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 SECOND BOOKE OF HOMERS ILIADS. (Book 2)

THE ARGVMENT.

IOue cals avision vp, from Somnus den; To bid Atrides, muster vp his men. The king (to Greekes dissembling his desire) Perswades them to their countrie to r•…•…tire. By Pallas will, Vlysses stayes their flight; And wise old Nestor, heartens them to fight. They take their meate: which done, to armes they go•…•…: And march in good array, against the foe. So those of Troy, when Iris, from the skie, Of Saturns sonne, performs the Ambassie.

Another Argument.

Beta, the dreame and Synod cites, And catalogues the nauall knights.

THe other Gods, and knights at armes, all night slept: onely Ioue,* 1.1 Sweet slumber seisd not; he discourst, how best he might approue His vow made for Achilles grace, and make the Grecians find His misse, in much death. Al waies cast; this coūsel seru'd his mind With most allowance: to dispatch, a harmefull dreame to greet The king of men; and gaue this charge: Go, to the Achiue fleet,* 1.2 (Pernicious dreame) and being arriu'd, in Agamemnons tent, Deliuer truly all this charge; command him to conuent His whole hoast arm'd, before these towres; for now Troys broad-waid towne He shall take in: the heauen-housd Gods, are now indifferent growne, Iunos request hath wonne them: Troy, now vnder imminent ils, At all parts labours. This charge heard, the vision straight fulfils; The ships reacht, and Atrides tent, in which he found him laid; Diuine sleepe powrd about his powres. He stood aboue his head Like Nestor (grac't, of old men, most) and this did intimate:

Sleepes the wise Atreus-tame-horse sonne? a counsellour of State,* 1.3 Must not, the whole night, spend in sleepe; to whom the people are, For guard committed; and whose life, stands bound to so much care. Now heare me then, (Ioues messenger,) who, though farre off from thee, Is neare thee yet; in ruth, and care: and giues command by me, To arme thy whole hoast. Thy strong hand, the broad-waid towne of Troy, Shall now take in: no more the Gods, dissentiously imploy Their high-housd powers: Iunos suite, hath wonne them all to her; And ill fates ouer-hang these towres, addrest by Iupiter.

Fixe in thy mind this; nor forget, to giue it action, when Sweet sleepe shall leaue thee. Thus he fled, and left the king of men Repeating, in discourse, his dreame; and dreaming still, awake,* 1.4 Of powre, not readie yet for act. O foole, he thought to take In that next day, old Priams towne; not knowing what affaires 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had in purpose; who prepar'd, (by strong fight) sighes and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 For Greekes, and Troians. The dreame gone, his voice still mur•…•…ured About the kings eares: who sate vp, put on him, in his bed, His silken inner weed; faire, new, and then in hast arose; Cast on his ample mantle, tied, to his soft feet faire shoes; His siluer-hilted sword he hung, about his shoulders, tooke His fathers scepter, neuer staind: which then abroad he shooke, And went to fleete. And now great heauen, Goddesse Aurora, scall'd* 1.5 To Ioue, and all Gods, bringing light. When Agamemnon call'd His heralds, charging them aloud, to call to instant Court The thicke-haird Greekes. The heralds call'd, the Greekes made quickeresort: The Councell chiefly he composd, of old great minded men, At Nestors ships, the Pylian king: all there assembled then, Thus Atreus sonne begunne the Court: Heare friends, a dreame diuine,* 1.6 Amids the calme night in my sleepe, did through my shut eyes shine, Within my fantasie: his forme, did passing naturally Resemble Nestor: such attire, a stature iust as hie. He stood aboue my head; and words, thus fashiond, did relate.

Sleepes the wise Atreus-tame-horse sonne? A counsellor of state* 1.7 Must not, the whole night spend in sleepe; to whom the people are For guard committed; and whose life, stands bound to so much care. Now heare me then, (Ioues messenger,) who, though farre off from thee, Is neare thee yet, in loue, and care: and giues command by me, To arme thy whole hoast. Thy strong hand, the broad-waid towne of Troy, Shall now take in: no more the Gods, dissentiously imploy Their high-housd powres: Saturnias suite, hath wonne them all to her; And ill fates ouer-hang these towres, addrest by Iupiter. Fixe in thy mind this. This exprest, he tooke wing and away; And sweet sleepe left me: let vs then, by all our meanes assay, To arme our armie; I will first, (as farre as fits our right) Trie their addictions, and command, with full-sail'd ships our flight: Which if they yeeld to, oppose you. He sate; and vp arose N•…•…stor, of sandy Pylos, king: who, (willing to dispose Their counsell to the publicke good) proposd this to the State:

Princes, and Counsellors of Greece? If any should relate* 1.8 This vision, but the king himselfe; it might be held a tale, And moue the rather our 〈◊〉〈◊〉: but since our Generall Affirmes he saw it, hold it true; and all our best meanes make To arme our armie. This speech vsde, he first the Councell brake; The other scepter-bearing States, arose to, and obeyd The peoples Rector. Being abroad, the earth was ouerlaid With flockers to them, that came forth: as when, of frequen•…•… Bees Swarmes rise out of a hollow rocke, repairing the degrees* 1.9

Of their egression endlesly; with euer rising new, From forth their sweet nest: as their store, still as it faded, grew, And neuer would ceasse sending forth, her clusters to the spring They still crowd out so; this flocke here; that there, belabouring The loaded flowres. So from the ships, and tents, the armies store, Troopt to these Princes, and the Court; along th'vnmeasur'd shore: Amongst whom, Ioues Ambassadresse, (Fame) in her vertue shin'd,* 1.10 Exciting greedinesse to heare. The rabble thus inclin'd, Hurried together; vprore seisd, the high Court; earth did grone Beneath the setling multitude; tumult was there alone. Thrise three voiciferous heralds rose, to checke the rout, and get Eare to their Ioue-kept Gouernors; and instantly was set That huge confusion; euery man, set fast, and clamor ceast: Then stood diuine Atrides vp, and in his hand comprest His scepter, th'elaborate worke, of fierie Mulciber:* 1.11 Who gaue it to Saturnian Ioue; Ioue to his messenger; His messenger (Argicides,) to Pelops, skild in horse; Pelops, to Atreus chiefe of men; he dying, gaue it course To Prince Thyestes, rich in heards; Thyestes to the hand Of Agamemnon renderd it, and with it, the command Of many Iles, and Argos, all. On this he leaning, said:

O friends, great sonnes of Danaus, seruants of Mars; Ioue laid* 1.12 A heauie curse on me, to vow, and binde it with the bent Of his high forehead; that (this Troy, of all her people spent) I should returne; yet now to mocke, our hopes, built on his vow: And charge ingloriously my flight; when such an ouerthrow Of braue friends, I haue authored. But to his mightiest will We must submit vs; that hath raz't, and will be razing still, Mens footsteps, from so many townes; because his power is most, He will destroy most. But how vile, such, and so great an hoast, Will shew to future times? that matcht, with lesser numbers farre, We flie, not putting on the crowne, of our so long-held warre? Of which, there yet appeares no end. Yet should our foes and we Strike truce, and number both our powers; Troy taking all that be Her arm'd inhabitants; and we, in tens should all sit downe At our truce banquet: euerie ten, allow'd one of the towne To fill his feast-cup; many tens, would their attendant want: So much I must affirme, our power, exceeds th'inhabitant. But their auxiliarie bands; those brandishers of speares, (From many cities drawne) are they, that are our hinderers; Not suffering well-raisd Troy to fall. Nine yeares are ended now, Since Ioue our conquest vow'd, and now, our vessels rotten grow, Our tackling failes, our wiues, yong sonnes, sit in their doores, and long For our arriuall: yet the worke, that should haue wreakt our wrong, And made vs welcome, lies vn wrought: Come then, as I bid, all Obey, and flie to our lou'd home; for now, nor euer shall Our vtmost, take in broad-waid Troy. This said, the multitude Was all for home, and all men else, that what this would conclude

Had not discouerd. All the crowd, was shou'd about the shore; In sway, like rude, and raging waues, rowsd with the feruent blore* 1.13 Of th'East, and South winds; when they breake, from Ioues clouds, and are borne On rough backs of th' I carian seas: or like a field of corne High growne, that Zephyrs vehement gusts, bring easily vnderneath, And make the stiffe-vp-bristl'd eares, do homage to his breath: For euen so easily, with the breath, Atrides vsde, was swaid The violent multitude. To fleet, with showts, and disaraid, All rusht; and with a fogge of dust, their rude feete, dimd the day; Each cried to other, cleanse our ships; come, lanch, aboord, away. The clamor of the runners home, reacht heauen; and then past fate, The Greekes had left Troy, had not then, the Goddesse of estate, Thus spoke to Pallas: O foule shame, thou vntam'd seed of Ioue,* 1.14 Shall thus the seas broad backe be charg'd, with these our friends remoue? Thus leauing Argiue Hellen here? thus Priam grac't? thus Troy? In whose fields, farre from their lou'd owne, (for Hellens sake) the ioy, And life of so much Grecian birth, is vanisht? take thy way T'our brasse-arm'd people; speake them faire, let not a man obey The charge now giuen, nor lanch one ship. She said, and Pallas did As she commanded: from the tops, of heauens steepe hill she slid; And straight, the Greekes swist ships, she reacht: Vlysses, (like to Ioue In gifts of counsell) she found out; who, to that base remoue, Stird not a foote, nor toucht a ship; but grieu'd at heart to see That fault in others. To him close, the blue-eyd deitie Made way, and said: Thou wisest Greeke, diuine Laertes sonne, Thus flie ye homewards, to your ships, shall all thus headlong runne? Glorie to Priam, thus ye leaue; glorie to all his friends, If thus ye leaue her here; for whom, so many violent ends Haue closd your Greeke eyes? and so farre, from their so loued home? Go to these people, vse no stay; with faire termes ouercome Their foule endeuour: not a man, a flying saile let hoice.

Thus spake she, and Vlysses knew, twas Pallas by her voice: Ranne to the runners; cast from him, his mantle, which his man And Herald, graue Eurybates, the Ithacensian That followd him, tooke vp. Himselfe, to Agamemnon went; His incorrupted scepter tooke; his scepter of descent; And with it, went about the fleete. What Prince, or man of name, He found flight-giuen; he would restraine, with words of gentlest blame;

Good sir, it fits not you to flie, or fare as one afraid;* 1.15 You should not onely stay your selfe, but see the people staid. You know not clearely (though you heard, the kings words) yet his mind, He onely tries mens spirits now; and whom his trials find Apt to this course, he will chastise. Nor you, nor I, heard all He spake in councell: nor durst preasse, too neare our Generall, Lest we incenst him to our hurt. The anger of a king Is mightie; he is kept of Ioue, and from Ioue likewise spring His honors; which, out of the loue, of wise Ioue, he enioyes. Thus, he the best sort vsd; the worst, whose spirits brake out in noise,

He cudgeld with his scepter, chid, and said: Stay wretch, be still, And heare thy betters; thou art base, and both in powre and skill Poore and vnworthie; without name, in counsell, or in warre. We must not all be kings: the rule, is most irregularre, Where many rule; one Lord, one king, propose to thee; and he To whom wise Saturns sonne hath giuen, both law, and Emperie, To rule the publicke, is that king. Thus, ruling, he restrain'd The hoast from flight: and then, againe, the Councell was maintain'd With such a concourse, that the shore, rung with the tumult made; As when the farre-resounding sea, doth in his rage inuade His sandie confines; whose sides grone, with his inuolued waue, And make his owne breast eccho sighes. All sate, and audience gaue; Thersites onely would speake all. A most disorderd store Of words, he foolishly powrd out; of which his mind held more Then it could manage; any thing, with which he could procure Laughter, he neuer could containe. He should haue yet bene sure To touch no kings. T'oppose their states, becomes not iesters parts.* 1.16 But he, the filthiest fellow was, of all that had deserts In Troyes braue siege: he was squint-eyd, and lame of either foote: So crooke-backt, that he had no breast: sharpe headed, where did shoote (Here and there sperst) thin mossie haire. He most of all enuide* 1.17 Vlysses and Aeacides, whom still his splene would chide; Nor could the sacred king himselfe, auoid his saucie vaine, Against whom, since he knew the Greekes, did vehement hates sustaine (Being angrie for Achilles wrong) he cride out; railing thus:

Atrides? why complainst thou now? what wouldst thou more of vs?* 1.18 Thy tents are full of brasse, and dames; the choice of all are thine: With whom, we must present thee first, when any townes resigne To our inuasion. Wantst thou then (besides all this) more gold From Troyes knights, to redeeme their sonnes? whom, to be dearely sold, I, or some other Greeke, must take? or wouldst thou yet againe, Force from some other Lord, his prise; to sooth the lusts that raigne In thy encroching appetite? it fits no Prince to be A Prince of ill, and gouerne vs; or leade our progenie By rape to ruine. O base Greekes, deseruing infamie, And ils eternall: Greekish girls, not Greekes ye are: Come, flie Home with our ships; leaue this man here, to perish with his preys, And trie if we helpt him, or not: he wrong'd a man that weys Farre more then he himselfe in worth: he forc't from Thetis sonne, And keepes his prise still: nor think I, that mightie man hath wonne The stile of wrathfull worthily; he's soft, he's too remisse, Or else Atrides, his had bene, thy last of iniuries.

Thus he the peoples Pastor chid; but straight stood vp to him* 1.19 Diuine Vlysses; who with lookes, exceeding graue, and grim, This bitter checke gaue: Ceasse, vaine foole, to vent thy railing vaine On kings thus, though it serue thee well: nor thinke thou canst restraine, With that thy railing facultie, their wils in least degree, For not a worse, of all this hoast, came with our king then thee,

To Troys great siege: then do not take, into that mouth of thine, The names of kings; much lesse reuile, the dignities that shine In their supreme states; wresting thus, this motion for our home To sooth thy cowardise; since our selues, yet know not what will come Of these designments: if it be, our good, to stay, or go: Nor is it that thou standst on; thou, reuil'st our Generall so, Onely, because he hath so much, not giuen by such as thou, But our Heroes. Therefore this, thy rude veine, makes me vow, (Which shall be curiously obseru'd) if euer I shall heare This madnesse from thy mouth againe, let not Vlysses beare This head, nor be the father cald, of yong Telemachus; If to thy nakednesse, I take, and strip thee not, and thus Whip thee to fleete from Councell; send, with sharpe stripes, weeping hence, This glory thou affectst to raile. This said, his insolence He setl'd with his scepter; strooke, his backe and shoulders so, That bloody wales rose; he shrunke round; and from his eyes did flow Moist teares, and looking filthily, he sate, feard, smarted; dried His blubberd cheekes; and all the preasse, (though grieu'd to be denied, Their wisht retrait for home) yet laught, delightsomely, and spake Either to other: O ye Gods, how infinitely take Vlysses vertues in our good? author of Counsels, great In ordering armies: how most well, this act became his heate To beate from Councell this rude foole? I thinke his sawcie spirit Hereafter will not let his tongue, abuse the soueraigne merit, Exempt from such base tongues as his. Thus spake the people: then The citie-razer, Ithacus, stood vp to speake againe, Holding his Scepter. Close to him, gray-eyd Minerua stood; And like a herald, silence causd, that all the Achiue brood (From first to last) might heare and know, the counsell: when (inclind To all their good) Vlysses said: Atrides, now I find,* 1.20 These men would render thee the shame, of all men; nor would pay, Their owne vowes to thee, when they tooke, their free and honord way, From Argos hither; that till Troy, were by their braue hands rac't, They would not turne home; yet like babes, and widowes, now they hast To that base refuge. Tis a spite, to see men melted so In womanish changes. Though tis true, that if a man do go Onely a moneth to sea, and leaue, his wife farre off, and he Tortur'd with winters stormes, and tost, with a tumultuous sea, Growes heauy, and would home; vs then, to whom the thrice three yeare Hath fild his reuoluble orbe, since our arriuall here, I blame not, to wish home, much more: yet all this time to stay (Out of our iudgements) for our end; and now to take our way Without it, were absurd and vile. Sustaine then friends, abide, The time set to our obiect: trie, if Calchas prophecied True of the time or not. We know, ye all can witnesse well (Whom these late death-conferring-fates, haue faild to send to hell) That when in Aulis, all our fleet, assembl'd with a freight Of ils to Ilion, and her friends: beneath the faire growne height

A Platane bore, about a fount, whence christall water flow'd, And neare our holy altar, we, vpon the Gods bestow'd Accomplisht Hecatombs; and there, appear'd a huge portent, A Dragon with a bloody skale, horride to sight, and sent To light by great Olympius; which crawling from beneath The Altar, to the Platane climbd; and ruthlesse crasht to death A Sparrowes yong, in number eight, that in a top-bow lay Hid vnder leaues: the dam the ninth, that houerd euery way, Mourning her lou'd birth; till at length, the Serpent watching her, Her wing caught, and deuourd her too. This dragon, Iupiter (That brought him forth) turnd to a stone; and^b made a powrefull meane To stirre our zeales vp, that admir'd, when of a fact so cleane Of all ill as our sacrifice, so fearefull an ostent Should be the issue. Calchas then, thus prophecied the euent; Why are ye dumbe strooke, faire-haird Greekes? wise Ioue is he hath showne This strange ostent to vs. Twas late, and passing lately done, But that grace it foregoes to vs, for suffering all the state Of his apparence, (being so slow) nor time shall end, nor fate. As these eight Sparrowes, and the dam, (that made the ninth) were eate By this sterne Serpent; so nine yeares, we are t'endure the heate Of rauenous warre, and in the tenth, take in this broad-waid towne.

Thus he interpreted this signe; and all things haue their crowne As he interpreted, till now. The rest then, to succeed, Beleeue as certaine: stay we all, till that most glorious deed Of taking this rich towne, our hands, are honord with. This said, The Greekes gaue an vnmeasur'd shout; which backe the ships repaid With terrible ecchoes, in applause, of that perswasion Diuine Vlysses vsd; which yet, held no comparison With Nestors next speech, which was this: O shamefull thing! ye talke* 1.21 Like children all, that know not warre. In what aires region walke Our oathes, and couenants? Now I see, the fit respects of men Are vanisht quite; our right hands giuen, our faiths, our counsels vaine; Our sacrifice with wine; all fled, in that prophaned flame We made to bind all: for thus still, we vaine perswasions frame, And striue to worke our end with words; not ioyning stratagemes And hands together; though thus long, the powre of our extremes Hath vrg'd vs to them. Atreus sonne? firme as at first howre stand: Make good thy purpose; talke no more, in counsels, but command In actiue field. Let two or three, that by themselues aduise, Faint in their crowning; they are such, as are not truly wise. They will for Argos, ere they know, if that which Ioue hath said Be false or true. I tell them all, that high Ioue bowd his head As first we went aboord our fleet, for signe we should confer These Troians, their due fate and death; almightie Iupiter, All that day darting forth his flames, in an vnmeasur'd light, On our right hands; let therefore none, once dreame of coward flight, Till (for his owne) some wife of Troy, he sleepes withall; the rape Of Hellen wreaking; and our sighes, enforc't for her escape.

If any yet dare dote on home, let his dishonor'd hast His blacke, and well-built barke but touch, that (as he first disgrac't His countries spirit) fate, and death, may first his spirit let go. But be thou wise (king) do not trust, thy selfe, but others. Know I will not vse an abiect word: see all thy men arraid In tribes and nations; that tribes, tribes; nations may nations aid: Which doing, thou shalt know, what chiefs, what souldiers play the men; And what the cowards: for they all, will fight in seuerall then, (Easie for note.) And then shalt thou, if thou destroist not Troy, Know if the prophecies defect, or men thou dost employ In their approu'd arts, want in warre: or lacke of that braue heate Fit for the ventrous spirits of Greece, was cause to thy defeate.

To this the king of men replied; O father, all the sonnes* 1.22 Of Greece thou conquerst, in the strife, of consultations. I would to Ioue, Atheni•…•…, and Phoebus, I could make (Of all) but ten such Counsellers; then instantly would shake Kings Priams citie; by our hands, laid hold on, and laid wast. But Ioue hath orderd I should grieue, and to that end hath cast My life into debates, past end. My selfe, and Thetis sonne, (Like girles) in words fought for a girle, and I th'offence begunne: But if we euer talke as friends, Troys thus deferred fall Shall neuer vexe vs more one houre. Come then, to victles all, That strong Mars, all may bring to field; each man his lances steele See sharpned well; his shield well lin'd, his horses meated well, His chariot carefully made strong; that these affaires of death, We all day may hold fiercely out: no man must rest, or breath. The bosomes of our targatiers, must all be steept in sweate. The lanciers arme, must fall dissolu'd; our chariot horse with heate▪ Must seeme to melt. But if I find, one souldier take the chase, Or stirre from fight, or fight not still, fixt in his enemies face; Or hid a shipboord: all the world, for force, nor price, shall saue His hated life; but fowles, and dogs, be his abhorred graue.

He said, and such a murmure rose, as on a loftie shore* 1.23 The waues make, when the Southwind comes, and tumbles them before Against a rocke, growne neare the strand, which diuersly beset Is neuer free; but here and there, with varied vprores beat.

All rose then, rushing to the fleete, perfum'd their tents, and eate: Each offring to th'immortall Gods, and praying to scape th'heate Of wa•…•…e and death. The king of men, an Oxe of fiue yeares spring T'almightie Ioue slue: call'd the Peeres, first Nestor, then the king Idomenaeus: after them, th'Aiaces, and the sonne Of Tydeus; Ithacus the sixth, in counsell Paragon* 1.24 To Ioue himselfe. All these he bad, but ^cat-a-martiall-crie. Good Menelaus, since he saw, his brother busily Employd at that time, would not stand, on inuitation, ^dBut of himselfe came. All about, the offring ouerthrowne Stood round, tooke salt-cakes, and the king, himselfe thus praid for all:

O Ioue, most great, most glorious, that in that starrie hall,

Sit'st drawing darke clouds vp to aire: let not the Sunne go downe, Darknesse supplying it; till my hands, the Pallace, and the towne Of Priam ouerthrow, and burne; the armes on Hectors brest Diuiding; spoiling with my sword, thousands (in interest Of his bad quarrell) laid by him, in dust, and eating earth.

He pray'd, Ioue heard him not, but made, more plentifull the birth Of his sad toiles; yet tooke his gifts. Prayres past, cakes on they threw: The Oxe then (to the altar drawne,) they kill'd, and from him drew His hide: then cut him vp; his thighes (in two hewne) dubd with fat, Prickt on the sweet-breads; and with wood, leauelesse, and kindl'd at Apposed fire, they burne the thighes; which done, the inwards slit, They broild on coales, and eate. The rest, in giggots cut, they spit, Roast cunningly, draw, sit, and feast: nought lackt to leaue alaid Each temperate appetite; which seru'd, Nestor began and said:

Atrides, most grac't king of men, now no more words allow,* 1.25 Nor more deferre the deed Ioue vowes. Let heralds summon n•…•…w The brasen-coted Greekes; and vs, range euerie where the host, To stirre a strong warre quickly vp. This speech no sillable lost; The high-voic't heralds, instantly, he charg'd to call to armes The curld-head Greeks; they call'd; the Greeks, straight answerd their alarmes. The Ioue-kept kings, about the king, all gatherd, with their aide Rang'd all in tribes and nations. With them the gray-eyd maide Great Aegis (Ioues bright shield) sustain'd, that can be neuer old; Neuer corrupted, fring'd about, with serpents forg'd of gold, As many as suffisde to make, an hundred fringes, worth A hunderd oxen, euerie snake, all sprawling, all set forth With wondrous spirit. Through the host, with this the Goddesse ranne In furie, casting round her eyes; and furnisht euerie man With strength; exciting all to armes, and fight incessant. None Now lik't their lou'd homes like the warres. And as a fire vpon A huge wood, on the heights of hils, that farre off hurles his light: So the diuine brasse shin'd on these, thus thrusting on for fight; Their splendor through the aire reacht heauen: and as about the flood Caister, in an Asian meade, flockes of the airie brood, (Cranes, Geese, or long-neckt Swans) here, there, proud of their pinions ffi•…•…, And in their fals lay out such throats, that with their spiritfull crie The meddow shrikes againe: so here, these many nation'd men, Flow'd ouer the Scamandrian field; from tents, and ships; the din Was dreadfull, that the feete of men, and horse, beate out of earth. And in the florishing meade they stood, thicke as the odorous birth Of flowres, or leaues bred in the spring; or thicke as swarmes of flies Throng then to ship-coates; when each swarme, his erring wing applies To milke deawd on the milke maids pailes: all eagerly disposd, To giue to ruine th'Ilians. And as in rude heapes closd Though huge Goate-heards are at their food, the Goate-heards easly yet, Sort into sundry heards; so here, the Chiefes in battell set, Here tribes, here nations, ordring all. Amongst whom shin'd the king, With eyes, like lightning-louing Ioue; his forehead answering▪

In breast like Neptune; Mars in waste: and as a goodly Bull Most eminent of all a heard, most strong, most masterfull; So Agamemnon, Ioue that day, made ouerheighten clere, That heauen-bright armie; and preferd, to all th'Heroes there.

Now tell me Muses, you that dwell, in heauenly roofes (for you* 1.26 Are Goddesses; are present here, are wise, and all things know; We onely trust the voyce of fame, know nothing:) who they were That here were captains of the Greekes? Commanding Princes here, The multitude exceed my song; though fitted to my choice Ten tongues were, hardned pallats ten, a breast of brasse, a voyce Infract, and trumplike: that great worke, vnlesse the seed of Ioue (The deathlesse Muses) vndertake, maintaines a pitch aboue All mortall powers. The Princes then, and nauie that did bring Those so inenarrable troopes; and all their soyles, I sing.

The Catalogue of the Grecian ships and Captaines.

PEneleus, and Leitus, all that Boeotia bred,* 1.27 Arcesilaus, Clonius, and Prothoaenor, led; Th'inhabitants of Hyria, and stonie Aulida; Schaene, Schole, the hilly Eteon, and holy Thespia; Of Graea, and great Mycalesse, that hath the ample plaine; Of Harma, and Ilesius, and all that did remaine,* 1.28 In Erith, and in Eleon; in Hylen, Peteona, In faire Ocalea, and the towne, well builded, Medeona; Capas, Eutresis, Thisbe that, for Pigeons doth surpasse; Of Coroneia, Harliart; that hath such store of grasse. All those that in Platea dwelt, that Glissa did possesse; And Hypothebs, whose wel-built wals, are rare and fellowlesse; In rich Onchestus famous wood, to watrie Neptune vow'd; And Arne, where the vine-trees are, with vigorous bunches bow'd: With them that dwelt in Mydea, and Nissa most diuine. All those whom vtmost Anthedon, did wealthily confine. From all these coasts in generall, full fiftie saile were sent,* 1.29 And sixscore strong, Boeotian youths, in euerie burthen went. But those who in Aspledon dwelt, and Mynian Orchomen; God Mars his sonnes did leade (Ascalaphus, and Ialmen.)* 1.30 Who in Azidon Astors house, did of Astioche come; The bashfull Maide, as she went vp, into the higher roome, The warre-god secretly comprest: in safe conduct of these, Did thirtie hollow-bottom'd barkes, diuide the wauie seas.* 1.31

Braue Schedius and Epistrophus, the Phocean captaines were,* 1.32 Naubolida, Iphitus sonnes, all-proofe gainst any feare; With them the Cyparisians went, and bold Pythonians, Men of religious Chrysas soyle, and fat Daulidians: Panopaeans, Anemores, and fierce Hyampolists: And those that dwell where Cephisus, casts vp his silken mists.

The men that faire 〈◊〉〈◊〉 held, neare the Cephisian spring▪ All which did fortie sable barkes, to that designement bring.* 1.33 About th'entoyld Phocensian fleete, had these their saile assignde: And neare to the sinister wing, the arm'd Boeotians shinde.

Aiax the lesse, Oileus sonne, the Locrians led to warre,* 1.34 Not like to Aiax Telamon, but lesser man by farre. Little he was, and euer wore, a breastplate made of linne; But for the manage of his lance, he generall praise did winne. The dwellers of Caliarus, of Bessa, Opoen;* 1.35 The youths of Cynus, Scarphis, and, Augias, louely men; Of Tarphis, and of Thronius, neare flood Boagrius fall; Twise twentie martiall barkes of these, lesse Aiax saild withall.* 1.36

Who neare Euboeas blessed soile, their habitations had, Strength-breathing Abants, who their seats, in sweet Euboea made:* 1.37 The Astiaeans rich in grapes, the men of Chalcida; The Cerinths, bordring on the sea, of rich Eretria; Of Dyons highly-seated towne; Charistus, and of Styre; All these the Duke Alphenor led, a flame of Mars his fire;* 1.38 Surnam'd Chalcodontiades, the mightie Abants guide; Swift men of foot, whose broad-set backes, their trailing haire did hide, Well seene in fight, and soone could pierce, with farre extended darts The breast plates of their enemies, and reach their dearest hearts.* 1.39 Fortie blacke men of warre did saile, in this Alphenors charge.

The souldiers that in Athens dwelt, a citie builded large,* 1.40 The people of Eristhius, whom Ioue-sprung Pallas fed: And plentious-feeding Tellus brought, out of her flowrie bed: Him, Pallas plac't in her rich Fane, and euerie ended yeare, Of Buls and Lambes, th'Athenian youths, please him with offrings there. Mightie Menestheus, Peteus sonne, had their deuided care:* 1.41 For horsemen and for targatiers, none could with him compare: Nor put them into better place, to hurt or to defend: But Nestor (for he elder was) with him did sole contend: With him came fiftie sable saile. And out of Salamine* 1.42 Great Aiax brought twelue saile, that with, th'Athenians did combine.

Who did in fruitfull Argos dwell; or strong Hyrintha keepe:* 1.43 Hermion, or in Asinen, whose bosome is so deepe; Traezena, Elion, Epida re, where Bacchus crownes his head; Egina, and Mazetas soyle, did follow Diomed.* 1.44 And Sthenelus, the deare lou'd sonne, of famous Capaneus: Together with Eurialus, heire of Mecistaeus, The king of Talaeonides; past whom, in deeds of warre, The famous souldier Diomed, of all was held by farre; Fourescore blacke ships did follow these. The men faire Mycene held:* 1.45

The wealthy Corinth, Cleon that, for beautious sight exceld:* 1.46 A•…•…aethiraeas louely seate, and in Ornias plaine, And Sicyona, where at first, did king Adrastus raigne: High seated Gonoessas towers, and Hyperisius; That dwelt in fruitfull Pellenen, and in diuine Aegius:

With all the sea-side borderers, and wide Helices friends; To Agamemnon euerie towne, her natiue birth commends,* 1.47 In double fiftie sable barks: with him a world of men* 1.48 Most strong and full of valure went: and he in triumph then Put on his most resplendent armes, since he did ouershine The whole heroique host of Greece, in power of that designe.

Who did in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rule, th'vnmeasur'd concaue hold:* 1.49 High Phares, Spartas, Messes towers, for doues so much extold; Bryseias and Augias grounds; strong Laa, Oetylon; Amyclas, Helos harbor-towne, that Neptune beats vpon: All these did Menelaus leade, (his brother that in cries* 1.50 Of warre was famous) sixtie ships, conuaid these enemies,* 1.51 To Troy in chiefe; because their king, was chiefly iniur'd there, In Hellens rape; and did his best, to make them buy it deare.

Who dwelt in Pylos sandie soyle, and Arene the faire;* 1.52 In Thryon, neare Alphaeus flood, and Aepy full of aire: In Cyparisseus, Amphygen, and little P•…•…eleon; The towne where all the Iliots dwelt, and famous Doreon; Where all the Muses (opposite, in strife of Poesie, To ancient Thamyris of Thrace) did vse him cruelly;* 1.53 He coming from Eurytus court, the wise Oechalian king: Because he proudly durst affirme, he could more sweetly sing, Then that Pyerean race of Ioue; who (angrie with his vant) Bereft his eye-sight, and his song, that did the eare enchant; And of his skill to touch his Harpe, disfurnished his hand: All these in ninetie hollow keeles, graue Nestor did command.* 1.54

The richly blest inhabitants of the Arcadian land* 1.55 Below Cyllenes mount, that by, Epyrus tombe did stand; Where dwell the bold neare-fighting men; who did in Phaeneus liue: And Orchomen, where flockes of sheepe, the shepheards clustering driue: In Rypé and in Stratié, the faire Mantinean towne; And strong Enispe, that for height, is euer weather-blowne; Tegea, and in Stimphalus; Parrhasia strongly wall'd; All these Alcaeus sonne, to field (king Agapenor) call'd;* 1.56 In sixtie barks he brought them on, and euerie barke well mand,* 1.57 With fierce Arcadians, skild to vse, the vtmost of a band. King Agamemnon on these men, did well-built ships bestow, To passe the gulfie purple sea, that did no sea rites know.

They who in Hermin, Buphrasis, and Elis did remaine,* 1.58 What Olens Cliffes, Alisius, and Myrsin did containe; Were led to warre by twise two Dukes, and each ten ships did bring,* 1.59 Which many venterous Epyans, did serue for burthening.

Beneath Alphimacus his charge, and valiant Talphius, Sonne of Euritus Actor, one; the other Cteatus;* 1.60 Diores Amarincides, the other did imploy; The fourth diuine Polixenus, Agasthenis his ioy: The king of faire Angeiades, who from Dulichius came,* 1.61 And from Euchinaus sweet Iles, which hold their holy frame

By ample Elis region, Meges Phelides led:* 1.62 Whom Duke Phyleus, Ioues belou'd, begat, and whilome fled To large Dulychius for the wrath, that fir'd his fathers breast. Twise twentie ships with Ebon sailes, were in his charge addrest.* 1.63

The war-like men of Cephale, and those of Ithaca,* 1.64 Wooddy Nerytus, and the men, of wet Crocilia: Sharpe Aegilipha, Samos Ile, Zacynthus, sea-enclosd; Epyrus, and the men that hold, the Continent opposd; All these did wise Vlysses leade, in counsell Peere to Ioue:* 1.65 Twelue ships he brought, which in their course, vermilion sternes did moue.

Thoas, Andremons wel-spoke sonne, did guide th'Etolians well;* 1.66 Those that in Pleuron, Olenon, and strong Pylene dwell: Great Calcis that by sea-side stands, and stony Calydon; For now no more of Oeneus sonnes, suruiu'd; they all were gone:* 1.67 No more his royall selfe did liue, no more his noble sonne, The golden Meleager; now, their glasses all were run. All things were left to him in charge, the Aetolians Chiefe he was, And fortie ships to Troian warres, the seas with him did passe.* 1.68

The royall souldier Idomen, did leade the Cretans stout:* 1.69 The men of Gnossus, and the towne, Cortima, wall'd about. Of Lictus and Myletus towres, of white Lycastus state, Of Phestus and of Rhistias, the cities fortunate: And all, the rest inhabiting, the hundred townes of Crete;* 1.70 Whom warre-like Idomen did leade, copartner in the fleete,* 1.71 With kil-man Merion; eightie ships, with them did Troy inuade.* 1.72

Tlepolemus Heraclides, right strong and bigly made, Brought nine tall ships of warre from Rhodes, which hautie Rhodians mand, Who dwelt in three disseuer'd parts, of that most pleasant land; Which Lyndus and Ialissus were, and bright Camyrus, cald: Tlepolemus commanded these, in battell vnappald:* 1.73 Whom faire Astioche brought forth, by force of Hercules; Led out of Ephyr with his hand, from riuer Sellees;* 1.74 When many townes of princely youths, he leueld with the ground.* 1.75 Tlepolem (in his fathers house, for building much renownd, Brought vp to head-strong state of youth) his mothers brother slue, The flowre of armes, Lycymnius, that somewhat aged grew: Then straight he gathred him a fleete, assembling bands of men, And fled by sea, to shun the threats, that were denounced then, By other sonnes and nephewes of, th'Alciden fortitude. He in his exile came to Rhodes, driuen in with tempests rude: The Rhodians were distinct in tribes, and great with Ioue did stand, The king of men and Gods, who gaue, much treasure to their land.

Nireus, out of Symas hauen, three wel-built barkes did bring;* 1.76 Nireus faire Aglaias sonne, and Charopes the king:* 1.77 Nireus was the fairest man, that to faire Ilion came, Of all the Greekes, saue Peleus sonne; who past for generall frame. But weake this was, not fit for warre, and therefore few did guide.

Who did in Cassus, Nisyrus, and Crapathus abide,

In Co, Euripilus his towne, and in Calydnas soyles,* 1.78 Phydippus and bold Antiphus, did guide to Troian toyles; The sonnes of crowned Thessalus, deriu'd from Hercules,* 1.79 Who went with thirtie hollow ships, well ordred to the seas. Now will I sing the sackfull troopes, Pelasgian Argos held,* 1.80 That in deepe Alus, Alopé, and soft Trechina dweld;* 1.81 In Pthya and in Hellade, where liue the louely dames, The Myrmidons, Helenians, and Achiues, robd of Fames: All which the great Aeacides, in fiftie ships did leade.* 1.82 For, these forgat warres horride voice, because they lackt their head,* 1.83 That would haue brought them brauely foorth; but now at fleete did lie, That wind-like vser of his feet, faire Thetis progenie; Wroth for bright-cheekt Bryseis losse; whom from Lyrnessus spoiles, (His owne exploit) he brought away, as trophee of his toiles, When that town•…•… was depopulate; he sunke the Theban towres; Myneta, and Epistrophus, he sent to Plutoes bowres, Who came of king Euenus race, great Helepiades: Yet now heidely liues enrag'd, but soone must leaue his ease.

Of those that dwelt in Phylace, and flowrie Pyrrason* 1.84 The wood of Ceres, and the soyle, that sheepe are fed vpon, Iten and Antron, built by sea, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 full of grasse, Protesilaus while he liu'd, the worthie captaine was:* 1.85 Whom now the sable earth detaines: his teare-torne faced spouse He wofull left in Philace, and his halfe finisht house: A fatall Dardane first his life, of all the Greekes, bereft, As he was leaping from his ship; yet were his men vnleft Without a Chiefe; for though they wisht, to haue no other man, But good Protesilay their guide; Podarces yet began To gouerne them, Iphitis sonne, the sonne of Philacus, Most rich in sheepe, and brother to, short-liu'd Protesilaus: Of yonger birth, lesse, and lesse strong; yet seru'd he to direct The companies, that still did more, their ancient Duke affect. Twise twentie Iettie sailes with him, the swelling streame did take.* 1.86

But those that did in Pheres dwell, at the Baebreian lake,* 1.87 In Baebe, and in Glaphir•…•…, Iaolcus builded faire: In thrise sixe ships to Pergamus: did through the seas repaire, With old Admetes tender sonne, Eumelus, whom he bred,* 1.88 Of Alcest Pelius fairest child, of all his femall seed.* 1.89

The souldiers that before the siege, Methones vales did hold:* 1.90 Thaumaciae, flowrie Melibae, and Olison the cold, Duke Philoctetes gouerned, in darts of finest sleight:* 1.91 Seuen vessels in his charge conuaid, their honorable freight; By fiftie rowers in a barke, most expext in the bow: But he in sacred Lemnos lay, brought miserably low, By torment of an vlcer growne, with Hydras poyson'd bloud: Whose sting was such, Greece left him there, in most impatient moode:* 1.92 Yet thought they on him at his ship, and chusde to leade his men, Medon, Oyleus bastard sonne, brought forth to him by R•…•…en.

From Thricce, bleake Ithomens cliffes, and haplesse Oechaly:* 1.93 Eurites citie rul'd by him, in wilfull tyranny, In charge of Esculapius sonnes, physition highly praisd: Machaon, Podalirius, were thirtie vessels raisd:

Who neare Hiperias fountaine dwelt, and in Ormenius:* 1.94 The snowy tops of Titannus, and in Asterius:* 1.95 Euemons sonne Euripilus, did leade into the field: Whose townes did fortie blacke-saild ships, to that encounter yeeld.* 1.96

Who Gyrton, and Argissa held, Orthen and Elons seate,* 1.97 And chalkie Oloossine, were led by Polypete;* 1.98 The issue of Perithous, the sonne of Iupiter.* 1.99 Him the Athenian Theseus friend, Hypodamy did beare; When he the bristled sauages: did giue Ramnusia, And draue them out of Pelius, as farre as Ethica. He came not single, but with him, Leonteus, Corons sonne, An arme of Mars; and Corons life, Ceneus seed begunne. Twise twentie ships, attended these. Cuneus next did bring,* 1.100 From Cyphus, twentie saile and two, the Enians following; And fierce Peraebi, that about, Dodones frozen mold, Did plant their houses, and the men, that did the medowes hold,* 1.101 Which Titoresius deckes with flowers, and his sweet current leades,* 1.102 Into the bright Peneius, that hath the siluer heads. Yet with his admirable streame, doth not his waues commixe; But glides aloft on it like oyle: fortis the floud of Stix, By which th'immortall Gods do sweare. Teuthredons honor'd birth Prothous led the Magnets forth, who neare the shadie earth,* 1.103 Of Pelius, and Peneion, dwelt; fortie reuengefull saile Did follow him; these were the Dukes, and Princes of auaile, That came from Greece: but now the man, that ouershin'd them all;* 1.104 Sing Muse: and their most famous Steeds, to my recitall call, That both th' Atrides followed; faire Pheretiedes, The brauest mares, did bring by much; Eumelius manag'd these:* 1.105 Swift of their feete as birds of wings; both of one haire did shine, Both of an age, both of a height, as measur'd by a line: Whom siluer-bow'd Apollo bred, in the Pierean meade; Both slicke and daintie, yet were both, in warre of wondrous dread.

Great Aiax Telamon for strength, past all the Peeres of warre,* 1.106 While vext Achilles was away: but he surpast him farre. The horse that bore that faultlesse man, were likewise past compare: Yet lay he at the crookt-stern'd ships, and furie was his fare,* 1.107 For Atreus sonnes vngracious deed: his men yet pleasd their hearts, With throwing of the holed stone; with hurling of their darts, And shooting fairely on the shore. Their horse at chariots fed, On greatest parsly, and on sedge, that in the fens is bred. His Princes tents their chariots held, that richly couerd were. His Princes, amorous of their Chiefe, walkt storming here and there, About the host, and scorn'd to fight: their breaths, as they did passe, Before them flew, as if a fire, fed on the trembling grasse.

Earth vnder-gron'd their high raisd feet, as when offended Ioue, In Arime, Tiphocus, with ratling thunder droue, Beneath the earth: in Arime, men say the graue is still, Where thunder tomb'd Typhoeus, and is a monstrous hill. And as that thunder made earth grone, so gron'd it as they past, They trode with such hard-set-downe steps, and so exceeding fast.

To Troy the rainbow-girded dame, right heauie newes relates,* 1.108 From Ioue (as all to Councell drew, in Priams Pallace gates) Resembling Priams sonne in voice, Polytes swift of feet: In trust whereof (as Sentinell, to see when from the fleet, The Grecians sallied) he was set, vpon the loftie brow Of aged Esietes tombe, and this did Iris show;

O Priam thou art alwaies pleasd, with indiscreet aduise:* 1.109 And fram'st thy life to times of peace, when such a warre doth rise As threats ineuitable spoyle; I neuer did behold Such and so mightie troupes of men, who trample on the mold, In number like Autumnus leaues, or like the marine sand: All ready round about the walles, to vse a ruining hand. Hector? I therefore charge thee most, this charge to vndertake: A multitude remaine in Troy, will fight for Priams sake, Of other lands and languages; let euerie leader then Bring forth, well arm'd into the field, his seuerall bands of men.

Strong Hector knew, a deitie, gaue charge to this assay: Dismist the Councell straight; like waues, clusters to armes do sway: The ports are all wide open set: out rusht the troopes in swarmes, Both horse and foote, the citie rung, with suddaine cryed alarmes.

A Columne stands without the towne, that high his head doth raise,* 1.110 A little distant, in a plaine, trod downe with diuers waies: Which men do Batieia call, but the immortals name Myrinnes famous sepulcher, the wondrous actiue dame. Here were th' Auxiliarie bands, that came in Troyes defence, Distinguisht vnder seuerall guides, of speciall excellence.

The Duke of all the Troian power, great helme-deckt Hector was:* 1.111 Which stood of many mightie men, well skild in darts of brasse: Aeneas of commixed seed (a goddesse with a man,* 1.112 Anchises, with the Queene of loue:) the troopes Dardanian,* 1.113 Led to the field; his louely Sire, in Idas lower shade, Begat him of sweet Cypridis; he solely was not made Chiefe leader of the Dardan powers: Antenors valiant sonnes, Archilochus, and Acamas, were ioyn'd companions.* 1.114

Who in Zelia dwelt, beneath, the sacred foote of Ide, That drinke of blacke Aesepus streame, and wealth made full of pride; (The Aphnij) Lycaons sonne, whom Phoebus gaue his bow,* 1.115 * 1.116 (Prince Pandarus) did leade to field. Who Adrestinus owe, (Apesus citie, Pitai, and mount Tereies) Adrestus, and stout Amphius led; who did their Sire displease,* 1.117 * 1.118 (Merops Percosius) that exceld, all Troy in heauenly skill, Of futures-searching prophesie: for much against his will,

His sonnes were agents in those armes: whom since they disobeyd; The Fates, in letting slip their threds, their hastie valures staid.

Who in Percotes, Practius; Arisbe did abide,* 1.119 Who Sestus and Abidus bred, Hyrtacides did guide: Prince Asius Hyrtacides, that through great Selees force, Brought from Arisba to that fight, the great and fierie horse.

Pyleus, and Hypothous, the stout Pelasgians led,* 1.120 * 1.121 Of them Larissas fruitfull soyle, before had nourished: These were Pelasgian Pithus sonnes, sonne of Teutamidas.

The Thracian guides were Pyrous, and valiant Acamas.* 1.122

Of all that the impetuous flood, of Hellespont enclosd,* 1.123 Euphemus, the Ciconian troopes, in his command disposd;* 1.124 Who from Trezenius Ceades, right nobly did descend.

Pyrechmes did the Peons rule, that crooked bowes do bend.* 1.125 From Axius out of Amidon, he had them in command: From Axius, whose most beautious streame, still 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the land.

Pylemen with the well arm'd heart, the Paphlagonians led,* 1.126 From Enes, where the race of mules, fit for the plough is bred: The men that broad Cytorus bounds, and Sesamus enfold▪ About Parthenius loftie floud, in houses much extold; From Cromna and Aegialus, the men that armes did beare, And Eurithymus situate high, Pylemens soldiers were.

Epistrophus and Dius did, the Halizonians guide,* 1.127 Far-fetcht from Alybe, where first, the siluer mines were tride.

Chronius, and Augur Eunomus, the Mysians did command, Who could not with his auguries, the strength of death withstand:* 1.128 But suffred it beneath the stroke, of great Aeacides, In Xanthus; where he made more soules, diue to the Stygian seas.

Phorcys and faire Ascanius, the Phrygians brought to warre;* 1.129 Well train'd for battell, and were come, out of Ascania farre. With Methles, and with Antiphus (Pylemens sonnes) did fight, The men of Mezon, whom the fenne, Gygaea brought to light.

And those Maeonians that beneath, the mountaine Tmolus sprong;* 1.130 The rude vnletterd Caribae, that barbarous were of tongue, Did vnder Naustes colours march, and young Amphimachus, (Nomyons famous sonnes) to whom, the mountaine Phthirorus,* 1.131 That with the famous wood is crown'd; Miletus, Micales, That hath so many loftie markes, for men that loue the seas; The crooked armes Meander bow'd, with his so snakie flood, Resign'd for conduct the choice youth, of all their martiall brood▪ The foole Amphimachus, to field, brought gold to be his wracke; Proude-gi•…•…lelike that doth euer beare, her dowre vpon her backe; Which wise Achilles markt; slue him, and tooke his gold in strife, At Xanthus floud; so little death, did feare his golden life.* 1.132 Sarpedon led the Lycians, and Glaucus vnreprou'd, From Lycia and the gulfie flood, of Xanthus farre remou'd.

COMMENT ARIVS.

^a 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Sicut examina prodeunt apum frequentium, &c. In thu Si∣mile,

Virgil (vsing the like in imitation) is preferd to Homer; with what reason I pray you see. Their ends are different: Homer intending to expresse the infinite mul∣titude of souldiers euerie where dispersing; Virgil, the diligence of builders. Virgils Simile is this. 1. Aeneid.

Qualis apes aestate noua, per florea rura Exercet sub sole labor; cum gentis adultos Educunt foetus; aut cum liquentia mella Stipant; & dulci distendunt Nectare cellas; Aut onera accipiunt venientum; aut agmine facto; Ignauum fucos pecus à praesepibus arcent: Feruet opus; redolent thymo fragrantia mella.

Now compare this with Homers, but in my translation; and iudge if to both their ends, there be any such betternesse in Virgils: but that the reuerence of the scholler, due to the maister (euen in these his maligners) might well haue containd their lame censures of the Poeticall furie; from these vnmannerlie and hatefull comparisons. E∣specially, since Virgil hath nothing of his owne, but onely elocution; his inuention, matter, and forme, being all Homers: which laid by a man; that which he addeth, is onelie the worke of a woman, to netifie and polish. Nor do I, alas, but the formost ranke of the most ancient and best learned that euer were, come to the field for Homer; hiding all other Poets vnder his ensigne: hate not me then, but them; to whom, before my booke I referre you. But much the rather I insist on the sormer Simile; for the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, cateruatim, or confertim, which is noted by Spon∣danus to containe all the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, reddition, or application of the comparison; and is nothing so. For though it be all the reddition Homer expresseth; yet he intends two speciall parts in the application more; which he leaues to his iudicial readers vnderstanding, as he doth in all his other Similes: since a man may peruial∣ly (or as he passeth) discerne all that is to be vnderstood. And here, besides the throngs of souldiers, exprest in the swarmes of Bees; he intimates the infinite number in those throngs or companies, issuing from fleete so ceaslesly, that there appeared al∣most no end of their issue: and thirdly, the euerie where dispersing themselues. But Spondanus would excuse Homer, for expressing no more of his application; with affirming it impossible; that the thing compared, and the comparison, should answer in all parts; and therefore alledges the vulgar vnderstanding of a Simile, which is as grosse as it is vulgar; that a similitude must vno pede semper claudicare. His reason for it as absurd as the rest: which is this, si ea inter se omnino respōderent, falleret illud axioma, nullum simile est idem; as though the generall application of the compared, and the comparison, would make them any thing more the same, or all one; more then the swarmes of Bees, and the throng of souldiers are allone, or the same; for answering most aptly. But that a Simile must needs halt of one foote still; showeth how lame vulgar tradition is, especially in her censure of Poesie. For who at first sight, will not conceiue it absurd to make a Simile; which ser•…•…es to the illustration and ornament of a Poeme; lame of a foote, and idle? The incredible vio∣lence suffered by Homer in all the rest of his most inimitable Similes, being exprest in his place, will abundantly proue the stupiditie of this tradition: and how iniuriously short his interpreters must needs come of him, in his streight and deepe places; when in his open and faire passages, they halt and hang backe so.

^b 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. hunc quidem clarū (or illustrem) fecit Deus; as it is by all translated; wherein I note the strange abuse (as I apprehend it) of the word

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 beginning here, & continuing wheresoeuer it is found in these Iliads. It is by the transition of Z into 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in deriuation, according to the Doricke: for which cause our Interpreters will needs haue Homer intend 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which is clarus or illustris, when he himselfe saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which is a compound of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which is valde, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and signifies, quem valde aemulamur, or valde aemulandus, according to Scap. But because 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is most authentically expounded, impetus mentis ad cultum diui∣num, that exposition I follow in this place, and expound 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 hunc quidem magnum impulsum ad cultum diuinum fecit Deus; because he turned so sodainly and miraculously the Dragon to a stone. To make it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and say, clarum, or illustrem fecit Deus; qui ostendit, or ostenderat, (which followes in the verse) and saith thus much in our tongue: God that shewed this, made it cleare; is verie little more, then God that shewed this, shewed it. One way it obserues the word (betwixt which, and the other, you see what great difference) and is faire, •…•…ll, graue; the other alters the originall, and is vglie, emptie, idle.

^c 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c, Spontanens autem ei venit, voce bonus Menelaus; and some say bello strenuus Menelaus: which is farre estranged from the mind of our Homer, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifying vociferatio, or clamor, though some will haue it pugna, ex consequenti; because fights are often made with clamor. But in bello strenuus, (vnlesse it be ironically taken) is here straind beyond sufferance, & is to be expounded vociferatione bonus Menelaus: which agreeth with that part of his character in the next booke, that telleth his maner of vtterance or voice: which is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 valde stridulè, or arguto cum stridore; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 being commonly and most properlie taken in the worse part, and signifieth shrillae, or noisefullie, squeaking: howsoeuer in the vulgar conuersion it is in that place most grosselie abused. To the consideration whereof, being of much importance, I referre you in his place. And in the meane time shew you, that in this first and next verse, Homer (speaking scopti∣cally) breakes open the fountaine of his ridiculous humor following: neuer by anie in∣terpreter vnderstood, or touched at, being yet the most ingenious conceited person that any man can shew in any heroicall Poeme, or in any Comicke Poet. And that you may something perceiue him before you reade to him in his seuer all places: I will, as I can, in haste, giue you him here together, as Homer at all parts presents him: viz. simple, wel-meaning, standing still affectedlie on telling truth, small, and shrill voi∣ced (not sweet, or eloquent, as some most against the haire would haue him) short spo∣ken, after his countrie the Laconicall manner: yet speaking thicke and fast, industri∣ous in the field, and willing to be emploied. And (being mollis Bellator himselfe) set still to call to euerie hard seruice, the hardiest. Euen by the wit of Aiax, plaid vpon, about whom he would still be diligent: and what he wanted of the martiall furie and facultie himselfe, that he would be bold to supplie out of Aiax: Aiax and he, to any for blowes: Antilochus and he for wit: (Antilochus old Nestors (onne, a most in∣genious, valiant, and excellentlie formed person.)

Sometimes valiant, or daring, (as what coward is not) sometimes falling vpon sentence, and good matter in his speeches (as what meanest capacitie doth not?) Nor vseth our most inimitable Imitator of nature, this crosse and deformed mixture of his parts, more to colour and auoid too broad a taxation of so eminent a person; then to follow the true life of nature, being often, or alwaies, exprest so disparent in her crea∣tures. And therefore the decorum that some poore Criticks haue stood vpon; to make fooles alwaies foolish, cowards at all times cowardly, &c. is farre from the variant order of nature, whose principles being contrary, her productions must needes con∣taine

the like opposition.

But now to the first; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Spontaneus autem ei venit, &c. about which, a passing great peece of worke is pickt out by our greatest Philoso∣phers, touching the vnbidden coming of Menelaus to supper or Counsell, which some commend; others condemne in him: but the reason why he staid not the inuitement, rendered immediatly by Homer, none of thē will vnderstand, viz. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. sciebat enim in animo quantum frater laborabat: of which verse his inter∣preters crie out for the expunction, onely because it was neuer entered in their appre∣hension; which I more then admire (for the easinesse of it) so freely offering it selfe to their entertainment; and yet vsing the hoofe of Pegasus, onely with a touch breaking open (as abouesaid) the fountaine of his humor. For thus I expound it, (laying all againe together, to make it plaine enough for you,) Agamemn•…•…n inuiting all the chiefe Commanders to supper, left out his brother; but he, seeing how much his bro∣ther was troubled about the dreame, and busied, would not stand vpon inuitement, but came of himselfe. And this being spoken Scopticé, or by way of irrision, argueth what manner of man he made of him. Ineptus enim (as it is affirmed in Plutarch, 1. Symp. and second question) fuit Menelaus, & locum dedit prouerbio, qui ad consilium dandum accessisset, non 〈◊〉〈◊〉: And to this place he had reference, because a Councell of warre was to be held at this supper. And here (I say) Homer o∣pened the veine of his simplicitie, not so much in his going vnbidden to supper, and Counsell, as in the reason for it ironically rendered; that he knew his brother was busie, &c. And yet that addition, without which the very sence of our Poet is not safe, our in∣terpreters would haue raced.

The end of the second Booke.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Iupiter carefu•…•… in performing his vow to The∣t•…•….
• * 1.2

  Iupiter cals vp a vision.
• * 1.3

  The vision to Agamemnon.
• * 1.4

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 discourseth of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.5

  The morning.
• * 1.6

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.7

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.8

  Nestor to the Greekes.
• * 1.9

  Simile.
• * 1.10

  〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.11

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.12

  Agamemnon to the Greekes.
• * 1.13

  Simile.
• * 1.14

  Iuno to Pallas.
• * 1.15

  •…•…lysses temper in restraining the flight.
• * 1.16

  Thersites de∣scription.
• * 1.17

  Achilles.
• * 1.18

  Thersites to A∣gamemnon.
• * 1.19

  Vlysses to Ther∣sites.
• * 1.20

  Vlysses to A∣gamem•…•…n and the people.
• * 1.21

  Nestor to the Greeks.
• * 1.22

  Agamemnon to Nestor.
• * 1.23

  Simile.
• * 1.24

  Diomed.
• * 1.25

  Nestor to Aga∣memnon.
• * 1.26

  Inuocation.
• * 1.27

  The Boeotian captaines.
• * 1.28

  The places in Boeotia.
• * 1.29

  The nauie of the Boeotians fiftie.
• * 1.30

  Ascalaphus and Ialmenus, sonnes of Mars.
• * 1.31

  Their nauie 30.
• * 1.32

  The Phocensian captains Sche∣dius and Epi∣strophus.
• * 1.33

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 40.
• * 1.34

  Aiax, Oielus, captaines of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.35

  The towns of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.36

  Their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 40.
• * 1.37

  Euboeans and their townes.
• * 1.38

  Alphenor their Commander.
• * 1.39

  Their fleet 40.
• * 1.40

  The Athenians.
• * 1.41

  Menesth•…•…us their Ch•…•…ife.
• * 1.42

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 50.
• * 1.43

  The Salamines ioined with thē. Their leader A∣iax Telamonius. Ships 12.
• * 1.44

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Diomed their captaine with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Eurialus.
• * 1.45

  Their fleet 80. saile.
• * 1.46

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ Their townes.▪
• * 1.47

  Agamemnon captaine.
• * 1.48

  Ships 100.
• * 1.49

  The Laced•…•…mo∣nians and their townes.
• * 1.50

  Menelaus cap∣taine.
• * 1.51

  Ships 60.
• * 1.52

  The Pylians and their townes.
• * 1.53

  Thamyris depri∣ued of sight and Poesie by the Muses.
• * 1.54

  Nestor captaine. Ships 90.
• * 1.55

  The Arcadians and their towns.
• * 1.56

  Agapenor their leader.
• * 1.57

  Ships 60.
• * 1.58

  The Epians and their townes.
• * 1.59

  Sphips 40.
• * 1.60

  Captaines Alphimachus, Talphius, Diores Polixenus.
• * 1.61

  Dulichians.
• * 1.62

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.63

  Ships 40.
• * 1.64

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and their towns.
• * 1.65

  Vlysses captaine. Ships. 12.
• * 1.66

  The Aetolians their captaines and townes.
• * 1.67

  Thoas captaine.
• * 1.68

  Ships. 40.
• * 1.69

  The Cretans▪ their townes and Captaines.
• * 1.70

  Idomeneus.
• * 1.71

  A hundred cities in Crete.
• * 1.72

  Ships 80.
• * 1.73

  Tlepolemus Cō∣mander of the Rhodians.
• * 1.74

  Ships 9.
• * 1.75

  Townes.
• * 1.76

  The Sym•…•…ns.
• * 1.77

  Nireus their Chiefe, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of all the Greekes but 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Ships 3.
• * 1.78

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and other Ilan∣ders.
• * 1.79

  Their Chiefe Phydippus and Antiphus.
• * 1.80

  Ships 30.
• * 1.81

  The Pelasgians Thessal. Myrmi∣dons.
• * 1.82

  Achilles their Captaine.
• * 1.83

  Ships 50.
• * 1.84

  Philacei, and their townes.
• * 1.85

  Protesilaus cap∣taine.
• * 1.86

  Ships. 40.
• * 1.87

  The Phereians and their towns.
• * 1.88

  Eumelus cap∣taine.
• * 1.89

  Ships 11.
• * 1.90

  The Methonians and their bor∣derers.
• * 1.91

  Their chiefe, Philoctetes, left maimed at 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.92

  Medon Oyleus base sonne, cap∣taine in Philoct. place.
• * 1.93

  The Thriccians, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, whose captaines were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Machaon.
• * 1.94

  Ships 30.
• * 1.95

  The Ormenians, with their bor∣derers.
• * 1.96

  Their captaine Euripilus.
• * 1.97

  Ships 40.
• * 1.98

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 with their borderers.
• * 1.99

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 their chiefe, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Ships 40.
• * 1.100

  The Cyphians, Enians, Pera∣bians.
• * 1.101

  Their chiefe Guneus.
• * 1.102

  Ships 22.
• * 1.103

  The Magnets. Prothous their chiefe.
• * 1.104

  Ships 40.
• * 1.105

  Eumelius had the best mares of the armie.
• * 1.106

  Aiax Telamo∣nius the stron∣gest Greeke next Achill•…•….
• * 1.107

  Achilles the best horse.
• * 1.108

  Iris to the Tro∣ians, from Ioue.
• * 1.109

  Iris to Priam.
• * 1.110

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 tumulus
• * 1.111

  Hector Generall of the Troians.
• * 1.112

  The catalogue of other captaines.
• * 1.113

  Dardans, and Aeneas their captain•…•….
• * 1.114

  Archiloc•…•…s. Acamas.
• * 1.115

  The Aphnij.
• * 1.116

  Pandarus their leader.
• * 1.117

  Adrestians.
• * 1.118

  Their Chiefe Adrestus and Amphius.
• * 1.119

  Percosians, S•…•…∣stians, Abidens, 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ led by Asius.
• * 1.120

  The Pelasgians.
• * 1.121

  Their chiefe, 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ and 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.122

  The Thracians.
• * 1.123

  Their chiefe Py∣rous & 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.124

  Euphemus Capt. of the Ciconians.
• * 1.125

  Pyrechm•…•…s Com∣mander of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.126

  Pylemē captain of the Paphla∣gonians.
• * 1.127

  〈◊〉〈◊〉, their captaine Epistrophus and Dius.
• * 1.128

  The Mysians. Eunomus and C•…•…ronius.
• * 1.129

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Their Chiefes Phorcis and 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪
• * 1.130

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Antiphus and Methles cap∣taines.
• * 1.131

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ and Milesians led by Amphimacus and Naustes.
• * 1.132

  The Lycians whose Comman∣ders were Sarpe don & 〈◊〉〈◊〉.