Homer ILIAD : Rhapsody 11

Page 24

Then Jove delivered into the hands of the Pylians great strength, for so long did we follow them through the long[386] plain, both slaying them, and gathering up rich armour, until he had driven our horses to Buprasium, fertile in wheat, to the rock Olenia and Alesium, where it is called Colone: whence Minerva turned back the people. Then having killed the last man, I left him; but the Greeks guided back their swift steeds from Buprasium to Pylus; and all gave glory to Jove, of the gods, and to Nestor, of men. Thus was I, as sure as ever I existed, among men: but Achilles will enjoy his valour alone: surely I think that he will hereafter greatly lament, when the people have bitterly perished. O my friend, Menoetius did assuredly thus command thee on that day when he sent thee from Phthia to Agamemnon. For we being both within, I and noble Ulysses, distinctly heard all things in the halls, as he charged you: but we were come to the well-inhabited palace of Peleus, collecting an army through fertile Greece. There then we found the hero Menoetius within, as well as thee, and Achilles besides; but the aged horseman, Peleus, was burning the fat thighs of an ox to thunder-rejoicing Jove, within the enclosure[387] of his palace, and held a golden cup, pouring the dark wine over the blazing sacrifice. Both of you were then employed about the flesh of the ox, whilst we stood in the vestibule; but Achilles, astonished, leaped up, and led us in, taking us by the hand, and bade us be seated: and he set in order before us the offerings of hospitality which are proper for guests. But when we were satiated with eating and drinking, I began discourse, exhorting you to follow along with us. Ye were both very willing, and they both commanded you many things. Aged Peleus in the first place directed his son Achilles ever to be the bravest, and to be conspicuous above others; but to thee again Menoetius, the son of Actor, thus gave charge: 'My son, Achilles indeed ia superior in birth; but thou art the elder. And he is much superior in strength: but still do thou frequently suggest to him proper advice, and admonish and direct him, and he will surely be obedient in what is for [his own] good.' Thus did the old man command thee; but thou art forgetful: but even now do thou mention these things to warlike Achilles, if perchance he may be obedient. Who knows if, advising him, thou mayest, with the gods' assistance, arouse his mind? For the admonition of a friend is good. But if within his mind he avoid some prophecy, and his venerable mother has told him anything from Jove, let him at least send thee forth; and with thee let the other forces of the Myrmidons follow, if indeed thou mayest be some aid to the Greeks. Let him likewise give his beautiful armour to thee, to be borne into battle, if perchance the Trojans, assimilating thee to him, may abstain from the conflict, and the warlike sons of the Greeks, already afflicted, may respire; and there be a little respite from fighting.[388] But you, [who are] fresh, will, with fighting, easily drive back men wearied, towards the city, from the ships and tents."

[Footnote 386: See Schol. Etym. M. s.v., and Alberti on Hesych. t, ii. p. 1247]

[Footnote 387: Properly, the fence or barrier of the enclosure.]

[Footnote 388: There are several different interpretations for this line: 1. Schneider explains it: "They have but short time to respire; for if not at once assisted, they will be destroyed." 2. "Short will be the cessation from war." 3. "A cessation, or breathing-time, from war, although short, will be agreeable." 4. "Supply '_may be_', and translate, 'and that there may be a short breathing-time from the battle;' although this last involves some tautology with the preceding line."—Ed. Dubl.]

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