

265hōs ephath', hoi d' ara patros hupodeisantes homoklēn

English · Butler

robbers of lambs and kids from your own people, why do you not get a wagon ready for me at once, and put all these things upon it that I may set out on my way?" Thus did he speak, and they feared the rebuke of their father.

Homeric Greek

ἐκ μὲν ἄμαξαν ἄειραν ἐύ̈τροχον ἡμιονείην

καλὴν πρωτοπαγέα, πείρινθα δὲ δῆσαν ἐπ' αὐτῆς,

κὰδ δ' ἀπὸ πασσαλόφι ζυγὸν ᾕρεον ἡμιόνειον

πύξινον ὀμφαλόεν εὖ οἰήκεσσιν ἀρηρός:

270ἐκ δ' ἔφερον ζυγόδεσμον ἅμα ζυγῷ ἐννεάπηχυ.

Transliteration

ek men amaxan aeiran eütrochon hēmioneiēn

kalēn prōtopagea, peirintha de dēsan ep' autēs,

kad d' apo passalophi zugon hēireon hēmioneion

puxinon omphaloen eu oiēkessin arēros:

270ek d' epheron zugodesmon hama zugōi enneapēchu.

English · Butler

Thus did he speak, and they feared the rebuke of their father. They brought out a strong mule-wagon, newly made, and set the body of the wagon fast on its bed. They took the mule-yoke from the peg on which it hung, a yoke of boxwood with a knob on the top of it and rings for the reins to go through. Then they brought a yoke-band eleven cubits long, to bind the yoke to the pole; they bound it on at the far end of the

Homeric Greek

καὶ τὸ μὲν εὖ κατέθηκαν ἐϋξέστῳ ἐπὶ ῥυμῷ

πέζῃ ἔπι πρώτῃ, ἐπὶ δὲ κρίκον ἕστορι βάλλον,

τρὶς δ' ἑκάτερθεν ἔδησαν ἐπ' ὀμφαλόν, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

ἑξείης κατέδησαν, ὑπὸ γλωχῖνα δ' ἔκαμψαν.

275ἐκ θαλάμου δὲ φέροντες ἐϋξέστης ἐπ' ἀπήνης

Transliteration

kai to men eu katethēkan eüxestōi epi rhumōi

pezēi epi prōtēi, epi de krikon hestori ballon,

tris d' hekaterthen edēsan ep' omphalon, autar epeita

hexeiēs katedēsan, hupo glōchina d' ekampsan.

275ek thalamou de pherontes eüxestēs ep' apēnēs

English · Butler

pole, and put the ring over the upright pin making it fast with three turns of the band on either side the knob, and bending the thong of the yoke beneath it. This done, they brought from the store-chamber the rich ransom that was to purchase the body of Hektor, and they set it all orderly on the wagon; then they yoked the strong harness-mules

Homeric Greek

νήεον Ἑκτορέης κεφαλῆς ἀπερείσι' ἄποινα,

ζεῦξαν δ' ἡμιόνους κρατερώνυχας ἐντεσιεργούς,

τούς ῥά ποτε Πριάμῳ Μυσοὶ δόσαν ἀγλαὰ δῶρα.

ἵππους δὲ Πριάμῳ ὕπαγον ζυγόν, οὓς ὃ γεραιὸς

280αὐτὸς ἔχων ἀτίταλλεν ἐϋξέστῃ ἐπὶ φάτνῃ.

Transliteration

nēeon Hektoreēs kephalēs apereisi' apoina,

zeuxan d' hēmionous kraterōnuchas entesiergous,

tous rha pote Priamōi Musoi dosan aglaa dōra.

hippous de Priamōi hupagon zugon, hous ho geraios

280autos echōn atitallen eüxestēi epi phatnēi.

English · Butler

which the Mysians had on a time given as a goodly present to Priam; but for Priam himself they yoked horses which the old king had bred, and kept for own use.

Homeric Greek

τὼ μὲν ζευγνύσθην ἐν δώμασιν ὑψηλοῖσι

κῆρυξ καὶ Πρίαμος πυκινὰ φρεσὶ μήδε' ἔχοντες:

ἀγχίμολον δέ σφ' ἦλθ' Ἑκάβη τετιηότι θυμῷ

οἶνον ἔχουσ' ἐν χειρὶ μελίφρονα δεξιτερῆφι

285χρυσέῳ ἐν δέπαϊ, ὄφρα λείψαντε κιοίτην:

Transliteration

tō men zeugnusthēn en dōmasin hupsēloisi

kērux kai Priamos pukina phresi mēde' echontes:

anchimolon de sph' ēlth' Hekabē tetiēoti thumōi

oinon echous' en cheiri meliphrona dexiterēphi

285chruseōi en depaï, ophra leipsante kioitēn:

English · Butler

Thus heedfully did Priam and his servant see to the yoking of their cars at the palace. Then Hecuba came to them all sorrowful, with a golden goblet of wine in her right hand, that they might make a drink-offering before they set out. She stood in front of the horses and said, "Take this, make a drink-offering to father

Homeric Greek

στῆ δ' ἵππων προπάροιθεν ἔπος τ' ἔφατ' ἔκ τ' ὀνόμαζε:

τῆ σπεῖσον Διὶ πατρί, καὶ εὔχεο οἴκαδ' ἱκέσθαι

ἂψ ἐκ δυσμενέων ἀνδρῶν, ἐπεὶ ἂρ σέ γε θυμὸς

ὀτρύνει ἐπὶ νῆας ἐμεῖο μὲν οὐκ ἐθελούσης.

290ἀλλ' εὔχεο σύ γ' ἔπειτα κελαινεφέϊ Κρονίωνι

Transliteration

stē d' hippōn proparoithen epos t' ephat' ek t' onomaze:

tē speison Dii patri, kai eucheo oikad' hikesthai

aps ek dusmeneōn andrōn, epei ar se ge thumos

otrunei epi nēas emeio men ouk ethelousēs.

290all' eucheo su g' epeita kelainepheï Kroniōni

English · Butler

Zeus, and since you are minded to go to the ships in spite of me, pray that you may come safely back from the hands of your enemies. Pray to the son of Kronos lord of the whirlwind, who sits on Ida and

Homeric Greek

Ἰδαίῳ, ὅς τε Τροίην κατὰ πᾶσαν ὁρᾶται,

αἴτει δ' οἰωνὸν ταχὺν ἄγγελον, ὅς τέ οἱ αὐτῷ

φίλτατος οἰωνῶν, καί εὑ κράτος ἐστὶ μέγιστον,

δεξιόν, ὄφρά μιν αὐτὸς ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖσι νοήσας

295τῷ πίσυνος ἐπὶ νῆας ἴῃς Δαναῶν ταχυπώλων.

Transliteration

Idaiōi, hos te Troiēn kata pasan horatai,

aitei d' oiōnon tachun angelon, hos te hoi autōi

philtatos oiōnōn, kai heu kratos esti megiston,

dexion, ophra min autos en ophthalmoisi noēsas

295tōi pisunos epi nēas iēis Danaōn tachupōlōn.

English · Butler

looks down over all Troy, pray him to send his swift messenger on your right hand, the bird of omen which is strongest and most dear to him of all birds, that you may see it with your own eyes and trust it as you go forth to the ships of the Danaans. If all-seeing Zeus will not send you this messenger, however set upon it you

Homeric Greek

εἰ δέ τοι οὐ δώσει ἑὸν ἄγγελον εὐρύοπα Ζεύς,

οὐκ ἂν ἔγωγέ σ' ἔπειτα ἐποτρύνουσα κελοίμην

νῆας ἐπ' Ἀργείων ἰέναι μάλα περ μεμαῶτα.

τὴν δ' ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη Πρίαμος θεοειδής:

300ὦ γύναι οὐ μέν τοι τόδ' ἐφιεμένῃ ἀπιθήσω.

Transliteration

ei de toi ou dōsei heon angelon euruopa Zeus,

ouk an egōge s' epeita epotrunousa keloimēn

nēas ep' Argeiōn ienai mala per memaōta.

tēn d' apameibomenos prosephē Priamos theoeidēs:

300ō gunai ou men toi tod' ephiemenēi apithēsō.

English · Butler

may be, I would not have you go to the ships of the Argives." And Priam answered, "Wife, I will do as you desire me; it is well to lift hands in prayer to Zeus, if so be he may have mercy upon me." With this the old man bade the serving-woman pour pure water over his hands, and the woman came, bearing the water in a bowl. He washed his hands and took the cup from his wife;

Homeric Greek

ἐσθλὸν γὰρ Διὶ χεῖρας ἀνασχέμεν αἴ κ' ἐλεήσῃ.

ἦ ῥα καὶ ἀμφίπολον ταμίην ὄτρυν' ὃ γεραιὸς

χερσὶν ὕδωρ ἐπιχεῦαι ἀκήρατον: ἣ δὲ παρέστη

χέρνιβον ἀμφίπολος πρόχοόν θ' ἅμα χερσὶν ἔχουσα.

305νιψάμενος δὲ κύπελλον ἐδέξατο ἧς ἀλόχοιο:

Transliteration

esthlon gar Dii cheiras anaschemen ai k' eleēsēi.

ē rha kai amphipolon tamiēn otrun' ho geraios

chersin hudōr epicheuai akēraton: hē de parestē

chernibon amphipolos prochoon th' hama chersin echousa.

305nipsamenos de kupellon edexato hēs alochoio:

English · Butler

then he made the drink-offering and prayed, standing in the middle of the courtyard and turning his eyes to heaven. "Father Zeus," he said, "you who rule from Ida, most glorious and most great, grant that I may be received kindly and compassionately in the tents of Achilles;

Homeric Greek

εὔχετ' ἔπειτα στὰς μέσῳ ἕρκεϊ, λεῖβε δὲ οἶνον

οὐρανὸν εἰσανιδών, καὶ φωνήσας ἔπος ηὔδα:

Ζεῦ πάτερ Ἴδηθεν μεδέων κύδιστε μέγιστε

δός μ' ἐς Ἀχιλλῆος φίλον ἐλθεῖν ἠδ' ἐλεεινόν,

310πέμψον δ' οἰωνὸν ταχὺν ἄγγελον, ὅς τε σοὶ αὐτῷ

Transliteration

euchet' epeita stas mesōi herkeï, leibe de oinon

ouranon eisanidōn, kai phōnēsas epos ēuda:

Zeu pater Idēthen medeōn kudiste megiste

dos m' es Achillēos philon elthein ēd' eleeinon,

310pempson d' oiōnon tachun angelon, hos te soi autōi

English · Butler

and send your swift messenger upon my right hand, the bird of omen which is strongest and most dear to you of all birds, that I may see it with

Homeric Greek

φίλτατος οἰωνῶν, καί εὑ κράτος ἐστὶ μέγιστον,

δεξιόν, ὄφρά μιν αὐτὸς ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖσι νοήσας

τῷ πίσυνος ἐπὶ νῆας ἴω Δαναῶν ταχυπώλων.

ὣς ἔφατ' εὐχόμενος, τοῦ δ' ἔκλυε μητίετα Ζεὺς

315αὐτίκα δ' αἰετὸν ἧκε τελειότατον πετεηνῶν

Transliteration

philtatos oiōnōn, kai heu kratos esti megiston,

dexion, ophra min autos en ophthalmoisi noēsas

tōi pisunos epi nēas iō Danaōn tachupōlōn.

hōs ephat' euchomenos, tou d' eklue mētieta Zeus

315autika d' aieton hēke teleiotaton peteēnōn

English · Butler

my own eyes and trust it as I go forth to the ships of the Danaans." So did he pray, and Zeus the lord of counsel heard his prayer. Forthwith he sent an eagle, the most unerring portent of all

Homeric Greek

μόρφνον θηρητῆρ' ὃν καὶ περκνὸν καλέουσιν.

ὅσση δ' ὑψορόφοιο θύρη θαλάμοιο τέτυκται

ἀνέρος ἀφνειοῖο ἐὺ̈ κληῖ̈σ' ἀραρυῖα,

τόσσ' ἄρα τοῦ ἑκάτερθεν ἔσαν πτερά: εἴσατο δέ σφι

320δεξιὸς ἀί̈ξας διὰ ἄστεος: οἳ δὲ ἰδόντες

Transliteration

morphnon thērētēr' hon kai perknon kaleousin.

hossē d' hupsorophoio thurē thalamoio tetuktai

aneros aphneioio eü klēïs' araruia,

toss' ara tou hekaterthen esan ptera: eisato de sphi

320dexios aïxas dia asteos: hoi de idontes

English · Butler

birds that fly, the dusky hunter that men also call the Black Eagle. His wings were spread abroad on either side as wide as the well-made and well-bolted door of a rich man's chamber. He came to them flying over the city upon their right hands, and when they saw him they were glad and their hearts took comfort within them. The old man made haste to mount his

Homeric Greek

γήθησαν, καὶ πᾶσιν ἐνὶ φρεσὶ θυμὸς ἰάνθη.

σπερχόμενος δ' ὃ γεραιὸς ἑοῦ ἐπεβήσετο δίφρου,

ἐκ δ' ἔλασε προθύροιο καὶ αἰθούσης ἐριδούπου.

πρόσθε μὲν ἡμίονοι ἕλκον τετράκυκλον ἀπήνην,

325τὰς Ἰδαῖος ἔλαυνε δαί̈φρων: αὐτὰρ ὄπισθεν

Transliteration

gēthēsan, kai pasin eni phresi thumos ianthē.

sperchomenos d' ho geraios heou epebēseto diphrou,

ek d' elase prothuroio kai aithousēs eridoupou.

prosthe men hēmionoi helkon tetrakuklon apēnēn,

325tas Idaios elaune daïphrōn: autar opisthen

English · Butler

chariot, and drove out through the inner gateway and under the echoing gatehouse of the outer court. Before him went the mules drawing the four-wheeled wagon, and driven by wise Idaios; behind these were the horses, which the old man lashed with his whip and

Homeric Greek

ἵπποι, τοὺς ὃ γέρων ἐφέπων μάστιγι κέλευε

καρπαλίμως κατὰ ἄστυ: φίλοι δ' ἅμα πάντες ἕποντο

πόλλ' ὀλοφυρόμενοι ὡς εἰ θάνατον δὲ κιόντα.

οἳ δ' ἐπεὶ οὖν πόλιος κατέβαν, πεδίον δ' ἀφίκοντο,

330οἳ μὲν ἄρ' ἄψορροι προτὶ Ἴλιον ἀπονέοντο

Transliteration

hippoi, tous ho gerōn ephepōn mastigi keleue

karpalimōs kata astu: philoi d' hama pantes heponto

poll' olophuromenoi hōs ei thanaton de kionta.

hoi d' epei oun polios kateban, pedion d' aphikonto,

330hoi men ar' apsorroi proti Ilion aponeonto

English · Butler

drove swiftly through the city, while his friends followed after, wailing and lamenting for him as though he were on his road to death. As soon as they had come down from the city and had reached the plain, his sons and sons-in-law who had followed him went back to Ilion.

Homeric Greek

παῖδες καὶ γαμβροί, τὼ δ' οὐ λάθον εὐρύοπα Ζῆν

ἐς πεδίον προφανέντε: ἰδὼν δ' ἐλέησε γέροντα,

αἶψα δ' ἄρ' Ἑρμείαν υἱὸν φίλον ἀντίον ηὔδα:

Ἑρμεία, σοὶ γάρ τε μάλιστά γε φίλτατόν ἐστιν

335ἀνδρὶ ἑταιρίσσαι, καί τ' ἔκλυες ᾧ κ' ἐθέλῃσθα,

Transliteration

paides kai gambroi, tō d' ou lathon euruopa Zēn

es pedion prophanente: idōn d' eleēse geronta,

aipsa d' ar' Hermeian huion philon antion ēuda:

Hermeia, soi gar te malista ge philtaton estin

335andri hetairissai, kai t' eklues hōi k' ethelēistha,

English · Butler

But Priam and Idaios as they showed out upon the plain did not escape the ken of all-seeing Zeus, who looked down upon the old man and pitied him; then he spoke to his son Hermes and said, "Hermes, for it is you who are the most disposed to escort men on their way, and to hear those whom you will hear,

Homeric Greek

βάσκ' ἴθι καὶ Πρίαμον κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν

ὣς ἄγαγ', ὡς μήτ' ἄρ τις ἴδῃ μήτ' ἄρ τε νοήσῃ

τῶν ἄλλων Δαναῶν, πρὶν Πηλεί̈ωνα δ' ἱκέσθαι.

ὣς ἔφατ', οὐδ' ἀπίθησε διάκτορος ἀργεϊφόντης.

340αὐτίκ' ἔπειθ' ὑπὸ ποσσὶν ἐδήσατο καλὰ πέδιλα

Transliteration

bask' ithi kai Priamon koilas epi nēas Achaiōn

hōs agag', hōs mēt' ar tis idēi mēt' ar te noēsēi

tōn allōn Danaōn, prin Pēleïōna d' hikesthai.

hōs ephat', oud' apithēse diaktoros argeïphontēs.

340autik' epeith' hupo possin edēsato kala pedila

English · Butler

go, and so conduct Priam to the ships of the Achaeans that no other of the Danaans shall see him nor take note of him until he reach the son of Peleus." Thus he spoke and Hermes, guide and guardian, slayer of Argos, did as he was told. Forthwith he bound on his glittering golden sandals with which he could fly like the wind over land and sea;

Homeric Greek

ἀμβρόσια χρύσεια, τά μιν φέρον ἠμὲν ἐφ' ὑγρὴν

ἠδ' ἐπ' ἀπείρονα γαῖαν ἅμα πνοιῇς ἀνέμοιο:

εἵλετο δὲ ῥάβδον, τῇ τ' ἀνδρῶν ὄμματα θέλγει

ὧν ἐθέλει, τοὺς δ' αὖτε καὶ ὑπνώοντας ἐγείρει:

345τὴν μετὰ χερσὶν ἔχων πέτετο κρατὺς ἀργεϊφόντης.

Transliteration

ambrosia chruseia, ta min pheron ēmen eph' hugrēn

ēd' ep' apeirona gaian hama pnoiēis anemoio:

heileto de rhabdon, tēi t' andrōn ommata thelgei

hōn ethelei, tous d' aute kai hupnōontas egeirei:

345tēn meta chersin echōn peteto kratus argeïphontēs.

English · Butler

he took the wand with which he seals men's eyes in sleep, or wakes them just as he pleases, and flew holding it in his hand till he came to Troy and to the Hellespont. To look at, he was like a young man of noble birth

Homeric Greek

αἶψα δ' ἄρα Τροίην τε καὶ Ἑλλήσποντον ἵκανε,

βῆ δ' ἰέναι κούρῳ αἰσυμνητῆρι ἐοικὼς

πρῶτον ὑπηνήτῃ, τοῦ περ χαριεστάτη ἥβη.

οἳ δ' ἐπεὶ οὖν μέγα σῆμα παρὲξ Ἴλοιο ἔλασσαν,

350στῆσαν ἄρ' ἡμιόνους τε καὶ ἵππους ὄφρα πίοιεν

Transliteration

aipsa d' ara Troiēn te kai Hellēsponton hikane,

bē d' ienai kourōi aisumnētēri eoikōs

prōton hupēnētēi, tou per chariestatē hēbē.

hoi d' epei oun mega sēma parex Iloio elassan,

350stēsan ar' hēmionous te kai hippous ophra pioien

English · Butler

in the hey-day of his youth and beauty with the down just coming upon his face. Now when Priam and Idaios had driven past the great tomb of Ilion, they stayed their mules and horses that they might drink in the river, for the shades of night were falling, when, therefore, Idaios saw Hermes standing near them he said to Priam, "Take heed, descendant of Dardanos; here is matter which demands consideration. I see a man who I think will presently fall upon us;

Homeric Greek

ἐν ποταμῷ: δὴ γὰρ καὶ ἐπὶ κνέφας ἤλυθε γαῖαν.

τὸν δ' ἐξ ἀγχιμόλοιο ἰδὼν ἐφράσσατο κῆρυξ

Ἑρμείαν, ποτὶ δὲ Πρίαμον φάτο φώνησέν τε:

φράζεο Δαρδανίδη: φραδέος νόου ἔργα τέτυκται.

355ἄνδρ' ὁρόω, τάχα δ' ἄμμε διαρραίσεσθαι ὀί̈ω.

Transliteration

en potamōi: dē gar kai epi knephas ēluthe gaian.

ton d' ex anchimoloio idōn ephrassato kērux

Hermeian, poti de Priamon phato phōnēsen te:

phrazeo Dardanidē: phradeos noou erga tetuktai.

355andr' horoō, tacha d' amme diarraisesthai oïō.

English · Butler

let us flee with our horses, or at least embrace his knees and implore him to take

Homeric Greek

ἀλλ' ἄγε δὴ φεύγωμεν ἐφ' ἵππων, ἤ μιν ἔπειτα

γούνων ἁψάμενοι λιτανεύσομεν αἴ κ' ἐλεήσῃ.

ὣς φάτο, σὺν δὲ γέροντι νόος χύτο, δείδιε δ' αἰνῶς,

ὀρθαὶ δὲ τρίχες ἔσταν ἐνὶ γναμπτοῖσι μέλεσσι,

360στῆ δὲ ταφών: αὐτὸς δ' ἐριούνιος ἐγγύθεν ἐλθὼν

Transliteration

all' age dē pheugōmen eph' hippōn, ē min epeita

gounōn hapsamenoi litaneusomen ai k' eleēsēi.

hōs phato, sun de geronti noos chuto, deidie d' ainōs,

orthai de triches estan eni gnamptoisi melessi,

360stē de taphōn: autos d' eriounios enguthen elthōn

English · Butler

compassion upon us? When he heard this the old man's heart failed him, and he was in great fear; he stayed where he was as one dazed, and the hair stood on end over his whole body; but the bringer of good luck came up to him and took him by the

Homeric Greek

χεῖρα γέροντος ἑλὼν ἐξείρετο καὶ προσέειπε:

πῇ πάτερ ὧδ' ἵππους τε καὶ ἡμιόνους ἰθύνεις

νύκτα δι' ἀμβροσίην, ὅτε θ' εὕδουσι βροτοὶ ἄλλοι;

οὐδὲ σύ γ' ἔδεισας μένεα πνείοντας Ἀχαιούς,

365οἵ τοι δυσμενέες καὶ ἀνάρσιοι ἐγγὺς ἔασι;

Transliteration

cheira gerontos helōn exeireto kai proseeipe:

pēi pater hōd' hippous te kai hēmionous ithuneis

nukta di' ambrosiēn, hote th' heudousi brotoi alloi;

oude su g' edeisas menea pneiontas Achaious,

365hoi toi dusmenees kai anarsioi engus easi;

English · Butler

hand, saying, "Whither, father, are you thus driving your mules and horses in the dead of night when other men are asleep? Are you not afraid of the fierce Achaeans who are hard by you, so cruel and relentless? Should some one of them see you bearing so much treasure

Homeric Greek

τῶν εἴ τίς σε ἴδοιτο θοὴν διὰ νύκτα μέλαιναν

τοσσάδ' ὀνείατ' ἄγοντα, τίς ἂν δή τοι νόος εἴη;

οὔτ' αὐτὸς νέος ἐσσί, γέρων δέ τοι οὗτος ὀπηδεῖ,

ἄνδρ' ἀπαμύνασθαι, ὅτε τις πρότερος χαλεπήνῃ.

370ἀλλ' ἐγὼ οὐδέν σε ῥέξω κακά, καὶ δέ κεν ἄλλον

Transliteration

tōn ei tis se idoito thoēn dia nukta melainan

tossad' oneiat' agonta, tis an dē toi noos eiē;

out' autos neos essi, gerōn de toi houtos opēdei,

andr' apamunasthai, hote tis proteros chalepēnēi.

370all' egō ouden se rhexō kaka, kai de ken allon

English · Butler

through the darkness of the fleeing night, what would not your state of mind then be? You are no longer young, and he who is with you is too old to protect you from those who would attack you. For myself, I will do you no harm, and I will defend you from any one

Homeric Greek

σεῦ ἀπαλεξήσαιμι: φίλῳ δέ σε πατρὶ ἐί̈σκω.

τὸν δ' ἠμείβετ' ἔπειτα γέρων Πρίαμος θεοειδής:

οὕτω πῃ τάδε γ' ἐστὶ φίλον τέκος ὡς ἀγορεύεις.

ἀλλ' ἔτι τις καὶ ἐμεῖο θεῶν ὑπερέσχεθε χεῖρα,

375ὅς μοι τοιόνδ' ἧκεν ὁδοιπόρον ἀντιβολῆσαι

Transliteration

seu apalexēsaimi: philōi de se patri eïskō.

ton d' ēmeibet' epeita gerōn Priamos theoeidēs:

houtō pēi tade g' esti philon tekos hōs agoreueis.

all' eti tis kai emeio theōn hupereschethe cheira,

375hos moi toiond' hēken hodoiporon antibolēsai

English · Butler

else, for you remind me of my own father." And Priam answered, "It is indeed as you say, my dear son; nevertheless some god has held his hand over me, in that he has sent such a wayfarer as yourself to meet me so Opportunely; you are so comely in mien and

Homeric Greek

αἴσιον, οἷος δὴ σὺ δέμας καὶ εἶδος ἀγητός,

πέπνυσαί τε νόῳ, μακάρων δ' ἔξεσσι τοκήων.

τὸν δ' αὖτε προσέειπε διάκτορος ἀργεϊφόντης:

ναὶ δὴ ταῦτά γε πάντα γέρον κατὰ μοῖραν ἔειπες.

380ἀλλ' ἄγε μοι τόδε εἰπὲ καὶ ἀτρεκέως κατάλεξον,

Transliteration

aision, hoios dē su demas kai eidos agētos,

pepnusai te noōi, makarōn d' exessi tokēōn.

ton d' aute proseeipe diaktoros argeïphontēs:

nai dē tauta ge panta geron kata moiran eeipes.

380all' age moi tode eipe kai atrekeōs katalexon,

English · Butler

figure, and your judgment is so excellent that you must come of blessed parents." Then said the slayer of Argos, guide and guardian, "Sir, all that you have said is right; but tell me and tell me true, are you taking this rich treasure to send it

Homeric Greek

ἠέ πῃ ἐκπέμπεις κειμήλια πολλὰ καὶ ἐσθλὰ

ἄνδρας ἐς ἀλλοδαποὺς ἵνα περ τάδε τοι σόα μίμνῃ,

ἦ ἤδη πάντες καταλείπετε Ἴλιον ἱρὴν

δειδιότες: τοῖος γὰρ ἀνὴρ ὤριστος ὄλωλε

385σὸς πάϊς: οὐ μὲν γάρ τι μάχης ἐπιδεύετ' Ἀχαιῶν.

Transliteration

ēe pēi ekpempeis keimēlia polla kai esthla

andras es allodapous hina per tade toi soa mimnēi,

ē ēdē pantes kataleipete Ilion hirēn

deidiotes: toios gar anēr ōristos olōle

385sos païs: ou men gar ti machēs epideuet' Achaiōn.

English · Butler

to a foreign people where it may be safe, or are you all leaving strong Ilion in dismay now that your son has fallen who was the bravest man among you and was never lacking in battle with the Achaeans?"

Homeric Greek

τὸν δ' ἠμείβετ' ἔπειτα γέρων Πρίαμος θεοειδής:

τίς δὲ σύ ἐσσι φέριστε τέων δ' ἔξεσσι τοκήων;

ὥς μοι καλὰ τὸν οἶτον ἀπότμου παιδὸς ἔνισπες.

τὸν δ' αὖτε προσέειπε διάκτορος ἀργεϊφόντης:

390πειρᾷ ἐμεῖο γεραιὲ καὶ εἴρεαι Ἕκτορα δῖον.

Transliteration

ton d' ēmeibet' epeita gerōn Priamos theoeidēs:

tis de su essi pheriste teōn d' exessi tokēōn;

hōs moi kala ton oiton apotmou paidos enispes.

ton d' aute proseeipe diaktoros argeïphontēs:

390peirāi emeio geraie kai eireai Hektora dion.

English · Butler

And Priam said, "Who are you, my friend, and who are your parents, that you speak so truly about the fate of my unhappy son?" The slayer of Argos, guide and guardian, answered him, "Sir, you would prove me, that you question me about noble Hektor. Many a time have I set eyes upon him in

Homeric Greek

τὸν μὲν ἐγὼ μάλα πολλὰ μάχῃ ἔνι κυδιανείρῃ

ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ὄπωπα, καὶ εὖτ' ἐπὶ νηυσὶν ἐλάσσας

Ἀργείους κτείνεσκε δαί̈ζων ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ:

ἡμεῖς δ' ἑσταότες θαυμάζομεν: οὐ γὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

395εἴα μάρνασθαι κεχολωμένος Ἀτρεί̈ωνι.

Transliteration

ton men egō mala polla machēi eni kudianeirēi

ophthalmoisin opōpa, kai eut' epi nēusin elassas

Argeious kteineske daïzōn oxeï chalkōi:

hēmeis d' hestaotes thaumazomen: ou gar Achilleus

395eia marnasthai kecholōmenos Atreïōni.

English · Butler

battle when he was driving the Argives to their ships and putting them to the sword. We stood still and marveled, for Achilles in his anger with the son of Atreus suffered us not to fight. I am his squire, and came with him in the same ship. I am a Myrmidon, and my father's name is Polyktor: he is a rich man and about as old as you are;

Homeric Greek

τοῦ γὰρ ἐγὼ θεράπων, μία δ' ἤγαγε νηῦς εὐεργής:

Μυρμιδόνων δ' ἔξειμι, πατὴρ δέ μοί ἐστι Πολύκτωρ.

ἀφνειὸς μὲν ὅ γ' ἐστί, γέρων δὲ δὴ ὡς σύ περ ὧδε,

ἓξ δέ οἱ υἷες ἔασιν, ἐγὼ δέ οἱ ἕβδομός εἰμι:

400τῶν μέτα παλλόμενος κλήρῳ λάχον ἐνθάδ' ἕπεσθαι.

Transliteration

tou gar egō therapōn, mia d' ēgage nēus euergēs:

Murmidonōn d' exeimi, patēr de moi esti Poluktōr.

aphneios men ho g' esti, gerōn de dē hōs su per hōde,

hex de hoi huies easin, egō de hoi hebdomos eimi:

400tōn meta pallomenos klērōi lachon enthad' hepesthai.

English · Butler

he has six sons besides myself, and I am the seventh. We cast lots, and it fell upon me to sail hither with Achilles. I am now come from the ships on to the plain, for with daybreak the Achaeans will set battle in array about the city. They chafe at

Homeric Greek

νῦν δ' ἦλθον πεδίον δ' ἀπὸ νηῶν: ἠῶθεν γὰρ

θήσονται περὶ ἄστυ μάχην ἑλίκωπες Ἀχαιοί.

ἀσχαλόωσι γὰρ οἵδε καθήμενοι, οὐδὲ δύνανται

ἴσχειν ἐσσυμένους πολέμου βασιλῆες Ἀχαιῶν.

405τὸν δ' ἠμείβετ' ἔπειτα γέρων Πρίαμος θεοειδής:

Transliteration

nun d' ēlthon pedion d' apo nēōn: ēōthen gar

thēsontai peri astu machēn helikōpes Achaioi.

aschaloōsi gar hoide kathēmenoi, oude dunantai

ischein essumenous polemou basilēes Achaiōn.

405ton d' ēmeibet' epeita gerōn Priamos theoeidēs:

English · Butler

doing nothing, and are so eager that their princes cannot hold them back." Then answered Priam, "If you are indeed the squire of Achilles son of Peleus, tell me now the Whole truth.

Homeric Greek

εἰ μὲν δὴ θεράπων Πηληϊάδεω Ἀχιλῆος

εἴς, ἄγε δή μοι πᾶσαν ἀληθείην κατάλεξον,

ἢ ἔτι πὰρ νήεσσιν ἐμὸς πάϊς, ἦέ μιν ἤδη

ᾗσι κυσὶν μελεϊστὶ ταμὼν προύθηκεν Ἀχιλλεύς.

410τὸν δ' αὖτε προσέειπε διάκτορος ἀργεϊφόντης:

Transliteration

ei men dē therapōn Pēlēïadeō Achilēos

eis, age dē moi pasan alētheiēn katalexon,

ē eti par nēessin emos païs, ēe min ēdē

hēisi kusin meleïsti tamōn prouthēken Achilleus.

410ton d' aute proseeipe diaktoros argeïphontēs:

English · Butler

Then answered Priam, "If you are indeed the squire of Achilles son of Peleus, tell me now the Whole truth. Is my son still at the ships, or has Achilles hewn him limb from limb, and given him to his hounds?" "Sir," replied the slayer of Argos, guide and guardian, "neither hounds nor vultures have yet devoured him; he is still just lying at the tents by the ship of Achilles, and though it is now twelve days that he has lain there, his flesh is not wasted nor have the worms eaten him although they feed on warriors.

Homeric Greek

ὦ γέρον οὔ πω τόν γε κύνες φάγον οὐδ' οἰωνοί,

ἀλλ' ἔτι κεῖνος κεῖται Ἀχιλλῆος παρὰ νηὶ̈

αὔτως ἐν κλισίῃσι: δυωδεκάτη δέ οἱ ἠὼς

κειμένῳ, οὐδέ τί οἱ χρὼς σήπεται, οὐδέ μιν εὐλαὶ

415ἔσθουσ', αἵ ῥά τε φῶτας ἀρηϊφάτους κατέδουσιν.

Transliteration

ō geron ou pō ton ge kunes phagon oud' oiōnoi,

all' eti keinos keitai Achillēos para nēï

autōs en klisiēisi: duōdekatē de hoi ēōs

keimenōi, oude ti hoi chrōs sēpetai, oude min eulai

415esthous', hai rha te phōtas arēïphatous katedousin.

English · Butler

"Sir," replied the slayer of Argos, guide and guardian, "neither hounds nor vultures have yet devoured him; he is still just lying at the tents by the ship of Achilles, and though it is now twelve days that he has lain there, his flesh is not wasted nor have the worms eaten him although they feed on warriors. At daybreak Achilles drags him cruelly round the sepulcher of his dear comrade, but it does him no hurt. You should come yourself and see how he lies fresh as dew, with the blood

Homeric Greek

ἦ μέν μιν περὶ σῆμα ἑοῦ ἑτάροιο φίλοιο

ἕλκει ἀκηδέστως ἠὼς ὅτε δῖα φανήῃ,

οὐδέ μιν αἰσχύνει: θηοῖό κεν αὐτὸς ἐπελθὼν

οἷον ἐερσήεις κεῖται, περὶ δ' αἷμα νένιπται,

420οὐδέ ποθι μιαρός: σὺν δ' ἕλκεα πάντα μέμυκεν

Transliteration

ē men min peri sēma heou hetaroio philoio

helkei akēdestōs ēōs hote dia phanēēi,

oude min aischunei: thēoio ken autos epelthōn

hoion eersēeis keitai, peri d' haima neniptai,

420oude pothi miaros: sun d' helkea panta memuken

English · Butler

all washed away, and his wounds every one of them closed though many pierced him with their spears. Such care have the blessed gods taken of your brave

Homeric Greek

ὅσσ' ἐτύπη: πολέες γὰρ ἐν αὐτῷ χαλκὸν ἔλασσαν.

ὥς τοι κήδονται μάκαρες θεοὶ υἷος ἑῆος

καὶ νέκυός περ ἐόντος, ἐπεί σφι φίλος περὶ κῆρι.

ὣς φάτο, γήθησεν δ' ὃ γέρων, καὶ ἀμείβετο μύθῳ:

425ὦ τέκος, ἦ ῥ' ἀγαθὸν καὶ ἐναίσιμα δῶρα διδοῦναι

Transliteration

hoss' etupē: polees gar en autōi chalkon elassan.

hōs toi kēdontai makares theoi huios heēos

kai nekuos per eontos, epei sphi philos peri kēri.

hōs phato, gēthēsen d' ho gerōn, kai ameibeto muthōi:

425ō tekos, ē rh' agathon kai enaisima dōra didounai

English · Butler

son, for he was dear to them beyond all measure." The old man was comforted as he heard him and said, "My son, see what a good thing it is to have made due offerings to the immortals; for as sure as that he was born my son never forgot the gods that hold Olympus, and now they requite it to him even in death. Accept therefore at my hands this goodly chalice;

Homeric Greek

ἀθανάτοις, ἐπεὶ οὔ ποτ' ἐμὸς πάϊς, εἴ ποτ' ἔην γε,

λήθετ' ἐνὶ μεγάροισι θεῶν οἳ Ὄλυμπον ἔχουσι:

τώ οἱ ἀπεμνήσαντο καὶ ἐν θανάτοιό περ αἴσῃ.

ἀλλ' ἄγε δὴ τόδε δέξαι ἐμεῦ πάρα καλὸν ἄλεισον,

430αὐτόν τε ῥῦσαι, πέμψον δέ με σύν γε θεοῖσιν,

Transliteration

athanatois, epei ou pot' emos païs, ei pot' eēn ge,

lēthet' eni megaroisi theōn hoi Olumpon echousi:

tō hoi apemnēsanto kai en thanatoio per aisēi.

all' age dē tode dexai emeu para kalon aleison,

430auton te rhusai, pempson de me sun ge theoisin,

English · Butler

guard me and with heaven's help guide me till I come to the tent of the

Homeric Greek

ὄφρά κεν ἐς κλισίην Πηληϊάδεω ἀφίκωμαι.

τὸν δ' αὖτε προσέειπε διάκτορος ἀργεϊφόντης:

πειρᾷ ἐμεῖο γεραιὲ νεωτέρου, οὐδέ με πείσεις,

ὅς με κέλῃ σέο δῶρα παρὲξ Ἀχιλῆα δέχεσθαι.

435τὸν μὲν ἐγὼ δείδοικα καὶ αἰδέομαι περὶ κῆρι

Transliteration

ophra ken es klisiēn Pēlēïadeō aphikōmai.

ton d' aute proseeipe diaktoros argeïphontēs:

peirāi emeio geraie neōterou, oude me peiseis,

hos me kelēi seo dōra parex Achilēa dechesthai.

435ton men egō deidoika kai aideomai peri kēri

English · Butler

son of Peleus." Then answered the slayer of Argos, guide and guardian, "Sir, you are tempting me and playing upon my youth, but you shall not move me, for you are offering me presents without the knowledge of Achilles whom I fear and hold it great guiltless to defraud, lest some evil presently befall me;

Homeric Greek

συλεύειν, μή μοί τι κακὸν μετόπισθε γένηται.

σοὶ δ' ἂν ἐγὼ πομπὸς καί κε κλυτὸν Ἄργος ἱκοίμην,

ἐνδυκέως ἐν νηὶ̈ θοῇ ἢ πεζὸς ὁμαρτέων:

οὐκ ἄν τίς τοι πομπὸν ὀνοσσάμενος μαχέσαιτο.

440ἦ καὶ ἀναί̈ξας ἐριούνιος ἅρμα καὶ ἵππους

Transliteration

suleuein, mē moi ti kakon metopisthe genētai.

soi d' an egō pompos kai ke kluton Argos hikoimēn,

endukeōs en nēï thoēi ē pezos homarteōn:

ouk an tis toi pompon onossamenos machesaito.

440ē kai anaïxas eriounios harma kai hippous

English · Butler

but as your guide I would go with you even to Argos itself, and would guard you so carefully whether by sea or land, that no one should attack you through making light of him who was with you." The bringer of good luck then sprang on to the chariot, and seizing the whip and reins he breathed fresh spirit into the mules and horses.

Homeric Greek

καρπαλίμως μάστιγα καὶ ἡνία λάζετο χερσίν,

ἐν δ' ἔπνευσ' ἵπποισι καὶ ἡμιόνοις μένος ἠύ̈.

ἀλλ' ὅτε δὴ πύργους τε νεῶν καὶ τάφρον ἵκοντο,

οἳ δὲ νέον περὶ δόρπα φυλακτῆρες πονέοντο,

445τοῖσι δ' ἐφ' ὕπνον ἔχευε διάκτορος ἀργεϊφόντης

Transliteration

karpalimōs mastiga kai hēnia lazeto chersin,

en d' epneus' hippoisi kai hēmionois menos ēü.

all' hote dē purgous te neōn kai taphron hikonto,

hoi de neon peri dorpa phulaktēres poneonto,

445toisi d' eph' hupnon echeue diaktoros argeïphontēs

English · Butler

The bringer of good luck then sprang on to the chariot, and seizing the whip and reins he breathed fresh spirit into the mules and horses. When they reached the trench and the wall that was before the ships, those who were on guard had just been getting their suppers, and the slayer of Argos threw them all into a deep sleep. Then he drew back the bolts to open the gates, and took Priam inside with the treasure he had upon his wagon. Ere long they came to the lofty dwelling of

Homeric Greek

πᾶσιν, ἄφαρ δ' ὤϊξε πύλας καὶ ἀπῶσεν ὀχῆας,

ἐς δ' ἄγαγε Πρίαμόν τε καὶ ἀγλαὰ δῶρ' ἐπ' ἀπήνης.

ἀλλ' ὅτε δὴ κλισίην Πηληϊάδεω ἀφίκοντο

ὑψηλήν, τὴν Μυρμιδόνες ποίησαν ἄνακτι

450δοῦρ' ἐλάτης κέρσαντες: ἀτὰρ καθύπερθεν ἔρεψαν

Transliteration

pasin, aphar d' ōïxe pulas kai apōsen ochēas,

es d' agage Priamon te kai aglaa dōr' ep' apēnēs.

all' hote dē klisiēn Pēlēïadeō aphikonto

hupsēlēn, tēn Murmidones poiēsan anakti

450dour' elatēs kersantes: atar kathuperthen erepsan

English · Butler

the son of Peleus for which the Myrmidons had cut pine and which they had built for their king; when they had built it they thatched it with coarse tussock-grass which they had mown out on the plain, and all round it they made a large courtyard, which was fenced with stakes set close together. The gate was barred with a single bolt

Homeric Greek

λαχνήεντ' ὄροφον λειμωνόθεν ἀμήσαντες:

ἀμφὶ δέ οἱ μεγάλην αὐλὴν ποίησαν ἄνακτι

σταυροῖσιν πυκινοῖσι: θύρην δ' ἔχε μοῦνος ἐπιβλὴς

εἰλάτινος, τὸν τρεῖς μὲν ἐπιρρήσσεσκον Ἀχαιοί,

455τρεῖς δ' ἀναοίγεσκον μεγάλην κληῖ̈δα θυράων

Transliteration

lachnēent' orophon leimōnothen amēsantes:

amphi de hoi megalēn aulēn poiēsan anakti

stauroisin pukinoisi: thurēn d' eche mounos epiblēs

eilatinos, ton treis men epirrēsseskon Achaioi,

455treis d' anaoigeskon megalēn klēïda thuraōn

English · Butler

of pine which it took three men to force into its place, and three to draw back so as to open the gate, but Achilles could draw it by himself. Hermes opened the gate for the old man, and brought in the treasure that he was taking with him for the son of Peleus.

Homeric Greek

τῶν ἄλλων: Ἀχιλεὺς δ' ἄρ' ἐπιρρήσσεσκε καὶ οἶος:

δή ῥα τόθ' Ἑρμείας ἐριούνιος ᾦξε γέροντι,

ἐς δ' ἄγαγε κλυτὰ δῶρα ποδώκεϊ Πηλεί̈ωνι,

ἐξ ἵππων δ' ἀπέβαινεν ἐπὶ χθόνα φώνησέν τε:

460ὦ γέρον ἤτοι ἐγὼ θεὸς ἄμβροτος εἰλήλουθα

Transliteration

tōn allōn: Achileus d' ar' epirrēsseske kai oios:

dē rha toth' Hermeias eriounios ōixe geronti,

es d' agage kluta dōra podōkeï Pēleïōni,

ex hippōn d' apebainen epi chthona phōnēsen te:

460ō geron ētoi egō theos ambrotos eilēloutha

English · Butler

Then he sprang from the chariot on to the ground and said, "Sir, it is I, immortal Hermes, that am come with you, for my father sent me to escort you. I will now leave you, and will not enter into the presence

Homeric Greek

Ἑρμείας: σοὶ γάρ με πατὴρ ἅμα πομπὸν ὄπασσεν.

ἀλλ' ἤτοι μὲν ἐγὼ πάλιν εἴσομαι, οὐδ' Ἀχιλῆος

ὀφθαλμοὺς εἴσειμι: νεμεσσητὸν δέ κεν εἴη

ἀθάνατον θεὸν ὧδε βροτοὺς ἀγαπαζέμεν ἄντην:

465τύνη δ' εἰσελθὼν λαβὲ γούνατα Πηλεί̈ωνος,

Transliteration

Hermeias: soi gar me patēr hama pompon opassen.

all' ētoi men egō palin eisomai, oud' Achilēos

ophthalmous eiseimi: nemessēton de ken eiē

athanaton theon hōde brotous agapazemen antēn:

465tunē d' eiselthōn labe gounata Pēleïōnos,

English · Butler

of Achilles, for it might anger him that a god should befriend mortal men thus openly. Go you within, and embrace the knees of the son of Peleus: beseech him by his father, his lovely mother, and his son; thus you

Homeric Greek

καί μιν ὑπὲρ πατρὸς καὶ μητέρος ἠϋκόμοιο

λίσσεο καὶ τέκεος, ἵνα οἱ σὺν θυμὸν ὀρίνῃς.

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ἀπέβη πρὸς μακρὸν Ὄλυμπον

Ἑρμείας: Πρίαμος δ' ἐξ ἵππων ἆλτο χαμᾶζε,

470Ἰδαῖον δὲ κατ' αὖθι λίπεν: ὃ δὲ μίμνεν ἐρύκων

Transliteration

kai min huper patros kai mēteros ēükomoio

lisseo kai tekeos, hina hoi sun thumon orinēis.

hōs ara phōnēsas apebē pros makron Olumpon

Hermeias: Priamos d' ex hippōn alto chamaze,

470Idaion de kat' authi lipen: ho de mimnen erukōn

English · Butler

may move him." With these words Hermes went back to high Olympus. Priam sprang from his chariot to the ground, leaving Idaios where he was, in charge of the mules and horses. The old man went straight into the house where Achilles, loved of the gods, was sitting.

Homeric Greek

ἵππους ἡμιόνους τε: γέρων δ' ἰθὺς κίεν οἴκου,

τῇ ῥ' Ἀχιλεὺς ἵζεσκε Διὶ̈ φίλος: ἐν δέ μιν αὐτὸν

εὗρ', ἕταροι δ' ἀπάνευθε καθήατο: τὼ δὲ δύ' οἴω

ἥρως Αὐτομέδων τε καὶ Ἄλκιμος ὄζος Ἄρηος

475ποίπνυον παρεόντε: νέον δ' ἀπέληγεν ἐδωδῆς

Transliteration

hippous hēmionous te: gerōn d' ithus kien oikou,

tēi rh' Achileus hizeske Diï philos: en de min auton

heur', hetaroi d' apaneuthe kathēato: tō de du' oiō

hērōs Automedōn te kai Alkimos ozos Arēos

475poipnuon pareonte: neon d' apelēgen edōdēs

English · Butler

There he found him with his men seated at a distance from him: only two, the hero Automedon, and Alkimos of the race of Ares, were busy in attendance about his person, for he had but just done eating and drinking, and the table was still there.

Homeric Greek

ἔσθων καὶ πίνων: ἔτι καὶ παρέκειτο τράπεζα.

τοὺς δ' ἔλαθ' εἰσελθὼν Πρίαμος μέγας, ἄγχι δ' ἄρα στὰς

χερσὶν Ἀχιλλῆος λάβε γούνατα καὶ κύσε χεῖρας

δεινὰς ἀνδροφόνους, αἵ οἱ πολέας κτάνον υἷας.

480ὡς δ' ὅτ' ἂν ἄνδρ' ἄτη πυκινὴ λάβῃ, ὅς τ' ἐνὶ πάτρῃ

Transliteration

esthōn kai pinōn: eti kai parekeito trapeza.

tous d' elath' eiselthōn Priamos megas, anchi d' ara stas

chersin Achillēos labe gounata kai kuse cheiras

deinas androphonous, hai hoi poleas ktanon huias.

480hōs d' hot' an andr' atē pukinē labēi, hos t' eni patrēi

English · Butler

and the table was still there. King Priam entered without their seeing him, and going right up to Achilles he clasped his knees and kissed the dread murderous hands that had slain so many of his sons. As when some cruel spite has befallen a man that he should have killed some one in his own country, and must flee to a great man's protection in a land of strangers, and all marvel who see him, even so did Achilles marvel as he beheld Priam.

Homeric Greek

φῶτα κατακτείνας ἄλλων ἐξίκετο δῆμον

ἀνδρὸς ἐς ἀφνειοῦ, θάμβος δ' ἔχει εἰσορόωντας,

ὣς Ἀχιλεὺς θάμβησεν ἰδὼν Πρίαμον θεοειδέα:

θάμβησαν δὲ καὶ ἄλλοι, ἐς ἀλλήλους δὲ ἴδοντο.

485τὸν καὶ λισσόμενος Πρίαμος πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπε:

Transliteration

phōta katakteinas allōn exiketo dēmon

andros es aphneiou, thambos d' echei eisoroōntas,

hōs Achileus thambēsen idōn Priamon theoeidea:

thambēsan de kai alloi, es allēlous de idonto.

485ton kai lissomenos Priamos pros muthon eeipe:

English · Butler

As when some cruel spite has befallen a man that he should have killed some one in his own country, and must flee to a great man's protection in a land of strangers, and all marvel who see him, even so did Achilles marvel as he beheld Priam. The others looked one to another and marveled also, but Priam besought Achilles saying, "Think of your father, O Achilles like unto the gods, who is such even as I am, on the sad threshold of old age. It may be that those who dwell near him harass him, and there is none to keep war and ruin from him.

Homeric Greek

μνῆσαι πατρὸς σοῖο θεοῖς ἐπιείκελ' Ἀχιλλεῦ,

τηλίκου ὥς περ ἐγών, ὀλοῷ ἐπὶ γήραος οὐδῷ:

καὶ μέν που κεῖνον περιναιέται ἀμφὶς ἐόντες

τείρουσ', οὐδέ τίς ἐστιν ἀρὴν καὶ λοιγὸν ἀμῦναι.

490ἀλλ' ἤτοι κεῖνός γε σέθεν ζώοντος ἀκούων

Transliteration

mnēsai patros soio theois epieikel' Achilleu,

tēlikou hōs per egōn, oloōi epi gēraos oudōi:

kai men pou keinon perinaietai amphis eontes

teirous', oude tis estin arēn kai loigon amunai.

490all' ētoi keinos ge sethen zōontos akouōn

English · Butler

Yet when he hears of you being still alive, he is glad, and his days are full of hope that he shall see his dear son come home to him from Troy; but I, wretched man that I am, had the bravest in all Troy for my sons, and there is not one of them left.

Homeric Greek

χαίρει τ' ἐν θυμῷ, ἐπί τ' ἔλπεται ἤματα πάντα

ὄψεσθαι φίλον υἱὸν ἀπὸ Τροίηθεν ἰόντα:

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ πανάποτμος, ἐπεὶ τέκον υἷας ἀρίστους

Τροίῃ ἐν εὐρείῃ, τῶν δ' οὔ τινά φημι λελεῖφθαι.

495πεντήκοντά μοι ἦσαν ὅτ' ἤλυθον υἷες Ἀχαιῶν:

Transliteration

chairei t' en thumōi, epi t' elpetai ēmata panta

opsesthai philon huion apo Troiēthen ionta:

autar egō panapotmos, epei tekon huias aristous

Troiēi en eureiēi, tōn d' ou tina phēmi leleiphthai.

495pentēkonta moi ēsan hot' ēluthon huies Achaiōn:

English · Butler

I had fifty sons when the Achaeans came here; nineteen of them were from a single womb, and the others were borne to me by the women of my household. The greater part of them has fierce Ares laid low, and Hektor, him who was alone

Homeric Greek

ἐννεακαίδεκα μέν μοι ἰῆς ἐκ νηδύος ἦσαν,

τοὺς δ' ἄλλους μοι ἔτικτον ἐνὶ μεγάροισι γυναῖκες.

τῶν μὲν πολλῶν θοῦρος Ἄρης ὑπὸ γούνατ' ἔλυσεν:

ὃς δέ μοι οἶος ἔην, εἴρυτο δὲ ἄστυ καὶ αὐτούς,

500τὸν σὺ πρῴην κτεῖνας ἀμυνόμενον περὶ πάτρης

Transliteration

enneakaideka men moi iēs ek nēduos ēsan,

tous d' allous moi etikton eni megaroisi gunaikes.

tōn men pollōn thouros Arēs hupo gounat' elusen:

hos de moi oios eēn, eiruto de astu kai autous,

500ton su prōiēn kteinas amunomenon peri patrēs

English · Butler

left, him who was the guardian of the city and ourselves, him have you lately slain; therefore I am now come to the ships of the Achaeans to ransom his body from you with a great ransom. Fear, O Achilles, the wrath of heaven; think on your own father and

Homeric Greek

Ἕκτορα: τοῦ νῦν εἵνεχ' ἱκάνω νῆας Ἀχαιῶν

λυσόμενος παρὰ σεῖο, φέρω δ' ἀπερείσι' ἄποινα.

ἀλλ' αἰδεῖο θεοὺς Ἀχιλεῦ, αὐτόν τ' ἐλέησον

μνησάμενος σοῦ πατρός: ἐγὼ δ' ἐλεεινότερός περ,

505ἔτλην δ' οἷ' οὔ πώ τις ἐπιχθόνιος βροτὸς ἄλλος,

Transliteration

Hektora: tou nun heinech' hikanō nēas Achaiōn

lusomenos para seio, pherō d' apereisi' apoina.

all' aideio theous Achileu, auton t' eleēson

mnēsamenos sou patros: egō d' eleeinoteros per,

505etlēn d' hoi' ou pō tis epichthonios brotos allos,

English · Butler

have compassion upon me, who am the more pitiable, for I have steeled myself as no man yet has ever steeled himself before me, and have raised to my lips the

Homeric Greek

ἀνδρὸς παιδοφόνοιο ποτὶ στόμα χεῖρ' ὀρέγεσθαι.

ὣς φάτο, τῷ δ' ἄρα πατρὸς ὑφ' ἵμερον ὦρσε γόοιο:

ἁψάμενος δ' ἄρα χειρὸς ἀπώσατο ἦκα γέροντα.

τὼ δὲ μνησαμένω ὃ μὲν Ἕκτορος ἀνδροφόνοιο

510κλαῖ' ἁδινὰ προπάροιθε ποδῶν Ἀχιλῆος ἐλυσθείς,

Transliteration

andros paidophonoio poti stoma cheir' oregesthai.

hōs phato, tōi d' ara patros huph' himeron ōrse gooio:

hapsamenos d' ara cheiros apōsato ēka geronta.

tō de mnēsamenō ho men Hektoros androphonoio

510klai' hadina proparoithe podōn Achilēos elustheis,

English · Butler

hand of him who slew my son." Thus spoke Priam, and the heart of Achilles yearned as he bethought him of his father. He took the old man's hand and moved him gently away. The two wept bitterly - Priam, as he lay at Achilles' feet, weeping for Hektor, and Achilles now for his

Homeric Greek

αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς κλαῖεν ἑὸν πατέρ', ἄλλοτε δ' αὖτε

Πάτροκλον: τῶν δὲ στοναχὴ κατὰ δώματ' ὀρώρει.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥα γόοιο τετάρπετο δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς,

καί οἱ ἀπὸ πραπίδων ἦλθ' ἵμερος ἠδ' ἀπὸ γυίων,

515αὐτίκ' ἀπὸ θρόνου ὦρτο, γέροντα δὲ χειρὸς ἀνίστη

Transliteration

autar Achilleus klaien heon pater', allote d' aute

Patroklon: tōn de stonachē kata dōmat' orōrei.

autar epei rha gooio tetarpeto dios Achilleus,

kai hoi apo prapidōn ēlth' himeros ēd' apo guiōn,

515autik' apo thronou ōrto, geronta de cheiros anistē

English · Butler

father and now for Patroklos, till the house was filled with their lamentation. But when Achilles was now sated with grief and had unburdened the bitterness of his sorrow, he left his seat and raised the old man by the hand, in pity for his white hair and beard; then he said, "Unhappy man, you have indeed been greatly daring; how could you venture to come alone to the ships of the Achaeans, and enter the presence of him who has slain so many of your brave sons? You must have iron courage: sit now upon this seat, and for all our

Homeric Greek

οἰκτίρων πολιόν τε κάρη πολιόν τε γένειον,

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα:

ἆ δείλ', ἦ δὴ πολλὰ κάκ' ἄνσχεο σὸν κατὰ θυμόν.

πῶς ἔτλης ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν ἐλθέμεν οἶος

520ἀνδρὸς ἐς ὀφθαλμοὺς ὅς τοι πολέας τε καὶ ἐσθλοὺς

Transliteration

oiktirōn polion te karē polion te geneion,

kai min phōnēsas epea pteroenta prosēuda:

a deil', ē dē polla kak' anscheo son kata thumon.

pōs etlēs epi nēas Achaiōn elthemen oios

520andros es ophthalmous hos toi poleas te kai esthlous

English · Butler

grief we will hide our sorrows in our hearts, for weeping will not avail us. The immortals know no care, yet the lot they spin for man is full of sorrow; on the floor of Zeus' palace there stand two urns, the one filled with evil gifts, and the other with good ones. He for whom Zeus the lord of thunder mixes

Homeric Greek

υἱέας ἐξενάριξα; σιδήρειόν νύ τοι ἦτορ.

ἀλλ' ἄγε δὴ κατ' ἄρ' ἕζευ ἐπὶ θρόνου, ἄλγεα δ' ἔμπης

ἐν θυμῷ κατακεῖσθαι ἐάσομεν ἀχνύμενοί περ:

οὐ γάρ τις πρῆξις πέλεται κρυεροῖο γόοιο:

525ὡς γὰρ ἐπεκλώσαντο θεοὶ δειλοῖσι βροτοῖσι

Transliteration

huieas exenarixa; sidēreion nu toi ētor.

all' age dē kat' ar' hezeu epi thronou, algea d' empēs

en thumōi katakeisthai easomen achnumenoi per:

ou gar tis prēxis peletai krueroio gooio:

525hōs gar epeklōsanto theoi deiloisi brotoisi

English · Butler

the gifts he sends, will meet now with good and now with evil fortune; but he to whom Zeus sends none but evil gifts will be pointed at by the finger of scorn, the hand of famine will pursue him to the ends of the world,

Homeric Greek

ζώειν ἀχνυμένοις: αὐτοὶ δέ τ' ἀκηδέες εἰσί.

δοιοὶ γάρ τε πίθοι κατακείαται ἐν Διὸς οὔδει

δώρων οἷα δίδωσι κακῶν, ἕτερος δὲ ἑάων:

ᾧ μέν κ' ἀμμίξας δώῃ Ζεὺς τερπικέραυνος,

530ἄλλοτε μέν τε κακῷ ὅ γε κύρεται, ἄλλοτε δ' ἐσθλῷ:

Transliteration

zōein achnumenois: autoi de t' akēdees eisi.

doioi gar te pithoi katakeiatai en Dios oudei

dōrōn hoia didōsi kakōn, heteros de heaōn:

hōi men k' ammixas dōēi Zeus terpikeraunos,

530allote men te kakōi ho ge kuretai, allote d' esthlōi:

English · Butler

and he will go up and down the face of the earth, respected neither by gods nor men. Even so did it befall Peleus; the gods endowed him with all good things from his birth upwards, for he reigned over the Myrmidons excelling all men in prosperity and

Homeric Greek

ᾧ δέ κε τῶν λυγρῶν δώῃ, λωβητὸν ἔθηκε,

καί ἑ κακὴ βούβρωστις ἐπὶ χθόνα δῖαν ἐλαύνει,

φοιτᾷ δ' οὔτε θεοῖσι τετιμένος οὔτε βροτοῖσιν.

ὣς μὲν καὶ Πηλῆϊ θεοὶ δόσαν ἀγλαὰ δῶρα

535ἐκ γενετῆς: πάντας γὰρ ἐπ' ἀνθρώπους ἐκέκαστο

Transliteration

hōi de ke tōn lugrōn dōēi, lōbēton ethēke,

kai he kakē boubrōstis epi chthona dian elaunei,

phoitāi d' oute theoisi tetimenos oute brotoisin.

hōs men kai Pēlēï theoi dosan aglaa dōra

535ek genetēs: pantas gar ep' anthrōpous ekekasto

English · Butler

wealth, and mortal though he was they gave him a goddess for his bride. But even on him too did heaven send misfortune, for there is no race of royal children born to him in his house, save one son who is doomed to die all untimely; nor may I take care of him

Homeric Greek

ὄλβῳ τε πλούτῳ τε, ἄνασσε δὲ Μυρμιδόνεσσι,

καί οἱ θνητῷ ἐόντι θεὰν ποίησαν ἄκοιτιν.

ἀλλ' ἐπὶ καὶ τῷ θῆκε θεὸς κακόν, ὅττί οἱ οὔ τι

παίδων ἐν μεγάροισι γονὴ γένετο κρειόντων,

540ἀλλ' ἕνα παῖδα τέκεν παναώριον: οὐδέ νυ τόν γε

Transliteration

olbōi te ploutōi te, anasse de Murmidonessi,

kai hoi thnētōi eonti thean poiēsan akoitin.

all' epi kai tōi thēke theos kakon, hotti hoi ou ti

paidōn en megaroisi gonē geneto kreiontōn,

540all' hena paida teken panaōrion: oude nu ton ge

English · Butler

now that he is growing old, for I must stay here at Troy to be the bane of you and your children. And you too, O Priam, I have heard that you were aforetime happy. They say that in wealth and plenitude of offspring you surpassed all

Homeric Greek

γηράσκοντα κομίζω, ἐπεὶ μάλα τηλόθι πάτρης

ἧμαι ἐνὶ Τροίῃ, σέ τε κήδων ἠδὲ σὰ τέκνα.

καὶ σὲ γέρον τὸ πρὶν μὲν ἀκούομεν ὄλβιον εἶναι:

ὅσσον Λέσβος ἄνω Μάκαρος ἕδος ἐντὸς ἐέργει

545καὶ Φρυγίη καθύπερθε καὶ Ἑλλήσποντος ἀπείρων,

Transliteration

gēraskonta komizō, epei mala tēlothi patrēs

hēmai eni Troiēi, se te kēdōn ēde sa tekna.

kai se geron to prin men akouomen olbion einai:

hosson Lesbos anō Makaros hedos entos eergei

545kai Phrugiē kathuperthe kai Hellēspontos apeirōn,

English · Butler

that is in Lesbos, the realm of Makar to the northward, Phrygia that is more inland, and those that dwell upon the great Hellespont; but from the day when the dwellers in heaven sent this evil

Homeric Greek

τῶν σε γέρον πλούτῳ τε καὶ υἱάσι φασὶ κεκάσθαι.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί τοι πῆμα τόδ' ἤγαγον Οὐρανίωνες

αἰεί τοι περὶ ἄστυ μάχαι τ' ἀνδροκτασίαι τε.

ἄνσχεο, μὴ δ' ἀλίαστον ὀδύρεο σὸν κατὰ θυμόν:

550οὐ γάρ τι πρήξεις ἀκαχήμενος υἷος ἑῆος,

Transliteration

tōn se geron ploutōi te kai huiasi phasi kekasthai.

autar epei toi pēma tod' ēgagon Ouraniōnes

aiei toi peri astu machai t' androktasiai te.

anscheo, mē d' aliaston odureo son kata thumon:

550ou gar ti prēxeis akachēmenos huios heēos,

English · Butler

upon you, war and slaughter have been about your city continually. Bear up against it, and let there be some intervals in your sorrow. Mourn as you may for your brave son, you will take nothing by it.

Homeric Greek

οὐδέ μιν ἀνστήσεις, πρὶν καὶ κακὸν ἄλλο πάθῃσθα.

τὸν δ' ἠμείβετ' ἔπειτα γέρων Πρίαμος θεοειδής:

μή πω μ' ἐς θρόνον ἵζε διοτρεφὲς ὄφρά κεν Ἕκτωρ

κεῖται ἐνὶ κλισίῃσιν ἀκηδής, ἀλλὰ τάχιστα

555λῦσον ἵν' ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἴδω: σὺ δὲ δέξαι ἄποινα

Transliteration

oude min anstēseis, prin kai kakon allo pathēistha.

ton d' ēmeibet' epeita gerōn Priamos theoeidēs:

mē pō m' es thronon hize diotrephes ophra ken Hektōr

keitai eni klisiēisin akēdēs, alla tachista

555luson hin' ophthalmoisin idō: su de dexai apoina

English · Butler

You cannot raise him from the dead, ere you do so yet another sorrow shall befall you." And Priam answered, "O king, bid me not be seated, while Hektor is still lying uncared for in your tents, but accept the great ransom which I have brought you, and give him to me at once that I may look upon him. May you prosper with the ransom and reach your own land in safety, seeing that

Homeric Greek

πολλά, τά τοι φέρομεν: σὺ δὲ τῶνδ' ἀπόναιο, καὶ ἔλθοις

σὴν ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν, ἐπεί με πρῶτον ἔασας

αὐτόν τε ζώειν καὶ ὁρᾶν φάος ἠελίοιο.

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

560μηκέτι νῦν μ' ἐρέθιζε γέρον: νοέω δὲ καὶ αὐτὸς

Transliteration

polla, ta toi pheromen: su de tōnd' aponaio, kai elthois

sēn es patrida gaian, epei me prōton easas

auton te zōein kai horan phaos ēelioio.

ton d' ar' hupodra idōn prosephē podas ōkus Achilleus:

560mēketi nun m' erethize geron: noeō de kai autos

English · Butler

you have suffered me to live and to look upon the light of the sun." Achilles looked at him sternly and said, "Vex me, sir, no longer; I am of myself minded to give up the body of Hektor. My mother, daughter of the old man of the

Homeric Greek

Ἕκτορά τοι λῦσαι, Διόθεν δέ μοι ἄγγελος ἦλθε

μήτηρ, ἥ μ' ἔτεκεν, θυγάτηρ ἁλίοιο γέροντος.

καὶ δέ σε γιγνώσκω Πρίαμε φρεσίν, οὐδέ με λήθεις,

ὅττι θεῶν τίς σ' ἦγε θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν.

565οὐ γάρ κε τλαίη βροτὸς ἐλθέμεν, οὐδὲ μάλ' ἡβῶν,

Transliteration

Hektora toi lusai, Diothen de moi angelos ēlthe

mētēr, hē m' eteken, thugatēr halioio gerontos.

kai de se gignōskō Priame phresin, oude me lētheis,

hotti theōn tis s' ēge thoas epi nēas Achaiōn.

565ou gar ke tlaiē brotos elthemen, oude mal' hēbōn,

English · Butler

sea, came to me from Zeus to bid me deliver it to you. Moreover I know well, O Priam, and you cannot hide it, that some god has brought you to the ships of the Achaeans, for else, no man however strong and in his prime would dare to come to our host;

Homeric Greek

ἐς στρατόν: οὐδὲ γὰρ ἂν φυλάκους λάθοι, οὐδέ κ' ὀχῆα

ῥεῖα μετοχλίσσειε θυράων ἡμετεράων.

τὼ νῦν μή μοι μᾶλλον ἐν ἄλγεσι θυμὸν ὀρίνῃς,

μή σε γέρον οὐδ' αὐτὸν ἐνὶ κλισίῃσιν ἐάσω

570καὶ ἱκέτην περ ἐόντα, Διὸς δ' ἀλίτωμαι ἐφετμάς.

Transliteration

es straton: oude gar an phulakous lathoi, oude k' ochēa

rheia metochlisseie thuraōn hēmeteraōn.

tō nun mē moi mallon en algesi thumon orinēis,

mē se geron oud' auton eni klisiēisin easō

570kai hiketēn per eonta, Dios d' alitōmai ephetmas.

English · Butler

he could neither pass our guard unseen, nor draw the bolt of my gates thus easily; therefore, provoke me no further, lest I err against the word of Zeus, and suffer you not, suppliant though you are, within my tents."

Homeric Greek

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

Πηλεί̈δης δ' οἴκοιο λέων ὣς ἆλτο θύραζε

οὐκ οἶος, ἅμα τῷ γε δύω θεράποντες ἕποντο

ἥρως Αὐτομέδων ἠδ' Ἄλκιμος, οὕς ῥα μάλιστα

575τῖ' Ἀχιλεὺς ἑτάρων μετὰ Πάτροκλόν γε θανόντα,

Transliteration

hōs ephat', edeisen d' ho gerōn kai epeitheto muthōi.

Pēleïdēs d' oikoio leōn hōs alto thuraze

ouk oios, hama tōi ge duō therapontes heponto

hērōs Automedōn ēd' Alkimos, hous rha malista

575ti' Achileus hetarōn meta Patroklon ge thanonta,

English · Butler

The old man feared him and obeyed. Then the son of Peleus sprang like a lion through the door of his house, not alone, but with him went his two squires Automedon and Alkimos who were closer to him than any others of his comrades now that Patroklos was no more. These unyoked the horses and mules, and bade Priam's herald and attendant be seated within the house.

Homeric Greek

οἳ τόθ' ὑπὸ ζυγόφιν λύον ἵππους ἡμιόνους τε,

ἐς δ' ἄγαγον κήρυκα καλήτορα τοῖο γέροντος,

κὰδ δ' ἐπὶ δίφρου εἷσαν: ἐϋξέστου δ' ἀπ' ἀπήνης

ᾕρεον Ἑκτορέης κεφαλῆς ἀπερείσι' ἄποινα.

580κὰδ δ' ἔλιπον δύο φάρε' ἐύ̈ννητόν τε χιτῶνα,

Transliteration

hoi toth' hupo zugophin luon hippous hēmionous te,

es d' agagon kēruka kalētora toio gerontos,

kad d' epi diphrou heisan: eüxestou d' ap' apēnēs

hēireon Hektoreēs kephalēs apereisi' apoina.

580kad d' elipon duo phare' eünnēton te chitōna,

English · Butler

They lifted the ransom for Hektor's body from the wagon. but they left two mantles and a goodly shirt, that Achilles might wrap the body in them when he gave it to be taken home. Then he called to his servants and ordered them to wash the body and anoint it, but he

Homeric Greek

ὄφρα νέκυν πυκάσας δοίη οἶκον δὲ φέρεσθαι.

δμῳὰς δ' ἐκκαλέσας λοῦσαι κέλετ' ἀμφί τ' ἀλεῖψαι

νόσφιν ἀειράσας, ὡς μὴ Πρίαμος ἴδοι υἱόν,

μὴ ὃ μὲν ἀχνυμένῃ κραδίῃ χόλον οὐκ ἐρύσαιτο

585παῖδα ἰδών, Ἀχιλῆϊ δ' ὀρινθείη φίλον ἦτορ,

Transliteration

ophra nekun pukasas doiē oikon de pheresthai.

dmōias d' ekkalesas lousai kelet' amphi t' aleipsai

nosphin aeirasas, hōs mē Priamos idoi huion,

mē ho men achnumenēi kradiēi cholon ouk erusaito

585paida idōn, Achilēï d' orintheiē philon ētor,

English · Butler

first took it to a place where Priam should not see it, lest if he did so, he should break out in the bitterness of his grief, and enrage Achilles, who might then kill him and err against the word of Zeus. When the servants had washed the body and anointed

Homeric Greek

καί ἑ κατακτείνειε, Διὸς δ' ἀλίτηται ἐφετμάς.

τὸν δ' ἐπεὶ οὖν δμῳαὶ λοῦσαν καὶ χρῖσαν ἐλαίῳ,

ἀμφὶ δέ μιν φᾶρος καλὸν βάλον ἠδὲ χιτῶνα,

αὐτὸς τόν γ' Ἀχιλεὺς λεχέων ἐπέθηκεν ἀείρας,

590σὺν δ' ἕταροι ἤειραν ἐϋξέστην ἐπ' ἀπήνην.

Transliteration

kai he katakteineie, Dios d' alitētai ephetmas.

ton d' epei oun dmōiai lousan kai chrisan elaiōi,

amphi de min pharos kalon balon ēde chitōna,

autos ton g' Achileus lecheōn epethēken aeiras,

590sun d' hetaroi ēeiran eüxestēn ep' apēnēn.

English · Butler

it, and had wrapped it in a fair shirt and mantle, Achilles himself lifted it on to a bier, and he and his men then laid it on the wagon. He cried aloud as he did so and called on the name of his dear comrade, "Be not angry with me,

Homeric Greek

ᾤμωξέν τ' ἄρ' ἔπειτα, φίλον δ' ὀνόμηνεν ἑταῖρον:

μή μοι Πάτροκλε σκυδμαινέμεν, αἴ κε πύθηαι

εἰν Ἄϊδός περ ἐὼν ὅτι Ἕκτορα δῖον ἔλυσα

πατρὶ φίλῳ, ἐπεὶ οὔ μοι ἀεικέα δῶκεν ἄποινα.

595σοὶ δ' αὖ ἐγὼ καὶ τῶνδ' ἀποδάσσομαι ὅσσ' ἐπέοικεν.

Transliteration

ōimōxen t' ar' epeita, philon d' onomēnen hetairon:

mē moi Patrokle skudmainemen, ai ke puthēai

ein Aïdos per eōn hoti Hektora dion elusa

patri philōi, epei ou moi aeikea dōken apoina.

595soi d' au egō kai tōnd' apodassomai hoss' epeoiken.

English · Butler

Patroklos," he said, "if you hear even in the house of Hades that I have given Hektor to his father for a ransom. It has been no unworthy one, and I will share it equitably with you."

Homeric Greek

ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἐς κλισίην πάλιν ἤϊε δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς,

ἕζετο δ' ἐν κλισμῷ πολυδαιδάλῳ ἔνθεν ἀνέστη

τοίχου τοῦ ἑτέρου, ποτὶ δὲ Πρίαμον φάτο μῦθον:

υἱὸς μὲν δή τοι λέλυται γέρον ὡς ἐκέλευες,

600κεῖται δ' ἐν λεχέεσσ': ἅμα δ' ἠοῖ φαινομένηφιν

Transliteration

ē rha, kai es klisiēn palin ēïe dios Achilleus,

hezeto d' en klismōi poludaidalōi enthen anestē

toichou tou heterou, poti de Priamon phato muthon:

huios men dē toi lelutai geron hōs ekeleues,

600keitai d' en lecheess': hama d' ēoi phainomenēphin

English · Butler

Achilles then went back into the tent and took his place on the richly inlaid seat from which he had risen, by the wall that was at right angles to the one against which Priam was sitting. "Sir," he said, "your son is now laid upon his bier and is ransomed according to desire; you shall look upon him when you him away at daybreak; for the present let us prepare our supper. Even lovely Niobe had to think about eating, though

Homeric Greek

ὄψεαι αὐτὸς ἄγων: νῦν δὲ μνησώμεθα δόρπου.

καὶ γάρ τ' ἠύ̈κομος Νιόβη ἐμνήσατο σίτου,

τῇ περ δώδεκα παῖδες ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ὄλοντο

ἓξ μὲν θυγατέρες, ἓξ δ' υἱέες ἡβώοντες.

605τοὺς μὲν Ἀπόλλων πέφνεν ἀπ' ἀργυρέοιο βιοῖο

Transliteration

opseai autos agōn: nun de mnēsōmetha dorpou.

kai gar t' ēükomos Niobē emnēsato sitou,

tēi per dōdeka paides eni megaroisin olonto

hex men thugateres, hex d' huiees hēbōontes.

605tous men Apollōn pephnen ap' argureoio bioio

English · Butler

her twelve children - six daughters and six lusty sons - had been all slain in her house. Apollo killed the sons with arrows from his silver bow, to punish Niobe, and Artemis slew the daughters, because Niobe had vaunted herself against Leto; she said Leto had borne two children only, whereas she had herself borne many - whereon the two killed the many.

Homeric Greek

χωόμενος Νιόβῃ, τὰς δ' Ἄρτεμις ἰοχέαιρα,

οὕνεκ' ἄρα Λητοῖ ἰσάσκετο καλλιπαρῄῳ:

φῆ δοιὼ τεκέειν, ἣ δ' αὐτὴ γείνατο πολλούς:

τὼ δ' ἄρα καὶ δοιώ περ ἐόντ' ἀπὸ πάντας ὄλεσσαν.

610οἳ μὲν ἄρ' ἐννῆμαρ κέατ' ἐν φόνῳ, οὐδέ τις ἦεν

Transliteration

chōomenos Niobēi, tas d' Artemis iocheaira,

hounek' ara Lētoi isasketo kalliparēiōi:

phē doiō tekeein, hē d' autē geinato pollous:

tō d' ara kai doiō per eont' apo pantas olessan.

610hoi men ar' ennēmar keat' en phonōi, oude tis ēen

English · Butler

Nine days did they lie weltering, and there was none to bury them, for the son of Kronos turned the people into stone; but on the tenth day the gods in heaven themselves buried them, and Niobe then took food, being worn out with weeping. They say that somewhere among the rocks

Homeric Greek

κατθάψαι, λαοὺς δὲ λίθους ποίησε Κρονίων:

τοὺς δ' ἄρα τῇ δεκάτῃ θάψαν θεοὶ Οὐρανίωνες.

ἣ δ' ἄρα σίτου μνήσατ', ἐπεὶ κάμε δάκρυ χέουσα.

νῦν δέ που ἐν πέτρῃσιν ἐν οὔρεσιν οἰοπόλοισιν

615ἐν Σιπύλῳ, ὅθι φασὶ θεάων ἔμμεναι εὐνὰς

Transliteration

katthapsai, laous de lithous poiēse Kroniōn:

tous d' ara tēi dekatēi thapsan theoi Ouraniōnes.

hē d' ara sitou mnēsat', epei kame dakru cheousa.

nun de pou en petrēisin en ouresin oiopoloisin

615en Sipulōi, hothi phasi theaōn emmenai eunas

English · Butler

on the mountain pastures of Sipylos, where the nymphs live that haunt the river Akheloos, there, they say, she lives in stone and still nurses the sorrows sent upon her by the hand of heaven. Therefore, noble sir, let us two now take food;

Homeric Greek

νυμφάων, αἵ τ' ἀμφ' Ἀχελώϊον ἐρρώσαντο,

ἔνθα λίθος περ ἐοῦσα θεῶν ἐκ κήδεα πέσσει.

ἀλλ' ἄγε δὴ καὶ νῶϊ μεδώμεθα δῖε γεραιὲ

σίτου: ἔπειτά κεν αὖτε φίλον παῖδα κλαίοισθα

620Ἴλιον εἰσαγαγών: πολυδάκρυτος δέ τοι ἔσται.

Transliteration

numphaōn, hai t' amph' Achelōïon errōsanto,

entha lithos per eousa theōn ek kēdea pessei.

all' age dē kai nōï medōmetha die geraie

sitou: epeita ken aute philon paida klaioistha

620Ilion eisagagōn: poludakrutos de toi estai.

English · Butler

you can weep for your dear son hereafter as you are bearing him back to Ilion - and many a tear will he cost you."

Homeric Greek

ἦ καὶ ἀναί̈ξας ὄϊν ἄργυφον ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεὺς

σφάξ': ἕταροι δ' ἔδερόν τε καὶ ἄμφεπον εὖ κατὰ κόσμον,

μίστυλλόν τ' ἄρ' ἐπισταμένως πεῖράν τ' ὀβελοῖσιν,

ὄπτησάν τε περιφραδέως, ἐρύσαντό τε πάντα.

625Αὐτομέδων δ' ἄρα σῖτον ἑλὼν ἐπένειμε τραπέζῃ

Transliteration

ē kai anaïxas oïn arguphon ōkus Achilleus

sphax': hetaroi d' ederon te kai amphepon eu kata kosmon,

mistullon t' ar' epistamenōs peiran t' obeloisin,

optēsan te periphradeōs, erusanto te panta.

625Automedōn d' ara siton helōn epeneime trapezēi

English · Butler

With this Achilles sprang from his seat and killed a sheep of silvery whiteness, which his followers skinned and made ready all in due order. They cut the meat carefully up into smaller pieces, spitted them, and drew them off again when they were well roasted. Automedon brought bread in fair baskets and served it round the table, while Achilles dealt out the meat, and they laid their hands on the good things that were before them.

Homeric Greek

καλοῖς ἐν κανέοισιν: ἀτὰρ κρέα νεῖμεν Ἀχιλλεύς.

οἳ δ' ἐπ' ὀνείαθ' ἑτοῖμα προκείμενα χεῖρας ἴαλλον.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

ἤτοι Δαρδανίδης Πρίαμος θαύμαζ' Ἀχιλῆα

630ὅσσος ἔην οἷός τε: θεοῖσι γὰρ ἄντα ἐῴκει:

Transliteration

kalois en kaneoisin: atar krea neimen Achilleus.

hoi d' ep' oneiath' hetoima prokeimena cheiras iallon.

autar epei posios kai edētuos ex eron hento,

ētoi Dardanidēs Priamos thaumaz' Achilēa

630hossos eēn hoios te: theoisi gar anta eōikei:

English · Butler

As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink, Priam, descendant of Dardanos, marveled at the strength and beauty of Achilles for he was as a god to see, and Achilles marveled at Priam as he listened to him and looked upon his noble presence.

Homeric Greek

αὐτὰρ ὃ Δαρδανίδην Πρίαμον θαύμαζεν Ἀχιλλεὺς

εἰσορόων ὄψίν τ' ἀγαθὴν καὶ μῦθον ἀκούων.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ τάρπησαν ἐς ἀλλήλους ὁρόωντες,

τὸν πρότερος προσέειπε γέρων Πρίαμος θεοειδής:

635λέξον νῦν με τάχιστα διοτρεφές, ὄφρα καὶ ἤδη

Transliteration

autar ho Dardanidēn Priamon thaumazen Achilleus

eisoroōn opsin t' agathēn kai muthon akouōn.

autar epei tarpēsan es allēlous horoōntes,

ton proteros proseeipe gerōn Priamos theoeidēs:

635lexon nun me tachista diotrephes, ophra kai ēdē

English · Butler

When they had gazed their fill Priam spoke first. "And now, O king," he said, "take me to my couch that we may lie down and enjoy the blessed boon of sleep. Never once have my eyes been closed from the day your hands took the life of my son; I have groveled without ceasing

Homeric Greek

ὕπνῳ ὕπο γλυκερῷ ταρπώμεθα κοιμηθέντες:

οὐ γάρ πω μύσαν ὄσσε ὑπὸ βλεφάροισιν ἐμοῖσιν

ἐξ οὗ σῇς ὑπὸ χερσὶν ἐμὸς πάϊς ὤλεσε θυμόν,

ἀλλ' αἰεὶ στενάχω καὶ κήδεα μυρία πέσσω

640αὐλῆς ἐν χόρτοισι κυλινδόμενος κατὰ κόπρον.

Transliteration

hupnōi hupo glukerōi tarpōmetha koimēthentes:

ou gar pō musan osse hupo blepharoisin emoisin

ex hou sēis hupo chersin emos païs ōlese thumon,

all' aiei stenachō kai kēdea muria pessō

640aulēs en chortoisi kulindomenos kata kopron.

English · Butler

in the mire of my stable-yard, making moan and brooding over my countless sorrows. Now, moreover, I have eaten bread and drunk wine; hitherto I have tasted

Homeric Greek

νῦν δὴ καὶ σίτου πασάμην καὶ αἴθοπα οἶνον

λαυκανίης καθέηκα: πάρος γε μὲν οὔ τι πεπάσμην.

ἦ ῥ', Ἀχιλεὺς δ' ἑτάροισιν ἰδὲ δμῳῇσι κέλευσε

δέμνι' ὑπ' αἰθούσῃ θέμεναι καὶ ῥήγεα καλὰ

645πορφύρε' ἐμβαλέειν, στορέσαι τ' ἐφύπερθε τάπητας,

Transliteration

nun dē kai sitou pasamēn kai aithopa oinon

laukaniēs katheēka: paros ge men ou ti pepasmēn.

ē rh', Achileus d' hetaroisin ide dmōiēisi keleuse

demni' hup' aithousēi themenai kai rhēgea kala

645porphure' embaleein, storesai t' ephuperthe tapētas,

English · Butler

nothing." As he spoke Achilles told his men and the women-servants to set beds in the room that was in the gatehouse, and make them with good red rugs, and spread coverlets on the top of them with woolen cloaks for Priam and Idaios to wear. So the maids went out carrying a torch and got the two beds ready in all haste. Then Achilles said laughingly to Priam, "Dear sir, you shall lie outside,

Homeric Greek

χλαίνας τ' ἐνθέμεναι οὔλας καθύπερθεν ἕσασθαι.

αἳ δ' ἴσαν ἐκ μεγάροιο δάος μετὰ χερσὶν ἔχουσαι,

αἶψα δ' ἄρα στόρεσαν δοιὼ λέχε' ἐγκονέουσαι.

τὸν δ' ἐπικερτομέων προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς:

650ἐκτὸς μὲν δὴ λέξο γέρον φίλε, μή τις Ἀχαιῶν

Transliteration

chlainas t' enthemenai oulas kathuperthen hesasthai.

hai d' isan ek megaroio daos meta chersin echousai,

aipsa d' ara storesan doiō leche' enkoneousai.

ton d' epikertomeōn prosephē podas ōkus Achilleus:

650ektos men dē lexo geron phile, mē tis Achaiōn

English · Butler

lest some counselor of those who, as is right, keep coming to advise with me should see you here in the darkness of the fleeing night, and tell it to Agamemnon. This might cause delay in the delivery of the body.

Homeric Greek

ἐνθάδ' ἐπέλθῃσιν βουληφόρος, οἵ τέ μοι αἰεὶ

βουλὰς βουλεύουσι παρήμενοι, ἣ θέμις ἐστί:

τῶν εἴ τίς σε ἴδοιτο θοὴν διὰ νύκτα μέλαιναν,

αὐτίκ' ἂν ἐξείποι Ἀγαμέμνονι ποιμένι λαῶν,

655καί κεν ἀνάβλησις λύσιος νεκροῖο γένηται.

Transliteration

enthad' epelthēisin boulēphoros, hoi te moi aiei

boulas bouleuousi parēmenoi, hē themis esti:

tōn ei tis se idoito thoēn dia nukta melainan,

autik' an exeipoi Agamemnoni poimeni laōn,

655kai ken anablēsis lusios nekroio genētai.

English · Butler

And now tell me and tell me true, for how many days would you celebrate the funeral rites of noble Hektor? Tell me, that I may

Homeric Greek

ἀλλ' ἄγε μοι τόδε εἰπὲ καὶ ἀτρεκέως κατάλεξον,

ποσσῆμαρ μέμονας κτερεϊζέμεν Ἕκτορα δῖον,

ὄφρα τέως αὐτός τε μένω καὶ λαὸν ἐρύκω.

τὸν δ' ἠμείβετ' ἔπειτα γέρων Πρίαμος θεοειδής:

660εἰ μὲν δή μ' ἐθέλεις τελέσαι τάφον Ἕκτορι δίῳ,

Transliteration

all' age moi tode eipe kai atrekeōs katalexon,

possēmar memonas ktereïzemen Hektora dion,

ophra teōs autos te menō kai laon erukō.

ton d' ēmeibet' epeita gerōn Priamos theoeidēs:

660ei men dē m' etheleis telesai taphon Hektori diōi,

English · Butler

hold aloof from war and restrain the host." And Priam answered, "Since, then, you suffer me to bury my noble son with all due rites, do thus, Achilles, and I shall be grateful. You know how we are

Homeric Greek

ὧδέ κέ μοι ῥέζων Ἀχιλεῦ κεχαρισμένα θείης.

οἶσθα γὰρ ὡς κατὰ ἄστυ ἐέλμεθα, τηλόθι δ' ὕλη

ἀξέμεν ἐξ ὄρεος, μάλα δὲ Τρῶες δεδίασιν.

ἐννῆμαρ μέν κ' αὐτὸν ἐνὶ μεγάροις γοάοιμεν,

665τῇ δεκάτῃ δέ κε θάπτοιμεν δαινῦτό τε λαός,

Transliteration

hōde ke moi rhezōn Achileu kecharismena theiēs.

oistha gar hōs kata astu eelmetha, tēlothi d' hulē

axemen ex oreos, mala de Trōes dediasin.

ennēmar men k' auton eni megarois goaoimen,

665tēi dekatēi de ke thaptoimen dainuto te laos,

English · Butler

pent up within our city; it is far for us to fetch wood from the mountain, and the people live in fear. Nine days, therefore, will we mourn Hektor in my house; on the tenth day we will bury him and there shall be a public feast in his honor; on the eleventh we will build a mound

Homeric Greek

ἑνδεκάτῃ δέ κε τύμβον ἐπ' αὐτῷ ποιήσαιμεν,

τῇ δὲ δυωδεκάτῃ πολεμίξομεν εἴ περ ἀνάγκη.

τὸν δ' αὖτε προσέειπε ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς:

ἔσται τοι καὶ ταῦτα γέρον Πρίαμ' ὡς σὺ κελεύεις:

670σχήσω γὰρ πόλεμον τόσσον χρόνον ὅσσον ἄνωγας.

Transliteration

hendekatēi de ke tumbon ep' autōi poiēsaimen,

tēi de duōdekatēi polemixomen ei per anankē.

ton d' aute proseeipe podarkēs dios Achilleus:

estai toi kai tauta geron Priam' hōs su keleueis:

670schēsō gar polemon tosson chronon hosson anōgas.

English · Butler

over his ashes, and on the twelfth, if there be need, we will fight." And Achilles answered, "All, King Priam, shall be as you have said. I will stay our fighting for as long a time as you have named."

Homeric Greek

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ἐπὶ καρπῷ χεῖρα γέροντος

ἔλλαβε δεξιτερήν, μή πως δείσει' ἐνὶ θυμῷ.

οἳ μὲν ἄρ' ἐν προδόμῳ δόμου αὐτόθι κοιμήσαντο

κῆρυξ καὶ Πρίαμος πυκινὰ φρεσὶ μήδε' ἔχοντες,

675αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς εὗδε μυχῷ κλισίης ἐϋπήκτου:

Transliteration

hōs ara phōnēsas epi karpōi cheira gerontos

ellabe dexiterēn, mē pōs deisei' eni thumōi.

hoi men ar' en prodomōi domou autothi koimēsanto

kērux kai Priamos pukina phresi mēde' echontes,

675autar Achilleus heude muchōi klisiēs eüpēktou:

English · Butler

As he spoke he laid his hand on the old man's right wrist, in token that he should have no fear; thus then did Priam and his attendant sleep there in the forecourt, full of thought, while Achilles lay in an inner room of the

Homeric Greek

τῷ δὲ Βρισηὶ̈ς παρελέξατο καλλιπάρῃος.

ἄλλοι μέν ῥα θεοί τε καὶ ἀνέρες ἱπποκορυσταὶ

εὗδον παννύχιοι μαλακῷ δεδμημένοι ὕπνῳ:

ἀλλ' οὐχ Ἑρμείαν ἐριούνιον ὕπνος ἔμαρπτεν

680ὁρμαίνοντ' ἀνὰ θυμὸν ὅπως Πρίαμον βασιλῆα

Transliteration

tōi de Brisēïs parelexato kalliparēios.

alloi men rha theoi te kai aneres hippokorustai

heudon pannuchioi malakōi dedmēmenoi hupnōi:

all' ouch Hermeian eriounion hupnos emarpten

680hormainont' ana thumon hopōs Priamon basilēa

English · Butler

house, with fair Briseis by his side. And now both gods and mortals were fast asleep through the livelong night, but upon Hermes alone, the bringer of good luck, sleep could take no hold for he was thinking all the time how to get King Priam away from the ships without his being seen by the strong force of sentinels. He hovered therefore over Priam's head and said, "Sir, now that Achilles has spared your life, you seem to have no fear about sleeping in the thick of your foes.

Homeric Greek

νηῶν ἐκπέμψειε λαθὼν ἱεροὺς πυλαωρούς.

στῆ δ' ἄρ' ὑπὲρ κεφαλῆς καί μιν πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν:

ὦ γέρον οὔ νύ τι σοί γε μέλει κακόν, οἷον ἔθ' εὕδεις

ἀνδράσιν ἐν δηί̈οισιν, ἐπεί σ' εἴασεν Ἀχιλλεύς.

685καὶ νῦν μὲν φίλον υἱὸν ἐλύσαο, πολλὰ δ' ἔδωκας:

Transliteration

nēōn ekpempseie lathōn hierous pulaōrous.

stē d' ar' huper kephalēs kai min pros muthon eeipen:

ō geron ou nu ti soi ge melei kakon, hoion eth' heudeis

andrasin en dēïoisin, epei s' eiasen Achilleus.

685kai nun men philon huion elusao, polla d' edōkas:

English · Butler

You have paid a great ransom, and have received the body of your son; were you still alive and a prisoner the sons whom you have left at home would have to give three times as much to free you; and so it would

Homeric Greek

σεῖο δέ κε ζωοῦ καὶ τρὶς τόσα δοῖεν ἄποινα

παῖδες τοὶ μετόπισθε λελειμμένοι, αἴ κ' Ἀγαμέμνων

γνώῃ σ' Ἀτρεί̈δης, γνώωσι δὲ πάντες Ἀχαιοί.

ὣς ἔφατ', ἔδεισεν δ' ὃ γέρων, κήρυκα δ' ἀνίστη.

690τοῖσιν δ' Ἑρμείας ζεῦξ' ἵππους ἡμιόνους τε,

Transliteration

seio de ke zōou kai tris tosa doien apoina

paides toi metopisthe leleimmenoi, ai k' Agamemnōn

gnōēi s' Atreïdēs, gnōōsi de pantes Achaioi.

hōs ephat', edeisen d' ho gerōn, kēruka d' anistē.

690toisin d' Hermeias zeux' hippous hēmionous te,

English · Butler

be if Agamemnon and the other Achaeans were to know of your being here." When he heard this the old man was afraid and roused his servant. Hermes then yoked their horses and mules, and drove them quickly through the host so that no man perceived them.

Homeric Greek

ῥίμφα δ' ἄρ' αὐτὸς ἔλαυνε κατὰ στρατόν, οὐδέ τις ἔγνω.

ἀλλ' ὅτε δὴ πόρον ἷξον ἐϋρρεῖος ποταμοῖο

Ξάνθου δινήεντος, ὃν ἀθάνατος τέκετο Ζεύς,

Ἑρμείας μὲν ἔπειτ' ἀπέβη πρὸς μακρὸν Ὄλυμπον,

695Ἠὼς δὲ κροκόπεπλος ἐκίδνατο πᾶσαν ἐπ' αἶαν,

Transliteration

rhimpha d' ar' autos elaune kata straton, oude tis egnō.

all' hote dē poron hixon eürreios potamoio

Xanthou dinēentos, hon athanatos teketo Zeus,

Hermeias men epeit' apebē pros makron Olumpon,

695Ēōs de krokopeplos ekidnato pasan ep' aian,

English · Butler

When they came to the ford of eddying Xanthos, begotten of immortal Zeus, Hermes went back to high Olympus, and dawn in robe of saffron began to break over all the land. Priam and Idaios then drove on toward the city lamenting and making moan, and the mules drew the body of Hektor.

Homeric Greek

οἳ δ' εἰς ἄστυ ἔλων οἰμωγῇ τε στοναχῇ τε

ἵππους, ἡμίονοι δὲ νέκυν φέρον. οὐδέ τις ἄλλος

ἔγνω πρόσθ' ἀνδρῶν καλλιζώνων τε γυναικῶν,

ἀλλ' ἄρα Κασσάνδρη ἰκέλη χρυσῇ Ἀφροδίτῃ

700Πέργαμον εἰσαναβᾶσα φίλον πατέρ' εἰσενόησεν

Transliteration

hoi d' eis astu elōn oimōgēi te stonachēi te

hippous, hēmionoi de nekun pheron. oude tis allos

egnō prosth' andrōn kallizōnōn te gunaikōn,

all' ara Kassandrē ikelē chrusēi Aphroditēi

700Pergamon eisanabasa philon pater' eisenoēsen

English · Butler

No one neither man nor woman saw them, till Cassandra, fair as golden Aphrodite standing on Pergamos, caught sight of her dear father in his chariot, and his servant that was the city's herald with him. Then she saw him that was lying upon the

Homeric Greek

ἑσταότ' ἐν δίφρῳ, κήρυκά τε ἀστυβοώτην:

τὸν δ' ἄρ' ἐφ' ἡμιόνων ἴδε κείμενον ἐν λεχέεσσι:

κώκυσέν τ' ἄρ' ἔπειτα γέγωνέ τε πᾶν κατὰ ἄστυ:

ὄψεσθε Τρῶες καὶ Τρῳάδες Ἕκτορ' ἰόντες,

705εἴ ποτε καὶ ζώοντι μάχης ἐκνοστήσαντι

Transliteration

hestaot' en diphrōi, kēruka te astuboōtēn:

ton d' ar' eph' hēmionōn ide keimenon en lecheessi:

kōkusen t' ar' epeita gegōne te pan kata astu:

opsesthe Trōes kai Trōiades Hektor' iontes,

705ei pote kai zōonti machēs eknostēsanti

English · Butler

bier, drawn by the mules, and with a loud cry she went about the city saying, "Come hither Trojans, men and women, and look on Hektor; if ever you rejoiced to see him coming from battle when he was alive, look now on him that was the

Homeric Greek

χαίρετ', ἐπεὶ μέγα χάρμα πόλει τ' ἦν παντί τε δήμῳ.

ὣς ἔφατ', οὐδέ τις αὐτόθ' ἐνὶ πτόλεϊ λίπετ' ἀνὴρ

οὐδὲ γυνή: πάντας γὰρ ἀάσχετον ἵκετο πένθος:

ἀγχοῦ δὲ ξύμβληντο πυλάων νεκρὸν ἄγοντι.

710πρῶται τόν γ' ἄλοχός τε φίλη καὶ πότνια μήτηρ

Transliteration

chairet', epei mega charma polei t' ēn panti te dēmōi.

hōs ephat', oude tis autoth' eni ptoleï lipet' anēr

oude gunē: pantas gar aascheton hiketo penthos:

anchou de xumblēnto pulaōn nekron agonti.

710prōtai ton g' alochos te philē kai potnia mētēr

English · Butler

glory of our city and all our." At this there was not man nor woman left in the city, so great a sorrow had possessed them. Hard by the gates they met Priam as he was bringing in the body. Hektor's wife and his mother were the first to mourn him: they flew towards the wagon and laid their hands upon his head, while the crowd stood weeping round them.

Homeric Greek

τιλλέσθην ἐπ' ἄμαξαν ἐύ̈τροχον ἀί̈ξασαι

ἁπτόμεναι κεφαλῆς: κλαίων δ' ἀμφίσταθ' ὅμιλος.

καί νύ κε δὴ πρόπαν ἦμαρ ἐς ἠέλιον καταδύντα

Ἕκτορα δάκρυ χέοντες ὀδύροντο πρὸ πυλάων,

715εἰ μὴ ἄρ' ἐκ δίφροιο γέρων λαοῖσι μετηύδα:

Transliteration

tillesthēn ep' amaxan eütrochon aïxasai

haptomenai kephalēs: klaiōn d' amphistath' homilos.

kai nu ke dē propan ēmar es ēelion katadunta

Hektora dakru cheontes oduronto pro pulaōn,

715ei mē ar' ek diphroio gerōn laoisi metēuda:

English · Butler

They would have stayed before the gates, weeping and lamenting the livelong day to the going down of the sun, had not Priam spoken to them from the chariot and said, "Make way for the mules to pass you. Afterwards when I have taken

Homeric Greek

εἴξατέ μοι οὐρεῦσι διελθέμεν: αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

ἄσεσθε κλαυθμοῖο, ἐπὴν ἀγάγωμι δόμον δέ.

ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δὲ διέστησαν καὶ εἶξαν ἀπήνῃ.

οἳ δ' ἐπεὶ εἰσάγαγον κλυτὰ δώματα, τὸν μὲν ἔπειτα

720τρητοῖς ἐν λεχέεσσι θέσαν, παρὰ δ' εἷσαν ἀοιδοὺς

Transliteration

eixate moi oureusi dielthemen: autar epeita

asesthe klauthmoio, epēn agagōmi domon de.

hōs ephath', hoi de diestēsan kai eixan apēnēi.

hoi d' epei eisagagon kluta dōmata, ton men epeita

720trētois en lecheessi thesan, para d' heisan aoidous

English · Butler

the body home you shall have your fill of weeping." On this the people stood asunder, and made a way for the wagon. When they had borne the body within the house they laid it upon a bed and seated minstrels round it

Homeric Greek

θρήνων ἐξάρχους, οἵ τε στονόεσσαν ἀοιδὴν

οἳ μὲν ἄρ' ἐθρήνεον, ἐπὶ δὲ στενάχοντο γυναῖκες.

τῇσιν δ' Ἀνδρομάχη λευκώλενος ἦρχε γόοιο

Ἕκτορος ἀνδροφόνοιο κάρη μετὰ χερσὶν ἔχουσα:

725ἆνερ ἀπ' αἰῶνος νέος ὤλεο, κὰδ δέ με χήρην

Transliteration

thrēnōn exarchous, hoi te stonoessan aoidēn

hoi men ar' ethrēneon, epi de stenachonto gunaikes.

tēisin d' Andromachē leukōlenos ērche gooio

Hektoros androphonoio karē meta chersin echousa:

725aner ap' aiōnos neos ōleo, kad de me chērēn

English · Butler

to lead the dirge, whereon the women joined in the sad music of their lament. Foremost among them all Andromache led their wailing as she clasped the head of mighty Hektor in her embrace. "Husband," she cried, "you have died young, and leave me in your house a widow; he of whom we are the ill-starred parents is still a mere child, and I fear he may not reach manhood.

Homeric Greek

λείπεις ἐν μεγάροισι: πάϊς δ' ἔτι νήπιος αὔτως

ὃν τέκομεν σύ τ' ἐγώ τε δυσάμμοροι, οὐδέ μιν οἴω

ἥβην ἵξεσθαι: πρὶν γὰρ πόλις ἥδε κατ' ἄκρης

πέρσεται: ἦ γὰρ ὄλωλας ἐπίσκοπος, ὅς τέ μιν αὐτὴν

730ῥύσκευ, ἔχες δ' ἀλόχους κεδνὰς καὶ νήπια τέκνα,

Transliteration

leipeis en megaroisi: païs d' eti nēpios autōs

hon tekomen su t' egō te dusammoroi, oude min oiō

hēbēn hixesthai: prin gar polis hēde kat' akrēs

persetai: ē gar olōlas episkopos, hos te min autēn

730rhuskeu, eches d' alochous kednas kai nēpia tekna,

English · Butler

Ere he can do so our city will be razed and overthrown, for you who watched over it are no more - you who were its savior, the guardian of our wives and children. Our women will be carried away captives to the ships, and I among them;

Homeric Greek

αἳ δή τοι τάχα νηυσὶν ὀχήσονται γλαφυρῇσι,

καὶ μὲν ἐγὼ μετὰ τῇσι: σὺ δ' αὖ τέκος ἢ ἐμοὶ αὐτῇ

ἕψεαι, ἔνθά κεν ἔργα ἀεικέα ἐργάζοιο

ἀθλεύων πρὸ ἄνακτος ἀμειλίχου, ἤ τις Ἀχαιῶν

735ῥίψει χειρὸς ἑλὼν ἀπὸ πύργου λυγρὸν ὄλεθρον

Transliteration

hai dē toi tacha nēusin ochēsontai glaphurēisi,

kai men egō meta tēisi: su d' au tekos ē emoi autēi

hepseai, entha ken erga aeikea ergazoio

athleuōn pro anaktos ameilichou, ē tis Achaiōn

735rhipsei cheiros helōn apo purgou lugron olethron

English · Butler

while you, my child, who will be with me will be put to some unseemly tasks, working for a cruel master. Or, may be,

Homeric Greek

χωόμενος, ᾧ δή που ἀδελφεὸν ἔκτανεν Ἕκτωρ

ἢ πατέρ' ἠὲ καὶ υἱόν, ἐπεὶ μάλα πολλοὶ Ἀχαιῶν

Ἕκτορος ἐν παλάμῃσιν ὀδὰξ ἕλον ἄσπετον οὖδας.

οὐ γὰρ μείλιχος ἔσκε πατὴρ τεὸς ἐν δαὶ̈ λυγρῇ:

740τὼ καί μιν λαοὶ μὲν ὀδύρονται κατὰ ἄστυ,

Transliteration

chōomenos, hōi dē pou adelpheon ektanen Hektōr

ē pater' ēe kai huion, epei mala polloi Achaiōn

Hektoros en palamēisin odax helon aspeton oudas.

ou gar meilichos eske patēr teos en daï lugrēi:

740tō kai min laoi men odurontai kata astu,

English · Butler

some Achaean will hurl you (O miserable death) from our walls, to avenge some brother, son, or father whom Hektor slew; many of them have indeed bitten the dust at his hands, for your father's hand in battle was no light one. Therefore do the people mourn him. You have left, O Hektor, sorrow unutterable to your parents, and my own grief is greatest of all, for you

Homeric Greek

ἀρητὸν δὲ τοκεῦσι γόον καὶ πένθος ἔθηκας

Ἕκτορ: ἐμοὶ δὲ μάλιστα λελείψεται ἄλγεα λυγρά.

οὐ γάρ μοι θνῄσκων λεχέων ἐκ χεῖρας ὄρεξας,

οὐδέ τί μοι εἶπες πυκινὸν ἔπος, οὗ τέ κεν αἰεὶ

745μεμνῄμην νύκτάς τε καὶ ἤματα δάκρυ χέουσα.

Transliteration

arēton de tokeusi goon kai penthos ethēkas

Hektor: emoi de malista leleipsetai algea lugra.

ou gar moi thnēiskōn lecheōn ek cheiras orexas,

oude ti moi eipes pukinon epos, hou te ken aiei

745memnēimēn nuktas te kai ēmata dakru cheousa.

English · Butler

did not stretch forth your arms and embrace me as you lay dying, nor say to me any words that might have lived with me in my tears night and day for evermore."

Homeric Greek

ὣς ἔφατο κλαίουσ', ἐπὶ δὲ στενάχοντο γυναῖκες.

τῇσιν δ' αὖθ' Ἑκάβη ἁδινοῦ ἐξῆρχε γόοιο:

Ἕκτορ ἐμῷ θυμῷ πάντων πολὺ φίλτατε παίδων,

ἦ μέν μοι ζωός περ ἐὼν φίλος ἦσθα θεοῖσιν:

750οἳ δ' ἄρα σεῦ κήδοντο καὶ ἐν θανάτοιό περ αἴσῃ.

Transliteration

hōs ephato klaious', epi de stenachonto gunaikes.

tēisin d' auth' Hekabē hadinou exērche gooio:

Hektor emōi thumōi pantōn polu philtate paidōn,

ē men moi zōos per eōn philos ēstha theoisin:

750hoi d' ara seu kēdonto kai en thanatoio per aisēi.

English · Butler

Bitterly did she weep the while, and the women joined in her lament. Hecuba in her turn took up the strains of woe. "Hektor," she cried, "dearest to me of all my children. So long as you were alive the gods loved you well, and even in death they have not been utterly unmindful of you;

Homeric Greek

ἄλλους μὲν γὰρ παῖδας ἐμοὺς πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεὺς

πέρνασχ' ὅν τιν' ἕλεσκε πέρην ἁλὸς ἀτρυγέτοιο,

ἐς Σάμον ἔς τ' Ἴμβρον καὶ Λῆμνον ἀμιχθαλόεσσαν:

σεῦ δ' ἐπεὶ ἐξέλετο ψυχὴν ταναήκεϊ χαλκῷ,

755πολλὰ ῥυστάζεσκεν ἑοῦ περὶ σῆμ' ἑτάροιο

Transliteration

allous men gar paidas emous podas ōkus Achilleus

pernasch' hon tin' heleske perēn halos atrugetoio,

es Samon es t' Imbron kai Lēmnon amichthaloessan:

seu d' epei exeleto psuchēn tanaēkeï chalkōi,

755polla rhustazesken heou peri sēm' hetaroio

English · Butler

for when Achilles took any other of my sons, he would sell him beyond the seas, to Samos Imbros or rugged Lemnos; and when he had taken away with his sword your life-breath as well, many a time did he drag you round the sepulcher of

Homeric Greek

Πατρόκλου, τὸν ἔπεφνες: ἀνέστησεν δέ μιν οὐδ' ὧς.

νῦν δέ μοι ἑρσήεις καὶ πρόσφατος ἐν μεγάροισι

κεῖσαι, τῷ ἴκελος ὅν τ' ἀργυρότοξος Ἀπόλλων

οἷς ἀγανοῖσι βέλεσσιν ἐποιχόμενος κατέπεφνεν.

760ὣς ἔφατο κλαίουσα, γόον δ' ἀλίαστον ὄρινε.

Transliteration

Patroklou, ton epephnes: anestēsen de min oud' hōs.

nun de moi hersēeis kai prosphatos en megaroisi

keisai, tōi ikelos hon t' argurotoxos Apollōn

hois aganoisi belessin epoichomenos katepephnen.

760hōs ephato klaiousa, goon d' aliaston orine.

English · Butler

his comrade - though this could not give him life - yet here you lie all fresh as dew, and comely as one whom Apollo has slain with his painless shafts." Thus did she too speak through her tears with bitter moan, and then Helen for a third time took up the strain of lamentation.

Homeric Greek

τῇσι δ' ἔπειθ' Ἑλένη τριτάτη ἐξῆρχε γόοιο:

Ἕκτορ ἐμῷ θυμῷ δαέρων πολὺ φίλτατε πάντων,

ἦ μέν μοι πόσις ἐστὶν Ἀλέξανδρος θεοειδής,

ὅς μ' ἄγαγε Τροίηνδ': ὡς πρὶν ὤφελλον ὀλέσθαι.

765ἤδη γὰρ νῦν μοι τόδε εἰκοστὸν ἔτος ἐστὶν

Transliteration

tēisi d' epeith' Helenē tritatē exērche gooio:

Hektor emōi thumōi daerōn polu philtate pantōn,

ē men moi posis estin Alexandros theoeidēs,

hos m' agage Troiēnd': hōs prin ōphellon olesthai.

765ēdē gar nun moi tode eikoston etos estin

English · Butler

Thus did she too speak through her tears with bitter moan, and then Helen for a third time took up the strain of lamentation. "Hektor," said she, "dearest of all my brothers-in-law-for I am wife to Alexander who brought me hither to Troy - would that I had died ere he did so - twenty years are come and gone since I left my home and came from over the sea, but I have never heard one word of insult or unkindness from you.

Homeric Greek

ἐξ οὗ κεῖθεν ἔβην καὶ ἐμῆς ἀπελήλυθα πάτρης:

ἀλλ' οὔ πω σεῦ ἄκουσα κακὸν ἔπος οὐδ' ἀσύφηλον:

ἀλλ' εἴ τίς με καὶ ἄλλος ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἐνίπτοι

δαέρων ἢ γαλόων ἢ εἰνατέρων εὐπέπλων,

770ἢ ἑκυρή, ἑκυρὸς δὲ πατὴρ ὣς ἤπιος αἰεί,

Transliteration

ex hou keithen ebēn kai emēs apelēlutha patrēs:

all' ou pō seu akousa kakon epos oud' asuphēlon:

all' ei tis me kai allos eni megaroisin eniptoi

daerōn ē galoōn ē einaterōn eupeplōn,

770ē hekurē, hekuros de patēr hōs ēpios aiei,

English · Butler

When another would chide with me, as it might be one of your brothers or sisters or of your brothers' wives, or my mother-in-law - for Priam was as kind to me as though he were my own father - you would rebuke and check them with words of gentleness and goodwill.

Homeric Greek

ἀλλὰ σὺ τὸν ἐπέεσσι παραιφάμενος κατέρυκες

σῇ τ' ἀγανοφροσύνῃ καὶ σοῖς ἀγανοῖς ἐπέεσσι.

τὼ σέ θ' ἅμα κλαίω καὶ ἔμ' ἄμμορον ἀχνυμένη κῆρ:

οὐ γάρ τίς μοι ἔτ' ἄλλος ἐνὶ Τροίῃ εὐρείῃ

775ἤπιος οὐδὲ φίλος, πάντες δέ με πεφρίκασιν.

Transliteration

alla su ton epeessi paraiphamenos katerukes

sēi t' aganophrosunēi kai sois aganois epeessi.

tō se th' hama klaiō kai em' ammoron achnumenē kēr:

ou gar tis moi et' allos eni Troiēi eureiēi

775ēpios oude philos, pantes de me pephrikasin.

English · Butler

Therefore my tears flow both for you and for my unhappy self, for there is no one else in Troy who is kind to me, but all shrink and shudder as they go by me."

Homeric Greek

ὣς ἔφατο κλαίουσ', ἐπὶ δ' ἔστενε δῆμος ἀπείρων.

λαοῖσιν δ' ὃ γέρων Πρίαμος μετὰ μῦθον ἔειπεν:

ἄξετε νῦν Τρῶες ξύλα ἄστυ δέ, μὴ δέ τι θυμῷ

δείσητ' Ἀργείων πυκινὸν λόχον: ἦ γὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

780πέμπων μ' ὧδ' ἐπέτελλε μελαινάων ἀπὸ νηῶν

Transliteration

hōs ephato klaious', epi d' estene dēmos apeirōn.

laoisin d' ho gerōn Priamos meta muthon eeipen:

axete nun Trōes xula astu de, mē de ti thumōi

deisēt' Argeiōn pukinon lochon: ē gar Achilleus

780pempōn m' hōd' epetelle melainaōn apo nēōn

English · Butler

She wept as she spoke and the vast population that was gathered round her joined in her lament. Then King Priam spoke to them saying, "Bring wood, O Trojans, to the city, and fear no cunning ambush of the Argives, for Achilles when he dismissed me from the ships gave me his word that they should not

Homeric Greek

μὴ πρὶν πημανέειν πρὶν δωδεκάτη μόλῃ ἠώς.

ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δ' ὑπ' ἀμάξῃσιν βόας ἡμιόνους τε

ζεύγνυσαν, αἶψα δ' ἔπειτα πρὸ ἄστεος ἠγερέθοντο.

ἐννῆμαρ μὲν τοί γε ἀγίνεον ἄσπετον ὕλην:

785ἀλλ' ὅτε δὴ δεκάτη ἐφάνη φαεσίμβροτος ἠώς,

Transliteration

mē prin pēmaneein prin dōdekatē molēi ēōs.

hōs ephath', hoi d' hup' amaxēisin boas hēmionous te

zeugnusan, aipsa d' epeita pro asteos ēgerethonto.

ennēmar men toi ge agineon aspeton hulēn:

785all' hote dē dekatē ephanē phaesimbrotos ēōs,

English · Butler

attack us until the morning of the twelfth day." Forthwith they yoked their oxen and mules and gathered together before the city. Nine days long did they bring in great heaps wood, and on the morning of the tenth day with many tears they took brave

Homeric Greek

καὶ τότ' ἄρ' ἐξέφερον θρασὺν Ἕκτορα δάκρυ χέοντες,

ἐν δὲ πυρῇ ὑπάτῃ νεκρὸν θέσαν, ἐν δ' ἔβαλον πῦρ.

ἦμος δ' ἠριγένεια φάνη ῥοδοδάκτυλος Ἠώς,

τῆμος ἄρ' ἀμφὶ πυρὴν κλυτοῦ Ἕκτορος ἔγρετο λαός.

790αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥ' ἤγερθεν ὁμηγερέες τ' ἐγένοντο

Transliteration

kai tot' ar' exepheron thrasun Hektora dakru cheontes,

en de purēi hupatēi nekron thesan, en d' ebalon pur.

ēmos d' ērigeneia phanē rhododaktulos Ēōs,

tēmos ar' amphi purēn klutou Hektoros egreto laos.

790autar epei rh' ēgerthen homēgerees t' egenonto

English · Butler

Hektor forth, laid his dead body upon the summit of the pile, and set the fire thereto. Then when the child of morning rosy-fingered dawn appeared on the eleventh day, the people again assembled, round the pyre of mighty Hektor. When they were got together, they first quenched the fire with wine wherever it was

Homeric Greek

πρῶτον μὲν κατὰ πυρκαϊὴν σβέσαν αἴθοπι οἴνῳ

πᾶσαν, ὁπόσσον ἐπέσχε πυρὸς μένος: αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

ὀστέα λευκὰ λέγοντο κασίγνητοί θ' ἕταροί τε

μυρόμενοι, θαλερὸν δὲ κατείβετο δάκρυ παρειῶν.

795καὶ τά γε χρυσείην ἐς λάρνακα θῆκαν ἑλόντες

Transliteration

prōton men kata purkaïēn sbesan aithopi oinōi

pasan, hoposson epesche puros menos: autar epeita

ostea leuka legonto kasignētoi th' hetaroi te

muromenoi, thaleron de kateibeto dakru pareiōn.

795kai ta ge chruseiēn es larnaka thēkan helontes

English · Butler

burning, and then his brothers and comrades with many a bitter tear gathered his white bones, wrapped them in soft robes of purple, and laid them in a golden urn, which they placed in a grave and covered over with large stones set close together.

Homeric Greek

πορφυρέοις πέπλοισι καλύψαντες μαλακοῖσιν.

αἶψα δ' ἄρ' ἐς κοίλην κάπετον θέσαν, αὐτὰρ ὕπερθε

πυκνοῖσιν λάεσσι κατεστόρεσαν μεγάλοισι:

ῥίμφα δὲ σῆμ' ἔχεαν, περὶ δὲ σκοποὶ ἥατο πάντῃ,

800μὴ πρὶν ἐφορμηθεῖεν ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοί.

Transliteration

porphureois peploisi kalupsantes malakoisin.

aipsa d' ar' es koilēn kapeton thesan, autar huperthe

puknoisin laessi katestoresan megaloisi:

rhimpha de sēm' echean, peri de skopoi hēato pantēi,

800mē prin ephormētheien eüknēmides Achaioi.

English · Butler

Then they built a tomb hurriedly over it keeping guard on every side lest the Achaeans should attack them before they had finished. When they had heaped up the barrow they went back again into the city, and

Homeric Greek

χεύαντες δὲ τὸ σῆμα πάλιν κίον: αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

εὖ συναγειρόμενοι δαίνυντ' ἐρικυδέα δαῖτα

δώμασιν ἐν Πριάμοιο διοτρεφέος βασιλῆος.

ὣς οἵ γ' ἀμφίεπον τάφον Ἕκτορος ἱπποδάμοιο.

Transliteration

cheuantes de to sēma palin kion: autar epeita

eu sunageiromenoi dainunt' erikudea daita

dōmasin en Priamoio diotrepheos basilēos.

hōs hoi g' amphiepon taphon Hektoros hippodamoio.

English · Butler

being well assembled they held high feast in the house of Priam their king. Thus, then, did they celebrate the funeral of Hektor tamer of horses.