Chapter 8
"The gods," said he, "have given you, O son of Atreus, high rank and great power, but not much of courage. Return home if you are so inclined, but the other Greeks will remain until they have overthrown Troy, for it was by the direction of the immortals that we came here."
These words were loudly applauded by the assembled leaders. Then guards were placed to watch the wall and trench, after which Agamemnon gave the chiefs a banquet in his tent. When all had partaken of the good things set before them, the wise Nestor advised that an effort be made to appease the anger of Achilles. This proposal even Agamemnon warmly approved, for he now admitted that he had done a great wrong in taking away Briseis, and he declared that he would restore the maiden at once to Achilles, and send him rich gifts besides.
"I erred, and I deny it not. That man indeed is equal to a host, Whom Jupiter doth love and honor thus, Humbling the Achaian people for his sake. And now, since, yielding to my wayward mood I erred, let me appease him, if I may, With gifts of priceless worth."
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book IX.
Agamemnon then promised that he would send to Achilles a large sum in gold, with twenty shining caldrons, and twelve steeds which had won many prizes by their fleetness. Moreover, when they should return to Greece after having conquered the Trojans, he would give him one of his daughters to be his wife, and with her, as a marriage portion, seven rich cities of Argos.
The Greek chiefs were very glad to hear these proposals, and they resolved to appoint ambassadors to send to Achilles to beg him to accept these gifts and make peace with Agamemnon. On the advice of Nestor they chose for this important mission the prudent Ulysses, an aged chief named Phœʹnix, and the valiant warrior Ajax. Phœnix had been the instructor of Achilles in his youth, and had been sent by King Peleus with the expedition to Troy to be his son's friend and counselor. The three ambassadors, with two heralds, accordingly set out for the camp of the Myrmidonian chief. They found him sitting in his tent with his friend Patroclus.
Amused at ease, the godlike man they found, Pleased with the solemn harp's harmonious sound. (The well wrought harp from conquered Thebæ came; Of polish'd silver was its costly frame). With this he soothes his angry soul, and sings The immortal deeds of heroes and of kings.
POPE, _Iliad_, Book IX.
The ambassadors were received with great respect. Achilles rose from his seat and welcomed them as warriors and friends. Then food and drink were placed before them, and after they had refreshed themselves, Ulysses stated the object of their visit. He described the danger of the Grecian army, threatened with destruction by the terrible Hector and his victorious hosts. He next told of the many gifts which Agamemnon had offered, and then in earnest words he begged Achilles to lay aside his anger, and come to the relief of his countrymen in their great peril.
But the wrath of the son of Peleus was not thus to be appeased. He replied to Ulysses in a long speech, recounting his services during the war, and bitterly complaining of the ingratitude and selfishness of Agamemnon.
"Twelve cities have I with my fleet laid waste, And with my Myrmidons have I o'erthrown Eleven upon this fertile Trojan coast. Full many a precious spoil from these I bore, And to Atrides Agamemnon gave. He, loitering in his fleet, received them all; Few he distributed, and many kept."
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book IX.
As for the apologies which Agamemnon now made, the wrathful hero declared that he could have no confidence in a man who had deceived him, nor would he accept the offered gifts.
"Let him ne'er again, Though shameless, dare to look me in the face. I will not join in council nor in act With him: he has deceived and wronged me once, And now he cannot wheedle me with words. Let once suffice. I leave him to himself, To perish. All-providing Jupiter Hath made him mad. I hate his gifts; I hold In utter scorn the giver."
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book IX.
In vain also were the entreaties of Phœnix and Ajax. They too tried to persuade the hero to dismiss from his mind the thought of his wrongs, and lead his brave Myrmidons once more into the field for the honor of his country. But Achilles persisted in his refusal to take further part in the war, and so there was nothing left for the ambassadors but to return to the tent of Agamemnon and report the failure of their mission.
In deep disappointment and distress the chiefs heard the story. Then again they held counsel together to consider what was best to do,--whether to prepare for another battle, or to betake themselves at once to their ships and set sail for Greece. Nestor proposed that some brave and prudent chief should venture into the Trojan camp, and, if possible, find out what were the plans of Hector.
"Is there (said he) a chief so greatly brave, His life to hazard, and his country save? Lives there a man, who singly dares to go To yonder camp, or seize some straggling foe? Or favor'd by the night approach so near, Their speech, their counsels, and designs to hear?"
POPE, _Iliad_, Book X.
Diomede offered himself for this service, and being permitted to select a companion, he made choice of Ulysses. The two warriors at once put on their armor, and took up their weapons. Then they went out into the plain, each praying to Minerva to grant them success. Cautiously they moved forward towards the camp of the enemy.
With dreadful thoughts they trace the dreary way, Through the black horrors of the ensanguined plain, Through dust, through blood, o'er arms, and hills of slain.
POPE, _Iliad_, Book X.
Now it happened that about the same time Hector had sent a young Trojan chief, Doʹlon by name, on a similar errand,--to make his way into the Grecian camp, and find out the designs of the Argive leaders. Dolon offered to undertake the dangerous task on condition that he should have as his reward the chariot and horses of Achilles, when the Greeks should be conquered. Hector agreed to the condition, and the Trojan spy, arming himself, set forth for the Greek camp. He had not gone far when Ulysses and Diomede saw him advancing, whereupon they lay down among the dead bodies and allowed him to go forward a considerable distance. Then they rose up and followed him.
At first Dolon supposed that they were Trojans sent by Hector to call him back, but, soon seeing that they were enemies, he fled with great speed in the direction of the ships. The two Greeks hastened in pursuit, and Diomede hurled a spear after the fugitive. He purposely missed him, however, for their object was to take the Trojan alive, that they might get from him the information they desired. The weapon passed over the shoulder of Dolon, and sank into the ground in front of him. Instantly he stood still, trembling with fear, and the Greek warriors, hurrying up, seized him by the hands. The frightened Trojan flung himself on his knees, and begged them to spare his life, promising that his father, who was rich, would pay a high ransom. Ulysses commanded him to tell what his errand was to the Grecian camp, and also to tell them all about the Trojan army, and of the plans of Hector.
"Tell me,--and tell the truth,--where hast thou left Hector, the leader of the host, and where Are laid his warlike arms; where stand his steeds; Where are the sentinels, and where the tents Of other chiefs? On what do they consult? Will they remain beside our galleys here, Or do they meditate, since, as they say, The Greeks are beaten, a return to Troy?"
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book X.
The terrified Dolon, hoping to move the Greeks to mercy, told even more than he was asked to tell. There was a Thracian king, he said, who had that very day arrived with a troop of soldiers to help the Trojans. Rheʹsus was his name. He had steeds beautiful to behold, and fleet as the wind, his chariot shone with gold and silver, and the armor he wore was all of gold.
"Even now," said Dolon, "Rhesus and his followers are in a camp by themselves separated from the others, and it will be easy to take them by surprise as they lie asleep, and carry off the rich things they possess."
This news was joyfully received by the Greek heroes. They had heard of an oracle which declared that Troy could never be captured if these same horses of Rhesus should once drink of the water of Xanthus or feed on the grass of the Trojan plain. They therefore resolved to rob Rhesus of his magnificent steeds. But first they killed the unhappy Dolon, paying no heed to his prayers for mercy. Then they hurried on to the Thracian camp, where they found the warriors sunk in deep repose, after the fatigues of the day's journey.
There slept the warriors, overpowered with toil; Their glittering arms were near them, fairly ranged In triple rows, and by each suit of arms Two coursers. Rhesus slumbered in the midst. Near him were his fleet horses, which were made Fast to the chariot's border by the reins.
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book X.
Diomede slew Rhesus and twrelve of his companions, while Ulysses untied the king's steeds, and led them forth into the field. Then, hastening across the plain with their rich prize, they soon reached the Grecian camp, where Nestor and the other chiefs joyfully welcomed them.
Their friends, rejoicing, flocked Around them, greeting them with grasp of hands And with glad words.
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book X.
X. THE BATTLE AT THE SHIPS--DEATH OF PATROCLUS.
At dawn the Achaian leaders resolved to try again the fortunes of war. They were encouraged by the exploit of Ulysses and Diomede, and Jupiter sent down Eris, the goddess of strife, to incite them to ardor for battle. The goddess stood on the ship of Ulysses, which was in the center of the fleet, and shouted so loud that she was heard all over the Greek camp.
Loud was the voice, and terrible, in which She shouted from her station to the Greeks, And into every heart it carried strength, And the resolve to combat manfully, And never yield. The battle now to them Seemed more to be desired than the return To their dear country in their roomy ships.
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book XI.
Then began the greatest battle of the siege. So numerous were the exploits of heroes in this mighty conflict that the account of it occupies nearly eight books of the Iliad.
Agamemnon led the Grecian warriors during the earlier part of the day. He was arrayed in brilliant armor, his breastplate being of gold and bronze and tin.
Ten were its bars of tawny bronze, and twelve Were gold, and twenty tin; and on each side Were three bronze serpents stretching toward the neck.
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book XI.
His sword, glittering with golden studs, hung from his shoulder in a silver sheath, and in his hands he bore two great spears, brass-tipped and sharp. As he went forth to meet the foe, Juno and Minerva made a sound as of thunder in the sky, "honoring the king of Mycenæ, rich in gold." Thus did the Argive chief enter the field at the head of his warriors.
The Trojans were already on the ground, their great leader, Hector, clad in shining brazen armor, giving his commands, now in the front and now in the rear. Like wolves rushing to combat the two hosts sprang against each other, and soon the battle raged furiously, the heroes on both sides fighting with equal valor.
They of Troy And they of Argos smote each other down, And neither thought of ignominious flight.
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book XI.
But about midday the Greeks prevailed against the Trojans, and drove them back to the city gates. Agamemnon slew with his sword two of King Priam's sons, Iʹsus and Anʹti-phus, and with his spear he struck down many of the Trojan heroes.
Hector had not yet taken part in the battle; Jupiter having sent him an order by the messenger Iris not to begin fighting until Agamemnon should retire wounded from the field. This soon happened. The king was wounded in the arm by the Trojan chief Coʹon, whose brother, I-phidʹa-mas, Agamemnon had slain. These two chiefs were sons of the venerable Antenor. But Agamemnon, before withdrawing, rushed upon Coön and slew him also. Then, leaping into his chariot, he ordered his charioteer to drive him quickly to his ships, for he was suffering much from the pain of his wound.
Hector, seeing the flight of the Greek leader, called loudly to the Trojans to advance upon their foes, at the same time setting them the example.
Himself, inspired With fiery valor, rushed among the foes In the mid-battle foremost, like a storm That swoops from heaven, and on the dark-blue sea Falls suddenly, and stirs it to its depths.
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book XI.
The fortune of battle now turned in favor of the men of Troy. Nine warrior princes of the Greeks were struck down, one after another, by the sword of Hector. The brave Diomede, wounded by an arrow from the bow of Paris, was obliged to retire to his tent. A spear hurled by the Trojan chief, Soʹcus, pierced the corselet of Ulysses, and wounded him in the side. But the Trojan did not long survive this exploit, for as he turned to flee, Ulysses sent a javelin through his body, felling him lifeless to the earth. A serious misfortune had almost happened to the Greeks at the hand of Paris, who shot a triple barbed arrow at the hero and physician, Machaon, wounding him in the shoulder. The life of the great son of Æsculapius being worth many men, Idomeneus cried to Nestor to come and take him away in his chariot.
"Haste, mount thy chariot; let Machaon take A place beside thee; urge thy firm-paced steeds Rapidly toward the fleet; a leech like him, Who cuts the arrow from the wound and soothes The pain with balms, is worth a host to us."
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book XI.
Many of their leaders being now disabled, the Greeks were driven from the field and forced to take refuge behind their fortifications. At the trench a terrible conflict took place. The Trojan warriors made efforts to pass it in their chariots, while the Greeks fought with desperate fury to force the invaders back. Many heroes on both sides were wounded and many slain.
The towers and battlements were steeped in blood Of heroes,--Greeks and Trojans.
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book XII.
At last Hector took up a large stone and hurled it with tremendous force against one of the gates. It tore off the strong hinges, and shattered the massive beams, so mighty was the blow. Then through the wide opening the Trojan leader sprang into the Grecian camp, brandishing two spears in his hands, and calling on his men to follow. Promptly they obeyed. Some rushed in by the gateway, and some over the wall, while the terrified Greeks fled in disorder and dismay to their ships.
So far none of the gods had taken part in the battle. But Neptune now resolved to come to the rescue of the Greeks, having observed that Jupiter, though still seated in his sacred inclosure on Mount Ida, was no longer watching the conflict.
On Troy no more He turned those glorious eyes, for now he deemed That none of all the gods would seek to aid Either the Greeks or Trojans in the strife.
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book XIII.
The ocean god, however, resolved to make the attempt. From the wooded height of Samothrace he had been viewing the fight, and had seen that the Achaian army and fleet were threatened with destruction. Quickly, therefore, descending to the sea, he plunged down to his golden mansion beneath the waves, and there put on his armor and mounted his chariot.
He yoked his swift and brazen-footed steeds, With manes of flowing gold, to draw his car, And put on golden mail, and took his scourge, Wrought of fine gold, and climbed the chariot-seat, And rode upon the waves. The whales came forth From their deep haunts, and frolicked round his way: They knew their king. The waves rejoicing smoothed A path, and rapidly the coursers flew; Nor was the brazen axle wet below. And thus they brought him to the Greecian fleet.
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book XIII.
Arrived at the fleet, Neptune assumed the shape and voice of the soothsayer Calchas, and, going amongst the Grecian leaders, urged them to battle. With his scepter he touched the two Ajaxes, thereby giving more than mortal strength to their limbs, and filling their breasts with valor. Thus encouraged the Greek heroes turned fiercely upon the Trojans, and again great feats of war were performed by the chiefs on both sides. Hector, Paris, Helenus, Deiphʹo-bus, and Æneas fought in front of the Trojan lines, while Menelaus, Idomeneus, Teucer, the two Ajaxes, and An-tilʹo-chus, the son of Nestor, bravely led the conflict at the head of the Greeks.
All along the line The murderous conflict bristled with long spears.
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book XIII.
Juno rejoiced exceedingly at seeing the monarch of the ocean aiding the Greeks, but she much feared that Jupiter might notice him, and order him off the field. This he would be sure to do, if he should again turn his eyes on the battle. Juno therefore went to the island of Lesʹbos, where Somʹnus, the god of sleep, resided, and she entreated that deity to hasten to Mount Ida, and cause her royal spouse to fall into a deep slumber. Somnus consented, and having done as Juno desired, he hurried down to the Grecian fleet with a message to Neptune.
"Now, Neptune, give the Greeks thy earnest aid, And though it be but for a little space, While Jupiter yet slumbers, let them win The glory of the day; for I have wrapt His senses in a gentle lethargy."
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book XIV.
Hearing these words, Neptune rushed to the front of the Greek lines and again urged the leaders to stand bravely against the enemy. Then, grasping in his hand a sword "of fearful length and flashing blade like lightning," he led them on to battle.
And now the warriors of both sides were once more in deadly conflict. Hector cast a spear at Ajax, but the weapon struck where two belts crossed upon the hero's breast, overlapping each other, and he escaped unhurt. Then the son of Telamon struck at the Trojan leader. His weapon was a heavy stone, one of many that lay around, which were used as props for the ships. The missile, hurled with giant force and true aim, smote the Trojan on the breast and felled him like a tree struck by lightning.
As when beneath The stroke of Father Jupiter an oak Falls broken at the root, . . . . . . So dropped the valiant Hector to the earth Amid the dust; his hand let fall the spear; His shield and helm fell with him, and his mail Of shining brass clashed round him.
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book XIV.
With shouts of triumph the Greeks rushed forward, hoping to slay the fallen warrior, and despoil him of his armor. But his comrades, Æneas and A-geʹnor and Sarpedon and many others, crowded around him, and protected him with their shields. He was then carried to the bank of the Xanthus and bathed in its waters, which revived him a little.
When the Greeks saw Hector borne away as if dead, they fought with increased valor, and soon drove the Trojans back across the trench, slaying many of their chiefs.
Meanwhile Jupiter, awaking from his slumber, and looking down upon the battlefield, beheld the men of Troy put to flight, and Neptune at the head of the pursuing Greeks. Turning angrily upon Juno, who was at his side, he rebuked her in severe words, for he now saw the trick that had been played upon him. He reminded her of how he had punished her on a former occasion for her ill treatment of his son Hercules.
"Dost thou forget When thou didst swing suspended, and I tied Two anvils to thy feet, and bound a chain Of gold that none could break around thy wrists? Then didst thou hang in air amid the clouds, And all the gods of high Olympus saw With pity. They stood near, but none of them Were able to release thee."
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book XV.
Juno pleaded that it was not at her request that Neptune had gone to the aid of the Greeks. He had done that without consulting her. She indeed, she said, would rather advise Neptune to obey the command of the king of heaven and submit to his will.
The anger of the father of the gods was appeased by Juno's mild words. Then he bade her hasten to Olympus and send the messenger Iris down to order Neptune to leave the battle. He bade her also to direct Apollo to restore Hector's strength and prepare him for the fight. But he explained to Juno why he wished that for the present the Trojans should be victorious. It was because he had promised Thetis that the Greeks should be punished for the wrong Agamemnon had done to her son. Yet the time would come, he said, when the great Hector would be slain by the hand of Achilles, and when by Minerva's aid the lofty towers of Troy would be overthrown. Juno was therefore glad to obey the command of her royal spouse.
As the thought of man Flies rapidly, when, having traveled far, He thinks, "Here would I be, I would be there," And flits from place to place, so swiftly flew Imperial Juno to the Olympian mount.
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book XV.
There she informed Iris and Apollo of the will of Father Jove. Forthwith the two gods hastened to Mount Ida to receive their orders from Jupiter himself. The orders were quickly given. Then with the speed of the winds the messenger of heaven and the god of the silver bow darted down from Ida's top to the plain of Troy.
Neptune, on hearing of the command of Jupiter, was at first unwilling to obey. Jupiter, he said, had no authority over him.
"We are three brothers, The sons of Saturn,--Jupiter and I, And Pluto, regent of the realm below. Three parts were made of all existing things, And each of us received his heritage. The lots were shaken; and to me it fell To dwell forever in the hoary deep, And Pluto took the gloomy realm of night, And lastly, Jupiter the ample heaven And air and clouds. Yet doth the earth remain, With high Olympus, common to us all. Therefore I yield me not to do his will, Great as he is; and let him be content With his third part."
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book XV.
But Iris advised Neptune to obey, reminding him that Jupiter had power of punishing those who offended him. At last Neptune yielded, and, quitting the Grecian army, took his way to the sea, and plunged beneath the waves to his palace in the ocean depths.
Meanwhile Apollo hastened to the side of the Trojan prince, who was still weak from the blow of Ajax. Quickly the god restored the hero's strength and breathed fresh courage into his breast. Then he commanded Hector to hasten forward and lead his warriors against the enemy. In an instant the Trojan prince was on his feet, hurrying to the front. When the Greek chiefs saw him they were astonished as well as terrified, for they had thought him dead, and now they believed he had been rescued from death by some god. They resolved, however, to fight bravely, and so they stood firmly together. Hector meanwhile advanced, Apollo moving before him with the shield of Jupiter, the terrible aegis, which Jupiter had given him to shake before the Greeks and fill their hearts with fear.
"Hector led The van in rapid march. Before him walked Phœbus, the terrible aggis in his hands, Dazzlingly bright within its shaggy fringe, By Vulcan forged, the great artificer, And given to Jupiter, with which to rout Armies of men. With this in hand he led The assailants on."
BRYANT, _Iliad_, Book XV.