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* O goddess sing what woe the discontent
* Of Thetis’ son brought to the Greeks; what souls
* Of heroes down to Erebus it sent,
* Leaving their bodies unto dogs and fowls;
* 5Whilst the two princes of the army strove,
* King Agamemnon and Achilles stout.
* That so it should be was the will of Jove,
* But who was he that made them first fall out?
* Apollo; who incensed by the wrong
* 10To his priest Chryses by Atrides done,
* Sent a great pestilence the Greeks among;
* Apace they died, and remedy was none.
* For Chryses came unto the Argive fleet,
* With treasure great his daughter to redeem;
* 15And having in his hands the ensigns meet,
* That did the priestly dignity beseem,
* A golden sceptre and a crown of bays,
* Unto the princes all made his request;
* But to the two Atrides chiefly prays,
* 20Who of the Argive army were the best.
* O sons of Atreus, may the Gods grant you
* A safe return from Troy with victory;
* And you on me compassion may shew,
* Receive these gifts and set my daughter free;
* 25And have respect to Jove’s and Leto’s son.
* To this the princes all gave their consent,
* Except King Agamemnon. He alone,
* And with sharp language from the fleet him sent;
* Old man, said he, let me not see you here
* 30Now staying, or returning back again,
* For fear the golden sceptre which you bear,
* And chaplet hanging on it, prove but vain.
* Your daughter shall to Argos go far hence,
* And make my bed, and labour at the loom,
* 35And take heed you no farther me incense,
* Lest you return not safely to your home.
* Frighted with this, away the old man went;
* And often as he walked on the sand,
* His prayers to Apollo up he sent.
* 40Hear me, Apollo, with thy bow in hand,
* That honour’d art in Tenedos and Chryse,
* And unto whom Cylla great honour bears,
* If thou accepted hast my sacrifice,
* Pay th’ Argives with thy arrows for my tears.
* 45His prayer was granted by the deity;
* Who with his silver bow and arrows keen,
* Descended from Olympus silently
* In likeness of the sable night unseen.
* His bow and quiver both behind him hang,
* 50The arrows chink as often as he jogs,
* And as he shot the bow was heard to twang,
* And first his arrows flew at mules and dogs.
* But when the plague into the army came,
* Perpetual was the fire of funerals;
* 55And so nine days continued the same.
* Achilles on the tenth for counsel calls;
* And Juno ’twas that put it in his head,
* Who for the Argive army was afraid:
* The lords to counsel being gathered,
* 60Up stood Achilles, and thus to them said,
* We must, I think, Atrides, run from hence,
* Since war and plague consume us both at once,
* Let’s think on how to stay the pestilence,
* Or else at Troy resolve to leave our bones.
* 65Let’s with some priest or prophet here advise,
* That knows the pleasure of the gods above,
* Or some that at expounding dreams are wise,
* For also dreams descend on men from Jove:
* That we may from him know Apollo’s mind,
* 70If we for sacrifice be in arrear,
* Or if he will for lambs and goats be kind,
* And to destroy us from henceforth forbear.
* Achilles then sat down, and Chalchas rose,
* That was of great renown for augury,
* 75And any thing was able to disclose,
* That had been, is, or should hereafter be;
* And guided had the Greeks to Ilium;
* Achilles, said he, since you me command
* To tell you why this plague is on us come,
* 80Swear you will save me both with word and hand.
* Of all the Greeks it will offend the best;
* Who though his anger for awhile he smother,
* Will not, I fear, long time contented rest,
* But will revenged be some time or other.
* 85Chalchas, replied Achilles, do not fear,
* But what the god has told you bring to light:
* By Phœbus, not a man shall hurt you here,
* As long as I enjoy my life and sight;
* Though Agamemnon be the man you dread,
* 90Who is of all the army most obeyed.
* The prophet by these words encouraged,
* Said what before to say he was afraid.
* ’Tis not neglect of vow or sacrifice
* That doth the God Apollo thus displease;
* 95But that we do his priest so much despise,
* As not his child for ransom to release.
* And more, till she be to her father sent,
* And with a hecatomb, and ransomless,
* The anger of the god will not relent,
* 100Nor will the sickness ’mongst the people cease.
* This said, he sat. The king look’d furiously,
* And anger flaming stood upon his eyes,
* While many black thoughts on his heart did lie;
* And to the prophet Chalchas thus replies:
* 105Unlucky prophet, that didst never yet
* Good fortune prophecy to me, but ill,
* And ever with a mind against me set
* Inventest prophecies to cross my will;
* And now again you fain would have it thought,
* 110Because I would not let Chryseis go,
* The gifts refusing which her father brought,
* Therefore this plague was sent amongst us now.
* With Clytemnestra she may well contend,
* For person, or for beauty, or for art;
* 115Yet so, to send her home I do intend,
* For of our loss I bear the greatest part.
* But you must then some prize for me provide;
* Shall no man unrewarded go but I?
* This said, Achilles to the king replied,
* 120Atrides, that on booty have your eye,
* You know divided is, or sold the prey
* Which never can resumed be again.
* But send her home. When we shall have sack’d Troy,
* Your loss shall be repaid with triple gain.
* 125No, said Atrides, that I never meant;
* D’ye think ’tis fit that you your shares retain?
* And only mine unto the God be sent,
* That unrewarded none but I remain?
* I thought it reason th’ Argives should collect
* 130Amongst themselves the value (how they list)
* And give it me before they did expect
* This prize of mine should be by me dismist.
* If they’ll do that, ’tis well. If not, I’ll go
* To your, or Ajax, or Ulysses’ tent,
* 135And take his prize, and right myself will so,
* Wherewith I think he will not be content.
* But since there’s time enough to speak of this,
* Let’s ready make a ship with able rowers,
* And th’ hecatomb, to go with fair Chryseis,
* 140And, to direct, one of the counsellors;
* Ajax, Idomeneus, Ulysses, or
* Yourself may go, Achilles, if you please,
* And do the business you are pleading for,
* And, if you can, th’ offended God appease.
* 145O impudence! Achilles then replied,
* What other of th’ Achæans willingly,
* Will, when you only for yourself provide,
* Go where you bid, or fight with th’ enemy?
* Against the Trojans I no quarrel have.
* 150In Pthia plund’ring they were never seen,
* Nor ever thence my kine or horses drave,
* Nor could; the sea and great hills are between.
* Only for yours and Menelaus’ sake,
* To honour gain for you we came to Troy,
* 155Whereof no notice, dogs-head, now you take,
* But threaten me my prize to take away;
* Which by my labour I have dearly bought,
* And by th’ Achæans given me has been.
* And when the city Troy we shall have got,
* 160Your share will great, mine little be therein.
* For though my part be greatest in the pain,
* Yet when unto division we come,
* You will expect the greatest part o’ th’ gain,
* And that with little I go weary home.
* 165Then farewell Troy. To sea I’ll go again,
* And back to Pthia. Then it will be seen
* When you without me shall at Troy remain,
* What honour and what riches you shall win.
* Go when you will, said Agamemnon, fly,
* 170I’ll not entreat you for my sake to stay.
* When you are gone more honour’d shall be I,
* Nor Jove, I hope, will with you go away.
* In you I shall but lose an enemy
* That only loves to quarrel and to fight.
* 175The Gods have given you strength I not deny.
* Go ’mongst your myrmidons and use your might.
* I care not for you, nor your anger fear,
* For after I have sent away Chryseis,
* And satisfi’d the God, I’ll not forbear
* 180To fetch away from you the fair Briseis,
* And that by force. For I would have you see
* How much to mine inferior is your might,
* And others fear t’ oppose themselves to me.
* This swell’d Achilles’ choler to the height,
* 185And made him study what to do were best,
* To draw his sword and Agamemnon kill,
* Or take some time his anger to digest.
* His sword was drawn, yet doubtful was his will.
* But Juno, that of both of them took care,
* 190Sent Pallas down, who coming stood behind
* Achilles, and laid hold upon his hair.
* Whereat Achilles wond’ring in his mind,
* Turn’d back, and by the terror of her eyes
* Knew her; but by none else perceiv’d was she.
* 195Come you, said he, to see the injuries
* That are by Agamemnon done to me?
* So great, O Goddess Pallas, is his pride,
* As I believe it cost him will his life.
* I hither came, Athena then reply’d,
* 200To put an end to this unlucky strife.
* From heaven I hither was by Juno sent,
* That loves you both, and of you both takes care,
* Drawing of swords and bloodshed to prevent.
* But as for evil words you need not spare.
* 205For the wrong done you he shall trebly pay
* Another time. Hold then. Your sword forbear.
* I must then, said Achilles, you obey,
* Tho’ wrong’d. Who hears not Gods, the Gods not hear.
* This said, his mighty sword again he sheath’d,
* 210And Pallas up unto Olympus flew.
* Achilles still nothing but choler breath’d,
* And Agamemnon thus revil’d anew.
* Dog’s-face, and drunkard, coward that thou art,
* That hat’st to lead the people out to fight;
* 215Nor yet to lie in ambush hast the heart,
* And painfully watch in the field all night.
* But thou to take from other men their due,
* Safe lying in the camp, more pleasure hast.
* But fools they are that ruled are by you,
* 220Or else this injury had been your last.
* But this I’ll say, and with an oath make good.
* (Now by this sceptre, which hath left behind
* The stock whereon it once grew in the wood,
* And never more shall have nor leaf nor rind,
* 225And by Achæan princes now is borne
* By whom Jove’s laws to th’ people carried be.)
* You hear now what a great oath I have sworn:
* If ere the Acheans shall have need of me,
* And Agamemnon cannot them relieve,
* 230When Hector fills the field with bodies slain,
* And Agamemnon only for them grieve,
* They my assistance wish for shall in vain.
* This said, Achilles threw the sceptre down
* That stuck all over was with nails of gold;
* 325And Nestor rose, of Pyle that wore the crown,
* Wise and sweet orator and captain old.
* His words like honey dropped from his tongue.
* Two ages he in battle honour gain’d.
* For all that while he youthful was and strong,
* 240And with the third age now in Pyle he reign’d.
* What grief t’ Achæa coming is, said he,
* O Gods, what joy to Priam and his seed,
* How glad will all the Trojans be to see
* You two, that all the rest in pow’r exceed,
* 245With your own hands shed one another’s blood!
* I elder am, do then as I advise.
* For I conversed have with men as good,
* That yet my counsel never did despise.
* Perithous and Dryas were great men,
* 250And Polyphemus and Exadius,
* Such as for strength I ne’er shall see again;
* And so were Cæneus, and Theseus,
* The strongest of mankind were these, and slew
* The strongest of wild beasts that haunt the wood.
* 255These strong men I convers’d withal and knew;
* And with them also I did what I could.
* With these no other could contend in fight.
* Yet they from Pyle thought fit to call me forth
* Far off; nor ever did my counsel slight.
* 260Think not therefore my counsel nothing worth.
* Atrides take not from him, though you can,
* The damsel which the Greeks have given him.
* Forbear the king, Pelides. For the man
* Whom Jove hath crown’d is made of Jove a limb.
* 265Though you be strong, and on a Goddess got,
* Atrides is before you in command.
* Atrides, be but you to peace once brought,
* T’ appease Achilles I will take in hand,
* Who is (while we are lying here) our wall.
* 270To this Atrides answered again,
* I nothing can deny of this at all.
* But he amongst us thinks he ought to reign,
* And give the law to all as he thinks fit.
* But I am certain that shall never be.
* 275He well can fight; the Gods have granted it,
* But they ne’er taught him words of infamy.
* Then interrupting him, Achilles said,
* I were a wretch and nothing worth indeed,
* If I whatever you command obey’d.
* 280I will no more to what you say take heed.
* But this I tell you, if you take away
* The damsel which is mine by your own gift,
* I do not mean for that to make a fray
* Amongst the Greeks, or once my hand to lift.
* 285Fetch her yourself, Atrides, but take heed
* Against my will you nothing else take there.
* Try; that th’ Achæans may see how you speed,
* And how your black blood shall run down my spear.
* Thus in disorder the assembly ends.
* 290Achilles to his own ships took his way,
* Patroclus with him and his other friends.
* And Agamemnon then without delay
* Launched a bark, and in go row’rs twice ten.
* Aboard the maid and th’ hecatomb they lay.
* 295Ulysses went commander of the men.
* And swiftly then the ship cuts out her way.
* And then Atrides th’ army purifi’d,
* And threw into the sea the purgament.
* Then sacrific’d o’ th’ sands by the sea side
* 300A hecatomb. To heaven up went the scent,
* And busy were the people. But the king
* Still on his quarrel with Achilles thought,
* And how Briseis from his tent to bring.
* For what he threaten’d he had not forgot.
* 305But sent Talthybius and Eurybates
* T’ Achilles’ tent to fetch Briseis thence.
* (Two public servants of the king were these,
* Ordained to carry his commandments.)
* If he refuse, said he, to let her go,
* 310I’ll thither go myself with greater force
* And take her thence, whether he will or no.
* Which, angry as he is, will vex him worse.
* The messengers, though not well pleased, went
* Unto the fleet o’ th’ Myrmidons, and there
* 315They found Achilles sitting by his tent.
* Well pleas’d he was not. And they silent were,
* And stood still, struck with fear and reverence.
* Achilles seeing that, spake first, and said,
* Come near. To me you have done no offence.
* 320Go you, Patroclus, and lead forth the maid,
* And give her to these men, that they may be
* To Gods and men, and to th’ unbridled man,
* My witnesses, when they have need of me
* To save th’ Achæans, which he never can.
* 325For what can he devise of any worth?
* Or how can he the Greeks in battle save?
* This said, Patroclus led Briseis forth,
* And to Atrides’ messengers her gave.
* She with them went, though much against her heart.
* 330Achilles from his friends went off and pray’d.
* And sitting with his face to the sea apart
* Weeping, unto his mother Thetis said,
* Mother, though Jove have given me so small
* A time of life, I could contented be,
* 335Had I not been dishonoured withal,
* And forc’d to bear such open injury.
* Thetis in the inmost closets of the deep,
* Sat with the old God Nereus, and heard.
* And not enduring long to hear him weep,
* 340Above the sea like to a mist appear’d,
* And by him sat, and strok’d his head, and said,
* Why weep you, child? What is’t that grieves you so?
* Tell me, speak out. Of what are you afraid?
* Come, whatsoever ’tis let me it know.
* 345Mother, said he, ’tis not to you unknown,
* When we took Thebe, and had brought away
* The captives and the riches of the town,
* Chryseis fell t’ Atrides for his prey.
* And how her father Chryses came to th’ fleet
* 350With ransom great his daughter to redeem,
* And having in his hands the ensigns meet
* Which did his priestly dignity beseem,
* A golden sceptre and a crown of bays,
* Unto the princes all made his request.
* 355But to the two Atrides chiefly prays,
* Who of the Argive army were the best.
* O sons of Atreus, may the Gods grant you
* A safe return from Troy with victory;
* And you on me compassion may shew,
* 360Receive these gifts, and set my daughter free;
* And have respect to Jove’s and Leto’s son.
* To this the princes all gave their consent,
* Except King Agamemnon. He alone,
* And with sharp language from the fleet him sent.
* 365Away the old man goes, and as he went,
* Against the Greeks he to Apollo pray’d;
* Who heard him, and the plague amongst them sent,
* Which daily multitudes of them destroy’d.
* Of which the prophet, being ask’d the cause,
* 370Said, ’twas for th’ injury to Chryses done.
* I mov’d to send her back. Then angry was
* Atrides, though beside Atrides, none.
* And though he too has sent her now away,
* Yet what he threaten’d he has brought to pass.
* 375His officers from me have forc’d my prey,
* And Agamemnon now Briseis has.
* And now, if ever, let me have your aid,
* If you have holpen Jove with word or deed;
* (For in my father’s house you oft have said,
* 380That heretofore you stood him in great stead,
* When other Gods to bind him had decreed,
* Juno and Neptune, Pallas and the rest,
* You to him came and from his bonds him freed.
* For up you fetch’d Briareus, the best
* 385Of Titans all, whom men Ægæon call,
* The gods Briareus, with a hundred hands,
* And set him next to Jove. No God at all
* Then durst to Jupiter approach with bonds);
* Put Jove in mind of this, and him intreat
* 390The Trojan hands to fortify in fight,
* And to repel the Greeks with slaughter great,
* That in their goodly king they may delight,
* And Agamemnon count what he hath won
* By doing such dishonour to the best
* 395Of th’ Argives, and that has such service done.
* Ay me, said Thetis, would you could here rest
* Unhurt, ungriev’d. For I have born you to
* Short life. And not far from you is your fate.
* And grievous ’tis to be dishonour’d too.
* 400But I to Jove will all you say relate
* When I go to Olympus. Till then stay,
* And angry though you are, from war forbear.
* To blackmoor-land the Gods went yesterday,
* And twelve days hence again they will be there.
* 405This said, the Goddess went away, and left
* Her son Achilles with his anger striving,
* For that he had been of his prize bereft.
* And then Ulysses at the port arriving
* Of Chryse, first his sails he furl’d, and stow’d
* 410Them on the deck together with the mast;
* And with their oars their ship ashore they row’d,
* And out their anchors threw; and ty’d her fast.
* And on the beach the men descending laid
* The victims in good order on the sand.
* 415When this was done, they disembark’d the maid.
* And then Ulysses took her by the hand,
* And brought her to the altar, where the priest
* Her father stood, and to him spake, and said,
* O Chryses, see, Atrides hath dismiss’d
* 420Your daughter, and this hecatomb hath paid.
* By Agamemnon we are hither sent
* The same to offer, and t’ Apollo pray,
* That he accept it will, and be content
* The sickness from the Greeks to take away.
* 425This said, he put Chryseis to his hand,
* And he with great contentment her receiv’d.
* Then all with salt and barley ready stand,
* And Chryses pray’d with hands to heaven upheav’d.
* Hear me, Apollo, with the silver bow,
* 430That dost in Tenedos and Cylla reign,
* And heardst my pray’r against the Greeks; hear now,
* And from them send the pestilence again.
* When Chryses had thus to Apollo pray’d,
* Then pray’d they all; and salt and barley threw
* 435Upon the victims; which they kill’d and flay’d.
* But from the altar first they them withdrew.
* And then the thighs cut off they alit in twain,
* And round about they cover them with fat,
* And one part on the other laid again.
* 440The priest himself came when they had done that,
* And burnt them on a fire of cloven wood;
* And as they burning were pour’d on black wine.
* Young men with spits five-branched by them stood.
* When burnt the thighs were for the pow’r divine,
* 445And entrails eaten, the rest cut in joints
* Before the fire they roasted skilfully,
* Pierced through with the spits that had five points;
* And took it up when roasted thoroughly.
* When ended was their work, began the feast;
* 450Where nothing wanting was of what was good.
* And having thirst and hunger dispossest,
* And filled with sweet wine the temp’rers stood.
* Then round the cups were borne; and all day long
* Sitting they celebrated Phœbus’ might,
* 455And magnifi’d his goodness in sweet song,
* And he in his own praises took delight.
* But when the sun had borne away his light,
* Upon the sands they laid them down to sleep.
* And when again Aurora came in sight,
* 460Again they launch their ship into the deep.
* A good fore-wind Apollo with them sent.
* Then with her breast the ship the water tore
* (Which by her down on both sides roaring went)
* And soon arrived at the Trojan shore.
* 465And there they drew her up again to land,
* And ev’ry man went which way he thought best.
* Achilles yet not able to command
* The anger that still boiled in his breast,
* No longer would the Greeks at council meet,
* 470Nor with them any more to battle come;
* But sullen sat before his tent and fleet,
* Wishing to see the Argives beaten home.
* Twelve times the sun had risen now and set,
* The Gods t’ Olympus all returned were;
* 475Thetis her son’s complaints did not forget,
* But up she carried them to Jupiter.
* Upon the highest top alone sat he
* Of the great many-headed hill, and laid
* One hand on’s breast, th’ other on his knee.
* 480And in that posture thus unto him said,
* O father Jove, if for you I have done
* Service at any time by word or deed,
* Repay it now I pray you to my son,
* Whom Agamemnon hath dishonoured.
* 485Short time the Fates have given him to life.
* Atrides taken from him hath his prey.
* Now victory unto the Trojans give
* Till Agamemnon for his fault shall pay.
* Thus prayed she. But Jove made no reply.
* 490Nor took she off her hands; but pray’d anew;
* O Jove, my prayer grant me, or deny,
* That I may know what power I have in you.
* Then Jove much grieved, spake to her, and said,
* ’Twixt me and Juno ’twill a quarrel make.
* 495For she before the Gods will me upbraid,
* When she shall know the Trojans’ part I take.
* But go, lest she observe what you do here.
* I’ll give a nod to all that you have spoken,
* That you may safely trust to and not fear.
* 500A nod from me is an unfailing token.
* This said, with his black brows he to her nodded,
* Wherewith displayed were his locks divine;
* Olympus shook at stirring of his Godhead;
* And Thetis from it jump’d into the brine,
* 505And Jupiter unto his house went down.
* The Gods arose and waited on him thither:
* But unto Juno it was not unknown
* That he and Thetis had conferr’d together,
* Who presently to Jove her husband went,
* 510And angry him rebuk’d with language keen.
* You that still in my absence tricks invent,
* What God hath with you now in counsel been?
* Though unto me you hate to tell your mind.
* Juno, said Jove, you must not hope to hear
* 515All whatsoe’er it be, I have design’d.
* But what I mean shall come unto the ear
* Of all the Gods, you first of all shall know.
* But what from all together I shall hide
* Ask me no more, I will not tell you, though
* 520My wife you be. Juno then thus repli’d.
* Harsh Chronides, what words of yours are these!
* To ask you questions I’ll henceforth forbear,
* And quietly let you do what you please.
* But one thing I must tell you that I fear.
* 525Thetis, I fear, has gotten your consent,
* For her son’s sake the Argives to oppress.
* Suspect you can, said Jove, but not prevent,
* Which doth but give me cause to love you less.
* Though it be true, ’twas I would have it so.
* 530Therefore sit still and do as I would have you.
* Lest when my mighty hands about you go,
* Nor all the other Gods in heav’n shall save you.
* Then Juno silent sat with grief and fear;
* And all the Gods i’ th’ house of Jove did grieve.
* 535But Vulcan, the renoun’d artificer,
* Stood up his mother Juno to relieve.
* O what will this come to at last, said he,
* If you for mortals thus shall be at odds!
* The tumult than the cheer will greater be.
* 540What pleasure can this be unto the Gods?
* And though my mother wiser be than I,
* Yet thus much I’ll not doubt her to advise,
* That with my father’s will she would comply,
* That no such quarrel may hereafter rise.
* 545For by the roots he can the world pluck up.
* Therefore I pray you mother speak him fair;
* He’ll soon be pleas’d. Then filled he a cup
* Of nectar sweet, and bore it to her chair;
* And to her said, mother, I pray you hold,
* 550And do no more my father’s choler move.
* If you be beaten I shall but behold,
* And grieve I am not strong enough for Jove.
* I would have helpt you once, when by the foot
* He threw me down to Lemnos from the sky.
* 555All the day long I was a falling to’t,
* Where more than half dead taken up was I.
* And there by th’ Sincians I was taken up.
* When Vulcan had his history told out,
* His mother on him smil’d, and took the cup,
* 560 And to the Gods he nectar bore about.
* And then the Gods laught all at once outright
* To see the lame and sooty Vulcan skink.
* And all the day from morning unto night
* Ambrosia they eat, and nectar drink.
* 565 Apollo played, and alternately
* The Muses to him sung. When night was come,
* Then gently Sleep solicited each eye,
* And to his house each God departed home.
* And Jupiter went up unto the bed
* 570 Where he at other times was wont to lie
* When sleep came on him, and laid down his head
* To take repose; and Juno lay him by.
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This work published before January 1, 1923 is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago. |
