The Iliad of Homer, Homer [reading fiction TXT] 📗

settled, clad in shining steel. There, apart from the people, sat two spies, watching when they might perceive the sheep and crooked-horned oxen. These, however, soon advanced, and two shepherds accompanied them, amusing themselves with their pipes, for they had not yet perceived the stratagem. Then they, discerning them, ran in upon them, and immediately slaughtered on all sides the herds of oxen, and the beautiful flocks of snow-white sheep; and slew the shepherds besides. But they, when they heard the great tumult amongst the oxen, previously sitting in front of the assembly, 608 mounting their nimble-footed steeds, pursued; and soon came up with them. Then, having marshalled themselves, they fought a battle on the banks of the river, and wounded one another with their brazen spears. Amongst them mingled Discord and Tumult, and destructive Fate, holding one alive, recently wounded, another unwounded, but a third, slain, she drew by the feet through the battle; and had the garment around her shoulders crimsoned with the gore of men. 609 But they turned about, like living mortals, and fought, and drew away the slaughtered bodies of each other. Footnote 600:(return) Cf. Hesiod, Scut. Herc. 270, sqq. Footnote 601:(return) The escort took place at even-tide. Footnote 602:(return) On the origin of this term, see Serv. on Virg. Æn. i. 655. Footnote 603:(return) Or, "on the testimony of witnesses." See Kennedy. Footnote 604:(return) See Heyne on x. 56. So σέλμα σεμνὸν, "the seat of justice."--Æsch. Ag. 183. Footnote 605:(return) See Kennedy, who has collected the Homeric passages concerning lawsuits. Footnote 606:(return) I.e. the enemy. The alternative was that the townsmen should either surrender half their possessions, or submit to indiscriminate pillage. See Kennedy. Footnote 607:(return) This custom of representing gods and heroes of larger stature than ordinary folk prevails almost universally in the Egyptian monuments and sculptures. Footnote 608:(return) "Εἴρα vel ἴρα est locus concionis, et ipse cœtus."--Heyns. Footnote 609:(return) Cf. Æn. vi.: "Tisiphoneque sedens, palla succincta cruenta." Stat. Theb. i. 109: "Riget horrida tergo Palla, et cærulei redeunt in pectore nodi."

On it he also placed a soft fallow field, 610 rich glebe, wide, thrice-ploughed; and in it many ploughmen drove hither and thither, turning round their teams. But when, returning, they reached the end of the field, then a man, advancing, gave into their hands a cup of very sweet wine; but they turned themselves in series, 611 eager to reach the [other] end of the deep fallow. But it was all black behind, similar to ploughed land, which indeed was a marvel beyond [all others].

On it likewise he placed a field of deep corn, where reapers were cutting, having sharp sickles in their hands. Some handfuls fell one after the other upon the ground along the furrow, and the binders of sheaves tied others with bands. Three binders followed [the reapers], whilst behind them boys gathering the handfuls, [and] bearing them in their arms, continually supplied them; and amongst them the master stood by the swathe 612 in silence, holding a sceptre, delighted in heart. But apart, beneath an oak, servants were preparing a banquet, and sacrificing a huge ox, they ministered; whilst women sprinkled much white barley 613 [on the meat], as a supper for the reapers.

Footnote 610:(return) With the whole of this description of the shield of Achilles, the lover of poetry should compare Milton, P.L. xi. 638, sqq. with the remarks of Bishop Newton. Footnote 611:(return) But Hesychius by ὄγμους understood αὔλακας, "the furrows." See Schneid. on Nicand. Ther. 371. Footnote 612:(return) I here follow the Oxford translator. The term βασιλεὺς is well in accordance with the simple manners of the early ages, when kings were farmers on a large scale. Many of our Saviour's parables present a similar association of agriculture with the regal dignity. Footnote 613:(return) Probably a religious rite. Cf. i. 449, 458.

On it likewise he placed a vineyard, heavily laden with grapes, beautiful, golden; but the clusters throughout were black; and it was supported throughout by silver poles. Round it he drew an azure trench, and about it a hedge 614 of tin; but there was only one path to it, by which the gatherers went when they collected the vintage. Young virgins and youths, of tender minds, bore the luscious fruit in woven baskets, 615 in the midst of whom a boy played sweetly on a shrill harp; and with tender voice sang gracefully to the chord; whilst they, beating [the ground] in unison with dancing and shouts, followed, skipping with their feet.

Footnote 614:(return) Ἐφύτευσεν ἀμπελῶνα, καὶ φραγμὸν αὐτῷ περιέθηκε. Matt, xxi 33. See Rosemüller on Jer. v. 5. Footnote 615:(return) "Vimineis calathis," Copa, 16. Propert. iii. 11, 31.

In it he also wrought a herd of oxen with horns erect. But the kine were made of gold and of tin, and rushed out with a lowing from the stall to the pasture, beside a murmuring stream, along the breeze-waving reeds. 616 Four golden herdsmen accompanied the oxen, and nine dogs, swift of foot, followed. But two terrible lions detained the bull, roaring among the foremost oxen, and he was dragged away, loudly bellowing, and the dogs and youths followed for a rescue. They indeed, having torn off the skin of the great ox, lapped up his entrails and black blood; and the shepherds vainly pressed upon them, urging on their fleet dogs. These however refused to bite the lions, but, standing very near, barked, and shunned them.

On it illustrious Vulcan also formed a pasture in a beautiful grove full of white sheep, and folds, and covered huts and cottages.

Illustrious Vulcan likewise adorned it with a dance, like unto that which, in wide Gnossus, Dædalus contrived for fair-haired Ariadne. There danced youths and alluring 617 virgins, holding each other's hands at the wrist. These wore fine linen robes, but those were dressed in well-woven tunics, shining 618 as with oil; these also had beautiful garlands, and those wore golden swords, [hanging] from silver belts. Sometimes, with skilful feet, they nimbly bounded [round]; as when a potter, sitting, shall make trial of a wheel fitted to his hands, whether it will run: and at other times again they ran back to their places through one another. But a great crowd surrounded the pleasing dance, amusing themselves; and amongst them two tumblers, beginning their song, spun round through the midst.

Footnote 616:(return) See Knight and Kennedy. Footnote 617:(return) Literally, "finders of oxen," i.e. so attractive as to be certain of receiving a good dowry, paid, after the ancient custom, in cattle. Footnote 618:(return) This must have been some kind of oil-cloth, unless we read στίλβοντες with Kennedy. The meaning is very obscure.

But in it he also formed the vast strength of the river Oceanus, near the last border of the well-formed shield.

But when he had finished the shield, large and solid, he next formed for him a corslet, brighter than the splendour of fire. He also made for him a strong helmet, fitted to his temples, beautiful and variously ornamented, and on it placed a golden crest; and made greaves for him of ductile tin.

But when renowned Vulcan had with toil made all the armour, lifting it up, he laid it before the mother of Achilles; but she, like a hawk, darted down from snowy Olympus, bearing from Vulcan the shining armour.

BOOK THE NINETEENTH.

ARGUMENT.

Thetis, having brought Achilles his new armour, and promised to preserve the body of Patroclus from corruption, he is reconciled to Agamemnon, and being miraculously invigorated by Minerva, goes forth to battle, regardless of the prediction of his fate by his horse Xanthus.

Saffron-robed Morn was rising from the streams of ocean, that she might bear light to immortals and mortals; 619 but she (Thetis) came to the ships, bearing the gifts from the god. Her dear son she found lying upon Patroclus, bitterly lamenting, and his numerous companions were lamenting around him. But near to him stood the divine of goddesses, and hung upon his hand and spoke, and addressed him:

Footnote 619:(return)