Neptune Helps the Achaeans. Idomeneus’s Heroic Deeds. Hector at the Ships.

Now when Jove had thus brought Hector and the Trojans to the ships, he left them to their never-ending toil, and turned his keen eyes away, looking elsewhither towards the horse-breeders of Thrace, the Mysians, fighters at close quarters, the noble Hippemolgi, who live on milk, and the Abians, justest of mankind. He no longer turned so much as a glance towards Troy, for he did not think that any of the immortals would go and help either Trojans or Danaans.

Now that Jove had brought Hector and the Trojans to the ships, he left them to their endless struggle. He turned his sharp gaze away, looking toward the horse breeders of Thrace and the Mysians, who fought at close quarters. He also looked toward the noble Hippemolgi, who live on milk, and the Abians, the most just of all people. He no longer even glanced toward Troy, because he did not think any immortal would help either Trojans or Danaans.

But King Neptune had kept no blind look-out; he had been looking admiringly on the battle from his seat on the topmost crests of wooded Samothrace, whence he could see all Ida, with the city of Priam and the ships of the Achaeans. He had come from under the sea and taken his place here, for he pitied the Achaeans who were being overcome by the Trojans; and he was furiously angry with Jove.

But King Neptune had been keeping a close watch. He had been admiring the battle from his seat on the highest peaks of wooded Samothrace. From there, he could see all Ida, along with Priam’s city and the ships of the Achaeans. He had come up from beneath the sea and settled there because he pitied the Achaeans. The Trojans were overpowering them, and he was furiously angry with Jove.

Presently he came down from his post on the mountain top, and as he strode swiftly onwards the high hills and the forest quaked beneath the tread of his immortal feet. Three strides he took, and with the fourth he reached his goal—Aegae, where is his glittering golden palace, imperishable, in the depths of the sea. When he got there, he yoked his fleet brazen-footed steeds with their manes of gold all flying in the wind; he clothed himself in raiment of gold, grasped his gold whip, and took his stand upon his chariot. As he went his way over the waves the sea-monsters left their lairs, for they knew their lord, and came gambolling round him from every quarter of the deep, while the sea in her gladness opened a path before his chariot. So lightly did the horses fly that the bronze axle of the car was not even wet beneath it; and thus his bounding steeds took him to the ships of the Achaeans.

Soon he came down from his place on the mountaintop and strode swiftly onward. The high hills and the forest shook beneath his immortal feet. He took three strides, and with the fourth he reached Aegae. There, in the depths of the sea, stood his glittering golden palace, which could never perish. When he arrived, he harnessed his swift horses with bronze feet, their golden manes streaming in the wind. He dressed in golden clothes, grasped his golden whip, and stepped onto his chariot. As he rode over the waves, the sea monsters left their dens because they recognized their lord. They came playing around him from every part of the deep, while the joyful sea opened a path before his chariot. The horses flew so lightly that even the bronze axle beneath the chariot stayed dry. And so his leaping horses carried him to the ships of the Achaeans.

Now there is a certain huge cavern in the depths of the sea midway between Tenedos and rocky Imbrus; here Neptune lord of the earthquake stayed his horses, unyoked them, and set before them their ambrosial forage. He hobbled their feet with hobbles of gold which none could either unloose or break, so that they might stay there in that place until their lord should return. This done he went his way to the host of the Achaeans.

There is a huge cavern deep in the sea, halfway between Tenedos and rocky Imbrus. Here Neptune, lord of earthquakes, stopped his horses, unyoked them, and gave them their ambrosial feed. He bound their feet with golden shackles that no one could undo or break. He did this so the horses would stay there until their lord returned. Then he set off for the Achaean army.

Now the Trojans followed Hector son of Priam in close array like a storm-cloud or flame of fire, fighting with might and main and raising the cry battle; for they deemed that they should take the ships of the Achaeans and kill all their chiefest heroes then and there. Meanwhile earth-encircling Neptune lord of the earthquake cheered on the Argives, for he had come up out of the sea and had assumed the form and voice of Calchas.

Now the Trojans followed Hector son of Priam in tight ranks, like a storm cloud or a blazing fire. They fought with all their strength and raised a battle cry. For the Trojans believed they would capture the Achaeans’ ships and kill all their greatest heroes then and there. Meanwhile, Neptune, who encircles the earth and rules over earthquakes, urged the Argives on. For Neptune had risen from the sea and taken on the appearance and voice of Calchas.

First he spoke to the two Ajaxes, who were doing their best already, and said, “Ajaxes, you two can be the saving of the Achaeans if you will put out all your strength and not let yourselves be daunted. I am not afraid that the Trojans, who have got over the wall in force, will be victorious in any other part, for the Achaeans can hold all of them in check, but I much fear that some evil will befall us here where furious Hector, who boasts himself the son of great Jove himself, is leading them on like a pillar of flame. May some god, then, put it into your hearts to make a firm stand here, and to incite others to do the like. In this case you will drive him from the ships even though he be inspired by Jove himself.”

First he spoke to the two Ajaxes, who were already doing their best. He said, “Ajaxes, you two can save the Achaeans if you use all your strength and refuse to lose courage. I am not afraid the Trojans will win anywhere else, though they have crossed the wall in great numbers. The Achaeans can hold them all back. But I am very afraid that some disaster will strike us here, where furious Hector leads them like a pillar of flame. Hector boasts that he is the son of great Jove himself. May some god give you the resolve to stand firm here and urge others to do the same. If you do, you will drive Hector away from the ships, even though Jove himself may be inspiring him.”

As he spoke the earth-encircling lord of the earthquake struck both of them with his sceptre and filled their hearts with daring. He made their legs light and active, as also their hands and their feet. Then, as the soaring falcon poises on the wing high above some sheer rock, and presently swoops down to chase some bird over the plain, even so did Neptune lord of the earthquake wing his flight into the air and leave them. Of the two, swift Ajax son of Oileus was the first to know who it was that had been speaking with them, and said to Ajax son of Telamon, “Ajax, this is one of the gods that dwell on Olympus, who in the likeness of the prophet is bidding us fight hard by our ships. It was not Calchas the seer and diviner of omens; I knew him at once by his feet and knees as he turned away, for the gods are soon recognised. Moreover I feel the lust of battle burn more fiercely within me, while my hands and my feet under me are more eager for the fray.”

As he spoke, the earth-encircling lord of earthquakes struck both men with his sceptre and filled their hearts with courage. He made their legs light and quick, and their hands and feet swift. Then he rose into the air like a falcon hovering high above a sheer rock before swooping after a bird over the plain. Just so, Neptune, lord of earthquakes, flew into the air and left them. Of the two, swift Ajax son of Oileus was the first to recognize who had spoken to them. He said to Ajax son of Telamon, “Ajax, one of the gods who live on Olympus has appeared as the prophet. The god is urging us to fight hard beside our ships. The speaker was not Calchas, the seer who reads omens. I recognized the god at once by his feet and knees as he turned away, for gods are quickly recognized. And I feel the hunger for battle burning more fiercely within me. My hands and feet are more eager for the fight.”

And Ajax son of Telamon answered, “I too feel my hands grasp my spear more firmly; my strength is greater, and my feet more nimble; I long, moreover, to meet furious Hector son of Priam, even in single combat.”

And Ajax son of Telamon answered, “I too feel my hands grip my spear more firmly. I am stronger, and my feet are quicker. I also long to face furious Hector son of Priam, even in single combat.”

Thus did they converse, exulting in the hunger after battle with which the god had filled them. Meanwhile the earth-encircler roused the Achaeans, who were resting in the rear by the ships overcome at once by hard fighting and by grief at seeing that the Trojans had got over the wall in force. Tears began falling from their eyes as they beheld them, for they made sure that they should not escape destruction; but the lord of the earthquake passed lightly about among them and urged their battalions to the front.

So they talked, rejoicing in the hunger for battle the god had stirred in them. Meanwhile, the earth-encircler rallied the Achaeans resting at the rear by the ships. They were exhausted by fierce fighting and overwhelmed with grief at seeing the Trojans cross the wall in force. Tears fell from the Achaeans’ eyes as they watched the Trojans, for they felt certain they could not escape destruction. But the lord of earthquakes moved lightly among the Achaeans and urged their battalions forward.

First he went up to Teucer and Leitus, the hero Peneleos, and Thoas and Deipyrus; Meriones also and Antilochus, valiant warriors; all did he exhort. “Shame on you young Argives,” he cried, “it was on your prowess I relied for the saving of our ships; if you fight not with might and main, this very day will see us overcome by the Trojans. Of a truth my eyes behold a great and terrible portent which I had never thought to see—the Trojans at our ships—they, who were heretofore like panic-stricken hinds, the prey of jackals and wolves in a forest, with no strength but in flight for they cannot defend themselves. Hitherto the Trojans dared not for one moment face the attack of the Achaeans, but now they have sallied far from their city and are fighting at our very ships through the cowardice of our leader and the disaffection of the people themselves, who in their discontent care not to fight in defence of the ships but are being slaughtered near them. True, King Agamemnon son of Atreus is the cause of our disaster by having insulted the son of Peleus, still this is no reason why we should leave off fighting. Let us be quick to heal, for the hearts of the brave heal quickly. You do ill to be thus remiss, you, who are the finest soldiers in our whole army. I blame no man for keeping out of battle if he is a weakling, but I am indignant with such men as you are. My good friends, matters will soon become even worse through this slackness; think, each one of you, of his own honour and credit, for the hazard of the fight is extreme. Great Hector is now fighting at our ships; he has broken through the gates and the strong bolt that held them.”

First he approached Teucer and Leitus, the hero Peneleos, and Thoas and Deipyrus. He also approached Meriones and Antilochus, brave warriors. He urged them all to fight. “Shame on you, young Argives,” he cried. “I relied on your courage and skill to save our ships. If you do not fight with all your strength, the Trojans will defeat us this very day. I see a great and terrible sign that I never thought I would see: the Trojans at our ships. Before now, they were like terrified deer, hunted by jackals and wolves in a forest. Those deer have no strength except to flee, since they cannot defend themselves. Until now, the Trojans never dared to stand against an Achaean attack, even for a moment. But now they have come far from their city and are fighting at our very ships. Our leader’s cowardice and our own men’s resentment have allowed the Trojans to come so far. In their discontent, our men refuse to defend the ships and are being slaughtered beside them. “True, King Agamemnon son of Atreus caused our disaster by insulting the son of Peleus. Still, his insult is no reason for us to stop fighting. Let us recover quickly, for brave hearts recover quickly. You are wrong to hold back like this, when you are the finest soldiers in our whole army. I do not blame a weakling for staying out of battle, but I am angry with men like you. My good friends, matters will soon grow even worse because you are holding back. Each of you must think of his own honor and reputation, for the danger in this battle is extreme. Great Hector is now fighting at our ships. He has broken through the gates and the strong bolt that held them shut.”

Thus did the earth-encircler address the Achaeans and urge them on. Thereon round the two Ajaxes there gathered strong bands of men, of whom not even Mars nor Minerva, marshaller of hosts could make light if they went among them, for they were the picked men of all those who were now awaiting the onset of Hector and the Trojans. They made a living fence, spear to spear, shield to shield, buckler to buckler, helmet to helmet, and man to man. The horse-hair crests on their gleaming helmets touched one another as they nodded forward, so closely serried were they; the spears they brandished in their strong hands were interlaced, and their hearts were set on battle.

So the earth-encircler spoke to the Achaeans and urged them on. Then strong bands of men gathered around the two Ajaxes. Not even Mars or Minerva, who commands armies, could dismiss these men if they went among them. For these were the best of all the men now waiting for Hector and the Trojans to attack. They formed a living fence, spear to spear, shield to shield, buckler to buckler, helmet to helmet, and man to man. The horsehair crests on their gleaming helmets touched as the men leaned forward, so tightly packed were their ranks. The spears they gripped in their strong hands crossed one another, and their hearts were set on battle.

The Trojans advanced in a dense body, with Hector at their head pressing right on as a rock that comes thundering down the side of some mountain from whose brow the winter torrents have torn it; the foundations of the dull thing have been loosened by floods of rain, and as it bounds headlong on its way it sets the whole forest in an uproar; it swerves neither to right nor left till it reaches level ground, but then for all its fury it can go no further—even so easily did Hector for a while seem as though he would career through the tents and ships of the Achaeans till he had reached the sea in his murderous course; but the closely serried battalions stayed him when he reached them, for the sons of the Achaeans thrust at him with swords and spears pointed at both ends, and drove him from them so that he staggered and gave ground; thereon he shouted to the Trojans, “Trojans, Lycians, and Dardanians, fighters in close combat, stand firm: the Achaeans have set themselves as a wall against me, but they will not check me for long; they will give ground before me if the mightiest of the gods, the thundering spouse of Juno, has indeed inspired my onset.”

The Trojans advanced in a tight mass, with Hector leading them straight ahead like a rock thundering down a mountainside. Winter torrents have torn the rock from the summit, and floods of rain have loosened its heavy base. As the rock bounds headlong downhill, it throws the whole forest into an uproar. It veers neither right nor left until it reaches level ground. But then, for all its fury, the rock can go no farther. Just so, for a while Hector seemed ready to sweep easily through the Achaeans’ tents and ships. His murderous charge seemed likely to carry him all the way to the sea. But the tightly packed ranks stopped him when he reached them. The Achaean warriors thrust at him with swords and spears pointed at both ends. They drove him back, so that he staggered and gave ground. Then Hector shouted to the Trojans, “Trojans, Lycians, and Dardanians, fighters in close combat, stand firm. The Achaeans have formed a wall against me, but they will not stop me for long. They will give ground before me if the mightiest of the gods has indeed inspired my charge. He is the thundering husband of Juno.”

With these words he put heart and soul into them all. Deiphobus son of Priam went about among them intent on deeds of daring with his round shield before him, under cover of which he strode quickly forward. Meriones took aim at him with a spear, nor did he fail to hit the broad orb of ox-hide; but he was far from piercing it for the spear broke in two pieces long ere he could do so; moreover Deiphobus had seen it coming and had held his shield well away from him. Meriones drew back under cover of his comrades, angry alike at having failed to vanquish Deiphobus, and having broken his spear. He turned therefore towards the ships and tents to fetch a spear which he had left behind in his tent.

With these words, he filled them all with courage and spirit. Deiphobus son of Priam moved among them, eager for daring deeds, with his round shield held in front. He strode quickly forward behind its cover. Meriones aimed his spear at Deiphobus and struck the broad, round shield of oxhide. But the spear came nowhere near piercing the shield, breaking in two long before it could. Deiphobus had also seen the spear coming and held his shield well away from his body. Meriones fell back behind his comrades, angry both at failing to defeat Deiphobus and at breaking his spear. So he turned toward the ships and tents to fetch a spear he had left in his tent.

The others continued fighting, and the cry of battle rose up into the heavens. Teucer son of Telamon was the first to kill his man, to wit, the warrior Imbrius, son of Mentor, rich in horses. Until the Achaeans came he had lived in Pedaeum, and had married Medesicaste, a bastard daughter of Priam; but on the arrival of the Danaan fleet he had gone back to Ilius, and was a great man among the Trojans, dwelling near Priam himself, who gave him like honour with his own sons. The son of Telamon now struck him under the ear with a spear which he then drew back again, and Imbrius fell headlong as an ash-tree when it is felled on the crest of some high mountain beacon, and its delicate green foliage comes toppling down to the ground. Thus did he fall with his bronze-dight armour ringing harshly round him, and Teucer sprang forward with intent to strip him of his armour; but as he was doing so, Hector took aim at him with a spear. Teucer saw the spear coming and swerved aside, whereon it hit Amphimachus, son of Cteatus son of Actor, in the chest as he was coming into battle, and his armour rang rattling round him as he fell heavily to the ground. Hector sprang forward to take Amphimachus’s helmet from off his temples, and in a moment Ajax threw a spear at him, but did not wound him, for he was encased all over in his terrible armour; nevertheless the spear struck the boss of his shield with such force as to drive him back from the two corpses, which the Achaeans then drew off. Stichius and Menestheus, captains of the Athenians, bore away Amphimachus to the host of the Achaeans, while the two brave and impetuous Ajaxes did the like by Imbrius. As two lions snatch a goat from the hounds that have it in their fangs, and bear it through thick brushwood high above the ground in their jaws, thus did the Ajaxes bear aloft the body of Imbrius, and strip it of its armour. Then the son of Oileus severed the head from the neck in revenge for the death of Amphimachus, and sent it whirling over the crowd as though it had been a ball, till it fell in the dust at Hector’s feet.

The others kept fighting, and the battle cries rose to the heavens. Teucer, son of Telamon, was the first to kill an enemy: the warrior Imbrius, son of Mentor, who owned many horses. Before the Achaeans came, Imbrius had lived in Pedaeum and married Medesicaste, a daughter of Priam born outside marriage. But when the Danaan fleet arrived, Imbrius returned to Ilius and became an important man among the Trojans. He lived near Priam himself, who honored him as much as his own sons. Now the son of Telamon struck Imbrius under the ear with his spear, then pulled the spear out. Imbrius fell headfirst like an ash tree cut down on the crest of a high mountain used for beacon fires. The tree’s delicate green leaves come tumbling to the ground. So Imbrius fell, his bronze armor clanging harshly around him. Teucer rushed forward to strip off the armor, but Hector aimed a spear at him as he did so. Teucer saw the spear coming and swerved aside. Instead, the spear struck Amphimachus in the chest as he entered the battle. Amphimachus was the son of Cteatus, son of Actor. His armor rattled around him as he fell heavily to the ground. Hector rushed forward to pull the helmet from Amphimachus’s head. At once Ajax threw a spear at Hector, but failed to wound him, because his fearsome armor covered him completely. Still, the spear struck the raised center of Hector’s shield with enough force to drive him back from both bodies. The Achaeans then dragged the bodies away. Stichius and Menestheus, commanders of the Athenians, carried Amphimachus back to the Achaean army. Meanwhile, the two brave, headstrong Ajaxes carried away Imbrius. They were like two lions snatching a goat from the jaws of hounds. The lions carry the goat in their jaws through thick brush, holding it high above the ground. Just so, the Ajaxes carried Imbrius’s body aloft, then stripped off his armor. Then the son of Oileus cut off Imbrius’s head to avenge Amphimachus’s death. He sent the head spinning over the crowd like a ball, until it landed in the dust at Hector’s feet.

Neptune was exceedingly angry that his grandson Amphimachus should have fallen; he therefore went to the tents and ships of the Achaeans to urge the Danaans still further, and to devise evil for the Trojans. Idomeneus met him, as he was taking leave of a comrade, who had just come to him from the fight, wounded in the knee. His fellow-soldiers bore him off the field, and Idomeneus having given orders to the physicians went on to his tent, for he was still thirsting for battle. Neptune spoke in the likeness and with the voice of Thoas son of Andraemon who ruled the Aetolians of all Pleuron and high Calydon, and was honoured among his people as though he were a god. “Idomeneus,” said he, “lawgiver to the Cretans, what has now become of the threats with which the sons of the Achaeans used to threaten the Trojans?”

Neptune was furious that his grandson Amphimachus had been killed. So he went to the Achaeans’ tents and ships to urge the Danaans on and plan harm for the Trojans. Idomeneus met him while saying goodbye to a comrade who had just returned from battle with a wounded knee. The wounded man’s fellow soldiers had carried him off the battlefield. After giving orders to the physicians, Idomeneus headed to his tent, still hungry for battle. Neptune spoke with the appearance and voice of Thoas son of Andraemon. Thoas ruled the Aetolians of all Pleuron and high Calydon, and his people honored him as though he were a god. “Idomeneus,” he said, “lawgiver to the Cretans, what has become of the threats the sons of the Achaeans used to make against the Trojans?”

And Idomeneus chief among the Cretans answered, “Thoas, no one, so far as I know, is in fault, for we can all fight. None are held back neither by fear nor slackness, but it seems to be the will of almighty Jove that the Achaeans should perish ingloriously here far from Argos: you, Thoas, have been always staunch, and you keep others in heart if you see any fail in duty; be not then remiss now, but exhort all to do their utmost.”

And Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered, “Thoas, as far as I know, no one is to blame, for we can all fight. No one is held back by fear or laziness. But almighty Jove seems to want the Achaeans to die without glory here, far from Argos. You, Thoas, have always stood firm. And if you see anyone neglecting their duty, you encourage them. So do not hold back now, but urge everyone to do their utmost.”

To this Neptune lord of the earthquake made answer, “Idomeneus, may he never return from Troy, but remain here for dogs to batten upon, who is this day wilfully slack in fighting. Get your armour and go, we must make all haste together if we may be of any use, though we are only two. Even cowards gain courage from companionship, and we two can hold our own with the bravest.”

Neptune, lord of earthquakes, answered, “Idomeneus, may anyone who deliberately holds back in battle today never return from Troy. May he stay here for dogs to feast on. Get your armour and go. We must hurry together if we can be of any help, though there are only two of us. Even cowards gain courage from company, and we two can hold our own against the bravest.”

Therewith the god went back into the thick of the fight, and Idomeneus when he had reached his tent donned his armour, grasped his two spears, and sallied forth. As the lightning which the son of Saturn brandishes from bright Olympus when he would show a sign to mortals, and its gleam flashes far and wide—even so did his armour gleam about him as he ran. Meriones his sturdy squire met him while he was still near his tent (for he was going to fetch his spear) and Idomeneus said:

With that, the god returned to the thick of the fighting. When Idomeneus reached his tent, he put on his armour, took his two spears, and went out. His armour shone as he ran, like lightning flashing far and wide. The son of Saturn sends such lightning from bright Olympus when he wants to show mortals a sign. Meriones, his sturdy squire, met him while Idomeneus was still near his tent. Meriones was going to fetch his spear. Idomeneus said:

“Meriones, fleet son of Molus, best of comrades, why have you left the field? Are you wounded, and is the point of the weapon hurting you? or have you been sent to fetch me? I want no fetching; I had far rather fight than stay in my tent.”

“Meriones, swift son of Molus, best of comrades, why have you left the battlefield? Are you wounded, and is the weapon’s point hurting you? Or have you been sent to get me? I don’t need anyone to come get me. I would much rather fight than stay in my tent.”

“Idomeneus,” answered Meriones, “I come for a spear, if I can find one in my tent; I have broken the one I had, in throwing it at the shield of Deiphobus.”

“Idomeneus,” Meriones replied, “I've come for a spear, if I can find one in my tent. I broke my spear when I threw it at Deiphobus's shield.”

And Idomeneus captain of the Cretans answered, “You will find one spear, or twenty if you so please, standing up against the end wall of my tent. I have taken them from Trojans whom I have killed, for I am not one to keep my enemy at arm’s length; therefore I have spears, bossed shields, helmets, and burnished corslets.”

Idomeneus, captain of the Cretans, answered, “You’ll find one spear, or twenty if you like, against the far wall of my tent. I took them from Trojans I killed, because I don’t keep my enemies at a distance. So I have spears, shields with raised centers, helmets, and polished breastplates.”

Then Meriones said, “I too in my tent and at my ship have spoils taken from the Trojans, but they are not at hand. I have been at all times valorous, and wherever there has been hard fighting have held my own among the foremost. There may be those among the Achaeans who do not know how I fight, but you know it well enough yourself.”

Then Meriones said, “I too have spoils taken from the Trojans in my tent and at my ship. But those spoils are not close at hand. I have always fought bravely. Wherever the fighting has been fierce, I have held my own among the fighters at the front. Some among the Achaeans may not know how I fight, but you know well enough yourself.”

Idomeneus answered, “I know you for a brave man: you need not tell me. If the best men at the ships were being chosen to go on an ambush—and there is nothing like this for showing what a man is made of; it comes out then who is cowardly and who brave; the coward will change colour at every touch and turn; he is full of fears, and keeps shifting his weight first on one knee and then on the other; his heart beats fast as he thinks of death, and one can hear the chattering of his teeth; whereas the brave man will not change colour nor be frightened on finding himself in ambush, but is all the time longing to go into action—if the best men were being chosen for such a service, no one could make light of your courage nor feats of arms. If you were struck by a dart or smitten in close combat, it would not be from behind, in your neck nor back, but the weapon would hit you in the chest or belly as you were pressing forward to a place in the front ranks. But let us no longer stay here talking like children, lest we be ill spoken of; go, fetch your spear from the tent at once.”

Idomeneus answered, “I know you are brave. You don’t need to tell me. Suppose the best men at the ships were being chosen for an ambush. Nothing shows a man’s true character like an ambush. Then you see who is cowardly and who is brave. The coward’s face changes color at every movement. He is full of fear and keeps shifting his weight from one knee to the other. His heart races as he thinks of death, and you can hear his teeth chattering. But the brave man’s face does not change color, nor is he frightened when he lies in ambush. Instead, he longs for action the whole time. If the best men were being chosen for such a mission, no one could belittle your courage or fighting achievements. If a dart struck you, or you were wounded in close combat, the blow would not come from behind. The weapon would not strike your neck or back, but your chest or belly as you pushed toward the front ranks. But let’s not stand here talking like children any longer, or people may speak badly of us. Go and fetch your spear from the tent at once.”

On this Meriones, peer of Mars, went to the tent and got himself a spear of bronze. He then followed after Idomeneus, big with great deeds of valour. As when baneful Mars sallies forth to battle, and his son Panic so strong and dauntless goes with him, to strike terror even into the heart of a hero—the pair have gone from Thrace to arm themselves among the Ephyri or the brave Phlegyans, but they will not listen to both the contending hosts, and will give victory to one side or to the other—even so did Meriones and Idomeneus, captains of men, go out to battle clad in their bronze armour. Meriones was first to speak. “Son of Deucalion,” said he, “where would you have us begin fighting? On the right wing of the host, in the centre, or on the left wing, where I take it the Achaeans will be weakest?”

Then Meriones, equal to Mars in battle, went to the tent and got himself a bronze spear. He followed Idomeneus, ready for great acts of courage. Just so, deadly Mars goes into battle with his son Panic, strong and fearless, to terrify even a hero. The pair have come from Thrace to take up arms among the Ephyri or the brave Phlegyans. But they will not heed both opposing armies, and will grant victory to one side or the other. In the same way, Meriones and Idomeneus, leaders of men, went into battle in their bronze armor. Meriones spoke first. “Son of Deucalion,” he said, “where would you have us start fighting? On the army’s right wing, in the center, or on the left wing, where I think the Achaeans are weakest?”

Idomeneus answered, “There are others to defend the centre—the two Ajaxes and Teucer, who is the finest archer of all the Achaeans, and is good also in a hand-to-hand fight. These will give Hector son of Priam enough to do; fight as he may, he will find it hard to vanquish their indomitable fury, and fire the ships, unless the son of Saturn fling a firebrand upon them with his own hand. Great Ajax son of Telamon will yield to no man who is in mortal mould and eats the grain of Ceres, if bronze and great stones can overthrow him. He would not yield even to Achilles in hand-to-hand fight, and in fleetness of foot there is none to beat him; let us turn therefore towards the left wing, that we may know forthwith whether we are to give glory to some other, or he to us.”

Idomeneus answered, “There are others to defend the centre: the two Ajaxes and Teucer. Teucer is the finest archer of all the Achaeans and is also good at hand-to-hand fighting. These men will give Hector son of Priam plenty to deal with. However hard Hector fights, he will struggle to overcome their unyielding fury and burn the ships. Only if the son of Saturn throws a firebrand onto the ships himself can Hector succeed. Great Ajax son of Telamon will yield to no mortal man who eats the grain of Ceres. That holds true if bronze weapons and great stones can bring that man down. Ajax would not yield even to Achilles in hand-to-hand fighting, and no one can beat him for speed. So let us turn towards the left wing. Then we will know at once whether we will give glory to someone else, or he to us.”

Meriones, peer of fleet Mars, then led the way till they came to the part of the host which Idomeneus had named.

Meriones, a match for swift Mars, then led the way. They continued until they reached the part of the army Idomeneus had named.

Now when the Trojans saw Idomeneus coming on like a flame of fire, him and his squire clad in their richly wrought armour, they shouted and made towards him all in a body, and a furious hand-to-hand fight raged under the ships’ sterns. Fierce as the shrill winds that whistle upon a day when dust lies deep on the roads, and the gusts raise it into a thick cloud—even such was the fury of the combat, and might and main did they hack at each other with spear and sword throughout the host. The field bristled with the long and deadly spears which they bore. Dazzling was the sheen of their gleaming helmets, their fresh-burnished breastplates, and glittering shields as they joined battle with one another. Iron indeed must be his courage who could take pleasure in the sight of such a turmoil, and look on it without being dismayed.

When the Trojans saw Idomeneus advancing like a flame, he and his squire wore richly crafted armor. The Trojans shouted and rushed toward him all together. A furious hand-to-hand fight broke out beneath the ships’ sterns. The battle raged like shrill winds whistling over roads covered in deep dust, whipping it into a thick cloud. Throughout the army, warriors hacked at one another with spears and swords, using all their strength. The battlefield bristled with the long, deadly spears the warriors carried. Their shining helmets, freshly polished breastplates, and glittering shields dazzled the eye as the warriors clashed. Anyone who could enjoy such chaos and watch without fear must truly have courage of iron.

Thus did the two mighty sons of Saturn devise evil for mortal heroes. Jove was minded to give victory to the Trojans and to Hector, so as to do honour to fleet Achilles, nevertheless he did not mean to utterly overthrow the Achaean host before Ilius, and only wanted to glorify Thetis and her valiant son. Neptune on the other hand went about among the Argives to incite them, having come up from the grey sea in secret, for he was grieved at seeing them vanquished by the Trojans, and was furiously angry with Jove. Both were of the same race and country, but Jove was elder born and knew more, therefore Neptune feared to defend the Argives openly, but in the likeness of man, he kept on encouraging them throughout their host. Thus, then, did these two devise a knot of war and battle, that none could unloose or break, and set both sides tugging at it, to the failing of men’s knees beneath them.

So the two mighty sons of Saturn plotted harm for mortal heroes. Jove intended to give victory to the Trojans and Hector, to honor swift Achilles. Yet he did not intend to destroy the Achaean army completely before Ilius. He wanted only to bring glory to Thetis and her brave son. Neptune, meanwhile, moved among the Argives to spur them on, having secretly risen from the gray sea. He was distressed to see the Trojans defeating them and was furious with Jove. Both gods came from the same family and homeland, but Jove was older and knew more. So Neptune feared to defend the Argives openly. Instead, disguised as a man, he kept encouraging them throughout their army. In this way, the two gods tied a knot of war and battle that no one could untie or break. They made both sides pull at the knot until the men's knees gave way beneath them.

And now Idomeneus, though his hair was already flecked with grey, called loud on the Danaans and spread panic among the Trojans as he leaped in among them. He slew Othryoneus from Cabesus, a sojourner, who had but lately come to take part in the war. He sought Cassandra, the fairest of Priam’s daughters, in marriage, but offered no gifts of wooing, for he promised a great thing, to wit, that he would drive the sons of the Achaeans willy nilly from Troy; old King Priam had given his consent and promised her to him, whereon he fought on the strength of the promises thus made to him. Idomeneus aimed a spear, and hit him as he came striding on. His cuirass of bronze did not protect him, and the spear stuck in his belly, so that he fell heavily to the ground. Then Idomeneus vaunted over him saying, “Othryoneus, there is no one in the world whom I shall admire more than I do you, if you indeed perform what you have promised Priam son of Dardanus in return for his daughter. We too will make you an offer; we will give you the loveliest daughter of the son of Atreus, and will bring her from Argos for you to marry, if you will sack the goodly city of Ilius in company with ourselves; so come along with me, that we may make a covenant at the ships about the marriage, and we will not be hard upon you about gifts of wooing.”

Though his hair was already streaked with grey, Idomeneus now shouted to the Danaans. He spread panic among the Trojans as he leaped into their ranks. He killed Othryoneus, a visitor from Cabesus who had only recently come to join the war. Othryoneus wanted to marry Cassandra, the most beautiful of Priam’s daughters, but offered no courtship gifts. Instead, he made a great promise: he would drive the sons of the Achaeans from Troy, whether they wanted to leave or not. Old King Priam had agreed and promised him Cassandra, so Othryoneus fought in reliance on that promise. Idomeneus aimed his spear and struck Othryoneus as he strode forward. His bronze armor did not protect him. The spear lodged in his belly, and he fell heavily to the ground. Then Idomeneus boasted over him, saying, “Othryoneus, I will admire you more than anyone in the world if you fulfill your promise to Priam, son of Dardanus. That was your promise in return for his daughter. We too will make you an offer. We will give you the most beautiful daughter of the son of Atreus. We will bring her from Argos for you to marry, if you help us sack the splendid city of Ilius. So come with me to the ships, where we can settle the marriage agreement. We will not ask too much of you in courtship gifts.”

With this Idomeneus began dragging him by the foot through the thick of the fight, but Asius came up to protect the body, on foot, in front of his horses which his esquire drove so close behind him that he could feel their breath upon his shoulder. He was longing to strike down Idomeneus, but ere he could do so Idomeneus smote him with his spear in the throat under the chin, and the bronze point went clean through it. He fell as an oak, or poplar, or pine which shipwrights have felled for ship’s timber upon the mountains with whetted axes—even thus did he lie full length in front of his chariot and horses, grinding his teeth and clutching at the blood-stained dust. His charioteer was struck with panic and did not dare turn his horses round and escape: thereupon Antilochus hit him in the middle of his body with a spear; his cuirass of bronze did not protect him, and the spear stuck in his belly. He fell gasping from his chariot and Antilochus, great Nestor’s son, drove his horses from the Trojans to the Achaeans.

With that, Idomeneus began dragging him by the foot through the thick of the fighting. But Asius came forward on foot to protect the body, ahead of his horses. His attendant drove the horses so close behind him that Asius could feel their breath on his shoulder. Asius was eager to strike down Idomeneus. But before he could, Idomeneus struck him with his spear in the throat, just below the chin. The bronze point went straight through his throat. Asius fell like an oak, poplar, or pine cut down in the mountains by shipbuilders using sharpened axes for timber. Just so, he lay stretched out before his chariot and horses, grinding his teeth and clutching the bloodstained dust. His charioteer panicked and did not dare turn the horses around to escape. Then Antilochus struck the charioteer in the middle of his body with a spear. His bronze breastplate did not protect him, and the spear lodged in his belly. He fell gasping from his chariot. Antilochus, great Nestor’s son, drove the horses away from the Trojans and over to the Achaeans.

Deiphobus then came close up to Idomeneus to avenge Asius, and took aim at him with a spear, but Idomeneus was on the look-out and avoided it, for he was covered by the round shield he always bore—a shield of ox-hide and bronze with two arm-rods on the inside. He crouched under cover of this, and the spear flew over him, but the shield rang out as the spear grazed it, and the weapon sped not in vain from the strong hand of Deiphobus, for it struck Hypsenor son of Hippasus, shepherd of his people, in the liver under the midriff, and his limbs failed beneath him. Deiphobus vaunted over him and cried with a loud voice saying, “Of a truth Asius has not fallen unavenged; he will be glad even while passing into the house of Hades, strong warden of the gate, that I have sent some one to escort him.”

Deiphobus then approached Idomeneus to avenge Asius and aimed his spear at him. But Idomeneus was watching and avoided the spear, protected by the round shield he always carried. The shield was made of ox-hide and bronze, with two arm straps on the inside. Idomeneus crouched behind the shield, and the spear flew over him. But the shield rang as the spear grazed it. The weapon had not flown in vain from Deiphobus’s strong hand. It struck Hypsenor son of Hippasus, shepherd of his people, in the liver just below the diaphragm. His legs gave way beneath him. Deiphobus boasted over Hypsenor and shouted, “Asius has certainly not fallen unavenged. Even as he enters the house of Hades, the mighty guardian of the gate, Asius will be glad. I have sent someone to accompany him.”

Thus did he vaunt, and the Argives were stung by his saying. Noble Antilochus was more angry than any one, but grief did not make him forget his friend and comrade. He ran up to him, bestrode him, and covered him with his shield; then two of his staunch comrades, Mecisteus son of Echius, and Alastor, stooped down, and bore him away groaning heavily to the ships. But Idomeneus ceased not his fury. He kept on striving continually either to enshroud some Trojan in the darkness of death, or himself to fall while warding off the evil day from the Achaeans. Then fell Alcathous son of noble Aesyetes; he was son-in-law to Anchises, having married his eldest daughter Hippodameia, who was the darling of her father and mother, and excelled all her generation in beauty, accomplishments, and understanding, wherefore the bravest man in all Troy had taken her to wife—him did Neptune lay low by the hand of Idomeneus, blinding his bright eyes and binding his strong limbs in fetters so that he could neither go back nor to one side, but stood stock still like pillar or lofty tree when Idomeneus struck him with a spear in the middle of his chest. The coat of mail that had hitherto protected his body was now broken, and rang harshly as the spear tore through it. He fell heavily to the ground, and the spear stuck in his heart, which still beat, and made the butt-end of the spear quiver till dread Mars put an end to his life. Idomeneus vaunted over him and cried with a loud voice saying, “Deiphobus, since you are in a mood to vaunt, shall we cry quits now that we have killed three men to your one? Nay, sir, stand in fight with me yourself, that you may learn what manner of Jove-begotten man am I that have come hither. Jove first begot Minos, chief ruler in Crete, and Minos in his turn begot a son, noble Deucalion. Deucalion begot me to be a ruler over many men in Crete, and my ships have now brought me hither, to be the bane of yourself, your father, and the Trojans.”

So he boasted, and his words stung the Argives. Noble Antilochus was angrier than anyone, but his grief did not make him forget his friend and comrade. He ran up to his friend, stood over him, and covered him with his shield. Then two of his loyal comrades, Mecisteus son of Echius and Alastor, bent down and carried the wounded man away. He groaned heavily as they took him to the ships. But Idomeneus fought on in his fury. He kept striving either to send some Trojan into the darkness of death or to fall himself. If he fell, it would be while protecting the Achaeans from disaster. Then Alcathous, son of noble Aesyetes, fell. He was Anchises’ son-in-law, having married his eldest daughter Hippodameia. She was her father’s and mother’s darling and surpassed everyone of her generation in beauty, accomplishments, and understanding. For that reason, the bravest man in all Troy had married her. Neptune brought Alcathous down through Idomeneus, blinding his bright eyes and locking his strong limbs in invisible bonds. Alcathous could neither retreat nor step aside. He stood motionless, like a pillar or a tall tree, as Idomeneus drove a spear into his chest. The armor that had protected his body until then broke, ringing harshly as the spear tore through it. He fell heavily to the ground, and the spear lodged in his heart. His heart still beat, making the spear’s blunt end tremble, until fearsome Mars ended his life. Idomeneus boasted over him and shouted, “Deiphobus, since you feel like boasting, shall we call it even? We have killed three men to your one. No, sir, come and fight me yourself. Then you will learn what kind of man descended from Jove has come here. Jove fathered Minos, the chief ruler of Crete, and Minos in turn fathered noble Deucalion. Deucalion fathered me to rule over many men in Crete. Now my ships have brought me here to bring ruin on you, your father, and the Trojans.”

Thus did he speak, and Deiphobus was in two minds, whether to go back and fetch some other Trojan to help him, or to take up the challenge single-handed. In the end, he deemed it best to go and fetch Aeneas, whom he found standing in the rear, for he had long been aggrieved with Priam because in spite of his brave deeds he did not give him his due share of honour. Deiphobus went up to him and said, “Aeneas, prince among the Trojans, if you know any ties of kinship, help me now to defend the body of your sister’s husband; come with me to the rescue of Alcathous, who being husband to your sister brought you up when you were a child in his house, and now Idomeneus has slain him.”

So he spoke, and Deiphobus could not decide what to do. Should he go back and find another Trojan to help him, or face the challenge alone? In the end, he decided to fetch Aeneas, whom he found standing at the rear. Aeneas had long resented Priam because, despite his brave deeds, Priam had not given him his rightful share of honor. Deiphobus approached him and said, “Aeneas, prince among the Trojans, if family ties mean anything to you, help me now. Help defend the body of your sister’s husband. Come with me to the rescue of Alcathous, your sister’s husband, who raised you in his house as a child. Now Idomeneus has killed him.”

With these words he moved the heart of Aeneas, and he went in pursuit of Idomeneus, big with great deeds of valour; but Idomeneus was not to be thus daunted as though he were a mere child; he held his ground as a wild boar at bay upon the mountains, who abides the coming of a great crowd of men in some lonely place—the bristles stand upright on his back, his eyes flash fire, and he whets his tusks in his eagerness to defend himself against hounds and men—even so did famed Idomeneus hold his ground and budge not at the coming of Aeneas. He cried aloud to his comrades looking towards Ascalaphus, Aphareus, Deipyrus, Meriones, and Antilochus, all of them brave soldiers—“Hither my friends,” he cried, “and leave me not single-handed—I go in great fear by fleet Aeneas, who is coming against me, and is a redoubtable dispenser of death battle. Moreover he is in the flower of youth when a man’s strength is greatest; if I was of the same age as he is and in my present mind, either he or I should soon bear away the prize of victory.”

These words stirred Aeneas, and he went after Idomeneus, eager for great deeds of courage. But Idomeneus would not be frightened like a mere child. He stood his ground like a wild boar cornered in the mountains, awaiting a great crowd of men somewhere remote. The boar’s bristles rise along his back, his eyes blaze, and he sharpens his tusks. He is eager to defend himself against dogs and men. Just so, the famous Idomeneus stood his ground and did not move as Aeneas approached. He shouted to his comrades, looking toward Ascalaphus, Aphareus, Deipyrus, Meriones, and Antilochus, all brave soldiers. “Come here, my friends,” he cried, “and do not leave me to fight alone. I greatly fear swift Aeneas, who is coming against me and is a fearsome bringer of death in battle. Besides, he is in his prime, when a man’s strength is greatest. If I were his age and had the mind I have now, one of us would soon claim victory.”

On this, all of them as one man stood near him, shield on shoulder. Aeneas on the other side called to his comrades, looking towards Deiphobus, Paris, and Agenor, who were leaders of the Trojans along with himself, and the people followed them as sheep follow the ram when they go down to drink after they have been feeding, and the heart of the shepherd is glad—even so was the heart of Aeneas gladdened when he saw his people follow him.

At this, all of them stood together beside him, shields on their shoulders. On the other side, Aeneas called to his comrades, looking toward Deiphobus, Paris, and Agenor. These men led the Trojans alongside him. The men followed their leaders as sheep follow the ram down to drink after feeding, making the shepherd’s heart glad. Just so, Aeneas’s heart was glad when he saw his people follow him.

Then they fought furiously in close combat about the body of Alcathous, wielding their long spears; and the bronze armour about their bodies rang fearfully as they took aim at one another in the press of the fight, while the two heroes Aeneas and Idomeneus, peers of Mars, outvied everyone in their desire to hack at each other with sword and spear. Aeneas took aim first, but Idomeneus was on the look-out and avoided the spear, so that it sped from Aeneas’ strong hand in vain, and fell quivering in the ground. Idomeneus meanwhile smote Oenomaus in the middle of his belly, and broke the plate of his corslet, whereon his bowels came gushing out and he clutched the earth in the palms of his hands as he fell sprawling in the dust. Idomeneus drew his spear out of the body, but could not strip him of the rest of his armour for the rain of darts that were showered upon him: moreover his strength was now beginning to fail him so that he could no longer charge, and could neither spring forward to recover his own weapon nor swerve aside to avoid one that was aimed at him; therefore, though he still defended himself in hand-to-hand fight, his heavy feet could not bear him swiftly out of the battle. Deiphobus aimed a spear at him as he was retreating slowly from the field, for his bitterness against him was as fierce as ever, but again he missed him, and hit Ascalaphus, the son of Mars; the spear went through his shoulder, and he clutched the earth in the palms of his hands as he fell sprawling in the dust.

They fought furiously at close quarters around the body of Alcathous, wielding their long spears. Their bronze armour rang with a terrifying clang as they aimed at one another in the crush of battle. The two heroes, Aeneas and Idomeneus, were equals of Mars. They surpassed everyone else in their eagerness to hack at each other with sword and spear. Aeneas aimed first, but Idomeneus was watching and dodged the spear. So the spear flew uselessly from Aeneas’ strong hand and landed quivering in the ground. Meanwhile, Idomeneus struck Oenomaus in the middle of his belly, breaking through the breastplate of his armour. Oenomaus’ bowels gushed out, and he clutched the earth with both hands as he sprawled in the dust. Idomeneus pulled his spear from the body. But he could not strip off the rest of Oenomaus’ armour because of the shower of missiles raining down on him. His strength was also beginning to fail, so he could no longer charge. He could neither leap forward to recover his own weapon nor dodge a weapon aimed at him. So, although he still defended himself in close combat, his heavy feet could not carry him quickly out of battle. As Idomeneus slowly retreated from the field, Deiphobus aimed a spear at him, still as fiercely bitter toward him as ever. But again Deiphobus missed Idomeneus and struck Ascalaphus, the son of Mars. The spear pierced Ascalaphus’ shoulder. He clutched the earth with both hands as he sprawled in the dust.

Grim Mars of awful voice did not yet know that his son had fallen, for he was sitting on the summits of Olympus under the golden clouds, by command of Jove, where the other gods were also sitting, forbidden to take part in the battle. Meanwhile men fought furiously about the body. Deiphobus tore the helmet from off his head, but Meriones sprang upon him, and struck him on the arm with a spear so that the visored helmet fell from his hand and came ringing down upon the ground. Thereon Meriones sprang upon him like a vulture, drew the spear from his shoulder, and fell back under cover of his men. Then Polites, own brother of Deiphobus passed his arms around his waist, and bore him away from the battle till he got to his horses that were standing in the rear of the fight with the chariot and their driver. These took him towards the city groaning and in great pain, with the blood flowing from his arm.

Grim Mars, with his terrifying voice, did not yet know his son had fallen. For he sat on the peaks of Olympus beneath the golden clouds, as Jove had commanded. The other gods sat there too, forbidden to join the battle. Meanwhile, men fought fiercely over the body. Deiphobus tore the helmet from the dead man's head, but Meriones rushed at Deiphobus and speared him in the arm. The blow knocked the visored helmet from his hand, and it fell ringing to the ground. Then Meriones swooped on Deiphobus like a vulture, pulled the spear from his shoulder, and retreated behind his men. Then Polites, Deiphobus's own brother, put his arms around his brother's waist and carried him away from the battle. Polites brought him to his horses, waiting behind the fighting with the chariot and driver. The horses and driver took Deiphobus toward the city, groaning in great pain, with blood flowing from his arm.

The others still fought on, and the battle-cry rose to heaven without ceasing. Aeneas sprang on Aphareus son of Caletor, and struck him with a spear in his throat which was turned towards him; his head fell on one side, his helmet and shield came down along with him, and death, life’s foe, was shed around him. Antilochus spied his chance, flew forward towards Thoon, and wounded him as he was turning round. He laid open the vein that runs all the way up the back to the neck; he cut this vein clean away throughout its whole course, and Thoon fell in the dust face upwards, stretching out his hands imploringly towards his comrades. Antilochus sprang upon him and stripped the armour from his shoulders, glaring round him fearfully as he did so. The Trojans came about him on every side and struck his broad and gleaming shield, but could not wound his body, for Neptune stood guard over the son of Nestor, though the darts fell thickly round him. He was never clear of the foe, but was always in the thick of the fight; his spear was never idle; he poised and aimed it in every direction, so eager was he to hit someone from a distance or to fight him hand to hand.

The others kept fighting, and their battle cries rose to heaven without pause. Aeneas leaped at Aphareus, son of Caletor, and drove a spear into his throat, which was turned toward him. Aphareus’s head fell to one side, and his helmet and shield fell with him. Death, the enemy of life, spread around him. Antilochus saw his chance, rushed toward Thoon, and wounded him as Thoon turned around. He cut open the vein running all the way up Thoon’s back to his neck. He severed the vein along its entire length. Thoon fell faceup in the dust, stretching his hands toward his comrades in a plea for help. Antilochus sprang on him and stripped the armor from his shoulders, looking fiercely and fearfully around as he worked. The Trojans surrounded Antilochus on every side and struck his broad, gleaming shield. But they could not wound him, because Neptune guarded the son of Nestor, though spears fell thickly around him. Antilochus was never clear of the enemy but always in the thick of the fighting. His spear was never idle. He held it ready and aimed in every direction, eager to strike someone from a distance or fight hand to hand.

As he was thus aiming among the crowd, he was seen by Adamas, son of Asius, who rushed towards him and struck him with a spear in the middle of his shield, but Neptune made its point without effect, for he grudged him the life of Antilochus. One half, therefore, of the spear stuck fast like a charred stake in Antilochus’s shield, while the other lay on the ground. Adamas then sought shelter under cover of his men, but Meriones followed after and hit him with a spear midway between the private parts and the navel, where a wound is particularly painful to wretched mortals. There did Meriones transfix him, and he writhed convulsively about the spear as some bull whom mountain herdsmen have bound with ropes of withes and are taking away perforce. Even so did he move convulsively for a while, but not for very long, till Meriones came up and drew the spear out of his body, and his eyes were veiled in darkness.

As he aimed into the crowd, Adamas, son of Asius, spotted him. Adamas rushed toward him and drove a spear into the middle of his shield. But Neptune made the spear point harmless, because he refused to let Adamas take Antilochus’s life. So half the spear stuck in Antilochus’s shield like a charred stake, while the other half lay on the ground. Adamas then sought shelter among his men, but Meriones chased him. Meriones struck him with a spear halfway between his genitals and his navel. A wound there is especially painful to suffering mortals. Meriones pierced him there, and Adamas thrashed around the spear like a bull being dragged away by mountain herdsmen. The herdsmen have bound the bull with ropes made from flexible branches and are forcing him along. Just so, Adamas thrashed for a while, but not long. Then Meriones came up and pulled the spear from his body, and darkness covered his eyes.

Helenus then struck Deipyrus with a great Thracian sword, hitting him on the temple in close combat and tearing the helmet from his head; the helmet fell to the ground, and one of those who were fighting on the Achaean side took charge of it as it rolled at his feet, but the eyes of Deipyrus were closed in the darkness of death.

Helenus then struck Deipyrus on the temple with a great Thracian sword in close combat, knocking his helmet off. The helmet fell to the ground. A fighter on the Achaean side picked up the helmet as it rolled at his feet. But Deipyrus’s eyes closed in the darkness of death.

On this Menelaus was grieved, and made menacingly towards Helenus, brandishing his spear; but Helenus drew his bow, and the two attacked one another at one and the same moment, the one with his spear, and the other with his bow and arrow. The son of Priam hit the breastplate of Menelaus’s corslet, but the arrow glanced from off it. As black beans or pulse come pattering down on to a threshing-floor from the broad winnowing-shovel, blown by shrill winds and shaken by the shovel—even so did the arrow glance off and recoil from the shield of Menelaus, who in his turn wounded the hand with which Helenus carried his bow; the spear went right through his hand and stuck in the bow itself, so that to his life he retreated under cover of his men, with his hand dragging by his side—for the spear weighed it down till Agenor drew it out and bound the hand carefully up in a woollen sling which his esquire had with him.

Menelaus was grieved by this and advanced threateningly toward Helenus, brandishing his spear. But Helenus drew his bow, and both men attacked at the same moment. Menelaus threw his spear, while Helenus shot an arrow. The son of Priam struck Menelaus’s breastplate, but the arrow glanced off. Black beans or other pulses patter onto a threshing floor from a broad winnowing shovel. The shovel shakes them loose, and shrill winds blow them down. Just so, the arrow glanced off Menelaus’s shield and bounced back. Menelaus, in turn, wounded the hand Helenus used to hold his bow. The spear passed straight through his hand and lodged in the bow itself. So Helenus retreated to save his life, sheltered by his men, with his hand hanging at his side. The spear weighed his hand down until Agenor pulled it out. Agenor carefully bound the hand in a woolen sling that his attendant had with him.

Pisander then made straight at Menelaus—his evil destiny luring him on to his doom, for he was to fall in fight with you, O Menelaus. When the two were hard by one another the spear of the son of Atreus turned aside and he missed his aim; Pisander then struck the shield of brave Menelaus but could not pierce it, for the shield stayed the spear and broke the shaft; nevertheless he was glad and made sure of victory; forthwith, however, the son of Atreus drew his sword and sprang upon him. Pisander then seized the bronze battle-axe, with its long and polished handle of olive wood that hung by his side under his shield, and the two made at one another. Pisander struck the peak of Menelaus’s crested helmet just under the crest itself, and Menelaus hit Pisander as he was coming towards him, on the forehead, just at the rise of his nose; the bones cracked and his two gore-bedrabbled eyes fell by his feet in the dust. He fell backwards to the ground, and Menelaus set his heel upon him, stripped him of his armour, and vaunted over him saying, “Even thus shall you Trojans leave the ships of the Achaeans, proud and insatiate of battle though you be, nor shall you lack any of the disgrace and shame which you have heaped upon myself. Cowardly she-wolves that you are, you feared not the anger of dread Jove, avenger of violated hospitality, who will one day destroy your city; you stole my wedded wife and wickedly carried off much treasure when you were her guest, and now you would fling fire upon our ships, and kill our heroes. A day will come when, rage as you may, you shall be stayed. O father Jove, you, who they say art above all, both gods and men, in wisdom, and from whom all things that befall us do proceed, how can you thus favour the Trojans—men so proud and overweening, that they are never tired of fighting? All things pall after a while—sleep, love, sweet song, and stately dance—still these are things of which a man would surely have his fill rather than of battle, whereas it is of battle that the Trojans are insatiate.”

Pisander headed straight for Menelaus, his evil destiny drawing him toward his doom. For he was to die fighting you, O Menelaus. When the two came close, the spear of the son of Atreus veered aside and missed its mark. Pisander then struck brave Menelaus’s shield but could not pierce it. The shield stopped the spear and broke its shaft. Still, Pisander rejoiced, certain of victory. But the son of Atreus immediately drew his sword and sprang at him. Pisander grabbed the bronze battle-axe hanging at his side beneath his shield. The axe had a long, polished handle of olive wood. The two charged at each other. Pisander struck the peak of Menelaus’s crested helmet, just below the crest. As Pisander came toward him, Menelaus struck his forehead, right at the bridge of his nose. The bones cracked, and both his blood-covered eyes fell into the dust at his feet. He fell backward to the ground. Menelaus planted his heel on him, stripped off his armor, and boasted over him, saying, “Just like this, you Trojans will leave the Achaeans’ ships, however proud and hungry for battle you may be. You will suffer every bit of the disgrace and shame you have heaped on me. You cowardly she-wolves, you had no fear of dread Jove’s anger. He avenges the abuse of hospitality, and one day he will destroy your city. You stole my wedded wife and wickedly carried off much treasure when you were her guest. And now you want to set our ships on fire and kill our heroes. A day will come when you will be stopped, however fiercely you rage. “O father Jove, people say you surpass all gods and men in wisdom. Everything that happens to us comes from you. How can you favor the Trojans like this? They are so proud and arrogant that they never tire of fighting. Everything loses its appeal after a while, even sleep, love, sweet song, and stately dancing. Yet a man would surely rather have his fill of these pleasures than of battle. But the Trojans can never get enough of battle.”

So saying Menelaus stripped the blood-stained armour from the body of Pisander, and handed it over to his men; then he again ranged himself among those who were in the front of the fight.

After saying this, Menelaus stripped the bloodstained armour from Pisander’s body and handed the armour to his men. Then he returned to his place among those at the front of the fighting.

Harpalion son of King Pylaemenes then sprang upon him; he had come to fight at Troy along with his father, but he did not go home again. He struck the middle of Menelaus’s shield with his spear but could not pierce it, and to save his life drew back under cover of his men, looking round him on every side lest he should be wounded. But Meriones aimed a bronze-tipped arrow at him as he was leaving the field, and hit him on the right buttock; the arrow pierced the bone through and through, and penetrated the bladder, so he sat down where he was and breathed his last in the arms of his comrades, stretched like a worm upon the ground and watering the earth with the blood that flowed from his wound. The brave Paphlagonians tended him with all due care; they raised him into his chariot, and bore him sadly off to the city of Troy; his father went also with him weeping bitterly, but there was no ransom that could bring his dead son to life again.

Harpalion, son of King Pylaemenes, then charged at Menelaus. He had come to fight at Troy alongside his father, but he never returned home. He struck the center of Menelaus’s shield with his spear but could not pierce it. To save his life, Harpalion fell back behind his men, looking all around for fear of being wounded. But Meriones aimed a bronze-tipped arrow at him as he left the battlefield and struck his right buttock. The arrow went straight through the bone and pierced his bladder. So Harpalion sank to the ground and breathed his last in his comrades’ arms. He lay stretched out like a worm, soaking the earth with blood from his wound. The brave Paphlagonians cared for him with all the care he deserved. They lifted him into his chariot and carried him sadly back to Troy. His father went with him, weeping bitterly, but no ransom could bring his dead son back to life.

Paris was deeply grieved by the death of Harpalion, who was his host when he went among the Paphlagonians; he aimed an arrow, therefore, in order to avenge him. Now there was a certain man named Euchenor, son of Polyidus the prophet, a brave man and wealthy, whose home was in Corinth. This Euchenor had set sail for Troy well knowing that it would be the death of him, for his good old father Polyidus had often told him that he must either stay at home and die of a terrible disease, or go with the Achaeans and perish at the hands of the Trojans; he chose, therefore, to avoid incurring the heavy fine the Achaeans would have laid upon him, and at the same time to escape the pain and suffering of disease. Paris now smote him on the jaw under his ear, whereon the life went out of him and he was enshrouded in the darkness of death.

Paris was deeply saddened by the death of Harpalion, who had hosted him when he visited the Paphlagonians. So he aimed an arrow to avenge Harpalion. Now there was a man named Euchenor, son of the prophet Polyidus. He was brave and wealthy, and his home was in Corinth. Euchenor had sailed for Troy knowing full well that he would die there. His good old father Polyidus had often told him that he faced two possible fates. He must either stay home and die of a terrible disease, or join the Achaeans and be killed by the Trojans. So Euchenor chose to go, avoiding the heavy fine the Achaeans would have imposed on him for staying home. At the same time, he would escape the pain and suffering of disease. Paris now struck Euchenor with his arrow in the jaw, below the ear. His life left him, and the darkness of death surrounded him.

Thus then did they fight as it were a flaming fire. But Hector had not yet heard, and did not know that the Argives were making havoc of his men on the left wing of the battle, where the Achaeans ere long would have triumphed over them, so vigorously did Neptune cheer them on and help them. He therefore held on at the point where he had first forced his way through the gates and the wall, after breaking through the serried ranks of Danaan warriors. It was here that the ships of Ajax and Protesilaus were drawn up by the sea-shore; here the wall was at its lowest, and the fight both of man and horse raged most fiercely. The Boeotians and the Ionians with their long tunics, the Locrians, the men of Phthia, and the famous force of the Epeans could hardly stay Hector as he rushed on towards the ships, nor could they drive him from them, for he was as a wall of fire. The chosen men of the Athenians were in the van, led by Menestheus son of Peteos, with whom were also Pheidas, Stichius, and stalwart Bias; Meges son of Phyleus, Amphion, and Dracius commanded the Epeans, while Medon and staunch Podarces led the men of Phthia. Of these, Medon was bastard son to Oileus and brother of Ajax, but he lived in Phylace away from his own country, for he had killed the brother of his stepmother Eriopis, the wife of Oileus; the other, Podarces, was the son of Iphiclus, son of Phylacus. These two stood in the van of the Phthians, and defended the ships along with the Boeotians.

So they fought like a blazing fire. But Hector had not yet heard, and did not know, that the Argives were devastating his left wing. The Achaeans would soon have defeated those men, so strongly did Neptune encourage and support the Achaeans. Hector therefore kept fighting where he had first broken through the gates and wall, after smashing through the tightly packed Danaan ranks. Here the ships of Ajax and Protesilaus were drawn up along the shore. Here the wall was lowest, and men and horses fought most fiercely. The Boeotians, the Ionians in their long tunics, the Locrians, the men of Phthia, and the renowned Epeans faced Hector. They could hardly stop his rush toward the ships. Nor could they drive him away, for he was like a wall of fire. The Athenians’ chosen warriors fought at the front, led by Menestheus son of Peteos. With Menestheus were Pheidas, Stichius, and mighty Bias. Meges son of Phyleus, Amphion, and Dracius commanded the Epeans. Medon and steadfast Podarces led the men of Phthia. Medon was the illegitimate son of Oileus and brother of Ajax. But Medon lived in Phylace, far from his own country, because he had killed his stepmother’s brother. His stepmother was Eriopis, the wife of Oileus. The other leader, Podarces, was the son of Iphiclus, who was the son of Phylacus. Medon and Podarces stood at the front of the Phthians and defended the ships alongside the Boeotians.

Ajax son of Oileus, never for a moment left the side of Ajax, son of Telamon, but as two swart oxen both strain their utmost at the plough which they are drawing in a fallow field, and the sweat steams upwards from about the roots of their horns—nothing but the yoke divides them as they break up the ground till they reach the end of the field—even so did the two Ajaxes stand shoulder to shoulder by one another. Many and brave comrades followed the son of Telamon, to relieve him of his shield when he was overcome with sweat and toil, but the Locrians did not follow so close after the son of Oileus, for they could not hold their own in a hand-to-hand fight. They had no bronze helmets with plumes of horse-hair, neither had they shields nor ashen spears, but they had come to Troy armed with bows, and with slings of twisted wool from which they showered their missiles to break the ranks of the Trojans. The others, therefore, with their heavy armour bore the brunt of the fight with the Trojans and with Hector, while the Locrians shot from behind, under their cover; and thus the Trojans began to lose heart, for the arrows threw them into confusion.

Ajax, son of Oileus, never once left the side of Ajax, son of Telamon. They were like two dark oxen straining with all their strength to pull a plough through a fallow field. Sweat steams up from around the roots of their horns. Only the yoke separates them as they break up the ground until they reach the field’s end. Just so, the two Ajaxes stood shoulder to shoulder. Many brave comrades followed the son of Telamon, ready to take his shield when sweat and exhaustion overwhelmed him. But the Locrians did not follow the son of Oileus as closely, because they could not hold their own in hand-to-hand fighting. They had no bronze helmets with horsehair plumes, no shields, and no ash-wood spears. Instead, they had come to Troy with bows and slings made of twisted wool. With these weapons, they showered the Trojans with missiles to break their ranks. So the other warriors, in their heavy armour, bore the brunt of the fighting against the Trojans and Hector. Meanwhile, the Locrians fired from behind, protected by the armoured warriors. And so the Trojans began to lose heart, because the arrows threw them into confusion.

The Trojans would now have been driven in sorry plight from the ships and tents back to windy Ilius, had not Polydamas presently said to Hector, “Hector, there is no persuading you to take advice. Because heaven has so richly endowed you with the arts of war, you think that you must therefore excel others in counsel; but you cannot thus claim preeminence in all things. Heaven has made one man an excellent soldier; of another it has made a dancer or a singer and player on the lyre; while yet in another Jove has implanted a wise understanding of which men reap fruit to the saving of many, and he himself knows more about it than any one; therefore I will say what I think will be best. The fight has hemmed you in as with a circle of fire, and even now that the Trojans are within the wall some of them stand aloof in full armour, while others are fighting scattered and outnumbered near the ships. Draw back, therefore, and call your chieftains round you, that we may advise together whether to fall now upon the ships in the hope that heaven may vouchsafe us victory, or to beat a retreat while we can yet safely do so. I greatly fear that the Achaeans will pay us their debt of yesterday in full, for there is one abiding at their ships who is never weary of battle, and who will not hold aloof much longer.”

The Trojans would now have been driven in misery from the ships and tents back to windy Ilius. But Polydamas soon spoke to Hector and stopped their retreat. “Hector, no one can persuade you to take advice. Because heaven has given you such great skill in war, you think you must also give better advice than others. But you cannot claim to be best at everything. Heaven has made one man an excellent soldier, another a dancer, and another a singer and lyre player. In another man, Jove has planted wisdom that benefits others and saves many lives. The wise man himself understands that wisdom better than anyone. So I will tell you what I think is best. “The fighting has surrounded you like a ring of fire. Even now, though the Trojans are inside the wall, some stand apart in full armor. Others are scattered near the ships, fighting while outnumbered. So pull back and gather your commanders around you, so we can decide together what to do. Should we attack the ships now, hoping heaven may grant us victory? Or should we retreat while we can still do so safely? I greatly fear the Achaeans will repay us in full for yesterday. For one man remains beside their ships who never tires of battle, and he will not stay out much longer.”

Thus spoke Polydamas, and his words pleased Hector well. He sprang in full armour from his chariot and said, “Polydamas, gather the chieftains here; I will go yonder into the fight, but will return at once when I have given them their orders.”

Polydamas spoke, and Hector was pleased with his words. Hector jumped from his chariot in full armor and said, “Polydamas, gather the chiefs here. I will go over there into the fight, but I will return as soon as I have given them their orders.”

He then sped onward, towering like a snowy mountain, and with a loud cry flew through the ranks of the Trojans and their allies. When they heard his voice they all hastened to gather round Polydamas, the excellent son of Panthous, but Hector kept on among the foremost, looking everywhere to find Deiphobus and prince Helenus, Adamas son of Asius, and Asius son of Hyrtacus; living, indeed, and scatheless he could no longer find them, for the two last were lying by the sterns of the Achaean ships, slain by the Argives, while the others had been also stricken and wounded by them; but upon the left wing of the dread battle he found Alexandrus, husband of lovely Helen, cheering his men and urging them on to fight. He went up to him and upbraided him. “Paris,” said he, “evil-hearted Paris, fair to see but woman-mad and false of tongue, where are Deiphobus and King Helenus? Where are Adamas son of Asius, and Asius son of Hyrtacus? Where too is Othryoneus? Ilius is undone and will now surely fall!”

He then sped onward, towering like a snowy mountain. With a loud cry, he rushed through the ranks of the Trojans and their allies. When they heard his voice, they all hurried to gather around Polydamas, the outstanding son of Panthous. But Hector stayed at the front, searching everywhere for Deiphobus and prince Helenus, Adamas son of Asius, and Asius son of Hyrtacus. He could no longer find them alive and unharmed. Adamas and Asius lay dead near the sterns of the Achaean ships, killed by the Argives. Deiphobus and Helenus had also been struck and wounded by the Argives. But on the left wing of the terrible battle, Hector found Alexandrus, husband of lovely Helen. Alexandrus was rallying his men and urging them to fight. Hector went up to him and angrily rebuked him. “Paris,” he said, “wicked Paris, handsome but obsessed with women and full of lies, where are Deiphobus and King Helenus? Where are Adamas son of Asius, and Asius son of Hyrtacus? And where is Othryoneus? Ilius is ruined and will now surely fall!”

Alexandrus answered, “Hector, why find fault when there is no one to find fault with? I should hold aloof from battle on any day rather than this, for my mother bore me with nothing of the coward about me. From the moment when you set our men fighting about the ships we have been staying here and doing battle with the Danaans. Our comrades about whom you ask me are dead; Deiphobus and King Helenus alone have left the field, wounded both of them in the hand, but the son of Saturn saved them alive. Now, therefore, lead on where you would have us go, and we will follow with right goodwill; you shall not find us fail you in so far as our strength holds out, but no man can do more than in him lies, no matter how willing he may be.”

Alexandrus answered, “Hector, why blame us when no one is at fault? I would stay away from battle on any other day rather than today, for my mother bore no coward. Ever since you sent our men into battle around the ships, we have stayed here fighting the Danaans. The comrades you ask about are dead. Only Deiphobus and King Helenus have left the battlefield, both wounded in the hand. But the son of Saturn kept them alive. So now lead us wherever you want us to go, and we will follow gladly. We will not fail you as long as our strength lasts. But no man can do more than his strength allows, however willing he may be.”

With these words he satisfied his brother, and the two went towards the part of the battle where the fight was thickest, about Cebriones, brave Polydamas, Phalces, Orthaeus, godlike Polyphetes, Palmys, Ascanius, and Morys son of Hippotion, who had come from fertile Ascania on the preceding day to relieve other troops. Then Jove urged them on to fight. They flew forth like the blasts of some fierce wind that strike earth in the van of a thunderstorm—they buffet the salt sea into an uproar; many and mighty are the great waves that come crashing in one after the other upon the shore with their arching heads all crested with foam—even so did rank behind rank of Trojans arrayed in gleaming armour follow their leaders onward. The way was led by Hector son of Priam, peer of murderous Mars, with his round shield before him—his shield of ox-hides covered with plates of bronze—and his gleaming helmet upon his temples. He kept stepping forward under cover of his shield in every direction, making trial of the ranks to see if they would give way before him, but he could not daunt the courage of the Achaeans. Ajax was the first to stride out and challenge him. “Sir,” he cried, “draw near; why do you think thus vainly to dismay the Argives? We Achaeans are excellent soldiers, but the scourge of Jove has fallen heavily upon us. Your heart, forsooth, is set on destroying our ships, but we too have hands that can keep you at bay, and your own fair town shall be sooner taken and sacked by ourselves. The time is near when you shall pray Jove and all the gods in your flight, that your steeds may be swifter than hawks as they raise the dust on the plain and bear you back to your city.”

These words satisfied his brother, and the two headed toward the thickest fighting. There stood Cebriones, brave Polydamas, Phalces, Orthaeus, godlike Polyphetes, Palmys, Ascanius, and Morys son of Hippotion. They had come from fertile Ascania the day before to relieve other troops. Then Jove urged them into battle. They rushed forward like blasts of a fierce wind striking the earth ahead of a thunderstorm. The winds whip the salt sea into a roar. Great waves crash onto the shore, one after another, their towering crests covered in foam. Just so, rank after rank of Trojans in gleaming armour followed their leaders forward. Hector son of Priam led the way, a match for murderous Mars. He held his round shield before him, a shield of oxhide covered with bronze plates. His gleaming helmet covered his temples. He advanced in every direction behind his shield, testing the ranks to see if they would give way. But he could not shake the Achaeans’ courage. Ajax was the first to stride forward and challenge him. “Sir,” he cried, “come closer. Why do you think you can frighten the Argives with such useless efforts? We Achaeans are excellent soldiers, but Jove has punished us harshly. You have certainly set your heart on destroying our ships, but we too have hands to hold you back. We will capture and sack your own beautiful town before you destroy our ships. Soon, as you flee, you will pray to Jove and all the gods that your horses may outpace hawks. Your horses will kick up dust across the plain as they carry you back to your city.”

As he was thus speaking a bird flew by upon his right hand, and the host of the Achaeans shouted, for they took heart at the omen. But Hector answered, “Ajax, braggart and false of tongue, would that I were as sure of being son for evermore to aegis-bearing Jove, with Queen Juno for my mother, and of being held in like honour with Minerva and Apollo, as I am that this day is big with the destruction of the Achaeans; and you shall fall among them if you dare abide my spear; it shall rend your fair body and bid you glut our hounds and birds of prey with your fat and your flesh, as you fall by the ships of the Achaeans.”

As he spoke, a bird flew past on his right. The Achaean army shouted, encouraged by the omen. But Hector answered, “Ajax, you boastful liar! I wish I were as certain of being forever the son of aegis-bearing Jove, with Queen Juno as my mother, and of being honored like Minerva and Apollo, as I am that today will bring destruction to the Achaeans. And you will fall among them if you dare to stand against my spear. My spear will tear through your fair body. As you fall beside the Achaean ships, your fat and flesh will fill our hounds and birds of prey.”

With these words he led the way and the others followed after with a cry that rent the air, while the host shouted behind them. The Argives on their part raised a shout likewise, nor did they forget their prowess, but stood firm against the onslaught of the Trojan chieftains, and the cry from both the hosts rose up to heaven and to the brightness of Jove’s presence.

With these words, he led the way. The others followed with a cry that tore through the air, while the army shouted behind them. The Argives raised a shout in return. They did not forget their courage and skill, but stood firm against the attack of the Trojan chiefs. The cries of both armies rose to heaven and to the radiant presence of Jove.