Iliad Scroll 3
1
αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ κόσμηθεν ἅμʼ ἡγεμόνεσσιν ἕκαστοι,
Translation
When each side was arrayed, together with their leaders,
2
Τρῶες μὲν κλαγγῇ τʼ ἐνοπῇ τʼ ἴσαν ὄρνιθες ὣς
Translation
the Trojans advanced with a noise and a shout, like birds,
3
ἠΰτε περ κλαγγὴ γεράνων πέλει οὐρανόθι πρό·
Translation
just as the noise of the cranes comes forth in the sky
4
αἵ τʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν χειμῶνα φύγον καὶ ἀθέσφατον ὄμβρον
Translation
when they flee winter and rain indescribable;
5
κλαγγῇ ταί γε πέτονται ἐπʼ ὠκεανοῖο ῥοάων
Translation
with a cry they fly over the streams of Okeanos
6
ἀνδράσι Πυγμαίοισι φόνον καὶ κῆρα φέρουσαι·
Translation
to bring slaughter and doom on the Pygmy men,
7
ἠέριαι δʼ ἄρα ταί γε κακὴν ἔριδα προφέρονται.
Translation
and in a mist they bring with them evil strife [eris];
8
οἳ δʼ ἄρʼ ἴσαν σιγῇ μένεα πνείοντες Ἀχαιοὶ
Translation
but the Achaeans went in silence, breathing violence [menos pl.],
9
ἐν θυμῷ μεμαῶτες ἀλεξέμεν ἀλλήλοισιν.
Translation
striving in their hearts [thumos] to ward off the enemy for each other.
10
εὖτʼ ὄρεος κορυφῇσι Νότος κατέχευεν ὀμίχλην
Translation
Just as the wind from the south pours fog over the peaks of a mountain,
11
ποιμέσιν οὔ τι φίλην, κλέπτῃ δέ τε νυκτὸς ἀμείνω,
Translation
a fog not at all dear [philē] to shepherds but for a thief better than night,
12
τόσσόν τίς τʼ ἐπιλεύσσει ὅσον τʼ ἐπὶ λᾶαν ἵησιν·
Translation
and you see no further than you can throw a stone,
13
ὣς ἄρα τῶν ὑπὸ ποσσὶ κονίσαλος ὄρνυτʼ ἀελλὴς
Translation
just so a dense cloud of dust rose from under their feet
14
ἐρχομένων· μάλα δʼ ὦκα διέπρησσον πεδίοιο.
Translation
as they were coming; with much speed they advanced across the plain.
15
οἳ δʼ ὅτε δὴ σχεδὸν ἦσαν ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισιν ἰόντες,
Translation
When they were close together, coming against each other,
16
Τρωσὶν μὲν προμάχιζεν Ἀλέξανδρος θεοειδὴς
Translation
Alexander, with the looks of a god, came forward as champion on the Trojan side.
17
παρδαλέην ὤμοισιν ἔχων καὶ καμπύλα τόξα
Translation
On his shoulders he had the skin of a leopard and a curved bow
18
καὶ ξίφος· αὐτὰρ δοῦρε δύω κεκορυθμένα χαλκῷ
Translation
and a sword; and he had two spears armed with bronze.
19
πάλλων Ἀργείων προκαλίζετο πάντας ἀρίστους
Translation
Brandishing these, he was calling forth all the best [aristos] of the Argives
20
ἀντίβιον μαχέσασθαι ἐν αἰνῇ δηϊοτῆτι.
Translation
to fight him with matching might [biē] in terrible battle. [7.40]
21
τὸν δʼ ὡς οὖν ἐνόησεν ἀρηΐφιλος Μενέλαος
Translation
As soon as Menelaos dear [philos] to Ares took note of him
22
ἐρχόμενον προπάροιθεν ὁμίλου μακρὰ βιβάντα,
Translation
coming in front of the crowd with his long strides
¹
Note comment on sentence structure?
23
ὥς τε λέων ἐχάρη μεγάλῳ ἐπὶ σώματι κύρσας
Translation
just as a lion exults [kharis] when he comes upon a large body
24
εὑρὼν ἢ ἔλαφον κεραὸν ἢ ἄγριον αἶγα
Translation
finding either a horned deer or a wild goat,
25
πεινάων· μάλα γάρ τε κατεσθίει, εἴ περ ἂν αὐτὸν
Translation
and he is hungry--for he devours it eagerly, even if he
26
σεύωνται ταχέες τε κύνες θαλεροί τʼ αἰζηοί·
Translation
is set upon by swift hounds and vibrant youths--
27
ὣς ἐχάρη Μενέλαος Ἀλέξανδρον θεοειδέα
Translation
just so Menelaos exulted [kharis] when he saw Alexander, with the looks of a god,
28
ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἰδών· φάτο γὰρ τίσεσθαι ἀλείτην·
Translation
catching sight of him with his own eyes, for he declared that he would pay back the one who had offended him.
29
αὐτίκα δʼ ἐξ ὀχέων σὺν τεύχεσιν ἆλτο χαμᾶζε.
Translation
At once from his chariot, armor and all, he leapt to the ground.
30
τὸν δʼ ὡς οὖν ἐνόησεν Ἀλέξανδρος θεοειδὴς
Translation
As soon as Alexander, with the looks of a god, took note of him
31
ἐν προμάχοισι φανέντα, κατεπλήγη φίλον ἦτορ,
Translation
coming into view among the champions in front, he was struck with terror in his own [philos] heart,
32
33
ὡς δʼ ὅτε τίς τε δράκοντα ἰδὼν παλίνορσος ἀπέστη
Translation
As when someone sees a snake and starts back turning away,
34
οὔρεος ἐν βήσσῃς, ὑπό τε τρόμος ἔλλαβε γυῖα,
Translation
in mountain glades, and a trembling takes over his limbs,
35
ἂψ δʼ ἀνεχώρησεν, ὦχρός τέ μιν εἷλε παρειάς,
Translation
he retreats, and a pallor comes over his cheeks,
36
ὣς αὖτις καθʼ ὅμιλον ἔδυ Τρώων ἀγερώχων
Translation
just so he sank back again into the throng of the proud Trojans,
37
δείσας Ἀτρέος υἱὸν Ἀλέξανδρος θεοειδής.
Translation
Alexander, with the looks of a god, fearing the son of Atreus.
38
τὸν δʼ Ἕκτωρ νείκεσσεν ἰδὼν αἰσχροῖς ἐπέεσσιν·
Translation
When he saw him Hektor insulted him with shaming words [epos],
39
Δύσπαρι εἶδος ἄριστε γυναιμανὲς ἠπεροπευτὰ
Translation
Worthless Paris, best [aristos] in looks, woman-mad, cheat, [13.769]
¹
Note Paris is another name for Alexander
40
αἴθʼ ὄφελες ἄγονός τʼ ἔμεναι ἄγαμός τʼ ἀπολέσθαι·
Translation
I wish you were never born and that you perished unwed
40a
and that you never had a dear [philos] son to sit on your knees.
¹
Note I-3.40b=Dardanos; rest is missing 3.40b
41
καί κε τὸ βουλοίμην, καί κεν πολὺ κέρδιον ἦεν
Translation
I would prefer it, and it would have been better by far
42
ἢ οὕτω λώβην τʼ ἔμεναι καὶ ὑπόψιον ἄλλων.
Translation
than for you to be such an offense and object of contempt in the eyes of others.
43
ἦ που καγχαλόωσι κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ
Translation
Surely the Achaeans with their beautiful hair are laughing at us,
44
φάντες ἀριστῆα πρόμον ἔμμεναι, οὕνεκα καλὸν
Translation
saying that you are our best [aristos] champion only because you are fine
45
εἶδος ἔπʼ, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔστι βίη φρεσὶν οὐδέ τις ἀλκή.
Translation
to look at, but that there is no might [biē] in your heart [phrēn] nor any resolve [alkē].
46
ἦ τοιόσδε ἐὼν ἐν ποντοπόροισι νέεσσι
Translation
Being that kind of man, didn’t you, in ships that traverse the sea [pontos]
47
πόντον ἐπιπλώσας, ἑτάρους ἐρίηρας ἀγείρας,
Translation
sail over the sea [pontos], once you assembled your loyal comrades,
48
μιχθεὶς ἀλλοδαποῖσι γυναῖκʼ εὐειδέʼ ἀνῆγες
Translation
and then, mixing with foreigners, carry off a good-looking woman
49
ἐξ ἀπίης γαίης νυὸν ἀνδρῶν αἰχμητάων
Translation
from a far-off land, the daughter-in-law of spearmen,
50
πατρί τε σῷ μέγα πῆμα πόληΐ τε παντί τε δήμῳ,
Translation
you, a cause of great pain to your father, to the city [polis], and to the whole district [dēmos],
51
δυσμενέσιν μὲν χάρμα, κατηφείην δὲ σοὶ αὐτῷ;
Translation
a joy to our enemies, but a disgrace to yourself?
52
οὐκ ἂν δὴ μείνειας ἀρηΐφιλον Μενέλαον;
Translation
Yet you won’t stand your ground against Menelaos dear [philos] to Ares?
53
γνοίης χʼ οἵου φωτὸς ἔχεις θαλερὴν παράκοιτιν·
Translation
If you did, you might find out what sort of man he is whose vibrant wife you have.
54
οὐκ ἄν τοι χραίσμῃ κίθαρις τά τε δῶρʼ Ἀφροδίτης
Translation
The lyre and the gifts of Aphrodite will not help you, [1.28]
55
ἥ τε κόμη τό τε εἶδος ὅτʼ ἐν κονίῃσι μιγείης.
Translation
that hair and those looks, when you come together in the dust.
56
ἀλλὰ μάλα Τρῶες δειδήμονες· ἦ τέ κεν ἤδη
Translation
But the Trojans must be extremely timid. Otherwise
57
λάϊνον ἕσσο χιτῶνα κακῶν ἕνεχʼ ὅσσα ἔοργας.
Translation
you would be wearing a stone khiton for the many wrongs you have committed.“
¹
Note comment on stone khiton and Paris as dancer
58
τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπεν Ἀλέξανδρος θεοειδής·
Translation
Then Alexander, with the looks of a god, said to him,
59
Ἕκτορ ἐπεί με κατʼ αἶσαν ἐνείκεσας οὐδʼ ὑπὲρ αἶσαν·
Translation
Hektor, since you quarrel with me in good measure [[aisa]] and not beyond measure aisa -- [6.333]
60
αἰεί τοι κραδίη πέλεκυς ὥς ἐστιν ἀτειρὴς
Translation
your heart never loses its edge, like a double-axe
¹
Note what kind of axe?
61
ὅς τʼ εἶσιν διὰ δουρὸς ὑπʼ ἀνέρος ὅς ῥά τε τέχνῃ
Translation
that goes through wood by the force of a man, and that with skill
62
νήϊον ἐκτάμνῃσιν, ὀφέλλει δʼ ἀνδρὸς ἐρωήν·
Translation
cuts out ship timber, and magnifies the swing of the man,
63
ὣς σοὶ ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἀτάρβητος νόος ἐστί·
Translation
just so the purpose [noos] in your breast is unflinching --
64
μή μοι δῶρʼ ἐρατὰ πρόφερε χρυσέης Ἀφροδίτης·
Translation
don’t bring up against me the much desired gifts of golden Aphrodite.
65
οὔ τοι ἀπόβλητʼ ἐστὶ θεῶν ἐρικυδέα δῶρα
Translation
The miraculous [kudos] gifts of the gods are not to be thrown away,
66
ὅσσά κεν αὐτοὶ δῶσιν, ἑκὼν δʼ οὐκ ἄν τις ἕλοιτο·
Translation
however many they give, and no one gets them by his own will.
67
νῦν αὖτʼ εἴ μʼ ἐθέλεις πολεμίζειν ἠδὲ μάχεσθαι,
Translation
But now if you wish me to make war and fight,
68
ἄλλους μὲν κάθισον Τρῶας καὶ πάντας Ἀχαιούς,
Translation
have the other Trojans and all the Achaeans sit down,
69
αὐτὰρ ἔμʼ ἐν μέσσῳ καὶ ἀρηΐφιλον Μενέλαον
Translation
and then as for me, put me and Menelaos dear [philos] to Ares in the middle
70
συμβάλετʼ ἀμφʼ Ἑλένῃ καὶ κτήμασι πᾶσι μάχεσθαι·
Translation
pit us against each other to fight over Helen and all her possessions.
¹
Note in commentary explain what the possessions are
71
ὁππότερος δέ κε νικήσῃ κρείσσων τε γένηται,
Translation
Whichever of the two wins and gets more power [3.92]
72
κτήμαθʼ ἑλὼν εὖ πάντα γυναῖκά τε οἴκαδʼ ἀγέσθω·
Translation
let him take, as is right, all the possessions and conduct the woman to his home. [3.93]
73
74
ναίοιτε Τροίην ἐριβώλακα, τοὶ δὲ νεέσθων
Translation
and let the Trojans inhabit fertile Troy, and let the other side return
75
Ἄργος ἐς ἱππόβοτον καὶ Ἀχαιΐδα καλλιγύναικα.
Translation
to Argos with its pasture for horses and Achaea with its beautiful women.“ [3.258]
76
ὣς ἔφαθʼ, Ἕκτωρ δʼ αὖτʼ ἐχάρη μέγα μῦθον ἀκούσας,
Translation
77
καί ῥʼ ἐς μέσσον ἰὼν Τρώων ἀνέεργε φάλαγγας
Translation
and he went in the middle of the Trojans and restrained their ranks [7.55]
78
μέσσου δουρὸς ἑλών· τοὶ δʼ ἱδρύνθησαν ἅπαντες.
Translation
holding his spear by the middle, and they all sat down [7.56]
79
τῷ δʼ ἐπετοξάζοντο κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ
Translation
but the Achaeans with their beautiful hair still aimed their bows at him
80
ἰοῖσίν τε τιτυσκόμενοι λάεσσί τʼ ἔβαλλον·
Translation
shooting arrows, and they pelted him with stones.
81
αὐτὰρ ὃ μακρὸν ἄϋσεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων·
Translation
Then lord of men Agamemnon shouted far-sounding words:
82
ἴσχεσθʼ Ἀργεῖοι, μὴ βάλλετε κοῦροι Ἀχαιῶν·
Translation
Hold, Argives, do not shoot, sons of the Achaeans,
83
στεῦται γάρ τι ἔπος ἐρέειν κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ.
Translation
for Hektor with the gleaming helmet comes forward to say some word [epos].“
84
ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἔσχοντο μάχης ἄνεῴ τʼ ἐγένοντο
Translation
So he spoke. They held off from battle and became silent,
85
ἐσσυμένως· Ἕκτωρ δὲ μετʼ ἀμφοτέροισιν ἔειπε·
Translation
all of a sudden. And Hektor said to both sides,
86
κέκλυτέ μευ Τρῶες καὶ ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ
Translation
Hear from me, Trojans and well-greaved Achaeans, [3.304]
86a
need to add! as I speak what the heart [thumos] in my breast urges, [7.349]
87
μῦθον Ἀλεξάνδροιο, τοῦ εἵνεκα νεῖκος ὄρωρεν.
Translation
the words [muthos] of Alexander, on whose account this quarrel [neikos] has come about.
88
ἄλλους μὲν κέλεται Τρῶας καὶ πάντας Ἀχαιοὺς
Translation
He tells the rest of the Trojans and all the Achaeans
89
τεύχεα κάλʼ ἀποθέσθαι ἐπὶ χθονὶ πουλυβοτείρῃ,
Translation
to put their fine armor upon the earth that nourishes many,
90
αὐτὸν δʼ ἐν μέσσῳ καὶ ἀρηΐφιλον Μενέλαον
Translation
while he in the middle and Menelaos, dear [philos] to Ares
91
οἴους ἀμφʼ Ἑλένῃ καὶ κτήμασι πᾶσι μάχεσθαι.
Translation
fight alone over Helen and all her possessions.
92
ὁππότερος δέ κε νικήσῃ κρείσσων τε γένηται
Translation
Whichever of the two wins and gets more power
93
κτήμαθʼ ἑλὼν εὖ πάντα γυναῖκά τε οἴκαδʼ ἀγέσθω·
Translation
let him take, as is right, all the possessions and conduct the woman to his home.
94
οἳ δʼ ἄλλοι φιλότητα καὶ ὅρκια πιστὰ τάμωμεν.
Translation
And let the rest of us make sacrifices and swear trustworthy oaths of friendship [philos].“
95
ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ·
Translation
So he spoke, and they all were silenced, speechless, [7.92]
96
τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Μενέλαος·
Translation
but Menelaos, well-known for [agathos] his battle-cry, spoke up among them.
97
κέκλυτε νῦν καὶ ἐμεῖο· μάλιστα γὰρ ἄλγος ἱκάνει
Translation
Now hear from me as well, for most of all the suffering [algos] reaches
98
θυμὸν ἐμόν, φρονέω δὲ διακρινθήμεναι ἤδη
Translation
my heart [thumos]. It’s already on my mind that we should be separated from each other,
99
Ἀργείους καὶ Τρῶας, ἐπεὶ κακὰ πολλὰ πέπασθε
Translation
Argives and Trojans, since you all have suffered many evils
100
εἵνεκʼ ἐμῆς ἔριδος καὶ Ἀλεξάνδρου ἕνεκʼ ἀρχῆς·
Translation
because of the conflict [eris] I have with Alexander, because of the way it started with him .
¹
Variant v.l. because of the way he veered (ate>, not arkhe>); note in commentary on different ways to begin the story; cf. I-6.356, I-24.28
101
ἡμέων δʼ ὁπποτέρῳ θάνατος καὶ μοῖρα τέτυκται
Translation
For whichever of the two of us death and the measure of lifetime [moira] are prepared,
102
τεθναίη· ἄλλοι δὲ διακρινθεῖτε τάχιστα.
Translation
may he die, but may the rest of you all separate as quickly as possible.
103
οἴσετε ἄρνʼ, ἕτερον λευκόν, ἑτέρην δὲ μέλαιναν,
Translation
Bring two lambs, one a white male and the other a black female,
104
Γῇ τε καὶ Ἠελίῳ· Διὶ δʼ ἡμεῖς οἴσομεν ἄλλον·
Translation
for Gaia and for Helios, and we will bring a third for Zeus.
105
ἄξετε δὲ Πριάμοιο βίην, ὄφρʼ ὅρκια τάμνῃ
Translation
And conduct the mighty [biē] Priam here, that he may make a sacrifice and swear an oath,
106
αὐτός, ἐπεί οἱ παῖδες ὑπερφίαλοι καὶ ἄπιστοι,
Translation
Priam himself, since his sons are overbearing and untrustworthy,
107
μή τις ὑπερβασίῃ Διὸς ὅρκια δηλήσηται.
Translation
so that no one will violate the oaths of Zeus by overstepping them.
108
αἰεὶ δʼ ὁπλοτέρων ἀνδρῶν φρένες ἠερέθονται·
Translation
Young men’s minds [phrēn] flutter about endlessly,
109
οἷς δʼ ὁ γέρων μετέῃσιν ἅμα πρόσσω καὶ ὀπίσσω
Translation
but when an old man comes among them, he looks at both what comes before and what comes after
110
λεύσσει, ὅπως ὄχʼ ἄριστα μετʼ ἀμφοτέροισι γένηται.
Translation
as he considers how the best [aristos] by far may happen among both sides.“
111
ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἐχάρησαν Ἀχαιοί τε Τρῶές τε
Translation
So he spoke, and both the Achaeans and Trojans exulted [kharis],
112
ἐλπόμενοι παύσασθαι ὀϊζυροῦ πολέμοιο.
Translation
hoping to cease from grievous war.
113
καί ῥʼ ἵππους μὲν ἔρυξαν ἐπὶ στίχας, ἐκ δʼ ἔβαν αὐτοί,
Translation
They reined in the horses, stopping their chariots in rows, and got out of them,
114
τεύχεά τʼ ἐξεδύοντο· τὰ μὲν κατέθεντʼ ἐπὶ γαίῃ
Translation
and took off their armor. They put the armor on the ground
115
πλησίον ἀλλήλων, ὀλίγη δʼ ἦν ἀμφὶς ἄρουρα·
Translation
in a space near each other, and there was little space between them.
116
Ἕκτωρ δὲ προτὶ ἄστυ δύω κήρυκας ἔπεμπε
Translation
Hektor sent two heralds to the city
117
καρπαλίμως ἄρνάς τε φέρειν Πρίαμόν τε καλέσσαι·
Translation
to bring the lambs quickly and to call Priam,
118
αὐτὰρ ὃ Ταλθύβιον προΐει κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων
Translation
and then the ruler Agamemnon sent forth Talthybios
119
νῆας ἔπι γλαφυρὰς ἰέναι, ἠδʼ ἄρνʼ ἐκέλευεν
Translation
to go toward the hollow ships, and he asked for the lamb,
120
οἰσέμεναι· ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ οὐκ ἀπίθησʼ Ἀγαμέμνονι δίῳ.
Translation
that he bring it, and Talthybios did not fail to comply with radiant Agamemnon.
¹
Editorial check peitho-s in book 1
121
Ἶρις δʼ αὖθʼ Ἑλένῃ λευκωλένῳ ἄγγελος ἦλθεν
Translation
Meanwhile Iris went to white-armed Helen as a messenger
122
εἰδομένη γαλόῳ Ἀντηνορίδαο δάμαρτι,
Translation
looking like her sister-in-law, the wife of the son of Antenor,
123
τὴν Ἀντηνορίδης εἶχε κρείων Ἑλικάων
Translation
for the ruler Helikaon, son of Antenor, had married
124
Λαοδίκην Πριάμοιο θυγατρῶν εἶδος ἀρίστην.
Translation
Laodike, the best [aristos] looking of Priam’s daughters.
125
τὴν δʼ εὗρʼ ἐν μεγάρῳ· ἣ δὲ μέγαν ἱστὸν ὕφαινε
Translation
She found Helen in the house; she was weaving at a large upright loom
126
δίπλακα πορφυρέην, πολέας δʼ ἐνέπασσεν ἀέθλους
Translation
a double web of purple [v.l. gleaming] cloth, into which she was weaving the many struggles [athlos]
127
Τρώων θʼ ἱπποδάμων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων,
Translation
of the Trojans, tamers of horses, and the bronze-khitoned Achaeans,
128
οὕς ἑθεν εἵνεκʼ ἔπασχον ὑπʼ Ἄρηος παλαμάων·
Translation
struggles which for her sake they were suffering at the hands of Ares.
129
ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱσταμένη προσέφη πόδας ὠκέα Ἶρις·
Translation
Swift-footed Iris stood close by and said,
130
δεῦρʼ ἴθι νύμφα φίλη, ἵνα θέσκελα ἔργα ἴδηαι
Translation
Come here, dear [philos] bride, so that you may see the wondrous deeds
131
Τρώων θʼ ἱπποδάμων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων,
Translation
of the Trojans, tamers of horses, and the bronze-wearing Achaeans.
132
οἳ πρὶν ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισι φέρον πολύδακρυν Ἄρηα
Translation
Before, against each other they kept on bringing Ares, who causes many tears,
133
ἐν πεδίῳ ὀλοοῖο λιλαιόμενοι πολέμοιο·
Translation
on the plain, lusting after destructive war.
134
οἳ δὴ νῦν ἕαται σιγῇ, πόλεμος δὲ πέπαυται,
Translation
But now they sit in silence, and war has ceased;
135
ἀσπίσι κεκλιμένοι, παρὰ δʼ ἔγχεα μακρὰ πέπηγεν.
Translation
they lean on their shields, and the long spears are planted beside them.
136
αὐτὰρ Ἀλέξανδρος καὶ ἀρηΐφιλος Μενέλαος
Translation
And now Alexander and Menelaos, dear [philos] to Ares,
137
μακρῇς ἐγχείῃσι μαχήσονται περὶ σεῖο·
Translation
will fight with long spears concerning you.
138
τῷ δέ κε νικήσαντι φίλη κεκλήσῃ ἄκοιτις.
Translation
For the one who is victorious, you will be called his dear [philos] wife.“
139
ὣς εἰποῦσα θεὰ γλυκὺν ἵμερον ἔμβαλε θυμῷ
Translation
So the goddess spoke, and she put in Helen’s heart [thumos] a sweet longing
140
ἀνδρός τε προτέρου καὶ ἄστεος ἠδὲ τοκήων·
Translation
for her former man, her city, and her parents.
141
αὐτίκα δʼ ἀργεννῇσι καλυψαμένη ὀθόνῃσιν
Translation
At once Helen covered herself with fine, white linen
142
ὁρμᾶτʼ ἐκ θαλάμοιο τέρεν κατὰ δάκρυ χέουσα
Translation
and hurried from her bedroom, shedding a soft tear as she went,
143
οὐκ οἴη, ἅμα τῇ γε καὶ ἀμφίπολοι δύʼ ἕποντο,
Translation
not alone, but together with her two attending women followed,
144
Αἴθρη Πιτθῆος θυγάτηρ, Κλυμένη τε βοῶπις·
Translation
Aithra, daughter of Pittheus, and ox-radiant Klumene.
145
αἶψα δʼ ἔπειθʼ ἵκανον ὅθι Σκαιαὶ πύλαι ἦσαν.
Translation
And straightaway they arrived where the Skaian gates stood.
146
οἳ δʼ ἀμφὶ Πρίαμον καὶ Πάνθοον ἠδὲ Θυμοίτην
Translation
There around Priam were Panthoos, and Thumoites,
147
Λάμπόν τε Κλυτίον θʼ Ἱκετάονά τʼ ὄζον Ἄρηος
Translation
Lampos, Klutios, and Hiketaon, descendant of Ares,
148
Οὐκαλέγων τε καὶ Ἀντήνωρ πεπνυμένω ἄμφω
Translation
Oukalegon and Antenor, both spirited men,
149
ἥατο δημογέροντες ἐπὶ Σκαιῇσι πύλῃσι,
Translation
elders of the people, seated over the Skaian gates.
150
γήραϊ δὴ πολέμοιο πεπαυμένοι, ἀλλʼ ἀγορηταὶ
Translation
The old men had ceased from war, but they were speakers in the assembly,
151
ἐσθλοί, τεττίγεσσιν ἐοικότες οἵ τε καθʼ ὕλην
Translation
good [esthlos] speakers, and they were like cicadas, which throughout the woods
152
δενδρέῳ ἐφεζόμενοι ὄπα λειριόεσσαν ἱεῖσι·
Translation
sit in a tree and utter a lily-like voice.
¹
Editorial note on lily-like for commentary
153
τοῖοι ἄρα Τρώων ἡγήτορες ἧντʼ ἐπὶ πύργῳ.
Translation
Such were the leaders of the Trojans as they sat on the tower.
154
οἳ δʼ ὡς οὖν εἴδονθʼ Ἑλένην ἐπὶ πύργον ἰοῦσαν,
Translation
When they saw Helen coming onto the tower,
155
ἦκα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἔπεα πτερόεντʼ ἀγόρευον·
Translation
softly they spoke winged words [epos] to one another,
156
οὐ νέμεσις Τρῶας καὶ ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιοὺς
Translation
There is no nemesis if the Trojans and well-greaved Achaeans
157
τοιῇδʼ ἀμφὶ γυναικὶ πολὺν χρόνον ἄλγεα πάσχειν·
Translation
endure sufferings [algos] for a long time over a woman like this one --
158
αἰνῶς ἀθανάτῃσι θεῇς εἰς ὦπα ἔοικεν·
Translation
when I look at her, she resembles terribly the immortal goddesses.
159
ἀλλὰ καὶ ὧς τοίη περ ἐοῦσʼ ἐν νηυσὶ νεέσθω,
Translation
But even though she is such a woman, let her go back in the ships,
160
μηδʼ ἡμῖν τεκέεσσί τʼ ὀπίσσω πῆμα λίποιτο.
Translation
and may she not remain as a cause of pain for us and our children in the future.“
161
ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφαν, Πρίαμος δʼ Ἑλένην ἐκαλέσσατο φωνῇ·
Translation
So they spoke, but Priam called Helen with his voice.
162
δεῦρο πάροιθʼ ἐλθοῦσα φίλον τέκος ἵζευ ἐμεῖο,
Translation
Come here, dear [philos] child, sit near me,
163
ὄφρα ἴδῃ πρότερόν τε πόσιν πηούς τε φίλους τε·
Translation
so that you may see your former husband and kinsmen and friends [philos] --
164
οὔ τί μοι αἰτίη ἐσσί, θεοί νύ μοι αἴτιοί εἰσιν
Translation
in my eyes you are not at all responsible [[aitios]], to me the gods are the cause aitios,
165
οἵ μοι ἐφώρμησαν πόλεμον πολύδακρυν Ἀχαιῶν·
Translation
they are the ones who stirred up the war, which causes many tears, with the Achaeans --
¹
Variant v.l. Areios, Ares and war
166
ὥς μοι καὶ τόνδʼ ἄνδρα πελώριον ἐξονομήνῃς
Translation
sit here so that you may tell me the name of this huge man --
167
ὅς τις ὅδʼ ἐστὶν Ἀχαιὸς ἀνὴρ ἠΰς τε μέγας τε.
Translation
whoever this Achaean is, he is a real man and a big one, too.
168
ἤτοι μὲν κεφαλῇ καὶ μείζονες ἄλλοι ἔασι,
Translation
Others are even taller by a head
169
καλὸν δʼ οὕτω ἐγὼν οὔ πω ἴδον ὀφθαλμοῖσιν,
Translation
but I have not yet seen with my eyes one so fine
170
οὐδʼ οὕτω γεραρόν· βασιλῆϊ γὰρ ἀνδρὶ ἔοικε.
Translation
nor so dignified. For he looks like a kingly man.“
171
τὸν δʼ Ἑλένη μύθοισιν ἀμείβετο δῖα γυναικῶν·
Translation
Helen, radiant among women, answered him with words [muthos pl.],
172
αἰδοῖός τέ μοί ἐσσι φίλε ἑκυρὲ δεινός τε·
Translation
You make me feel ashamed [aidōs] of myself and are formidable as well, dear [philos] father of my husband --
173
ὡς ὄφελεν θάνατός μοι ἁδεῖν κακὸς ὁππότε δεῦρο
Translation
If only I had desired an evil [kakos] death back when here
174
υἱέϊ σῷ ἑπόμην θάλαμον γνωτούς τε λιποῦσα
Translation
I followed your son, leaving behind my bridal bedroom, the people I know,
175
παῖδά τε τηλυγέτην καὶ ὁμηλικίην ἐρατεινήν.
Translation
both the darling daughter I left behind, and my longed for agemates.
176
ἀλλὰ τά γʼ οὐκ ἐγένοντο· τὸ καὶ κλαίουσα τέτηκα.
Translation
But this did not happen--that’s why even now I melt away lamenting.
177
τοῦτο δέ τοι ἐρέω ὅ μʼ ἀνείρεαι ἠδὲ μεταλλᾷς·
Translation
But let me tell you that which you ask and inquire of me.
178
οὗτός γʼ Ἀτρεΐδης εὐρὺ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων,
Translation
You are looking at the son of Atreus, widely ruling Agamemnon,
179
ἀμφότερον βασιλεύς τʼ ἀγαθὸς κρατερός τʼ αἰχμητής·
Translation
both a valiant [agathos] king and a powerful spearman.
180
δαὴρ αὖτʼ ἐμὸς ἔσκε κυνώπιδος, εἴ ποτʼ ἔην γε.
Translation
He used to be brother-in-law to dog-eyed me, if ever it was.
¹
Note something about "dog-eyed"? add aute with Bonifazi's stuff
181
ὣς φάτο, τὸν δʼ ὁ γέρων ἠγάσσατο φώνησέν τε·
Translation
So she spoke, and the old man was impressed with him and said,
182
ὦ μάκαρ Ἀτρεΐδη μοιρηγενὲς ὀλβιόδαιμον,
Translation
Fortunate son of Atreus, born to a good lot, blessed by gods,
¹
Note cultic associations with these epithets
183
ἦ ῥά νύ τοι πολλοὶ δεδμήατο κοῦροι Ἀχαιῶν.
Translation
I see that many young men of the Achaeans are subject to you.
184
ἤδη καὶ Φρυγίην εἰσήλυθον ἀμπελόεσσαν,
Translation
Once I went to Phrygia, rich in vines,
185
ἔνθα ἴδον πλείστους Φρύγας ἀνέρας αἰολοπώλους
Translation
where I saw a great many Phrygian men, who have nimble horses,
186
λαοὺς Ὀτρῆος καὶ Μυγδόνος ἀντιθέοιο,
Translation
the warriors of Otreus and of Mygdon, equal to the gods,
187
οἵ ῥα τότʼ ἐστρατόωντο παρʼ ὄχθας Σαγγαρίοιο·
Translation
who were at that point encamped along the banks of the river Sangarios;
188
καὶ γὰρ ἐγὼν ἐπίκουρος ἐὼν μετὰ τοῖσιν ἐλέχθην
Translation
for I, as their ally, was numbered among them
189
ἤματι τῷ ὅτε τʼ ἦλθον Ἀμαζόνες ἀντιάνειραι·
Translation
on the day when the Amazons, a match for men, came,
190
ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ οἳ τόσοι ἦσαν ὅσοι ἑλίκωπες Ἀχαιοί.
Translation
but not even they were as many as the Achaeans with the dancing eyes.“
191
δεύτερον αὖτʼ Ὀδυσῆα ἰδὼν ἐρέεινʼ ὁ γεραιός·
Translation
Next the old man looked at Odysseus and said,
192
εἴπʼ ἄγε μοι καὶ τόνδε φίλον τέκος ὅς τις ὅδʼ ἐστί·
Translation
Come, tell me also about this one, dear [philos] child, whoever this one is.
193
μείων μὲν κεφαλῇ Ἀγαμέμνονος Ἀτρεΐδαο,
Translation
He is shorter by a head than Agamemnon, son of Atreus,
194
εὐρύτερος δʼ ὤμοισιν ἰδὲ στέρνοισιν ἰδέσθαι.
Translation
but broader across the shoulders and chest, when you look at him.
195
τεύχεα μέν οἱ κεῖται ἐπὶ χθονὶ πουλυβοτείρῃ,
Translation
His armor lies on the much nourishing earth,
196
αὐτὸς δὲ κτίλος ὣς ἐπιπωλεῖται στίχας ἀνδρῶν·
Translation
but he himself, like a ram, ranges back and forth along the lines of men.
197
ἀρνειῷ μιν ἔγωγε ἐΐσκω πηγεσιμάλλῳ,
Translation
I liken him to a thick-fleeced ram,
198
ὅς τʼ οἰῶν μέγα πῶϋ διέρχεται ἀργεννάων.
Translation
who goes throughout the large flock of white sheep.“
199
τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειθʼ Ἑλένη Διὸς ἐκγεγαυῖα·
Translation
Then Helen, fathered by Zeus, answered him,
200
οὗτος δʼ αὖ Λαερτιάδης πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς,
Translation
This one is the son of Laertes, Odysseus, who is crafty in many ways.
201
ὃς τράφη ἐν δήμῳ Ἰθάκης κραναῆς περ ἐούσης
Translation
He was raised in the district [dēmos] of Ithaca, rugged that it is,
202
εἰδὼς παντοίους τε δόλους καὶ μήδεα πυκνά.
Translation
and he knows all sorts of tricks and schemes one after the other.“
203
τὴν δʼ αὖτʼ Ἀντήνωρ πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·
Translation
At this spirited Antenor said in response to her,
204
ὦ γύναι ἦ μάλα τοῦτο ἔπος νημερτὲς ἔειπες·
Translation
Woman, you have spoken this word [epos] without missing the mark.
205
ἤδη γὰρ καὶ δεῦρό ποτʼ ἤλυθε δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς
Translation
For once in the past radiant Odysseus came here also,
206
σεῦ ἕνεκʼ ἀγγελίης σὺν ἀρηϊφίλῳ Μενελάῳ·
Translation
to deliver a message about you, along with Menelaos, dear [philos] to Ares.
¹
Variant v.l. Ar. as a messenger
207
τοὺς δʼ ἐγὼ ἐξείνισσα καὶ ἐν μεγάροισι φίλησα,
Translation
These men I hosted and became close [philos] with them in my house,
208
ἀμφοτέρων δὲ φυὴν ἐδάην καὶ μήδεα πυκνά.
Translation
and I learned the physique of both of them, and their schemes, one after the other.
209
ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ Τρώεσσιν ἐν ἀγρομένοισιν ἔμιχθεν
Translation
But when they mingled among the assembled Trojans,
210
στάντων μὲν Μενέλαος ὑπείρεχεν εὐρέας ὤμους,
Translation
while they stood, Menelaos with his broad shoulders topped him,
211
ἄμφω δʼ ἑζομένω γεραρώτερος ἦεν Ὀδυσσεύς·
Translation
yet when both were seated, Odysseus was the more majestic.
212
ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ μύθους καὶ μήδεα πᾶσιν ὕφαινον
Translation
But when they began to weave words and schemes among all,
¹
Editorial v.l. ephainon: reveal²
Editorial muthos, pl.
213
ἤτοι μὲν Μενέλαος ἐπιτροχάδην ἀγόρευε,
Translation
Menelaos spoke in assembly fluently,
214
παῦρα μὲν ἀλλὰ μάλα λιγέως, ἐπεὶ οὐ πολύμυθος
Translation
he spoke few words, but very clearly, since he is not a man of many words [muthos],
215
οὐδʼ ἀφαμαρτοεπής· ἦ καὶ γένει ὕστερος ἦεν.
Translation
not someone who misses the mark in speech; he was even younger by birth [genos].
216
ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ πολύμητις ἀναΐξειεν Ὀδυσσεὺς
Translation
But whenever Odysseus, who is crafty in many ways, rose to speak,
217
στάσκεν, ὑπαὶ δὲ ἴδεσκε κατὰ χθονὸς ὄμματα πήξας,
Translation
he kept standing there, and kept looking down, his eyes fixed on the ground,
218
σκῆπτρον δʼ οὔτʼ ὀπίσω οὔτε προπρηνὲς ἐνώμα,
Translation
and he did not wield the scepter either backward or forward,
219
ἀλλʼ ἀστεμφὲς ἔχεσκεν ἀΐδρεϊ φωτὶ ἐοικώς·
Translation
but he kept on holding it still, and he looked like an ignorant man.
220
φαίης κε ζάκοτόν τέ τινʼ ἔμμεναι ἄφρονά τʼ αὔτως.
Translation
You would have said that he was surly and stupid [without phrēn] as well.
221
ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ ὄπα τε μεγάλην ἐκ στήθεος εἵη
Translation
But whenever he projected from his chest his great voice
222
καὶ ἔπεα νιφάδεσσιν ἐοικότα χειμερίῃσιν,
Translation
and words like wintery snowflakes,
¹
Editorial epos, pl.
223
οὐκ ἂν ἔπειτʼ Ὀδυσῆΐ γʼ ἐρίσσειε βροτὸς ἄλλος·
Translation
then no other mortal could compete [eris] with Odysseus.
224
οὐ τότε γʼ ὧδʼ Ὀδυσῆος ἀγασσάμεθʼ εἶδος ἰδόντες.
Translation
At that point we didn’t make so much of the way Odysseus looked.“
225
τὸ τρίτον αὖτʼ Αἴαντα ἰδὼν ἐρέεινʼ ὃ γεραιός·
Translation
Third, the old man caught sight of Ajax and asked,
226
τίς τὰρ ὅδʼ ἄλλος Ἀχαιὸς ἀνὴρ ἠΰς τε μέγας τε
Translation
Who is this other Achaean, a real man and a big one, too, --
¹
Editorial cf. I-3.167
227
ἔξοχος Ἀργείων κεφαλήν τε καὶ εὐρέας ὤμους;
Translation
he stands out, topping the Argives with his head and broad shoulders?“
228
τὸν δʼ Ἑλένη τανύπεπλος ἀμείβετο δῖα γυναικῶν·
Translation
Helen with her long peplos, radiant among women, answered him,
¹
Note need comment
229
οὗτος δʼ Αἴας ἐστὶ πελώριος ἕρκος Ἀχαιῶν·
Translation
That is Ajax, a huge man, the wall of the Achaeans,
230
Ἰδομενεὺς δʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἐνὶ Κρήτεσσι θεὸς ὣς
Translation
and Idomeneus is on the other side of him, among the Cretans like a god
231
ἕστηκʼ, ἀμφὶ δέ μιν Κρητῶν ἀγοὶ ἠγερέθονται.
Translation
he stands, and around him the leaders of the Cretans are assembled.
232
πολλάκι μιν ξείνισσεν ἀρηΐφιλος Μενέλαος
Translation
Many times Menelaos, dear [philos] to Ares, received him as a guest [xenos]
233
οἴκῳ ἐν ἡμετέρῳ ὁπότε Κρήτηθεν ἵκοιτο.
Translation
in our home, whenever he came from Crete.
234
νῦν δʼ ἄλλους μὲν πάντας ὁρῶ ἑλίκωπας Ἀχαιούς,
Translation
Now I see all the other Achaeans with the dancing eyes,
235
οὕς κεν ἐῢ γνοίην καί τʼ οὔνομα μυθησαίμην·
Translation
the ones whom I know well and I could tell [muthos] their names.
236
δοιὼ δʼ οὐ δύναμαι ἰδέειν κοσμήτορε λαῶν
Translation
But I am not able to see the two who marshal the warriors,
237
Κάστορά θʼ ἱππόδαμον καὶ πὺξ ἀγαθὸν Πολυδεύκεα
Translation
Castor, tamer of horses, and Polydeuces, well-known [agathos] for boxing,
238
αὐτοκασιγνήτω, τώ μοι μία γείνατο μήτηρ.
Translation
my own brothers. One mother gave birth to all of us.
239
ἢ οὐχ ἑσπέσθην Λακεδαίμονος ἐξ ἐρατεινῆς,
Translation
Either they did not follow from longed for Lakedaimon
240
ἢ δεύρω μὲν ἕποντο νέεσσʼ ἔνι ποντοπόροισι,
Translation
or they did follow here in ships that carve the sea [pontos],
241
νῦν αὖτʼ οὐκ ἐθέλουσι μάχην καταδύμεναι ἀνδρῶν
Translation
but now they are not willing to enter the battle [n:v.l. struggle [ponos] among men
242
αἴσχεα δειδιότες καὶ ὀνείδεα πόλλʼ ἅ μοί ἐστιν.
Translation
fearing the shame and many insults which are mine.“
243
ὣς φάτο, τοὺς δʼ ἤδη κάτεχεν φυσίζοος αἶα
Translation
So she spoke, but already the life-giving earth held them
244
ἐν Λακεδαίμονι αὖθι φίλῃ ἐν πατρίδι γαίῃ.
Translation
there in Lakedaimon, in the ground of their dear [philos] fatherland.
245
κήρυκες δʼ ἀνὰ ἄστυ θεῶν φέρον ὅρκια πιστὰ
Translation
Heralds were bringing through the city the sacrifices for swearing oaths to the gods,
246
ἄρνε δύω καὶ οἶνον ἐΰφρονα καρπὸν ἀρούρης
Translation
two lambs and wine that delights the heart [phrēn], harvest from the field,
247
ἀσκῷ ἐν αἰγείῳ· φέρε δὲ κρητῆρα φαεινὸν
Translation
in a wine skin; and he brought the shining mixing bowl,
248
κῆρυξ Ἰδαῖος ἠδὲ χρύσεια κύπελλα·
Translation
Idaios the herald brought it and golden drinking cups.
249
ὄτρυνεν δὲ γέροντα παριστάμενος ἐπέεσσιν·
Translation
Standing next to the old man Priam, he roused him with words [epos pl.],
250
ὄρσεο Λαομεδοντιάδη, καλέουσιν ἄριστοι
Translation
Rise, son of Laomedon, you are called by the best [aristos]
251
Τρώων θʼ ἱπποδάμων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων
Translation
of the Trojans, tamers of horses, and the bronze-wearing Achaeans,
252
ἐς πεδίον καταβῆναι ἵνʼ ὅρκια πιστὰ τάμητε·
Translation
to come down to the plain, so that you all may make sacrifices and swear trustworthy oaths.
¹
Editorial v.l. we, you (sg.)
253
αὐτὰρ Ἀλέξανδρος καὶ ἀρηΐφιλος Μενέλαος
Translation
And then Alexander and Menelaos, dear [philos] to Ares,
254
μακρῇς ἐγχείῃσι μαχήσοντʼ ἀμφὶ γυναικί·
Translation
will fight with long spears over the woman,
255
τῷ δέ κε νικήσαντι γυνὴ καὶ κτήμαθʼ ἕποιτο·
Translation
and whoever is victorious, the woman and her possessions will follow.
256
οἳ δʼ ἄλλοι φιλότητα καὶ ὅρκια πιστὰ ταμόντες
Translation
As for the rest, let them make sacrifices and swear trustworthy oaths of friendship [philos],
¹
Editorial cf. 3.73
257
ναίοιμεν Τροίην ἐριβώλακα, τοὶ δὲ νέονται
Translation
that we may inhabit fertile Troy, and that those men will return
¹
Editorial cf. 3.74
258
Ἄργος ἐς ἱππόβοτον καὶ Ἀχαιΐδα καλλιγύναικα.
Translation
to Argos with its pastures for horses and Achaea with its beautiful women.“
¹
Editorial cf. 3.75
259
ὣς φάτο ῥίγησεν δʼ ὃ γέρων, ἐκέλευσε δʼ ἑταίρους
Translation
So he spoke, and the old man shuddered, but he asked his comrades
260
ἵππους ζευγνύμεναι· τοὶ δʼ ὀτραλέως ἐπίθοντο.
Translation
to yoke the horses, and they promptly complied.
261
ἂν δʼ ἄρʼ ἔβη Πρίαμος, κατὰ δʼ ἡνία τεῖνεν ὀπίσσω·
Translation
Priam got on and pulled back the reins.
262
πὰρ δέ οἱ Ἀντήνωρ περικαλλέα βήσετο δίφρον·
Translation
Next to him Antenor got on the surpassingly beautiful chariot, [3.312]
263
τὼ δὲ διὰ Σκαιῶν πεδίον δʼ ἔχον ὠκέας ἵππους.
Translation
and the two drove the swift horses through the Skaian gates to the plain.
264
ἀλλʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἵκοντο μετὰ Τρῶας καὶ Ἀχαιούς,
Translation
But when they arrived among the Trojans and Achaeans,
265
ἐξ ἵππων ἀποβάντες ἐπὶ χθόνα πουλυβότειραν
Translation
they got out of the chariot onto the earth that nourishes many
266
ἐς μέσσον Τρώων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν ἐστιχόωντο.
Translation
and proceeded into the middle of the Trojans and Achaeans. [3.341]
267
ὄρνυτο δʼ αὐτίκʼ ἔπειτα ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων,
Translation
At once then arose lord of men Agamemnon
268
ἂν δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς πολύμητις· ἀτὰρ κήρυκες ἀγαυοὶ
Translation
and so did Odysseus, who is crafty in many ways. Then the honorable heralds
269
ὅρκια πιστὰ θεῶν σύναγον, κρητῆρι δὲ οἶνον
Translation
brought together the sacrifices for swearing oaths to the gods, and the wine in the mixing bowl
¹
Editorial cf. 3.245
270
μίσγον, ἀτὰρ βασιλεῦσιν ὕδωρ ἐπὶ χεῖρας ἔχευαν.
Translation
they mixed, and they poured water onto the hands of the kings.
271
Ἀτρεΐδης δὲ ἐρυσσάμενος χείρεσσι μάχαιραν,
Translation
The son of Atreus drew out a sacrificial knife with his hands,
272
ἥ οἱ πὰρ ξίφεος μέγα κουλεόν αἰὲν ἄωρτο,
Translation
the knife which ever hung next to the large sheath of his sword,
273
ἀρνῶν ἐκ κεφαλέων τάμνε τρίχας· αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα
Translation
and he started cutting hairs from the heads of the lambs. And then
274
κήρυκες Τρώων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν νεῖμαν ἀρίστοις.
Translation
the heralds distributed them to the best [aristos] of the Trojans and Achaeans.
275
τοῖσιν δʼ Ἀτρεΐδης μεγάλʼ εὔχετο χεῖρας ἀνασχών·
Translation
Among them the son of Atreus prayed loudly, holding up his hands.
276
Ζεῦ πάτερ Ἴδηθεν μεδέων κύδιστε μέγιστε,
Translation
Father Zeus, ruling from Ida, most glorious [kudos], greatest, [3.320]
277
Ἠέλιός θʼ, ὃς πάντʼ ἐφορᾷς καὶ πάντʼ ἐπακούεις,
Translation
and you, too, Helios, who see all things and hear all things,
278
καὶ ποταμοὶ καὶ γαῖα, καὶ οἳ ὑπένερθε καμόντας
Translation
and you, rivers and earth, and you who below the earth punish toiling
¹
Variant v.l. you who toil below the earth punish
279
ἀνθρώπους τίνυσθον ὅτις κʼ ἐπίορκον ὀμόσσῃ,
Translation
mortals, you punish anyone who swears a false oath:
280
ὑμεῖς μάρτυροι ἔστε, φυλάσσετε δʼ ὅρκια πιστά·
Translation
I ask that you be eyewitnesses, and that you watch over these oaths sworn with a sacrifice.
281
εἰ μέν κεν Μενέλαον Ἀλέξανδρος καταπέφνῃ
Translation
If Alexander slays Menelaos,
282
αὐτὸς ἔπειθʼ Ἑλένην ἐχέτω καὶ κτήματα πάντα,
Translation
let him then keep Helen and all her possessions,
283
ἡμεῖς δʼ ἐν νήεσσι νεώμεθα ποντοπόροισιν·
Translation
and let us sail in ships that carve the sea [pontos];
¹
Variant v.l. let us, the young men of the Achaeans²
Note 283 is omitted in several manuscripts
283a
to Achaea with its beautiful women…
284
εἰ δέ κʼ Ἀλέξανδρον κτείνῃ ξανθὸς Μενέλαος,
Translation
but if golden-haired Menelaos kills Alexander,
285
Τρῶας ἔπειθʼ Ἑλένην καὶ κτήματα πάντʼ ἀποδοῦναι,
Translation
let the Trojans then give back Helen and all her possessions,
286
τιμὴν δʼ Ἀργείοις ἀποτινέμεν ἥν τινʼ ἔοικεν,
Translation
and let them pay a payment [timē] to the Argives, whatever looks good,
287
ἥ τε καὶ ἐσσομένοισι μετʼ ἀνθρώποισι πέληται.
Translation
and which also will be a precedent among mortals in the future. [3.460]
288
εἰ δʼ ἂν ἐμοὶ τιμὴν Πρίαμος Πριάμοιό τε παῖδες
Translation
And as for the payment [timē], if to me Priam and the sons of Priam
289
τίνειν οὐκ ἐθέλωσιν Ἀλεξάνδροιο πεσόντος,
Translation
are not willing to pay it once Alexander falls,
290
αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ καὶ ἔπειτα μαχήσομαι εἵνεκα ποινῆς
Translation
for my part I will fight even afterwards for compensation [poinē],
291
αὖθι μένων, ἧός κε τέλος πολέμοιο κιχείω.
Translation
remaining here until I find the fulfillment [telos] of the war.“
292
ἦ, καὶ ἀπὸ στομάχους ἀρνῶν τάμε νηλέϊ χαλκῷ·
Translation
He spoke, and he cut through the throats of the lambs with the pitiless bronze
293
καὶ τοὺς μὲν κατέθηκεν ἐπὶ χθονὸς ἀσπαίροντας
Translation
and he placed them on the ground; they were gasping as they died,
294
θυμοῦ δευομένους· ἀπὸ γὰρ μένος εἵλετο χαλκός.
Translation
losing the breath of life [thumos], for the bronze took away their vital force [menos].
295
οἶνον δʼ ἐκ κρητῆρος ἀφυσσόμενοι δεπάεσσιν
Translation
Drawing off the wine from the mixing bowl into the cups
296
ἔκχεον, ἠδʼ εὔχοντο θεοῖς αἰειγενέτῃσιν.
Translation
they poured it out, and they prayed to the gods who regenerate without end.
¹
Editorial do we like this?
297
ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν Ἀχαιῶν τε Τρώων τε·
Translation
An Achaean or a Trojan would say something like this, [3.319]
298
Ζεῦ κύδιστε μέγιστε καὶ ἀθάνατοι θεοὶ ἄλλοι
Translation
Zeus, most glorious [kudos], greatest, and the rest of the immortal gods,
299
ὁππότεροι πρότεροι ὑπὲρ ὅρκια πημήνειαν
Translation
whichever of the two sides attacks first in violation of the oaths,
300
ὧδέ σφʼ ἐγκέφαλος χαμάδις ῥέοι ὡς ὅδε οἶνος
Translation
may their brains run on the ground the same way this wine does,
301
αὐτῶν καὶ τεκέων, ἄλοχοι δʼ ἄλλοισι δαμεῖεν.
Translation
their brains and their children’s, and may their wives be subdued by other men.“
¹
Variant v.l. have sex with
302
ὣς ἔφαν, οὐδʼ ἄρα πώ σφιν ἐπεκραίαινε Κρονίων.
Translation
So they spoke, but not yet did Zeus bring it to fulfillment for them.
302a
thundering from Ida and he let fly lightening.
¹
Note different supplement in West: from the peaks of Ida
302b
For he was about to place still more sufferings and groans upon
302c
the Trojans and the Danaans in powerful combat.
302d
Next, once he [Agamemnon] had sworn the oath and completed the sacrifice,
302 v.l.
So they spoke praying, and Zeus the deviser thundered loudly
303
τοῖσι δὲ Δαρδανίδης Πρίαμος μετὰ μῦθον ἔειπε·
Translation
Among them Priam, descendant of Dardanos, spoke words [muthos],
¹
Variant v.l. to
304
κέκλυτέ μευ Τρῶες καὶ ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοί·
Translation
Hear from me, Trojans and well-greaved Achaeans:
¹
Variant v.l. Hear from me, Trojans, and Daradanians, and allies
304a
let me say what my heart in my chest tells me to say:
305
ἤτοι ἐγὼν εἶμι προτὶ Ἴλιον ἠνεμόεσσαν
Translation
I will go to wind-swept Ilion,
¹
Note Ilion is a synonym of Troy
306
ἄψ, ἐπεὶ οὔ πω τλήσομʼ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ὁρᾶσθαι
Translation
I will go back, since I will not yet dare to watch with my own eyes
¹
Variant v.l. for I would never dare to watch with my own eyes
307
μαρνάμενον φίλον υἱὸν ἀρηϊφίλῳ Μενελάῳ·
Translation
my dear [[philos]] son fighting with Menelaos, dear philos to Ares.
308
Ζεὺς μέν που τό γε οἶδε καὶ ἀθάνατοι θεοὶ ἄλλοι
Translation
Zeus, I suppose, knows this, as well the rest of the immortal gods,
309
ὁπποτέρῳ θανάτοιο τέλος πεπρωμένον ἐστίν.
Translation
to which of the two the fulfillment [telos] of death has been allotted.“
310
ἦ ῥα καὶ ἐς δίφρον ἄρνας θέτο ἰσόθεος φώς,
Translation
He spoke, and into the chariot he, a man equal to a god, placed the lambs,
311
ἂν δʼ ἄρʼ ἔβαινʼ αὐτός, κατὰ δʼ ἡνία τεῖνεν ὀπίσσω·
Translation
and he himself got on it, and he pulled back the reins.
¹
Editorial cf. 3.261
312
πὰρ δέ οἱ Ἀντήνωρ περικαλλέα βήσετο δίφρον.
Translation
Next to him Antenor got on the surpassingly beautiful chariot. [3.262]
313
τὼ μὲν ἄρʼ ἄψορροι προτὶ Ἴλιον ἀπονέοντο·
Translation
The two returned back to Ilion.
314
Ἕκτωρ δὲ Πριάμοιο πάϊς καὶ δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς
Translation
Hektor, the son of Priam, and radiant Odysseus
315
χῶρον μὲν πρῶτον διεμέτρεον, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα
Translation
first measured out a space, and then
316
κλήρους ἐν κυνέῃ χαλκήρεϊ πάλλον ἑλόντες,
Translation
shook lots in a bronze helmet to choose
317
ὁππότερος δὴ πρόσθεν ἀφείη χάλκεον ἔγχος.
Translation
which of the two, Alexander or Menelaos, should be the first to let fly a bronze spear.
318
λαοὶ δʼ ἠρήσαντο, θεοῖσι δὲ χεῖρας ἀνέσχον,
Translation
The warriors prayed, and they held up their hands to the gods.
319
ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν Ἀχαιῶν τε Τρώων τε·
Translation
An Achaean or a Trojan would say something like this, [3.297]
320
Ζεῦ πάτερ Ἴδηθεν μεδέων κύδιστε μέγιστε
Translation
Father Zeus, ruling from Ida, most glorious [kudos], greatest, [3.276]
321
ὁππότερος τάδε ἔργα μετʼ ἀμφοτέροισιν ἔθηκε,
Translation
whichever of the two caused these actions between both sides
322
τὸν δὸς ἀποφθίμενον δῦναι δόμον Ἄϊδος εἴσω,
Translation
grant that he may die and enter into the house of Hades.
323
ἡμῖν δʼ αὖ φιλότητα καὶ ὅρκια πιστὰ γενέσθαι.
Translation
As for us, may we have friendship [philos] and oaths that prove trustworthy.“
324
ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφαν, πάλλεν δὲ μέγας κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ
Translation
So they spoke, and great Hektor with the gleaming helmet shook it,
325
ἂψ ὁρόων· Πάριος δὲ θοῶς ἐκ κλῆρος ὄρουσεν.
Translation
looking away, and the lot of Paris jumped out quickly.
326
οἳ μὲν ἔπειθʼ ἵζοντο κατὰ στίχας, ἧχι ἑκάστῳ
Translation
The men then sat in rows, in the place where each one’s
327
ἵπποι ἀερσίποδες καὶ ποικίλα τεύχεʼ ἔκειτο·
Translation
high-stepping horses and intricately patterned armor were placed.
328
αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ ἀμφʼ ὤμοισιν ἐδύσετο τεύχεα καλὰ
Translation
Then he put his fine armor around his shoulders,
329
δῖος Ἀλέξανδρος Ἑλένης πόσις ἠϋκόμοιο.
Translation
radiant Alexander did, the husband of Helen with beautiful hair. [7.355]
330
κνημῖδας μὲν πρῶτα περὶ κνήμῃσιν ἔθηκε
Translation
First he placed around his shins greaves, [11.17]
331
καλάς, ἀργυρέοισιν ἐπισφυρίοις ἀραρυίας·
Translation
fine ones, fitted with ankle-clasps of silver; [11.18]
332
δεύτερον αὖ θώρηκα περὶ στήθεσσιν ἔδυνεν
Translation
second he put a breastplate around his chest, [11.19]
333
οἷο κασιγνήτοιο Λυκάονος· ἥρμοσε δʼ αὐτῷ.
Translation
the one belonging to his own brother Lykaon, but he fitted it to himself.
334
ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ὤμοισιν βάλετο ξίφος ἀργυρόηλον
Translation
Around his shoulders he threw a silver-studded sword [2.45]
335
χάλκεον, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα σάκος μέγα τε στιβαρόν τε·
Translation
made of bronze, and then a shield, great and massive. [16.136]
336
337
ἵππουριν· δεινὸν δὲ λόφος καθύπερθεν ἔνευεν·
Translation
with a crest of horse-hair, and it nodded terrifyingly above it,
338
εἵλετο δʼ ἄλκιμον ἔγχος, ὅ οἱ παλάμηφιν ἀρήρει.
Translation
and he took hold of his unyielding spear, which fit the palm of his hand.
338a
and around his shoulders he threw a shield.
¹
Editorial tersanoessan?
338 v.l.
and he took two unyielding spears …
338 v.l.
… tipped with sharp bronze.
339
ὣς δʼ αὔτως Μενέλαος ἀρήϊος ἔντεʼ ἔδυνεν.
Translation
Similarly Ares-like Menelaos put on his war gear as well.
339a
shield and shining helmet…
339b
and find greaves fitted with ankle-clasps…
339c
and he threw around his shoulders a sword…
340
οἳ δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν ἑκάτερθεν ὁμίλου θωρήχθησαν,
Translation
When in this way they were armed on either side of the crowd,
341
ἐς μέσσον Τρώων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν ἐστιχόωντο
Translation
they proceeded into the middle of the Trojans and Achaeans. [3.266]
342
δεινὸν δερκόμενοι· θάμβος δʼ ἔχεν εἰσορόωντας
Translation
giving terrifying looks. Amazement held them as they watched,
¹
Editorial I-4.79
343
Τρῶάς θʼ ἱπποδάμους καὶ ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιούς.
Translation
both the Trojans, tamers of horses and well-greaved Achaeans.
¹
Editorial I-4.80
344
καί ῥʼ ἐγγὺς στήτην διαμετρητῷ ἐνὶ χώρῳ
Translation
The two of them stood near each other in the measured-off space
345
σείοντʼ ἐγχείας ἀλλήλοισιν κοτέοντε.
Translation
brandishing their spears, and each holding a grudge [kotos] against the other.
346
πρόσθε δʼ Ἀλέξανδρος προΐει δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος,
Translation
First Alexander hurled a spear that casts a long shadow,
347
καὶ βάλεν Ἀτρεΐδαο κατʼ ἀσπίδα πάντοσε ἴσην,
Translation
and it hit the perfectly round shield of the son of Atreus.
348
οὐδʼ ἔρρηξεν χαλκός, ἀνεγνάμφθη δέ οἱ αἰχμὴ
Translation
the bronze did not break it [n:v.l. he did not break the bronze, but its point was bent back [7.259]
¹
Variant v.l. with previous "his," Alexander's
349
ἀσπίδʼ ἐνὶ κρατερῇ· ὃ δὲ δεύτερον ὄρνυτο χαλκῷ
Translation
in the powerful shield. But he next attacked with bronze,
350
Ἀτρεΐδης Μενέλαος ἐπευξάμενος Διὶ πατρί·
Translation
the son of Atreus, Menelaos did, as he prayed to father Zeus.
351
Ζεῦ ἄνα δὸς τίσασθαι ὅ με πρότερος κάκʼ ἔοργε
Translation
Lord Zeus, grant that he pay, who did me wrong [kakos] first,
352
δῖον Ἀλέξανδρον, καὶ ἐμῇς ὑπὸ χερσὶ δάμασσον,
Translation
radiant Alexander, and subdue him under my hand
353
ὄφρα τις ἐρρίγῃσι καὶ ὀψιγόνων ἀνθρώπων
Translation
so that someone even of mortals born after may shudder at
354
ξεινοδόκον κακὰ ῥέξαι, ὅ κεν φιλότητα παράσχῃ.
Translation
doing wrong [kakos] to his host who offers friendship [philos].“
355
ἦ ῥα καὶ ἀμπεπαλὼν προΐει δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος,
Translation
He spoke, and he brandished a spear that casts a long shadow and hurled it. [5.280]
356
καὶ βάλε Πριαμίδαο κατʼ ἀσπίδα πάντοσε ἴσην·
Translation
It hit the perfectly round shield of the son of Priam.
357
διὰ μὲν ἀσπίδος ἦλθε φαεινῆς ὄβριμον ἔγχος,
Translation
The massive spear went through the shining shield
358
καὶ διὰ θώρηκος πολυδαιδάλου ἠρήρειστο·
Translation
and forced its way through the skillfully crafted breastplate. [4.136]
359
ἀντικρὺ δὲ παραὶ λαπάρην διάμησε χιτῶνα
Translation
It cut straight through his khiton next to his ribs,
360
ἔγχος· ὃ δʼ ἐκλίνθη καὶ ἀλεύατο κῆρα μέλαιναν.
Translation
the spear did. But Alexander turned aside and escaped black doom.
361
Ἀτρεΐδης δὲ ἐρυσσάμενος ξίφος ἀργυρόηλον
Translation
The son of Atreus drew a sword studded with silver nails, [13.610]
362
πλῆξεν ἀνασχόμενος κόρυθος φάλον· ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ αὐτῷ
Translation
and holding it up, he struck the crest of his helmet, but around it
362a
terrible with bronze
363
τριχθά τε καὶ τετραχθὰ διατρυφὲν ἔκπεσε χειρός.
Translation
the sword broke into three, even four pieces and fell from his hand.
364
Ἀτρεΐδης δʼ ᾤμωξεν ἰδὼν εἰς οὐρανὸν εὐρύν·
Translation
The son of Atreus groaned, looking into the broad sky,
365
Ζεῦ πάτερ οὔ τις σεῖο θεῶν ὀλοώτερος ἄλλος·
Translation
Father Zeus, no one else of the gods is more destructive then you: [23.439]
366
ἦ τʼ ἐφάμην τίσασθαι Ἀλέξανδρον κακότητος·
Translation
I was saying to myself, Alexander has paid for his wrong [kakos],
367
νῦν δέ μοι ἐν χείρεσσιν ἄγη ξίφος, ἐκ δέ μοι ἔγχος
Translation
but now the sword has shattered in my hands, and my spear
368
ἠΐχθη παλάμηφιν ἐτώσιον, οὐδʼ ἔβαλόν μιν.
Translation
flew from my hands in vain and did not hit him.“
369
ἦ καὶ ἐπαΐξας κόρυθος λάβεν ἱπποδασείης,
Translation
He spoke, and he rushed at Alexander and caught him by the horsehair plume of his helmet,
370
ἕλκε δʼ ἐπιστρέψας μετʼ ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιούς·
Translation
and turning around, he began dragging him towards the well-greaved Achaeans.
371
ἄγχε δέ μιν πολύκεστος ἱμὰς ἁπαλὴν ὑπὸ δειρήν,
Translation
The tooled leather strap under his soft neck was choking him, [14.214]
372
ὅς οἱ ὑπʼ ἀνθερεῶνος ὀχεὺς τέτατο τρυφαλείης.
Translation
which stretched under his chin to fasten the helmet.
373
καί νύ κεν εἴρυσσέν τε καὶ ἄσπετον ἤρατο κῦδος,
Translation
Now Menelaos would have dragged him off and won radiant glory [kudos] beyond description [18.165]
374
εἰ μὴ ἄρʼ ὀξὺ νόησε Διὸς θυγάτηρ Ἀφροδίτη,
Translation
if Zeus’ daughter Aphrodite had not been sharp enough to take note, [5.312]
375
ἥ οἱ ῥῆξεν ἱμάντα βοὸς ἶφι κταμένοιο·
Translation
and broke the strap made of the hide of an ox killed with might.
376
κεινὴ δὲ τρυφάλεια ἅμʼ ἕσπετο χειρὶ παχείῃ.
Translation
The helmet came away empty in Menelaos’s strong hand,
377
τὴν μὲν ἔπειθʼ ἥρως μετʼ ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιοὺς
Translation
which the hero then among the well-greaved Achaeans
378
ῥῖψʼ ἐπιδινήσας, κόμισαν δʼ ἐρίηρες ἑταῖροι·
Translation
flung as he whirled around, and his loyal comrades retrieved it.
379
αὐτὰρ ὃ ἂψ ἐπόρουσε κατακτάμεναι μενεαίνων
Translation
And then Menelaos turned back to make an attack, striving to kill him
380
ἔγχεϊ χαλκείῳ· τὸν δʼ ἐξήρπαξʼ Ἀφροδίτη
Translation
with a bronze spear, but Aphrodite snatched Alexander away
381
ῥεῖα μάλʼ ὥς τε θεός, ἐκάλυψε δʼ ἄρʼ ἠέρι πολλῇ,
Translation
with much ease (as a god can do), and she covered him in a large cloud [20.444]
382
κὰδ δʼ εἷσʼ ἐν θαλάμῳ εὐώδεϊ κηώεντι.
Translation
and she sat him down in the sweet-smelling, fragrant bedroom.
383
αὐτὴ δʼ αὖ Ἑλένην καλέουσʼ ἴε· τὴν δὲ κίχανε
Translation
Then she herself went back to call Helen, and found her
384
πύργῳ ἐφʼ ὑψηλῷ, περὶ δὲ Τρῳαὶ ἅλις ἦσαν·
Translation
on a high tower with the Trojan women in a crowd around her.
385
χειρὶ δὲ νεκταρέου ἑανοῦ ἐτίναξε λαβοῦσα,
Translation
With her hand Aphrodite took hold of her nectar-scented garment and shook it,
386
γρηῒ δέ μιν ἐϊκυῖα παλαιγενέϊ προσέειπεν
Translation
looking like an old woman well along in years she addressed her,
387
εἰροκόμῳ, ἥ οἱ Λακεδαίμονι ναιετοώσῃ
Translation
like a wool worker who lived with her in Lakedaimon,
388
ἤσκειν εἴρια καλά, μάλιστα δέ μιν φιλέεσκε·
Translation
one who prepared fine wool, and Helen especially loved [philos] her.
389
τῇ μιν ἐεισαμένη προσεφώνεε δῖʼ Ἀφροδίτη·
Translation
Making herself like this woman, radiant Aphrodite spoke forth,
390
δεῦρʼ ἴθʼ· Ἀλέξανδρός σε καλεῖ οἶκον δὲ νέεσθαι.
Translation
Come here. Alexander calls you to return home.
391
κεῖνος ὅ γʼ ἐν θαλάμῳ καὶ δινωτοῖσι λέχεσσι
Translation
That man is in the bedroom and in the ornate bed,
392
κάλλεΐ τε στίλβων καὶ εἵμασιν· οὐδέ κε φαίης
Translation
he is glistening in his clothes and in his beauty. And you would not say
393
ἀνδρὶ μαχεσσάμενον τόν γʼ ἐλθεῖν, ἀλλὰ χορὸν δὲ
Translation
that he came from fighting with a man, but that to a dance [khoros]
394
ἔρχεσθʼ, ἠὲ χοροῖο νέον λήγοντα καθίζειν.
Translation
he was going, or that he just ceased from dancing [khoros] and is sitting down.“
395
ὣς φάτο, τῇ δʼ ἄρα θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ὄρινε·
Translation
So she spoke, and she stirred the heart [thumos] in Helen’s chest.
396
καί ῥʼ ὡς οὖν ἐνόησε θεᾶς περικαλλέα δειρὴν
Translation
And when Helen took note of the beautiful neck of the goddess,
397
στήθεά θʼ ἱμερόεντα καὶ ὄμματα μαρμαίροντα,
Translation
her desirable breast, and sparkling eyes,
398
θάμβησέν τʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·
Translation
she was amazed, and then spoke a word [epos] and called out her name,
399
δαιμονίη, τί με ταῦτα λιλαίεαι ἠπεροπεύειν;
Translation
What possesses [daimōn] you? Why do you desire to trick me this way?
400
ἦ πῄ με προτέρω πολίων εὖ ναιομενάων
Translation
Will you take me to some further well inhabited city [polis],
401
ἄξεις, ἢ Φρυγίης ἢ Μῃονίης ἐρατεινῆς,
Translation
lead me to somewhere in Phrygia or in longed-for Meonia,
402
εἴ τίς τοι καὶ κεῖθι φίλος μερόπων ἀνθρώπων·
Translation
if someone of mortal men there is dear [philos] to you?
403
οὕνεκα δὴ νῦν δῖον Ἀλέξανδρον Μενέλαος
Translation
Since now over radiant Alexander Menelaos
404
νικήσας ἐθέλει στυγερὴν ἐμὲ οἴκαδʼ ἄγεσθαι,
Translation
has won, and he is willing to lead me, hateful as I am, home --
405
τοὔνεκα δὴ νῦν δεῦρο δολοφρονέουσα παρέστης;
Translation
is it for that reason you are now present here, with deceit on your mind?
406
ἧσο παρʼ αὐτὸν ἰοῦσα, θεῶν δʼ ἀπόεικε κελεύθου,
Translation
You go and sit next to Alexander, and refuse the path of the gods,
¹
Variant v.l. withdraw from
407
μηδʼ ἔτι σοῖσι πόδεσσιν ὑποστρέψειας Ὄλυμπον,
Translation
don’t turn your steps back to Olympus anymore,
408
ἀλλʼ αἰεὶ περὶ κεῖνον ὀΐζυε καί ἑ φύλασσε,
Translation
but keep on worrying about him and always watch over him
409
εἰς ὅ κέ σʼ ἢ ἄλοχον ποιήσεται ἢ ὅ γε δούλην.
Translation
until he makes you his wife, or at least his slave.
410
κεῖσε δʼ ἐγὼν οὐκ εἶμι· νεμεσσητὸν δέ κεν εἴη·
Translation
But I will not go there -- that would be a cause for nemesis --
411
κείνου πορσανέουσα λέχος· Τρῳαὶ δέ μʼ ὀπίσσω
Translation
and tend to his bed. The Trojan women in the future
412
πᾶσαι μωμήσονται· ἔχω δʼ ἄχεʼ ἄκριτα θυμῷ.
Translation
would all blame me. And I have countless sorrows [akhos] in my heart [thumos].“
413
τὴν δὲ χολωσαμένη προσεφώνεε δῖʼ Ἀφροδίτη·
Translation
Radiant Aphrodite was furious [kholos] and said to her,
414
μή μʼ ἔρεθε σχετλίη, μὴ χωσαμένη σε μεθείω,
Translation
Don’t provoke me, intractable woman, or else in my fury I might let you go
415
τὼς δέ σʼ ἀπεχθήρω ὡς νῦν ἔκπαγλʼ ἐφίλησα,
Translation
and hate you as much as I now love [philos] you, as shocking as that is,
416
μέσσῳ δʼ ἀμφοτέρων μητίσομαι ἔχθεα λυγρὰ
Translation
and I will devise ominous hatred between the two sides,
¹
Variant v.l. burdens; sufferings
417
Τρώων καὶ Δαναῶν, σὺ δέ κεν κακὸν οἶτον ὄληαι.
Translation
Trojans and Danaans, and you might die an evil [kakos] death.“
418
ὣς ἔφατʼ, ἔδεισεν δʼ Ἑλένη Διὸς ἐκγεγαυῖα,
Translation
So she spoke, and Helen, born of Zeus, was frightened.
419
βῆ δὲ κατασχομένη ἑανῷ ἀργῆτι φαεινῷ
Translation
She covered herself with a shining white cloth and went
420
σιγῇ, πάσας δὲ Τρῳὰς λάθεν· ἦρχε δὲ δαίμων.
Translation
in silence--none of the Trojan women noticed--and the god [daimōn] led the way.
421
αἳ δʼ ὅτʼ Ἀλεξάνδροιο δόμον περικαλλέʼ ἵκοντο,
Translation
When they arrived at the surpassingly beautiful house of Alexander
422
ἀμφίπολοι μὲν ἔπειτα θοῶς ἐπὶ ἔργα τράποντο,
Translation
the attending women then quickly turned to work,
¹
Editorial 423--426 Zen. but she was seated opposite lord Alexander
423
ἣ δʼ εἰς ὑψόροφον θάλαμον κίε δῖα γυναικῶν.
Translation
but Helen, radiant among women, went into the high-roofed bedroom,
424
τῇ δʼ ἄρα δίφρον ἑλοῦσα φιλομειδὴς Ἀφροδίτη
Translation
and for her the laughter-loving [philos] Aphrodite took hold of a bench,
425
ἀντίʼ Ἀλεξάνδροιο θεὰ κατέθηκε φέρουσα·
Translation
and the goddess carried it and set it down facing Alexander.
426
ἔνθα κάθιζʼ Ἑλένη κούρη Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο
Translation
There Helen, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, sat down,
427
ὄσσε πάλιν κλίνασα, πόσιν δʼ ἠνίπαπε μύθῳ·
Translation
and turning her eyes away, she taunted her husband with words [muthos],
428
ἤλυθες ἐκ πολέμου· ὡς ὤφελες αὐτόθʼ ὀλέσθαι
Translation
You have come from the war; you should have died there,
429
ἀνδρὶ δαμεὶς κρατερῷ, ὃς ἐμὸς πρότερος πόσις ἦεν.
Translation
subdued by a powerful man, who was my husband before.
430
ἦ μὲν δὴ πρίν γʼ εὔχεʼ ἀρηϊφίλου Μενελάου
Translation
Up until now, you boasted that you, compared to Menelaos dear [philos] to Ares,
431
σῇ τε βίῃ καὶ χερσὶ καὶ ἔγχεϊ φέρτερος εἶναι·
Translation
were superior in your might [biē] and hands and spear.
432
ἀλλʼ ἴθι νῦν προκάλεσσαι ἀρηΐφιλον Μενέλαον
Translation
So go ahead, challenge Menelaos dear [philos] to Ares
433
ἐξαῦτις μαχέσασθαι ἐναντίον· ἀλλά σʼ ἔγωγε
Translation
to fight you again face-to-face. But I, for my part,
434
παύεσθαι κέλομαι, μηδὲ ξανθῷ Μενελάῳ
Translation
urge you to stop, and do not with golden-haired Menelaos
435
ἀντίβιον πόλεμον πολεμίζειν ἠδὲ μάχεσθαι
Translation
go to war and fight in a battle that matches might with might;
436
ἀφραδέως, μή πως τάχʼ ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ δουρὶ δαμήῃς.
Translation
that would be a reckless thing to do, and soon you would be subdued by his spear.“
437
τὴν δὲ Πάρις μύθοισιν ἀμειβόμενος προσέειπε·
Translation
Paris answered her with words and said,
¹
Editorial muthos, pl.
438
μή με γύναι χαλεποῖσιν ὀνείδεσι θυμὸν ἔνιπτε·
Translation
Don’t taunt me, woman, and my heart [thumos] with harsh insults.
439
νῦν μὲν γὰρ Μενέλαος ἐνίκησεν σὺν Ἀθήνῃ,
Translation
This time Menelaos was victorious with Athena’s help,
440
κεῖνον δʼ αὖτις ἐγώ· πάρα γὰρ θεοί εἰσι καὶ ἡμῖν.
Translation
another time I may be victor over him, for there are gods on my side as well.
441
ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ φιλότητι τραπείομεν εὐνηθέντε·
Translation
But come, let us go to bed and delight in love’s pleasure [philos].
442
οὐ γάρ πώ ποτέ μʼ ὧδέ γʼ ἔρως φρένας ἀμφεκάλυψεν,
Translation
For not ever yet in this way has desire enclosed my heart [phrēn pl.],
¹
Note augment
443
οὐδʼ ὅτε σε πρῶτον Λακεδαίμονος ἐξ ἐρατεινῆς
Translation
not even when first from longed-for Lakedaimon
444
ἔπλεον ἁρπάξας ἐν ποντοπόροισι νέεσσι,
Translation
I seized you and sailed in ships that carve the sea [pontos]
445
νήσῳ δʼ ἐν Κραναῇ ἐμίγην φιλότητι καὶ εὐνῇ,
Translation
and on the island of Cranae> I came together with you in love’s pleasure [philos] and in bed,
446
ὥς σεο νῦν ἔραμαι καί με γλυκὺς ἵμερος αἱρεῖ.
Translation
did I long for you as I do now and sweet desire captures me.“
447
ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἄρχε λέχος δὲ κιών· ἅμα δʼ εἵπετʼ ἄκοιτις.
Translation
He spoke, and he led her as he went to bed, and his wife followed together with him.
448
τὼ μὲν ἄρʼ ἐν τρητοῖσι κατεύνασθεν λεχέεσσιν,
Translation
The two of them laid down in the carved bed;
449
Ἀτρεΐδης δʼ ἀνʼ ὅμιλον ἐφοίτα θηρὶ ἐοικὼς
Translation
but the son of Atreus roamed among the throng, looking like a wild animal,
450
εἴ που ἐσαθρήσειεν Ἀλέξανδρον θεοειδέα.
Translation
to see if anywhere he could catch sight of Alexander, with the looks of a god.
451
ἀλλʼ οὔ τις δύνατο Τρώων κλειτῶν τʼ ἐπικούρων
Translation
But no one of the Trojans and their allies in fame was able
452
δεῖξαι Ἀλέξανδρον τότʼ ἀρηϊφίλῳ Μενελάῳ·
Translation
at that point to make Alexander plain to Menelaos, dear [philos] to Ares.
453
οὐ μὲν γὰρ φιλότητί γʼ ἐκεύθανον εἴ τις ἴδοιτο·
Translation
For they were not hiding him out of friendship [philos], even if anyone could have seen him.
454
ἶσον γάρ σφιν πᾶσιν ἀπήχθετο κηρὶ μελαίνῃ.
Translation
For he was as hateful to all of them as black doom is.
455
τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων·
Translation
Among them lord of men Agamemnon spoke,
456
κέκλυτέ μευ Τρῶες καὶ Δάρδανοι ἠδʼ ἐπίκουροι·
Translation
Hear from me, Trojans -- both Dardanians and allies.
457
νίκη μὲν δὴ φαίνετʼ ἀρηϊφίλου Μενελάου,
Translation
The victory of Menelaos, dear [philos] to Ares, is manifest,
458
ὑμεῖς δʼ Ἀργείην Ἑλένην καὶ κτήμαθʼ ἅμʼ αὐτῇ
Translation
so I’m telling you: both Argive Helen and the possessions together with her,
459
ἔκδοτε, καὶ τιμὴν ἀποτινέμεν ἥν τινʼ ἔοικεν,
Translation
give them back, and pay a payment [timē], whatever looks good,
460
ἥ τε καὶ ἐσσομένοισι μετʼ ἀνθρώποισι πέληται.
Translation
and which also will be a precedent among mortals in the future.“
461
ὣς ἔφατʼ Ἀτρεΐδης, ἐπὶ δʼ ᾔνεον ἄλλοι Ἀχαιοί.
Translation
So spoke the son of Atreus, and the rest of the Achaeans shouted their approval [ainos].