Book IX

Homeric Greek

1ὣς οἱ μὲν Τρῶες φυλακὰς ἔχον: αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὺς

θεσπεσίη ἔχε φύζα φόβου κρυόεντος ἑταίρη,

πένθεϊ δ' ἀτλήτῳ βεβολήατο πάντες ἄριστοι.

ὡς δ' ἄνεμοι δύο πόντον ὀρίνετον ἰχθυόεντα

5Βορέης καὶ Ζέφυρος, τώ τε Θρῄκηθεν ἄητον

Transliteration

1hōs hoi men Trōes phylakas echon: autar Achaious

thespesiē eche phyza phobou kryoentos hetairē,

pentheï d' atlētōi bebolēato pantes aristoi.

hōs d' anemoi dyo ponton orineton ichthyoenta

5Boreēs kai Zephyros, tō te Thrēikēthen aēton

English

Thus did the Trojans watch. But Panic, comrade of blood-stained Rout, had taken fast hold of the Achaeans and their princes were all of them in despair. As when the two winds that blow from Thrace - the north and the northwest - spring up of a sudden and rouse the

Homeric Greek

ἐλθόντ' ἐξαπίνης: ἄμυδις δέ τε κῦμα κελαινὸν

κορθύεται, πολλὸν δὲ παρὲξ ἅλα φῦκος ἔχευεν:

ὣς ἐδαί̈ζετο θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν Ἀχαιῶν.

Ἀτρεί̈δης δ' ἄχεϊ μεγάλῳ βεβολημένος ἦτορ

10φοίτα κηρύκεσσι λιγυφθόγγοισι κελεύων

Transliteration

elthont' exapinēs: amydis de te kyma kelainon

korthyetai, pollon de parex hala phykos echeuen:

hōs edaïzeto thymos eni stēthessin Achaiōn.

Atreïdēs d' acheï megalōi bebolēmenos ētor

10phoita kērykessi ligyphthongoisi keleuōn

English

fury of the main - in a moment the dark waves uprear their heads and scatter their sea-wrack in all directions - even thus troubled were the hearts of the Achaeans. The son of Atreus in dismay bade the heralds call the people to a council man by man, but not to cry the matter aloud;

Homeric Greek

κλήδην εἰς ἀγορὴν κικλήσκειν ἄνδρα ἕκαστον,

μὴ δὲ βοᾶν: αὐτὸς δὲ μετὰ πρώτοισι πονεῖτο.

ἷζον δ' εἰν ἀγορῇ τετιηότες: ἂν δ' Ἀγαμέμνων

ἵστατο δάκρυ χέων ὥς τε κρήνη μελάνυδρος

15ἥ τε κατ' αἰγίλιπος πέτρης δνοφερὸν χέει ὕδωρ:

Transliteration

klēdēn eis agorēn kiklēskein andra hekaston,

mē de boan: autos de meta prōtoisi poneito.

hizon d' ein agorēi tetiēotes: an d' Agamemnōn

histato dakry cheōn hōs te krēnē melanydros

15hē te kat' aigilipos petrēs dnopheron cheei hydōr:

English

he made haste also himself to call them, and they sat sorry at heart in their assembly. Agamemnon shed tears as it were a running stream or cataract on the side of some sheer cliff; and thus, with many a heavy sigh he spoke to the Achaeans.

Homeric Greek

ὣς ὃ βαρὺ στενάχων ἔπε' Ἀργείοισι μετηύδα:

ὦ φίλοι Ἀργείων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες

Ζεύς με μέγα Κρονίδης ἄτῃ ἐνέδησε βαρείῃ

σχέτλιος, ὃς τότε μέν μοι ὑπέσχετο καὶ κατένευσεν

20Ἴλιον ἐκπέρσαντ' εὐτείχεον ἀπονέεσθαι,

Transliteration

hōs ho bary stenachōn epe' Argeioisi metēuda:

ō philoi Argeiōn hēgētores ēde medontes

Zeus me mega Kronidēs atēi enedēse bareiēi

schetlios, hos tote men moi hypescheto kai kateneusen

20Ilion ekpersant' euteicheon aponeesthai,

English

"My friends," said he, "princes and councilors, Zeus has tied down with ruin more than any other Argive. The cruel god gave me his solemn promise that I should sack the city of Troy before returning, but he has played me false, and

Homeric Greek

νῦν δὲ κακὴν ἀπάτην βουλεύσατο, καί με κελεύει

δυσκλέα Ἄργος ἱκέσθαι, ἐπεὶ πολὺν ὤλεσα λαόν.

οὕτω που Διὶ μέλλει ὑπερμενέϊ φίλον εἶναι,

ὃς δὴ πολλάων πολίων κατέλυσε κάρηνα

25ἠδ' ἔτι καὶ λύσει: τοῦ γὰρ κράτος ἐστὶ μέγιστον.

Transliteration

nyn de kakēn apatēn bouleusato, kai me keleuei

dysklea Argos hikesthai, epei polyn ōlesa laon.

houtō pou Dii mellei hypermeneï philon einai,

hos dē pollaōn poliōn katelyse karēna

25ēd' eti kai lysei: tou gar kratos esti megiston.

English

is now bidding me go back to Argos with bad kleos and with the loss of many people. Such is the will of Zeus, who has laid many a proud city in the dust as he will yet lay others, for his power is above all.

Homeric Greek

ἀλλ' ἄγεθ' ὡς ἂν ἐγὼ εἴπω πειθώμεθα πάντες:

φεύγωμεν σὺν νηυσὶ φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν:

οὐ γὰρ ἔτι Τροίην αἱρήσομεν εὐρυάγυιαν.

ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δ' ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ.

30δὴν δ' ἄνεῳ ἦσαν τετιηότες υἷες Ἀχαιῶν:

Transliteration

all' ageth' hōs an egō eipō peithōmetha pantes:

pheugōmen syn nēusi philēn es patrida gaian:

ou gar eti Troiēn hairēsomen euryaguian.

hōs ephath', hoi d' ara pantes akēn egenonto siōpēi.

30dēn d' aneōi ēsan tetiēotes huies Achaiōn:

English

Now, therefore, let us all do as I say and sail back to our own country, for we shall not take Troy." Thus he spoke, and the sons of the Achaeans for a long while sat sorrowful there, but they all held their peace,

Homeric Greek

ὀψὲ δὲ δὴ μετέειπε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης:

Ἀτρεί̈δη σοὶ πρῶτα μαχήσομαι ἀφραδέοντι,

ἣ θέμις ἐστὶν ἄναξ ἀγορῇ: σὺ δὲ μή τι χολωθῇς.

ἀλκὴν μέν μοι πρῶτον ὀνείδισας ἐν Δαναοῖσι

35φὰς ἔμεν ἀπτόλεμον καὶ ἀνάλκιδα: ταῦτα δὲ πάντα

Transliteration

opse de dē meteeipe boēn agathos Diomēdēs:

Atreïdē soi prōta machēsomai aphradeonti,

hē themis estin anax agorēi: sy de mē ti cholōthēis.

alkēn men moi prōton oneidisas en Danaoisi

35phas emen aptolemon kai analkida: tauta de panta

English

till at last Diomedes of the loud battle-cry made answer saying, "Son of Atreus, I will chide your folly, as is my right in council. Be not then aggrieved that I should do so. In the first place you attacked me before all the Danaans and said that I was a coward and no warrior.

Homeric Greek

ἴσασ' Ἀργείων ἠμὲν νέοι ἠδὲ γέροντες.

σοὶ δὲ διάνδιχα δῶκε Κρόνου πάϊς ἀγκυλομήτεω:

σκήπτρῳ μέν τοι δῶκε τετιμῆσθαι περὶ πάντων,

ἀλκὴν δ' οὔ τοι δῶκεν, ὅ τε κράτος ἐστὶ μέγιστον.

40δαιμόνι' οὕτω που μάλα ἔλπεαι υἷας Ἀχαιῶν

Transliteration

isas' Argeiōn ēmen neoi ēde gerontes.

soi de diandicha dōke Kronou païs ankylomēteō:

skēptrōi men toi dōke tetimēsthai peri pantōn,

alkēn d' ou toi dōken, ho te kratos esti megiston.

40daimoni' houtō pou mala elpeai huias Achaiōn

English

The Argives young and old know that you did so. But the son of scheming Kronos endowed you by halves only. He gave you honor as the chief ruler over us, but valor, which is the highest both right and might he did not give you.

Homeric Greek

ἀπτολέμους τ' ἔμεναι καὶ ἀνάλκιδας ὡς ἀγορεύεις;

εἰ δέ τοι αὐτῷ θυμὸς ἐπέσσυται ὥς τε νέεσθαι

ἔρχεο: πάρ τοι ὁδός, νῆες δέ τοι ἄγχι θαλάσσης

ἑστᾶσ', αἵ τοι ἕποντο Μυκήνηθεν μάλα πολλαί.

45ἀλλ' ἄλλοι μενέουσι κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιο?

Transliteration

aptolemous t' emenai kai analkidas hōs agoreueis;

ei de toi autōi thymos epessytai hōs te neesthai

ercheo: par toi hodos, nēes de toi anchi thalassēs

hestas', hai toi heponto Mykēnēthen mala pollai.

45all' alloi meneousi karē komoōntes Achaio?

English

Sir, think you that the sons of the Achaeans are indeed as unwarlike and cowardly as you say they are? If your own mind is set upon going home - go - the way is open to you; the many ships that followed you from Mycenae stand ranged upon the seashore;

Homeric Greek

εἰς ὅ κέ περ Τροίην διαπέρσομεν. εἰ δὲ καὶ αὐτοὶ

φευγόντων σὺν νηυσὶ φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν:

νῶϊ δ' ἐγὼ Σθένελός τε μαχησόμεθ' εἰς ὅ κε τέκμωρ

Ἰλίου εὕρωμεν: σὺν γὰρ θεῷ εἰλήλουθμεν.

50ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δ' ἄρα πάντες ἐπίαχον υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

Transliteration

eis ho ke per Troiēn diapersomen. ei de kai autoi

pheugontōn syn nēusi philēn es patrida gaian:

nōï d' egō Sthenelos te machēsometh' eis ho ke tekmōr

Iliou heurōmen: syn gar theōi eilēlouthmen.

50hōs ephath', hoi d' ara pantes epiachon huies Achaiōn

English

but the rest of us stay here till we have sacked Troy. Nay though these too should turn homeward with their ships, Sthenelos and myself will still fight on till we reach the goal of Ilion, for heaven was with us when we came." The sons of the Achaeans shouted approval at the words of Diomedes, and presently Nestor rose to speak.

Homeric Greek

μῦθον ἀγασσάμενοι Διομήδεος ἱπποδάμοιο.

τοῖσι δ' ἀνιστάμενος μετεφώνεεν ἱππότα Νέστωρ:

Τυδεί̈δη περὶ μὲν πολέμῳ ἔνι καρτερός ἐσσι,

καὶ βουλῇ μετὰ πάντας ὁμήλικας ἔπλευ ἄριστος.

55οὔ τίς τοι τὸν μῦθον ὀνόσσεται ὅσσοι Ἀχαιοί,

Transliteration

mython agassamenoi Diomēdeos hippodamoio.

toisi d' anistamenos metephōneen hippota Nestōr:

Tydeïdē peri men polemōi eni karteros essi,

kai boulēi meta pantas homēlikas epleu aristos.

55ou tis toi ton mython onossetai hossoi Achaioi,

English

"Son of Tydeus," said he, "in war your prowess is beyond question, and in council you excel all who are of your own years; no one of the Achaeans can make light of what you say nor gainsay it, but you have not yet come to the end of the whole matter.

Homeric Greek

οὐδὲ πάλιν ἐρέει: ἀτὰρ οὐ τέλος ἵκεο μύθων.

ἦ μὲν καὶ νέος ἐσσί, ἐμὸς δέ κε καὶ πάϊς εἴης

ὁπλότατος γενεῆφιν: ἀτὰρ πεπνυμένα βάζεις

Ἀργείων βασιλῆας, ἐπεὶ κατὰ μοῖραν ἔειπες.

60ἀλλ' ἄγ' ἐγών, ὃς σεῖο γεραίτερος εὔχομαι εἶναι,

Transliteration

oude palin ereei: atar ou telos hikeo mythōn.

ē men kai neos essi, emos de ke kai païs eiēs

hoplotatos geneēphin: atar pepnymena bazeis

Argeiōn basilēas, epei kata moiran eeipes.

60all' ag' egōn, hos seio geraiteros euchomai einai,

English

You are still young - you might be the youngest of my own children - still you have spoken wisely and have counseled the chief of the Achaeans not without discretion;

Homeric Greek

ἐξείπω καὶ πάντα διίξομαι: οὐδέ κέ τίς μοι

μῦθον ἀτιμήσει', οὐδὲ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων.

ἀφρήτωρ ἀθέμιστος ἀνέστιός ἐστιν ἐκεῖνος

ὃς πολέμου ἔραται ἐπιδημίου ὀκρυόεντος.

65ἀλλ' ἤτοι νῦν μὲν πειθώμεθα νυκτὶ μελαίνῃ

Transliteration

exeipō kai panta diixomai: oude ke tis moi

mython atimēsei', oude kreiōn Agamemnōn.

aphrētōr athemistos anestios estin ekeinos

hos polemou eratai epidēmiou okryoentos.

65all' ētoi nyn men peithōmetha nykti melainēi

English

nevertheless I am older than you and I will tell you every" thing; therefore let no man, not even King Agamemnon, disregard my saying, for he that foments civil discord is a clanless, hearthless outlaw. "Now, however, let us obey the behests of night and get our suppers,

Homeric Greek

δόρπά τ' ἐφοπλισόμεσθα: φυλακτῆρες δὲ ἕκαστοι

λεξάσθων παρὰ τάφρον ὀρυκτὴν τείχεος ἐκτός.

κούροισιν μὲν ταῦτ' ἐπιτέλλομαι: αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

Ἀτρεί̈δη σὺ μὲν ἄρχε: σὺ γὰρ βασιλεύτατός ἐσσι.

70δαίνυ δαῖτα γέρουσιν: ἔοικέ τοι, οὔ τοι ἀεικές.

Transliteration

dorpa t' ephoplisomestha: phylaktēres de hekastoi

lexasthōn para taphron oryktēn teicheos ektos.

kouroisin men taut' epitellomai: autar epeita

Atreïdē sy men arche: sy gar basileutatos essi.

70dainy daita gerousin: eoike toi, ou toi aeikes.

English

but let the sentinels every man of them camp by the trench that is without the wall. I am giving these instructions to the young men; when they have been attended to, do you, son of Atreus, give your orders, for you are the most royal among us all. Prepare a feast for your councilors; it is right and reasonable that you should do so;

Homeric Greek

πλεῖαί τοι οἴνου κλισίαι, τὸν νῆες Ἀχαιῶν

ἠμάτιαι Θρῄκηθεν ἐπ' εὐρέα πόντον ἄγουσι:

πᾶσά τοί ἐσθ' ὑποδεξίη, πολέεσσι δ' ἀνάσσεις.

πολλῶν δ' ἀγρομένων τῷ πείσεαι ὅς κεν ἀρίστην

75βουλὴν βουλεύσῃ: μάλα δὲ χρεὼ πάντας Ἀχαιοὺς

Transliteration

pleiai toi oinou klisiai, ton nēes Achaiōn

ēmatiai Thrēikēthen ep' eurea ponton agousi:

pasa toi esth' hypodexiē, poleessi d' anasseis.

pollōn d' agromenōn tōi peiseai hos ken aristēn

75boulēn bouleusēi: mala de chreō pantas Achaious

English

there is abundance of wine in your tents, which the ships of the Achaeans bring from Thrace daily over the sea. You have everything at your disposal wherewith to entertain guests, and you have many subjects. When many are got together, you can be guided by him whose counsel is wisest - and sorely do we need

Homeric Greek

ἐσθλῆς καὶ πυκινῆς, ὅτι δήϊοι ἐγγύθι νηῶν

καίουσιν πυρὰ πολλά: τίς ἂν τάδε γηθήσειε;

νὺξ δ' ἧδ' ἠὲ διαρραίσει στρατὸν ἠὲ σαώσει.

ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δ' ἄρα τοῦ μάλα μὲν κλύον ἠδὲ πίθοντο.

80ἐκ δὲ φυλακτῆρες σὺν τεύχεσιν ἐσσεύοντο

Transliteration

esthlēs kai pykinēs, hoti dēïoi engythi nēōn

kaiousin pyra polla: tis an tade gēthēseie;

nyx d' hēd' ēe diarraisei straton ēe saōsei.

hōs ephath', hoi d' ara tou mala men klyon ēde pithonto.

80ek de phylaktēres syn teuchesin esseuonto

English

shrewd and prudent counsel, for the foe has lit his watchfires hard by our ships. Who can be other than dismayed? This night will either be the ruin of our host, or save it." Thus did he speak, and they did even as he had said.

Homeric Greek

ἀμφί τε Νεστορίδην Θρασυμήδεα ποιμένα λαῶν,

ἠδ' ἀμφ' Ἀσκάλαφον καὶ Ἰάλμενον υἷας Ἄρηος

ἀμφί τε Μηριόνην Ἀφαρῆά τε Δηί̈πυρόν τε,

ἠδ' ἀμφὶ Κρείοντος υἱὸν Λυκομήδεα δῖον.

85ἕπτ' ἔσαν ἡγεμόνες φυλάκων, ἑκατὸν δὲ ἑκάστῳ

Transliteration

amphi te Nestoridēn Thrasymēdea poimena laōn,

ēd' amph' Askalaphon kai Ialmenon huias Arēos

amphi te Mērionēn Apharēa te Dēïpyron te,

ēd' amphi Kreiontos huion Lykomēdea dion.

85hept' esan hēgemones phylakōn, hekaton de hekastōi

English

The sentinels went out in their armor under command of Nestor's son Thrasymedes, a leader of the host, and of the bold warriors Askalaphos and Ialmenos: there were also Meriones, Aphareus and Deipyros, and the son of Kreion, noble Lykomedes. There were seven leaders of the sentinels, and with each there went a hundred youths armed with long spears:

Homeric Greek

κοῦροι ἅμα στεῖχον δολίχ' ἔγχεα χερσὶν ἔχοντες:

κὰδ δὲ μέσον τάφρου καὶ τείχεος ἷζον ἰόντες:

ἔνθα δὲ πῦρ κήαντο, τίθεντο δὲ δόρπα ἕκαστος.

Ἀτρεί̈δης δὲ γέροντας ἀολλέας ἦγεν Ἀχαιῶν

90ἐς κλισίην, παρὰ δέ σφι τίθει μενοεικέα δαῖτα.

Transliteration

kouroi hama steichon dolich' enchea chersin echontes:

kad de meson taphrou kai teicheos hizon iontes:

entha de pyr kēanto, tithento de dorpa hekastos.

Atreïdēs de gerontas aolleas ēgen Achaiōn

90es klisiēn, para de sphi tithei menoeikea daita.

English

they took their places midway between the trench and the wall, and when they had done so they lit their fires and got every man his supper. The son of Atreus then bade many councilors of the Achaeans to his quarters prepared a great feast in their honor.

Homeric Greek

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

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

τοῖς ὁ γέρων πάμπρωτος ὑφαίνειν ἤρχετο μῆτιν

Νέστωρ, οὗ καὶ πρόσθεν ἀρίστη φαίνετο βουλή:

95ὅ σφιν ἐϋφρονέων ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπεν:

Transliteration

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

autar epei posios kai edētyos ex eron hento,

tois ho gerōn pamprōtos hyphainein ērcheto mētin

Nestōr, hou kai prosthen aristē phaineto boulē:

95ho sphin eÿphroneōn agorēsato kai meteeipen:

English

They laid their hands on the good things that were before them, and as soon as they had enough to eat and drink, old Nestor, whose counsel was ever truest, was the first to lay his mind before them. He, therefore, with all sincerity and goodwill addressed them thus.

Homeric Greek

Ἀτρεί̈δη κύδιστε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγάμεμνον

ἐν σοὶ μὲν λήξω, σέο δ' ἄρξομαι, οὕνεκα πολλῶν

λαῶν ἐσσι ἄναξ καί τοι Ζεὺς ἐγγυάλιξε

σκῆπτρόν τ' ἠδὲ θέμιστας, ἵνά σφισι βουλεύῃσθα.

100τώ σε χρὴ περὶ μὲν φάσθαι ἔπος ἠδ' ἐπακοῦσαι,

Transliteration

Atreïdē kydiste anax andrōn Agamemnon

en soi men lēxō, seo d' arxomai, houneka pollōn

laōn essi anax kai toi Zeus engyalixe

skēptron t' ēde themistas, hina sphisi bouleuēistha.

100tō se chrē peri men phasthai epos ēd' epakousai,

English

"With yourself, most noble son of Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon, will I both begin my speech and end it, for you are king over many people. Zeus, moreover, has granted you to wield the scepter and to uphold what is right that you may take thought for your people under you;

Homeric Greek

κρηῆναι δὲ καὶ ἄλλῳ, ὅτ' ἄν τινα θυμὸς ἀνώγῃ

εἰπεῖν εἰς ἀγαθόν: σέο δ' ἕξεται ὅττί κεν ἄρχῃ.

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν ἐρέω ὥς μοι δοκεῖ εἶναι ἄριστα.

οὐ γάρ τις νόον ἄλλος ἀμείνονα τοῦδε νοήσει

105οἷον ἐγὼ νοέω ἠμὲν πάλαι ἠδ' ἔτι καὶ νῦν

Transliteration

krēēnai de kai allōi, hot' an tina thymos anōgēi

eipein eis agathon: seo d' hexetai hotti ken archēi.

autar egōn ereō hōs moi dokei einai arista.

ou gar tis noon allos ameinona toude noēsei

105hoion egō noeō ēmen palai ēd' eti kai nyn

English

therefore it behooves you above all others both to speak and to give ear, and to out the counsel of another who shall have been minded to speak wisely. All turns on you and on your commands, therefore I will say what I think will be best.

Homeric Greek

ἐξ ἔτι τοῦ ὅτε διογενὲς Βρισηί̈δα κούρην

χωομένου Ἀχιλῆος ἔβης κλισίηθεν ἀπούρας

οὔ τι καθ' ἡμέτερόν γε νόον: μάλα γάρ τοι ἔγωγε

πόλλ' ἀπεμυθεόμην: σὺ δὲ σῷ μεγαλήτορι θυμῷ

110εἴξας ἄνδρα φέριστον, ὃν ἀθάνατοί περ ἔτισαν,

Transliteration

ex eti tou hote diogenes Brisēïda kourēn

chōomenou Achilēos ebēs klisiēthen apouras

ou ti kath' hēmeteron ge noon: mala gar toi egōge

poll' apemytheomēn: sy de sōi megalētori thymōi

110eixas andra pheriston, hon athanatoi per etisan,

English

No man will be of a truer mind than that which has been mine from the hour when you, sir, angered Achilles by taking the girl Briseis from his tent against my judgment. I urged you not to do so, but you yielded to your own pride, and dishonored a hero whom heaven itself had honored - for you still hold the prize that had been awarded to him.

Homeric Greek

ἠτίμησας, ἑλὼν γὰρ ἔχεις γέρας: ἀλλ' ἔτι καὶ νῦν

φραζώμεσθ' ὥς κέν μιν ἀρεσσάμενοι πεπίθωμεν

δώροισίν τ' ἀγανοῖσιν ἔπεσσί τε μειλιχίοισι.

τὸν δ' αὖτε προσέειπεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων:

115ὦ γέρον οὔ τι ψεῦδος ἐμὰς ἄτας κατέλεξας:

Transliteration

ētimēsas, helōn gar echeis geras: all' eti kai nyn

phrazōmesth' hōs ken min aressamenoi pepithōmen

dōroisin t' aganoisin epessi te meilichioisi.

ton d' aute proseeipen anax andrōn Agamemnōn:

115ō geron ou ti pseudos emas atas katelexas:

English

Now, however, let us think how we may appease him, both with presents and fair speeches that may conciliate him." And King Agamemnon answered, "Sir, you have reproved my folly justly.

Homeric Greek

ἀασάμην, οὐδ' αὐτὸς ἀναίνομαι. ἀντί νυ πολλῶν

λαῶν ἐστὶν ἀνὴρ ὅν τε Ζεὺς κῆρι φιλήσῃ,

ὡς νῦν τοῦτον ἔτισε, δάμασσε δὲ λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν.

ἀλλ' ἐπεὶ ἀασάμην φρεσὶ λευγαλέῃσι πιθήσας,

120ἂψ ἐθέλω ἀρέσαι δόμεναί τ' ἀπερείσι' ἄποινα.

Transliteration

aasamēn, oud' autos anainomai. anti ny pollōn

laōn estin anēr hon te Zeus kēri philēsēi,

hōs nyn touton etise, damasse de laon Achaiōn.

all' epei aasamēn phresi leugaleēisi pithēsas,

120aps ethelō aresai domenai t' apereisi' apoina.

English

I was wrong. I own it. One whom heaven befriends is in himself a host, and Zeus has shown that he befriends this man by destroying many people of the Achaeans. I was blinded with passion and yielded to my worser mind; therefore I will make amends, and will give him great gifts by way of atonement.

Homeric Greek

ὑμῖν δ' ἐν πάντεσσι περικλυτὰ δῶρ' ὀνομήνω

ἕπτ' ἀπύρους τρίποδας, δέκα δὲ χρυσοῖο τάλαντα,

αἴθωνας δὲ λέβητας ἐείκοσι, δώδεκα δ' ἵππους

πηγοὺς ἀθλοφόρους, οἳ ἀέθλια ποσσὶν ἄροντο.

125οὔ κεν ἀλήϊος εἴη ἀνὴρ ᾧ τόσσα γένοιτο,

Transliteration

hymin d' en pantessi periklyta dōr' onomēnō

hept' apyrous tripodas, deka de chrysoio talanta,

aithōnas de lebētas eeikosi, dōdeka d' hippous

pēgous athlophorous, hoi aethlia possin aronto.

125ou ken alēïos eiē anēr hōi tossa genoito,

English

I will tell them in the presence of you all. I will give him seven tripods that have never yet been on the fire, and ten talents of gold. I will give him twenty iron cauldrons and twelve strong horses that have won races and carried off prizes.

Homeric Greek

οὐδέ κεν ἀκτήμων ἐριτίμοιο χρυσοῖο,

ὅσσά μοι ἠνείκαντο ἀέθλια μώνυχες ἵπποι.

δώσω δ' ἑπτὰ γυναῖκας ἀμύμονα ἔργα ἰδυίας

Λεσβίδας, ἃς ὅτε Λέσβον ἐϋκτιμένην ἕλεν αὐτὸς

130ἐξελόμην, αἳ κάλλει ἐνίκων φῦλα γυναικῶν.

Transliteration

oude ken aktēmōn eritimoio chrysoio,

hossa moi ēneikanto aethlia mōnyches hippoi.

dōsō d' hepta gynaikas amymona erga iduias

Lesbidas, has hote Lesbon eÿktimenēn helen autos

130exelomēn, hai kallei enikōn phyla gynaikōn.

English

Rich, indeed, both in land and gold is he that has as many prizes as my horses have won me. I will give him seven excellent workwomen, from Lesbos, whom I chose for myself when he took Lesbos - all of surpassing beauty. I will give him these, and with them her whom I erewhile took from him, the daughter of Briseus;

Homeric Greek

τὰς μέν οἱ δώσω, μετὰ δ' ἔσσεται ἣν τότ' ἀπηύρων

κούρη Βρισῆος: ἐπὶ δὲ μέγαν ὅρκον ὀμοῦμαι

μή ποτε τῆς εὐνῆς ἐπιβήμεναι ἠδὲ μιγῆναι,

ἣ θέμις ἀνθρώπων πέλει ἀνδρῶν ἠδὲ γυναικῶν.

135ταῦτα μὲν αὐτίκα πάντα παρέσσεται: εἰ δέ κεν αὖτε

Transliteration

tas men hoi dōsō, meta d' essetai hēn tot' apēurōn

kourē Brisēos: epi de megan horkon omoumai

mē pote tēs eunēs epibēmenai ēde migēnai,

hē themis anthrōpōn pelei andrōn ēde gynaikōn.

135tauta men autika panta paressetai: ei de ken aute

English

and I swear a great oath that I never went up into her couch, nor did I lie down with her, even though it is right for humans, both men and women, to do this. "All these things will I give him now down, and

Homeric Greek

ἄστυ μέγα Πριάμοιο θεοὶ δώωσ' ἀλαπάξαι,

νῆα ἅλις χρυσοῦ καὶ χαλκοῦ νηησάσθω

εἰσελθών, ὅτε κεν δατεώμεθα ληί̈δ' Ἀχαιοί,

Τρωϊάδας δὲ γυναῖκας ἐείκοσιν αὐτὸς ἑλέσθω,

140αἴ κε μετ' Ἀργείην Ἑλένην κάλλισται ἔωσιν.

Transliteration

asty mega Priamoio theoi dōōs' alapaxai,

nēa halis chrysou kai chalkou nēēsasthō

eiselthōn, hote ken dateōmetha lēïd' Achaioi,

Trōïadas de gynaikas eeikosin autos helesthō,

140ai ke met' Argeiēn Helenēn kallistai eōsin.

English

if hereafter the gods grant me to sack the city of Priam, let him come when we Achaeans are dividing the spoil, and load his ship with gold and bronze to his liking; furthermore let him take twenty Trojan women, the loveliest after Helen herself.

Homeric Greek

εἰ δέ κεν Ἄργος ἱκοίμεθ' Ἀχαιϊκὸν οὖθαρ ἀρούρης

γαμβρός κέν μοι ἔοι: τίσω δέ μιν ἶσον Ὀρέστῃ,

ὅς μοι τηλύγετος τρέφεται θαλίῃ ἔνι πολλῇ.

τρεῖς δέ μοί εἰσι θύγατρες ἐνὶ μεγάρῳ εὐπήκτῳ

145Χρυσόθεμις καὶ Λαοδίκη καὶ Ἰφιάνασσα,

Transliteration

ei de ken Argos hikoimeth' Achaiïkon outhar arourēs

gambros ken moi eoi: tisō de min ison Orestēi,

hos moi tēlygetos trephetai thaliēi eni pollēi.

treis de moi eisi thygatres eni megarōi eupēktōi

145Chrysothemis kai Laodikē kai Iphianassa,

English

Then, when we reach Achaean Argos, wealthiest of all lands, he shall be my son-in-law and I will show him like honor with my own dear son Orestes, who is being nurtured in all abundance. I have three daughters, Chrysothemis, Laodike, and Iphianassa, let him take the one of his choice, freely

Homeric Greek

τάων ἥν κ' ἐθέλῃσι φίλην ἀνάεδνον ἀγέσθω

πρὸς οἶκον Πηλῆος: ἐγὼ δ' ἐπὶ μείλια δώσω

πολλὰ μάλ', ὅσσ' οὔ πώ τις ἑῇ ἐπέδωκε θυγατρί:

ἑπτὰ δέ οἱ δώσω εὖ ναιόμενα πτολίεθρα

150Καρδαμύλην Ἐνόπην τε καὶ Ἱρὴν ποιήεσσαν

Transliteration

taōn hēn k' ethelēisi philēn anaednon agesthō

pros oikon Pēlēos: egō d' epi meilia dōsō

polla mal', hoss' ou pō tis heēi epedōke thygatri:

hepta de hoi dōsō eu naiomena ptoliethra

150Kardamylēn Enopēn te kai Hirēn poiēessan

English

and without gifts of wooing, to the house of Peleus; I will add such dower to boot as no man ever yet gave his daughter, and will give him seven well established cities, Kardamyle, Enope, and Hire, where there is grass; holy Pherai and the fertile meadows of Anthea;

Homeric Greek

Φηράς τε ζαθέας ἠδ' Ἄνθειαν βαθύλειμον

καλήν τ' Αἴπειαν καὶ Πήδασον ἀμπελόεσσαν.

πᾶσαι δ' ἐγγὺς ἁλός, νέαται Πύλου ἠμαθόεντος:

ἐν δ' ἄνδρες ναίουσι πολύρρηνες πολυβοῦται,

155οἵ κέ ἑ δωτίνῃσι θεὸν ὣς τιμήσουσι

Transliteration

Phēras te zatheas ēd' Antheian bathyleimon

kalēn t' Aipeian kai Pēdason ampeloessan.

pasai d' engys halos, neatai Pylou ēmathoentos:

en d' andres naiousi polyrrēnes polyboutai,

155hoi ke he dōtinēisi theon hōs timēsousi

English

Aipeia also, and the vine-clad slopes of Pedasos, all near the sea, and on the borders of sandy Pylos. The men that dwell there are rich in cattle and sheep; they will honor him with gifts as though he were a god, and be obedient to his comfortable ordinances.

Homeric Greek

καί οἱ ὑπὸ σκήπτρῳ λιπαρὰς τελέουσι θέμιστας.

ταῦτά κέ οἱ τελέσαιμι μεταλήξαντι χόλοιο.

δμηθήτω: Ἀί̈δης τοι ἀμείλιχος ἠδ' ἀδάμαστος,

τοὔνεκα καί τε βροτοῖσι θεῶν ἔχθιστος ἁπάντων:

160καί μοι ὑποστήτω ὅσσον βασιλεύτερός εἰμι

Transliteration

kai hoi hypo skēptrōi liparas teleousi themistas.

tauta ke hoi telesaimi metalēxanti choloio.

dmēthētō: Aïdēs toi ameilichos ēd' adamastos,

touneka kai te brotoisi theōn echthistos hapantōn:

160kai moi hypostētō hosson basileuteros eimi

English

All this will I do if he will now forgo his anger. Let him then yield: it is only Hades who is utterly ruthless and unyielding - and hence he is of all gods the one most hateful to humankind.

Homeric Greek

ἠδ' ὅσσον γενεῇ προγενέστερος εὔχομαι εἶναι.

τὸν δ' ἠμείβετ' ἔπειτα Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ:

Ἀτρεί̈δη κύδιστε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγάμεμνον

δῶρα μὲν οὐκέτ' ὀνοστὰ διδοῖς Ἀχιλῆϊ ἄνακτι:

165ἀλλ' ἄγετε κλητοὺς ὀτρύνομεν, οἵ κε τάχιστα

Transliteration

ēd' hosson geneēi progenesteros euchomai einai.

ton d' ēmeibet' epeita Gerēnios hippota Nestōr:

Atreïdē kydiste anax andrōn Agamemnon

dōra men ouket' onosta didois Achilēï anakti:

165all' agete klētous otrynomen, hoi ke tachista

English

Moreover I am older and more royal than himself. Therefore, let him now obey me." Then Nestor answered, "Most noble son of Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon. The gifts you offer are no small ones, let us then send chosen messengers, who may go to the tent of Achilles son of Peleus without delay.

Homeric Greek

ἔλθωσ' ἐς κλισίην Πηληϊάδεω Ἀχιλῆος.

εἰ δ' ἄγε τοὺς ἂν ἐγὼ ἐπιόψομαι οἳ δὲ πιθέσθων.

Φοῖνιξ μὲν πρώτιστα Διὶ̈ φίλος ἡγησάσθω,

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτ' Αἴας τε μέγας καὶ δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς:

170κηρύκων δ' Ὀδίος τε καὶ Εὐρυβάτης ἅμ' ἑπέσθων.

Transliteration

elthōs' es klisiēn Pēlēïadeō Achilēos.

ei d' age tous an egō epiopsomai hoi de pithesthōn.

Phoinix men prōtista Diï philos hēgēsasthō,

autar epeit' Aias te megas kai dios Odysseus:

170kērykōn d' Odios te kai Eurybatēs ham' hepesthōn.

English

Let those go whom I shall name. Let Phoenix, dear to Zeus, lead the way; let Ajax and Odysseus follow, and let the heralds Odios and Eurybates go with them. Now bring water for our hands, and bid all keep silence while we

Homeric Greek

φέρτε δὲ χερσὶν ὕδωρ, εὐφημῆσαί τε κέλεσθε,

ὄφρα Διὶ Κρονίδῃ ἀρησόμεθ', αἴ κ' ἐλεήσῃ.

ὣς φάτο, τοῖσι δὲ πᾶσιν ἑαδότα μῦθον ἔειπεν.

αὐτίκα κήρυκες μὲν ὕδωρ ἐπὶ χεῖρας ἔχευαν,

175κοῦροι δὲ κρητῆρας ἐπεστέψαντο ποτοῖο,

Transliteration

pherte de chersin hydōr, euphēmēsai te kelesthe,

ophra Dii Kronidēi arēsometh', ai k' eleēsēi.

hōs phato, toisi de pasin headota mython eeipen.

autika kērykes men hydōr epi cheiras echeuan,

175kouroi de krētēras epestepsanto potoio,

English

pray to Zeus the son of Kronos, if so be that he may have mercy upon us." Thus did he speak, and his saying pleased them well. Men-servants poured water over the hands of the guests, while pages filled the mixing-bowls with wine and water, and handed it round after giving every man his drink-offering;

Homeric Greek

νώμησαν δ' ἄρα πᾶσιν ἐπαρξάμενοι δεπάεσσιν.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ σπεῖσάν τ' ἔπιόν θ' ὅσον ἤθελε θυμός,

ὁρμῶντ' ἐκ κλισίης Ἀγαμέμνονος Ἀτρεί̈δαο.

τοῖσι δὲ πόλλ' ἐπέτελλε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ

180δενδίλλων ἐς ἕκαστον, Ὀδυσσῆϊ δὲ μάλιστα,

Transliteration

nōmēsan d' ara pasin eparxamenoi depaessin.

autar epei speisan t' epion th' hoson ēthele thymos,

hormōnt' ek klisiēs Agamemnonos Atreïdao.

toisi de poll' epetelle Gerēnios hippota Nestōr

180dendillōn es hekaston, Odyssēï de malista,

English

then, when they had made their offerings, and had drunk each as much as he was minded, the envoys set out from the tent of Agamemnon son of Atreus; and Nestor, looking first to one and then to another, but most especially at Odysseus, was instant with them

Homeric Greek

πειρᾶν ὡς πεπίθοιεν ἀμύμονα Πηλεί̈ωνα.

τὼ δὲ βάτην παρὰ θῖνα πολυφλοίσβοιο θαλάσσης

πολλὰ μάλ' εὐχομένω γαιηόχῳ ἐννοσιγαίῳ

ῥηϊδίως πεπιθεῖν μεγάλας φρένας Αἰακίδαο.

185Μυρμιδόνων δ' ἐπί τε κλισίας καὶ νῆας ἱκέσθην,

Transliteration

peiran hōs pepithoien amymona Pēleïōna.

tō de batēn para thina polyphloisboio thalassēs

polla mal' euchomenō gaiēochōi ennosigaiōi

rhēïdiōs pepithein megalas phrenas Aiakidao.

185Myrmidonōn d' epi te klisias kai nēas hikesthēn,

English

that they should prevail with the noble son of Peleus. They went their way by the shore of the sounding sea, and prayed earnestly to earth-encircling Poseidon that the high spirit of the son of Aiakos might incline favorably towards them. When they reached the ships and tents of the Myrmidons,

Homeric Greek

τὸν δ' εὗρον φρένα τερπόμενον φόρμιγγι λιγείῃ

καλῇ δαιδαλέῃ, ἐπὶ δ' ἀργύρεον ζυγὸν ἦεν,

τὴν ἄρετ' ἐξ ἐνάρων πόλιν Ἠετίωνος ὀλέσσας:

τῇ ὅ γε θυμὸν ἔτερπεν, ἄειδε δ' ἄρα κλέα ἀνδρῶν.

190Πάτροκλος δέ οἱ οἶος ἐναντίος ἧστο σιωπῇ,

Transliteration

ton d' heuron phrena terpomenon phormingi ligeiēi

kalēi daidaleēi, epi d' argyreon zygon ēen,

tēn aret' ex enarōn polin Ēetiōnos olessas:

tēi ho ge thymon eterpen, aeide d' ara klea andrōn.

190Patroklos de hoi oios enantios hēsto siōpēi,

English

they found Achilles playing on a lyre, fair, of cunning workmanship, and its cross-bar was of silver. It was part of the spoils which he had taken when he sacked the city of Eetion, and he was now diverting himself with it and singing the glories of heroes.

Homeric Greek

δέγμενος Αἰακίδην ὁπότε λήξειεν ἀείδων,

τὼ δὲ βάτην προτέρω, ἡγεῖτο δὲ δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

στὰν δὲ πρόσθ' αὐτοῖο: ταφὼν δ' ἀνόρουσεν Ἀχιλλεὺς

αὐτῇ σὺν φόρμιγγι λιπὼν ἕδος ἔνθα θάασσεν.

195ὣς δ' αὔτως Πάτροκλος, ἐπεὶ ἴδε φῶτας, ἀνέστη.

Transliteration

degmenos Aiakidēn hopote lēxeien aeidōn,

tō de batēn proterō, hēgeito de dios Odysseus,

stan de prosth' autoio: taphōn d' anorousen Achilleus

autēi syn phormingi lipōn hedos entha thaassen.

195hōs d' autōs Patroklos, epei ide phōtas, anestē.

English

Patroklos alone sat facing him, in silence, waiting till he should cease singing. Odysseus and Ajax now came in - Odysseus leading the way -and stood before him. Achilles sprang from his seat with the lyre still in his hand, and Patroklos, when he saw the strangers, rose also.

Homeric Greek

τὼ καὶ δεικνύμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς:

χαίρετον: ἦ φίλοι ἄνδρες ἱκάνετον ἦ τι μάλα χρεώ,

οἵ μοι σκυζομένῳ περ Ἀχαιῶν φίλτατοί ἐστον.

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας προτέρω ἄγε δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς,

200εἷσεν δ' ἐν κλισμοῖσι τάπησί τε πορφυρέοισιν.

Transliteration

tō kai deiknymenos prosephē podas ōkys Achilleus:

chaireton: ē philoi andres hikaneton ē ti mala chreō,

hoi moi skyzomenōi per Achaiōn philtatoi eston.

hōs ara phōnēsas proterō age dios Achilleus,

200heisen d' en klismoisi tapēsi te porphyreoisin.

English

Achilles then greeted them saying, "All hail and welcome - you must come upon some great matter, you, who for all my anger are still dearest to me of the Achaeans." With this he led them forward, and bade them sit on seats covered with purple rugs;

Homeric Greek

αἶψα δὲ Πάτροκλον προσεφώνεεν ἐγγὺς ἐόντα:

μείζονα δὴ κρητῆρα Μενοιτίου υἱὲ καθίστα,

ζωρότερον δὲ κέραιε, δέπας δ' ἔντυνον ἑκάστῳ:

οἳ γὰρ φίλτατοι ἄνδρες ἐμῷ ὑπέασι μελάθρῳ.

205ὣς φάτο, Πάτροκλος δὲ φίλῳ ἐπεπείθεθ' ἑταίρῳ.

Transliteration

aipsa de Patroklon prosephōneen engys eonta:

meizona dē krētēra Menoitiou huie kathista,

zōroteron de keraie, depas d' entynon hekastōi:

hoi gar philtatoi andres emōi hypeasi melathrōi.

205hōs phato, Patroklos de philōi epepeitheth' hetairōi.

English

then he said to Patroklos who was close by him, "Son of Menoitios, set a larger bowl upon the table, mix less water with the wine, and give every man his cup, for these are very dear friends, who are now under my roof." Patroklos did as his comrade bade him;

Homeric Greek

αὐτὰρ ὅ γε κρεῖον μέγα κάββαλεν ἐν πυρὸς αὐγῇ,

ἐν δ' ἄρα νῶτον ἔθηκ' ὄϊος καὶ πίονος αἰγός,

ἐν δὲ συὸς σιάλοιο ῥάχιν τεθαλυῖαν ἀλοιφῇ.

τῷ δ' ἔχεν Αὐτομέδων, τάμνεν δ' ἄρα δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς.

210καὶ τὰ μὲν εὖ μίστυλλε καὶ ἀμφ' ὀβελοῖσιν ἔπειρε,

Transliteration

autar ho ge kreion mega kabbalen en pyros augēi,

en d' ara nōton ethēk' oïos kai pionos aigos,

en de syos sialoio rhachin tethaluian aloiphēi.

tōi d' echen Automedōn, tamnen d' ara dios Achilleus.

210kai ta men eu mistylle kai amph' obeloisin epeire,

English

he set the chopping-block in front of the fire, and on it he laid the loin of a sheep, the loin also of a goat, and the chine of a fat hog. Automedon held the meat while Achilles chopped it;

Homeric Greek

πῦρ δὲ Μενοιτιάδης δαῖεν μέγα ἰσόθεος φώς.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ κατὰ πῦρ ἐκάη καὶ φλὸξ ἐμαράνθη,

ἀνθρακιὴν στορέσας ὀβελοὺς ἐφύπερθε τάνυσσε,

πάσσε δ' ἁλὸς θείοιο κρατευτάων ἐπαείρας.

215αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥ' ὤπτησε καὶ εἰν ἐλεοῖσιν ἔχευε,

Transliteration

pyr de Menoitiadēs daien mega isotheos phōs.

autar epei kata pyr ekaē kai phlox emaranthē,

anthrakiēn storesas obelous ephyperthe tanysse,

passe d' halos theioio krateutaōn epaeiras.

215autar epei rh' ōptēse kai ein eleoisin echeue,

English

he then sliced the pieces and put them on spits while the son of Menoitios made the fire burn high. When the flame had died down, he spread the embers, laid the spits on top of them, lifting them up and setting them upon the spit-racks; and he sprinkled them with salt.

Homeric Greek

Πάτροκλος μὲν σῖτον ἑλὼν ἐπένειμε τραπέζῃ

καλοῖς ἐν κανέοισιν, ἀτὰρ κρέα νεῖμεν Ἀχιλλεύς.

αὐτὸς δ' ἀντίον ἷζεν Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο

τοίχου τοῦ ἑτέροιο, θεοῖσι δὲ θῦσαι ἀνώγει

220Πάτροκλον ὃν ἑταῖρον: ὃ δ' ἐν πυρὶ βάλλε θυηλάς.

Transliteration

Patroklos men siton helōn epeneime trapezēi

kalois en kaneoisin, atar krea neimen Achilleus.

autos d' antion hizen Odyssēos theioio

toichou tou heteroio, theoisi de thysai anōgei

220Patroklon hon hetairon: ho d' en pyri balle thyēlas.

English

When the meat was roasted, he set it on platters, and handed bread round the table in fair baskets, while Achilles dealt them their portions. Then Achilles took his seat facing Odysseus against the opposite wall, and bade his comrade Patroklos offer sacrifice to the gods;

Homeric Greek

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

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

νεῦσ' Αἴας Φοίνικι: νόησε δὲ δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

πλησάμενος δ' οἴνοιο δέπας δείδεκτ' Ἀχιλῆα:

225χαῖρ' Ἀχιλεῦ: δαιτὸς μὲν ἐί̈σης οὐκ ἐπιδευεῖς

Transliteration

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

autar epei posios kai edētyos ex eron hento,

neus' Aias Phoiniki: noēse de dios Odysseus,

plēsamenos d' oinoio depas deidekt' Achilēa:

225chair' Achileu: daitos men eïsēs ouk epideueis

English

so he cast the offerings into the fire, and they laid their hands upon the good things that were before them. As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink, Ajax made a sign to Phoenix, and when he saw this, Odysseus filled his cup with wine and pledged Achilles. "Hail," said he, "Achilles, we have had no scant of good cheer, neither in the tent of Agamemnon, nor yet here;

Homeric Greek

ἠμὲν ἐνὶ κλισίῃ Ἀγαμέμνονος Ἀτρεί̈δαο

ἠδὲ καὶ ἐνθάδε νῦν, πάρα γὰρ μενοεικέα πολλὰ

δαίνυσθ': ἀλλ' οὐ δαιτὸς ἐπηράτου ἔργα μέμηλεν,

ἀλλὰ λίην μέγα πῆμα διοτρεφὲς εἰσορόωντες

230δείδιμεν: ἐν δοιῇ δὲ σαωσέμεν ἢ ἀπολέσθαι

Transliteration

ēmen eni klisiēi Agamemnonos Atreïdao

ēde kai enthade nyn, para gar menoeikea polla

dainysth': all' ou daitos epēratou erga memēlen,

alla liēn mega pēma diotrephes eisoroōntes

230deidimen: en doiēi de saōsemen ē apolesthai

English

there has been plenty to eat and drink, but our thought turns upon no such matter. Sir, we are in the face of great disaster, and without your help know not whether we shall save our fleet or lose it.

Homeric Greek

νῆας ἐϋσσέλμους, εἰ μὴ σύ γε δύσεαι ἀλκήν.

ἐγγὺς γὰρ νηῶν καὶ τείχεος αὖλιν ἔθεντο

Τρῶες ὑπέρθυμοι τηλεκλειτοί τ' ἐπίκουροι

κηάμενοι πυρὰ πολλὰ κατὰ στρατόν, οὐδ' ἔτι φασὶ

235σχήσεσθ', ἀλλ' ἐν νηυσὶ μελαίνῃσιν πεσέεσθαι.

Transliteration

nēas eÿsselmous, ei mē sy ge dyseai alkēn.

engys gar nēōn kai teicheos aulin ethento

Trōes hyperthymoi tēlekleitoi t' epikouroi

kēamenoi pyra polla kata straton, oud' eti phasi

235schēsesth', all' en nēusi melainēisin peseesthai.

English

The Trojans and their allies have camped hard by our ships and by the wall; they have lit watchfires throughout their host and deem that nothing can now prevent them from falling on our fleet. Zeus, moreover, has sent his lightnings on the right side, as signs ;

Homeric Greek

Ζεὺς δέ σφι Κρονίδης ἐνδέξια σήματα φαίνων

ἀστράπτει: Ἕκτωρ δὲ μέγα σθένεϊ βλεμεαίνων

μαίνεται ἐκπάγλως πίσυνος Διί, οὐδέ τι τίει

ἀνέρας οὐδὲ θεούς: κρατερὴ δέ ἑ λύσσα δέδυκεν.

240ἀρᾶται δὲ τάχιστα φανήμεναι Ἠῶ δῖαν:

Transliteration

Zeus de sphi Kronidēs endexia sēmata phainōn

astraptei: Hektōr de mega stheneï blemeainōn

mainetai ekpaglōs pisynos Dii, oude ti tiei

aneras oude theous: kraterē de he lyssa dedyken.

240aratai de tachista phanēmenai Ēō dian:

English

Hektor, in all his glory, rages like a maniac; confident that Zeus is with him he fears neither god nor man, but is gone raving mad, and prays for the approach of day. He vows that he will hew the high sterns of our ships in pieces, set

Homeric Greek

στεῦται γὰρ νηῶν ἀποκόψειν ἄκρα κόρυμβα

αὐτάς τ' ἐμπρήσειν μαλεροῦ πυρός, αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὺς

δῃώσειν παρὰ τῇσιν ὀρινομένους ὑπὸ καπνοῦ.

ταῦτ' αἰνῶς δείδοικα κατὰ φρένα, μή οἱ ἀπειλὰς

245ἐκτελέσωσι θεοί, ἡμῖν δὲ δὴ αἴσιμον εἴη

Transliteration

steutai gar nēōn apokopsein akra korymba

autas t' emprēsein malerou pyros, autar Achaious

dēiōsein para tēisin orinomenous hypo kapnou.

taut' ainōs deidoika kata phrena, mē hoi apeilas

245ektelesōsi theoi, hēmin de dē aisimon eiē

English

fire to their hulls, and make havoc of the Achaeans while they are dazed and smothered in smoke; I much fear that heaven will make good his boasting, and it will prove our lot to perish at Troy far from our home in Argos.

Homeric Greek

φθίσθαι ἐνὶ Τροίῃ ἑκὰς Ἄργεος ἱπποβότοιο.

ἀλλ' ἄνα εἰ μέμονάς γε καὶ ὀψέ περ υἷας Ἀχαιῶν

τειρομένους ἐρύεσθαι ὑπὸ Τρώων ὀρυμαγδοῦ.

αὐτῷ τοι μετόπισθ' ἄχος ἔσσεται, οὐδέ τι μῆχος

250ῥεχθέντος κακοῦ ἔστ' ἄκος εὑρεῖν: ἀλλὰ πολὺ πρὶν

Transliteration

phthisthai eni Troiēi hekas Argeos hippobotoio.

all' ana ei memonas ge kai opse per huias Achaiōn

teiromenous eryesthai hypo Trōōn orymagdou.

autōi toi metopisth' achos essetai, oude ti mēchos

250rhechthentos kakou est' akos heurein: alla poly prin

English

Up, then, and late though it be, save the sons of the Achaeans who faint before the fury of the Trojans. You will have grief hereafter for all time to come if you do not, for when the harm is done there will be no cure for it;

Homeric Greek

φράζευ ὅπως Δαναοῖσιν ἀλεξήσεις κακὸν ἦμαρ.

ὦ πέπον ἦ μὲν σοί γε πατὴρ ἐπετέλλετο Πηλεὺς

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε σ' ἐκ Φθίης Ἀγαμέμνονι πέμπε:

τέκνον ἐμὸν κάρτος μὲν Ἀθηναίη τε καὶ Ἥρη

255δώσουσ' αἴ κ' ἐθέλωσι, σὺ δὲ μεγαλήτορα θυμὸν

Transliteration

phrazeu hopōs Danaoisin alexēseis kakon ēmar.

ō pepon ē men soi ge patēr epetelleto Pēleus

ēmati tōi hote s' ek Phthiēs Agamemnoni pempe:

teknon emon kartos men Athēnaiē te kai Hērē

255dōsous' ai k' ethelōsi, sy de megalētora thymon

English

consider ere it be too late, and save the Danaans from destruction. "My good friend, when your father Peleus sent you from Phthia to Agamemnon, did he not charge you saying, ‘Son, Athena and Hera will make you strong if they choose, but check your high temper, for the better part is in goodwill.

Homeric Greek

ἴσχειν ἐν στήθεσσι: φιλοφροσύνη γὰρ ἀμείνων:

ληγέμεναι δ' ἔριδος κακομηχάνου, ὄφρά σε μᾶλλον

τίωσ' Ἀργείων ἠμὲν νέοι ἠδὲ γέροντες.

ὣς ἐπέτελλ' ὃ γέρων, σὺ δὲ λήθεαι: ἀλλ' ἔτι καὶ νῦν

260παύε', ἔα δὲ χόλον θυμαλγέα: σοὶ δ' Ἀγαμέμνων

Transliteration

ischein en stēthessi: philophrosynē gar ameinōn:

lēgemenai d' eridos kakomēchanou, ophra se mallon

tiōs' Argeiōn ēmen neoi ēde gerontes.

hōs epetell' ho gerōn, sy de lētheai: all' eti kai nyn

260paue', ea de cholon thymalgea: soi d' Agamemnōn

English

Eschew vain quarreling, and the Achaeans old and young will respect you more for doing so.’ These were his words, but you have forgotten them. Even now, however, be appeased, and put away your anger from you. Agamemnon will make you great amends if you will forgive him;

Homeric Greek

ἄξια δῶρα δίδωσι μεταλήξαντι χόλοιο.

εἰ δὲ σὺ μέν μευ ἄκουσον, ἐγὼ δέ κέ τοι καταλέξω

ὅσσά τοι ἐν κλισίῃσιν ὑπέσχετο δῶρ' Ἀγαμέμνων:

ἕπτ' ἀπύρους τρίποδας, δέκα δὲ χρυσοῖο τάλαντα,

265αἴθωνας δὲ λέβητας ἐείκοσι, δώδεκα δ' ἵππους

Transliteration

axia dōra didōsi metalēxanti choloio.

ei de sy men meu akouson, egō de ke toi katalexō

hossa toi en klisiēisin hypescheto dōr' Agamemnōn:

hept' apyrous tripodas, deka de chrysoio talanta,

265aithōnas de lebētas eeikosi, dōdeka d' hippous

English

listen, and I will tell you what he has said in his tent that he will give you. He will give you seven tripods that have never yet been on the fire, and ten talents of gold; twenty iron cauldrons, and twelve strong horses that have won races and carried off prizes.

Homeric Greek

πηγοὺς ἀθλοφόρους, οἳ ἀέθλια ποσσὶν ἄροντο.

οὔ κεν ἀλήϊος εἴη ἀνὴρ ᾧ τόσσα γένοιτο

οὐδέ κεν ἀκτήμων ἐριτίμοιο χρυσοῖο,

ὅσσ' Ἀγαμέμνονος ἵπποι ἀέθλια ποσσὶν ἄροντο.

270δώσει δ' ἑπτὰ γυναῖκας ἀμύμονα ἔργα ἰδυίας

Transliteration

pēgous athlophorous, hoi aethlia possin aronto.

ou ken alēïos eiē anēr hōi tossa genoito

oude ken aktēmōn eritimoio chrysoio,

hoss' Agamemnonos hippoi aethlia possin aronto.

270dōsei d' hepta gynaikas amymona erga iduias

English

Rich indeed both in land and gold is he who has as many prizes as these horses have won for Agamemnon. Moreover he will give you seven excellent workers, women of Lesbos, whom he chose for himself, when you took Lesbos - all of surpassing beauty.

Homeric Greek

Λεσβίδας, ἃς ὅτε Λέσβον ἐϋκτιμένην ἕλες αὐτὸς

ἐξέλεθ', αἳ τότε κάλλει ἐνίκων φῦλα γυναικῶν.

τὰς μέν τοι δώσει, μετὰ δ' ἔσσεται ἣν τότ' ἀπηύρα

κούρη Βρισῆος: ἐπὶ δὲ μέγαν ὅρκον ὀμεῖται

275μή ποτε τῆς εὐνῆς ἐπιβήμεναι ἠδὲ μιγῆναι

Transliteration

Lesbidas, has hote Lesbon eÿktimenēn heles autos

exeleth', hai tote kallei enikōn phyla gynaikōn.

tas men toi dōsei, meta d' essetai hēn tot' apēura

kourē Brisēos: epi de megan horkon omeitai

275mē pote tēs eunēs epibēmenai ēde migēnai

English

He will give you these, and with them her whom he erewhile took from you, the daughter of Briseus, and he will swear a great oath, he has never gone up into her couch nor lain down with her, though it is right for men and women to do so.

Homeric Greek

ἣ θέμις ἐστὶν ἄναξ ἤτ' ἀνδρῶν ἤτε γυναικῶν.

ταῦτα μὲν αὐτίκα πάντα παρέσσεται: εἰ δέ κεν αὖτε

ἄστυ μέγα Πριάμοιο θεοὶ δώωσ' ἀλαπάξαι,

νῆα ἅλις χρυσοῦ καὶ χαλκοῦ νηήσασθαι

280εἰσελθών, ὅτε κεν δατεώμεθα ληί̈δ' Ἀχαιοί,

Transliteration

hē themis estin anax ēt' andrōn ēte gynaikōn.

tauta men autika panta paressetai: ei de ken aute

asty mega Priamoio theoi dōōs' alapaxai,

nēa halis chrysou kai chalkou nēēsasthai

280eiselthōn, hote ken dateōmetha lēïd' Achaioi,

English

All these things will he give you now down, and if hereafter the gods grant him to sack the city of Priam, you can come when we Achaeans are dividing the spoil, and load your ship with gold and bronze to your liking.

Homeric Greek

Τρωϊάδας δὲ γυναῖκας ἐείκοσιν αὐτὸς ἑλέσθαι,

αἵ κε μετ' Ἀργείην Ἑλένην κάλλισται ἔωσιν.

εἰ δέ κεν Ἄργος ἱκοίμεθ' Ἀχαιϊκὸν οὖθαρ ἀρούρης

γαμβρός κέν οἱ ἔοις: τίσει δέ σε ἶσον Ὀρέστῃ,

285ὅς οἱ τηλύγετος τρέφεται θαλίῃ ἔνι πολλῇ.

Transliteration

Trōïadas de gynaikas eeikosin autos helesthai,

hai ke met' Argeiēn Helenēn kallistai eōsin.

ei de ken Argos hikoimeth' Achaiïkon outhar arourēs

gambros ken hoi eois: tisei de se ison Orestēi,

285hos hoi tēlygetos trephetai thaliēi eni pollēi.

English

You can take twenty Trojan women, the loveliest after Helen herself. Then, when we reach Achaean Argos, wealthiest of all lands, you shall be his son-in-law, and he will show you like honor with his own dear son Orestes, who is being nurtured in all abundance.

Homeric Greek

τρεῖς δέ οἵ εἰσι θύγατρες ἐνὶ μεγάρῳ εὐπήκτῳ

Χρυσόθεμις καὶ Λαοδίκη καὶ Ἰφιάνασσα,

τάων ἥν κ' ἐθέλῃσθα φίλην ἀνάεδνον ἄγεσθαι

πρὸς οἶκον Πηλῆος: ὃ δ' αὖτ' ἐπὶ μείλια δώσει

290πολλὰ μάλ', ὅσσ' οὔ πώ τις ἑῇ ἐπέδωκε θυγατρί:

Transliteration

treis de hoi eisi thygatres eni megarōi eupēktōi

Chrysothemis kai Laodikē kai Iphianassa,

taōn hēn k' ethelēistha philēn anaednon agesthai

pros oikon Pēlēos: ho d' aut' epi meilia dōsei

290polla mal', hoss' ou pō tis heēi epedōke thygatri:

English

Agamemnon has three daughters, Chrysothemis, Laodike, and Iphianassa; you may take the one of your choice, freely and without gifts of wooing, to the house of Peleus; he will add such dower to boot as no man ever yet gave his daughter, and will give you seven well-established cities, Kardamyle, Enope, and Hire where there is grass;

Homeric Greek

ἑπτὰ δέ τοι δώσει εὖ ναιόμενα πτολίεθρα

Καρδαμύλην Ἐνόπην τε καὶ Ἱρὴν ποιήεσσαν

Φηράς τε ζαθέας ἠδ' Ἄνθειαν βαθύλειμον

καλήν τ' Αἴπειαν καὶ Πήδασον ἀμπελόεσσαν.

295πᾶσαι δ' ἐγγὺς ἁλός, νέαται Πύλου ἠμαθόεντος:

Transliteration

hepta de toi dōsei eu naiomena ptoliethra

Kardamylēn Enopēn te kai Hirēn poiēessan

Phēras te zatheas ēd' Antheian bathyleimon

kalēn t' Aipeian kai Pēdason ampeloessan.

295pasai d' engys halos, neatai Pylou ēmathoentos:

English

holy Pheras and the fertile meadows of Anthea; Aipeia also, and the vine-clad slopes of Pedasos, all near the sea, and on the borders of sandy Pylos. The men that dwell there are rich in cattle and sheep;

Homeric Greek

ἐν δ' ἄνδρες ναίουσι πολύρρηνες πολυβοῦται,

οἵ κέ σε δωτίνῃσι θεὸν ὣς τιμήσουσι

καί τοι ὑπὸ σκήπτρῳ λιπαρὰς τελέουσι θέμιστας.

ταῦτά κέ τοι τελέσειε μεταλήξαντι χόλοιο.

300εἰ δέ τοι Ἀτρεί̈δης μὲν ἀπήχθετο κηρόθι μᾶλλον

Transliteration

en d' andres naiousi polyrrēnes polyboutai,

hoi ke se dōtinēisi theon hōs timēsousi

kai toi hypo skēptrōi liparas teleousi themistas.

tauta ke toi teleseie metalēxanti choloio.

300ei de toi Atreïdēs men apēchtheto kērothi mallon

English

they will honor you with gifts as though were a god, and be obedient to your comfortable ordinances. All this will he do if you will now forgo your anger. Moreover, though you hate both him and his gifts with all your heart, yet pity the rest of the Achaeans who are being harassed in all their host;

Homeric Greek

αὐτὸς καὶ τοῦ δῶρα, σὺ δ' ἄλλους περ Παναχαιοὺς

τειρομένους ἐλέαιρε κατὰ στρατόν, οἵ σε θεὸν ὣς

τίσουσ': ἦ γάρ κέ σφι μάλα μέγα κῦδος ἄροιο:

νῦν γάρ χ' Ἕκτορ' ἕλοις, ἐπεὶ ἂν μάλα τοι σχεδὸν ἔλθοι

305λύσσαν ἔχων ὀλοήν, ἐπεὶ οὔ τινά φησιν ὁμοῖον

Transliteration

autos kai tou dōra, sy d' allous per Panachaious

teiromenous eleaire kata straton, hoi se theon hōs

tisous': ē gar ke sphi mala mega kydos aroio:

nyn gar ch' Hektor' helois, epei an mala toi schedon elthoi

305lyssan echōn oloēn, epei ou tina phēsin homoion

English

they will honor you as a god, and you will earn great glory at their hands. You might even kill Hektor; he will come within your reach, for he is infatuated, and declares that not a Danaan whom the ships

Homeric Greek

οἷ ἔμεναι Δαναῶν οὓς ἐνθάδε νῆες ἔνεικαν.

τὸν δ' ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς:

διογενὲς Λαερτιάδη πολυμήχαν' Ὀδυσσεῦ

χρὴ μὲν δὴ τὸν μῦθον ἀπηλεγέως ἀποειπεῖν,

310ᾗ περ δὴ φρονέω τε καὶ ὡς τετελεσμένον ἔσται,

Transliteration

hoi emenai Danaōn hous enthade nēes eneikan.

ton d' apameibomenos prosephē podas ōkys Achilleus:

diogenes Laertiadē polymēchan' Odysseu

chrē men dē ton mython apēlegeōs apoeipein,

310hēi per dē phroneō te kai hōs tetelesmenon estai,

English

have brought can hold his own against him." Achilles answered, "Odysseus, noble son of Laertes, I should give you formal notice plainly and in all fixity of purpose that there be no more of this cajoling, from whatsoever quarter it may come.

Homeric Greek

ὡς μή μοι τρύζητε παρήμενοι ἄλλοθεν ἄλλος.

ἐχθρὸς γάρ μοι κεῖνος ὁμῶς Ἀί̈δαο πύλῃσιν

ὅς χ' ἕτερον μὲν κεύθῃ ἐνὶ φρεσίν, ἄλλο δὲ εἴπῃ.

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν ἐρέω ὥς μοι δοκεῖ εἶναι ἄριστα:

315οὔτ' ἔμεγ' Ἀτρεί̈δην Ἀγαμέμνονα πεισέμεν οἴω

Transliteration

hōs mē moi tryzēte parēmenoi allothen allos.

echthros gar moi keinos homōs Aïdao pylēisin

hos ch' heteron men keuthēi eni phresin, allo de eipēi.

autar egōn ereō hōs moi dokei einai arista:

315out' emeg' Atreïdēn Agamemnona peisemen oiō

English

Hateful to me like the gates of Hades is the man who says one thing while he hides another thing in his mind ; therefore I will say what I mean. I will be appeased neither by Agamemnon son of Atreus nor by any other of the

Homeric Greek

οὔτ' ἄλλους Δαναούς, ἐπεὶ οὐκ ἄρα τις χάρις ἦεν

μάρνασθαι δηί̈οισιν ἐπ' ἀνδράσι νωλεμὲς αἰεί.

ἴση μοῖρα μένοντι καὶ εἰ μάλα τις πολεμίζοι:

ἐν δὲ ἰῇ τιμῇ ἠμὲν κακὸς ἠδὲ καὶ ἐσθλός:

320κάτθαν' ὁμῶς ὅ τ' ἀεργὸς ἀνὴρ ὅ τε πολλὰ ἐοργώς.

Transliteration

out' allous Danaous, epei ouk ara tis charis ēen

marnasthai dēïoisin ep' andrasi nōlemes aiei.

isē moira menonti kai ei mala tis polemizoi:

en de iēi timēi ēmen kakos ēde kai esthlos:

320katthan' homōs ho t' aergos anēr ho te polla eorgōs.

English

Danaans, for I see that I have no thanks for all my fighting. He that fights fares no better than he that does not; coward and hero are held in equal honor, and death deals like measure to him who works and him who is idle.

Homeric Greek

οὐδέ τί μοι περίκειται, ἐπεὶ πάθον ἄλγεα θυμῷ

αἰεὶ ἐμὴν ψυχὴν παραβαλλόμενος πολεμίζειν.

ὡς δ' ὄρνις ἀπτῆσι νεοσσοῖσι προφέρῃσι

μάστακ' ἐπεί κε λάβῃσι, κακῶς δ' ἄρα οἱ πέλει αὐτῇ,

325ὣς καὶ ἐγὼ πολλὰς μὲν ἀύ̈πνους νύκτας ἴαυον,

Transliteration

oude ti moi perikeitai, epei pathon algea thymōi

aiei emēn psychēn paraballomenos polemizein.

hōs d' ornis aptēsi neossoisi propherēisi

mastak' epei ke labēisi, kakōs d' ara hoi pelei autēi,

325hōs kai egō pollas men aÿpnous nyktas iauon,

English

I have taken nothing by all my hardships - with my life ever at risk; as a bird when she has found a morsel takes it to her nestlings, and herself fares hardly, even so many a long night have I been wakeful, and many a bloody battle

Homeric Greek

ἤματα δ' αἱματόεντα διέπρησσον πολεμίζων

ἀνδράσι μαρνάμενος ὀάρων ἕνεκα σφετεράων.

δώδεκα δὴ σὺν νηυσὶ πόλεις ἀλάπαξ' ἀνθρώπων,

πεζὸς δ' ἕνδεκά φημι κατὰ Τροίην ἐρίβωλον:

330τάων ἐκ πασέων κειμήλια πολλὰ καὶ ἐσθλὰ

Transliteration

ēmata d' haimatoenta dieprēsson polemizōn

andrasi marnamenos oarōn heneka spheteraōn.

dōdeka dē syn nēusi poleis alapax' anthrōpōn,

pezos d' hendeka phēmi kata Troiēn eribōlon:

330taōn ek paseōn keimēlia polla kai esthla

English

have I waged by day against those who were fighting for their women. With my ships I have taken twelve cities, and eleven round about Troy have I stormed with my men by land; I took great store of wealth from every one of them, but I gave all up to Agamemnon son of Atreus.

Homeric Greek

ἐξελόμην, καὶ πάντα φέρων Ἀγαμέμνονι δόσκον

Ἀτρεί̈δῃ: ὃ δ' ὄπισθε μένων παρὰ νηυσὶ θοῇσι

δεξάμενος διὰ παῦρα δασάσκετο, πολλὰ δ' ἔχεσκεν.

ἄλλα δ' ἀριστήεσσι δίδου γέρα καὶ βασιλεῦσι:

335τοῖσι μὲν ἔμπεδα κεῖται, ἐμεῦ δ' ἀπὸ μούνου Ἀχαιῶν

Transliteration

exelomēn, kai panta pherōn Agamemnoni doskon

Atreïdēi: ho d' opisthe menōn para nēusi thoēisi

dexamenos dia paura dasasketo, polla d' echesken.

alla d' aristēessi didou gera kai basileusi:

335toisi men empeda keitai, emeu d' apo mounou Achaiōn

English

He stayed where he was by his ships, yet of what came to him he gave little, and kept much himself. "Nevertheless he did distribute some prizes of honor among the chieftains and kings, and these have them still;

Homeric Greek

εἵλετ', ἔχει δ' ἄλοχον θυμαρέα: τῇ παριαύων

τερπέσθω. τί δὲ δεῖ πολεμιζέμεναι Τρώεσσιν

Ἀργείους; τί δὲ λαὸν ἀνήγαγεν ἐνθάδ' ἀγείρας

Ἀτρεί̈δης; ἦ οὐχ Ἑλένης ἕνεκ' ἠϋκόμοιο;

340ἦ μοῦνοι φιλέουσ' ἀλόχους μερόπων ἀνθρώπων

Transliteration

heilet', echei d' alochon thymarea: tēi pariauōn

terpesthō. ti de dei polemizemenai Trōessin

Argeious; ti de laon anēgagen enthad' ageiras

Atreïdēs; ē ouch Helenēs henek' ēÿkomoio;

340ē mounoi phileous' alochous meropōn anthrōpōn

English

from me alone of the Achaeans did he take the woman in whom I delighted - let him keep her and sleep with her. Why, pray, must the Argives needs fight the Trojans? What made the son of Atreus gather the host and bring them? Was it not for the sake of Helen? Are the sons of Atreus the only men in the world who love their wives?

Homeric Greek

Ἀτρεί̈δαι; ἐπεὶ ὅς τις ἀνὴρ ἀγαθὸς καὶ ἐχέφρων

τὴν αὐτοῦ φιλέει καὶ κήδεται, ὡς καὶ ἐγὼ τὴν

ἐκ θυμοῦ φίλεον δουρικτητήν περ ἐοῦσαν.

νῦν δ' ἐπεὶ ἐκ χειρῶν γέρας εἵλετο καί μ' ἀπάτησε

345μή μευ πειράτω εὖ εἰδότος: οὐδέ με πείσει.

Transliteration

Atreïdai; epei hos tis anēr agathos kai echephrōn

tēn autou phileei kai kēdetai, hōs kai egō tēn

ek thymou phileon douriktētēn per eousan.

nyn d' epei ek cheirōn geras heileto kai m' apatēse

345mē meu peiratō eu eidotos: oude me peisei.

English

Any man of common right feeling will love and cherish her who is his own, as I this woman, with my whole heart, though she was but a fruitling of my spear. Agamemnon has taken her from me; he has played me false; I know him; let him tempt me no further, for he shall not move me.

Homeric Greek

ἀλλ' Ὀδυσεῦ σὺν σοί τε καὶ ἄλλοισιν βασιλεῦσι

φραζέσθω νήεσσιν ἀλεξέμεναι δήϊον πῦρ.

ἦ μὲν δὴ μάλα πολλὰ πονήσατο νόσφιν ἐμεῖο,

καὶ δὴ τεῖχος ἔδειμε, καὶ ἤλασε τάφρον ἐπ' αὐτῷ

350εὐρεῖαν μεγάλην, ἐν δὲ σκόλοπας κατέπηξεν:

Transliteration

all' Odyseu syn soi te kai alloisin basileusi

phrazesthō nēessin alexemenai dēïon pyr.

ē men dē mala polla ponēsato nosphin emeio,

kai dē teichos edeime, kai ēlase taphron ep' autōi

350eureian megalēn, en de skolopas katepēxen:

English

Let him look to you, Odysseus, and to the other princes to save his ships from burning. He has done much without me already. He has built a wall; he has dug a trench deep and wide all round it, and he has planted it within with stakes; but even so he stays not the murderous might of Hektor.

Homeric Greek

ἀλλ' οὐδ' ὧς δύναται σθένος Ἕκτορος ἀνδροφόνοιο

ἴσχειν: ὄφρα δ' ἐγὼ μετ' Ἀχαιοῖσιν πολέμιζον

οὐκ ἐθέλεσκε μάχην ἀπὸ τείχεος ὀρνύμεν Ἕκτωρ,

ἀλλ' ὅσον ἐς Σκαιάς τε πύλας καὶ φηγὸν ἵκανεν:

355ἔνθά ποτ' οἶον ἔμιμνε, μόγις δέ μευ ἔκφυγεν ὁρμήν.

Transliteration

all' oud' hōs dynatai sthenos Hektoros androphonoio

ischein: ophra d' egō met' Achaioisin polemizon

ouk etheleske machēn apo teicheos ornymen Hektōr,

all' hoson es Skaias te pylas kai phēgon hikanen:

355entha pot' oion emimne, mogis de meu ekphygen hormēn.

English

So long as I fought the Achaeans Hektor suffered not the battle range far from the city walls; he would come to the Scaean gates and to the oak tree, but no further. Once he stayed to meet me and hardly did he escape my onset:

Homeric Greek

νῦν δ' ἐπεὶ οὐκ ἐθέλω πολεμιζέμεν Ἕκτορι δίῳ

αὔριον ἱρὰ Διὶ ῥέξας καὶ πᾶσι θεοῖσι

νηήσας εὖ νῆας, ἐπὴν ἅλα δὲ προερύσσω,

ὄψεαι, αἴ κ' ἐθέλῃσθα καὶ αἴ κέν τοι τὰ μεμήλῃ,

360ἦρι μάλ' Ἑλλήσποντον ἐπ' ἰχθυόεντα πλεούσας

Transliteration

nyn d' epei ouk ethelō polemizemen Hektori diōi

aurion hira Dii rhexas kai pasi theoisi

nēēsas eu nēas, epēn hala de proeryssō,

opseai, ai k' ethelēistha kai ai ken toi ta memēlēi,

360ēri mal' Hellēsponton ep' ichthyoenta pleousas

English

now, however, since I am in no mood to fight him, I will tomorrow offer sacrifice to Zeus and to all the gods; I will draw my ships into the water and then victual them duly; tomorrow morning, if you care to look, you will see my ships on the Hellespont, and my men rowing out to sea with might and main.

Homeric Greek

νῆας ἐμάς, ἐν δ' ἄνδρας ἐρεσσέμεναι μεμαῶτας:

εἰ δέ κεν εὐπλοίην δώῃ κλυτὸς ἐννοσίγαιος

ἤματί κε τριτάτῳ Φθίην ἐρίβωλον ἱκοίμην.

ἔστι δέ μοι μάλα πολλά, τὰ κάλλιπον ἐνθάδε ἔρρων:

365ἄλλον δ' ἐνθένδε χρυσὸν καὶ χαλκὸν ἐρυθρὸν

Transliteration

nēas emas, en d' andras eressemenai memaōtas:

ei de ken euploiēn dōēi klytos ennosigaios

ēmati ke tritatōi Phthiēn eribōlon hikoimēn.

esti de moi mala polla, ta kallipon enthade errōn:

365allon d' enthende chryson kai chalkon erythron

English

If great Poseidon grants me a fair passage, in three days I shall be in Phthia. I have much there that I left behind me when I came here to my sorrow, and I shall bring back still further store of gold, of red copper, of fair women, and of iron, my share of the spoils that we have taken;

Homeric Greek

ἠδὲ γυναῖκας ἐϋζώνους πολιόν τε σίδηρον

ἄξομαι, ἅσσ' ἔλαχόν γε: γέρας δέ μοι, ὅς περ ἔδωκεν,

αὖτις ἐφυβρίζων ἕλετο κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

Ἀτρεί̈δης: τῷ πάντ' ἀγορευέμεν ὡς ἐπιτέλλω

370ἀμφαδόν, ὄφρα καὶ ἄλλοι ἐπισκύζωνται Ἀχαιοὶ

Transliteration

ēde gynaikas eÿzōnous polion te sidēron

axomai, hass' elachon ge: geras de moi, hos per edōken,

autis ephybrizōn heleto kreiōn Agamemnōn

Atreïdēs: tōi pant' agoreuemen hōs epitellō

370amphadon, ophra kai alloi episkyzōntai Achaioi

English

but one prize, he who gave has insolently taken away. Tell him all as I now bid you, and tell him in public that the Achaeans may hate him and beware of him should he think that he can yet

Homeric Greek

εἴ τινά που Δαναῶν ἔτι ἔλπεται ἐξαπατήσειν

αἰὲν ἀναιδείην ἐπιειμένος: οὐδ' ἂν ἔμοιγε

τετλαίη κύνεός περ ἐὼν εἰς ὦπα ἰδέσθαι:

οὐδέ τί οἱ βουλὰς συμφράσσομαι, οὐδὲ μὲν ἔργον:

375ἐκ γὰρ δή μ' ἀπάτησε καὶ ἤλιτεν: οὐδ' ἂν ἔτ' αὖτις

Transliteration

ei tina pou Danaōn eti elpetai exapatēsein

aien anaideiēn epieimenos: oud' an emoige

tetlaiē kyneos per eōn eis ōpa idesthai:

oude ti hoi boulas symphrassomai, oude men ergon:

375ek gar dē m' apatēse kai ēliten: oud' an et' autis

English

dupe others for his effrontery never fails him. "As for me, hound that he is, he dares not look me in the face. I will take no counsel with him, and will undertake nothing in common with him. He has wronged me and deceived me enough, he shall not cozen me further;

Homeric Greek

ἐξαπάφοιτ' ἐπέεσσιν: ἅλις δέ οἱ: ἀλλὰ ἕκηλος

ἐρρέτω: ἐκ γάρ εὑ φρένας εἵλετο μητίετα Ζεύς.

ἐχθρὰ δέ μοι τοῦ δῶρα, τίω δέ μιν ἐν καρὸς αἴσῃ.

οὐδ' εἴ μοι δεκάκις τε καὶ εἰκοσάκις τόσα δοίη

380ὅσσά τέ οἱ νῦν ἔστι, καὶ εἴ ποθεν ἄλλα γένοιτο,

Transliteration

exapaphoit' epeessin: halis de hoi: alla hekēlos

erretō: ek gar heu phrenas heileto mētieta Zeus.

echthra de moi tou dōra, tiō de min en karos aisēi.

oud' ei moi dekakis te kai eikosakis tosa doiē

380hossa te hoi nyn esti, kai ei pothen alla genoito,

English

let him go his own way, for Zeus has robbed him of his reason. Hateful to me are his presents, and for himself care not one straw. He may offer me ten or even twenty times what he has now done, nay- not though it be all that he has in the world, both now or ever shall have;

Homeric Greek

οὐδ' ὅσ' ἐς Ὀρχομενὸν ποτινίσεται, οὐδ' ὅσα Θήβας

Αἰγυπτίας, ὅθι πλεῖστα δόμοις ἐν κτήματα κεῖται,

αἵ θ' ἑκατόμπυλοί εἰσι, διηκόσιοι δ' ἀν' ἑκάστας

ἀνέρες ἐξοιχνεῦσι σὺν ἵπποισιν καὶ ὄχεσφιν:

385οὐδ' εἴ μοι τόσα δοίη ὅσα ψάμαθός τε κόνις τε,

Transliteration

oud' hos' es Orchomenon potinisetai, oud' hosa Thēbas

Aigyptias, hothi pleista domois en ktēmata keitai,

hai th' hekatompyloi eisi, diēkosioi d' an' hekastas

aneres exoichneusi syn hippoisin kai ochesphin:

385oud' ei moi tosa doiē hosa psamathos te konis te,

English

he may promise me the wealth of Orkhomenos or of Egyptian Thebes, which is the richest city in the whole world, for it has a hundred gates through each of which two hundred men may drive at once with their chariots and horses; he may offer me gifts as the sands of the

Homeric Greek

οὐδέ κεν ὧς ἔτι θυμὸν ἐμὸν πείσει' Ἀγαμέμνων

πρίν γ' ἀπὸ πᾶσαν ἐμοὶ δόμεναι θυμαλγέα λώβην.

κούρην δ' οὐ γαμέω Ἀγαμέμνονος Ἀτρεί̈δαο,

οὐδ' εἰ χρυσείῃ Ἀφροδίτῃ κάλλος ἐρίζοι,

390ἔργα δ' Ἀθηναίῃ γλαυκώπιδι ἰσοφαρίζοι:

Transliteration

oude ken hōs eti thymon emon peisei' Agamemnōn

prin g' apo pasan emoi domenai thymalgea lōbēn.

kourēn d' ou gameō Agamemnonos Atreïdao,

oud' ei chryseiēi Aphroditēi kallos erizoi,

390erga d' Athēnaiēi glaukōpidi isopharizoi:

English

sea or the dust of the plain in multitude, but even so he shall not move me till I have been revenged in full for the bitter wrong he has done me. I will not marry his daughter; she may be fair as Aphrodite, and skillful as Athena, but I will have none of her:

Homeric Greek

οὐδέ μιν ὧς γαμέω: ὃ δ' Ἀχαιῶν ἄλλον ἑλέσθω,

ὅς τις οἷ τ' ἐπέοικε καὶ ὃς βασιλεύτερός ἐστιν.

ἢν γὰρ δή με σαῶσι θεοὶ καὶ οἴκαδ' ἵκωμαι,

Πηλεύς θήν μοι ἔπειτα γυναῖκά γε μάσσεται αὐτός.

395πολλαὶ Ἀχαιί̈δες εἰσὶν ἀν' Ἑλλάδα τε Φθίην τε

Transliteration

oude min hōs gameō: ho d' Achaiōn allon helesthō,

hos tis hoi t' epeoike kai hos basileuteros estin.

ēn gar dē me saōsi theoi kai oikad' hikōmai,

Pēleus thēn moi epeita gynaika ge massetai autos.

395pollai Achaiïdes eisin an' Hellada te Phthiēn te

English

let another take her, who may be a good match for her and who rules a larger kingdom. If the gods spare me to return home, Peleus will find me a wife; there are Achaean women in Hellas and Phthia, daughters of kings that have cities under them;

Homeric Greek

κοῦραι ἀριστήων, οἵ τε πτολίεθρα ῥύονται,

τάων ἥν κ' ἐθέλωμι φίλην ποιήσομ' ἄκοιτιν.

ἔνθα δέ μοι μάλα πολλὸν ἐπέσσυτο θυμὸς ἀγήνωρ

γήμαντα μνηστὴν ἄλοχον ἐϊκυῖαν ἄκοιτιν

400κτήμασι τέρπεσθαι τὰ γέρων ἐκτήσατο Πηλεύς:

Transliteration

kourai aristēōn, hoi te ptoliethra rhyontai,

taōn hēn k' ethelōmi philēn poiēsom' akoitin.

entha de moi mala pollon epessyto thymos agēnōr

gēmanta mnēstēn alochon eïkuian akoitin

400ktēmasi terpesthai ta gerōn ektēsato Pēleus:

English

of these I can take whom I will and marry her. Many a time was I minded when at home in Phthia to woo and wed a woman who would make me a suitable wife, and to enjoy the riches of my old father Peleus.

Homeric Greek

οὐ γὰρ ἐμοὶ ψυχῆς ἀντάξιον οὐδ' ὅσα φασὶν

Ἴλιον ἐκτῆσθαι εὖ ναιόμενον πτολίεθρον

τὸ πρὶν ἐπ' εἰρήνης, πρὶν ἐλθεῖν υἷας Ἀχαιῶν,

οὐδ' ὅσα λάϊνος οὐδὸς ἀφήτορος ἐντὸς ἐέργει

405Φοίβου Ἀπόλλωνος Πυθοῖ ἔνι πετρηέσσῃ.

Transliteration

ou gar emoi psychēs antaxion oud' hosa phasin

Ilion ektēsthai eu naiomenon ptoliethron

to prin ep' eirēnēs, prin elthein huias Achaiōn,

oud' hosa laïnos oudos aphētoros entos eergei

405Phoibou Apollōnos Pythoi eni petrēessēi.

English

My life means more to me than all the wealth of Ilion while it was yet at peace before the Achaeans went there, or than all the treasure that lies on the stone floor of Apollo's temple beneath the cliffs of Pytho.

Homeric Greek

ληϊστοὶ μὲν γάρ τε βόες καὶ ἴφια μῆλα,

κτητοὶ δὲ τρίποδές τε καὶ ἵππων ξανθὰ κάρηνα,

ἀνδρὸς δὲ ψυχὴ πάλιν ἐλθεῖν οὔτε λεϊστὴ

οὔθ' ἑλετή, ἐπεὶ ἄρ κεν ἀμείψεται ἕρκος ὀδόντων.

410μήτηρ γάρ τέ μέ φησι θεὰ Θέτις ἀργυρόπεζα

Transliteration

lēïstoi men gar te boes kai iphia mēla,

ktētoi de tripodes te kai hippōn xantha karēna,

andros de psychē palin elthein oute leïstē

outh' heletē, epei ar ken ameipsetai herkos odontōn.

410mētēr gar te me phēsi thea Thetis argyropeza

English

Cattle and sheep are to be had for harrying, and a man buy both tripods and horses if he wants them, but when his life has once left him it can neither be bought nor harried back again. "My mother Thetis tells me that there are two ways in which I may meet my end.

Homeric Greek

διχθαδίας κῆρας φερέμεν θανάτοιο τέλος δέ.

εἰ μέν κ' αὖθι μένων Τρώων πόλιν ἀμφιμάχωμαι,

ὤλετο μέν μοι νόστος, ἀτὰρ κλέος ἄφθιτον ἔσται:

εἰ δέ κεν οἴκαδ' ἵκωμι φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν,

415ὤλετό μοι κλέος ἐσθλόν, ἐπὶ δηρὸν δέ μοι αἰὼν

Transliteration

dichthadias kēras pheremen thanatoio telos de.

ei men k' authi menōn Trōōn polin amphimachōmai,

ōleto men moi nostos, atar kleos aphthiton estai:

ei de ken oikad' hikōmi philēn es patrida gaian,

415ōleto moi kleos esthlon, epi dēron de moi aiōn

English

If I stay here and fight, I shall lose my safe homecoming but I will have a glory that is unwilting: whereas if I go home my glory will die, but it will be a long time before the outcome of death shall take me.

Homeric Greek

ἔσσεται, οὐδέ κέ μ' ὦκα τέλος θανάτοιο κιχείη.

καὶ δ' ἂν τοῖς ἄλλοισιν ἐγὼ παραμυθησαίμην

οἴκαδ' ἀποπλείειν, ἐπεὶ οὐκέτι δήετε τέκμωρ

Ἰλίου αἰπεινῆς: μάλα γάρ ἑθεν εὐρύοπα Ζεὺς

420χεῖρα ἑὴν ὑπερέσχε, τεθαρσήκασι δὲ λαοί.

Transliteration

essetai, oude ke m' ōka telos thanatoio kicheiē.

kai d' an tois alloisin egō paramythēsaimēn

oikad' apopleiein, epei ouketi dēete tekmōr

Iliou aipeinēs: mala gar hethen euryopa Zeus

420cheira heēn hyperesche, tetharsēkasi de laoi.

English

To the rest of you, then, I say, ‘Go home, for you will not take Ilion.’ Zeus has held his hand over her to protect her, and her people have taken heart.

Homeric Greek

ἀλλ' ὑμεῖς μὲν ἰόντες ἀριστήεσσιν Ἀχαιῶν

ἀγγελίην ἀπόφασθε: τὸ γὰρ γέρας ἐστὶ γερόντων:

ὄφρ' ἄλλην φράζωνται ἐνὶ φρεσὶ μῆτιν ἀμείνω,

ἥ κέ σφιν νῆάς τε σαῷ καὶ λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν

425νηυσὶν ἔπι γλαφυρῇς, ἐπεὶ οὔ σφισιν ἥδέ γ' ἑτοίμη

Transliteration

all' hymeis men iontes aristēessin Achaiōn

angeliēn apophasthe: to gar geras esti gerontōn:

ophr' allēn phrazōntai eni phresi mētin ameinō,

hē ke sphin nēas te saōi kai laon Achaiōn

425nēusin epi glaphyrēis, epei ou sphisin hēde g' hetoimē

English

Go, therefore, as in duty bound, and tell the princes of the Achaeans the message that I have sent them; tell them to find some other plan for the saving of their ships and people, for so long as my displeasure lasts the one that they have now hit upon may not be.

Homeric Greek

ἣν νῦν ἐφράσσαντο ἐμεῦ ἀπομηνίσαντος:

Φοῖνιξ δ' αὖθι παρ' ἄμμι μένων κατακοιμηθήτω,

ὄφρά μοι ἐν νήεσσι φίλην ἐς πατρίδ' ἕπηται

αὔριον ἢν ἐθέλῃσιν: ἀνάγκῃ δ' οὔ τί μιν ἄξω.

430ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δ' ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ

Transliteration

hēn nyn ephrassanto emeu apomēnisantos:

Phoinix d' authi par' ammi menōn katakoimēthētō,

ophra moi en nēessi philēn es patrid' hepētai

aurion ēn ethelēisin: anankēi d' ou ti min axō.

430hōs ephath', hoi d' ara pantes akēn egenonto siōpēi

English

As for Phoenix, let him sleep here that he may sail with me in the morning if he so will. But I will not take him by force." They all held their peace, dismayed at the sternness

Homeric Greek

μῦθον ἀγασσάμενοι: μάλα γὰρ κρατερῶς ἀπέειπεν:

ὀψὲ δὲ δὴ μετέειπε γέρων ἱππηλάτα Φοῖνιξ

δάκρυ' ἀναπρήσας: περὶ γὰρ δίε νηυσὶν Ἀχαιῶν:

εἰ μὲν δὴ νόστόν γε μετὰ φρεσὶ φαίδιμ' Ἀχιλλεῦ

435βάλλεαι, οὐδέ τι πάμπαν ἀμύνειν νηυσὶ θοῇσι

Transliteration

mython agassamenoi: mala gar kraterōs apeeipen:

opse de dē meteeipe gerōn hippēlata Phoinix

dakry' anaprēsas: peri gar die nēusin Achaiōn:

ei men dē noston ge meta phresi phaidim' Achilleu

435balleai, oude ti pampan amynein nēusi thoēisi

English

with which he had denied them, till presently the old horseman Phoenix in his great fear for the ships of the Achaeans, burst into tears and said, "Noble Achilles, if you are now minded to have your homecoming, and in the fierceness of your anger will do

Homeric Greek

πῦρ ἐθέλεις ἀί̈δηλον, ἐπεὶ χόλος ἔμπεσε θυμῷ,

πῶς ἂν ἔπειτ' ἀπὸ σεῖο φίλον τέκος αὖθι λιποίμην

οἶος; σοὶ δέ μ' ἔπεμπε γέρων ἱππηλάτα Πηλεὺς

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε σ' ἐκ Φθίης Ἀγαμέμνονι πέμπε

440νήπιον οὔ πω εἰδόθ' ὁμοιί̈ου πολέμοιο

Transliteration

pyr etheleis aïdēlon, epei cholos empese thymōi,

pōs an epeit' apo seio philon tekos authi lipoimēn

oios; soi de m' epempe gerōn hippēlata Pēleus

ēmati tōi hote s' ek Phthiēs Agamemnoni pempe

440nēpion ou pō eidoth' homoiïou polemoio

English

nothing to save the ships from burning, how, my son, can I remain here without you? Your father Peleus bade me go with you when he sent you as a mere lad from Phthia to Agamemnon.

Homeric Greek

οὐδ' ἀγορέων, ἵνα τ' ἄνδρες ἀριπρεπέες τελέθουσι.

τοὔνεκά με προέηκε διδασκέμεναι τάδε πάντα,

μύθων τε ῥητῆρ' ἔμεναι πρηκτῆρά τε ἔργων.

ὡς ἂν ἔπειτ' ἀπὸ σεῖο φίλον τέκος οὐκ ἐθέλοιμι

445λείπεσθ', οὐδ' εἴ κέν μοι ὑποσταίη θεὸς αὐτὸς

Transliteration

oud' agoreōn, hina t' andres ariprepees telethousi.

touneka me proeēke didaskemenai tade panta,

mythōn te rhētēr' emenai prēktēra te ergōn.

hōs an epeit' apo seio philon tekos ouk etheloimi

445leipesth', oud' ei ken moi hypostaiē theos autos

English

You knew nothing neither of war nor of the arts whereby men make their mark in council, and he sent me with you to train you in all excellence of speech and action. Therefore, my son, I will not stay here without you - no, not though heaven itself

Homeric Greek

γῆρας ἀποξύσας θήσειν νέον ἡβώοντα,

οἷον ὅτε πρῶτον λίπον Ἑλλάδα καλλιγύναικα

φεύγων νείκεα πατρὸς Ἀμύντορος Ὀρμενίδαο,

ὅς μοι παλλακίδος περιχώσατο καλλικόμοιο,

450τὴν αὐτὸς φιλέεσκεν, ἀτιμάζεσκε δ' ἄκοιτιν

Transliteration

gēras apoxysas thēsein neon hēbōonta,

hoion hote prōton lipon Hellada kalligynaika

pheugōn neikea patros Amyntoros Ormenidao,

hos moi pallakidos perichōsato kallikomoio,

450tēn autos phileesken, atimazeske d' akoitin

English

grant to strip my years from off me, and make me young as I was when I first left Hellas the land of fair women. I was then fleeing the anger of father Amyntor, son of Ormenus, who was furious with me in the matter of his concubine, of whom he was enamored to the wronging of his wife my mother.

Homeric Greek

μητέρ' ἐμήν: ἣ δ' αἰὲν ἐμὲ λισσέσκετο γούνων

παλλακίδι προμιγῆναι, ἵν' ἐχθήρειε γέροντα.

τῇ πιθόμην καὶ ἔρεξα: πατὴρ δ' ἐμὸς αὐτίκ' ὀϊσθεὶς

πολλὰ κατηρᾶτο, στυγερὰς δ' ἐπεκέκλετ' Ἐρινῦς,

455μή ποτε γούνασιν οἷσιν ἐφέσσεσθαι φίλον υἱὸν

Transliteration

mēter' emēn: hē d' aien eme lissesketo gounōn

pallakidi promigēnai, hin' echthēreie geronta.

tēi pithomēn kai erexa: patēr d' emos autik' oïstheis

polla katērato, stygeras d' epekeklet' Erinys,

455mē pote gounasin hoisin ephessesthai philon huion

English

My mother, therefore, prayed me without ceasing to lie with the woman myself, that so she hate my father, and in the course of time I yielded. But my father soon came to know, and cursed me bitterly, calling the dread Erinyes to witness.

Homeric Greek

ἐξ ἐμέθεν γεγαῶτα: θεοὶ δ' ἐτέλειον ἐπαρὰς

Ζεύς τε καταχθόνιος καὶ ἐπαινὴ Περσεφόνεια.

ἔνθ' ἐμοὶ οὐκέτι πάμπαν ἐρητύετ' ἐν φρεσὶ θυμὸς

πατρὸς χωομένοιο κατὰ μέγαρα στρωφᾶσθαι.

460ἦ μὲν πολλὰ ἔται καὶ ἀνεψιοὶ ἀμφὶς ἐόντες

Transliteration

ex emethen gegaōta: theoi d' eteleion eparas

Zeus te katachthonios kai epainē Persephoneia.

enth' emoi ouketi pampan erētyet' en phresi thymos

patros chōomenoio kata megara strōphasthai.

460ē men polla etai kai anepsioi amphis eontes

English

He prayed that no son of mine might ever sit upon knees - and the gods, Zeus of the world below and awful Persephone, fulfilled his curse. I took counsel to kill him, but some god stayed my rashness and bade me think on men's evil tongues and how I should be branded as the murderer of my father:

Homeric Greek

αὐτοῦ λισσόμενοι κατερήτυον ἐν μεγάροισι,

πολλὰ δὲ ἴφια μῆλα καὶ εἰλίποδας ἕλικας βοῦς

ἔσφαζον, πολλοὶ δὲ σύες θαλέθοντες ἀλοιφῇ

εὑόμενοι τανύοντο διὰ φλογὸς Ἡφαίστοιο,

465πολλὸν δ' ἐκ κεράμων μέθυ πίνετο τοῖο γέροντος.

Transliteration

autou lissomenoi katerētyon en megaroisi,

polla de iphia mēla kai eilipodas helikas bous

esphazon, polloi de syes thalethontes aloiphēi

heuomenoi tanyonto dia phlogos Hēphaistoio,

465pollon d' ek keramōn methy pineto toio gerontos.

English

nevertheless I could not bear to stay in my father's house with him so bitter a against me. My cousins and clansmen came about me, and pressed me sorely to remain;

Homeric Greek

εἰνάνυχες δέ μοι ἀμφ' αὐτῷ παρὰ νύκτας ἴαυον:

οἳ μὲν ἀμειβόμενοι φυλακὰς ἔχον, οὐδέ ποτ' ἔσβη

πῦρ, ἕτερον μὲν ὑπ' αἰθούσῃ εὐερκέος αὐλῆς,

ἄλλο δ' ἐνὶ προδόμῳ, πρόσθεν θαλάμοιο θυράων.

470ἀλλ' ὅτε δὴ δεκάτη μοι ἐπήλυθε νὺξ ἐρεβεννή,

Transliteration

einanyches de moi amph' autōi para nyktas iauon:

hoi men ameibomenoi phylakas echon, oude pot' esbē

pyr, heteron men hyp' aithousēi euerkeos aulēs,

allo d' eni prodomōi, prosthen thalamoio thyraōn.

470all' hote dē dekatē moi epēlythe nyx erebennē,

English

many a sheep and many an ox did they slaughter, and many a fat hog did they set down to roast before the fire; many a jar, too, did they broach of my father's wine. Nine whole nights did they set a guard over me taking it in turns to

Homeric Greek

καὶ τότ' ἐγὼ θαλάμοιο θύρας πυκινῶς ἀραρυίας

ῥήξας ἐξῆλθον, καὶ ὑπέρθορον ἑρκίον αὐλῆς

ῥεῖα, λαθὼν φύλακάς τ' ἄνδρας δμῳάς τε γυναῖκας.

φεῦγον ἔπειτ' ἀπάνευθε δι' Ἑλλάδος εὐρυχόροιο,

475Φθίην δ' ἐξικόμην ἐριβώλακα μητέρα μήλων

Transliteration

kai tot' egō thalamoio thyras pykinōs araruias

rhēxas exēlthon, kai hyperthoron herkion aulēs

rheia, lathōn phylakas t' andras dmōias te gynaikas.

pheugon epeit' apaneuthe di' Hellados eurychoroio,

475Phthiēn d' exikomēn eribōlaka mētera mēlōn

English

watch, and they kept a fire always burning, both in the room of the outer court and in the inner court at the doors of the room wherein I lay; but when the darkness of the tenth night came, I broke through the closed doors of my room, and

Homeric Greek

ἐς Πηλῆα ἄναχθ': ὃ δέ με πρόφρων ὑπέδεκτο,

καί μ' ἐφίλησ' ὡς εἴ τε πατὴρ ὃν παῖδα φιλήσῃ

μοῦνον τηλύγετον πολλοῖσιν ἐπὶ κτεάτεσσι,

καί μ' ἀφνειὸν ἔθηκε, πολὺν δέ μοι ὤπασε λαόν:

480ναῖον δ' ἐσχατιὴν Φθίης Δολόπεσσιν ἀνάσσων.

Transliteration

es Pēlēa anachth': ho de me prophrōn hypedekto,

kai m' ephilēs' hōs ei te patēr hon paida philēsēi

mounon tēlygeton polloisin epi kteatessi,

kai m' aphneion ethēke, polyn de moi ōpase laon:

480naion d' eschatiēn Phthiēs Dolopessin anassōn.

English

climbed the wall of the outer court after passing quickly and unperceived through the men on guard and the women servants. I then fled through Hellas till I came to fertile Phthia, mother of sheep, and to King Peleus, who made me welcome and treated me as a

Homeric Greek

καί σε τοσοῦτον ἔθηκα θεοῖς ἐπιείκελ' Ἀχιλλεῦ,

ἐκ θυμοῦ φιλέων, ἐπεὶ οὐκ ἐθέλεσκες ἅμ' ἄλλῳ

οὔτ' ἐς δαῖτ' ἰέναι οὔτ' ἐν μεγάροισι πάσασθαι,

πρίν γ' ὅτε δή σ' ἐπ' ἐμοῖσιν ἐγὼ γούνεσσι καθίσσας

485ὄψου τ' ἄσαιμι προταμὼν καὶ οἶνον ἐπισχών.

Transliteration

kai se tosouton ethēka theois epieikel' Achilleu,

ek thymou phileōn, epei ouk etheleskes ham' allōi

out' es dait' ienai out' en megaroisi pasasthai,

prin g' hote dē s' ep' emoisin egō gounessi kathissas

485opsou t' asaimi protamōn kai oinon epischōn.

English

father treats an only son who will be heir to all his wealth. He made me rich and set me over many people, establishing me on the borders of Phthia where I was chief ruler over the Dolopians. "It was I, Achilles, who had the making of you;

Homeric Greek

πολλάκι μοι κατέδευσας ἐπὶ στήθεσσι χιτῶνα

οἴνου ἀποβλύζων ἐν νηπιέῃ ἀλεγεινῇ.

ὣς ἐπὶ σοὶ μάλα πολλὰ πάθον καὶ πολλὰ μόγησα,

τὰ φρονέων ὅ μοι οὔ τι θεοὶ γόνον ἐξετέλειον

490ἐξ ἐμεῦ: ἀλλὰ σὲ παῖδα θεοῖς ἐπιείκελ' Ἀχιλλεῦ

Transliteration

pollaki moi katedeusas epi stēthessi chitōna

oinou apoblyzōn en nēpieēi alegeinēi.

hōs epi soi mala polla pathon kai polla mogēsa,

ta phroneōn ho moi ou ti theoi gonon exeteleion

490ex emeu: alla se paida theois epieikel' Achilleu

English

I loved you with all my heart: for you would eat neither at home nor when you had gone out elsewhere, till I had first set you upon my knees, cut up the dainty morsel that you were to eat, and held the wine-cup to your lips.

Homeric Greek

ποιεύμην, ἵνα μοί ποτ' ἀεικέα λοιγὸν ἀμύνῃς.

ἀλλ' Ἀχιλεῦ δάμασον θυμὸν μέγαν: οὐδέ τί σε χρὴ

νηλεὲς ἦτορ ἔχειν: στρεπτοὶ δέ τε καὶ θεοὶ αὐτοί,

τῶν περ καὶ μείζων ἀρετὴ τιμή τε βίη τε.

495καὶ μὲν τοὺς θυέεσσι καὶ εὐχωλῇς ἀγανῇσι

Transliteration

poieumēn, hina moi pot' aeikea loigon amynēis.

all' Achileu damason thymon megan: oude ti se chrē

nēlees ētor echein: streptoi de te kai theoi autoi,

tōn per kai meizōn aretē timē te biē te.

495kai men tous thyeessi kai euchōlēis aganēisi

English

Many a time have you slobbered your wine in baby helplessness over my shirt; I had infinite trouble with you, but I knew that heaven had granted me no offspring of my own, and I made a son of you, Achilles, that in my hour of need you might protect me.

Homeric Greek

λοιβῇ τε κνίσῃ τε παρατρωπῶσ' ἄνθρωποι

λισσόμενοι, ὅτε κέν τις ὑπερβήῃ καὶ ἁμάρτῃ.

καὶ γάρ τε λιταί εἰσι Διὸς κοῦραι μεγάλοιο

χωλαί τε ῥυσαί τε παραβλῶπές τ' ὀφθαλμώ,

500αἵ ῥά τε καὶ μετόπισθ' ἄτης ἀλέγουσι κιοῦσαι.

Transliteration

loibēi te knisēi te paratrōpōs' anthrōpoi

lissomenoi, hote ken tis hyperbēēi kai hamartēi.

kai gar te litai eisi Dios kourai megaloio

chōlai te rhysai te parablōpes t' ophthalmō,

500hai rha te kai metopisth' atēs alegousi kiousai.

English

Now, therefore, I say battle with your pride and beat it; cherish not your anger for ever; the excellence and might and honor of the gods are more than ours, but even gods may be appeased; and if a man has erred he prays the gods, and reconciles them to himself by his piteous cries and by frankincense, with drink-offerings and the savor of burnt sacrifice.

Homeric Greek

ἣ δ' ἄτη σθεναρή τε καὶ ἀρτίπος, οὕνεκα πάσας

πολλὸν ὑπεκπροθέει, φθάνει δέ τε πᾶσαν ἐπ' αἶαν

βλάπτουσ' ἀνθρώπους: αἳ δ' ἐξακέονται ὀπίσσω.

ὃς μέν τ' αἰδέσεται κούρας Διὸς ἆσσον ἰούσας,

505τὸν δὲ μέγ' ὤνησαν καί τ' ἔκλυον εὐχομένοιο:

Transliteration

hē d' atē sthenarē te kai artipos, houneka pasas

pollon hypekprotheei, phthanei de te pasan ep' aian

blaptous' anthrōpous: hai d' exakeontai opissō.

hos men t' aidesetai kouras Dios asson iousas,

505ton de meg' ōnēsan kai t' eklyon euchomenoio:

English

For prayers are as daughters to great Zeus; halt, wrinkled, with eyes askance, they follow in the footsteps of Derangement, who, being fierce and fleet of foot, leaves them far behind him, and ever baneful to humankind outstrips them even to the ends of the world;

Homeric Greek

ὃς δέ κ' ἀνήνηται καί τε στερεῶς ἀποείπῃ,

λίσσονται δ' ἄρα ταί γε Δία Κρονίωνα κιοῦσαι

τῷ ἄτην ἅμ' ἕπεσθαι, ἵνα βλαφθεὶς ἀποτίσῃ.

ἀλλ' Ἀχιλεῦ πόρε καὶ σὺ Διὸς κούρῃσιν ἕπεσθαι

510τιμήν, ἥ τ' ἄλλων περ ἐπιγνάμπτει νόον ἐσθλῶν.

Transliteration

hos de k' anēnētai kai te stereōs apoeipēi,

lissontai d' ara tai ge Dia Kroniōna kiousai

tōi atēn ham' hepesthai, hina blaphtheis apotisēi.

all' Achileu pore kai sy Dios kourēisin hepesthai

510timēn, hē t' allōn per epignamptei noon esthlōn.

English

but nevertheless the prayers come hobbling and healing after. If a man has pity upon these daughters of Zeus when they draw near him, they will bless him and hear him too when he is praying; but if he deny them and will not listen to them, they go to

Homeric Greek

εἰ μὲν γὰρ μὴ δῶρα φέροι τὰ δ' ὄπισθ' ὀνομάζοι

Ἀτρεί̈δης, ἀλλ' αἰὲν ἐπιζαφελῶς χαλεπαίνοι,

οὐκ ἂν ἔγωγέ σε μῆνιν ἀπορρίψαντα κελοίμην

Ἀργείοισιν ἀμυνέμεναι χατέουσί περ ἔμπης:

515νῦν δ' ἅμα τ' αὐτίκα πολλὰ διδοῖ τὰ δ' ὄπισθεν ὑπέστη,

Transliteration

ei men gar mē dōra pheroi ta d' opisth' onomazoi

Atreïdēs, all' aien epizaphelōs chalepainoi,

ouk an egōge se mēnin aporripsanta keloimēn

Argeioisin amynemenai chateousi per empēs:

515nyn d' hama t' autika polla didoi ta d' opisthen hypestē,

English

Zeus the son of Kronos and pray that he may presently fall into derangement - to his ruing bitterly hereafter. Therefore, Achilles, give these daughters of Zeus due reverence, just as every other person does whose mind they change. Were not the son of Atreus offering you gifts and promising others later

Homeric Greek

ἄνδρας δὲ λίσσεσθαι ἐπιπροέηκεν ἀρίστους

κρινάμενος κατὰ λαὸν Ἀχαιϊκόν, οἵ τε σοὶ αὐτῷ

φίλτατοι Ἀργείων: τῶν μὴ σύ γε μῦθον ἐλέγξῃς

μηδὲ πόδας: πρὶν δ' οὔ τι νεμεσσητὸν κεχολῶσθαι.

520οὕτω καὶ τῶν πρόσθεν ἐπευθόμεθα κλέα ἀνδρῶν

Transliteration

andras de lissesthai epiproeēken aristous

krinamenos kata laon Achaiïkon, hoi te soi autōi

philtatoi Argeiōn: tōn mē sy ge mython elenxēis

mēde podas: prin d' ou ti nemessēton kecholōsthai.

520houtō kai tōn prosthen epeuthometha klea andrōn

English

- if he were still furious and implacable - I am not he that would bid you throw off your anger and help the Achaeans, no matter how great their need; but he is giving much now, and more hereafter; he has sent his leading men to urge his suit, and has chosen those who of all the Argives are most near-and-dear to you;

Homeric Greek

ἡρώων, ὅτε κέν τιν' ἐπιζάφελος χόλος ἵκοι:

δωρητοί τε πέλοντο παράρρητοί τ' ἐπέεσσι.

μέμνημαι τόδε ἔργον ἐγὼ πάλαι οὔ τι νέον γε

ὡς ἦν: ἐν δ' ὑμῖν ἐρέω πάντεσσι φίλοισι.

525Κουρῆτές τ' ἐμάχοντο καὶ Αἰτωλοὶ μενεχάρμαι

Transliteration

hērōōn, hote ken tin' epizaphelos cholos hikoi:

dōrētoi te pelonto pararrētoi t' epeessi.

memnēmai tode ergon egō palai ou ti neon ge

hōs ēn: en d' hymin ereō pantessi philoisi.

525Kourētes t' emachonto kai Aitōloi menecharmai

English

make not then their words and their coming to be of no effect. Your anger has been righteous so far. We have heard in song the glories of heroes of old time: how they quarreled when they were roused to fury, but still they could be

Homeric Greek

ἀμφὶ πόλιν Καλυδῶνα καὶ ἀλλήλους ἐνάριζον,

Αἰτωλοὶ μὲν ἀμυνόμενοι Καλυδῶνος ἐραννῆς,

Κουρῆτες δὲ διαπραθέειν μεμαῶτες Ἄρηϊ.

καὶ γὰρ τοῖσι κακὸν χρυσόθρονος Ἄρτεμις ὦρσε

530χωσαμένη ὅ οἱ οὔ τι θαλύσια γουνῷ ἀλωῆς

Transliteration

amphi polin Kalydōna kai allēlous enarizon,

Aitōloi men amynomenoi Kalydōnos erannēs,

Kourētes de diapratheein memaōtes Arēï.

kai gar toisi kakon chrysothronos Artemis ōrse

530chōsamenē ho hoi ou ti thalysia gounōi alōēs

English

won by gifts, and fair words could soothe them. "I totally recall this event of the past - it is not a new thing - and how it happened. You are all near and dear, and I will tell it in your presence.

Homeric Greek

Οἰνεὺς ῥέξ': ἄλλοι δὲ θεοὶ δαίνυνθ' ἑκατόμβας,

οἴῃ δ' οὐκ ἔρρεξε Διὸς κούρῃ μεγάλοιο.

ἢ λάθετ' ἢ οὐκ ἐνόησεν: ἀάσατο δὲ μέγα θυμῷ.

ἣ δὲ χολωσαμένη δῖον γένος ἰοχέαιρα

535ὦρσεν ἔπι χλούνην σῦν ἄγριον ἀργιόδοντα,

Transliteration

Oineus rhex': alloi de theoi dainynth' hekatombas,

oiēi d' ouk errexe Dios kourēi megaloio.

ē lathet' ē ouk enoēsen: aasato de mega thymōi.

hē de cholōsamenē dion genos iocheaira

535ōrsen epi chlounēn syn agrion argiodonta,

English

The Curetes and the Aetolians were fighting and killing one another round Calydon - the Aetolians defending the city and the Curetes trying to destroy it. For Artemis of the golden throne was angry and did them hurt because Oeneus had not offered her his harvest first-fruits.

Homeric Greek

ὃς κακὰ πόλλ' ἕρδεσκεν ἔθων Οἰνῆος ἀλωήν:

πολλὰ δ' ὅ γε προθέλυμνα χαμαὶ βάλε δένδρεα μακρὰ

αὐτῇσιν ῥίζῃσι καὶ αὐτοῖς ἄνθεσι μήλων.

τὸν δ' υἱὸς Οἰνῆος ἀπέκτεινεν Μελέαγρος

540πολλέων ἐκ πολίων θηρήτορας ἄνδρας ἀγείρας

Transliteration

hos kaka poll' herdesken ethōn Oinēos alōēn:

polla d' ho ge prothelymna chamai bale dendrea makra

autēisin rhizēisi kai autois anthesi mēlōn.

ton d' huios Oinēos apekteinen Meleagros

540polleōn ek poliōn thērētoras andras ageiras

English

The other gods had all been feasted with hecatombs, but to the daughter of great Zeus alone he had made no sacrifice. He had forgotten her, or somehow or other it had escaped him, and this was a grievous derangement.

Homeric Greek

καὶ κύνας: οὐ μὲν γάρ κε δάμη παύροισι βροτοῖσι:

τόσσος ἔην, πολλοὺς δὲ πυρῆς ἐπέβησ' ἀλεγεινῆς.

ἣ δ' ἀμφ' αὐτῷ θῆκε πολὺν κέλαδον καὶ ἀϋτὴν

ἀμφὶ συὸς κεφαλῇ καὶ δέρματι λαχνήεντι,

545Κουρήτων τε μεσηγὺ καὶ Αἰτωλῶν μεγαθύμων.

Transliteration

kai kynas: ou men gar ke damē pauroisi brotoisi:

tossos eēn, pollous de pyrēs epebēs' alegeinēs.

hē d' amph' autōi thēke polyn keladon kai aÿtēn

amphi syos kephalēi kai dermati lachnēenti,

545Kourētōn te mesēgy kai Aitōlōn megathymōn.

English

Thereon the archer goddess in her displeasure sent a prodigious creature against him - a savage wild boar with great white tusks that did much harm to his orchard lands, uprooting apple-trees in full bloom and throwing them to the ground. But Meleager son of Oeneus got huntsmen and hounds from many cities and killed

Homeric Greek

ὄφρα μὲν οὖν Μελέαγρος ἄρηι φίλος πολέμιζε,

τόφρα δὲ Κουρήτεσσι κακῶς ἦν, οὐδὲ δύναντο

τείχεος ἔκτοσθεν μίμνειν πολέες περ ἐόντες:

ἀλλ' ὅτε δὴ Μελέαγρον ἔδυ χόλος, ὅς τε καὶ ἄλλων

550οἰδάνει ἐν στήθεσσι νόον πύκα περ φρονεόντων,

Transliteration

ophra men oun Meleagros arēi philos polemize,

tophra de Kourētessi kakōs ēn, oude dynanto

teicheos ektosthen mimnein polees per eontes:

all' hote dē Meleagron edy cholos, hos te kai allōn

550oidanei en stēthessi noon pyka per phroneontōn,

English

it - for it was so monstrous that not a few were needed, and many a man did it stretch upon his funeral pyre. On this the goddess set the Curetes and the Aetolians fighting furiously about the head and skin of the boar.

Homeric Greek

ἤτοι ὃ μητρὶ φίλῃ Ἀλθαίῃ χωόμενος κῆρ

κεῖτο παρὰ μνηστῇ ἀλόχῳ καλῇ Κλεοπάτρῃ

κούρῃ Μαρπήσσης καλλισφύρου Εὐηνίνης

Ἴδεώ θ', ὃς κάρτιστος ἐπιχθονίων γένετ' ἀνδρῶν

555τῶν τότε: καί ῥα ἄνακτος ἐναντίον εἵλετο τόξον

Transliteration

ētoi ho mētri philēi Althaiēi chōomenos kēr

keito para mnēstēi alochōi kalēi Kleopatrēi

kourēi Marpēssēs kallisphyrou Euēninēs

Ideō th', hos kartistos epichthoniōn genet' andrōn

555tōn tote: kai rha anaktos enantion heileto toxon

English

"So long as Meleager was in the field things went badly with the Curetes, and for all their numbers they could not hold their ground under the city walls; but in the course of time the anger weighed heavy on the thinking of Meleager : this can sometimes happen even to a sensible man. He was incensed with his mother Althaia, and therefore

Homeric Greek

Φοίβου Ἀπόλλωνος καλλισφύρου εἵνεκα νύμφης,

τὴν δὲ τότ' ἐν μεγάροισι πατὴρ καὶ πότνια μήτηρ

Ἀλκυόνην καλέεσκον ἐπώνυμον, οὕνεκ' ἄρ' αὐτῆς

μήτηρ ἀλκυόνος πολυπενθέος οἶτον ἔχουσα

560κλαῖεν ὅ μιν ἑκάεργος ἀνήρπασε Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων:

Transliteration

Phoibou Apollōnos kallisphyrou heineka nymphēs,

tēn de tot' en megaroisi patēr kai potnia mētēr

Alkyonēn kaleeskon epōnymon, hounek' ar' autēs

mētēr alkyonos polypentheos oiton echousa

560klaien ho min hekaergos anērpase Phoibos Apollōn:

English

stayed at home with his wedded wife fair Cleopatra, who was daughter of Marpessa daughter of Euenos, and of Ides the man then living. He it was who took his bow and faced King Apollo himself for fair Marpessa's sake;

Homeric Greek

τῇ ὅ γε παρκατέλεκτο χόλον θυμαλγέα πέσσων

ἐξ ἀρέων μητρὸς κεχολωμένος, ἥ ῥα θεοῖσι

πόλλ' ἀχέουσ' ἠρᾶτο κασιγνήτοιο φόνοιο,

πολλὰ δὲ καὶ γαῖαν πολυφόρβην χερσὶν ἀλοία

565κικλήσκουσ' Ἀί̈δην καὶ ἐπαινὴν Περσεφόνειαν

Transliteration

tēi ho ge parkatelekto cholon thymalgea pessōn

ex areōn mētros kecholōmenos, hē rha theoisi

poll' acheous' ērato kasignētoio phonoio,

polla de kai gaian polyphorbēn chersin aloia

565kiklēskous' Aïdēn kai epainēn Persephoneian

English

her father and mother then named her Halcyone, because her mother had mourned with the strains of the halcyon, bird of much grief, when Phoebus Apollo had carried her off. Meleager, then, stayed at home with Cleopatra, nursing the anger which he felt by reason of his mother's curses.

Homeric Greek

πρόχνυ καθεζομένη, δεύοντο δὲ δάκρυσι κόλποι,

παιδὶ δόμεν θάνατον: τῆς δ' ἠεροφοῖτις Ἐρινὺς

ἔκλυεν ἐξ Ἐρέβεσφιν ἀμείλιχον ἦτορ ἔχουσα.

τῶν δὲ τάχ' ἀμφὶ πύλας ὅμαδος καὶ δοῦπος ὀρώρει

570πύργων βαλλομένων: τὸν δὲ λίσσοντο γέροντες

Transliteration

prochny kathezomenē, deuonto de dakrysi kolpoi,

paidi domen thanaton: tēs d' ēerophoitis Erinys

eklyen ex Erebesphin ameilichon ētor echousa.

tōn de tach' amphi pylas homados kai doupos orōrei

570pyrgōn ballomenōn: ton de lissonto gerontes

English

His mother, grieving for the death of her brother, prayed the gods, and beat the earth with her hands, calling upon Hades and on awful Persephone; she went down upon her knees and her bosom was wet with tears as she prayed that they would

Homeric Greek

Αἰτωλῶν, πέμπον δὲ θεῶν ἱερῆας ἀρίστους,

ἐξελθεῖν καὶ ἀμῦναι ὑποσχόμενοι μέγα δῶρον:

ὁππόθι πιότατον πεδίον Καλυδῶνος ἐραννῆς,

ἔνθά μιν ἤνωγον τέμενος περικαλλὲς ἑλέσθαι

575πεντηκοντόγυον, τὸ μὲν ἥμισυ οἰνοπέδοιο,

Transliteration

Aitōlōn, pempon de theōn hierēas aristous,

exelthein kai amynai hyposchomenoi mega dōron:

hoppothi piotaton pedion Kalydōnos erannēs,

entha min ēnōgon temenos perikalles helesthai

575pentēkontogyon, to men hēmisy oinopedoio,

English

kill her son - and Erinys that walks in darkness and knows no ruth heard her from Erebos. "Then was heard the din of battle about the gates of Calydon, and the dull thump of the battering against their walls. Thereon the elders of the Aetolians besought Meleager;

Homeric Greek

ἥμισυ δὲ ψιλὴν ἄροσιν πεδίοιο ταμέσθαι.

πολλὰ δέ μιν λιτάνευε γέρων ἱππηλάτα Οἰνεὺς

οὐδοῦ ἐπεμβεβαὼς ὑψηρεφέος θαλάμοιο

σείων κολλητὰς σανίδας γουνούμενος υἱόν:

580πολλὰ δὲ τόν γε κασίγνηται καὶ πότνια μήτηρ

Transliteration

hēmisy de psilēn arosin pedioio tamesthai.

polla de min litaneue gerōn hippēlata Oineus

oudou epembebaōs hypsērepheos thalamoio

seiōn kollētas sanidas gounoumenos huion:

580polla de ton ge kasignētai kai potnia mētēr

English

they sent the chiefest of their priests, and begged him to come out and help them, promising him a great reward. They bade him choose fifty plough-gates, the most fertile in the plain of Calydon, the one-half vineyard and the other open plough-land.

Homeric Greek

ἐλλίσσονθ': ὃ δὲ μᾶλλον ἀναίνετο: πολλὰ δ' ἑταῖροι,

οἵ οἱ κεδνότατοι καὶ φίλτατοι ἦσαν ἁπάντων:

ἀλλ' οὐδ' ὧς τοῦ θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἔπειθον,

πρίν γ' ὅτε δὴ θάλαμος πύκ' ἐβάλλετο, τοὶ δ' ἐπὶ πύργων

585βαῖνον Κουρῆτες καὶ ἐνέπρηθον μέγα ἄστυ.

Transliteration

ellissonth': ho de mallon anaineto: polla d' hetairoi,

hoi hoi kednotatoi kai philtatoi ēsan hapantōn:

all' oud' hōs tou thymon eni stēthessin epeithon,

prin g' hote dē thalamos pyk' eballeto, toi d' epi pyrgōn

585bainon Kourētes kai eneprēthon mega asty.

English

The old warrior Oeneus implored him, standing at the threshold of his room and beating the doors in supplication. His sisters and his mother herself besought him sore, but he the more refused them;

Homeric Greek

καὶ τότε δὴ Μελέαγρον ἐύ̈ζωνος παράκοιτις

λίσσετ' ὀδυρομένη, καί οἱ κατέλεξεν ἅπαντα

κήδε', ὅσ' ἀνθρώποισι πέλει τῶν ἄστυ ἁλώῃ:

ἄνδρας μὲν κτείνουσι, πόλιν δέ τε πῦρ ἀμαθύνει,

590τέκνα δέ τ' ἄλλοι ἄγουσι βαθυζώνους τε γυναῖκας.

Transliteration

kai tote dē Meleagron eÿzōnos parakoitis

lisset' odyromenē, kai hoi katelexen hapanta

kēde', hos' anthrōpoisi pelei tōn asty halōēi:

andras men kteinousi, polin de te pyr amathynei,

590tekna de t' alloi agousi bathyzōnous te gynaikas.

English

those of his comrades who were nearest and dearest to him also prayed him, but they could not move him till the foe was battering at the very doors of his chamber, and the Curetes had scaled the walls and were setting fire to the city.

Homeric Greek

τοῦ δ' ὠρίνετο θυμὸς ἀκούοντος κακὰ ἔργα,

βῆ δ' ἰέναι, χροὶ̈ δ' ἔντε' ἐδύσετο παμφανόωντα.

ὣς ὃ μὲν Αἰτωλοῖσιν ἀπήμυνεν κακὸν ἦμαρ

εἴξας ᾧ θυμῷ: τῷ δ' οὐκέτι δῶρα τέλεσσαν

595πολλά τε καὶ χαρίεντα, κακὸν δ' ἤμυνε καὶ αὔτως.

Transliteration

tou d' ōrineto thymos akouontos kaka erga,

bē d' ienai, chroï d' ente' edyseto pamphanoōnta.

hōs ho men Aitōloisin apēmynen kakon ēmar

eixas hōi thymōi: tōi d' ouketi dōra telessan

595polla te kai charienta, kakon d' ēmyne kai autōs.

English

Then at last his sorrowing wife detailed the horrors that befall those whose city is taken; she reminded him how the men are slain, and the city is given over to the flames, while the women and children are carried into captivity; when he heard all this, his heart was touched, and he donned his armor to go forth.

Homeric Greek

ἀλλὰ σὺ μή μοι ταῦτα νόει φρεσί, μὴ δέ σε δαίμων

ἐνταῦθα τρέψειε φίλος: κάκιον δέ κεν εἴη

νηυσὶν καιομένῃσιν ἀμυνέμεν: ἀλλ' ἐπὶ δώρων

ἔρχεο: ἶσον γάρ σε θεῷ τίσουσιν Ἀχαιοί.

600εἰ δέ κ' ἄτερ δώρων πόλεμον φθισήνορα δύῃς

Transliteration

alla sy mē moi tauta noei phresi, mē de se daimōn

entautha trepseie philos: kakion de ken eiē

nēusin kaiomenēisin amynemen: all' epi dōrōn

ercheo: ison gar se theōi tisousin Achaioi.

600ei de k' ater dōrōn polemon phthisēnora dyēis

English

Thus of his own inward motion he saved the city of the Aetolians; but they now gave him nothing of those rich rewards that they had offered earlier, and though he saved the city he took nothing by it. Be not then, my son, thus minded; let not heaven lure you into any such course.

Homeric Greek

οὐκέθ' ὁμῶς τιμῆς ἔσεαι πόλεμόν περ ἀλαλκών,

τὸν δ' ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς:

Φοῖνιξ ἄττα γεραιὲ διοτρεφὲς οὔ τί με ταύτης

χρεὼ τιμῆς: φρονέω δὲ τετιμῆσθαι Διὸς αἴσῃ,

605ἥ μ' ἕξει παρὰ νηυσὶ κορωνίσιν εἰς ὅ κ' ἀϋτμὴ

Transliteration

ouketh' homōs timēs eseai polemon per alalkōn,

ton d' apameibomenos prosephē podas ōkys Achilleus:

Phoinix atta geraie diotrephes ou ti me tautēs

chreō timēs: phroneō de tetimēsthai Dios aisēi,

605hē m' hexei para nēusi korōnisin eis ho k' aÿtmē

English

When the ships are burning it will be a harder matter to save them. Take the gifts, and go, for the Achaeans will then honor you as a god ; whereas if you fight without taking them, you may beat the battle back, but you will not be held in like honor."

Homeric Greek

ἐν στήθεσσι μένῃ καί μοι φίλα γούνατ' ὀρώρῃ.

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

μή μοι σύγχει θυμὸν ὀδυρόμενος καὶ ἀχεύων

Ἀτρεί̈δῃ ἥρωϊ φέρων χάριν: οὐδέ τί σε χρὴ

610τὸν φιλέειν, ἵνα μή μοι ἀπέχθηαι φιλέοντι.

Transliteration

en stēthessi menēi kai moi phila gounat' orōrēi.

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

mē moi synchei thymon odyromenos kai acheuōn

Atreïdēi hērōï pherōn charin: oude ti se chrē

610ton phileein, hina mē moi apechthēai phileonti.

English

And Achilles answered, "Phoenix, old friend and foster-father, I have no need of such honor. I have honor from Zeus himself, which will abide with me at my ships while I have breath in my body, and my limbs are strong.

Homeric Greek

καλόν τοι σὺν ἐμοὶ τὸν κήδειν ὅς κ' ἐμὲ κήδῃ:

ἶσον ἐμοὶ βασίλευε καὶ ἥμισυ μείρεο τιμῆς.

οὗτοι δ' ἀγγελέουσι, σὺ δ' αὐτόθι λέξεο μίμνων

εὐνῇ ἔνι μαλακῇ: ἅμα δ' ἠοῖ φαινομένηφι

615φρασσόμεθ' ἤ κε νεώμεθ' ἐφ' ἡμέτερ' ἦ κε μένωμεν.

Transliteration

kalon toi syn emoi ton kēdein hos k' eme kēdēi:

ison emoi basileue kai hēmisy meireo timēs.

houtoi d' angeleousi, sy d' autothi lexeo mimnōn

eunēi eni malakēi: hama d' ēoi phainomenēphi

615phrassometh' ē ke neōmeth' eph' hēmeter' ē ke menōmen.

English

I say further - and lay my saying to your heart - vex me no more with this weeping and lamentation, all to do a favor for the son of Atreus. Love him so well, and you may lose the love I bear you. You ought to help me rather in troubling those that trouble me;

Homeric Greek

ἦ καὶ Πατρόκλῳ ὅ γ' ἐπ' ὀφρύσι νεῦσε σιωπῇ

Φοίνικι στορέσαι πυκινὸν λέχος, ὄφρα τάχιστα

ἐκ κλισίης νόστοιο μεδοίατο: τοῖσι δ' ἄρ' Αἴας

ἀντίθεος Τελαμωνιάδης μετὰ μῦθον ἔειπε:

620διογενὲς Λαερτιάδη πολυμήχαν' Ὀδυσσεῦ

Transliteration

ē kai Patroklōi ho g' ep' ophrysi neuse siōpēi

Phoiniki storesai pykinon lechos, ophra tachista

ek klisiēs nostoio medoiato: toisi d' ar' Aias

antitheos Telamōniadēs meta mython eeipe:

620diogenes Laertiadē polymēchan' Odysseu

English

be king as much as I am, and share like honor with myself; the others shall take my answer; stay here yourself and sleep comfortably in your bed; at daybreak we will consider whether to remain or go." On this he nodded quietly to Patroklos as a

Homeric Greek

ἴομεν: οὐ γάρ μοι δοκέει μύθοιο τελευτὴ

τῇδέ γ' ὁδῷ κρανέεσθαι: ἀπαγγεῖλαι δὲ τάχιστα

χρὴ μῦθον Δαναοῖσι καὶ οὐκ ἀγαθόν περ ἐόντα

οἵ που νῦν ἕαται ποτιδέγμενοι. αὐτάρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

625ἄγριον ἐν στήθεσσι θέτο μεγαλήτορα θυμὸν

Transliteration

iomen: ou gar moi dokeei mythoio teleutē

tēide g' hodōi kraneesthai: apangeilai de tachista

chrē mython Danaoisi kai ouk agathon per eonta

hoi pou nyn heatai potidegmenoi. autar Achilleus

625agrion en stēthessi theto megalētora thymon

English

sign that he was to prepare a bed for Phoenix, and that the others should take their leave. Ajax son of Telamon then said, "Odysseus, noble son of Laertes, let us be gone, for I see that our journey is vain.

Homeric Greek

σχέτλιος, οὐδὲ μετατρέπεται φιλότητος ἑταίρων

τῆς ᾗ μιν παρὰ νηυσὶν ἐτίομεν ἔξοχον ἄλλων

νηλής: καὶ μέν τίς τε κασιγνήτοιο φονῆος

ποινὴν ἢ οὗ παιδὸς ἐδέξατο τεθνηῶτος:

630καί ῥ' ὃ μὲν ἐν δήμῳ μένει αὐτοῦ πόλλ' ἀποτίσας,

Transliteration

schetlios, oude metatrepetai philotētos hetairōn

tēs hēi min para nēusin etiomen exochon allōn

nēlēs: kai men tis te kasignētoio phonēos

poinēn ē hou paidos edexato tethnēōtos:

630kai rh' ho men en dēmōi menei autou poll' apotisas,

English

We must now take our answer, unwelcome though it be, to the Danaans who are waiting to receive it. Achilles is savage and remorseless; he is cruel, and cares nothing for the affection that his comrades lavished upon him more than on all the others.

Homeric Greek

τοῦ δέ τ' ἐρητύεται κραδίη καὶ θυμὸς ἀγήνωρ

ποινὴν δεξαμένῳ: σοὶ δ' ἄληκτόν τε κακόν τε

θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσι θεοὶ θέσαν εἵνεκα κούρης

οἴης: νῦν δέ τοι ἑπτὰ παρίσχομεν ἔξοχ' ἀρίστας,

635ἄλλά τε πόλλ' ἐπὶ τῇσι: σὺ δ' ἵλαον ἔνθεο θυμόν,

Transliteration

tou de t' erētyetai kradiē kai thymos agēnōr

poinēn dexamenōi: soi d' alēkton te kakon te

thymon eni stēthessi theoi thesan heineka kourēs

oiēs: nyn de toi hepta parischomen exoch' aristas,

635alla te poll' epi tēisi: sy d' hilaon entheo thymon,

English

He is implacable - and yet if a man's brother or son has been slain he will accept a fine by way of amends from him that killed him, and the wrong-doer having paid in full remains in peace in his own district ;

Homeric Greek

αἴδεσσαι δὲ μέλαθρον: ὑπωρόφιοι δέ τοί εἰμεν

πληθύος ἐκ Δαναῶν, μέμαμεν δέ τοι ἔξοχον ἄλλων

κήδιστοί τ' ἔμεναι καὶ φίλτατοι ὅσσοι Ἀχαιοί.

τὸν δ' ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς:

640Αἶαν διογενὲς Τελαμώνιε κοίρανε λαῶν

Transliteration

aidessai de melathron: hypōrophioi de toi eimen

plēthyos ek Danaōn, memamen de toi exochon allōn

kēdistoi t' emenai kai philtatoi hossoi Achaioi.

ton d' apameibomenos prosephē podas ōkys Achilleus:

640Aian diogenes Telamōnie koirane laōn

English

but as for you, Achilles, the gods have put a wicked unforgiving spirit in your breast, and this, all about one single girl, whereas we now offer you the seven best we have, and much else into the bargain. Be then of a more gracious mind, respect the hospitality of your own roof.

Homeric Greek

πάντά τί μοι κατὰ θυμὸν ἐείσαο μυθήσασθαι:

ἀλλά μοι οἰδάνεται κραδίη χόλῳ ὁππότε κείνων

μνήσομαι ὥς μ' ἀσύφηλον ἐν Ἀργείοισιν ἔρεξεν

Ἀτρεί̈δης ὡς εἴ τιν' ἀτίμητον μετανάστην.

645ἀλλ' ὑμεῖς ἔρχεσθε καὶ ἀγγελίην ἀπόφασθε:

Transliteration

panta ti moi kata thymon eeisao mythēsasthai:

alla moi oidanetai kradiē cholōi hoppote keinōn

mnēsomai hōs m' asyphēlon en Argeioisin erexen

Atreïdēs hōs ei tin' atimēton metanastēn.

645all' hymeis erchesthe kai angeliēn apophasthe:

English

We are with you as messengers from the host of the Danaans, and would fain he held nearest and dearest to yourself of all the Achaeans." "Ajax," replied Achilles, "noble son of Telamon, you have spoken much to my liking, but my blood boils when

Homeric Greek

οὐ γὰρ πρὶν πολέμοιο μεδήσομαι αἱματόεντος

πρίν γ' υἱὸν Πριάμοιο δαί̈φρονος Ἕκτορα δῖον

Μυρμιδόνων ἐπί τε κλισίας καὶ νῆας ἱκέσθαι

κτείνοντ' Ἀργείους, κατά τε σμῦξαι πυρὶ νῆας.

650ἀμφὶ δέ τοι τῇ ἐμῇ κλισίῃ καὶ νηὶ̈ μελαίνῃ

Transliteration

ou gar prin polemoio medēsomai haimatoentos

prin g' huion Priamoio daïphronos Hektora dion

Myrmidonōn epi te klisias kai nēas hikesthai

kteinont' Argeious, kata te smyxai pyri nēas.

650amphi de toi tēi emēi klisiēi kai nēï melainēi

English

I think it all over, and remember how the son of Atreus treated me with contumely as though I were some vile tramp, and that too in the presence of the Argives. Go, then, and deliver your message;

Homeric Greek

Ἕκτορα καὶ μεμαῶτα μάχης σχήσεσθαι ὀί̈ω.

ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δὲ ἕκαστος ἑλὼν δέπας ἀμφικύπελλον

σπείσαντες παρὰ νῆας ἴσαν πάλιν: ἦρχε δ' Ὀδυσσεύς.

Πάτροκλος δ' ἑτάροισιν ἰδὲ δμωῇσι κέλευσε

655Φοίνικι στορέσαι πυκινὸν λέχος ὅττι τάχιστα.

Transliteration

Hektora kai memaōta machēs schēsesthai oïō.

hōs ephath', hoi de hekastos helōn depas amphikypellon

speisantes para nēas isan palin: ērche d' Odysseus.

Patroklos d' hetaroisin ide dmōēisi keleuse

655Phoiniki storesai pykinon lechos hotti tachista.

English

say that I will have no concern with fighting till Hektor, son of noble Priam, reaches the tents of the Myrmidons in his murderous course, and flings fire upon their ships. For all his lust of battle, I take it he will be held in check when he is at my own tent and ship."

Homeric Greek

αἳ δ' ἐπιπειθόμεναι στόρεσαν λέχος ὡς ἐκέλευσε

κώεά τε ῥῆγός τε λίνοιό τε λεπτὸν ἄωτον.

ἔνθ' ὃ γέρων κατέλεκτο καὶ ἠῶ δῖαν ἔμιμνεν.

αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς εὗδε μυχῷ κλισίης εὐπήκτου:

660τῷ δ' ἄρα παρκατέλεκτο γυνή, τὴν Λεσβόθεν ἦγε,

Transliteration

hai d' epipeithomenai storesan lechos hōs ekeleuse

kōea te rhēgos te linoio te lepton aōton.

enth' ho gerōn katelekto kai ēō dian emimnen.

autar Achilleus heude mychōi klisiēs eupēktou:

660tōi d' ara parkatelekto gynē, tēn Lesbothen ēge,

English

On this they took every man his double cup, made their drink-offerings, and went back to the ships, Odysseus leading the way. But Patroklos told his men and the maid-servants to make ready a comfortable bed for Phoenix;

Homeric Greek

Φόρβαντος θυγάτηρ Διομήδη καλλιπάρῃος.

Πάτροκλος δ' ἑτέρωθεν ἐλέξατο: πὰρ δ' ἄρα καὶ τῷ

Ἶφις ἐύ̈ζωνος, τήν οἱ πόρε δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς

Σκῦρον ἑλὼν αἰπεῖαν Ἐνυῆος πτολίεθρον.

665οἳ δ' ὅτε δὴ κλισίῃσιν ἐν Ἀτρεί̈δαο γένοντο.

Transliteration

Phorbantos thygatēr Diomēdē kalliparēios.

Patroklos d' heterōthen elexato: par d' ara kai tōi

Iphis eÿzōnos, tēn hoi pore dios Achilleus

Skyron helōn aipeian Enyēos ptoliethron.

665hoi d' hote dē klisiēisin en Atreïdao genonto.

English

they therefore did so with sheepskins, a rug, and a sheet of fine linen. The old man then laid himself down and waited till morning came. But Achilles slept in an inner room, and beside him the daughter of Phorbas lovely Diomede, whom he had carried off from Lesbos.

Homeric Greek

τοὺς μὲν ἄρα χρυσέοισι κυπέλλοις υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

δειδέχατ' ἄλλοθεν ἄλλος ἀνασταδόν, ἔκ τ' ἐρέοντο:

πρῶτος δ' ἐξερέεινεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων:

εἴπ' ἄγε μ' ὦ πολύαιν' Ὀδυσεῦ μέγα κῦδος Ἀχαιῶν

670ἤ ῥ' ἐθέλει νήεσσιν ἀλεξέμεναι δήϊον πῦρ,

Transliteration

tous men ara chryseoisi kypellois huies Achaiōn

deidechat' allothen allos anastadon, ek t' ereonto:

prōtos d' exereeinen anax andrōn Agamemnōn:

eip' age m' ō polyain' Odyseu mega kydos Achaiōn

670ē rh' ethelei nēessin alexemenai dēïon pyr,

English

Patroklos lay on the other side of the room, and with him fair Iphis whom Achilles had given him when he took Skyros the city of Enyeus. When the envoys reached the tents of the son of Atreus, the Achaeans rose, pledged them in cups of gold, and began to question them.

Homeric Greek

ἦ ἀπέειπε, χόλος δ' ἔτ' ἔχει μεγαλήτορα θυμόν;

τὸν δ' αὖτε προσέειπε πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς:

Ἀτρεί̈δη κύδιστε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγάμεμνον

κεῖνός γ' οὐκ ἐθέλει σβέσσαι χόλον, ἀλλ' ἔτι μᾶλλον

675πιμπλάνεται μένεος, σὲ δ' ἀναίνεται ἠδὲ σὰ δῶρα.

Transliteration

ē apeeipe, cholos d' et' echei megalētora thymon;

ton d' aute proseeipe polytlas dios Odysseus:

Atreïdē kydiste anax andrōn Agamemnon

keinos g' ouk ethelei sbessai cholon, all' eti mallon

675pimplanetai meneos, se d' anainetai ēde sa dōra.

English

King Agamemnon was the first to do so. Tell me, Odysseus," said he, "will he save the ships from burning, or did be refuse,

Homeric Greek

αὐτόν σε φράζεσθαι ἐν Ἀργείοισιν ἄνωγεν

ὅππως κεν νῆάς τε σαῷς καὶ λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν:

αὐτὸς δ' ἠπείλησεν ἅμ' ἠοῖ φαινομένηφι

νῆας ἐϋσσέλμους ἅλαδ' ἑλκέμεν ἀμφιελίσσας.

680καὶ δ' ἂν τοῖς ἄλλοισιν ἔφη παραμυθήσασθαι

Transliteration

auton se phrazesthai en Argeioisin anōgen

hoppōs ken nēas te saōis kai laon Achaiōn:

autos d' ēpeilēsen ham' ēoi phainomenēphi

nēas eÿsselmous halad' helkemen amphielissas.

680kai d' an tois alloisin ephē paramythēsasthai

English

and is he still furious?" Odysseus answered, "Most noble son of Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon, Achilles will not be calmed, but is more fiercely angry than ever, and spurns both you and your gifts. He bids you take counsel with the Achaeans to save the ships and host as you best may;

Homeric Greek

οἴκαδ' ἀποπλείειν, ἐπεὶ οὐκέτι δήετε τέκμωρ

Ἰλίου αἰπεινῆς: μάλα γάρ ἑθεν εὐρύοπα Ζεὺς

χεῖρα ἑὴν ὑπερέσχε, τεθαρσήκασι δὲ λαοί.

ὣς ἔφατ': εἰσὶ καὶ οἵδε τάδ' εἰπέμεν, οἵ μοι ἕποντο,

685Αἴας καὶ κήρυκε δύω πεπνυμένω ἄμφω.

Transliteration

oikad' apopleiein, epei ouketi dēete tekmōr

Iliou aipeinēs: mala gar hethen euryopa Zeus

cheira heēn hyperesche, tetharsēkasi de laoi.

hōs ephat': eisi kai hoide tad' eipemen, hoi moi heponto,

685Aias kai kēryke dyō pepnymenō amphō.

English

as for himself, he said that at daybreak he should draw his ships into the water. He said further that he should advise every one to sail home likewise, for that you will not reach the goal of Ilion. ‘Zeus,’ he said, ‘has laid his hand over the city to protect it, and the people have taken heart.’

Homeric Greek

Φοῖνιξ δ' αὖθ' ὃ γέρων κατελέξατο, ὡς γὰρ ἀνώγει,

ὄφρά οἱ ἐν νήεσσι φίλην ἐς πατρίδ' ἕπηται

αὔριον, ἢν ἐθέλῃσιν: ἀνάγκῃ δ' οὔ τί μιν ἄξει.

ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δ' ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ

690μῦθον ἀγασσάμενοι: μάλα γὰρ κρατερῶς ἀγόρευσε.

Transliteration

Phoinix d' auth' ho gerōn katelexato, hōs gar anōgei,

ophra hoi en nēessi philēn es patrid' hepētai

aurion, ēn ethelēisin: anankēi d' ou ti min axei.

hōs ephath', hoi d' ara pantes akēn egenonto siōpēi

690mython agassamenoi: mala gar kraterōs agoreuse.

English

This is what he said, and the others who were with me can tell you the same story - Ajax and the two heralds, men, both of them, who may be trusted. The old man Phoenix stayed where he was to sleep, for so Achilles would have it, that he might go home with him in the morning if he so would;

Homeric Greek

δὴν δ' ἄνεῳ ἦσαν τετιηότες υἷες Ἀχαιῶν:

ὀψὲ δὲ δὴ μετέειπε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης:

Ἀτρεί̈δη κύδιστε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγάμεμνον

μὴ ὄφελες λίσσεσθαι ἀμύμονα Πηλεί̈ωνα

695μυρία δῶρα διδούς: ὃ δ' ἀγήνωρ ἐστὶ καὶ ἄλλως:

Transliteration

dēn d' aneōi ēsan tetiēotes huies Achaiōn:

opse de dē meteeipe boēn agathos Diomēdēs:

Atreïdē kydiste anax andrōn Agamemnon

mē opheles lissesthai amymona Pēleïōna

695myria dōra didous: ho d' agēnōr esti kai allōs:

English

but he will not take him by force." They all held their peace, sitting for a long time silent and dejected, by reason of the sternness with which Achilles had refused them, till presently Diomedes said, "Most noble son of Atreus, king

Homeric Greek

νῦν αὖ μιν πολὺ μᾶλλον ἀγηνορίῃσιν ἐνῆκας.

ἀλλ' ἤτοι κεῖνον μὲν ἐάσομεν ἤ κεν ἴῃσιν

ἦ κε μένῃ: τότε δ' αὖτε μαχήσεται ὁππότε κέν μιν

θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἀνώγῃ καὶ θεὸς ὄρσῃ.

700ἀλλ' ἄγεθ' ὡς ἂν ἐγὼ εἴπω πειθώμεθα πάντες:

Transliteration

nyn au min poly mallon agēnoriēisin enēkas.

all' ētoi keinon men easomen ē ken iēisin

ē ke menēi: tote d' aute machēsetai hoppote ken min

thymos eni stēthessin anōgēi kai theos orsēi.

700all' ageth' hōs an egō eipō peithōmetha pantes:

English

of men, Agamemnon, you ought not to have sued the son of Peleus nor offered him gifts. He is proud enough as it is, and you have encouraged him in his pride am further. Let him stay or go as he will.

Homeric Greek

νῦν μὲν κοιμήσασθε τεταρπόμενοι φίλον ἦτορ

σίτου καὶ οἴνοιο: τὸ γὰρ μένος ἐστὶ καὶ ἀλκή:

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί κε φανῇ καλὴ ῥοδοδάκτυλος Ἠώς,

καρπαλίμως πρὸ νεῶν ἐχέμεν λαόν τε καὶ ἵππους

705ὀτρύνων, καὶ δ' αὐτὸς ἐνὶ πρώτοισι μάχεσθαι.

Transliteration

nyn men koimēsasthe tetarpomenoi philon ētor

sitou kai oinoio: to gar menos esti kai alkē:

autar epei ke phanēi kalē rhododaktylos Ēōs,

karpalimōs pro neōn echemen laon te kai hippous

705otrynōn, kai d' autos eni prōtoisi machesthai.

English

He will fight later when he is in the humor, and heaven puts it in his mind to do so. Now, therefore, let us all do as I say; we have eaten and drunk our fill, let us then take our rest, for in rest there is both strength and stay.

Homeric Greek

ὣς ἔφαθ', οἳ δ' ἄρα πάντες ἐπῄνησαν βασιλῆες

μῦθον ἀγασσάμενοι Διομήδεος ἱπποδάμοιο.

καὶ τότε δὴ σπείσαντες ἔβαν κλισίην δὲ ἕκαστος,

ἔνθα δὲ κοιμήσαντο καὶ ὕπνου δῶρον ἕλοντο.

Transliteration

hōs ephath', hoi d' ara pantes epēinēsan basilēes

mython agassamenoi Diomēdeos hippodamoio.

kai tote dē speisantes eban klisiēn de hekastos,

entha de koimēsanto kai hypnou dōron helonto.

English

But when fair rosy-fingered morn appears, forthwith bring out your host and your horsemen in front of the ships, urging them on, and yourself fighting among the foremost." Thus he spoke, and the other chieftains approved his words. They then made their drink-offerings and went every man to his own tent, where they laid down to rest and enjoyed the boon of sleep.