The Iliads of Homer prince of poets· Neuer before in any languag truely translated. With a co[m]ment vppon some of his chiefe places; donne according to the Greeke by Geo: Chapman.

THE XXIII. BOOKE OF HOMERS ILIADS.

THE ARGVMENT.

A Chilles orders Iusts of exequies For his Patroclus; and doth sacrifise Twelue Troian Princes; most lou'd hounds and horse; And other offerings, to the honour'd Corse. He institutes, besides, a funerall game; Where Diomed, for horse-race, wins the fame▪ For foote, Vlysses; others otherwise Striue, and obtaine: and end the exequies.

Another Argument.

Psi, sings the rites of the decease Ordaind by great Aeacides.

THus mourn'd all Troy: but when at fleet, and Hellespontus shore, The Greeks arriu'd, each to his ship: onely the Conqueror Kept vndisperst his Myrmidons: and •…•…aid, Lou'd countrimen, Disioyne not we, chariots, and horse: but (bearing hard our reine) With state of both; march soft, and close, and mourne about the corse: Tis proper honour to the dead. Then take we out our horse; When with our friends kinds woe, our hearts, haue felt delight to do A virtuous soule right, and then sup. This said, all full of woe, Circl'd the Corse. Achilles led, and thrise about him, close All bore their goodly coted horse. Amongst all, Thetis rose, And stirr'd vp a delight, in griefe; till all their armes with teares And all the sands, were wet: so much, they lou'd that Lord of Feares. Then to the center fell the Prince; and (putting in the breast) Of his slaine friend, his slaughtring hands;) began to all the rest Words to their teares. Reioyce (said he) O my Patroclus: Thou Courted by Dis now: now I pay, to thy late ouerthrow, All my reuenges vow'd before; Hector lies slaughterd here Dragd at my chariot; and our dogs, shall all in peeces teare His hated lims. Twelue Troian youths, borne of their noblest straines, I tooke aliue: and (yet enrag'd) will emptie all their vaines Of vitall spirits; sacrifisde, before thy heape of fire.

This said, a worke vnworthy him, he put vpon his ire, And trampl'd Hector vnder foote, at his friends feet. The rest Disarm'd; tooke horse from chariot, and all to sleepe addrest, At his blacke vessell. Infinite, were those that rested there.

Himselfe yet sleepes not; now his spirits, were wrought about the chere, Fit for so high a funerall. About the steele vsde then, Oxen in heapes lay bellowing; preparing food for men. Bleating of sheepe, and goates, fild aire; numbers of white-tooth'd swine, (Swimming in fat) lay sindging there: the person of the slaine Was girt with slaughter. All this done, all the Greeke kings conuaid Achilles to the king of men; his rage, not yet allaid, For his Patroclus. Being arriu'd, at Agamemnons tent; Himselfe bad Heralds put to fire, a Caldron; and present The seruice of it to the Prince; to trie if they could win His pleasure, to admit their paines, to cleanse the blood sok't in About his conquering hands, and browes. Not, by the king of heauen (He swore). The lawes of friendship damne, this false-heart licence giuen To men that lose friends: not a drop, shall touch me till I put Patroclus in the funerall pile; before these curles be cut; His tombe erected. Tis the last, of all care, I shall take, While I consort the carefull: yet, for your entreaties sake, (And though I lothe food) I will eate: but early in the morne, Atrides, vse your strict command, that lodes of wood be borne To our design'd place; all that fits, to light home such a one, As is to passe the shades of Death; that fire enough, set gone His person quickly from our eyes; and our diuerted men May plie their businesse. This all eares, did freely entertaine, And found obseruance. Then they supt, with all things fit; and all Repair'd to tents and rest. The friend, the shores maritimall, Sought for his bed, and found a place, faire, and vpon which plaide The murmuring billowes. There, his lims, to rest, not sseepe, he laid, Heauily sighing. Round about (silent, and not too neare) Stood all his Myrmidons; when straite, (so ouer-labour'd were His goodly lineaments, with chace, of Hector; that beyond His resolution not to sleepe:) Sleepe cast his fodaine bond Ouer his sense, and losde his care. Then, of his wretched friend, The soule appear'd; at euery part, the forme did comprehend His likenesse; his faire eyes, his voice, his stature; euery weed His person wore, it fantased; and stood aboue his head, This sad speech vttering: Dost thou sleepe? Aeacides, am I Forgotten of thee? Being aliue, I found thy memorie Euer respectfull: but now dead, thy dying loue abates. Interre me quickly; enter me, in Plutoes iron gates; For now, the soules (the shades) of men, fled from this being, beate My spirit from rest; and stay, my much desir'd receipt Amongst soules, plac't beyond the flood. Now euery way I erre About this brode-dor'd ho•…•…se of Dis. O helpe then, to preferre My soule yet further; here I mourne: but had the funerall fire Consum'd my bodie; neuer more, my spirit should retire From hels low region: from thence, soules neuer are retriu'd To talke with friends here; nor shall I; a hatefull fate depriu'd My being here; that at my birth, was fixt; and to such fate,

Euen thou, ô god-like man, art markt; the deadly Ilion gate, Must entertaine thy death. O then, I charge thee now, take care That our bones part not: but as life, combinde in equall fare, Our louing beings; so let Death. When, from Opuntas towres, My father brought me, to your roofes, (since (gainst my will) my powres Incenst, and indiscreet, at dice, slue faire Amphidamas) Then Peleus entertaind me well; then in thy charge I was By his iniunction, and thy loue: and therein, let me still Receiue protection. Both our bones, prouide, in thy last Will, That one Vrne may containe; and make, that vessell all of gold, That Thetis gaue thee; that rich Vrne. This said; Sleepe ceast to hold Achilles temples; and the shade, thus he receiu'd: O friend, What needed these commands? my care, before, meant to commend My bones to thine, and in that Vrne. Be sure, thy will is done. A little stay yet, lets delight, with some full passion Of woe enough; eithers affects, embrace we. Opening thus His greedie armes; he felt no friend: like matter vaporous The spirit vanisht vnder earth, and murmur'd in his stoope. Achilles started; both his hands, he clapt, and lifted vp, In this sort wondring; O ye gods, I see we haue a soule In th'vnderdwellings; and a kind, of man-resembling idole: The soules seate yet, all matter felt, staies with the carkasse here. O friends, haplesse Patroclus soule, did all this night appeare, Weeping, and making mone to me; commanding euery thing That I intended towards him; so truly figuring Himselfe at all parts, as was strange. This accident did turne To much more sorrow; and begat, a greedinesse to mourne In all that heard. When mourning thus, the rosie morne arose: And Agamemnon, through the tents, wak't all; and did dispose, Both men and Mules for cariage, of matter for the fire. Of all which worke, Meriones, (the Cretan soueraigns squire) Was Captaine, and abrode they went. Wood-cutting tooles they bore; Of all hands, and well-twisted cords. The Mules marcht all before. Vp hill, and downe hill; ouerthwarts, and breake-necke clifts they past: But when the fountfull Idas tops, they scal'd, with vtmost haste, All fell vpon the high-hair'd Okes; and downe their curled browes Fell busling to the earth: and vp, went all the boles and bowes, Bound to the Mules; and backe againe, they parted the harsh way Amongst them, through the tangling shrubs; and long they thought the day, Till in the plaine field all arriu'd: for all the woodmen bore Logs on their neckes; Meriones, would haue it so: the shore At last they reacht yet; and then, downe, their cariages they cast, And sat vpon them; where the sonne, of Peleus had plac't, The ground for his great sepulcher, and for his friends, in one,

They raisd a huge pile; and to armes, went euery Myrmidon, Charg'd by Achilles; chariots, and horse were harnessed; Fighters and charitoters got vp; and they, the sad march led: A cloude of infinite foote behind. In midst of all was borne

Patroclus person, by his Peeres: on him, were all heads shorne; Euen till they couer'd him with curles. Next to him, marcht his friend Embracing his cold necke, all sad; since now he was to send, His dearest, to his endlesse home. Arrin'd all, where the wood, Was heapt for funerall, they set downe. Apart Achilles stood; And when enough wood was heapt on, he cut his golden haire; Long kept, for Sperchius, the flood; in hope of safe repaire To Ph•…•…hi•…•…, by that riuers powre, but now, left hopelesse thus, (Enrag'd, and looking on the sea) he cried out: Sperchius; In vaine, my fathers pietie, vow'd; (at my implor'd returne, To my lou'd countrie) that these curls, should on thy shores be shorne. Besides a sacred Hecatombe; and sacrifice beside, Of fiftie Weathers; at those founts, where men haue edifide A loftie temple; and perfum'd, an altar to thy name. There vow'd he all these offerings; but fate preuents thy fame; His hopes not suffering satisfied: and since, I neuer more Shall see my lou'd soyle; my friends hands, shall to the Stygian shore Conuey these Tresses. Thus he put, in his friends hands the haire. And this bred fresh desire of mone; and in that sad affaire, The Sunne had set amongst them all; had Thetis sonne not spoke Thus to Atrides: King of men, thy aide I still inuoke, Since thy Command, all men still heare; dismisse thy souldiers now, And let them victle; they haue mourn'd, sufficient; tis we owe The dead this honour; and with vs, let all the Captaines stay.

This heard; Atrides instantly, the souldiers sent away; The funerall officers remain'd, and heapt on matter still, Till, of an hundred foote about, they made the funerall pile: In whose hote height, they cast the Corse; and then they pour'd on teares. Numbers of fat sheepe, and like store, of crooked-going steres, They slue before the solemne fire: stript off their hides and drest. Of which, Achilles tooke the fat; and couer'd the deceast From head to foote: and round about, he made the officers pile The beasts nak't bodyes; vessels full, of honey, and of oyle, Pour'd in them, laide vpon a bere; and cast into the fire. Foure goodly horse; and of nine hounds, two most in the desire Of that great Prince, and trencher-fed; all fed that hungry flame.

Twelue Troian Princes last stood foorth; yong, and of toward fame: All which, (set on with wicked spirits) there strooke he, there he slew. And to the iron strength of fire, their noble lims he threw.

Then breath'd his last sighes, and these words: Againe reioyce my friend, Euen in the ioylesse depth of hell: now giue I complete end To all my vowes. Alone thy life, sustain'd not violence; Twelue Troian Princes waite on thee, and labour to incense Thy glorious heape of funerall. Great Hector Ile excuse, The dogs shall eate him. These high threates, perform'd not their abuse; Ioues daughter, Venus, tooke the guard, of noble Hectors Corse, And kept the dogs off: night, and day, applying soueraigne force Of rosie balmes; that to the dogs, were horrible in tast:

And with which she the body fild. Renowm'd Apollo cast A cloude from heauen; lest with the Sunne, the nerues and lineaments Might drie, and putrifie. And now, some powres deni•…•…e consents To this solemnitie: the fire, (for all the oyly fewell It had iniected) would not burne; and then the louing Cruell Studied for helpe, and standing off; inuokt the two faire winds (Zephyr and Boreas) to affoord, the rage of both their kinds, To aid his outrage. Precious gifts, his earnest zeale did vow, Powr'd from a golden bowle much wine; and prayde them both to blow That quickly, his friends Corse might burne; and that heapes sturdy breast Embrace Consumption. Iris heard; The winds were at a feast; All in the Court of Zephyrus (that boisterous blowing aire) Gather'd together. She that weares, the thousand-colourd haire, Flew thither, standing in the porch. They (seeing her) all arose; Cald to her; euery one desir'd: she would a while repose, And eate with them. She answerd; No, no place of feate is here; Retreate cals to the Ocean, and Aethiopia; where A Hecatombe is offering now, to heauen: and there must I Partake the feast of sacrifise; I come to signifie That Thetis sonne implores your aides (Princes of North and West) With vowes of much faire sacrifise; if each, will set his breast Against his heape of funerall, and make it quickly burne; Patroclus lies there; whose deceasse, all the Achaīans mourne.

She said, and parted; and out rusht, with an vnmeasur'd rore, Those two winds, tumbling clouds in heapes; vshers to eithers blore. And instantly they reacht the sea. Vp flew the waues; the gale Was strong; reacht fruitfull Troy; and full, vpon the fire they fall. The huge heape thunderd. All night long, from his chok't breast they blew A liberall flame vp; and all night, swift-foote Achilles threw Wine from a golden bowle, on earth; and steept the soyle in wine, Still calling on Patroclus soule. No father could incline More to a sonne most deare; nor more, mourne at his burned bones, Then did the great Prince, to his friend, at his combustions; Still creeping neare and neare the heape; still sighing, weeping still: But when the day starre look't abrode, and promist from his hill Light, which the saffron morne made good, and sprinkl'd on the seas; Then languisht the great pile; then sunke, the flames; and then calme Peace Turn'd backe the rough winds to their homes, the Thra•…•… billow rings Their high retreate; rufl'd with cuffes, of their triumphant wings.

Pelides then forsooke the pile; and to his tired limme Chusd place of rest; where laide, sweete sleepe, fell to his wish on him. When all the kings guard (waiting then, perceiuing will to rise In that great Session,) hurried in, and op't againe his eyes With tumult of their troope, and haste. A little then he rear'd His troubled person; sitting vp, and this affaire referd, To wisht commandment of the kings; Atrides, and the rest Of our Commanders generall, vouchsafe me this request Before your parting: Giue in charge, the quenching with blacke w•…•…e,

Of this heapes reliques; euery brand, the yellow fire made shine. And then, let search Patroclus bones, distinguishing them well; As well ye may; they kept the midst: therest, at randome fell, About th'extreme part of the pile; Mens bones, and horses mixt. Being found, Ile finde an vrne of gold, t'enclose them; and betwixt The aire and them; two kels of fat, lay on them; and to Rest Commit them, till mine owne bones seale, our loue; my soule deceast. The sepulcher, I haue not charg'd, to make of too much state; But of a modell something meane: that you of younger Fate, (When I am gone) may amplifie; with such a bredth and height, As fits your iudgements, and our worths. This charge receiu'd his weight In all obseruance: first they quencht, with sable wine, the heape, As farre as it had fed the flame. The ash fell wondrous deepe, In which, his consorts, that his life, religiously lou'd, Searcht, weeping, for his bones; which found, they conscionably prou'd His will, made to Aeacides; and what his loue did adde. A golden vessell, double fat, containd them; all which (clad In vailes of linnen, pure and rich) were solemnly conuaid T' Achilles tent. The platforme then, about the pile they laid, Of his fit sepulcher; and raisd, a heape of earth; and then Offerd departure. But the Prince, retaind there still his men; Employing them to fetch from fleete, rich Tripods for his games, Caldrons, Horse, Mules, brode-headed Beeues, bright steele, & brighter dames.

The best at horse race, he ordain'd, a Lady for his prise, Generally praisefull; faire, and yong, and skild in house wiferies, Of all kinds fitting; and withall, a Triuet, that enclosde Twentie two measures roome, with eares. The next prise he proposde, Was (that, which then had high respect) a mare of sixe yeares old, Vnhandl'd; horsed with a mule: and readie to haue foald. The third game, was a Caldron, new, faire, bright, and could for sise Containe two measures. For the fourth, two talents quantities, Of finest gold. The fift game was, a great new standing boule, To set downe both waies. These brought in, Achilles then stood vp, And said; Atrides, and my Lords, chiefe horsemen of our host, These games expect ye. If my selfe, should interpose my most, For our horse race; I make no doubt, but I should take againe These gifts proposde. Ye all know well, of how diuine a straine My horse are, and how eminent. Of Neptunes gift they a•…•…e To Peleus; and of his to me. My selfe then, will not share In gifts giuen others; nor my steeds, breathe any spirit to shake Their airie pasterns; so they mourne, for their kind guiders sake, Late lost; that vsde with humorous oyle, to slick their loftie manes; Cleare water hauing cleansd them first: and (his bane, being their banes) Those loftie manes now strew the earth; their heads held shaken downe. You then, that trust in chariots, and hope with horse to crowne Your conquering temples; gird your selues; now fame and prise stretch for, All that haue spirits. This fir'd all; the first competitor Was king Eumelus; whom the Art, of horsemanship did grace,

Sonne to Admetus. Next to him, rose Diomed to the race, That vnder reines rul'd Troian horse; of late, forc't from the sonne Of Lord Anchises; himselfe freed, of neare confusion By Phoebus. Next to him set foorth, the yellow-headed king Of Laced•…•…mon, Ioues high seed; and in his managing, Podargus, and swift Aethe trod, steeds to the king of men. Aethe, giuen by Echepolus; the Anchisiaden, As bribe to free him from the warre, resolu'd for Ilion. So Delicacie feasted him; whom Ioue bestow'd vpon A mightie wealth; his dwelling was, in brode Sicyone. Old Nestors sonne, Antilochus, was fourth for chiualrie In this Contention: his faire horse, were of the Pylian breed, And his old father (coming neare) inform'd him (for good speed) With good Race notes; in which himselfe, could good instruction giue.

Antilochus, though yong thou art; yet thy graue virtues liue Belou'd of Neptune, and of Ioue: their spirits haue taught thee all The art of horsemanship; for which, the lesse thy merits fall In need of doctrine. Well thy skill, can wield a chariot In all fit turnings; yet thy horse, their slow feet handle not, As fits thy manage; which makes me, cast doubts of thy successe. I well know, all these are not seene, in art of this addresse, More then thy selfe: their horses yet, superior are to thine, For their parts: thine want speed to make, discharge of a designe To please an Artist. But go on, shew but thy art and hart At all points; and set them against, their horses, heart, and art; Good Iudges will not see thee lose. A Carpenters desert Stands more in cunning then in powre. A Pylote doth auert His vessell from the rocke, and wracke, tost with the churlish winds, By skill, not strength: so sorts it here; One chariotere that finds Want of anothers powre in horse, must in his owne skill set An ouerplus of that, to that; and so the proofe will get Skill, that still rests within a man, more grace, then powre without. He that in horse and chariots trusts, is often hurl'd about, This way, and that, vnhandsomely; all heauen wide of his end. He better skild, that rules worse horse, will all obseruance bend, Right on the scope still of a Race; beare neare; know euer when to reine, When giue reine, as his foe before, (well noted in his veine, Of manage, and his steeds estate) presents occasion. Ile giue thee instance now, as plaine, as if thou saw'st it done. Here stands a drie stub of some tree, a cubite from the ground; (Suppose the stub of Oake, or Larch; for either are so sound That neither rots with wet) two stones, white (marke you) white for view Parted on either side the stub; and these lay where they drew The way into a streight; the Race, betwixt both lying cleare. Imagine them some monument, of one long since tomb'd there; Or that they had bene lists of race, for men of former yeares; As now the lists Achilles sets, may serue for charioteres Many yeares hence. When neare to these, the race growes; then as right,

Driue on them as thy eye can iudge; then lay thy bridles weight Most of thy left side: thy right horse, then •…•…witching; all thy throte (Spent in encouragments) giue him; and all the reine let flote About his shoulders: thy neare horse, will yet be he that gaue Thy skill the prise; and him reine •…•…o, his head may touch the Naue Of thy left wheele: but then take care, thou runst not on the stone, (With wracke of horse and chariot) which so thou bear'st vpon. Shipwracke within the hauen auoide, by all meanes; that will breed Others delight, and thee a shame. Be wise then, and take heed (My lou'd sonne) get but to be first, at turning in the course; He liues not that can cote thee then: not if he backt the horse The gods bred, and Adrastus ow'd. Diuine Arions speed, Could not outpace thee; or the horse, Laomedon did breed; Whose race is famous, and fed here. Thus sat Nele•…•…es, When all that could be said, was said. And then Meriones Set fiftly forth his faire-man'd horse. All leapt to chariot; And euery man then for the start, cast in, his proper lot. Achilles drew; Antilochus, the lot set foremost foorth; Eumelus next; Atrides third; Meriones the fourth. The fifth and last, was Diomed; farre first in excellence. All stood in order, and the lists, Achilles fixt farre thence In plaine field; and a seate ordain'd, fast by. In which he set Renowmed Phoenix, that in grace, of Peleus was so great; To see the race, and giue a truth, of all their passages. All start together, scourg'd, and cried; and gaue their businesse Study and order. Through the field, they held a winged pace. Beneath the bosome of their steeds, a dust so dim'd the race: It stood aboue their heads in clowds; or like to stormes amaz'd. Manes flew like ensignes with the wind; the chariots sometime graz'd▪ And sometimes iumpt vp to the aire; yet still sat fast the men: Their spirits euen panting in their breasts, with feruour to obtaine. But when they turn'd to fleet againe: then all mens skils were tride; Then stretcht the pasternes of their steeds. Eumelus horse in pride Still bore their Soueraigne. After them, came Diomeds coursers close, Still apt to leape their chariot, and ready to repose Vpon the shoulders of their king, their heads. His backe euen burn'd With fire, that from their nostrils flew. And then, their Lord had turn'd The race for him, or giuen it doubt, if Phoebus had not smit The scourge out of his hands; and teares, of helplesse wrath with it, From forth his eyes; to see his horse, for want of scourge, made slow; And th'others (by Apollos helpe) with much more swiftnesse go.

Apollos spite, Pallas discern'd, and flew to Tydeus sonne; His scourge reacht, and his horse made fresh. Then tooke her angry runne At king Eumelus; brake his geres; his mares on both sides flew; His draught tree fell to earth; and him, the tost vp chariot threw Downe to the earth; his elbowes torne; his forehead, all his face Strooke at the center; his speech lost. And then the turned race Fell to Tydides: before all, his conquering horse he draue:

And first he glitter'd in the race: diuine Athenia gaue Strength to his horse, and fame to him. Next him, draue Spartas king. Antilochus, his fathers horse, then vrg'd, with all his sting Of scourge and voice. Runne low (said he) stretch out your lims, and flie. With Diomeds horse, I bid not striue; nor with himselfe striue I. Athenia wings his horse, and him, renowmes. Atrides steeds Are they ye must not faile but reach; and soone, lest soone succeeds The blot of all your fames: to yeeld, in swiftnesse to a mare: To femall Aethe. Whats the cause (ye best that euer were) That thus ye faile vs? Be assur'd, that Nestors loue ye lose For euer if ye faile his sonne: through both your both sides goes His hote steele, if ye suffer me, to bring the last prise home. Haste, ouertake them instantly; we needs must ouercome. This harsh way next vs: this my mind, will take; this I despise For perill; this Ile creepe through; hard, the way to honor lies. And that take I, and that shall yeeld. His horse by all this knew He was not pleasde, and fear'd his voice; and for a while, they flew: But straite, more cleare, appear'd the streight, Antilochus foresaw; It was a gaspe the earth gaue, forc't, by humours, cold and raw, Pour'd out of Winters watrie breast; met there, and cleauing deepe All that neare passage to the lists. This Nestors sonne would keepe, And left the rode way, being about; Atrides fear'd, and cride: Antilochus! thy course is mad; containe thy horse; we ride A way most dangerous; turne head, betime take larger field, We shall be splitted. Nestors sonne, with much more scourge impeld His horse, for this; as if not heard; and got as farre before, As any youth can cast a quoyte; Atrides would no more; He backe againe, for feare himselfe, his goodly chariot, And horse together, strew'd the dust; in being so dustie hote, Of thirsted conquest. But he chid, at parting, passing sore:

Antilochus (said he) a worse, then thee, earth neuer bore: Farewell; we neuer thought thee wise, that were wise; but not so Without othes, shall the wreath (be sure) crowne thy mad temples, Go.

Yet he bethought him, and went too; thus stirring vp his steeds: Leaue me not last thus, nor stand vext; let these faile in the speeds Of feet and knees; not you: shall these, these old iades, (past the flowre Of youth, that you haue) passe you? This, the horse fear'd, and more powre Put to their knees; straite getting ground. Both flew, and so the rest; All came in smokes, like spirits; the Greeks, (set to see who did best, Without the race, aloft:) now made, a new discouerie, Other then that they made at first; Idomeneus eye Distinguisht all; he knew the voice, of Diomed; seeing a horse Of speciall marke, of colour bay, and was the first in course; His forehead putting forth a starre, round, like the Moone, and white. Vp stood the Cretan, vttering this; Is it alone my sight, (Princes, and Captaines) that discernes, another leade the race, With other horse, then led of late? Eumelus made most pace, With his fleete mares; and he began, the flexure, as we thought.

Now all the field I search, and find, no where his view; hath nought Befalne amisse to him? perhaps, he hath not with successe Perform'd his flexure: his reines lost, or seate, or with the tresse His chariot faild him; and his mares, haue outraid with affright: Stand vp, trie you your eyes; for mine, hold with the second sight. This seemes to me, th'Etolian king; the Tydean Diomed.

To you it seemes so, (rustickly) Aiax Oileus said; Your words are suited to your eyes. Those mares leade still, that led; Eumelus owes them: and he still, holds reines and place that did; Not falne as you hop't: you must prate, before vs all, though last In iudgement of all: y'are too old, your tongue goes still too fast; You must not talke so. Here are those, that better thee, and looke For first place in the censure. This, Idomeneus tooke In much disdaine; and thus replide: Thou best, in speeches worst; Barbarous languag'd; others here, might haue reprou'd me first: Not thou, vnfitst of all. I hold, a Tripode with thee here, Or Caldron; and our Generall make, our equall arbiter, Those horse are first; that when thou paist, thou then maist know. This fir'd Oileades more; and more then words, this quarell had inspir'd, Had not Achilles rose; and vsde, this pacifying speech.

No more: away with words in warre, it toucheth both with breach Of that which fits ye; your deserts, should others reprehend, That giue such foule termes: sit ye still, the men themselues will end The strife betwixt you instantly; and eithers owne lode beare, On his owne shoulders. Then to both, the first horse will appeare, And which is second. These words vsde, Tydides was at hand; His horse ranne high, glanc't on the way, and vp they tost the sand, Thicke on their Coachman; on their pace, their chariot deckt with gold Swiftly attended; no wheele •…•…eene, nor wheeles print in the mould Imprest behind them. These horse flew, a flight; not ranne a race.

Arriu'd; amids the lists they stood; sweate trickling downe apace Their high manes, and their prominent breasts; and downe iumpt Diomed, Laid vp his scorge aloft the seate; and straite his prise was led Home to his tent: rough Sthenelus, laid quicke hand on the dame, And handled Triuet, and sent both, home by his men. Next came Antilochus, that wonne with wiles, not swiftnesse of his horse, Precedence of the gold-lockt king; who yet maintaind the course So close, that not the kings owne horse, gat more before the wheele Of his rich chariot; that might still, the insecution feele With the extreme haires of his taile: (and that sufficient close Held to his leader: no great space, it let him interpose, Considerd in so great a field.) Then Nestors wilie sonne Gate of the king: now at his heeles, though at the breach he wonne A quoytes cast of him; which the king, againe, at th'instant gaind. Aethe, Agamemnonides, that was so richly maind, Gat strength still, as she spent; which words, her worth had prou'd with deeds, Had more ground bene allow'd the race; and coted farre, his steeds, No question leauing for the prise. And now Meriones,

A darts cast came behind the king; his horse of speed much lesse; Himselfe lesse skild t'importune them; and giue a chariot wing. Admetus sonne was last; whose plight, Achilles pittying, Thus spake: Best man comes last; yet Right, must see his prise not least; The second, his deserts must beare; and Diomed the best.

He said, and all allow'd; and sure, the mare had bene his owne, Had not Antilochus stood forth; and in his answer showne, Good reason for his interest. Achilles, (he replied) I should be angry with you much, to see this ratified. Ought you to take from me my right? because his horse had wrong, Himselfe being good? he should haue vsde (as good men do) his tongue, In prayre to their powres that blesse good (not trusting to his owne) Not to haue bene in this good, last. His chariot ouerthrowne, O'rethrew not me; who's last? who's first? mens goodnesse, without these Is not our question. If his good, you pitie yet; and please, Princely to grace it; your tents hold, a goodly deale of gold, Brasse, horse, sheepe, women; out of these, your bountie may be bold To take a much more worthy prise, then my poore merit seekes, And giue it here, before my face, and all these; that the Greekes May glorifie your liberall hands. This prise, I will not yeeld; Who beares this (whatsoeuer man) he beares a tried field. His hand and mine must change some blowes. Achilles laught, and said:

If thy will be (Antilochus) Ile see Eumelus paid, Out of my tents; Ile giue him th'armes, which late I conquerd in Asteropaeus; forg'd of brasse, and wau'd about with tin; Twill be a present worthy him. This said, Automedon, He sent for them. He went; and brought; and to Admetus sonne, Achilles gaue them. He, well pleasde, receiu'd them. Then arose, Wrong'd Menelaus, much incenst, with yong Antilochus. He, bent to speake; a herald tooke, his Scepter, and gaue charge Of silence to the other Greeks; then did the king enlarge The spleene he prisoned; vttering this: Antilochus? till now, We grant thee wise; but in this act, what wisedome vtter'st thou? Thou hast disgrac't my vertue; wrong'd, my horse; preferring thine, Much their inferiors; but go to, Princes; nor his, nor mine, Iudge of with fauour; him, nor me; lest any Grecian vse This scandall; Menelaus wonne, with Nestors sonnes abuse, The prise in question; his horse worst; himselfe yet wanne the best, By powre and greatnesse. Yet because, I would not thus contest, To make parts taking; Ile be iudge; and I suppose, none here Will blame my iudgement; Ile do right; Antilochus, come neare; Come (noble gentleman) tis your place; sweare by th'earth circling god, (Standing before your chariot, and horse; and that selfe rod, With which you scourg'd them, in your hand) if both with will and wile, You did not crosse my chariot. He thus did reconcile Grace with his disgrace; and with wit, restor'd him to his wit; Now craue I patience: ô king, what euer was vnfit, Ascribe to much more youth in me, then you; you more in age,

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And more in excellence; know well, the outraies that engage All yong mens actions; sharper wits, but duller wisedomes still From vs flow, then from you; for which, curbe with your wisedome, will. The prise I thought mine, I yeeld yours; and (if you please) a prise Of greater value; to my tent, Ile send for, and suffise Your will at full, and instantly; for in this point of time, I rather wish to be enioyn'd, your fauors top to clime, Then to be falling all my time, from height of such a grace; (O Ioue-lou'd king) and of the gods, receiue a curse in place.

This said; he fetcht the prise to him; and it reioyc't him so; That as corne-eares shine with the dew; yet hauing time to grow; When fields set all their bristles vp: in such a ruffe wert thou, (O Menelaus) answering thus; Antilochus, I now, (Though I were angry) yeeld to thee; because I see th'hadst wit, When I thought nor; thy youth hath got, the mastery of thy spirit. And yet for all this, tis more safe, not to abuse at all, Great men; then (ventring) trust to wit, to take vp what may fall. For no man in our host beside, had easely calm'd my spleene, Stird with like temp•…•…st. But thy selfe, hast a sustainer bene Of much affliction in my cause: so thy good father too, And so thy brother, at thy suite; I therefore let all go; Giue thee the game here, though mine owne; that all these may discerne, King Menelaus beares a mind, at no part, proud, or sterne.

The king thus calm'd, Antilochus, receiu'd; and gaue the steed To lou'd Noemon, to leade thenc•…•…; and then receiu'd beside The caldron. Next, M•…•…ones, for fourth game, was to haue Two talents, gold. The fift (vnwonne) renowm'd Ac•…•…lles gaue To reuerend Nestor; being a boule, to set on either end, Which through the preasse he caried him; Receiue (said he) old friend, This gift, as funerall monument, of my deare friend deceast, Whom neuer you must see againe; I make it his bequest To you; as without any strife, obtaining it from all. Your shoulders must not vndergo, the churlish whoorlbats fall; Wrastling is past you; strife in da•…•…s; the footes celeritie; Harsh age in his yeares fetters you; and honor sets you free.

Thus gaue he it; he tooke, and ioyd; but ere he thankt, he said; Now sure my honorable sonne, in all points thou hast plaid The comely Orator; no more, must I contend with nerues; Feete faile, and hands; armes want that strength, that this, and that swinge serues Vnder your shoulders. Would to heauen, I were so yong chind now, And strength threw such a many of bones, to celebrate this show; As when the Epi•…•…s brought to fire (actiuely honoring thus) King •…•…marynceas funerals, in faire Buprasius. His sonnes put prises downe for him; where, not a man matcht me, Of all the Epians; or the sonnes, of great-soul'd Aetolie; No nor the Pilians themselues, my countrimen. I beate Great Clydomedeus, E•…•…ops sonne, at buffets; at the feate Of wrastling, I laid vnder me; one that against me rose,

Anc•…•…s cald Pl•…•…ius. I made Ipiclus lose The foot-game to me. At the speare, I conquer'd P•…•…e, And strong Phyleus. Actors sonnes, (of all men) onely bore The palme at horse race; conquering, with lashing on more horse, And enuying my victorie; because (before their course) All the best games were gone with me. These men were twins; one was A most sure guide; a most sure guide. The other gaue the passe With rod and mettle. This was then. But now, yong men must wage These workes; and my ioynts vndergo, the sad defects of age. Though then I was another man; at that time I exceld Amongst th'heroes. But forth now, let th'other rites be held For thy deceast friend: this thy gift, in all kind part I take; And much it ioyes my heart, that still, for my true kindnesse sake, You giue me memorie. You perceiue, in what fit grace I stand Amongst the Grecians; and to theirs, you set your gracefull hand. The gods giue ample recompence, of grace againe to thee, For this, and all thy fauors. Thus, backe through the thrust draue he, When he had staid out all the praise, of old Neleides.

And now for buffets (that rough game) he orderd passages; Proposing a laborious Mule, of sixe yeares old, v•…•…'d, And fierce in handling; brought, and bound, in that place where they gam'd: And to the conquerd, a round cup; both which, h•…•… thus proclames.

Atrides, and all friends of Greece, two men, for these two games; I bid stand forth; who best can strike, with high ▪contracted fists, (Apollo giuing him the wreath) know all about these lists, Shall winne a Mule, patient of •…•…oyle? the vanquisht, this round cup.

This vtterd; Panop•…•…s sonne, Epeus, straight stood vp; A tall huge man; that to the naile, knew that rude sport of hand; And (•…•…ng the tough mule) thus spake: Now let some other stand Forth for the cup; this Mule is mine; at cuffes I bost me best; I•…•… not enough I am no souldier? who is worthiest▪ At all workes? none; not possible. At this yet, this I say, And will performe this; who stands forth; Ile burst him; I will bray His bones as in a mortar; fetch, s•…•…rgeons enow, to take His corse from vnder me. This speech, did all men silent make; At last stood forth Euryalus; a man, god-like, and sonne To king Mecisteus; the grand child, of honor'd Talaon. He was so strong, that (coming once to Thebes, when Oedipus Had like rites solemniz'd for him) he went victorious From all the Thebanes. This rare man, Tydides would prepare; Put on his girdle; oxehide cords, faire wrought; and spent much care, That he might conquer; heartned him; and taught him trickes. Both drest Fit for th'affaire; both forth were brought; then breast opposde to breast; Fists against fists rose; and they ioynd; ratling of iawes was there; Gnashing of teeth; and heauie blowes, dasht bloud out euery where. At length, Epeus spide cleare way; rusht in; and such a blow Draue vnderneath the others eare; that his neate lims did strow The knockt earth; no more legs had he; But as a huge fish laid

Neare to the cold-weed-gathering shore, is with a North flaw fraid; Shootes backe; and in the blacke deepe hides: So sent against the ground, Was foyl'd E•…•…yalus; his strength, so hid in more profound Deepes of Epeus; who tooke vp, th'intranc't Competitor; About whom rusht a crowd of friends, that through the clusters bore His faltring knees; he spitting vp, thicke clods of bloud; his head Totterd of one side; his sence gone. When (to a by-place led) Thither they brought him the round cup. Pelides then set forth Prise for a wrastling; to the best, a triuet, that was worth Twelue oxen, great, and fit for fire; the conquer'd was t'obtaine A woman excellent in workes; her beautie, and her gaine, Prisde at foure oxen. Vp he stood, and thus proclaim'd: Arise You wrastlers, that will proue for these. Out stept the ample sise Of mightie Aiax, huge in strength; to him, Laertes sonne, That craftie one, as huge in sleight. Their ceremonie done, Of making readie; forth they stept; catch elbowes with strong hands; And as the beames of some high house, cracke with a storme, yet stands The house, being built by well-skild men: So crackt their backe bones wrincht With horrid twitches. In their sides, armes, shoulders (all bepincht) Ran thicke the wals, red with the bloud, ready to start out; both Long'd for the conquest, and the prise; yet shewd no play; being loth To lose both; nor could Ithacus, stirre Aiax; nor could he Hale downe Vlysses; being more strong, then with mere strength to be H•…•…rl'd from all vantage of his sleight. Tir'd then, with tugging play; Great Aiax Telamonius said: Thou wisest man; or lay My face vp, or let me lay thine; let Ioue take care for these. This said, he hoist him vp to aire, when L•…•…rtiades His wiles forgat not; Aiax thigh, he strooke behind; and flat He on his backe fell; on his breast, Vlysses. Wonderd at Was this of all; all stood amaz'd. Then the-much-suffering-man (Diuine Vlysses) at next close; the Telamonian A litle raisde from earth; not quite; but with his knee implide Lockt legs; and downe fell both on earth, close by each others side; Both fil'd with dust; but starting vp, the third close they had made, Had not Achilles selfe stood vp; restraining them, and bad; No more tug one another thus, nor moyle your selues; receiue Prise equall; conquest crownes ye both; the lists to others leaue.

They heard and yeelded willingly; brusht off the dust; and on Put other vests. Pelides then, to those that swiftest runne, Proposde another prise; a boule, beyond comparison (Both for the sise and workmanship) past all the boules of earth; It held sixe measures; siluer all; but had his speciall worth, For workmanship; receiuing forme, from those ingenious men Of Sydon: the Phoenicians, made choise; and brought it then, Along the greene sea; giuing it, to Thoas; by degrees It came t'Eunaeus, Iasons sonne; who, yong Priamides, (Lycaon) of Achilles friend, bought with it; and this, here, Achilles made best game, for him, that best his feete could beare.

For second, he proposde an Oxe; a huge one, and a fat; And halfe a talent gold for last. These, thus he set them at.

Rise, you that will assay for these; forth stept Oileades; Vlysses answerd; and the third, was one, esteem'd past these For footmanship; Antilochus. All rankt; Achilles show'd The race-scope. From the start, they glid; Oileades bestow'd His feete the swiftest; close to him, flew god-like Ithacus; And as a Ladie at her loome, being yong and beauteous, Her silke-shittle close to her breast (with grace that doth inflame, And her white hand) lifts quicke, and oft, in drawing from her frame Her gentle thred; which she vnwinds, with euer at her brest, Gracing her faire hand: So close still, and with such interest, In all mens likings, Ithacus, vnwound, and spent the race By him before; tooke out his steps, with putting in their place, Promptly and gracefully his owne; sprinkl'd the dust before; And clouded with his breath his head: so facilie he bore His royall person, that he strooke, shoutes from the Greekes, with thirst, That he should conquer; though he flew; yet come, come, ô come first, Euer they cried to him; and this, euen his wise breast did moue, To more desire of victorie; it made him pray, and proue, Mineruas aide (his fautresse still): O goddesse, heare (said he) And to my feete stoope with thy helpe; now happie Fautresse be.

She was; and light made all his lims; and now (both neare their crowne) Minerua tript vp Aiax heeles, and headlong he fell downe, Amids the ordure of the beasts, there negligently left, Since they were slaine there; and by this, Mineruas friend bereft Oileades of that rich bowle; and left his lips, nose, eyes, Ruthfully smer'd. The fat oxe yet, he seisd for second prise, Held by the horne, spit out the taile; and thus spake, all besmear'd:

O villanous chance! this Ithacus, so highly is indear'd To his Minerua; that her hand, is euer in his deeds: She, like his mother, nestles him; for from her it proceeds, (I know) that I am vsde thus. This, all in light laughter cast; Amongst whom, quicke Antilochus, laught out his coming last, Thus wittily: Know, all my friends, that all times past, and now, The gods most honour, most-liu'd men; Oileades ye know, More old then I; but Ithacus, is of the formost race; First generation of men. Giue the old man his grace; They count him of the greene-hair'd eld; they may, or in his flowre; For not our greatest flourisher, can equall him in powre, Of foote-strife, but Aeacides. Thus sooth'd he Thetis sonne; Who thus accepted it: Well youth, your praises shall not runne, With vnrewarded feete, on mine; your halfe a talents prise, Ile make a whole one: take you sir. He tooke, and ioy'd. Then •…•…lies Another game forth; Thetis sonne, set in the lists, a lance, A shield, and helmet; being th'armes, Sarpedon did aduance Against Patroclus; and he prisde. And thus he nam'd th'addresse:

Stand forth, two the most excellent, arm'd; and before all these,

Giue mutuall onset, to the touch, and wound of eithers flesh; Who first shall wound, through others armes, his blood appearing fresh; Shall win this sword, siluerd, and hatcht; the blade is right of Thrace; Asterop•…•…us yeelded it. These arm•…•…hall part their grace, With eithers valour; and the men, Ile liberally feast At my pauilion. To this game, the first man that addrest, Was Aiax Tel•…•…monius; to him, king Di•…•…med; Both, in opposde parts of the preasse, full arm'd; both entered The lists amids the multitude; put lookes on so austere, And ioyn'd so roughly; that amaze, surprisde the Greeks, in feare Of eithers mischiefe. Thrice they threw, their fierce darts; and closde thrice. Then Aiax strooke through Diomeds shield, but did no preiudice; His curets saft him. Diomeds dart, still ouer shoulders flew; Still mounting with the spirit it bore. And now rough Ai•…•…x grew So violent, that the Greeks cried: Hold; no more; let them no more Giue equall prise to either; yet, the sword, proposde before, For him did best; Achilles gaue, to Diomed. Then a stone, (In fashion of a sphere) he show'd; of no inuention, But naturall; onely melted through, with iron. T was the boule, That king Eetion vsde to hurle: but he, bereft of soule, By great Achilles; to the fleete, with store of other prise, He brought it; and proposde it now; both for the exercise, And prise it selfe. He stood, and said: Rise you that will approue Your armes strengths now, in this braue strife: his vigor that can moue This furthest; needs no game but this; for reach he nere so farre, With large fields of his owne, in Greece; (and so needs for his Carre, His Plow, or other tooles of thrift, much iron) Ile able this For fiue reuolued yeares; no need, shall vse his messages To any towne, to furnish him; this onely boule shall yeeld Iron enough, for all affaires. This said; to trie this field, First Polypaetes issued; next Leontaeus; third Great Aiax; huge Epeus fourth. Yet he was first that stird That myne of iron. Vp it went; and vp he tost it so, That laughter tooke vp all the field. The next man that did throw, Was Leonteus; Aiax third; who gaue it such a hand, That farre past both their markes it flew. But now twas to be mann'd By Polypetes; and as farre, as at an Oxe that strayes, A herdsman can swing out his goade: so farre did he outraise The stone past all men; all the field, rose in a shout to see't. About him flockt his friends; and bore, the royall game to fleete.

For Archerie, he then set forth, ten axes, edg'd two waies; And ten of one edge. On the shore, farre off, he causd to raise A ship-mast; to whose top they tied, a fearfull Doue by th'foote; At which, all shot; the game put thus: He that the Doue could shoote, Nor touch the string that fastn'd her; the two-edg'd tooles should beare All to the fleete. Who toucht the string, and mist the Doue, should share The one-edg'd axes. This proposde; king Teucer force arose; And with him rose Meriones; and now lots must dispose

Their shooting first; both which, let fall, into a helme of brasse; First Teucers came; and first he shot; and his crosse fortune was, To shoote the string; the Doue vntoucht: Apollo did enuie His skill; since not to him he vow'd (being god of archerie) A first falne Lambe. The bitter shaft, yet cut in two the cord, That downe fell; and the Doue aloft, vp to the Welkin soar'd. The Greeks gaue shouts; Meriones, first made a hear•…•…ie vow, To sacrifice a first falne Lambe, to him that rules the Bow; And then fell to his aime; his shaft, being ready nockt before. He spide her in the clouds, that here, there, euery where did soare; Yet at her height he reacht her side, strooke her quite through, and downe The shaft fell at his feete; the Doue, the mast againe did crowne; There hung the head; and all her plumes, were ruffl'd; she starke dead; And there (farre off from him) she fell. The people wondered, And stood astonisht. Th'Archer pleasd. Aeacides then shewes A long lance, and a caldron, new, engrail'd with twentie hewes; Prisde at an Oxe. These games were shew'd, for men at darts; and then Vp rose the Generall of all; vp rose the king of men: Vp rose late-crown'd Meriones. Achilles (seeing the king Do him this grace) preuents more deed; his royall offering Thus interrupting; King of men, we well conceiue how farre Thy worth, superiour is to all; how much most singular, Thy powre is, and thy skill in darts; accept then this poore prise, Without contention; and (your will, pleasde with what I aduise) Affoord Meriones the lance. The king was nothing slow To that fit grace; Achilles then, the brasse lance did bestow On good Meriones. The king, his present would not saue; But to renowm'd Talthybius, the goodly Caldron gaue.

The end of the three and twentieth Booke.

Notes

• Achilles to his Myrmidons.
• Achilles to the person of Patro∣•…•…lus.
• Achilles ouerhea∣ring, vsed this abruption.
• Achilles retreate from company to the seas short.
• Patroclus ap∣peares to Achil∣les sleeping.
• Achilles waking to the shade of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Achi•…•…s his di∣scourse with him selfe about the apparition of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shade.
• The morning.
• Agamemnon sends out compa∣nies to fetch fewell for the funerall heape, of which company Meriones was Capta•…•….
• Achilles cuts his haire ouer his friends body.
• Achilles to A∣gamemnon.
• Twelue Princes sacrifised on the funerall pile of Patroclus.
• Iris to the winds.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 North and West wind flie to incense the f•…•…∣nerall pile.
• The morning.
• Achilles to Aga∣memnon and the other kings.
• The •…•…ames for Patroclus fune∣rall.
• Achilles to the Grecian kings.
• Nestor to his son Antilochus giues instructions for the race with chariots.
• A Cōment might well be bestowed vpon this speech of Nestor.
• Nestors aged loue of speech, was here briefly noted.
• Phoenix chiefe iudge of the best deseruers in the race.
• Antilochus to his steeds.
• Menelaus in feare to follow Antilochus, who ye may see playd vpon •…•…im.
• Menelaus chid•…•…s Antilochus.
• Idomenaeus the king of Crete first discouers the runners.
• Aiax Oileus an∣gry with Idome∣ne•…•….
• Idomeneus to Aiax.
• Achilles pacifies Idomeneus and Aiax.
• The runners ar∣riue at the races end.
• Achilles sen∣tence.
• Antilochus to Achilles.
• Note Menelaus ridiculous speech for conclusion of his character.
• Antilo•…•…us his ironicall reply.
• Iro•…•….
• This Simile like∣•…•…se is meerly •…•…nicall.
• M•…•… to Ant•…•….
• Achilles his gift to Nestor.
• N•…•… glorie in the gift of A∣•…•…lles.
• His desire of praise pants still.
• Another note of Nestors humor, not so much be∣ing to be plainly obserued in all these Iliads as in this booke.
• Achilles proposes the game for buffets.
• Note the sharp∣nes of wit in our Homer, if where you looke not for 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ you can find it
• Achilles 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Vlysses and A∣iax wrastle.
• Simile.
• Aiax to Vlysses.
• Achilles parts V∣lysses and Aiax.
• Prises for run∣ners.
• Vlysses, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and An∣tilochus for the Foot-race.
• Simile.
• Vlysses prayes to Minerua for speed.
• Aiax Oileus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out his fall to the Greekes.
• Antilochus like∣wise helpes out his coming last.
• Achilles to An∣tilochus.
• Prise for the fighters armed.
• Di•…•…ed and A∣iax combat.
• Achilles proposes a game for hur∣•…•…ing of the stone or b•…•…le.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Another ga•…•….