Homeric Greek
1ὣς εἰπὼν πυλέων ἐξέσσυτο φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ,
τῷ δ' ἅμ' Ἀλέξανδρος κί' ἀδελφεός: ἐν δ' ἄρα θυμῷ
ἀμφότεροι μέμασαν πολεμίζειν ἠδὲ μάχεσθαι.
ὡς δὲ θεὸς ναύτῃσιν ἐελδομένοισιν ἔδωκεν
5οὖρον, ἐπεί κε κάμωσιν ἐϋξέστῃς ἐλάτῃσι
Transliteration
1hōs eipōn pyleōn exessyto phaidimos Hektōr,
tōi d' ham' Alexandros ki' adelpheos: en d' ara thymōi
amphoteroi memasan polemizein ēde machesthai.
hōs de theos nautēisin eeldomenoisin edōken
5ouron, epei ke kamōsin eÿxestēis elatēisi
English
With these words Hektor passed through the gates, and his brother Alexander with him, both eager for the fray. As when heaven sends a breeze to sailors who have long looked for one in vain, and have labored at their oars at sea till
Homeric Greek
πόντον ἐλαύνοντες, καμάτῳ δ' ὑπὸ γυῖα λέλυνται,
ὣς ἄρα τὼ Τρώεσσιν ἐελδομένοισι φανήτην.
ἔνθ' ἑλέτην ὃ μὲν υἱὸν Ἀρηϊθόοιο ἄνακτος
Ἄρνῃ ναιετάοντα Μενέσθιον, ὃν κορυνήτης
10γείνατ' Ἀρηί̈θοος καὶ Φυλομέδουσα βοῶπις:
Transliteration
ponton elaunontes, kamatōi d' hypo guia lelyntai,
hōs ara tō Trōessin eeldomenoisi phanētēn.
enth' heletēn ho men huion Arēïthooio anaktos
Arnēi naietaonta Menesthion, hon korynētēs
10geinat' Arēïthoos kai Phylomedousa boōpis:
English
they are faint with toil, even so welcome was the sight of these two heroes to the Trojans. Thereon Alexander killed Menesthios the son of Areithoos; he lived in Ame, and was son of Areithoos the Mace-man, and of Phylomedousa.
Homeric Greek
Ἕκτωρ δ' Ἠϊονῆα βάλ' ἔγχεϊ ὀξυόεντι
αὐχέν' ὑπὸ στεφάνης εὐχάλκου, λύντο δὲ γυῖα.
Γλαῦκος δ' Ἱππολόχοιο πάϊς Λυκίων ἀγὸς ἀνδρῶν
Ἰφίνοον βάλε δουρὶ κατὰ κρατερὴν ὑσμίνην
15Δεξιάδην ἵππων ἐπιάλμενον ὠκειάων
Transliteration
Hektōr d' Ēïonēa bal' encheï oxyoenti
auchen' hypo stephanēs euchalkou, lynto de guia.
Glaukos d' Hippolochoio païs Lykiōn agos andrōn
Iphinoon bale douri kata kraterēn hysminēn
15Dexiadēn hippōn epialmenon ōkeiaōn
English
Hektor threw a spear at Eioneus and struck him dead with a wound in the neck under the bronze rim of his helmet. Glaukos, moreover, son of Hippolokhos, leader of the Lycians, in hard hand-to-hand fight smote Iphinoos son of Dexios on the shoulder, as he was springing on to his chariot behind his fleet mares;
Homeric Greek
ὦμον: ὃ δ' ἐξ ἵππων χαμάδις πέσε, λύντο δὲ γυῖα.
τοὺς δ' ὡς οὖν ἐνόησε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη
Ἀργείους ὀλέκοντας ἐνὶ κρατερῇ ὑσμίνῃ,
βῆ ῥα κατ' Οὐλύμποιο καρήνων ἀί̈ξασα
20Ἴλιον εἰς ἱερήν: τῇ δ' ἀντίος ὄρνυτ' Ἀπόλλων
Transliteration
ōmon: ho d' ex hippōn chamadis pese, lynto de guia.
tous d' hōs oun enoēse thea glaukōpis Athēnē
Argeious olekontas eni kraterēi hysminēi,
bē rha kat' Oulympoio karēnōn aïxasa
20Ilion eis hierēn: tēi d' antios ornyt' Apollōn
English
so he fell to earth from the car, and there was no life left in him. When, therefore, Athena saw these men making havoc of the Argives, she darted down to Ilion from the summits of Olympus, and Apollo, who was looking on from Pergamos, went out to meet her;
Homeric Greek
Περγάμου ἐκκατιδών, Τρώεσσι δὲ βούλετο νίκην:
ἀλλήλοισι δὲ τώ γε συναντέσθην παρὰ φηγῷ.
τὴν πρότερος προσέειπεν ἄναξ Διὸς υἱὸς Ἀπόλλων:
τίπτε σὺ δ' αὖ μεμαυῖα Διὸς θύγατερ μεγάλοιο
25ἦλθες ἀπ' Οὐλύμποιο, μέγας δέ σε θυμὸς ἀνῆκεν;
Transliteration
Pergamou ekkatidōn, Trōessi de bouleto nikēn:
allēloisi de tō ge synantesthēn para phēgōi.
tēn proteros proseeipen anax Dios huios Apollōn:
tipte sy d' au memauia Dios thygater megaloio
25ēlthes ap' Oulympoio, megas de se thymos anēken;
English
for he wanted the Trojans to be victorious. The pair met by the oak tree, and King Apollo son of Zeus was first to speak. "What would you have said he, "daughter of great Zeus, that your proud spirit has sent you hither from Olympus?
Homeric Greek
ἦ ἵνα δὴ Δαναοῖσι μάχης ἑτεραλκέα νίκην
δῷς; ἐπεὶ οὔ τι Τρῶας ἀπολλυμένους ἐλεαίρεις.
ἀλλ' εἴ μοί τι πίθοιο τό κεν πολὺ κέρδιον εἴη:
νῦν μὲν παύσωμεν πόλεμον καὶ δηϊοτῆτα
30σήμερον: ὕστερον αὖτε μαχήσοντ' εἰς ὅ κε τέκμωρ
Transliteration
ē hina dē Danaoisi machēs heteralkea nikēn
dōis; epei ou ti Trōas apollymenous eleaireis.
all' ei moi ti pithoio to ken poly kerdion eiē:
nyn men pausōmen polemon kai dēïotēta
30sēmeron: hysteron aute machēsont' eis ho ke tekmōr
English
Have you no pity upon the Trojans, and would you incline the scales of victory in favor of the Danaans? Let me persuade you - for it will be better thus - stay the combat for to-day, but let them renew the fight hereafter till
Homeric Greek
Ἰλίου εὕρωσιν, ἐπεὶ ὣς φίλον ἔπλετο θυμῷ
ὑμῖν ἀθανάτῃσι, διαπραθέειν τόδε ἄστυ.
τὸν δ' αὖτε προσέειπε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη:
ὧδ' ἔστω ἑκάεργε: τὰ γὰρ φρονέουσα καὶ αὐτ?
35ἦλθον ἀπ' Οὐλύμποιο μετὰ Τρῶας καὶ Ἀχαιούς.
Transliteration
Iliou heurōsin, epei hōs philon epleto thymōi
hymin athanatēisi, diapratheein tode asty.
ton d' aute proseeipe thea glaukōpis Athēnē:
hōd' estō hekaerge: ta gar phroneousa kai aut?
35ēlthon ap' Oulympoio meta Trōas kai Achaious.
English
they compass the doom of Ilion, since you goddesses have made up your minds to destroy the city." And Athena answered, "So be it, Far-Darter; it was in this mind that I came down from Olympus to the Trojans and Achaeans.
Homeric Greek
ἀλλ' ἄγε πῶς μέμονας πόλεμον καταπαυσέμεν ἀνδρῶν;
τὴν δ' αὖτε προσέειπεν ἄναξ Διὸς υἱὸς Ἀπόλλων:
Ἕκτορος ὄρσωμεν κρατερὸν μένος ἱπποδάμοιο,
ἤν τινά που Δαναῶν προκαλέσσεται οἰόθεν οἶος
40ἀντίβιον μαχέσασθαι ἐν αἰνῇ δηϊοτῆτι,
Transliteration
all' age pōs memonas polemon katapausemen andrōn;
tēn d' aute proseeipen anax Dios huios Apollōn:
Hektoros orsōmen krateron menos hippodamoio,
ēn tina pou Danaōn prokalessetai oiothen oios
40antibion machesasthai en ainēi dēïotēti,
English
Tell me, then, how do you propose to end this present fighting?" Apollo, son of Zeus, replied, "Let us incite great Hektor to challenge some one of the Danaans in single combat;
Homeric Greek
οἳ δέ κ' ἀγασσάμενοι χαλκοκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ
οἶον ἐπόρσειαν πολεμίζειν Ἕκτορι δίῳ.
ὣς ἔφατ', οὐδ' ἀπίθησε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη.
τῶν δ' Ἕλενος Πριάμοιο φίλος παῖς σύνθετο θυμῷ
45βουλήν, ἥ ῥα θεοῖσιν ἐφήνδανε μητιόωσι:
Transliteration
hoi de k' agassamenoi chalkoknēmides Achaioi
oion eporseian polemizein Hektori diōi.
hōs ephat', oud' apithēse thea glaukōpis Athēnē.
tōn d' Helenos Priamoio philos pais syntheto thymōi
45boulēn, hē rha theoisin ephēndane mētioōsi:
English
on this the Achaeans will be shamed into finding a man who will fight him." Athena assented, and Helenos son of Priam divined the counsel of the gods;
Homeric Greek
στῆ δὲ παρ' Ἕκτορ' ἰὼν καί μιν πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν:
Ἕκτορ υἱὲ Πριάμοιο Διὶ μῆτιν ἀτάλαντε
ἦ ῥά νύ μοί τι πίθοιο, κασίγνητος δέ τοί εἰμι:
ἄλλους μὲν κάθισον Τρῶας καὶ πάντας Ἀχαιούς,
50αὐτὸς δὲ προκάλεσσαι Ἀχαιῶν ὅς τις ἄριστος
Transliteration
stē de par' Hektor' iōn kai min pros mython eeipen:
Hektor huie Priamoio Dii mētin atalante
ē rha ny moi ti pithoio, kasignētos de toi eimi:
allous men kathison Trōas kai pantas Achaious,
50autos de prokalessai Achaiōn hos tis aristos
English
he therefore went up to Hektor and said, "Hektor son of Priam, peer of gods in counsel, I am your brother, let me then persuade you. Bid the other Trojans and Achaeans all of them take their seats, and challenge the best man among the Achaeans to meet you in single combat.
Homeric Greek
ἀντίβιον μαχέσασθαι ἐν αἰνῇ δηϊοτῆτι:
οὐ γάρ πώ τοι μοῖρα θανεῖν καὶ πότμον ἐπισπεῖν:
ὣς γὰρ ἐγὼ ὄπ' ἄκουσα θεῶν αἰειγενετάων.
ὣς ἔφαθ', Ἕκτωρ δ' αὖτε χάρη μέγα μῦθον ἀκούσας,
55καί ῥ' ἐς μέσσον ἰὼν Τρώων ἀνέεργε φάλαγγας,
Transliteration
antibion machesasthai en ainēi dēïotēti:
ou gar pō toi moira thanein kai potmon epispein:
hōs gar egō op' akousa theōn aieigenetaōn.
hōs ephath', Hektōr d' aute charē mega mython akousas,
55kai rh' es messon iōn Trōōn aneerge phalangas,
English
I have heard the voice of the ever-living gods, and the hour of your doom is not yet come." Hektor was glad when he heard this saying, and went in among the Trojans, grasping his
Homeric Greek
μέσσου δουρὸς ἑλών: οἳ δ' ἱδρύνθησαν ἅπαντες.
κὰδ δ' Ἀγαμέμνων εἷσεν ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιούς:
κὰδ δ' ἄρ' Ἀθηναίη τε καὶ ἀργυρότοξος Ἀπόλλων
ἑζέσθην ὄρνισιν ἐοικότες αἰγυπιοῖσι
60φηγῷ ἐφ' ὑψηλῇ πατρὸς Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο
Transliteration
messou douros helōn: hoi d' hidrynthēsan hapantes.
kad d' Agamemnōn heisen eÿknēmidas Achaious:
kad d' ar' Athēnaiē te kai argyrotoxos Apollōn
hezesthēn ornisin eoikotes aigypioisi
60phēgōi eph' hypsēlēi patros Dios aigiochoio
English
spear by the middle to hold them back, and they all sat down. Agamemnon also bade the Achaeans be seated. But Athena and Apollo, in the likeness of vultures, perched on father Zeus' high oak tree, proud of their men;
Homeric Greek
ἀνδράσι τερπόμενοι: τῶν δὲ στίχες εἵατο πυκναὶ
ἀσπίσι καὶ κορύθεσσι καὶ ἔγχεσι πεφρικυῖαι.
οἵη δὲ Ζεφύροιο ἐχεύατο πόντον ἔπι φρὶξ
ὀρνυμένοιο νέον, μελάνει δέ τε πόντος ὑπ' αὐτῆς,
65τοῖαι ἄρα στίχες εἵατ' Ἀχαιῶν τε Τρώων τε
Transliteration
andrasi terpomenoi: tōn de stiches heiato pyknai
aspisi kai korythessi kai enchesi pephrikuiai.
hoiē de Zephyroio echeuato ponton epi phrix
ornymenoio neon, melanei de te pontos hyp' autēs,
65toiai ara stiches heiat' Achaiōn te Trōōn te
English
and the ranks sat close ranged together, bristling with shield and helmet and spear. As when the rising west wind furs the face of the sea and the waters grow dark beneath it, so sat the companies of Trojans and Achaeans upon the plain.
Homeric Greek
ἐν πεδίῳ: Ἕκτωρ δὲ μετ' ἀμφοτέροισιν ἔειπε:
κέκλυτέ μευ Τρῶες καὶ ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ
ὄφρ' εἴπω τά με θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι κελεύει.
ὅρκια μὲν Κρονίδης ὑψίζυγος οὐκ ἐτέλεσσεν,
70ἀλλὰ κακὰ φρονέων τεκμαίρεται ἀμφοτέροισιν
Transliteration
en pediōi: Hektōr de met' amphoteroisin eeipe:
keklyte meu Trōes kai eÿknēmides Achaioi
ophr' eipō ta me thymos eni stēthessi keleuei.
horkia men Kronidēs hypsizygos ouk etelessen,
70alla kaka phroneōn tekmairetai amphoteroisin
English
And Hektor spoke thus:- "Hear me, Trojans and Achaeans, that I may speak even as I am minded; Zeus on his high throne has brought our oaths and covenants to nothing, and foreshadows ill for both of us, till you either take the towers of Troy, or are yourselves vanquished at your ships.
Homeric Greek
εἰς ὅ κεν ἢ ὑμεῖς Τροίην εὔπυργον ἕλητε
ἢ αὐτοὶ παρὰ νηυσὶ δαμείετε ποντοπόροισιν.
ὑμῖν δ' ἐν γὰρ ἔασιν ἀριστῆες Παναχαιῶν:
τῶν νῦν ὅν τινα θυμὸς ἐμοὶ μαχέσασθαι ἀνώγει
75δεῦρ' ἴτω ἐκ πάντων πρόμος ἔμμεναι Ἕκτορι δίῳ.
Transliteration
eis ho ken ē hymeis Troiēn eupyrgon helēte
ē autoi para nēusi dameiete pontoporoisin.
hymin d' en gar easin aristēes Panachaiōn:
tōn nyn hon tina thymos emoi machesasthai anōgei
75deur' itō ek pantōn promos emmenai Hektori diōi.
English
The princes of the Achaeans are here present in the midst of you; let him, then, that will fight me stand forward as your champion against Hektor. Thus I say, and may Zeus be witness between us.
Homeric Greek
ὧδε δὲ μυθέομαι, Ζεὺς δ' ἄμμ' ἐπιμάρτυρος ἔστω:
εἰ μέν κεν ἐμὲ κεῖνος ἕλῃ ταναήκεϊ χαλκῷ,
τεύχεα συλήσας φερέτω κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας,
σῶμα δὲ οἴκαδ' ἐμὸν δόμεναι πάλιν, ὄφρα πυρός με
80Τρῶες καὶ Τρώων ἄλοχοι λελάχωσι θανόντα.
Transliteration
hōde de mytheomai, Zeus d' amm' epimartyros estō:
ei men ken eme keinos helēi tanaēkeï chalkōi,
teuchea sylēsas pheretō koilas epi nēas,
sōma de oikad' emon domenai palin, ophra pyros me
80Trōes kai Trōōn alochoi lelachōsi thanonta.
English
If your champion slay me, let him strip me of my armor and take it to your ships, but let him send my body home that the Trojans and their wives may give me my dues of fire when I am dead.
Homeric Greek
εἰ δέ κ' ἐγὼ τὸν ἕλω, δώῃ δέ μοι εὖχος Ἀπόλλων,
τεύχεα σύλησας οἴσω προτὶ Ἴλιον ἱρήν,
καὶ κρεμόω προτὶ νηὸν Ἀπόλλωνος ἑκάτοιο,
τὸν δὲ νέκυν ἐπὶ νῆας ἐϋσσέλμους ἀποδώσω,
85ὄφρά ἑ ταρχύσωσι κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοί,
Transliteration
ei de k' egō ton helō, dōēi de moi euchos Apollōn,
teuchea sylēsas oisō proti Ilion hirēn,
kai kremoō proti nēon Apollōnos hekatoio,
ton de nekyn epi nēas eÿsselmous apodōsō,
85ophra he tarchysōsi karē komoōntes Achaioi,
English
In like manner, if Apollo grant me glory and I slay your champion, I will strip him of his armor and take it to the city of Ilion, where I will hang it in the temple of Apollo, but I will give up his body, that the Achaeans may bury
Homeric Greek
σῆμά τέ οἱ χεύωσιν ἐπὶ πλατεῖ Ἑλλησπόντῳ.
καί ποτέ τις εἴπῃσι καὶ ὀψιγόνων ἀνθρώπων
νηὶ̈ πολυκλήϊδι πλέων ἐπὶ οἴνοπα πόντον:
ἀνδρὸς μὲν τόδε σῆμα πάλαι κατατεθνηῶτος,
90ὅν ποτ' ἀριστεύοντα κατέκτανε φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ.
Transliteration
sēma te hoi cheuōsin epi platei Hellēspontōi.
kai pote tis eipēisi kai opsigonōn anthrōpōn
nēï polyklēïdi pleōn epi oinopa ponton:
andros men tode sēma palai katatethnēōtos,
90hon pot' aristeuonta katektane phaidimos Hektōr.
English
him at their ships, and the build him a tomb by the wide waters of the Hellespont. Then will one say hereafter as he sails his ship over the sea, ‘This is the marker of one who died long since a champion who was slain by mighty Hektor.’ Thus
Homeric Greek
ὥς ποτέ τις ἐρέει: τὸ δ' ἐμὸν κλέος οὔ ποτ' ὀλεῖται.
ὣς ἔφαθ', οἱ δ' ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ:
αἴδεσθεν μὲν ἀνήνασθαι, δεῖσαν δ' ὑποδέχθαι:
ὀψὲ δὲ δὴ Μενέλαος ἀνίστατο καὶ μετέειπε
95νείκει ὀνειδίζων, μέγα δὲ στεναχίζετο θυμῷ:
Transliteration
hōs pote tis ereei: to d' emon kleos ou pot' oleitai.
hōs ephath', hoi d' ara pantes akēn egenonto siōpēi:
aidesthen men anēnasthai, deisan d' hypodechthai:
opse de dē Menelaos anistato kai meteeipe
95neikei oneidizōn, mega de stenachizeto thymōi:
English
will one say, and my fame shall not be lost." Thus did he speak, but they all held their peace, ashamed to decline the challenge, yet fearing to accept it, till at last Menelaos rose and rebuked them, for he was angry.
Homeric Greek
ὤ μοι ἀπειλητῆρες Ἀχαιί̈δες οὐκέτ' Ἀχαιοί:
ἦ μὲν δὴ λώβη τάδε γ' ἔσσεται αἰνόθεν αἰνῶς
εἰ μή τις Δαναῶν νῦν Ἕκτορος ἀντίος εἶσιν.
ἀλλ' ὑμεῖς μὲν πάντες ὕδωρ καὶ γαῖα γένοισθε
100ἥμενοι αὖθι ἕκαστοι ἀκήριοι ἀκλεὲς αὔτως:
Transliteration
ō moi apeilētēres Achaiïdes ouket' Achaioi:
ē men dē lōbē tade g' essetai ainothen ainōs
ei mē tis Danaōn nyn Hektoros antios eisin.
all' hymeis men pantes hydōr kai gaia genoisthe
100hēmenoi authi hekastoi akērioi aklees autōs:
English
"Alas," he cried, "vain braggarts, women indeed not men, double-dyed indeed will be the stain upon us if no man of the Danaans will now face Hektor. May you be turned every man of you into earth and water as you sit spiritless and inglorious in your places.
Homeric Greek
τῷδε δ' ἐγὼν αὐτὸς θωρήξομαι: αὐτὰρ ὕπερθε
νίκης πείρατ' ἔχονται ἐν ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσιν.
ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας κατεδύσετο τεύχεα καλά.
ἔνθά κέ τοι Μενέλαε φάνη βιότοιο τελευτὴ
105Ἕκτορος ἐν παλάμῃσιν, ἐπεὶ πολὺ φέρτερος ἦεν,
Transliteration
tōide d' egōn autos thōrēxomai: autar hyperthe
nikēs peirat' echontai en athanatoisi theoisin.
hōs ara phōnēsas katedyseto teuchea kala.
entha ke toi Menelae phanē biotoio teleutē
105Hektoros en palamēisin, epei poly pherteros ēen,
English
I will myself go out against this man, but the upshot of the fight will be from on high in the hands of the immortal gods." With these words he put on his armor; and then, O Menelaos, your life would have come to an end at the hands of hands of Hektor,
Homeric Greek
εἰ μὴ ἀναί̈ξαντες ἕλον βασιλῆες Ἀχαιῶν,
αὐτός τ' Ἀτρεί̈δης εὐρὺ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων
δεξιτερῆς ἕλε χειρὸς ἔπος τ' ἔφατ' ἔκ τ' ὀνόμαζεν:
ἀφραίνεις Μενέλαε διοτρεφές, οὐδέ τί σε χρὴ
110ταύτης ἀφροσύνης: ἀνὰ δὲ σχέο κηδόμενός περ,
Transliteration
ei mē anaïxantes helon basilēes Achaiōn,
autos t' Atreïdēs eury kreiōn Agamemnōn
dexiterēs hele cheiros epos t' ephat' ek t' onomazen:
aphraineis Menelae diotrephes, oude ti se chrē
110tautēs aphrosynēs: ana de scheo kēdomenos per,
English
for he was far better the man, had not the princes of the Achaeans sprung upon you and checked you. King Agamemnon caught him by the right hand and said, "Menelaos, you are mad; a truce to this folly.
Homeric Greek
μηδ' ἔθελ' ἐξ ἔριδος σεῦ ἀμείνονι φωτὶ μάχεσθαι
Ἕκτορι Πριαμίδῃ, τόν τε στυγέουσι καὶ ἄλλοι.
καὶ δ' Ἀχιλεὺς τούτῳ γε μάχῃ ἔνι κυδιανείρῃ
ἔρριγ' ἀντιβολῆσαι, ὅ περ σέο πολλὸν ἀμείνων.
115ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν νῦν ἵζευ ἰὼν μετὰ ἔθνος ἑταίρων,
Transliteration
mēd' ethel' ex eridos seu ameinoni phōti machesthai
Hektori Priamidēi, ton te stygeousi kai alloi.
kai d' Achileus toutōi ge machēi eni kydianeirēi
errig' antibolēsai, ho per seo pollon ameinōn.
115alla sy men nyn hizeu iōn meta ethnos hetairōn,
English
Be patient in spite of passion, do not think of fighting a man so much stronger than yourself as Hektor son of Priam, who is feared by many another as well as you. Even Achilles, who is far more doughty than you are, shrank from meeting him in battle.
Homeric Greek
τούτῳ δὲ πρόμον ἄλλον ἀναστήσουσιν Ἀχαιοί.
εἴ περ ἀδειής τ' ἐστὶ καὶ εἰ μόθου ἔστ' ἀκόρητος,
φημί μιν ἀσπασίως γόνυ κάμψειν, αἴ κε φύγῃσι
δηί̈ου ἐκ πολέμοιο καὶ αἰνῆς δηϊοτῆτος.
120ὣς εἰπὼν παρέπεισεν ἀδελφειοῦ φρένας ἥρως
Transliteration
toutōi de promon allon anastēsousin Achaioi.
ei per adeiēs t' esti kai ei mothou est' akorētos,
phēmi min aspasiōs gony kampsein, ai ke phygēisi
dēïou ek polemoio kai ainēs dēïotētos.
120hōs eipōn parepeisen adelpheiou phrenas hērōs
English
Sit down your own people, and the Achaeans will send some other champion to fight Hektor; fearless and fond of battle though he be, I ween his knees will bend gladly under him if he comes out alive from the struggle of this fight." With these words of reasonable counsel he persuaded his brother, whereon his squires gladly stripped the armor from off his shoulders.
Homeric Greek
αἴσιμα παρειπών, ὃ δ' ἐπείθετο: τοῦ μὲν ἔπειτα
γηθόσυνοι θεράποντες ἀπ' ὤμων τεύχε' ἕλοντο:
Νέστωρ δ' Ἀργείοισιν ἀνίστατο καὶ μετέειπεν:
ὢ πόποι ἦ μέγα πένθος Ἀχαιί̈δα γαῖαν ἱκάνει.
125ἦ κε μέγ' οἰμώξειε γέρων ἱππηλάτα Πηλεὺς
Transliteration
aisima pareipōn, ho d' epeitheto: tou men epeita
gēthosynoi therapontes ap' ōmōn teuche' helonto:
Nestōr d' Argeioisin anistato kai meteeipen:
ō popoi ē mega penthos Achaiïda gaian hikanei.
125ē ke meg' oimōxeie gerōn hippēlata Pēleus
English
Then Nestor rose and spoke, "For sure," said he, "grief has befallen the Achaean land. The old horseman Peleus, counselor and orator among the Myrmidons, loved when I was in his house to question me concerning the race and lineage of all the Argives.
Homeric Greek
ἐσθλὸς Μυρμιδόνων βουληφόρος ἠδ' ἀγορητής,
ὅς ποτέ μ' εἰρόμενος μέγ' ἐγήθεεν ᾧ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ
πάντων Ἀργείων ἐρέων γενεήν τε τόκον τε.
τοὺς νῦν εἰ πτώσσοντας ὑφ' Ἕκτορι πάντας ἀκούσαι,
130πολλά κεν ἀθανάτοισι φίλας ἀνὰ χεῖρας ἀείραι
Transliteration
esthlos Myrmidonōn boulēphoros ēd' agorētēs,
hos pote m' eiromenos meg' egētheen hōi eni oikōi
pantōn Argeiōn ereōn geneēn te tokon te.
tous nyn ei ptōssontas hyph' Hektori pantas akousai,
130polla ken athanatoisi philas ana cheiras aeirai
English
How would it not grieve him could he hear of them as now quailing before Hektor? Many a time would he lift his hands in prayer that his soul might leave his body and go down within the house of Hades.
Homeric Greek
θυμὸν ἀπὸ μελέων δῦναι δόμον Ἄϊδος εἴσω.
αἲ γὰρ Ζεῦ τε πάτερ καὶ Ἀθηναίη καὶ Ἄπολλον
ἡβῷμ' ὡς ὅτ' ἐπ' ὠκυρόῳ Κελάδοντι μάχοντο
ἀγρόμενοι Πύλιοί τε καὶ Ἀρκάδες ἐγχεσίμωροι
135Φειᾶς πὰρ τείχεσσιν Ἰαρδάνου ἀμφὶ ῥέεθρα.
Transliteration
thymon apo meleōn dynai domon Aïdos eisō.
ai gar Zeu te pater kai Athēnaiē kai Apollon
hēbōim' hōs hot' ep' ōkyroōi Keladonti machonto
agromenoi Pylioi te kai Arkades enchesimōroi
135Pheias par teichessin Iardanou amphi rheethra.
English
Would, by father Zeus, Athena, and Apollo, that I were still young and strong as when the Pylians and Arcadians were gathered in fight by the rapid river Keladon under the walls of Pheia, and round about the waters of the river Iardanos.
Homeric Greek
τοῖσι δ' Ἐρευθαλίων πρόμος ἵστατο ἰσόθεος φὼς
τεύχε' ἔχων ὤμοισιν Ἀρηϊθόοιο ἄνακτος
δίου Ἀρηϊθόου, τὸν ἐπίκλησιν κορυνήτην
ἄνδρες κίκλησκον καλλίζωνοί τε γυναῖκες
140οὕνεκ' ἄρ' οὐ τόξοισι μαχέσκετο δουρί τε μακρῷ,
Transliteration
toisi d' Ereuthaliōn promos histato isotheos phōs
teuche' echōn ōmoisin Arēïthooio anaktos
diou Arēïthoou, ton epiklēsin korynētēn
andres kiklēskon kallizōnoi te gynaikes
140hounek' ar' ou toxoisi machesketo douri te makrōi,
English
The godlike hero Ereuthalion stood forward as their champion, with the armor of King Areithoos upon his shoulders - Areithoos whom men and women had surnamed ‘the Mace-man,’ because he fought neither with bow nor spear, but broke the battalions of the foe with his iron mace.
Homeric Greek
ἀλλὰ σιδηρείῃ κορύνῃ ῥήγνυσκε φάλαγγας.
τὸν Λυκόοργος ἔπεφνε δόλῳ, οὔ τι κράτεί̈ γε,
στεινωπῷ ἐν ὁδῷ ὅθ' ἄρ' οὐ κορύνη οἱ ὄλεθρον
χραῖσμε σιδηρείη: πρὶν γὰρ Λυκόοργος ὑποφθὰς
145δουρὶ μέσον περόνησεν, ὃ δ' ὕπτιος οὔδει ἐρείσθη:
Transliteration
alla sidēreiēi korynēi rhēgnyske phalangas.
ton Lykoorgos epephne dolōi, ou ti krateï ge,
steinōpōi en hodōi hoth' ar' ou korynē hoi olethron
chraisme sidēreiē: prin gar Lykoorgos hypophthas
145douri meson peronēsen, ho d' hyptios oudei ereisthē:
English
Lycurgus killed him, not in fair fight, but by entrapping him in a narrow way where his mace served him in no stead; for Lycurgus was too quick for him and speared him through the middle, so he fell to earth on his back.
Homeric Greek
τεύχεα δ' ἐξενάριξε, τά οἱ πόρε χάλκεος Ἄρης.
καὶ τὰ μὲν αὐτὸς ἔπειτα φόρει μετὰ μῶλον Ἄρηος:
αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ Λυκόοργος ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἐγήρα,
δῶκε δ' Ἐρευθαλίωνι φίλῳ θεράποντι φορῆναι:
150τοῦ ὅ γε τεύχε' ἔχων προκαλίζετο πάντας ἀρίστους.
Transliteration
teuchea d' exenarixe, ta hoi pore chalkeos Arēs.
kai ta men autos epeita phorei meta mōlon Arēos:
autar epei Lykoorgos eni megaroisin egēra,
dōke d' Ereuthaliōni philōi theraponti phorēnai:
150tou ho ge teuche' echōn prokalizeto pantas aristous.
English
Lycurgus then spoiled him of the armor which Ares had given him, and bore it in battle thenceforward; but when he grew old and stayed at home, he gave it to his faithful squire Ereuthalion, who in this same armor challenged the foremost men among us.
Homeric Greek
οἳ δὲ μάλ' ἐτρόμεον καὶ ἐδείδισαν, οὐδέ τις ἔτλη:
ἀλλ' ἐμὲ θυμὸς ἀνῆκε πολυτλήμων πολεμίζειν
θάρσεϊ ᾧ: γενεῇ δὲ νεώτατος ἔσκον ἁπάντων:
καὶ μαχόμην οἱ ἐγώ, δῶκεν δέ μοι εὖχος Ἀθήνη.
155τὸν δὴ μήκιστον καὶ κάρτιστον κτάνον ἄνδρα:
Transliteration
hoi de mal' etromeon kai edeidisan, oude tis etlē:
all' eme thymos anēke polytlēmōn polemizein
tharseï hōi: geneēi de neōtatos eskon hapantōn:
kai machomēn hoi egō, dōken de moi euchos Athēnē.
155ton dē mēkiston kai kartiston ktanon andra:
English
The others quaked and quailed, but my high spirit bade me fight him though none other would venture; I was the youngest man of them all; but when I fought him Athena granted me victory. He was the biggest and strongest man that ever I killed, and covered much ground as he lay sprawling upon the earth.
Homeric Greek
πολλὸς γάρ τις ἔκειτο παρήορος ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα.
εἴθ' ὣς ἡβώοιμι, βίη δέ μοι ἔμπεδος εἴη:
τώ κε τάχ' ἀντήσειε μάχης κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ.
ὑμέων δ' οἵ περ ἔασιν ἀριστῆες Παναχαιῶν
160οὐδ' οἳ προφρονέως μέμαθ' Ἕκτορος ἀντίον ἐλθεῖν.
Transliteration
pollos gar tis ekeito parēoros entha kai entha.
eith' hōs hēbōoimi, biē de moi empedos eiē:
tō ke tach' antēseie machēs korythaiolos Hektōr.
hymeōn d' hoi per easin aristēes Panachaiōn
160oud' hoi prophroneōs memath' Hektoros antion elthein.
English
Would that I were still young and strong as I then was, for the son of Priam would then soon find one who would face him. But you, foremost among the whole host though you be, have none of you any stomach for fighting Hektor."
Homeric Greek
ὣς νείκεσσ' ὃ γέρων, οἳ δ' ἐννέα πάντες ἀνέσταν.
ὦρτο πολὺ πρῶτος μὲν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων,
τῷ δ' ἐπὶ Τυδεί̈δης ὦρτο κρατερὸς Διομήδης,
τοῖσι δ' ἐπ' Αἴαντες θοῦριν ἐπιειμένοι ἀλκήν,
165τοῖσι δ' ἐπ' Ἰδομενεὺς καὶ ὀπάων Ἰδομενῆος
Transliteration
hōs neikess' ho gerōn, hoi d' ennea pantes anestan.
ōrto poly prōtos men anax andrōn Agamemnōn,
tōi d' epi Tydeïdēs ōrto krateros Diomēdēs,
toisi d' ep' Aiantes thourin epieimenoi alkēn,
165toisi d' ep' Idomeneus kai opaōn Idomenēos
English
Thus did the old man rebuke them, and forthwith nine men started to their feet. Foremost of all stood up King Agamemnon, and after him brave Diomedes the son of Tydeus.
Homeric Greek
Μηριόνης ἀτάλαντος Ἐνυαλίῳ ἀνδρειφόντῃ,
τοῖσι δ' ἐπ' Εὐρύπυλος Εὐαίμονος ἀγλαὸς υἱός,
ἂν δὲ Θόας Ἀνδραιμονίδης καὶ δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς:
πάντες ἄρ' οἵ γ' ἔθελον πολεμίζειν Ἕκτορι δίῳ.
170τοῖς δ' αὖτις μετέειπε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ:
Transliteration
Mērionēs atalantos Enyaliōi andreiphontēi,
toisi d' ep' Eurypylos Euaimonos aglaos huios,
an de Thoas Andraimonidēs kai dios Odysseus:
pantes ar' hoi g' ethelon polemizein Hektori diōi.
170tois d' autis meteeipe Gerēnios hippota Nestōr:
English
Next were the two Ajaxes, men clothed in valor as with a garment, and then Idomeneus, and Meriones his brother in arms. After these Eurypylos son of Euaemon, Thoas the son of Andraimon, and Odysseus also rose. Then Nestor horseman of Gerene again spoke, saying:
Homeric Greek
κλήρῳ νῦν πεπάλασθε διαμπερὲς ὅς κε λάχῃσιν:
οὗτος γὰρ δὴ ὀνήσει ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιούς,
καὶ δ' αὐτὸς ὃν θυμὸν ὀνήσεται αἴ κε φύγῃσι
δηί̈ου ἐκ πολέμοιο καὶ αἰνῆς δηϊοτῆτος.
175ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δὲ κλῆρον ἐσημήναντο ἕκαστος,
Transliteration
klērōi nyn pepalasthe diamperes hos ke lachēisin:
houtos gar dē onēsei eÿknēmidas Achaious,
kai d' autos hon thymon onēsetai ai ke phygēisi
dēïou ek polemoio kai ainēs dēïotētos.
175hōs ephath', hoi de klēron esēmēnanto hekastos,
English
"Cast lots among you to see who shall be chosen. If he come alive out of this fight he will have done good service alike to his own soul and to the Achaeans." Thus he spoke, and when each of them had marked his lot,
Homeric Greek
ἐν δ' ἔβαλον κυνέῃ Ἀγαμέμνονος Ἀτρεί̈δαο.
λαοὶ δ' ἠρήσαντο, θεοῖσι δὲ χεῖρας ἀνέσχον:
ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν ἰδὼν εἰς οὐρανὸν εὐρύν:
Ζεῦ πάτερ ἢ Αἴαντα λαχεῖν, ἢ Τυδέος υἱόν,
180ἢ αὐτὸν βασιλῆα πολυχρύσοιο Μυκήνης.
Transliteration
en d' ebalon kyneēi Agamemnonos Atreïdao.
laoi d' ērēsanto, theoisi de cheiras aneschon:
hōde de tis eipesken idōn eis ouranon euryn:
Zeu pater ē Aianta lachein, ē Tydeos huion,
180ē auton basilēa polychrysoio Mykēnēs.
English
and had thrown it into the helmet of Agamemnon son of Atreus, the people lifted their hands in prayer, and thus would one of them say as he looked into the vault of heaven, "Father Zeus, grant that the lot fall on Ajax, or on the son of Tydeus, or upon the king of rich Mycenae himself."
Homeric Greek
ὣς ἄρ' ἔφαν, πάλλεν δὲ Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ,
ἐκ δ' ἔθορε κλῆρος κυνέης ὃν ἄρ' ἤθελον αὐτοὶ
Αἴαντος: κῆρυξ δὲ φέρων ἀν' ὅμιλον ἁπάντῃ
δεῖξ' ἐνδέξια πᾶσιν ἀριστήεσσιν Ἀχαιῶν.
185οἳ δ' οὐ γιγνώσκοντες ἀπηνήναντο ἕκαστος.
Transliteration
hōs ar' ephan, pallen de Gerēnios hippota Nestōr,
ek d' ethore klēros kyneēs hon ar' ēthelon autoi
Aiantos: kēryx de pherōn an' homilon hapantēi
deix' endexia pasin aristēessin Achaiōn.
185hoi d' ou gignōskontes apēnēnanto hekastos.
English
As they were speaking, Nestor horseman of Gerene shook the helmet, and from it there fell the very lot which they wanted - the lot of Ajax. The herald bore it about and showed it to all the chieftains of the Achaeans, going from left to right;
Homeric Greek
ἀλλ' ὅτε δὴ τὸν ἵκανε φέρων ἀν' ὅμιλον ἁπάντῃ
ὅς μιν ἐπιγράψας κυνέῃ βάλε φαίδιμος Αἴας,
ἤτοι ὑπέσχεθε χεῖρ', ὃ δ' ἄρ' ἔμβαλεν ἄγχι παραστάς,
γνῶ δὲ κλήρου σῆμα ἰδών, γήθησε δὲ θυμῷ.
190τὸν μὲν πὰρ πόδ' ἑὸν χαμάδις βάλε φώνησέν τε:
Transliteration
all' hote dē ton hikane pherōn an' homilon hapantēi
hos min epigrapsas kyneēi bale phaidimos Aias,
ētoi hypeschethe cheir', ho d' ar' embalen anchi parastas,
gnō de klērou sēma idōn, gēthēse de thymōi.
190ton men par pod' heon chamadis bale phōnēsen te:
English
but they none of them owned it. When, however, in due course he reached the man who had written upon it and had put it into the helmet, brave Ajax held out his hand, and the herald gave him the lot. When Ajax saw his mark he knew it and was glad;
Homeric Greek
ὦ φίλοι ἤτοι κλῆρος ἐμός, χαίρω δὲ καὶ αὐτὸς
θυμῷ, ἐπεὶ δοκέω νικησέμεν Ἕκτορα δῖον.
ἀλλ' ἄγετ' ὄφρ' ἂν ἐγὼ πολεμήϊα τεύχεα δύω,
τόφρ' ὑμεῖς εὔχεσθε Διὶ Κρονίωνι ἄνακτι
195σιγῇ ἐφ' ὑμείων ἵνα μὴ Τρῶές γε πύθωνται,
Transliteration
ō philoi ētoi klēros emos, chairō de kai autos
thymōi, epei dokeō nikēsemen Hektora dion.
all' aget' ophr' an egō polemēïa teuchea dyō,
tophr' hymeis euchesthe Dii Kroniōni anakti
195sigēi eph' hymeiōn hina mē Trōes ge pythōntai,
English
he threw it to the ground and said, "My friends, the lot is mine, and I rejoice, for I shall vanquish Hektor. I will put on my armor; meanwhile, pray to King Zeus in silence among yourselves that the Trojans may not hear you - or aloud if you will, for we fear no man.
Homeric Greek
ἠὲ καὶ ἀμφαδίην, ἐπεὶ οὔ τινα δείδιμεν ἔμπης:
οὐ γάρ τίς με βίῃ γε ἑκὼν ἀέκοντα δίηται
οὐδέ τι ἰδρείῃ, ἐπεὶ οὐδ' ἐμὲ νήϊδά γ' οὕτως
ἔλπομαι ἐν Σαλαμῖνι γενέσθαι τε τραφέμεν τε.
200ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δ' εὔχοντο Διὶ Κρονίωνι ἄνακτι:
Transliteration
ēe kai amphadiēn, epei ou tina deidimen empēs:
ou gar tis me biēi ge hekōn aekonta diētai
oude ti idreiēi, epei oud' eme nēïda g' houtōs
elpomai en Salamini genesthai te traphemen te.
200hōs ephath', hoi d' euchonto Dii Kroniōni anakti:
English
None shall overcome me, neither by force nor cunning, for I was born and bred in Salamis, and can hold my own in all things." With this they fell praying to King Zeus the son
Homeric Greek
ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν ἰδὼν εἰς οὐρανὸν εὐρύν:
Ζεῦ πάτερ Ἴδηθεν μεδέων κύδιστε μέγιστε
δὸς νίκην Αἴαντι καὶ ἀγλαὸν εὖχος ἀρέσθαι:
εἰ δὲ καὶ Ἕκτορά περ φιλέεις καὶ κήδεαι αὐτοῦ,
205ἴσην ἀμφοτέροισι βίην καὶ κῦδος ὄπασσον.
Transliteration
hōde de tis eipesken idōn eis ouranon euryn:
Zeu pater Idēthen medeōn kydiste megiste
dos nikēn Aianti kai aglaon euchos aresthai:
ei de kai Hektora per phileeis kai kēdeai autou,
205isēn amphoteroisi biēn kai kydos opasson.
English
of Kronos, and thus would one of them say as he looked into the vault of heaven, "Father Zeus, you who rule from Ida, most glorious in power, grant victory to Ajax, and let him win great glory:
Homeric Greek
ὣς ἄρ' ἔφαν, Αἴας δὲ κορύσσετο νώροπι χαλκῷ.
αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ πάντα περὶ χροὶ̈ ἕσσατο τεύχεα,
σεύατ' ἔπειθ' οἷός τε πελώριος ἔρχεται Ἄρης,
ὅς τ' εἶσιν πόλεμον δὲ μετ' ἀνέρας οὕς τε Κρονίων
210θυμοβόρου ἔριδος μένεϊ ξυνέηκε μάχεσθαι.
Transliteration
hōs ar' ephan, Aias de korysseto nōropi chalkōi.
autar epei dē panta peri chroï hessato teuchea,
seuat' epeith' hoios te pelōrios erchetai Arēs,
hos t' eisin polemon de met' aneras hous te Kroniōn
210thymoborou eridos meneï xyneēke machesthai.
English
but if you wish well to Hektor also and would protect him, grant to each of them equal fame and prowess. Thus they prayed, and Ajax armed himself in his suit of gleaming bronze. When he was in full array he sprang forward as monstrous Ares when he takes part
Homeric Greek
τοῖος ἄρ' Αἴας ὦρτο πελώριος ἕρκος Ἀχαιῶν
μειδιόων βλοσυροῖσι προσώπασι: νέρθε δὲ ποσσὶν
ἤϊε μακρὰ βιβάς, κραδάων δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος.
τὸν δὲ καὶ Ἀργεῖοι μὲν ἐγήθεον εἰσορόωντες,
215Τρῶας δὲ τρόμος αἰνὸς ὑπήλυθε γυῖα ἕκαστον,
Transliteration
toios ar' Aias ōrto pelōrios herkos Achaiōn
meidioōn blosyroisi prosōpasi: nerthe de possin
ēïe makra bibas, kradaōn dolichoskion enchos.
ton de kai Argeioi men egētheon eisoroōntes,
215Trōas de tromos ainos hypēlythe guia hekaston,
English
among men whom Zeus has set fighting with one another - even so did huge Ajax, bulwark of the Achaeans, spring forward with a grim smile on his face as he brandished his long spear and strode onward.
Homeric Greek
Ἕκτορί τ' αὐτῷ θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι πάτασσεν:
ἀλλ' οὔ πως ἔτι εἶχεν ὑποτρέσαι οὐδ' ἀναδῦναι
ἂψ λαῶν ἐς ὅμιλον, ἐπεὶ προκαλέσσατο χάρμῃ.
Αἴας δ' ἐγγύθεν ἦλθε φέρων σάκος ἠύ̈τε πύργον
220χάλκεον ἑπταβόειον, ὅ οἱ Τυχίος κάμε τεύχων
Transliteration
Hektori t' autōi thymos eni stēthessi patassen:
all' ou pōs eti eichen hypotresai oud' anadynai
aps laōn es homilon, epei prokalessato charmēi.
Aias d' engythen ēlthe pherōn sakos ēÿte pyrgon
220chalkeon heptaboeion, ho hoi Tychios kame teuchōn
English
The Argives were elated as they beheld him, but the Trojans trembled in every limb, and the heart even of Hektor beat quickly, but he could not now retreat and withdraw into the ranks behind him, for he had been the challenger.
Homeric Greek
σκυτοτόμων ὄχ' ἄριστος Ὕλῃ ἔνι οἰκία ναίων,
ὅς οἱ ἐποίησεν σάκος αἰόλον ἑπταβόειον
ταύρων ζατρεφέων, ἐπὶ δ' ὄγδοον ἤλασε χαλκόν.
τὸ πρόσθε στέρνοιο φέρων Τελαμώνιος Αἴας
225στῆ ῥα μάλ' Ἕκτορος ἐγγύς, ἀπειλήσας δὲ προσηύδα:
Transliteration
skytotomōn och' aristos Hylēi eni oikia naiōn,
hos hoi epoiēsen sakos aiolon heptaboeion
taurōn zatrepheōn, epi d' ogdoon ēlase chalkon.
to prosthe sternoio pherōn Telamōnios Aias
225stē rha mal' Hektoros engys, apeilēsas de prosēuda:
English
Ajax came up bearing his shield in front of him like a wall - a shield of bronze with seven folds of oxhide - the work of Tychios, who lived in Hyle and was by far the best worker in leather. He had made it with the hides of seven full-fed bulls, and over these he had set an eighth layer of bronze.
Homeric Greek
Ἕκτορ νῦν μὲν δὴ σάφα εἴσεαι οἰόθεν οἶος
οἷοι καὶ Δαναοῖσιν ἀριστῆες μετέασι
καὶ μετ' Ἀχιλλῆα ῥηξήνορα θυμολέοντα.
ἀλλ' ὃ μὲν ἐν νήεσσι κορωνίσι ποντοπόροισι
230κεῖτ' ἀπομηνίσας Ἀγαμέμνονι ποιμένι λαῶν:
Transliteration
Hektor nyn men dē sapha eiseai oiothen oios
hoioi kai Danaoisin aristēes meteasi
kai met' Achillēa rhēxēnora thymoleonta.
all' ho men en nēessi korōnisi pontoporoisi
230keit' apomēnisas Agamemnoni poimeni laōn:
English
Holding this shield before him, Ajax son of Telamon came close up to Hektor, and menaced him saying, "Hektor, you shall now learn, man to man, what kind of champions the Danaans have among them even besides lion-hearted Achilles cleaver of the ranks of men.
Homeric Greek
ἡμεῖς δ' εἰμὲν τοῖοι οἳ ἂν σέθεν ἀντιάσαιμεν
καὶ πολέες: ἀλλ' ἄρχε μάχης ἠδὲ πτολέμοιο.
τὸν δ' αὖτε προσέειπε μέγας κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ:
Αἶαν διογενὲς Τελαμώνιε κοίρανε λαῶν
235μή τί μευ ἠύ̈τε παιδὸς ἀφαυροῦ πειρήτιζε
Transliteration
hēmeis d' eimen toioi hoi an sethen antiasaimen
kai polees: all' arche machēs ēde ptolemoio.
ton d' aute proseeipe megas korythaiolos Hektōr:
Aian diogenes Telamōnie koirane laōn
235mē ti meu ēÿte paidos aphaurou peirētize
English
He now abides at the ships in anger with Agamemnon shepherd of his people, but there are many of us who are well able to face you; therefore begin the fight." And Hektor answered, "Noble Ajax, son of Telamon, leader of the host, treat me not as though I were some puny boy or woman that cannot fight.
Homeric Greek
ἠὲ γυναικός, ἣ οὐκ οἶδεν πολεμήϊα ἔργα.
αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν εὖ οἶδα μάχας τ' ἀνδροκτασίας τε:
οἶδ' ἐπὶ δεξιά, οἶδ' ἐπ' ἀριστερὰ νωμῆσαι βῶν
ἀζαλέην, τό μοι ἔστι ταλαύρινον πολεμίζειν:
240οἶδα δ' ἐπαί̈ξαι μόθον ἵππων ὠκειάων:
Transliteration
ēe gynaikos, hē ouk oiden polemēïa erga.
autar egōn eu oida machas t' androktasias te:
oid' epi dexia, oid' ep' aristera nōmēsai bōn
azaleēn, to moi esti talaurinon polemizein:
240oida d' epaïxai mothon hippōn ōkeiaōn:
English
I have been long used to the blood and butcheries of battle. I am quick to turn my leathern shield either to right or left, for this I deem the main thing in battle. I can charge among the chariots and horsemen, and in hand to hand fighting can delight the heart of Ares;
Homeric Greek
οἶδα δ' ἐνὶ σταδίῃ δηί̈ῳ μέλπεσθαι Ἄρηϊ.
ἀλλ' οὐ γάρ σ' ἐθέλω βαλέειν τοιοῦτον ἐόντα
λάθρῃ ὀπιπεύσας, ἀλλ' ἀμφαδόν, αἴ κε τύχωμι.
ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἀμπεπαλὼν προί̈ει δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος,
245καὶ βάλεν Αἴαντος δεινὸν σάκος ἑπταβόειον
Transliteration
oida d' eni stadiēi dēïōi melpesthai Arēï.
all' ou gar s' ethelō baleein toiouton eonta
lathrēi opipeusas, all' amphadon, ai ke tychōmi.
ē rha, kai ampepalōn proïei dolichoskion enchos,
245kai balen Aiantos deinon sakos heptaboeion
English
howbeit I would not take such a man as you are off his guard - but I will smite you openly if I can." He poised his spear as he spoke, and hurled it from him.
Homeric Greek
ἀκρότατον κατὰ χαλκόν, ὃς ὄγδοος ἦεν ἐπ' αὐτῷ.
ἓξ δὲ διὰ πτύχας ἦλθε δαί̈ζων χαλκὸς ἀτειρής,
ἐν τῇ δ' ἑβδομάτῃ ῥινῷ σχέτο: δεύτερος αὖτε
Αἴας διογενὴς προί̈ει δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος,
250καὶ βάλε Πριαμίδαο κατ' ἀσπίδα πάντοσ' ἐί̈σην.
Transliteration
akrotaton kata chalkon, hos ogdoos ēen ep' autōi.
hex de dia ptychas ēlthe daïzōn chalkos ateirēs,
en tēi d' hebdomatēi rhinōi scheto: deuteros aute
Aias diogenēs proïei dolichoskion enchos,
250kai bale Priamidao kat' aspida pantos' eïsēn.
English
It struck the sevenfold shield in its outermost layer - the eighth, which was of bronze - and went through six of the layers but in the seventh hide it stayed. Then Ajax threw in his turn, and struck the round shield of the son of Priam.
Homeric Greek
διὰ μὲν ἀσπίδος ἦλθε φαεινῆς ὄβριμον ἔγχος,
καὶ διὰ θώρηκος πολυδαιδάλου ἠρήρειστο:
ἀντικρὺ δὲ παραὶ λαπάρην διάμησε χιτῶνα
ἔγχος: ὃ δ' ἐκλίνθη καὶ ἀλεύατο κῆρα μέλαιναν.
255τὼ δ' ἐκσπασσαμένω δολίχ' ἔγχεα χερσὶν ἅμ' ἄμφω
Transliteration
dia men aspidos ēlthe phaeinēs obrimon enchos,
kai dia thōrēkos polydaidalou ērēreisto:
antikry de parai laparēn diamēse chitōna
enchos: ho d' eklinthē kai aleuato kēra melainan.
255tō d' ekspassamenō dolich' enchea chersin ham' amphō
English
The terrible spear went through his gleaming shield, and pressed onward through his cuirass of cunning workmanship; it pierced the shirt against his side, but he swerved and thus saved his life. They then each of them drew out the spear from his shield, and fell on one another like savage lions or wild boars of great strength and endurance:
Homeric Greek
σύν ῥ' ἔπεσον λείουσιν ἐοικότες ὠμοφάγοισιν
ἢ συσὶ κάπροισιν, τῶν τε σθένος οὐκ ἀλαπαδνόν.
Πριαμίδης μὲν ἔπειτα μέσον σάκος οὔτασε δουρί,
οὐδ' ἔρρηξεν χαλκός, ἀνεγνάμφθη δέ οἱ αἰχμή.
260Αἴας δ' ἀσπίδα νύξεν ἐπάλμενος: ἣ δὲ διαπρὸ
Transliteration
syn rh' epeson leiousin eoikotes ōmophagoisin
ē sysi kaproisin, tōn te sthenos ouk alapadnon.
Priamidēs men epeita meson sakos outase douri,
oud' errēxen chalkos, anegnamphthē de hoi aichmē.
260Aias d' aspida nyxen epalmenos: hē de diapro
English
the son of Priam struck the middle of Ajax's shield, but the bronze did not break, and the point of his dart was turned. Ajax then sprang forward and pierced the shield of Hektor; the spear went through it and staggered him as he was springing forward to attack;
Homeric Greek
ἤλυθεν ἐγχείη, στυφέλιξε δέ μιν μεμαῶτα,
τμήδην δ' αὐχέν' ἐπῆλθε, μέλαν δ' ἀνεκήκιεν αἷμα,
ἀλλ' οὐδ' ὧς ἀπέληγε μάχης κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ,
ἀλλ' ἀναχασσάμενος λίθον εἵλετο χειρὶ παχείῃ
265κείμενον ἐν πεδίῳ μέλανα τρηχύν τε μέγαν τε:
Transliteration
ēlythen encheiē, styphelixe de min memaōta,
tmēdēn d' auchen' epēlthe, melan d' anekēkien haima,
all' oud' hōs apelēge machēs korythaiolos Hektōr,
all' anachassamenos lithon heileto cheiri pacheiēi
265keimenon en pediōi melana trēchyn te megan te:
English
it gashed his neck and the blood came pouring from the wound, but even so Hektor did not cease fighting; he gave ground, and with his brawny hand seized a stone, rugged and huge, that was lying upon the plain;
Homeric Greek
τῷ βάλεν Αἴαντος δεινὸν σάκος ἑπταβόειον
μέσσον ἐπομφάλιον: περιήχησεν δ' ἄρα χαλκός.
δεύτερος αὖτ' Αἴας πολὺ μείζονα λᾶαν ἀείρας
ἧκ' ἐπιδινήσας, ἐπέρεισε δὲ ἶν' ἀπέλεθρον,
270εἴσω δ' ἀσπίδ' ἔαξε βαλὼν μυλοειδέϊ πέτρῳ,
Transliteration
tōi balen Aiantos deinon sakos heptaboeion
messon epomphalion: periēchēsen d' ara chalkos.
deuteros aut' Aias poly meizona laan aeiras
hēk' epidinēsas, epereise de in' apelethron,
270eisō d' aspid' eaxe balōn myloeideï petrōi,
English
with this he struck the shield of Ajax on the boss that was in its middle, so that the bronze rang again. But Ajax in turn caught up a far larger stone, swung it aloft, and hurled it with prodigious force.
Homeric Greek
βλάψε δέ οἱ φίλα γούναθ': ὃ δ' ὕπτιος ἐξετανύσθη
ἀσπίδι ἐγχριμφθείς: τὸν δ' αἶψ' ὤρθωσεν Ἀπόλλων.
καί νύ κε δὴ ξιφέεσσ' αὐτοσχεδὸν οὐτάζοντο,
εἰ μὴ κήρυκες Διὸς ἄγγελοι ἠδὲ καὶ ἀνδρῶν
275ἦλθον, ὃ μὲν Τρώων, ὃ δ' Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων,
Transliteration
blapse de hoi phila gounath': ho d' hyptios exetanysthē
aspidi enchrimphtheis: ton d' aips' ōrthōsen Apollōn.
kai ny ke dē xipheess' autoschedon outazonto,
ei mē kērykes Dios angeloi ēde kai andrōn
275ēlthon, ho men Trōōn, ho d' Achaiōn chalkochitōnōn,
English
This millstone of a rock broke Hektor's shield inwards and threw him down on his back with the shield crushing him under it, but Apollo raised him at once. Thereon they would have hacked at one another in close combat with their swords, had not heralds, messengers of gods and men, come forward, one from the Trojans and
Homeric Greek
Ταλθύβιός τε καὶ Ἰδαῖος πεπνυμένω ἄμφω:
μέσσῳ δ' ἀμφοτέρων σκῆπτρα σχέθον, εἶπέ τε μῦθον
κῆρυξ Ἰδαῖος πεπνυμένα μήδεα εἰδώς:
μηκέτι παῖδε φίλω πολεμίζετε μηδὲ μάχεσθον:
280ἀμφοτέρω γὰρ σφῶϊ φιλεῖ νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς,
Transliteration
Talthybios te kai Idaios pepnymenō amphō:
messōi d' amphoterōn skēptra schethon, eipe te mython
kēryx Idaios pepnymena mēdea eidōs:
mēketi paide philō polemizete mēde machesthon:
280amphoterō gar sphōï philei nephelēgereta Zeus,
English
the other from the Achaeans - Talthybios and Idaios both of them honorable men; these parted them with their staves, and the good herald Idaios said, "My sons, fight no longer, you are both of you valiant, and both are dear to Zeus;
Homeric Greek
ἄμφω δ' αἰχμητά: τό γε δὴ καὶ ἴδμεν ἅπαντες.
νὺξ δ' ἤδη τελέθει: ἀγαθὸν καὶ νυκτὶ πιθέσθαι.
τὸν δ' ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη Τελαμώνιος Αἴας:
Ἰδαῖ' Ἕκτορα ταῦτα κελεύετε μυθήσασθαι:
285αὐτὸς γὰρ χάρμῃ προκαλέσσατο πάντας ἀρίστους.
Transliteration
amphō d' aichmēta: to ge dē kai idmen hapantes.
nyx d' ēdē telethei: agathon kai nykti pithesthai.
ton d' apameibomenos prosephē Telamōnios Aias:
Idai' Hektora tauta keleuete mythēsasthai:
285autos gar charmēi prokalessato pantas aristous.
English
we know this; but night is now falling, and the behests of night may not be well gainsaid." Ajax son of Telamon answered, "Idaios, bid Hektor say so, for it was he that challenged our princes.
Homeric Greek
ἀρχέτω: αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ μάλα πείσομαι ᾗ περ ἂν οὗτος.
τὸν δ' αὖτε προσέειπε μέγας κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ:
Αἶαν ἐπεί τοι δῶκε θεὸς μέγεθός τε βίην τε
καὶ πινυτήν, περὶ δ' ἔγχει Ἀχαιῶν φέρτατός ἐσσι,
290νῦν μὲν παυσώμεσθα μάχης καὶ δηϊοτῆτος
Transliteration
archetō: autar egō mala peisomai hēi per an houtos.
ton d' aute proseeipe megas korythaiolos Hektōr:
Aian epei toi dōke theos megethos te biēn te
kai pinytēn, peri d' enchei Achaiōn phertatos essi,
290nyn men pausōmestha machēs kai dēïotētos
English
Let him speak first and I will accept his saying." Then Hektor said, "Ajax, heaven has granted you stature and strength, and judgment; and in wielding the spear you excel all others of the Achaeans. Let us for this day cease fighting;
Homeric Greek
σήμερον: ὕστερον αὖτε μαχησόμεθ' εἰς ὅ κε δαίμων
ἄμμε διακρίνῃ, δώῃ δ' ἑτέροισί γε νίκην.
νὺξ δ' ἤδη τελέθει: ἀγαθὸν καὶ νυκτὶ πιθέσθαι,
ὡς σύ τ' ἐϋφρήνῃς πάντας παρὰ νηυσὶν Ἀχαιούς,
295σούς τε μάλιστα ἔτας καὶ ἑταίρους, οἵ τοι ἔασιν:
Transliteration
sēmeron: hysteron aute machēsometh' eis ho ke daimōn
amme diakrinēi, dōēi d' heteroisi ge nikēn.
nyx d' ēdē telethei: agathon kai nykti pithesthai,
hōs sy t' eÿphrēnēis pantas para nēusin Achaious,
295sous te malista etas kai hetairous, hoi toi easin:
English
hereafter we will fight anew till a daimôn decides between us, and give victory to one or to the other; night is now falling, and the behests of night may not be well gainsaid.
Homeric Greek
αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ κατὰ ἄστυ μέγα Πριάμοιο ἄνακτος
Τρῶας ἐϋφρανέω καὶ Τρῳάδας ἑλκεσιπέπλους,
αἵ τέ μοι εὐχόμεναι θεῖον δύσονται ἀγῶνα.
δῶρα δ' ἄγ' ἀλλήλοισι περικλυτὰ δώομεν ἄμφω,
300ὄφρά τις ὧδ' εἴπῃσιν Ἀχαιῶν τε Τρώων τε:
Transliteration
autar egō kata asty mega Priamoio anaktos
Trōas eÿphraneō kai Trōiadas helkesipeplous,
hai te moi euchomenai theion dysontai agōna.
dōra d' ag' allēloisi periklyta dōomen amphō,
300ophra tis hōd' eipēisin Achaiōn te Trōōn te:
English
Gladden, then, the hearts of the Achaeans at your ships, and more especially those of your own followers and clansmen, while I, in the great city of King Priam, bring comfort to the Trojans and their women, who vie with one another in their prayers directed at me.
Homeric Greek
ἠμὲν ἐμαρνάσθην ἔριδος πέρι θυμοβόροιο,
ἠδ' αὖτ' ἐν φιλότητι διέτμαγεν ἀρθμήσαντε.
ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας δῶκε ξίφος ἀργυρόηλον
σὺν κολεῷ τε φέρων καὶ ἐϋτμήτῳ τελαμῶνι:
305Αἴας δὲ ζωστῆρα δίδου φοίνικι φαεινόν.
Transliteration
ēmen emarnasthēn eridos peri thymoboroio,
ēd' aut' en philotēti dietmagen arthmēsante.
hōs ara phōnēsas dōke xiphos argyroēlon
syn koleōi te pherōn kai eÿtmētōi telamōni:
305Aias de zōstēra didou phoiniki phaeinon.
English
Let us, moreover, exchange presents that it may be said among the Achaeans and Trojans, ‘They fought with might and main, but were reconciled and parted in friendship.’ On this he gave Ajax a silver-studded sword with its sheath and leathern Balearic, and in return Ajax gave him a belt dyed with purple.
Homeric Greek
τὼ δὲ διακρινθέντε ὃ μὲν μετὰ λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν
ἤϊ', ὃ δ' ἐς Τρώων ὅμαδον κίε: τοὶ δὲ χάρησαν,
ὡς εἶδον ζωόν τε καὶ ἀρτεμέα προσιόντα,
Αἴαντος προφυγόντα μένος καὶ χεῖρας ἀάπτους:
310καί ῥ' ἦγον προτὶ ἄστυ ἀελπτέοντες σόον εἶναι.
Transliteration
tō de diakrinthente ho men meta laon Achaiōn
ēï', ho d' es Trōōn homadon kie: toi de charēsan,
hōs eidon zōon te kai artemea prosionta,
Aiantos prophygonta menos kai cheiras aaptous:
310kai rh' ēgon proti asty aelpteontes soon einai.
English
Thus they parted, the one going to the host of the Achaeans, and the other to that of the Trojans, who rejoiced when they saw their hero come to them safe and unharmed from the strong hands of mighty Ajax. They led him, therefore, to the city as one that had been saved beyond their hopes.
Homeric Greek
Αἴαντ' αὖθ' ἑτέρωθεν ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ
εἰς Ἀγαμέμνονα δῖον ἄγον κεχαρηότα νίκῃ.
οἳ δ' ὅτε δὴ κλισίῃσιν ἐν Ἀτρεί̈δαο γένοντο,
τοῖσι δὲ βοῦν ἱέρευσεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων
315ἄρσενα πενταέτηρον ὑπερμενέϊ Κρονίωνι.
Transliteration
Aiant' auth' heterōthen eÿknēmides Achaioi
eis Agamemnona dion agon kecharēota nikēi.
hoi d' hote dē klisiēisin en Atreïdao genonto,
toisi de boun hiereusen anax andrōn Agamemnōn
315arsena pentaetēron hypermeneï Kroniōni.
English
On the other side the Achaeans brought Ajax elated with victory to Agamemnon. When they reached the quarters of the son of Atreus, Agamemnon sacrificed for them a five-year-old bull in honor of Zeus the son of Kronos.
Homeric Greek
τὸν δέρον ἀμφί θ' ἕπον, καί μιν διέχευαν ἅπαντα,
μίστυλλόν τ' ἄρ' ἐπισταμένως πεῖράν τ' ὀβελοῖσιν,
ὄπτησάν τε περιφραδέως, ἐρύσαντό τε πάντα.
αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ παύσαντο πόνου τετύκοντό τε δαῖτα,
320δαίνυντ', οὐδέ τι θυμὸς ἐδεύετο δαιτὸς ἐί̈σης:
Transliteration
ton deron amphi th' hepon, kai min diecheuan hapanta,
mistyllon t' ar' epistamenōs peiran t' obeloisin,
optēsan te periphradeōs, erysanto te panta.
autar epei pausanto ponou tetykonto te daita,
320dainynt', oude ti thymos edeueto daitos eïsēs:
English
They flayed the carcass, made it ready, and divided it into joints; these they cut carefully up into smaller pieces, putting them on the spits, roasting them sufficiently, and then drawing them off. When they had done all this and had prepared the feast, they ate it, and every man
Homeric Greek
νώτοισιν δ' Αἴαντα διηνεκέεσσι γέραιρεν
ἥρως Ἀτρεί̈δης εὐρὺ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων.
αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,
τοῖς ὁ γέρων πάμπρωτος ὑφαίνειν ἤρχετο μῆτιν
325Νέστωρ, οὗ καὶ πρόσθεν ἀρίστη φαίνετο βουλή:
Transliteration
nōtoisin d' Aianta diēnekeessi gerairen
hērōs Atreïdēs eury kreiōn Agamemnōn.
autar epei posios kai edētyos ex eron hento,
tois ho gerōn pamprōtos hyphainein ērcheto mētin
325Nestōr, hou kai prosthen aristē phaineto boulē:
English
had his full and equal share, so that all were satisfied, and King Agamemnon gave Ajax some slices cut lengthwise down the loin, as a mark of special honor. As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink, old Nestor whose counsel was ever truest began to speak;
Homeric Greek
ὅ σφιν ἐϋφρονέων ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπεν:
Ἀτρεί̈δη τε καὶ ἄλλοι ἀριστῆες Παναχαιῶν,
πολλοὶ γὰρ τεθνᾶσι κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοί,
τῶν νῦν αἷμα κελαινὸν ἐύ̈ρροον ἀμφὶ Σκάμανδρον
330ἐσκέδασ' ὀξὺς Ἄρης, ψυχαὶ δ' Ἄϊδος δὲ κατῆλθον:
Transliteration
ho sphin eÿphroneōn agorēsato kai meteeipen:
Atreïdē te kai alloi aristēes Panachaiōn,
polloi gar tethnasi karē komoōntes Achaioi,
tōn nyn haima kelainon eÿrroon amphi Skamandron
330eskedas' oxys Arēs, psychai d' Aïdos de katēlthon:
English
with all sincerity and goodwill, therefore, he addressed them thus: "Son of Atreus, and other chieftains, inasmuch as many of the Achaeans are now dead, whose blood Ares has shed by the banks of the Skamandros, and their psukhai have gone down to the house of Hades, it will be well when morning comes that we should cease fighting;
Homeric Greek
τώ σε χρὴ πόλεμον μὲν ἅμ' ἠοῖ παῦσαι Ἀχαιῶν,
αὐτοὶ δ' ἀγρόμενοι κυκλήσομεν ἐνθάδε νεκροὺς
βουσὶ καὶ ἡμιόνοισιν: ἀτὰρ κατακήομεν αὐτοὺς
τυτθὸν ἀπὸ πρὸ νεῶν, ὥς κ' ὀστέα παισὶν ἕκαστος
335οἴκαδ' ἄγῃ ὅτ' ἂν αὖτε νεώμεθα πατρίδα γαῖαν.
Transliteration
tō se chrē polemon men ham' ēoi pausai Achaiōn,
autoi d' agromenoi kyklēsomen enthade nekrous
bousi kai hēmionoisin: atar katakēomen autous
tytthon apo pro neōn, hōs k' ostea paisin hekastos
335oikad' agēi hot' an aute neōmetha patrida gaian.
English
we will then wheel our dead together with oxen and mules and burn them not far from the ships, that when we sail hence we may take the bones of our comrades home to their children.
Homeric Greek
τύμβον δ' ἀμφὶ πυρὴν ἕνα χεύομεν ἐξαγαγόντες
ἄκριτον ἐκ πεδίου: ποτὶ δ' αὐτὸν δείμομεν ὦκα
πύργους ὑψηλοὺς εἶλαρ νηῶν τε καὶ αὐτῶν.
ἐν δ' αὐτοῖσι πύλας ποιήσομεν εὖ ἀραρυίας,
340ὄφρα δι' αὐτάων ἱππηλασίη ὁδὸς εἴη:
Transliteration
tymbon d' amphi pyrēn hena cheuomen exagagontes
akriton ek pediou: poti d' auton deimomen ōka
pyrgous hypsēlous eilar nēōn te kai autōn.
en d' autoisi pylas poiēsomen eu araruias,
340ophra di' autaōn hippēlasiē hodos eiē:
English
Hard by the funeral pyre we will build a barrow that shall be raised from the plain for all in common; near this let us set about building a high wall, to shelter ourselves and our ships, and let it have well-made gates that there may be a way through them for our chariots.
Homeric Greek
ἔκτοσθεν δὲ βαθεῖαν ὀρύξομεν ἐγγύθι τάφρον,
ἥ χ' ἵππον καὶ λαὸν ἐρυκάκοι ἀμφὶς ἐοῦσα,
μή ποτ' ἐπιβρίσῃ πόλεμος Τρώων ἀγερώχων.
ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δ' ἄρα πάντες ἐπῄνησαν βασιλῆες.
345Τρώων αὖτ' ἀγορὴ γένετ' Ἰλίου ἐν πόλει ἄκρῃ
Transliteration
ektosthen de batheian oryxomen engythi taphron,
hē ch' hippon kai laon erykakoi amphis eousa,
mē pot' epibrisēi polemos Trōōn agerōchōn.
hōs ephath', hoi d' ara pantes epēinēsan basilēes.
345Trōōn aut' agorē genet' Iliou en polei akrēi
English
Close outside we will dig a deep trench all round it to keep off both horse and foot, that the Trojan chieftains may not bear hard upon us." Thus he spoke, and the princes shouted in approval.
Homeric Greek
δεινὴ τετρηχυῖα, παρὰ Πριάμοιο θύρῃσι:
τοῖσιν δ' Ἀντήνωρ πεπνυμένος ἦρχ' ἀγορεύειν:
κέκλυτέ μευ Τρῶες καὶ Δάρδανοι ἠδ' ἐπίκουροι,
ὄφρ' εἴπω τά με θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι κελεύει.
350δεῦτ' ἄγετ' Ἀργείην Ἑλένην καὶ κτήμαθ' ἅμ' αὐτῇ
Transliteration
deinē tetrēchuia, para Priamoio thyrēisi:
toisin d' Antēnōr pepnymenos ērch' agoreuein:
keklyte meu Trōes kai Dardanoi ēd' epikouroi,
ophr' eipō ta me thymos eni stēthessi keleuei.
350deut' aget' Argeiēn Helenēn kai ktēmath' ham' autēi
English
Meanwhile the Trojans held a council, angry and full of discord, on the acropolis by the gates of King Priam's palace; and wise Antenor spoke. "Hear me he said, "Trojans, Dardanians, and allies, that I may speak even as I am minded.
Homeric Greek
δώομεν Ἀτρεί̈δῃσιν ἄγειν: νῦν δ' ὅρκια πιστὰ
ψευσάμενοι μαχόμεσθα: τὼ οὔ νύ τι κέρδιον ἡμῖν
ἔλπομαι ἐκτελέεσθαι, ἵνα μὴ ῥέξομεν ὧδε.
ἤτοι ὅ γ' ὣς εἰπὼν κατ' ἄρ' ἕζετο: τοῖσι δ' ἀνέστη
355δῖος Ἀλέξανδρος Ἑλένης πόσις ἠϋκόμοιο,
Transliteration
dōomen Atreïdēisin agein: nyn d' horkia pista
pseusamenoi machomestha: tō ou ny ti kerdion hēmin
elpomai ekteleesthai, hina mē rhexomen hōde.
ētoi ho g' hōs eipōn kat' ar' hezeto: toisi d' anestē
355dios Alexandros Helenēs posis ēÿkomoio,
English
Let us give up Argive Helen and her wealth to the sons of Atreus, for we are now fighting in violation of our solemn covenants, and shall not prosper till we have done as I say." He then sat down and Alexander husband of lovely Helen rose to speak.
Homeric Greek
ὅς μιν ἀμειβόμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα:
Ἀντῆνορ σὺ μὲν οὐκέτ' ἐμοὶ φίλα ταῦτ' ἀγορεύεις:
οἶσθα καὶ ἄλλον μῦθον ἀμείνονα τοῦδε νοῆσαι.
εἰ δ' ἐτεὸν δὴ τοῦτον ἀπὸ σπουδῆς ἀγορεύεις,
360ἐξ ἄρα δή τοι ἔπειτα θεοὶ φρένας ὤλεσαν αὐτοί.
Transliteration
hos min ameibomenos epea pteroenta prosēuda:
Antēnor sy men ouket' emoi phila taut' agoreueis:
oistha kai allon mython ameinona toude noēsai.
ei d' eteon dē touton apo spoudēs agoreueis,
360ex ara dē toi epeita theoi phrenas ōlesan autoi.
English
"Antenor," said he, "your words are not to my liking; you can find a better saying than this if you will; if, however, you have spoken in good earnest, then indeed has heaven robbed you of your reason.
Homeric Greek
αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ Τρώεσσι μεθ' ἱπποδάμοις ἀγορεύσω:
ἀντικρὺ δ' ἀπόφημι γυναῖκα μὲν οὐκ ἀποδώσω:
κτήματα δ' ὅσσ' ἀγόμην ἐξ Ἄργεος ἡμέτερον δῶ
πάντ' ἐθέλω δόμεναι καὶ οἴκοθεν ἄλλ' ἐπιθεῖναι.
365ἤτοι ὅ γ' ὣς εἰπὼν κατ' ἄρ' ἕζετο: τοῖσι δ' ἀνέστη
Transliteration
autar egō Trōessi meth' hippodamois agoreusō:
antikry d' apophēmi gynaika men ouk apodōsō:
ktēmata d' hoss' agomēn ex Argeos hēmeteron dō
pant' ethelō domenai kai oikothen all' epitheinai.
365ētoi ho g' hōs eipōn kat' ar' hezeto: toisi d' anestē
English
I will speak plainly, and hereby notify to the Trojans that I will not give up the woman; but the wealth that I brought home with her from Argos I will restore, and will add yet further of my own." On this, when Paris had spoken and taken his
Homeric Greek
Δαρδανίδης Πρίαμος, θεόφιν μήστωρ ἀτάλαντος,
ὅ σφιν ἐϋφρονέων ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπε:
κέκλυτέ μευ Τρῶες καὶ Δάρδανοι ἠδ' ἐπίκουροι,
ὄφρ' εἴπω τά με θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι κελεύει.
370νῦν μὲν δόρπον ἕλεσθε κατὰ πτόλιν ὡς τὸ πάρος περ,
Transliteration
Dardanidēs Priamos, theophin mēstōr atalantos,
ho sphin eÿphroneōn agorēsato kai meteeipe:
keklyte meu Trōes kai Dardanoi ēd' epikouroi,
ophr' eipō ta me thymos eni stēthessi keleuei.
370nyn men dorpon helesthe kata ptolin hōs to paros per,
English
seat, Priam of the race of Dardanos, peer of gods in council, rose and with all sincerity and goodwill addressed them thus: "Hear me, Trojans, Dardanians, and allies, that I may speak even as I am minded.
Homeric Greek
καὶ φυλακῆς μνήσασθε καὶ ἐγρήγορθε ἕκαστος:
ἠῶθεν δ' Ἰδαῖος ἴτω κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας
εἰπέμεν Ἀτρεί̈δῃς Ἀγαμέμνονι καὶ Μενελάῳ
μῦθον Ἀλεξάνδροιο, τοῦ εἵνεκα νεῖκος ὄρωρε:
375καὶ δὲ τόδ' εἰπέμεναι πυκινὸν ἔπος, αἴ κ' ἐθέλωσι
Transliteration
kai phylakēs mnēsasthe kai egrēgorthe hekastos:
ēōthen d' Idaios itō koilas epi nēas
eipemen Atreïdēis Agamemnoni kai Menelaōi
mython Alexandroio, tou heineka neikos orōre:
375kai de tod' eipemenai pykinon epos, ai k' ethelōsi
English
Get your suppers now as hitherto throughout the city, but keep your watches and be wakeful. At daybreak let Idaios go to the ships, and tell Agamemnon and Menelaos sons of Atreus the saying of Alexander through whom this quarrel has come about;
Homeric Greek
παύσασθαι πολέμοιο δυσηχέος, εἰς ὅ κε νεκροὺς
κήομεν: ὕστερον αὖτε μαχησόμεθ' εἰς ὅ κε δαίμων
ἄμμε διακρίνῃ, δώῃ δ' ἑτέροισί γε νίκην.
ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δ' ἄρα τοῦ μάλα μὲν κλύον ἠδ' ἐπίθοντο:
380δόρπον ἔπειθ' εἵλοντο κατὰ στρατὸν ἐν τελέεσσιν:
Transliteration
pausasthai polemoio dysēcheos, eis ho ke nekrous
kēomen: hysteron aute machēsometh' eis ho ke daimōn
amme diakrinēi, dōēi d' heteroisi ge nikēn.
hōs ephath', hoi d' ara tou mala men klyon ēd' epithonto:
380dorpon epeith' heilonto kata straton en teleessin:
English
and let him also be instant with them that they now cease fighting till we burn our dead; hereafter we will fight anew, till a daimôn decides between us and give victory to one or to the other." Thus did he speak, and they did even as he had said.
Homeric Greek
ἠῶθεν δ' Ἰδαῖος ἔβη κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας:
τοὺς δ' εὗρ' εἰν ἀγορῇ Δαναοὺς θεράποντας Ἄρηος
νηὶ̈ πάρα πρύμνῃ Ἀγαμέμνονος: αὐτὰρ ὃ τοῖσι
στὰς ἐν μέσσοισιν μετεφώνεεν ἠπύτα κῆρυξ:
385Ἀτρεί̈δη τε καὶ ἄλλοι ἀριστῆες Παναχαιῶν
Transliteration
ēōthen d' Idaios ebē koilas epi nēas:
tous d' heur' ein agorēi Danaous therapontas Arēos
nēï para prymnēi Agamemnonos: autar ho toisi
stas en messoisin metephōneen ēpyta kēryx:
385Atreïdē te kai alloi aristēes Panachaiōn
English
They took supper in their companies and at daybreak Idaios went his way to the ships. He found the Danaans, squires of Ares, in council at the stern of Agamemnon's ship, and took his place in the midst of them.
Homeric Greek
ἠνώγει Πρίαμός τε καὶ ἄλλοι Τρῶες ἀγαυοὶ
εἰπεῖν, αἴ κέ περ ὔμμι φίλον καὶ ἡδὺ γένοιτο,
μῦθον Ἀλεξάνδροιο, τοῦ εἵνεκα νεῖκος ὄρωρε:
κτήματα μὲν ὅσ' Ἀλέξανδρος κοίλῃς ἐνὶ νηυσὶν
390ἠγάγετο Τροίηνδ': ὡς πρὶν ὤφελλ' ἀπολέσθαι:
Transliteration
ēnōgei Priamos te kai alloi Trōes agauoi
eipein, ai ke per ymmi philon kai hēdy genoito,
mython Alexandroio, tou heineka neikos orōre:
ktēmata men hos' Alexandros koilēis eni nēusin
390ēgageto Troiēnd': hōs prin ōphell' apolesthai:
English
"Son of Atreus," he said, "and princes of the Achaean host, Priam and the other noble Trojans have sent me to tell you the saying of Alexander through whom this quarrel has come about, if so be that you may find it acceptable.
Homeric Greek
πάντ' ἐθέλει δόμεναι καὶ οἴκοθεν ἄλλ' ἐπιθεῖναι:
κουριδίην δ' ἄλοχον Μενελάου κυδαλίμοιο
οὔ φησιν δώσειν: ἦ μὴν Τρῶές γε κέλονται.
καὶ δὲ τόδ' ἠνώγεον εἰπεῖν ἔπος αἴ κ' ἐθέλητε
395παύσασθαι πολέμοιο δυσηχέος εἰς ὅ κε νεκροὺς
Transliteration
pant' ethelei domenai kai oikothen all' epitheinai:
kouridiēn d' alochon Menelaou kydalimoio
ou phēsin dōsein: ē mēn Trōes ge kelontai.
kai de tod' ēnōgeon eipein epos ai k' ethelēte
395pausasthai polemoio dysēcheos eis ho ke nekrous
English
All the treasure he took with him in his ships to Troy - would that he had sooner perished - he will restore, and will add yet further of his own, but he will not give up the wedded wife of Menelaos, though the Trojans would have him do so. Priam bade me inquire further if you will cease fighting till we burn our dead;
Homeric Greek
κήομεν: ὕστερον αὖτε μαχησόμεθ' εἰς ὅ κε δαίμων
ἄμμε διακρίνῃ, δώῃ δ' ἑτέροισί γε νίκην.
ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δ' ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ:
ὀψὲ δὲ δὴ μετέειπε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης:
400μήτ' ἄρ τις νῦν κτήματ' Ἀλεξάνδροιο δεχέσθω
Transliteration
kēomen: hysteron aute machēsometh' eis ho ke daimōn
amme diakrinēi, dōēi d' heteroisi ge nikēn.
hōs ephath', hoi d' ara pantes akēn egenonto siōpēi:
opse de dē meteeipe boēn agathos Diomēdēs:
400mēt' ar tis nyn ktēmat' Alexandroio dechesthō
English
hereafter we will fight anew, till a daimôn decides between us and gives victory to one or to the other." They all held their peace, but presently Diomedes of the loud war-cry spoke, saying, "Let there be no taking, neither treasure, nor yet
Homeric Greek
μήθ' Ἑλένην: γνωτὸν δὲ καὶ ὃς μάλα νήπιός ἐστιν
ὡς ἤδη Τρώεσσιν ὀλέθρου πείρατ' ἐφῆπται.
ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δ' ἄρα πάντες ἐπίαχον υἷες Ἀχαιῶν
μῦθον ἀγασσάμενοι Διομήδεος ἱπποδάμοιο:
405καὶ τότ' ἄρ' Ἰδαῖον προσέφη κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων:
Transliteration
mēth' Helenēn: gnōton de kai hos mala nēpios estin
hōs ēdē Trōessin olethrou peirat' ephēptai.
hōs ephath', hoi d' ara pantes epiachon huies Achaiōn
mython agassamenoi Diomēdeos hippodamoio:
405kai tot' ar' Idaion prosephē kreiōn Agamemnōn:
English
Helen, for even a child may see that the doom of the Trojans is at hand." The sons of the Achaeans shouted approval at the words that Diomedes had spoken, and thereon King Agamemnon said to Idaios, "Idaios, you have heard the answer the Achaeans make you-and I with them.
Homeric Greek
Ἰδαῖ' ἤτοι μῦθον Ἀχαιῶν αὐτὸς ἀκούεις
ὥς τοι ὑποκρίνονται: ἐμοὶ δ' ἐπιανδάνει οὕτως
ἀμφὶ δὲ νεκροῖσιν κατακαιέμεν οὔ τι μεγαίρω:
οὐ γάρ τις φειδὼ νεκύων κατατεθνηώτων
410γίγνετ' ἐπεί κε θάνωσι πυρὸς μειλισσέμεν ὦκα.
Transliteration
Idai' ētoi mython Achaiōn autos akoueis
hōs toi hypokrinontai: emoi d' epiandanei houtōs
amphi de nekroisin katakaiemen ou ti megairō:
ou gar tis pheidō nekyōn katatethnēōtōn
410gignet' epei ke thanōsi pyros meilissemen ōka.
English
But as concerning the dead, I give you leave to burn them, for when men are once dead there should be no grudging them the rites of fire.
Homeric Greek
ὅρκια δὲ Ζεὺς ἴστω ἐρίγδουπος πόσις Ἥρης.
ὣς εἰπὼν τὸ σκῆπτρον ἀνέσχεθε πᾶσι θεοῖσιν,
ἄψορρον δ' Ἰδαῖος ἔβη προτὶ Ἴλιον ἱρήν.
οἳ δ' ἕατ' εἰν ἀγορῇ Τρῶες καὶ Δαρδανίωνες
415πάντες ὁμηγερέες, ποτιδέγμενοι ὁππότ' ἄρ' ἔλθοι
Transliteration
horkia de Zeus istō erigdoupos posis Hērēs.
hōs eipōn to skēptron aneschethe pasi theoisin,
apsorron d' Idaios ebē proti Ilion hirēn.
hoi d' heat' ein agorēi Trōes kai Dardaniōnes
415pantes homēgerees, potidegmenoi hoppot' ar' elthoi
English
Let Zeus the mighty husband of Hera be witness to this covenant." As he spoke he upheld his scepter in the sight of all the gods, and Idaios went back to the strong city of Ilion. The Trojans and Dardanians were gathered in council waiting his return;
Homeric Greek
Ἰδαῖος: ὃ δ' ἄρ' ἦλθε καὶ ἀγγελίην ἀπέειπε
στὰς ἐν μέσσοισιν: τοὶ δ' ὁπλίζοντο μάλ' ὦκα,
ἀμφότερον νέκυάς τ' ἀγέμεν ἕτεροι δὲ μεθ' ὕλην:
Ἀργεῖοι δ' ἑτέρωθεν ἐϋσσέλμων ἀπὸ νηῶν
420ὀτρύνοντο νέκυς τ' ἀγέμεν, ἕτεροι δὲ μεθ' ὕλην.
Transliteration
Idaios: ho d' ar' ēlthe kai angeliēn apeeipe
stas en messoisin: toi d' hoplizonto mal' ōka,
amphoteron nekyas t' agemen heteroi de meth' hylēn:
Argeioi d' heterōthen eÿsselmōn apo nēōn
420otrynonto nekys t' agemen, heteroi de meth' hylēn.
English
when he came, he stood in their midst and delivered his message. As soon as they heard it they set about their twofold labor, some to gather the corpses, and others to bring in wood. The Argives on their part also hastened from their ships, some to gather the corpses, and others to bring in wood.
Homeric Greek
Ἠέλιος μὲν ἔπειτα νέον προσέβαλλεν ἀρούρας
ἐξ ἀκαλαρρείταο βαθυρρόου Ὠκεανοῖο
οὐρανὸν εἰσανιών: οἳ δ' ἤντεον ἀλλήλοισιν.
ἔνθα διαγνῶναι χαλεπῶς ἦν ἄνδρα ἕκαστον:
425ἀλλ' ὕδατι νίζοντες ἄπο βρότον αἱματόεντα
Transliteration
Ēelios men epeita neon proseballen arouras
ex akalarreitao bathyrroou Ōkeanoio
ouranon eisaniōn: hoi d' ēnteon allēloisin.
entha diagnōnai chalepōs ēn andra hekaston:
425all' hydati nizontes apo broton haimatoenta
English
The sun was beginning to beat upon the fields, fresh risen into the vault of heaven from the slow still currents of deep Okeanos, when the two armies met. They could hardly recognize their dead, but they washed the clotted gore from off them, shed tears over them, and lifted them upon their wagons.
Homeric Greek
δάκρυα θερμὰ χέοντες ἀμαξάων ἐπάειραν.
οὐδ' εἴα κλαίειν Πρίαμος μέγας: οἳ δὲ σιωπῇ
νεκροὺς πυρκαϊῆς ἐπινήνεον ἀχνύμενοι κῆρ,
ἐν δὲ πυρὶ πρήσαντες ἔβαν προτὶ Ἴλιον ἱρήν.
430ὣς δ' αὔτως ἑτέρωθεν ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ
Transliteration
dakrya therma cheontes amaxaōn epaeiran.
oud' eia klaiein Priamos megas: hoi de siōpēi
nekrous pyrkaïēs epinēneon achnymenoi kēr,
en de pyri prēsantes eban proti Ilion hirēn.
430hōs d' autōs heterōthen eÿknēmides Achaioi
English
Priam had forbidden the Trojans to wail aloud, so they heaped their dead sadly and silently upon the pyre, and having burned them went back to the city of Ilion.
Homeric Greek
νεκροὺς πυρκαϊῆς ἐπινήνεον ἀχνύμενοι κῆρ,
ἐν δὲ πυρὶ πρήσαντες ἔβαν κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας.
ἦμος δ' οὔτ' ἄρ πω ἠώς, ἔτι δ' ἀμφιλύκη νύξ,
τῆμος ἄρ' ἀμφὶ πυρὴν κριτὸς ἔγρετο λαὸς Ἀχαιῶν,
435τύμβον δ' ἀμφ' αὐτὴν ἕνα ποίεον ἐξαγαγόντες
Transliteration
nekrous pyrkaïēs epinēneon achnymenoi kēr,
en de pyri prēsantes eban koilas epi nēas.
ēmos d' out' ar pō ēōs, eti d' amphilykē nyx,
tēmos ar' amphi pyrēn kritos egreto laos Achaiōn,
435tymbon d' amph' autēn hena poieon exagagontes
English
The Achaeans in like manner heaped their dead sadly and silently on the pyre, and having burned them went back to their ships. Now in the twilight when it was not yet dawn, chosen bands of the Achaeans were gathered round the pyre and built
Homeric Greek
ἄκριτον ἐκ πεδίου, ποτὶ δ' αὐτὸν τεῖχος ἔδειμαν
πύργους θ' ὑψηλούς, εἶλαρ νηῶν τε καὶ αὐτῶν.
ἐν δ' αὐτοῖσι πύλας ἐνεποίεον εὖ ἀραρυίας,
ὄφρα δι' αὐτάων ἱππηλασίη ὁδὸς εἴη:
440ἔκτοσθεν δὲ βαθεῖαν ἐπ' αὐτῷ τάφρον ὄρυξαν
Transliteration
akriton ek pediou, poti d' auton teichos edeiman
pyrgous th' hypsēlous, eilar nēōn te kai autōn.
en d' autoisi pylas enepoieon eu araruias,
ophra di' autaōn hippēlasiē hodos eiē:
440ektosthen de batheian ep' autōi taphron oryxan
English
one barrow that was raised in common for all, and hard by this they built a high wall to shelter themselves and their ships;
Homeric Greek
εὐρεῖαν μεγάλην, ἐν δὲ σκόλοπας κατέπηξαν.
ὣς οἳ μὲν πονέοντο κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοί:
οἳ δὲ θεοὶ πὰρ Ζηνὶ καθήμενοι ἀστεροπητῇ
θηεῦντο μέγα ἔργον Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων.
445τοῖσι δὲ μύθων ἦρχε Ποσειδάων ἐνοσίχθων:
Transliteration
eureian megalēn, en de skolopas katepēxan.
hōs hoi men poneonto karē komoōntes Achaioi:
hoi de theoi par Zēni kathēmenoi asteropētēi
thēeunto mega ergon Achaiōn chalkochitōnōn.
445toisi de mythōn ērche Poseidaōn enosichthōn:
English
they gave it strong gates that there might be a way through them for their chariots, and close outside it they dug a trench deep and wide, and they planted it within with stakes. Thus did the Achaeans toil, and the gods, seated by the side of Zeus the lord of lightning, marveled at their great work;
Homeric Greek
Ζεῦ πάτερ, ἦ ῥά τίς ἐστι βροτῶν ἐπ' ἀπείρονα γαῖαν
ὅς τις ἔτ' ἀθανάτοισι νόον καὶ μῆτιν ἐνίψει;
οὐχ ὁράᾳς ὅτι δ' αὖτε κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ
τεῖχος ἐτειχίσσαντο νεῶν ὕπερ, ἀμφὶ δὲ τάφρον
450ἤλασαν, οὐδὲ θεοῖσι δόσαν κλειτὰς ἑκατόμβας;
Transliteration
Zeu pater, ē rha tis esti brotōn ep' apeirona gaian
hos tis et' athanatoisi noon kai mētin enipsei;
ouch horaāis hoti d' aute karē komoōntes Achaioi
teichos eteichissanto neōn hyper, amphi de taphron
450ēlasan, oude theoisi dosan kleitas hekatombas;
English
but Poseidon, lord of the earthquake, spoke, saying, "Father Zeus, what mortal in the whole world will again take the gods into his counsel ? See you not how the Achaeans have built a wall about their ships and driven a trench all round it, without offering hecatombs to the gods?
Homeric Greek
τοῦ δ' ἤτοι κλέος ἔσται ὅσον τ' ἐπικίδναται ἠώς:
τοῦ δ' ἐπιλήσονται τὸ ἐγὼ καὶ Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων
ἥρῳ Λαομέδοντι πολίσσαμεν ἀθλήσαντε.
τὸν δὲ μέγ' ὀχθήσας προσέφη νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς:
455ὢ πόποι ἐννοσίγαι' εὐρυσθενές, οἷον ἔειπες.
Transliteration
tou d' ētoi kleos estai hoson t' epikidnatai ēōs:
tou d' epilēsontai to egō kai Phoibos Apollōn
hērōi Laomedonti polissamen athlēsante.
ton de meg' ochthēsas prosephē nephelēgereta Zeus:
455ō popoi ennosigai' eurysthenes, hoion eeipes.
English
The fame of this wall will reach as far as dawn itself, and men will no longer think anything of the one which Phoebus Apollo and myself built with so much labor for Laomedon." Zeus was displeased and answered, "What, O shaker of the earth, are you talking about?
Homeric Greek
ἄλλός κέν τις τοῦτο θεῶν δείσειε νόημα,
ὃς σέο πολλὸν ἀφαυρότερος χεῖράς τε μένος τε:
σὸν δ' ἤτοι κλέος ἔσται ὅσον τ' ἐπικίδναται ἠώς.
ἄγρει μὰν ὅτ' ἂν αὖτε κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ
460οἴχωνται σὺν νηυσὶ φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν
Transliteration
allos ken tis touto theōn deiseie noēma,
hos seo pollon aphauroteros cheiras te menos te:
son d' ētoi kleos estai hoson t' epikidnatai ēōs.
agrei man hot' an aute karē komoōntes Achaioi
460oichōntai syn nēusi philēn es patrida gaian
English
A god less powerful than yourself might be alarmed at what they are doing, but your fame reaches as far as dawn itself. Surely when the Achaeans have gone home with their ships, you can shatter their wall and Ring it into the sea;
Homeric Greek
τεῖχος ἀναρρήξας τὸ μὲν εἰς ἅλα πᾶν καταχεῦαι,
αὖτις δ' ἠϊόνα μεγάλην ψαμάθοισι καλύψαι,
ὥς κέν τοι μέγα τεῖχος ἀμαλδύνηται Ἀχαιῶν.
ὣς οἳ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον,
465δύσετο δ' ἠέλιος, τετέλεστο δὲ ἔργον Ἀχαιῶν,
Transliteration
teichos anarrēxas to men eis hala pan katacheuai,
autis d' ēïona megalēn psamathoisi kalypsai,
hōs ken toi mega teichos amaldynētai Achaiōn.
hōs hoi men toiauta pros allēlous agoreuon,
465dyseto d' ēelios, tetelesto de ergon Achaiōn,
English
you can cover the beach with sand again, and the great wall of the Achaeans will then be utterly effaced." Thus did they converse, and by sunset the work of the Achaeans was completed;
Homeric Greek
βουφόνεον δὲ κατὰ κλισίας καὶ δόρπον ἕλοντο.
νῆες δ' ἐκ Λήμνοιο παρέσταν οἶνον ἄγουσαι
πολλαί, τὰς προέηκεν Ἰησονίδης Εὔνηος,
τόν ῥ' ἔτεχ' Ὑψιπύλη ὑπ' Ἰήσονι ποιμένι λαῶν.
470χωρὶς δ' Ἀτρεί̈δῃς Ἀγαμέμνονι καὶ Μενελάῳ
Transliteration
bouphoneon de kata klisias kai dorpon helonto.
nēes d' ek Lēmnoio parestan oinon agousai
pollai, tas proeēken Iēsonidēs Eunēos,
ton rh' etech' Hypsipylē hyp' Iēsoni poimeni laōn.
470chōris d' Atreïdēis Agamemnoni kai Menelaōi
English
they then slaughtered oxen at their tents and got their supper. Many ships had come with wine from Lemnos, sent by Euneus the son of Jason, born to him by Hypsipyle. The son of Jason freighted them with ten thousand measures of wine, which he sent specially to the sons of Atreus, Agamemnon and Menelaos.
Homeric Greek
δῶκεν Ἰησονίδης ἀγέμεν μέθυ χίλια μέτρα.
ἔνθεν οἰνίζοντο κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοί,
ἄλλοι μὲν χαλκῷ, ἄλλοι δ' αἴθωνι σιδήρῳ,
ἄλλοι δὲ ῥινοῖς, ἄλλοι δ' αὐτῇσι βόεσσιν,
475ἄλλοι δ' ἀνδραπόδεσσι: τίθεντο δὲ δαῖτα θάλειαν.
Transliteration
dōken Iēsonidēs agemen methy chilia metra.
enthen oinizonto karē komoōntes Achaioi,
alloi men chalkōi, alloi d' aithōni sidērōi,
alloi de rhinois, alloi d' autēisi boessin,
475alloi d' andrapodessi: tithento de daita thaleian.
English
From this supply the Achaeans bought their wine, some with bronze, some with iron, some with hides, some with whole heifers, and some again with captives. They spread a goodly banquet and feasted the whole night through, as also did
Homeric Greek
παννύχιοι μὲν ἔπειτα κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ
δαίνυντο, Τρῶες δὲ κατὰ πτόλιν ἠδ' ἐπίκουροι:
παννύχιος δέ σφιν κακὰ μήδετο μητίετα Ζεὺς
σμερδαλέα κτυπέων: τοὺς δὲ χλωρὸν δέος ᾕρει:
480οἶνον δ' ἐκ δεπάων χαμάδις χέον, οὐδέ τις ἔτλη
Transliteration
pannychioi men epeita karē komoōntes Achaioi
dainynto, Trōes de kata ptolin ēd' epikouroi:
pannychios de sphin kaka mēdeto mētieta Zeus
smerdalea ktypeōn: tous de chlōron deos hēirei:
480oinon d' ek depaōn chamadis cheon, oude tis etlē
English
the Trojans and their allies in the city. But all the time Zeus boded them ill and roared with his portentous thunder. Pale fear got hold upon them, and they spilled the wine from their cups on to the ground, nor did any dare drink till he had made offerings to the most mighty son of Kronos.
Homeric Greek
πρὶν πιέειν πρὶν λεῖψαι ὑπερμενέϊ Κρονίωνι.
κοιμήσαντ' ἄρ' ἔπειτα καὶ ὕπνου δῶρον ἕλοντο.
Transliteration
prin pieein prin leipsai hypermeneï Kroniōni.
koimēsant' ar' epeita kai hypnou dōron helonto.
English
Then they laid themselves down to rest and enjoyed the boon of sleep.