Jove Wakes, Tells Apollo to Heal Hector, and the Trojans Win Again

But when their flight had taken them past the trench and the set stakes, and many had fallen by the hands of the Danaans, the Trojans made a halt on reaching their chariots, routed and pale with fear. Jove now woke on the crests of Ida, where he was lying with golden-throned Juno by his side, and starting to his feet he saw the Trojans and Achaeans, the one thrown into confusion, and the others driving them pell-mell before them with King Neptune in their midst. He saw Hector lying on the ground with his comrades gathered round him, gasping for breath, wandering in mind and vomiting blood, for it was not the feeblest of the Achaeans who struck him.

But after fleeing past the trench and the rows of stakes, the Trojans stopped when they reached their chariots. Many had fallen at the hands of the Danaans, and the survivors were defeated and pale with fear. Jove now woke on the peaks of Ida, where he lay with golden-throned Juno beside him. He sprang to his feet and saw the Trojans in confusion and the Achaeans driving them back in disorder. King Neptune was among the Achaeans. Jove saw Hector lying on the ground, with his comrades gathered around him. Hector was gasping for breath, dazed and vomiting blood, for the Achaean who struck him was far from weak.

The sire of gods and men had pity on him, and looked fiercely on Juno. “I see, Juno,” said he, “you mischief-making trickster, that your cunning has stayed Hector from fighting and has caused the rout of his host. I am in half a mind to thrash you, in which case you will be the first to reap the fruits of your scurvy knavery. Do you not remember how once upon a time I had you hanged? I fastened two anvils on to your feet, and bound your hands in a chain of gold which none might break, and you hung in mid-air among the clouds. All the gods in Olympus were in a fury, but they could not reach you to set you free; when I caught any one of them I gripped him and hurled him from the heavenly threshold till he came fainting down to earth; yet even this did not relieve my mind from the incessant anxiety which I felt about noble Hercules whom you and Boreas had spitefully conveyed beyond the seas to Cos, after suborning the tempests; but I rescued him, and notwithstanding all his mighty labours I brought him back again to Argos. I would remind you of this that you may learn to leave off being so deceitful, and discover how much you are likely to gain by the embraces out of which you have come here to trick me.”

The father of gods and men felt pity for him and glared at Juno. “I see, Juno,” he said, “you troublemaking trickster, that your cunning has kept Hector from fighting and routed his army. I’m half tempted to beat you. If I do, you’ll be the first to suffer the consequences of your vile tricks. Don’t you remember how I once hung you up? I fastened two anvils to your feet and bound your hands with a gold chain no one could break. You hung in midair among the clouds. All the gods on Olympus were furious, but they couldn’t reach you to set you free. Whenever I caught one of them, I seized him and hurled him from heaven’s threshold. He fell to earth, fainting. Yet even this did nothing to ease my constant worry about noble Hercules. You and Boreas had maliciously carried him across the sea to Cos after stirring up the storms. But I rescued him, and despite all his mighty labors, I brought him back to Argos. I remind you of this so you may learn to stop being so deceitful. You may also discover how much you stand to gain from the embraces you left to come here and trick me.”

Juno trembled as he spoke, and said, “May heaven above and earth below be my witnesses, with the waters of the river Styx—and this is the most solemn oath that a blessed god can take—nay, I swear also by your own almighty head and by our bridal bed—things over which I could never possibly perjure myself—that Neptune is not punishing Hector and the Trojans and helping the Achaeans through any doing of mine; it is all of his own mere motion because he was sorry to see the Achaeans hard pressed at their ships: if I were advising him, I should tell him to do as you bid him.”

Juno trembled as he spoke and said, “May heaven above, earth below, and the waters of the river Styx be my witnesses. Swearing by the Styx is the most solemn oath a blessed god can take. Indeed, I also swear by your almighty head and by our marriage bed. I could never swear falsely by either. Neptune is not punishing Hector and the Trojans and helping the Achaeans because of anything I have done. He is acting entirely on his own because he felt sorry for the Achaeans, struggling under attack at their ships. If I were advising him, I would tell him to do as you command.”

The sire of gods and men smiled and answered, “If you, Juno, were always to support me when we sit in council of the gods, Neptune, like it or no, would soon come round to your and my way of thinking. If, then, you are speaking the truth and mean what you say, go among the rank and file of the gods, and tell Iris and Apollo lord of the bow, that I want them—Iris, that she may go to the Achaean host and tell Neptune to leave off fighting and go home, and Apollo, that he may send Hector again into battle and give him fresh strength; he will thus forget his present sufferings, and drive the Achaeans back in confusion till they fall among the ships of Achilles son of Peleus. Achilles will then send his comrade Patroclus into battle, and Hector will kill him in front of Ilius after he has slain many warriors, and among them my own noble son Sarpedon. Achilles will kill Hector to avenge Patroclus, and from that time I will bring it about that the Achaeans shall persistently drive the Trojans back till they fulfil the counsels of Minerva and take Ilius. But I will not stay my anger, nor permit any god to help the Danaans till I have accomplished the desire of the son of Peleus, according to the promise I made by bowing my head on the day when Thetis touched my knees and besought me to give him honour.”

The father of gods and men smiled and answered, “Juno, if you always supported me in the council of the gods, Neptune would soon agree with us both. He would do so whether he liked it or not. If you are telling the truth and mean what you say, go among the other gods. Tell Iris and Apollo, lord of the bow, that I want them. Iris is to go to the Achaean army and tell Neptune to stop fighting and go home. Apollo is to send Hector back into battle and give him fresh strength. Hector will then forget his present suffering and drive the Achaeans back in confusion. They will retreat until they reach the ships of Achilles, son of Peleus. “Achilles will then send his comrade Patroclus into battle, and Hector will kill Patroclus outside Ilius. Before his death, Patroclus will kill many warriors, including my own noble son Sarpedon. Achilles will kill Hector to avenge Patroclus. From then on, I will make the Achaeans keep driving the Trojans back. They will continue until they carry out Minerva’s plans and capture Ilius. But I will not set aside my anger or let any god help the Danaans until then. First, I must fulfill the wish of the son of Peleus, as I promised when I bowed my head. I made that promise the day Thetis touched my knees and begged me to give him honor.”

Juno heeded his words and went from the heights of Ida to great Olympus. Swift as the thought of one whose fancy carries him over vast continents, and he says to himself, “Now I will be here, or there,” and he would have all manner of things—even so swiftly did Juno wing her way till she came to high Olympus and went in among the gods who were gathered in the house of Jove. When they saw her they all of them came up to her, and held out their cups to her by way of greeting. She let the others be, but took the cup offered her by lovely Themis, who was first to come running up to her. “Juno,” said she, “why are you here? And you seem troubled—has your husband the son of Saturn been frightening you?”

Juno listened to his words and left the heights of Ida for great Olympus. She moved as swiftly as the thoughts of someone whose imagination carries him across vast continents. He says to himself, “Now I will be here, or there,” and wishes for all kinds of things. Just as swiftly, Juno flew to high Olympus and joined the gods gathered in the house of Jove. When the gods saw her, all of them approached and held out their cups to welcome her. She passed over the others but accepted the cup from lovely Themis, who was the first to run to her. “Juno,” Themis said, “why are you here? You seem troubled. Has your husband, the son of Saturn, been frightening you?”

And Juno answered, “Themis, do not ask me about it. You know what a proud and cruel disposition my husband has. Lead the gods to table, where you and all the immortals can hear the wicked designs which he has avowed. Many a one, mortal and immortal, will be angered by them, however peaceably he may be feasting now.”

And Juno answered, “Themis, do not ask me about it. You know how proud and cruel my husband is. Lead the gods to the table. There, you and all the immortals can hear the wicked plans he has openly declared. Those plans will anger many mortals and immortals, however peacefully they may be feasting now.”

On this Juno sat down, and the gods were troubled throughout the house of Jove. Laughter sat on her lips but her brow was furrowed with care, and she spoke up in a rage. “Fools that we are,” she cried, “to be thus madly angry with Jove; we keep on wanting to go up to him and stay him by force or by persuasion, but he sits aloof and cares for nobody, for he knows that he is much stronger than any other of the immortals. Make the best, therefore, of whatever ills he may choose to send each one of you; Mars, I take it, has had a taste of them already, for his son Ascalaphus has fallen in battle—the man whom of all others he loved most dearly and whose father he owns himself to be.”

Then Juno sat down, and the gods were troubled throughout the house of Jove. A smile played on her lips, but her brow was furrowed with worry, and she spoke in anger. “What fools we are,” she cried, “to be so wildly angry with Jove. We keep wanting to approach him and stop him by force or persuasion. But he keeps his distance and cares for no one, because he knows he is much stronger than any other immortal. So make the best of whatever suffering he may choose to send each of you. Mars, I think, has already had a taste of such suffering, because his son Ascalaphus has fallen in battle. Mars loved him more dearly than anyone else and acknowledges him as his son.”

When he heard this Mars smote his two sturdy thighs with the flat of his hands, and said in anger, “Do not blame me, you gods that dwell in heaven, if I go to the ships of the Achaeans and avenge the death of my son, even though it end in my being struck by Jove’s lightning and lying in blood and dust among the corpses.”

When he heard this, Mars slapped his strong thighs with his palms. He said angrily, “You gods who live in heaven, do not blame me if I go to the Achaeans’ ships to avenge my son’s death. Do not blame me even if Jove strikes me with lightning and leaves me lying in blood and dust among the corpses.”

As he spoke he gave orders to yoke his horses Panic and Rout, while he put on his armour. On this, Jove would have been roused to still more fierce and implacable enmity against the other immortals, had not Minerva, alarmed for the safety of the gods, sprung from her seat and hurried outside. She tore the helmet from his head and the shield from his shoulders, and she took the bronze spear from his strong hand and set it on one side; then she said to Mars, “Madman, you are undone; you have ears that hear not, or you have lost all judgement and understanding; have you not heard what Juno has said on coming straight from the presence of Olympian Jove? Do you wish to go through all kinds of suffering before you are brought back sick and sorry to Olympus, after having caused infinite mischief to all us others? Jove would instantly leave the Trojans and Achaeans to themselves; he would come to Olympus to punish us, and would grip us up one after another, guilty or not guilty. Therefore lay aside your anger for the death of your son; better men than he have either been killed already or will fall hereafter, and one cannot protect every one’s whole family.”

As he spoke, he ordered his horses Panic and Rout to be harnessed while he put on his armour. Jove would have become even more fiercely and relentlessly hostile toward the other immortals if Minerva had not intervened. Fearing for the gods’ safety, she sprang from her seat and hurried outside. She pulled the helmet from his head and the shield from his shoulders. She took the bronze spear from his strong hand and set it aside. Then she said to Mars, “Madman, you are heading for ruin. Either your ears cannot hear, or you have lost all judgment and understanding. Have you not heard what Juno said when she came straight from Olympian Jove? Do you want to suffer in every way before being brought back to Olympus sick and miserable? And all after causing endless trouble for all the rest of us? Jove would immediately leave the Trojans and Achaeans to themselves. He would come to Olympus to punish us and seize us one by one, guilty or innocent. So set aside your anger over your son’s death. Better men than he have already been killed or will die later, and no one can protect everyone’s entire family.”

With these words she took Mars back to his seat. Meanwhile Juno called Apollo outside, with Iris the messenger of the gods. “Jove,” she said to them, “desires you to go to him at once on Mt. Ida; when you have seen him you are to do as he may then bid you.”

With these words, she took Mars back to his seat. Meanwhile, Juno called Apollo outside, along with Iris, the messenger of the gods. “Jove,” she told them, “wants you to go to him at once on Mt. Ida. Once you have seen him, you must follow whatever orders he gives you then.”

Thereon Juno left them and resumed her seat inside, while Iris and Apollo made all haste on their way. When they reached many-fountained Ida, mother of wild beasts, they found Jove seated on topmost Gargarus with a fragrant cloud encircling his head as with a diadem. They stood before his presence, and he was pleased with them for having been so quick in obeying the orders his wife had given them.

Then Juno left them and returned to her seat inside, while Iris and Apollo hurried away as fast as possible. They reached Ida, with its many springs, mother of wild beasts. There they found Jove seated on the summit of Gargarus. A fragrant cloud circled his head like a crown. Iris and Apollo stood before him. Jove was pleased with them because they had been so quick to obey his wife’s orders.

He spoke to Iris first. “Go,” said he, “fleet Iris, tell King Neptune what I now bid you—and tell him true. Bid him leave off fighting, and either join the company of the gods, or go down into the sea. If he takes no heed and disobeys me, let him consider well whether he is strong enough to hold his own against me if I attack him. I am older and much stronger than he is; yet he is not afraid to set himself up as on a level with myself, of whom all the other gods stand in awe.”

He spoke to Iris first. “Go,” he said, “swift Iris, tell King Neptune what I now command, and tell him exactly. Tell him to stop fighting and either join the other gods or go down into the sea. If he ignores me and disobeys, let him think carefully about whether he can stand against me if I attack. I am older and much stronger than he is. Yet he is not afraid to claim he is my equal, though all the other gods stand in awe of me.”

Iris, fleet as the wind, obeyed him, and as the cold hail or snow-flakes that fly from out the clouds before the blast of Boreas, even so did she wing her way till she came close up to the great shaker of the earth. Then she said, “I have come, O dark-haired king that holds the world in his embrace, to bring you a message from Jove. He bids you leave off fighting, and either join the company of the gods or go down into the sea; if, however, you take no heed and disobey him, he says he will come down here and fight you. He would have you keep out of his reach, for he is older and much stronger than you are, and yet you are not afraid to set yourself up as on a level with himself, of whom all the other gods stand in awe.”

Iris, swift as the wind, obeyed him. Like cold hail or snowflakes driven from the clouds by the blast of Boreas, she flew to the great earth-shaker. Then she said, “Dark-haired king who holds the world in his embrace, I bring you a message from Jove. He orders you to stop fighting and either join the other gods or go down into the sea. But if you ignore his command and disobey him, he says he will come down here and fight you. He wants you to stay out of his reach, because he is older and much stronger than you. Yet you are not afraid to claim equality with him, though all the other gods stand in awe of him.”

Neptune was very angry and said, “Great heavens! strong as Jove may be, he has said more than he can do if he has threatened violence against me, who am of like honour with himself. We were three brothers whom Rhea bore to Saturn—Jove, myself, and Hades who rules the world below. Heaven and earth were divided into three parts, and each of us was to have an equal share. When we cast lots, it fell to me to have my dwelling in the sea for evermore; Hades took the darkness of the realms under the earth, while air and sky and clouds were the portion that fell to Jove; but earth and great Olympus are the common property of all. Therefore I will not walk as Jove would have me. For all his strength, let him keep to his own third share and be contented without threatening to lay hands upon me as though I were nobody. Let him keep his bragging talk for his own sons and daughters, who must perforce obey him.”

Neptune was very angry and said, “Great heavens! Strong as Jove may be, he has promised more than he can deliver if he has threatened me with violence. I am his equal in honor. We were three brothers born to Rhea and Saturn: Jove, myself, and Hades, who rules the world below. Heaven and earth were divided into three parts, and each of us was to have an equal share. We drew lots, and I received the sea as my home forever. Hades received the dark realms beneath the earth, while Jove received the air, sky, and clouds. But earth and great Olympus belong to all of us. So I will not do as Jove wants. For all his strength, let him stay within his own third and be content. Let him stop threatening to lay hands on me as though I were nobody. Let him save his boasting for his own sons and daughters, who have no choice but to obey him.”

Iris fleet as the wind then answered, “Am I really, Neptune, to take this daring and unyielding message to Jove, or will you reconsider your answer? Sensible people are open to argument, and you know that the Erinyes always range themselves on the side of the older person.”

Iris, as swift as the wind, then answered, “Neptune, am I really to take this bold, uncompromising message to Jove? Or will you reconsider your answer? Sensible people are willing to listen to reason. And you know that the Erinyes always side with the older person.”

Neptune answered, “Goddess Iris, your words have been spoken in season. It is well when a messenger shows so much discretion. Nevertheless it cuts me to the very heart that any one should rebuke so angrily another who is his own peer, and of like empire with himself. Now, however, I will give way in spite of my displeasure; furthermore let me tell you, and I mean what I say—if contrary to the desire of myself, Minerva driver of the spoil, Juno, Mercury, and King Vulcan, Jove spares steep Ilius, and will not let the Achaeans have the great triumph of sacking it, let him understand that he will incur our implacable resentment.”

Neptune answered, “Goddess Iris, your words come at the right time. A messenger does well to show such good judgment. Still, it cuts me to the heart when someone speaks so angrily to an equal who shares his power. For now, though, I will give way despite my anger. But let me tell you something, and I mean every word. I, Minerva who carries off the spoils, Juno, Mercury, and King Vulcan want steep Ilius destroyed. If Jove goes against our wishes and spares the city, denying the Achaeans the great triumph of sacking it, he should understand the consequence: our anger toward him will never be appeased.”

Neptune now left the field to go down under the sea, and sorely did the Achaeans miss him. Then Jove said to Apollo, “Go, dear Phoebus, to Hector, for Neptune who holds the earth in his embrace has now gone down under the sea to avoid the severity of my displeasure. Had he not done so those gods who are below with Saturn would have come to hear of the fight between us. It is better for both of us that he should have curbed his anger and kept out of my reach, for I should have had much trouble with him. Take, then, your tasselled aegis, and shake it furiously, so as to set the Achaean heroes in a panic; take, moreover, brave Hector, O Far-Darter, into your own care, and rouse him to deeds of daring, till the Achaeans are sent flying back to their ships and to the Hellespont. From that point I will think it well over, how the Achaeans may have a respite from their troubles.”

Neptune now left the battlefield and went down beneath the sea, and the Achaeans missed him badly. Then Jove said to Apollo, “Go, dear Phoebus, to Hector. Neptune, who holds the earth in his embrace, has now gone beneath the sea to escape my fierce anger. If he had not, the gods below with Saturn would have heard of the fight between us. It is better for us both that Neptune restrained his anger and stayed out of my reach. Otherwise, I would have had great trouble with him. So take your tasseled aegis and shake it furiously to send the Achaean heroes into a panic. Also take brave Hector into your care, O Far-Darter, and inspire him to daring deeds. Keep urging him on until the Achaeans flee back to their ships and the Hellespont. Then I will consider carefully how the Achaeans may get some relief from their troubles.”

Apollo obeyed his father’s saying, and left the crests of Ida, flying like a falcon, bane of doves and swiftest of all birds. He found Hector no longer lying upon the ground, but sitting up, for he had just come to himself again. He knew those who were about him, and the sweat and hard breathing had left him from the moment when the will of aegis-bearing Jove had revived him. Apollo stood beside him and said, “Hector son of Priam, why are you so faint, and why are you here away from the others? Has any mishap befallen you?”

Apollo obeyed his father’s command and left the peaks of Ida, flying like a falcon. Falcons prey on doves and are the swiftest of all birds. He found Hector no longer lying on the ground but sitting up, for Hector had just regained consciousness. Hector recognized the people around him. His sweating and heavy breathing had stopped the moment the will of aegis-bearing Jove revived him. Apollo stood beside him and said, “Hector, son of Priam, why are you so weak? Why are you here, away from the others? Has something bad happened to you?”

Hector in a weak voice answered, “And which, kind sir, of the gods are you, who now ask me thus? Do you not know that Ajax struck me on the chest with a stone as I was killing his comrades at the ships of the Achaeans, and compelled me to leave off fighting? I made sure that this very day I should breathe my last and go down into the house of Hades.”

Hector answered in a weak voice, “Kind sir, which of the gods are you, asking me this? Don't you know that Ajax hit me in the chest with a stone? I was killing his comrades at the ships of the Achaeans, and his blow forced me to stop fighting. I was sure I would die this very day and go down to the house of Hades.”

Then King Apollo said to him, “Take heart; the son of Saturn has sent you a mighty helper from Ida to stand by you and defend you, even me, Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword, who have been guardian hitherto not only of yourself but of your city. Now, therefore, order your horsemen to drive their chariots to the ships in great multitudes. I will go before your horses to smooth the way for them, and will turn the Achaeans in flight.”

Then King Apollo said to him, “Take heart. The son of Saturn has sent you a mighty helper from Ida to stand beside you and defend you. I am that helper, Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword. Until now, I have guarded both you and your city. So now order your charioteers to drive their chariots to the ships in great numbers. I will go ahead of your horses to clear the way for them. I will make the Achaeans turn and flee.”

As he spoke he infused great strength into the shepherd of his people. And as a horse, stabled and full-fed, breaks loose and gallops gloriously over the plain to the place where he is wont to take his bath in the river—he tosses his head, and his mane streams over his shoulders as in all the pride of his strength he flies full speed to the pastures where the mares are feeding—even so Hector, when he heard what the god said, urged his horsemen on, and sped forward as fast as his limbs could take him. As country peasants set their hounds on to a homed stag or wild goat—he has taken shelter under rock or thicket, and they cannot find him, but, lo, a bearded lion whom their shouts have roused stands in their path, and they are in no further humour for the chase—even so the Achaeans were still charging on in a body, using their swords and spears pointed at both ends, but when they saw Hector going about among his men they were afraid, and their hearts fell down into their feet.

As he spoke, he filled the leader of his people with great strength. A well-fed horse breaks loose from its stable and gallops proudly across the plain. It heads for the river where it usually bathes. It tosses its head, and its mane streams over its shoulders. Full of pride in its strength, it races toward the pastures where the mares are feeding. Just so, when Hector heard the god’s words, he urged his horsemen on and ran as fast as he could. Country people set their hounds on a horned stag or a wild goat. The animal hides beneath a rock or in a thicket, and the hunters cannot find it. But suddenly a lion with a thick mane, roused by their shouts, stands in their path. The hunters have no more desire to chase their prey. Just so, the Achaeans were still charging together, fighting with swords and spears pointed at both ends. But when they saw Hector moving among his men, fear seized them, and their courage sank to their feet.

Then spoke Thoas son of Andraemon, leader of the Aetolians, a man who could throw a good throw, and who was staunch also in close fight, while few could surpass him in debate when opinions were divided. He then with all sincerity and goodwill addressed them thus: “What, in heaven’s name, do I now see? Is it not Hector come to life again? Every one made sure he had been killed by Ajax son of Telamon, but it seems that one of the gods has again rescued him. He has killed many of us Danaans already, and I take it will yet do so, for the hand of Jove must be with him or he would never dare show himself so masterful in the forefront of the battle. Now, therefore, let us all do as I say; let us order the main body of our forces to fall back upon the ships, but let those of us who profess to be the flower of the army stand firm, and see whether we cannot hold Hector back at the point of our spears as soon as he comes near us; I conceive that he will then think better of it before he tries to charge into the press of the Danaans.”

Then Thoas son of Andraemon, leader of the Aetolians, spoke. He was a skilled thrower and stood firm in close combat. Few could match him in debate when opinions were divided. With complete sincerity and goodwill, he addressed them: “What, in heaven’s name, am I seeing? Has Hector come back to life? Everyone was sure Ajax son of Telamon had killed him. But it seems one of the gods has rescued him again. He has already killed many of us Danaans, and I expect he will kill more. Jove must be supporting him. Otherwise, Hector would never dare show such strength at the front of the battle. “Now, let us all do as I say. Let us order the main body of our forces to fall back to the ships. But let those of us who claim to be the army’s best stand firm. Let us see whether we can hold Hector back with our spears as soon as he comes near. I believe he will then think twice before trying to charge into the mass of Danaans.”

Thus did he speak, and they did even as he had said. Those who were about Ajax and King Idomeneus, the followers moreover of Teucer, Meriones, and Meges peer of Mars called all their best men about them and sustained the fight against Hector and the Trojans, but the main body fell back upon the ships of the Achaeans.

He spoke, and they did as he said. The men around Ajax and King Idomeneus gathered all their best fighters. So did the followers of Teucer, Meriones, and Meges, who was equal to Mars. These men kept fighting Hector and the Trojans, but the main force fell back to the Achaeans' ships.

The Trojans pressed forward in a dense body, with Hector striding on at their head. Before him went Phoebus Apollo shrouded in cloud about his shoulders. He bore aloft the terrible aegis with its shaggy fringe, which Vulcan the smith had given Jove to strike terror into the hearts of men. With this in his hand he led on the Trojans.

The Trojans pushed forward in a tightly packed group, with Hector striding at their head. Phoebus Apollo went ahead of Hector, with a cloud wrapped around his shoulders. Apollo held high the terrifying aegis with its shaggy fringe. Vulcan the smith had given the aegis to Jove to strike terror into human hearts. With the aegis in his hand, Apollo led the Trojans forward.

The Argives held together and stood their ground. The cry of battle rose high from either side, and the arrows flew from the bowstrings. Many a spear sped from strong hands and fastened in the bodies of many a valiant warrior, while others fell to earth midway, before they could taste of man’s fair flesh and glut themselves with blood. So long as Phoebus Apollo held his aegis quietly and without shaking it, the weapons on either side took effect and the people fell, but when he shook it straight in the face of the Danaans and raised his mighty battle-cry their hearts fainted within them and they forgot their former prowess. As when two wild beasts spring in the dead of night on a herd of cattle or a large flock of sheep when the herdsman is not there—even so were the Danaans struck helpless, for Apollo filled them with panic and gave victory to Hector and the Trojans.

The Argives stayed together and stood their ground. Battle cries rose high from both sides, and arrows flew from bowstrings. Many spears flew from strong hands and lodged in the bodies of brave warriors. Others fell to the ground halfway, before they could taste men’s fair flesh and gorge themselves on blood. As long as Phoebus Apollo held his aegis still, without shaking it, weapons on both sides struck home and warriors fell. But when Apollo shook the aegis in the Danaans’ faces and gave his mighty battle cry, their courage failed. The Danaans forgot their former skill in battle. They were as helpless as cattle or a large flock of sheep attacked by two wild beasts in the dead of night. With no herdsman there, the animals had no protection. Just so, the Danaans were struck helpless, for Apollo filled them with panic and gave victory to Hector and the Trojans.

The fight then became more scattered and they killed one another where they best could. Hector killed Stichius and Arcesilaus, the one, leader of the Boeotians, and the other, friend and comrade of Menestheus. Aeneas killed Medon and Iasus. The first was bastard son to Oileus, and brother to Ajax, but he lived in Phylace away from his own country, for he had killed a man, a kinsman of his stepmother Eriopis whom Oileus had married. Iasus had become a leader of the Athenians, and was son of Sphelus the son of Boucolos. Polydamas killed Mecisteus, and Polites Echius, in the front of the battle, while Agenor slew Clonius. Paris struck Deiochus from behind in the lower part of the shoulder, as he was flying among the foremost, and the point of the spear went clean through him.

The fighting then spread out, and the warriors killed one another wherever they could. Hector killed Stichius and Arcesilaus. One was a leader of the Boeotians, and the other was a friend and comrade of Menestheus. Aeneas killed Medon and Iasus. Medon was the illegitimate son of Oileus and brother of Ajax. But Medon lived in Phylace, away from his homeland, because he had killed a man. The dead man was a relative of Medon’s stepmother Eriopis, whom Oileus had married. Iasus had become a leader of the Athenians. He was the son of Sphelus and grandson of Boucolos. Polydamas killed Mecisteus, and Polites killed Echius at the front of the battle, while Agenor killed Clonius. Paris struck Deiochus from behind, low in the shoulder, as Deiochus fled among the men at the front. The spear’s point went straight through him.

While they were spoiling these heroes of their armour, the Achaeans were flying pell-mell to the trench and the set stakes, and were forced back within their wall. Hector then cried out to the Trojans, “Forward to the ships, and let the spoils be. If I see any man keeping back on the other side the wall away from the ships I will have him killed: his kinsmen and kinswomen shall not give him his dues of fire, but dogs shall tear him in pieces in front of our city.”

While they stripped these heroes of their armor, the Achaeans fled in panic toward the trench and the stakes. They were forced back inside their wall. Hector then shouted to the Trojans, “Forward to the ships, and leave the spoils behind. If I see any man hanging back outside the wall, away from the ships, I will have him killed. His relatives, men and women alike, shall not give him his funeral fire. Instead, dogs shall tear him to pieces in front of our city.”

As he spoke he laid his whip about his horses’ shoulders and called to the Trojans throughout their ranks; the Trojans shouted with a cry that rent the air, and kept their horses neck and neck with his own. Phoebus Apollo went before, and kicked down the banks of the deep trench into its middle so as to make a great broad bridge, as broad as the throw of a spear when a man is trying his strength. The Trojan battalions poured over the bridge, and Apollo with his redoubtable aegis led the way. He kicked down the wall of the Achaeans as easily as a child who playing on the sea-shore has built a house of sand and then kicks it down again and destroys it—even so did you, O Apollo, shed toil and trouble upon the Argives, filling them with panic and confusion.

As he spoke, he whipped his horses’ shoulders and called to the Trojans throughout their ranks. The Trojans gave a shout that tore through the air and kept their horses neck and neck with his. Phoebus Apollo went ahead and kicked the banks of the deep trench down into its middle, making a broad bridge. The bridge was as wide as a spear thrown by a man testing his strength could travel. The Trojan battalions poured across the bridge, with Apollo leading the way, carrying his fearsome aegis. He kicked down the wall of the Achaeans as easily as a child destroys a sand house on the shore. The child builds the house while playing, then kicks it down again. Just so, Apollo, you brought hardship and suffering on the Argives, filling them with panic and confusion.

Thus then were the Achaeans hemmed in at their ships, calling out to one another and raising their hands with loud cries every man to heaven. Nestor of Gerene, tower of strength to the Achaeans, lifted up his hands to the starry firmament of heaven, and prayed more fervently than any of them. “Father Jove,” said he, “if ever any one in wheat-growing Argos burned you fat thigh-bones of sheep or heifer and prayed that he might return safely home, whereon you bowed your head to him in assent, bear it in mind now, and suffer not the Trojans to triumph thus over the Achaeans.”

The Achaeans were trapped by their ships, calling out to one another. Every man raised his hands to heaven and cried out loudly. Nestor of Gerene, a pillar of strength for the Achaeans, raised his hands to the starry sky. He prayed more fervently than any of the others. “Father Jove,” he said, “if anyone in wheat-growing Argos ever burned you fat thigh bones of sheep or heifers, remember now. If that person prayed to return home safely, and you nodded your agreement, remember that promise. Do not let the Trojans triumph over the Achaeans like this.”

All-counselling Jove thundered loudly in answer to the prayer of the aged son of Neleus. When they heard Jove thunder they flung themselves yet more fiercely on the Achaeans. As a wave breaking over the bulwarks of a ship when the sea runs high before a gale—for it is the force of the wind that makes the waves so great—even so did the Trojans spring over the wall with a shout, and drive their chariots onwards. The two sides fought with their double-pointed spears in hand-to-hand encounter-the Trojans from their chariots, and the Achaeans climbing up into their ships and wielding the long pikes that were lying on the decks ready for use in a sea-fight, jointed and shod with bronze.

Jove, whose wisdom guides all, thundered loudly in answer to the prayer of the aged son of Neleus. Hearing Jove thunder, the Trojans attacked the Achaeans even more fiercely. Just as a wave breaks over a ship’s sides when a gale drives the sea high, the Trojans surged forward. The wind’s force makes such waves so great. So the Trojans leaped over the wall with a shout and drove their chariots onward. The two sides fought at close quarters with double-pointed spears. The Trojans fought from their chariots, while the Achaeans climbed aboard their ships and wielded long pikes. These pikes lay ready on the decks for fighting at sea. They were made in jointed sections and tipped with bronze.

Now Patroclus, so long as the Achaeans and Trojans were fighting about the wall, but were not yet within it and at the ships, remained sitting in the tent of good Eurypylus, entertaining him with his conversation and spreading herbs over his wound to ease his pain. When, however, he saw the Trojans swarming through the breach in the wall, while the Achaeans were clamouring and struck with panic, he cried aloud, and smote his two thighs with the flat of his hands. “Eurypylus,” said he in his dismay, “I know you want me badly, but I cannot stay with you any longer, for there is hard fighting going on; a servant shall take care of you now, for I must make all speed to Achilles, and induce him to fight if I can; who knows but with heaven’s help I may persuade him. A man does well to listen to the advice of a friend.”

As long as the Achaeans and Trojans fought around the wall, Patroclus stayed seated in the tent of good Eurypylus. The fighters had not yet broken through to the ships. Patroclus kept Eurypylus company with conversation and spread herbs over his wound to ease the pain. But then Patroclus saw the Trojans pouring through the gap in the wall, while the Achaeans shouted in panic. He cried out and slapped both thighs with his open hands. “Eurypylus,” he said in dismay, “I know you badly need me, but I cannot stay with you any longer. There is fierce fighting going on. A servant will care for you now, because I must hurry to Achilles and persuade him to fight if I can. Who knows, with heaven’s help I may persuade him. A man does well to listen to a friend’s advice.”

When he had thus spoken he went his way. The Achaeans stood firm and resisted the attack of the Trojans, yet though these were fewer in number, they could not drive them back from the ships, neither could the Trojans break the Achaean ranks and make their way in among the tents and ships. As a carpenter’s line gives a true edge to a piece of ship’s timber, in the hand of some skilled workman whom Minerva has instructed in all kinds of useful arts—even so level was the issue of the fight between the two sides, as they fought some round one and some round another.

After saying this, he went on his way. The Achaeans stood firm and resisted the Trojans’ attack. Yet although the Trojans were fewer, the Achaeans could not drive them back from the ships. Nor could the Trojans break through the Achaean ranks and reach the tents and ships. A carpenter’s line guides a straight edge on a ship’s timber in the hands of a skilled craftsman. Minerva has taught that craftsman all kinds of useful arts. Just as straight was the balance of the battle between the two sides, as men fought around one another.

Hector made straight for Ajax, and the two fought fiercely about the same ship. Hector could not force Ajax back and fire the ship, nor yet could Ajax drive Hector from the spot to which heaven had brought him.

Hector went straight for Ajax, and the two fought fiercely around the same ship. Hector could not push Ajax back and set the ship on fire. Nor could Ajax drive Hector away from the spot where heaven had brought him.

Then Ajax struck Caletor son of Clytius in the chest with a spear as he was bringing fire towards the ship. He fell heavily to the ground and the torch dropped from his hand. When Hector saw his cousin fallen in front of the ship he shouted to the Trojans and Lycians saying, “Trojans, Lycians, and Dardanians good in close fight, bate not a jot, but rescue the son of Clytius lest the Achaeans strip him of his armour now that he has fallen.”

Then Ajax struck Caletor son of Clytius in the chest with a spear as Caletor carried fire toward the ship. Caletor fell heavily to the ground, and the torch dropped from his hand. When Hector saw his cousin lying in front of the ship, he shouted to the Trojans and Lycians. “Trojans, Lycians, and Dardanians skilled in close combat, do not give ground at all. Rescue the son of Clytius, or the Achaeans may strip him of his armour now that he has fallen.”

He then aimed a spear at Ajax, and missed him, but he hit Lycophron a follower of Ajax, who came from Cythera, but was living with Ajax inasmuch as he had killed a man among the Cythereans. Hector’s spear struck him on the head below the ear, and he fell headlong from the ship’s prow on to the ground with no life left in him. Ajax shook with rage and said to his brother, “Teucer, my good fellow, our trusty comrade the son of Mastor has fallen, he came to live with us from Cythera and whom we honoured as much as our own parents. Hector has just killed him; fetch your deadly arrows at once and the bow which Phoebus Apollo gave you.”

He then threw a spear at Ajax and missed, but hit Lycophron, one of Ajax’s followers. Lycophron came from Cythera but was living with Ajax because he had killed a man among the Cythereans. Hector’s spear struck him in the head below the ear. He fell headfirst from the ship’s prow to the ground, dead. Ajax shook with rage and said to his brother, “Teucer, my good friend, our trusted comrade, the son of Mastor, has fallen. He came from Cythera to live with us, and we honored him as much as our own parents. Hector has just killed him. Fetch your deadly arrows at once, along with the bow Phoebus Apollo gave you.”

Teucer heard him and hastened towards him with his bow and quiver in his hands. Forthwith he showered his arrows on the Trojans, and hit Cleitus the son of Pisenor, comrade of Polydamas the noble son of Panthous, with the reins in his hands as he was attending to his horses; he was in the middle of the very thickest part of the fight, doing good service to Hector and the Trojans, but evil had now come upon him, and not one of those who were fain to do so could avert it, for the arrow struck him on the back of the neck. He fell from his chariot and his horses shook the empty car as they swerved aside. King Polydamas saw what had happened, and was the first to come up to the horses; he gave them in charge to Astynous son of Protiaon, and ordered him to look on, and to keep the horses near at hand. He then went back and took his place in the front ranks.

Teucer heard him and hurried toward him with his bow and quiver in his hands. He immediately showered arrows on the Trojans and struck Cleitus, son of Pisenor. Cleitus was a companion of Polydamas, the noble son of Panthous. He was holding the reins and tending his horses in the thickest of the fighting. He was serving Hector and the Trojans well, but disaster had now struck him. No one who wished to save him could prevent it, for the arrow struck the back of his neck. He fell from his chariot, and his horses swerved aside, shaking the empty chariot. King Polydamas saw what had happened and was the first to reach the horses. He put the horses in the care of Astynous, son of Protiaon. He ordered Astynous to watch the fighting and keep the horses close by. Then Polydamas returned to his place in the front ranks.

Teucer then aimed another arrow at Hector, and there would have been no more fighting at the ships if he had hit him and killed him then and there: Jove, however, who kept watch over Hector, had his eyes on Teucer, and deprived him of his triumph, by breaking his bowstring for him just as he was drawing it and about to take his aim; on this the arrow went astray and the bow fell from his hands. Teucer shook with anger and said to his brother, “Alas, see how heaven thwarts us in all we do; it has broken my bowstring and snatched the bow from my hand, though I strung it this self-same morning that it might serve me for many an arrow.”

Teucer then aimed another arrow at Hector. If he had hit and killed Hector then and there, the fighting at the ships would have ended. But Jove, who watched over Hector, was keeping an eye on Teucer and denied him his triumph. Just as Teucer drew his bow and prepared to aim, Jove broke his bowstring. The arrow went off course, and the bow fell from Teucer’s hands. Shaking with anger, Teucer said to his brother, “Alas, see how heaven works against us in all we do. Heaven has broken my bowstring and snatched the bow from my hand. Yet I strung the bow just this morning so I could fire many arrows with it.”

Ajax son of Telamon answered, “My good fellow, let your bow and your arrows be, for Jove has made them useless in order to spite the Danaans. Take your spear, lay your shield upon your shoulder, and both fight the Trojans yourself and urge others to do so. They may be successful for the moment but if we fight as we ought they will find it a hard matter to take the ships.”

Ajax son of Telamon answered, “My friend, put aside your bow and arrows. Jove has made them useless to spite the Danaans. Take your spear and put your shield on your shoulder. Fight the Trojans yourself and urge others to fight them too. The Trojans may be winning for now. But if we fight as we should, the Trojans will find it hard to capture the ships.”

Teucer then took his bow and put it by in his tent. He hung a shield four hides thick about his shoulders, and on his comely head he set his helmet well wrought with a crest of horse-hair that nodded menacingly above it; he grasped his redoubtable bronze-shod spear, and forthwith he was by the side of Ajax.

Teucer then put his bow away in his tent. He slung a shield four layers of hide thick over his shoulders. On his handsome head he placed a finely crafted helmet with a horsehair crest that swayed threateningly above it. He gripped his fearsome bronze-tipped spear and immediately took his place beside Ajax.

When Hector saw that Teucer’s bow was of no more use to him, he shouted out to the Trojans and Lycians, “Trojans, Lycians, and Dardanians good in close fight, be men, my friends, and show your mettle here at the ships, for I see the weapon of one of their chieftains made useless by the hand of Jove. It is easy to see when Jove is helping people and means to help them still further, or again when he is bringing them down and will do nothing for them; he is now on our side, and is going against the Argives. Therefore swarm round the ships and fight. If any of you is struck by spear or sword and loses his life, let him die; he dies with honour who dies fighting for his country; and he will leave his wife and children safe behind him, with his house and allotment unplundered if only the Achaeans can be driven back to their own land, they and their ships.”

When Hector saw that Teucer’s bow was now useless, he shouted to the Trojans and Lycians, “Trojans, Lycians, and Dardanians skilled in close combat, be brave, my friends. Show your courage here at the ships. For I see that Jove has made one of their chieftains’ weapons useless. It is easy to see when Jove is helping people and intends to help them further. It is also clear when he is bringing people down and will do nothing for them. He is now on our side and against the Argives. So swarm around the ships and fight. If any of you is struck by a spear or sword and loses his life, let him die. A man who dies fighting for his country dies with honor. He will leave his wife and children safe, and his house and plot of land will remain unplundered. But only if we drive the Achaeans and their ships back to their own land.”

With these words he put heart and soul into them all. Ajax on the other side exhorted his comrades saying, “Shame on you Argives, we are now utterly undone, unless we can save ourselves by driving the enemy from our ships. Do you think, if Hector takes them, that you will be able to get home by land? Can you not hear him cheering on his whole host to fire our fleet, and bidding them remember that they are not at a dance but in battle? Our only course is to fight them with might and main; we had better chance it, life or death, once for all, than fight long and without issue hemmed in at our ships by worse men than ourselves.”

With these words he filled them all with courage and determination. On the other side, Ajax urged his comrades on, saying, “Shame on you, Argives! We are completely lost unless we can save ourselves by driving the enemy away from our ships. If Hector captures our ships, do you think you can get home by land? Can’t you hear him urging his whole army to burn our fleet? Can’t you hear him reminding his men that they are in a battle, not at a dance? Our only choice is to fight them with all our strength. Better to risk life or death once and for all than keep fighting without any result. Better that than remain trapped at our ships by men worse than ourselves.”

With these words he put life and soul into them all. Hector then killed Schedius son of Perimedes, leader of the Phoceans, and Ajax killed Laodamas captain of foot soldiers and son to Antenor. Polydamas killed Otus of Cyllene a comrade of the son of Phyleus and chief of the proud Epeans. When Meges saw this he sprang upon him, but Polydamas crouched down, and he missed him, for Apollo would not suffer the son of Panthous to fall in battle; but the spear hit Croesmus in the middle of his chest, whereon he fell heavily to the ground, and Meges stripped him of his armour. At that moment the valiant soldier Dolops son of Lampus sprang upon Lampus was son of Laomedon and noted for his valour, while his son Dolops was versed in all the ways of war. He then struck the middle of the son of Phyleus’ shield with his spear, setting on him at close quarters, but his good corslet made with plates of metal saved him; Phyleus had brought it from Ephyra and the river Selleis, where his host, King Euphetes, had given it him to wear in battle and protect him. It now served to save the life of his son. Then Meges struck the topmost crest of Dolops’s bronze helmet with his spear and tore away its plume of horse-hair, so that all newly dyed with scarlet as it was it tumbled down into the dust. While he was still fighting and confident of victory, Menelaus came up to help Meges, and got by the side of Dolops unperceived; he then speared him in the shoulder, from behind, and the point, driven so furiously, went through into his chest, whereon he fell headlong. The two then made towards him to strip him of his armour, but Hector called on all his brothers for help, and he especially upbraided brave Melanippus son of Hiketaon, who erewhile used to pasture his herds of cattle in Percote before the war broke out; but when the ships of the Danaans came, he went back to Ilius, where he was eminent among the Trojans, and lived near Priam who treated him as one of his own sons. Hector now rebuked him and said, “Why, Melanippus, are we thus remiss? do you take no note of the death of your kinsman, and do you not see how they are trying to take Dolops’s armour? Follow me; there must be no fighting the Argives from a distance now, but we must do so in close combat till either we kill them or they take the high wall of Ilius and slay her people.”

With these words, he filled them all with courage and energy. Hector then killed Schedius son of Perimedes, leader of the Phoceans. Ajax killed Laodamas, captain of the foot soldiers and son of Antenor. Polydamas killed Otus of Cyllene, a companion of the son of Phyleus and leader of the proud Epeans. When Meges saw Otus fall, he sprang at Polydamas. But Polydamas ducked, and Meges missed him, for Apollo would not let the son of Panthous fall in battle. Instead, the spear struck Croesmus in the middle of his chest, and he fell heavily to the ground. Meges stripped him of his armour. At that moment, the brave soldier Dolops son of Lampus sprang at Meges. Lampus was the son of Laomedon and known for his courage. His son Dolops was skilled in every aspect of war. Dolops attacked at close quarters, striking the centre of the son of Phyleus’ shield with his spear. But Meges’s strong breastplate, made of metal plates, saved him. Phyleus had brought the breastplate from Ephyra and the river Selleis. There, his host, King Euphetes, had given him the armour to wear in battle for protection. Now the breastplate saved his son’s life. Then Meges struck the topmost crest of Dolops’s bronze helmet with his spear, tearing away its horsehair plume. The plume, still freshly dyed scarlet, tumbled into the dust. While Dolops was still fighting, confident of victory, Menelaus came to help Meges. Menelaus moved unnoticed to Dolops’s side, then drove his spear into Dolops’s shoulder from behind. The thrust was so powerful that the spear’s point passed through into his chest, and he fell headfirst. Meges and Menelaus then moved towards Dolops to strip him of his armour. But Hector called on all his brothers for help. He especially scolded brave Melanippus son of Hiketaon. Before the war broke out, Melanippus had tended his herds of cattle in Percote. But when the ships of the Danaans arrived, he returned to Ilius. There he held a high position among the Trojans and lived near Priam, who treated him like his own son. Hector now rebuked him and said, “Why are we holding back like this, Melanippus? Have you taken no notice of your kinsman’s death? Don’t you see how they are trying to take Dolops’s armour? Follow me. We must no longer fight the Argives from a distance. We must fight at close quarters until we kill them or they take Ilius’s high wall and slaughter her people.”

He led on as he spoke, and the hero Melanippus followed after. Meanwhile Ajax son of Telamon was cheering on the Argives. “My friends,” he cried, “be men, and fear dishonour; quit yourselves in battle so as to win respect from one another. Men who respect each other’s good opinion are less likely to be killed than those who do not, but in flight there is neither gain nor glory.”

He led the way as he spoke, and the hero Melanippus followed. Meanwhile, Ajax son of Telamon was urging the Argives on. “My friends,” he cried, “be men, and fear dishonor. Fight in a way that earns each other’s respect. Men who value each other’s good opinion are less likely to be killed than men who do not. But running away brings neither gain nor glory.”

Thus did he exhort men who were already bent upon driving back the Trojans. They laid his words to heart and hedged the ships as with a wall of bronze, while Jove urged on the Trojans. Menelaus of the loud battle-cry urged Antilochus on. “Antilochus,” said he, “you are young and there is none of the Achaeans more fleet of foot or more valiant than you are. See if you cannot spring upon some Trojan and kill him.”

With these words, he encouraged men who were already determined to drive the Trojans back. The men took his words to heart and surrounded the ships like a wall of bronze. Meanwhile, Jove urged the Trojans on. Menelaus, known for his loud battle cry, urged Antilochus on. “Antilochus,” he said, “you are young, and no Achaean is faster on his feet or braver than you. See if you can leap at some Trojan and kill him.”

He hurried away when he had thus spurred Antilochus, who at once darted out from the front ranks and aimed a spear, after looking carefully round him. The Trojans fell back as he threw, and the dart did not speed from his hand without effect, for it struck Melanippus the proud son of Hiketaon in the breast by the nipple as he was coming forward, and his armour rang rattling round him as he fell heavily to the ground. Antilochus sprang upon him as a dog springs on a fawn which a hunter has hit as it was breaking away from its covert, and killed it. Even so, O Melanippus, did stalwart Antilochus spring upon you to strip you of your armour; but noble Hector marked him, and came running up to him through the thick of the battle. Antilochus, brave soldier though he was, would not stay to face him, but fled like some savage creature which knows it has done wrong, and flies, when it has killed a dog or a man who is herding his cattle, before a body of men can be gathered to attack it. Even so did the son of Nestor fly, and the Trojans and Hector with a cry that rent the air showered their weapons after him; nor did he turn round and stay his flight till he had reached his comrades.

After urging Antilochus on, he hurried away. Antilochus immediately darted out from the front ranks, looked carefully around, and aimed his spear. The Trojans fell back as he threw, and his spear found its mark. It struck Melanippus, the proud son of Hiketaon, in the chest beside the nipple as he advanced. His armor clattered around him as he fell heavily to the ground. Antilochus sprang on him like a dog pouncing on a fawn wounded by a hunter while escaping from cover. The dog pounces to kill the fawn. Just so, Melanippus, did strong Antilochus spring on you to strip off your armor. But noble Hector saw Antilochus and ran toward him through the thick of battle. Though Antilochus was a brave soldier, he would not stand and face Hector. Instead, he fled like a wild beast that knows it has done wrong. The beast has killed a dog or a man tending his cattle. It flees before a group of men can gather to attack it. Just so did the son of Nestor flee. With a cry that tore through the air, the Trojans and Hector hurled their weapons after him. He did not turn around or stop running until he reached his comrades.

The Trojans, fierce as lions, were still rushing on towards the ships in fulfilment of the behests of Jove who kept spurring them on to new deeds of daring, while he deadened the courage of the Argives and defeated them by encouraging the Trojans. For he meant giving glory to Hector son of Priam, and letting him throw fire upon the ships, till he had fulfilled the unrighteous prayer that Thetis had made him; Jove, therefore, bided his time till he should see the glare of a blazing ship. From that hour he was about so to order that the Trojans should be driven back from the ships and to vouchsafe glory to the Achaeans. With this purpose he inspired Hector son of Priam, who was eager enough already, to assail the ships. His fury was as that of Mars, or as when a fire is raging in the glades of some dense forest upon the mountains; he foamed at the mouth, his eyes glared under his terrible eyebrows, and his helmet quivered on his temples by reason of the fury with which he fought. Jove from heaven was with him, and though he was but one against many, vouchsafed him victory and glory; for he was doomed to an early death, and already Pallas Minerva was hurrying on the hour of his destruction at the hands of the son of Peleus. Now, however, he kept trying to break the ranks of the enemy wherever he could see them thickest, and in the goodliest armour; but do what he might he could not break through them, for they stood as a tower foursquare, or as some high cliff rising from the grey sea that braves the anger of the gale, and of the waves that thunder up against it. He fell upon them like flames of fire from every quarter. As when a wave, raised mountain high by wind and storm, breaks over a ship and covers it deep in foam, the fierce winds roar against the mast, the hearts of the sailors fail them for fear, and they are saved but by a very little from destruction—even so were the hearts of the Achaeans fainting within them. Or as a savage lion attacking a herd of cows while they are feeding by thousands in the low-lying meadows by some wide-watered shore—the herdsman is at his wit’s end how to protect his herd and keeps going about now in the van and now in the rear of his cattle, while the lion springs into the thick of them and fastens on a cow so that they all tremble for fear—even so were the Achaeans utterly panic-stricken by Hector and father Jove. Nevertheless Hector only killed Periphetes of Mycenae; he was son of Copreus who was wont to take the orders of King Eurystheus to mighty Hercules, but the son was a far better man than the father in every way; he was fleet of foot, a valiant warrior, and in understanding ranked among the foremost men of Mycenae. He it was who then afforded Hector a triumph, for as he was turning back he stumbled against the rim of his shield which reached his feet, and served to keep the javelins off him. He tripped against this and fell face upward, his helmet ringing loudly about his head as he did so. Hector saw him fall and ran up to him; he then thrust a spear into his chest, and killed him close to his own comrades. These, for all their sorrow, could not help him for they were themselves terribly afraid of Hector.

The Trojans, fierce as lions, still rushed toward the ships, carrying out the commands of Jove. He kept driving them to new acts of daring while weakening the Argives’ courage. By encouraging the Trojans, he brought defeat upon the Argives. He meant to give glory to Hector son of Priam and let him set fire to the ships. In this way, Jove would fulfill the unjust prayer Thetis had made to him. So Jove waited until he could see the glare of a burning ship. From that moment, he planned to drive the Trojans back from the ships and grant glory to the Achaeans. With this purpose, he urged Hector son of Priam to attack the ships, though Hector was already eager enough. Hector’s fury was like that of Mars, or a fire raging through the clearings of a dense mountain forest. He foamed at the mouth, and his eyes glared beneath his fearsome eyebrows. His helmet shook against his temples as he fought with fury. Jove supported him from heaven, granting him victory and glory even though he was one man against many. For Hector was doomed to die young. Already Pallas Minerva was hastening his destruction at the hands of the son of Peleus. For now, though, Hector kept trying to break the enemy’s ranks wherever the men stood thickest, wearing the finest armor. But however hard he tried, he could not break through. They stood firm like a square tower or a high cliff rising from the gray sea. Such a cliff withstands the gale’s fury and the waves thundering against it. Hector attacked them from every side like flames. A wave, raised mountain-high by wind and storm, breaks over a ship and buries it deep in foam. Fierce winds roar against the mast, and the sailors lose heart with fear, barely escaping destruction. Just so, the Achaeans’ hearts were failing them. Or a savage lion attacks cows feeding by the thousands in low meadows beside a broad stretch of water. The herdsman is desperate, not knowing how to protect his herd. He moves back and forth between the front and rear of the cattle. Meanwhile, the lion leaps into their midst and seizes a cow, making the whole herd tremble with fear. Just so, Hector and father Jove threw the Achaeans into utter panic. Yet Hector killed only Periphetes of Mycenae. He was the son of Copreus, who used to carry King Eurystheus’s orders to mighty Hercules. But the son was a far better man than his father in every way. Periphetes was swift on his feet and a brave warrior. In judgment, he ranked among the foremost men of Mycenae. He was the man who now gave Hector his triumph. As Periphetes turned back, he stumbled over the rim of his shield. The shield reached his feet and protected him from javelins. He tripped over it and fell on his back, his helmet ringing loudly around his head. Hector saw him fall and ran toward him. Then Hector drove a spear into his chest and killed him close to his own comrades. Despite their grief, his comrades could not help him, for they themselves were terribly afraid of Hector.

They had now reached the ships and the prows of those that had been drawn up first were on every side of them, but the Trojans came pouring after them. The Argives were driven back from the first row of ships, but they made a stand by their tents without being broken up and scattered; shame and fear restrained them. They kept shouting incessantly to one another, and Nestor of Gerene, tower of strength to the Achaeans, was loudest in imploring every man by his parents, and beseeching him to stand firm.

They had now reached the ships. The prows of the ships drawn up first surrounded them, but the Trojans kept pouring after them. The Argives were driven back from the first row of ships, but stood firm by their tents without scattering. Shame and fear held them back. They kept shouting to one another without pause. Nestor of Gerene, a tower of strength to the Achaeans, called out loudest. He begged every man to stand firm for the sake of his parents.

“Be men, my friends,” he cried, “and respect one another’s good opinion. Think, all of you, on your children, your wives, your property, and your parents whether these be alive or dead. On their behalf though they are not here, I implore you to stand firm, and not to turn in flight.”

“Be brave, my friends,” he cried, “and care about what you think of one another. Think, all of you, of your children, your wives, your property, and your parents, whether living or dead. For their sake, though they are not here, I beg you to stand firm and not run away.”

With these words he put heart and soul into them all. Minerva lifted the thick veil of darkness from their eyes, and much light fell upon them, alike on the side of the ships and on that where the fight was raging. They could see Hector and all his men, both those in the rear who were taking no part in the battle, and those who were fighting by the ships.

With these words, he filled them all with courage and spirit. Minerva lifted the thick veil of darkness from their eyes. Bright light fell on them, both near the ships and where the battle raged. They could see Hector and all his men. Some of his men were in the rear, taking no part in the battle. Others were fighting by the ships.

Ajax could not bring himself to retreat along with the rest, but strode from deck to deck with a great sea-pike in his hands twelve cubits long and jointed with rings. As a man skilled in feats of horsemanship couples four horses together and comes tearing full speed along the public way from the country into some large town—many both men and women marvel as they see him for he keeps all the time changing his horse, springing from one to another without ever missing his feet while the horses are at a gallop—even so did Ajax go striding from one ship’s deck to another, and his voice went up into the heavens. He kept on shouting his orders to the Danaans and exhorting them to defend their ships and tents; neither did Hector remain within the main body of the Trojan warriors, but as a dun eagle swoops down upon a flock of wild-fowl feeding near a river—geese, it may be, or cranes, or long-necked swans—even so did Hector make straight for a dark-prowed ship, rushing right towards it; for Jove with his mighty hand impelled him forward, and roused his people to follow him.

Ajax could not bring himself to retreat with the others. Instead, he strode from deck to deck, holding a great sea-pike twelve cubits long, its sections joined by rings. A skilled horseman teams four horses together and races at full speed along the public road. He rides from the countryside into a large town. Many men and women watch in amazement as he keeps leaping from one horse to another. He never loses his footing, even while the horses gallop. Just so, Ajax strode from one ship’s deck to another, his voice rising to the heavens. He kept shouting orders to the Danaans, urging them to defend their ships and tents. Hector, too, moved beyond the main body of Trojan warriors. Like a brown eagle swooping on wild birds feeding near a river, he rushed straight toward a dark-prowed ship. The birds might be geese, cranes, or long-necked swans. Just so, Hector charged directly at the ship. For Jove’s mighty hand drove him forward, and Jove stirred Hector’s people to follow him.

And now the battle again raged furiously at the ships. You would have thought the men were coming on fresh and unwearied, so fiercely did they fight; and this was the mind in which they were—the Achaeans did not believe they should escape destruction but thought themselves doomed, while there was not a Trojan but his heart beat high with the hope of firing the ships and putting the Achaean heroes to the sword.

Now the battle raged fiercely again at the ships. The men fought so fiercely that you would have thought they were fresh and rested. Here was what drove them: the Achaeans believed they could not escape destruction and thought themselves doomed. But every Trojan’s heart beat high with hope of burning the ships and killing the Achaean heroes with their swords.

Thus were the two sides minded. Then Hector seized the stern of the good ship that had brought Protesilaus to Troy, but never bore him back to his native land. Round this ship there raged a close hand-to-hand fight between Danaans and Trojans. They did not fight at a distance with bows and javelins, but with one mind hacked at one another in close combat with their mighty swords and spears pointed at both ends; they fought moreover with keen battle-axes and with hatchets. Many a good stout blade hilted and scabbarded with iron, fell from hand or shoulder as they fought, and the earth ran red with blood. Hector, when he had seized the ship, would not loose his hold but held on to its curved stern and shouted to the Trojans, “Bring fire, and raise the battle-cry all of you with a single voice. Now has Jove vouchsafed us a day that will pay us for all the rest; this day we shall take the ships which came hither against heaven’s will, and which have caused us such infinite suffering through the cowardice of our councillors, who when I would have done battle at the ships held me back and forbade the host to follow me; if Jove did then indeed warp our judgements, himself now commands me and cheers me on.”

Such were the intentions of both sides. Then Hector seized the stern of the good ship that had brought Protesilaus to Troy. But the ship had never carried him home. Around this ship, Danaans and Trojans fought fiercely at close quarters. They did not fight from a distance with bows and javelins. Instead, all were intent on hacking at one another with mighty swords and spears pointed at both ends. They also fought with sharp battle-axes and hatchets. Many a strong blade, with an iron hilt and sheath, fell from a hand or shoulder during the fighting. The earth ran red with blood. Once Hector had seized the ship, he refused to let go. He clung to its curved stern and shouted to the Trojans, “Bring fire, and all of you raise the battle cry with one voice. Now Jove has granted us a day that will repay us for all the rest. Today we shall capture the ships that came here against heaven’s will. These ships have caused us endless suffering because of our cowardly councillors. When I wanted to fight at the ships, those councillors held me back and forbade the army to follow me. If Jove did indeed twist our judgment then, he himself now commands me and urges me on.”

As he spoke thus the Trojans sprang yet more fiercely on the Achaeans, and Ajax no longer held his ground, for he was overcome by the darts that were flung at him, and made sure that he was doomed. Therefore he left the raised deck at the stern, and stepped back on to the seven-foot bench of the oarsmen. Here he stood on the look-out, and with his spear held back any Trojan whom he saw bringing fire to the ships. All the time he kept on shouting at the top of his voice and exhorting the Danaans. “My friends,” he cried, “Danaan heroes, servants of Mars, be men my friends, and fight with might and with main. Can we hope to find helpers hereafter, or a wall to shield us more surely than the one we have? There is no strong city within reach, whence we may draw fresh forces to turn the scales in our favour. We are on the plain of the armed Trojans with the sea behind us, and far from our own country. Our salvation, therefore, is in the might of our hands and in hard fighting.”

As he spoke, the Trojans attacked the Achaeans even more fiercely. Ajax could no longer hold his ground. He was overwhelmed by the spears thrown at him and felt certain he was doomed. So he left the raised deck at the stern and stepped back onto the oarsmen’s seven-foot bench. There he stood watch, using his spear to hold back any Trojan he saw bringing fire to the ships. All the while, he shouted at the top of his voice, urging the Danaans on. “My friends,” he cried, “Danaan heroes, servants of Mars, be men, my friends, and fight with all your strength. Can we hope to find help later, or a wall to protect us better than the one we have? There is no strong city nearby from which we can bring fresh troops to turn the battle in our favor. We are on the plain of the armed Trojans, with the sea behind us, far from our own country. So our survival depends on the strength of our hands and on hard fighting.”

As he spoke he wielded his spear with still greater fury, and when any Trojan made towards the ships with fire at Hector’s bidding, he would be on the look-out for him, and drive at him with his long spear. Twelve men did he thus kill in hand-to-hand fight before the ships.

As he spoke, he wielded his spear with even greater fury. Whenever a Trojan approached the ships carrying fire at Hector’s command, he watched for him and thrust his long spear at him. He killed twelve men this way in hand-to-hand combat in front of the ships.