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[1]Now marshall'd all beneath their several chiefs, With deafening shouts, and with the clang of arms, The host of Troy advanced. Such clang is heard Along the skies, when from incessant showers Escaping, and from winter's cold, the cranes5 Take wing, and over Ocean speed away;[2] Wo to the land of dwarfs! prepared they fly For slaughter of the small Pygmæan race. Not so the Greeks; they breathing valor came, But silent all, and all with faithful hearts10 On succor mutual to the last, resolved. As when the south wind wraps the mountain top In mist the shepherd's dread, but to the thief Than night itself more welcome, and the eye Is bounded in its ken to a stone's cast,15 Such from beneath their footsteps dun and dense Uprose the dust, for swift they cross the plain.

066 When, host to host opposed, full nigh they stood,

Then Alexander[3] in the Trojan van Advanced was seen, all beauteous as a God;20 His leopard's skin, his falchion and his bow Hung from his shoulder; bright with heads of brass He shook two spears, and challenged to the fight The bravest Argives there, defying all. Him, striding haughtily his host before25 When Menelaus saw, such joy he felt As hunger-pinch'd the lion feels, by chance Conducted to some carcase huge, wild goat, Or antler'd stag; huntsmen and baying hounds Disturb not him, he gorges in their sight.30 So Menelaus at the view rejoiced Of lovely Alexander, for he hoped His punishment at hand. At once, all armed, Down from his chariot to the ground he leap'd

When godlike Paris him in front beheld35

Conspicuous, his heart smote him, and his fate

Avoiding, far within the lines he shrank.[4] As one, who in some woodland height descrying A serpent huge, with sudden start recoils, His limbs shake under him; with cautious step40 He slow retires; fear blanches cold his cheeks; So beauteous Alexander at the sight Of Atreus' son dishearten'd sore, the ranks Of haughty Trojans enter'd deep again: Him Hector eyed, and thus rebuked severe.45

Curst Paris! Fair deceiver! Woman-mad!

I would to all in heaven that thou hadst died

Unborn, at least unmated! happier far

067 Than here to have incurr'd this public shame!

Well may the Grecians taunt, and laughing loud,50

Applaud the champion, slow indeed to fight

And pusillanimous, but wondrous fair.

Wast thou as timid, tell me, when with those

Thy loved companions in that famed exploit,

Thou didst consort with strangers, and convey55

From distant lands a warrior's beauteous bride

To be thy father's and his people's curse,

Joy to our foes, but to thyself reproach?

Behold her husband! Darest thou not to face

The warlike prince? Now learn how brave a Chief60

Thou hast defrauded of his blooming spouse.

Thy lyre, thy locks, thy person, specious gifts

Of partial Venus, will avail thee nought,

Once mixt by Menelaus with the dust.

But we are base ourselves, or long ago,65

For all thy numerous mischiefs, thou hadst slept

Secure beneath a coverlet[5] of stone.[6]

Then godlike Alexander thus replied.

Oh Hector, true in temper as the axe

Which in the shipwright's hand the naval plank70

Divides resistless, doubling all his force,

Such is thy dauntless spirit whose reproach

Perforce I own, nor causeless nor unjust.

Yet let the gracious gifts uncensured pass

Of golden Venus; man may not reject75

The glorious bounty by the Gods bestow'd,

Nor follows their beneficence our choice.

But if thy pleasure be that I engage

With Menelaus in decision fierce

Of desperate combat bid the host of Troy80

And bid the Grecians sit; then face to face

Commit us, in the vacant field between,

To fight for Helen and for all her wealth.

068 Who strongest proves, and conquers, he, of her

And hers possess'd shall bear them safe away;85

While ye (peace sworn and firm accord) shall dwell

At Troy, and these to Argos shall return

And to Achaia praised for women fair.

He ceased, whom Hector heard with joy; he moved

Into the middle space, and with his spear90

Advanced athwart push'd back the Trojan van,

And all stood fast. Meantime at him the Greeks

Discharged full volley, showering thick around

From bow and sling;[7] when with a mighty voice Thus Agamemnon, leader of the host.95

Argives! Be still—shoot not, ye sons of Greece!

Hector bespeaks attention. Hear the Chief!

He said, at once the Grecians ceased to shoot,

And all sat silent. Hector then began.

Hear me, ye Trojans, and ye Greeks mail-arm'd,100

While I shall publish in your ears the words

Of Alexander, author of our strife.

Trojans, he bids, and Grecians on the field

Their arms dispose; while he, the hosts between,

With warlike Menelaus shall in fight105

Contend for Helen, and for all her wealth.

Who strongest proves, and conquers, he, of her

And hers possess'd, shall bear them safe away,

And oaths of amity shall bind the rest.

He ceased, and all deep silence held, amazed;110

When valiant Menelaus thus began.

Hear now me also, on whose aching heart

These woes have heaviest fallen. At last I hope

Decision near, Trojans and Greeks between,

For ye have suffer'd in my quarrel much,115

And much by Paris, author of the war.

Die he who must, and peace be to the rest.

But ye shall hither bring two lambs, one white,

069 The other black;[8] this to the Earth devote, That to the Sun. We shall ourselves supply120 A third for Jove. Then bring ye Priam forth, Himself to swear the covenant, (for his sons Are faithless) lest the oath of Jove be scorn'd. Young men are ever of unstable mind; But when an elder interferes, he views125 Future and past together, and insures The compact, to both parties, uninfringed.

So Menelaus spake; and in all hearts

Awaken'd joyful hope that there should end

War's long calamities. Alighted each,130

And drew his steeds into the lines. The field

Glitter'd with arms put off, and side by side,

Ranged orderly, while the interrupted war

Stood front to front, small interval between.

Then Hector to the city sent in haste135

Two heralds for the lambs, and to invite

Priam; while Agamemnon, royal Chief,

Talthybius to the Grecian fleet dismiss'd

For a third lamb to Jove; nor he the voice

Of noble Agamemnon disobey'd.140

Iris, ambassadress of heaven, the while,

To Helen came. Laödice she seem'd,

Loveliest of all the daughters of the house

Of Priam, wedded to Antenor's son,

King Helicäon. Her she found within,145

An ample web magnificent she wove,[9] Inwrought with numerous conflicts for her sake Beneath the hands of Mars endured by Greeks Mail-arm'd, and Trojans of equestrian fame. 070 Swift Iris, at her side, her thus address'd.150

Haste, dearest nymph! a wondrous sight behold!

Greeks brazen-mail'd, and Trojans steed-renown'd.

So lately on the cruel work of Mars

Intent and hot for mutual havoc, sit

Silent; the war hath paused, and on his shield155

Each leans, his long spear planted at his side.

Paris and Menelaus, warrior bold,

With quivering lances shall contend for thee,

And thou art his who conquers; his for ever.

So saying, the Goddess into Helen's soul160

Sweetest desire infused to see again

Her former Lord, her parents, and her home.

At once o'ermantled with her snowy veil

She started forth, and as she went let fall

A tender tear; not unaccompanied165

She went, but by two maidens of her train

Attended, Æthra, Pittheus' daughter fair,

And soft-eyed Clymene. Their hasty steps

Convey'd them quickly to the Scæan gate.

There Priam, Panthous, Clytius, Lampus sat,170

Thymoetes, Hicetaon, branch of Mars,

Antenor and Ucalegon the wise,

All, elders of the people; warriors erst,

But idle now through age, yet of a voice

Still indefatigable as the fly's[10]175 Which perch'd among the boughs sends forth at noon Through all the grove his slender ditty sweet. Such sat those Trojan leaders on the tower, Who, soon as Helen on the steps they saw, In accents quick, but whisper'd, thus remark'd.180

Trojans and Grecians wage, with fair excuse,

Long war for so much beauty.[11] Oh, how like In feature to the Goddesses above! 071 Pernicious loveliness! Ah, hence away, Resistless as thou art and all divine,185 Nor leave a curse to us, and to our sons.

So they among themselves; but Priam call'd

Fair Helen to his side.[12] My daughter dear! Come, sit beside me. Thou shalt hence discern Thy former Lord, thy kindred and thy friends.190 I charge no blame on thee. The Gods have caused, Not thou, this lamentable war to Troy.[13] Name to me yon Achaian Chief for bulk Conspicuous, and for port. Taller indeed I may perceive than he; but with these eyes195 Saw never yet such dignity, and grace. Declare his name. Some royal Chief he seems.

To whom thus Helen, loveliest of her sex,

My other Sire! by me for ever held

In reverence, and with filial fear beloved!200

Oh that some cruel death had been my choice,

Rather than to abandon, as I did,

All joys domestic, matrimonial bliss,

Brethren, dear daughter, and companions dear,

A wanderer with thy son. Yet I alas!205

Died not, and therefore now, live but to weep.

But I resolve thee. Thou behold'st the son

072 Of Atreus, Agamemnon, mighty king,

In arms heroic, gracious in the throne,

And, (though it shame me now to call him such,)210

By nuptial ties a brother once to me.

Then him the ancient King-admiring, said.

Oh blest Atrides, happy was thy birth,

And thy lot glorious, whom this gallant host

So numerous, of the sons of Greece obey!215

To vine-famed Phrygia, in my days of youth,

I journey'd; many Phrygians there I saw,

Brave horsemen, and expert; they were the powers

Of Otreus and of Mygdon, godlike Chief,

And on the banks of Sangar's stream encamp'd.220

I march'd among them, chosen in that war

Ally of Phrygia, and it was her day

Of conflict with the man-defying race,

The Amazons; yet multitudes like these

Thy bright-eyed Greeks, I saw not even there.225

The venerable King observing next

Ulysses, thus inquired. My child, declare

Him also. Shorter by the head he seems

Than Agamemnon, Atreus' mighty son,

But shoulder'd broader, and of ampler chest;230

He hath disposed his armor on the plain,

But like a ram, himself the warrior ranks

Ranges majestic; like a ram full-fleeced

By numerous sheep encompass'd snowy-white.

To whom Jove's daughter Helen thus replied.235

In him the son of old Laërtes know,

Ulysses; born in Ithaca the rude,

But of a piercing wit, and deeply wise.

Then answer thus, Antenor sage return'd.

Princess thou hast described him: hither once240

The noble Ithacan, on thy behalf

Ambassador with Menelaus, came:

Beneath my roof, with hospitable fare

Friendly I entertained them. Seeing then

Occasion opportune, I closely mark'd245

073 The genius and the talents of the Chiefs,

And this I noted well; that when they stood

Amid the assembled counsellors of Troy,

Then Menelaus his advantage show'd,

Who by the shoulders overtopp'd his friend.250

But when both sat, Ulysses in his air

Had more of state and dignity than he.

In the delivery of a speech address'd

To the full senate, Menelaus used

Few words, but to the matter, fitly ranged,255

And with much sweetness utter'd; for in loose

And idle play of ostentatious terms

He dealt not, thhugh he were the younger man.

But when the wise Ulysses from his seat

Had once arisen, he would his downcast eyes260

So rivet on the earth, and with a hand

That seem'd untutor'd in its use, so hold

His sceptre, swaying it to neither side,

That hadst thou seen him, thou hadst thought him, sure,

Some chafed and angry idiot, passion-fixt.265

Yet, when at length, the clear and mellow base

Of his deep voice brake forth, and he let fall

His chosen words like flakes of feather'd snow,

None then might match Ulysses; leisure, then,

Found none to wonder at his noble form.270

The third of whom the venerable king

Inquired, was Ajax.—Yon Achaian tall,

Whose head and shoulders tower above the rest,

And of such bulk prodigious—who is he?

Him answer'd Helen, loveliest of her sex.275

A bulwark of the Greeks. In him thou seest

Gigantic Ajax. Opposite appear

The Cretans, and among the Chiefs of Crete

stands, like a God, Idomeneus. Him oft

From Crete arrived, was Menelaüs wont280

To entertain; and others now I see,

Achaians, whom I could recall to mind,

And give to each his name; but two brave youths

074 I yet discern not; for equestrian skill

One famed, and one a boxer never foiled;285

My brothers; born of Leda; sons of Jove;

Castor and Pollux. Either they abide

In lovely Sparta still, or if they came,

Decline the fight, by my disgrace abash'd

And the reproaches which have fallen on me.[14]290

She said; but they already slept inhumed

In Lacedemon, in their native soil.

And now the heralds, through the streets of Troy

Charged with the lambs, and with a goat-skin filled

With heart-exhilarating wine prepared295

For that divine solemnity, return'd.

Idæus in his hand a beaker bore

Resplendent, with its fellow cups of gold,

And thus he summon'd ancient Priam forth.

Son of Laömedon, arise. The Chiefs300

Call thee, the Chiefs of Ilium and of Greece.

Descend into the plain. We strike a truce,

And need thine oath to bind it. Paris fights

With warlike Menelaüs for his spouse;

Their spears decide the strife. The conqueror wins305

Helen and all her treasures. We, thenceforth,

(Peace sworn and amity) shall dwell secure

In Troy, while they to Argos shall return

And to Achaia praised for women fair.

He spake, and Priam, shuddering, bade his train310

Prepare his steeds; they sedulous obey'd.

First, Priam mounting, backward stretch'd the reins;

Antenor, next, beside him sat, and through

The Scæan gate they drove into the plain.

Arriving at the hosts of Greece and Troy315

They left the chariot, and proceeded both

Into the interval between the hosts.

075 Then uprose Agamemnon, and uprose

All-wise Ulysses. Next, the heralds came

Conspicuous forward, expediting each320

The ceremonial; they the beaker fill'd

With wine, and to the hands of all the kings

Minister'd water. Agamemnon then

Drawing his dagger which he ever bore

Appendant to his heavy falchion's sheath,325

Cut off the forelocks of the lambs,[15] of which The heralds gave to every Grecian Chief A portion, and to all the Chiefs of Troy. Then Agamemnon raised his hands, and pray'd.

Jove, Father, who from Ida stretchest forth330

Thine arm omnipotent, o'erruling all,

And thou, all-seeing and all-hearing Sun,

Ye Rivers, and thou conscious Earth, and ye

Who under earth on human kind avenge

Severe, the guilt of violated oaths,335

Hear ye, and ratify what now we swear!

Should Paris slay the hero amber-hair'd,

My brother Menelaüs, Helen's wealth

And Helen's self are his, and all our host

Shall home return to Greece; but should it chance340

That Paris fall by Menelaüs' hand,

Then Troy shall render back what she detains,

With such amercement as is meet, a sum

To be remember'd in all future times.

Which penalty should Priam and his sons345

Not pay, though Paris fall, then here in arms

I will contend for payment of the mulct

My due, till, satisfied, I close the war.

He said, and with his ruthless steel the lambs

Stretch'd panting all, but soon they ceased to pant,350

For mortal was the stroke.[16] Then drawing forth 076 Wine from the beaker, they with brimming cups Hail'd the immortal Gods, and pray'd again, And many a Grecian thus and Trojan spake.

All-glorious Jove, and ye the powers of heaven,355

Whoso shall violate this contract first,

So be the brains of them and of their sons

Pour'd out, as we this wine pour on the earth,

And may their wives bring forth to other men!

So they: but them Jove heard not. Then arose360

Priam, the son of Dardanus, and said,

Hear me, ye Trojans and ye Greeks well-arm'd.

Hence back to wind-swept Ilium I return,

Unable to sustain the sight, my son

With warlike Menelaüs match'd in arms.365

Jove knows, and the immortal Gods, to whom

Of both, this day is preordain'd the last.

So spake the godlike monarch, and disposed

Within the royal chariot all the lambs;

Then, mounting, check'd the reins; Antenor next370

Ascended, and to Ilium both return'd.

First, Hector and Ulysses, noble Chief,

Measured the ground; then taking lots for proof

Who of the combatants should foremost hurl

His spear, they shook them in a brazen casque;375

Meantime the people raised their hands on high,

And many a Grecian thus and Trojan prayed.

Jove, Father, who on Ida seated, seest

And rulest all below, glorious in power!

Of these two champions, to the drear abodes380

Of Ades him appoint who furnish'd first

The cause of strife between them, and let peace

Oath-bound, and amity unite the rest!

So spake the hosts; then Hector shook the lots,

Majestic Chief, turning his face aside.385

Forth sprang the lot of Paris. They in ranks

Sat all, where stood the fiery steeds of each,

And where his radiant arms lay on the field.

Illustrious Alexander his bright arms

077 Put on, fair Helen's paramour. [17]He clasp'd390 His polish'd greaves with silver studs secured; His brother's corselet to his breast he bound, Lycaon's, apt to his own shape and size, And slung athwart his shoulders, bright emboss'd, His brazen sword; his massy buckler broad395 He took, and to his graceful head his casque Adjusted elegant, which, as he moved, Its bushy crest waved dreadful; last he seized, Well fitted to his gripe, his ponderous spear. Meantime the hero Menelaüs made400 Like preparation, and his arms put on.

When thus, from all the multitude apart,

Both combatants had arm'd, with eyes that flash'd

Defiance, to the middle space they strode,

Trojans and Greeks between. Astonishment405

Seized all beholders. On the measured ground

Full near they stood, each brandishing on high

His massy spear, and each was fiery wroth.

First, Alexander his long-shadow'd spear

Sent forth, and on his smooth shield's surface struck410

The son of Atreus, but the brazen guard

Pierced not, for at the disk, with blunted point

Reflex, his ineffectual weapon stay'd.

078 Then Menelaüs to the fight advanced

Impetuous, after prayer offer'd to Jove.[18]415

King over all! now grant me to avenge

My wrongs on Alexander; now subdue

The aggressor under me; that men unborn

May shudder at the thought of faith abused,

And hospitality with rape repaid.420

He said, and brandishing his massy spear,

Dismiss'd it. Through the burnish'd buckler broad

Of Priam's son the stormy weapon flew,

Transpierced his costly hauberk, and the vest

Ripp'd on his flank; but with a sideward bend425

He baffled it, and baulk'd the dreadful death.

Then Menelaüs drawing his bright blade,

Swung it aloft, and on the hairy crest

Smote him; but shiver'd into fragments small

The falchion at the stroke fell from his hand.430

Vexation fill'd him; to the spacious heavens

He look'd, and with a voice of wo exclaim'd—

Jupiter! of all powers by man adored

To me most adverse! Confident I hoped

Revenge for Paris' treason, but my sword435

Is shivered, and I sped my spear in vain.

So saying, he sprang on him, and his long crest

Seized fast; then, turning, drew him by that hold

Toward the Grecian host. The broider'd band

That underbraced his helmet at the chin,440

Strain'd to his smooth neck with a ceaseless force,

Chok'd him; and now had Menelaus won

Deathless renown, dragging him off the field,

But Venus, foam-sprung Goddess, feeling quick

His peril imminent, snapp'd short the brace445

Though stubborn, by a slaughter'd[19] ox supplied, And the void helmet follow'd as he pull'd. 079 That prize the Hero, whirling it aloft, Threw to his Greeks, who caught it and secured, Then with vindictive strides he rush'd again450 On Paris, spear in hand; but him involved In mist opaque Venus with ease divine Snatch'd thence, and in his chamber placed him, fill'd With scents odorous, spirit-soothing sweets. Nor stay'd the Goddess, but at once in quest455 Of Helen went; her on a lofty tower She found, where many a damsel stood of Troy, And twitch'd her fragrant robe. In form she seem'd An ancient matron, who, while Helen dwelt In Lacedæmon, her unsullied wool460 Dress'd for her, faithfullest of all her train. Like her disguised the Goddess thus began.

Haste—Paris calls thee—on his sculptured couch,

(Sparkling alike his looks and his attire)

He waits thy wish'd return. Thou wouldst not dream465

That he had fought; he rather seems prepared

For dance, or after dance, for soft repose.

So saying, she tumult raised in Helen's mind.

Yet soon as by her symmetry of neck,

By her love-kindling breasts and luminous eyes470

She knew the Goddess, her she thus bespake.

Ah whence, deceitful deity! thy wish

Now to ensnare me? Wouldst thou lure me, say,

To some fair city of Mæonian name

Or Phrygian, more remote from Sparta still?475

Hast thou some human favorite also there?

Is it because Atrides hath prevailed

To vanquish Paris, and would bear me home

Unworthy as I am, that thou attempt'st

Again to cheat me? Go thyself—sit thou480

Beside him—for his sake renounce the skies;

Watch him, weep for him; till at length his wife

He deign to make thee, or perchance his slave.

I go not (now to go were shame indeed)

To dress his couch; nor will I be the jest485

080 Of all my sex in Ilium. Oh! my griefs

Are infinite, and more than I can bear.

To whom, the foam-sprung Goddess, thus incensed.

Ah wretch! provoke not me; lest in my wrath

Abandoning thee, I not hate thee less490

Than now I fondly love thee, and beget

Such detestation of thee in all hearts,

Grecian and Trojan, that thou die abhorr'd.

The Goddess ceased. Jove's daughter, Helen, fear'd,

And, in her lucid veil close wrapt around,495

Silent retired, of all those Trojan dames

Unseen, and Venus led, herself, the way.

Soon then as Alexander's fair abode

They reach'd, her maidens quick their tasks resumed,

And she to her own chamber lofty-roof'd500

Ascended, loveliest of her sex. A seat

For Helen, daughter of Jove Ægis-arm'd,

To Paris opposite, the Queen of smiles

Herself disposed; but with averted eyes

She sat before him, and him keen reproach'd.505

Thou hast escaped.—Ah would that thou hadst died

By that heroic arm, mine husband's erst!

Thou once didst vaunt thee in address and strength

Superior. Go then—challenge yet again

The warlike Menelaüs forth in fight.510

But hold. The hero of the amber locks

Provoke no more so rashly, lest the point

Of his victorious spear soon stretch thee dead.

She ended, to whom Paris thus replied.

Ah Helen, wound me not with taunt severe!515

Me, Menelaüs, by Minerva's aid,

Hath vanquish'd now, who may hereafter, him.

We also have our Gods. But let us love.

For never since the day when thee I bore

From pleasant Lacedæmon o'er the waves520

To Cranäe's fair isle, and first enjoy'd

Thy beauty, loved I as I love thee now,

Or felt such sweetness of intense desire.

081 He spake, and sought his bed, whom follow'd soon

Jove's daughter, reconciled to his embrace.525

But Menelaüs like a lion ranged

The multitude, inquiring far and near

For Paris lost. Yet neither Trojan him

Nor friend of Troy could show, whom, else, through love

None had conceal'd, for him as death itself530

All hated, but his going none had seen.

Amidst them all then spake the King of men.

Trojans, and Dardans, and allies of Troy!

The warlike Menelaüs hath prevailed,

As is most plain. Now therefore bring ye forth535

Helen with all her treasures, also bring

Such large amercement as is meet, a sum

To be remember'd in all future times.

So spake Atrides, and Achaia's host

With loud applause confirm'd the monarch's claim.540

083