Achilles over the Trench -
xviii.202
Thus having said, forthwith on her way went quick-footed Iris.
Then did Achilles, dear unto Zeus, uprise; and around him Athene
Over his powerful shoulders planted her bright-fringed aegis;
She, the most holy of Goddesses, rounding his head then a golden
Cloud spread, kindling the flame of it into a wide-raying brilliance.
Now, as when up from a town comes a smoke forth, mounting to aether,
Out of an isle far distant, set round about it with foemen,
All through day do the townsfolk carry on hideous warfare,
Makeing their sallies; but they full soon at the sun's going downward
Light up their close-rowed beacon-fires, so that the blaze of them high lifts,
Thence to be seen of the neighbour coastmen, hopeful if, mayhap,
Those in their vessels be drawn to protect that town from destruction;
So from Achilles' head went the radiance shooting up skyward.
Now having come to the trench outside of the wall, there he stood fast,
Nor with Achaians mixed, for wise knew he his mother's injunction.
Sole there standing he shouted; his voice then did Pallas Athene
Double afar; & the Trojans roused he to terrified tumult.
Even as when sharp clear, when a clarion's note has resounded
Out of the midst of the foemen rounding a city, destroyers,
Not less clear o'er the host did the shrill voice of Aiakides ring.
So when the brazen shout of Aiakides then had these heard,
All in their souls were aghast; & the fair-maned horses for presage
Bodeful took it at heart, & they swung round their chariots backward.
Frighted the charioteers were to see the inveterate fire rise,
Terribly off that head of the great-hearted issue of Peleus
Burning, kindled to blaze by the Goddess, blue-eyed Athene.
Thrice then over the trench big shouts raised god-like Achilles;
Thrice fell the Trojan host & their brilliant allies in confusion.
There too perished then by the jam of the spears & the car-wheels
Twelve of their choicest heroes. But now the exulting Achaians
Drew Patroklos out of the flight of the darts; on a litter
Laid they him; & about him, bewailing him, stood his dear comrades;
Mid them swift-footed Achilles followed, hot tears from his eyes poured
Streaming at sight of his faithful comrade prone on the bier there,
Pierced by the sharp bronze through; whom he sent with his horses & war-car
Forth to the fight, no more his returning to greet with the welcome.
Thus having said, forthwith on her way went quick-footed Iris.
Then did Achilles, dear unto Zeus, uprise; and around him Athene
Over his powerful shoulders planted her bright-fringed aegis;
She, the most holy of Goddesses, rounding his head then a golden
Cloud spread, kindling the flame of it into a wide-raying brilliance.
Now, as when up from a town comes a smoke forth, mounting to aether,
Out of an isle far distant, set round about it with foemen,
All through day do the townsfolk carry on hideous warfare,
Makeing their sallies; but they full soon at the sun's going downward
Light up their close-rowed beacon-fires, so that the blaze of them high lifts,
Thence to be seen of the neighbour coastmen, hopeful if, mayhap,
Those in their vessels be drawn to protect that town from destruction;
So from Achilles' head went the radiance shooting up skyward.
Now having come to the trench outside of the wall, there he stood fast,
Nor with Achaians mixed, for wise knew he his mother's injunction.
Sole there standing he shouted; his voice then did Pallas Athene
Double afar; & the Trojans roused he to terrified tumult.
Even as when sharp clear, when a clarion's note has resounded
Out of the midst of the foemen rounding a city, destroyers,
Not less clear o'er the host did the shrill voice of Aiakides ring.
So when the brazen shout of Aiakides then had these heard,
All in their souls were aghast; & the fair-maned horses for presage
Bodeful took it at heart, & they swung round their chariots backward.
Frighted the charioteers were to see the inveterate fire rise,
Terribly off that head of the great-hearted issue of Peleus
Burning, kindled to blaze by the Goddess, blue-eyed Athene.
Thrice then over the trench big shouts raised god-like Achilles;
Thrice fell the Trojan host & their brilliant allies in confusion.
There too perished then by the jam of the spears & the car-wheels
Twelve of their choicest heroes. But now the exulting Achaians
Drew Patroklos out of the flight of the darts; on a litter
Laid they him; & about him, bewailing him, stood his dear comrades;
Mid them swift-footed Achilles followed, hot tears from his eyes poured
Streaming at sight of his faithful comrade prone on the bier there,
Pierced by the sharp bronze through; whom he sent with his horses & war-car
Forth to the fight, no more his returning to greet with the welcome.
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