THE SINGLE COMBAT OF HECTOR AND AJAX.
The battle renewing with double ardour upon the return of Hector, Minerva is under apprehensions1 for the Greeks. Apollo, seeing her descend2 from Olympus, joins her near the Scaean gate. They agree to put off the general engagement for that day, and incite3 Hector to challenge the Greeks to a single combat. Nine of the princes accepting the challenge, the lot is cast and falls upon Ajax. These heroes, after several attacks, are parted by the night. The Trojans calling a council, Antenor purposes the delivery of Helen to the Greeks, to which Paris will not consent, but offers to restore them her riches. Priam sends a herald4 to make this offer, and to demand a truce5 for burning the dead, the last of which only is agreed to by Agamemnon. When the funerals are performed, the Greeks, pursuant to the advice of Nestor, erect6 a fortification to protect their fleet and camp, flanked with towers, and defended by a ditch and palisades. Neptune7 testifies his jealousy8 at this work, but is pacified9 by a promise from Jupiter. Both armies pass the night in feasting but Jupiter disheartens the Trojans with thunder, and other signs of his wrath10.
The three and twentieth day ends with the duel11 of Hector and Ajax, the next day the truce is agreed; another is taken up in the funeral rites12 of the slain13 and one more in building the fortification before the ships. So that somewhat about three days is employed in this book. The scene lies wholly in the field.
So spoke14 the guardian15 of the Trojan state,
Then rush'd impetuous through the Scaean gate.
Him Paris follow'd to the dire16 alarms;
Both breathing slaughter17, both resolved in arms.
As when to sailors labouring through the main,
That long have heaved the weary oar18 in vain,
Jove bids at length the expected gales19 arise;
The gales blow grateful, and the vessel20 flies.
So welcome these to Troy's desiring train,
The bands are cheer'd, the war awakes again.
Bold Paris first the work of death begun
On great Menestheus, Areithous' son,
Sprung from the fair Philomeda's embrace,
The pleasing Arne was his native place.
Then sunk Eioneus to the shades below,
Beneath his steely casque he felt the blow177
[pg 128]
Full on his neck, from Hector's weighty hand;
And roll'd, with limbs relax'd, along the land.
By Glaucus' spear the bold Iphmous bleeds,
Fix'd in the shoulder as he mounts his steeds;
Headlong he tumbles: his slack nerves unbound,
drop the cold useless members on the ground.
When now Minerva saw her Argives slain,
From vast Olympus to the gleaming plain
Fierce she descends21: Apollo marked her flight,
Nor shot less swift from Ilion's towery height.
Radiant they met, beneath the beechen shade;
When thus Apollo to the blue-eyed maid:
"What cause, O daughter of Almighty22 Jove!
Thus wings thy progress from the realms above?
Once more impetuous dost thou bend thy way,
To give to Greece the long divided day?
Too much has Troy already felt thy hate,
Now breathe thy rage, and hush24 the stern debate;
This day, the business of the field suspend;
War soon shall kindle25, and great Ilion bend;
Since vengeful goddesses confederate join
To raze26 her walls, though built by hands divine."
To whom the progeny27 of Jove replies:
"I left, for this, the council of the skies:
But who shall bid conflicting hosts forbear,
What art shall calm the furious sons of war?"
To her the god: "Great Hector's soul incite
To dare the boldest Greek to single fight,
Till Greece, provoked, from all her numbers show
A warrior29 worthy30 to be Hector's foe31."
At this agreed, the heavenly powers withdrew;
Sage32 Helenus their secret counsels knew;
Hector, inspired, he sought: to him address'd,
Thus told the dictates33 of his sacred breast:
"O son of Priam! let thy faithful ear
Receive my words: thy friend and brother hear!
Go forth34 persuasive35, and a while engage
The warring nations to suspend their rage;
Then dare the boldest of the hostile train
To mortal combat on the listed plain.
For not this day shall end thy glorious date;
The gods have spoke it, and their voice is fate."
He said: the warrior heard the word with joy;
Then with his spear restrain'd the youth of Troy,
Held by the midst athwart. On either hand
The squadrons part; the expecting Trojans stand;
Great Agamemnon bids the Greeks forbear:
They breathe, and hush the tumult36 of the war.
The Athenian maid, and glorious god of day,178
[pg 129]
With silent joy the settling hosts survey:
In form of vultures, on the beech's height
They sit conceal'd, and wait the future fight.
The thronging37 troops obscure the dusky fields,
Horrid38 with bristling39 spears, and gleaming shields.
As when a general darkness veils the main,
(Soft Zephyr40 curling the wide wat'ry plain,)
The waves scarce heave, the face of ocean sleeps,
And a still horror saddens all the deeps;
Thus in thick orders settling wide around,
At length composed they sit, and shade the ground.
Great Hector first amidst both armies broke
The solemn silence, and their powers bespoke41:
"Hear, all ye Trojan, all ye Grecian bands,
What my soul prompts, and what some god commands.
Great Jove, averse42 our warfare43 to compose,
O'erwhelms the nations with new toils44 and woes45;
War with a fiercer tide once more returns,
Till Ilion falls, or till yon navy burns.
You then, O princes of the Greeks! appear;
'Tis Hector speaks, and calls the gods to hear:
From all your troops select the boldest knight47,
And him, the boldest, Hector dares to fight.
Here if I fall, by chance of battle slain,
Be his my spoil, and his these arms remain;
But let my body, to my friends return'd,
By Trojan hands and Trojan flames be burn'd.
And if Apollo, in whose aid I trust,
Shall stretch your daring champion in the dust;
If mine the glory to despoil48 the foe;
On Phoebus' temple I'll his arms bestow49:
The breathless carcase to your navy sent,
Greece on the shore shall raise a monument;
Which when some future mariner50 surveys,
Wash'd by broad Hellespont's resounding51 seas,
Thus shall he say, 'A valiant52 Greek lies there,
By Hector slain, the mighty23 man of war,'
The stone shall tell your vanquish'd hero's name.
And distant ages learn the victor's fame."
This fierce defiance53 Greece astonish'd heard,
Blush'd to refuse, and to accept it fear'd.
Stern Menelaus first the silence broke,
And, inly groaning54, thus opprobrious55 spoke:
"Women of Greece! O scandal of your race,
Whose coward souls your manly56 form disgrace,
How great the shame, when every age shall know
That not a Grecian met this noble foe!
Go then! resolve to earth, from whence ye grew,
A heartless, spiritless, inglorious crew!
Be what ye seem, unanimated clay,
[pg 130]
Myself will dare the danger of the day;
'Tis man's bold task the generous strife57 to try,
But in the hands of God is victory."
These words scarce spoke, with generous ardour press'd,
His manly limbs in azure58 arms he dress'd.
That day, Atrides! a superior hand
Had stretch'd thee breathless on the hostile strand59;
But all at once, thy fury to compose,
The kings of Greece, an awful band, arose;
Even he their chief, great Agamemnon, press'd
Thy daring hand, and this advice address'd:
"Whither, O Menelaus! wouldst thou run,
And tempt60 a fate which prudence61 bids thee shun62?
Grieved though thou art, forbear the rash design;
Great Hectors arm is mightier63 far than thine:
Even fierce Achilles learn'd its force to fear,
And trembling met this dreadful son of war.
Sit thou secure, amidst thy social band;
Greece in our cause shall arm some powerful hand.
The mightiest65 warrior of the Achaian name,
Though bold and burning with desire of fame,
Content the doubtful honour might forego,
So great the danger, and so brave the foe."
He said, and turn'd his brother's vengeful mind;
He stoop'd to reason, and his rage resign'd,
No longer bent66 to rush on certain harms;
His joyful67 friends unbrace his azure arms.
He from whose lips divine persuasion68 flows,
Grave Nestor, then, in graceful69 act arose;
Thus to the kings he spoke: "What grief, what shame
Attend on Greece, and all the Grecian name!
How shall, alas70! her hoary71 heroes mourn
Their sons degenerate72, and their race a scorn!
What tears shall down thy silvery beard be roll'd,
O Peleus, old in arms, in wisdom old!
Once with what joy the generous prince would hear
Of every chief who fought this glorious war,
Participate their fame, and pleased inquire
Each name, each action, and each hero's sire!
Gods! should he see our warriors73 trembling stand,
And trembling all before one hostile hand;
How would he lift his aged74 arms on high,
Lament75 inglorious Greece, and beg to die!
Oh! would to all the immortal76 powers above,
Minerva, Phoebus, and almighty Jove!
Years might again roll back, my youth renew,
And give this arm the spring which once it knew
When fierce in war, where Jardan's waters fall,
I led my troops to Phea's trembling wall,
And with the Arcadian spears my prowess tried,
[pg 131]
Where Celadon rolls down his rapid tide.179
There Ereuthalion braved us in the field,
Proud Areithous' dreadful arms to wield77;
Great Areithous, known from shore to shore
By the huge, knotted, iron mace78 he bore;
No lance he shook, nor bent the twanging bow,
But broke, with this, the battle of the foe.
Him not by manly force Lycurgus slew79,
Whose guileful80 javelin81 from the thicket82 flew,
Deep in a winding83 way his breast assailed84,
Nor aught the warrior's thundering mace avail'd.
Supine he fell: those arms which Mars before
Had given the vanquish'd, now the victor bore:
But when old age had dimm'd Lycurgus' eyes,
To Ereuthalion he consign'd the prize.
Furious with this he crush'd our levell'd bands,
And dared the trial of the strongest hands;
Nor could the strongest hands his fury stay:
All saw, and fear'd, his huge tempestuous85 sway
Till I, the youngest of the host, appear'd,
And, youngest, met whom all our army fear'd.
I fought the chief: my arms Minerva crown'd:
Prone86 fell the giant o'er a length of ground.
What then I was, O were your Nestor now!
Not Hector's self should want an equal foe.
But, warriors, you that youthful vigour87 boast,
The flower of Greece, the examples of our host,
Sprung from such fathers, who such numbers sway,
Can you stand trembling, and desert the day?"
His warm reproofs88 the listening kings inflame89;
And nine, the noblest of the Grecian name,
Up-started fierce: but far before the rest
The king of men advanced his dauntless breast:
Then bold Tydides, great in arms, appear'd;
And next his bulk gigantic Ajax rear'd;
Oileus follow'd; Idomen was there,180
And Merion, dreadful as the god of war:
With these Eurypylus and Thoas stand,
And wise Ulysses closed the daring band.
All these, alike inspired with noble rage,
Demand the fight. To whom the Pylian sage:
"Lest thirst of glory your brave souls divide,
What chief shall combat, let the gods decide.
Whom heaven shall choose, be his the chance to raise
His country's fame, his own immortal praise."
The lots produced, each hero signs his own:
Then in the general's helm the fates are thrown,181
[pg 132]
The people pray, with lifted eyes and hands,
And vows90 like these ascend91 from all the bands:
"Grant, thou Almighty! in whose hand is fate,
A worthy champion for the Grecian state:
This task let Ajax or Tydides prove,
Or he, the king of kings, beloved by Jove."
Old Nestor shook the casque. By heaven inspired,
Leap'd forth the lot, of every Greek desired.
This from the right to left the herald bears,
Held out in order to the Grecian peers;
Each to his rival yields the mark unknown,
Till godlike Ajax finds the lot his own;
Surveys the inscription92 with rejoicing eyes,
Then casts before him, and with transport cries:
"Warriors! I claim the lot, and arm with joy;
Be mine the conquest of this chief of Troy.
Now while my brightest arms my limbs invest,
To Saturn's son be all your vows address'd:
But pray in secret, lest the foes93 should hear,
And deem your prayers the mean effect of fear.
Said I in secret? No, your vows declare
In such a voice as fills the earth and air,
Lives there a chief whom Ajax ought to dread64?
Ajax, in all the toils of battle bred!
From warlike Salamis I drew my birth,
And, born to combats, fear no force on earth."
He said. The troops with elevated eyes,
Implore94 the god whose thunder rends95 the skies:
"O father of mankind, superior lord!
On lofty Ida's holy hill adored:
Who in the highest heaven hast fix'd thy throne,
Supreme96 of gods! unbounded and alone:
Grant thou, that Telamon may bear away
The praise and conquest of this doubtful day;
Or, if illustrious Hector be thy care,
That both may claim it, and that both may share."
Now Ajax braced97 his dazzling armour98 on;
Sheathed99 in bright steel the giant-warrior shone:
He moves to combat with majestic100 pace;
So stalks in arms the grisly god of Thrace,182
When Jove to punish faithless men prepares,
And gives whole nations to the waste of wars,
Thus march'd the chief, tremendous as a god;
Grimly he smiled; earth trembled as he strode:183
[pg 133]
His massy javelin quivering in his hand,
He stood, the bulwark101 of the Grecian band.
Through every Argive heart new transport ran;
All Troy stood trembling at the mighty man:
Even Hector paused; and with new doubt oppress'd,
Felt his great heart suspended in his breast:
'Twas vain to seek retreat, and vain to fear;
Himself had challenged, and the foe drew near.
Stern Telamon behind his ample shield,
As from a brazen102 tower, o'erlook'd the field.
Huge was its orb28, with seven thick folds o'ercast,
Of tough bull-hides; of solid brass103 the last,
(The work of Tychius, who in Hyle dwell'd
And in all arts of armoury excell'd,)
This Ajax bore before his manly breast,
And, threatening, thus his adverse104 chief address'd:
"Hector! approach my arm, and singly know
What strength thou hast, and what the Grecian foe.
Achilles shuns105 the fight; yet some there are,
Not void of soul, and not unskill'd in war:
Let him, unactive on the sea-beat shore,
Indulge his wrath, and aid our arms no more;
Whole troops of heroes Greece has yet to boast,
And sends thee one, a sample of her host,
Such as I am, I come to prove thy might;
No more—be sudden, and begin the fight."
"O son of Telamon, thy country's pride!
(To Ajax thus the Trojan prince replied)
Me, as a boy, or woman, wouldst thou fright,
New to the field, and trembling at the fight?
Thou meet'st a chief deserving of thy arms,
To combat born, and bred amidst alarms:
I know to shift my ground, remount the car,
Turn, charge, and answer every call of war;
To right, to left, the dexterous106 lance I wield,
And bear thick battle on my sounding shield
But open be our fight, and bold each blow;
I steal no conquest from a noble foe."
He said, and rising, high above the field
Whirl'd the long lance against the sevenfold shield.
Full on the brass descending107 from above
Through six bull-hides the furious weapon drove,
Till in the seventh it fix'd. Then Ajax threw;
Through Hector's shield the forceful javelin flew,
His corslet enters, and his garment rends,
And glancing downwards108, near his flank descends.
The wary109 Trojan shrinks, and bending low
Beneath his buckler, disappoints the blow.
From their bored shields the chiefs their javelins110 drew,
Then close impetuous, and the charge renew;
[pg 134]
Fierce as the mountain-lions bathed in blood,
Or foaming111 boars, the terror of the wood.
At Ajax, Hector his long lance extends;
The blunted point against the buckler bends;
But Ajax, watchful112 as his foe drew near,
Drove through the Trojan targe the knotty113 spear;
It reach'd his neck, with matchless strength impell'd!
Spouts114 the black gore115, and dims his shining shield.
Yet ceased not Hector thus; but stooping down,
In his strong hand up-heaved a flinty stone,
Black, craggy, vast: to this his force he bends;
Full on the brazen boss the stone descends;
The hollow brass resounded116 with the shock:
Then Ajax seized the fragment of a rock,
Applied117 each nerve, and swinging round on high,
With force tempestuous, let the ruin fly;
The huge stone thundering through his buckler broke:
His slacken'd knees received the numbing118 stroke;
Great Hector falls extended on the field,
His bulk supporting on the shatter'd shield:
Nor wanted heavenly aid: Apollo's might
Confirm'd his sinews, and restored to fight.
And now both heroes their broad falchions drew
In flaming circles round their heads they flew;
But then by heralds119' voice the word was given.
The sacred ministers of earth and heaven:
Divine Talthybius, whom the Greeks employ.
And sage Idaeus on the part of Troy,
[pg 135]
Between the swords their peaceful sceptres rear'd;
And first Idaeus' awful voice was heard:
Illustration: HECTOR AND AJAX SEPARATED BY THE HERALDS.
HECTOR AND AJAX SEPARATED BY THE HERALDS.
"Forbear, my sons! your further force to prove,
Both dear to men, and both beloved of Jove.
To either host your matchless worth is known,
Each sounds your praise, and war is all your own.
But now the Night extends her awful shade;
The goddess parts you; be the night obey'd."184
To whom great Ajax his high soul express'd:
"O sage! to Hector be these words address'd.
Let him, who first provoked our chiefs to fight,
Let him demand the sanction of the night;
If first he ask'd it, I content obey,
And cease the strife when Hector shows the way."
"O first of Greeks! (his noble foe rejoin'd)
Whom heaven adorns120, superior to thy kind,
With strength of body, and with worth of mind!
Now martial121 law commands us to forbear;
Hereafter we shall meet in glorious war,
Some future day shall lengthen122 out the strife,
And let the gods decide of death or life!
Since, then, the night extends her gloomy shade,
And heaven enjoins123 it, be the night obey'd.
Return, brave Ajax, to thy Grecian friends,
And joy the nations whom thy arm defends;
As I shall glad each chief, and Trojan wife,
Who wearies heaven with vows for Hector's life.
But let us, on this memorable124 day,
Exchange some gift: that Greece and Troy may say,
'Not hate, but glory, made these chiefs contend;
And each brave foe was in his soul a friend.'"
With that, a sword with stars of silver graced,
The baldric studded, and the sheath enchased,
He gave the Greek. The generous Greek bestow'd
A radiant belt that rich with purple glow'd.
Then with majestic grace they quit the plain;
This seeks the Grecian, that the Phrygian train.
The Trojan bands returning Hector wait,
And hail with joy the Champion of their state;
Escaped great Ajax, they survey him round,
Alive, unarm'd, and vigorous from his wound;
To Troy's high gates the godlike man they bear
Their present triumph, as their late despair.
But Ajax, glorying in his hardy125 deed,
The well-arm'd Greeks to Agamemnon lead.
A steer126 for sacrifice the king design'd,
[pg 136]
Of full five years, and of the nobler kind.
The victim falls; they strip the smoking hide,
The beast they quarter, and the joints127 divide;
Then spread the tables, the repast prepare,
Each takes his seat, and each receives his share.
The king himself (an honorary sign)
Before great Ajax placed the mighty chine.185
When now the rage of hunger was removed,
Nestor, in each persuasive art approved,
The sage whose counsels long had sway'd the rest,
In words like these his prudent128 thought express'd:
"How dear, O kings! this fatal day has cost,
What Greeks are perish'd! what a people lost!
What tides of blood have drench'd Scamander's shore!
What crowds of heroes sunk to rise no more!
Then hear me, chief! nor let the morrow's light
Awake thy squadrons to new toils of fight:
Some space at least permit the war to breathe,
While we to flames our slaughter'd friends bequeath,
From the red field their scatter'd bodies bear,
And nigh the fleet a funeral structure rear;
So decent urns46 their snowy bones may keep,
And pious129 children o'er their ashes weep.
Here, where on one promiscuous130 pile they blazed,
High o'er them all a general tomb be raised;
Next, to secure our camp and naval131 powers,
Raise an embattled wall, with lofty towers;
From space to space be ample gates around,
For passing chariots; and a trench132 profound.
So Greece to combat shall in safety go,
Nor fear the fierce incursions of the foe."
'Twas thus the sage his wholesome133 counsel moved;
The sceptred kings of Greece his words approved.
Meanwhile, convened134 at Priam's palace-gate,
The Trojan peers in nightly council sate135;
A senate void of order, as of choice:
Their hearts were fearful, and confused their voice.
Antenor, rising, thus demands their ear:
"Ye Trojans, Dardans, and auxiliars, hear!
'Tis heaven the counsel of my breast inspires,
And I but move what every god requires:
Let Sparta's treasures be this hour restored,
And Argive Helen own her ancient lord.
The ties of faith, the sworn alliance, broke,
Our impious battles the just gods provoke.
As this advice ye practise, or reject,
So hope success, or dread the dire effect."
[pg 137]
The senior spoke and sate. To whom replied
The graceful husband of the Spartan136 bride:
"Cold counsels, Trojan, may become thy years
But sound ungrateful in a warrior's ears:
Old man, if void of fallacy or art,
Thy words express the purpose of thy heart,
Thou, in thy time, more sound advice hast given;
But wisdom has its date, assign'd by heaven.
Then hear me, princes of the Trojan name!
Their treasures I'll restore, but not the dame137;
My treasures too, for peace, I will resign;
But be this bright possession ever mine."
'Twas then, the growing discord138 to compose,
Slow from his seat the reverend Priam rose:
His godlike aspect deep attention drew:
He paused, and these pacific words ensue:
"Ye Trojans, Dardans, and auxiliar bands!
Now take refreshment139 as the hour demands;
Guard well the walls, relieve the watch of night.
Till the new sun restores the cheerful light.
Then shall our herald, to the Atrides sent,
Before their ships proclaim my son's intent.
Next let a truce be ask'd, that Troy may burn
Her slaughter'd heroes, and their bones inurn;
That done, once more the fate of war be tried,
And whose the conquest, mighty Jove decide!"
The monarch140 spoke: the warriors snatch'd with haste
(Each at his post in arms) a short repast.
Soon as the rosy141 morn had waked the day,
To the black ships Idaeus bent his way;
There, to the sons of Mars, in council found,
He raised his voice: the host stood listening round.
"Ye sons of Atreus, and ye Greeks, give ear!
The words of Troy, and Troy's great monarch, hear.
Pleased may ye hear (so heaven succeed my prayers)
What Paris, author of the war, declares.
The spoils and treasures he to Ilion bore
(Oh had he perish'd ere they touch'd our shore!)
He proffers142 injured Greece: with large increase
Of added Trojan wealth to buy the peace.
But to restore the beauteous bride again,
This Greece demands, and Troy requests in vain.
Next, O ye chiefs! we ask a truce to burn
Our slaughter'd heroes, and their bones inurn.
That done, once more the fate of war be tried,
And whose the conquest, mighty Jove decide!"
The Greeks gave ear, but none the silence broke;
At length Tydides rose, and rising spoke:
"Oh, take not, friends! defrauded143 of your fame,
Their proffer'd wealth, nor even the Spartan dame.
[pg 138]
Let conquest make them ours: fate shakes their wall,
And Troy already totters144 to her fall."
The admiring chiefs, and all the Grecian name,
With general shouts return'd him loud acclaim145.
Then thus the king of kings rejects the peace:
"Herald! in him thou hear'st the voice of Greece
For what remains146; let funeral flames be fed
With heroes' corps147: I war not with the dead:
Go search your slaughtered148 chiefs on yonder plain,
And gratify the manes of the slain.
Be witness, Jove, whose thunder rolls on high!"
He said, and rear'd his sceptre to the sky.
To sacred Troy, where all her princes lay
To wait the event, the herald bent his way.
He came, and standing149 in the midst, explain'd
The peace rejected, but the truce obtain'd.
Straight to their several cares the Trojans move,
Some search the plains, some fell the sounding grove150:
Nor less the Greeks, descending on the shore,
Hew'd the green forests, and the bodies bore.
And now from forth the chambers151 of the main,
To shed his sacred light on earth again,
Arose the golden chariot of the day,
And tipp'd the mountains with a purple ray.
In mingled152 throngs153 the Greek and Trojan train
Through heaps of carnage search'd the mournful plain.
Scarce could the friend his slaughter'd friend explore,
With dust dishonour'd, and deformed154 with gore.
The wounds they wash'd, their pious tears they shed,
And, laid along their cars, deplored155 the dead.
Sage Priam check'd their grief: with silent haste
The bodies decent on the piles were placed:
With melting hearts the cold remains they burn'd,
And, sadly slow, to sacred Troy return'd.
Nor less the Greeks their pious sorrows shed,
And decent on the pile dispose the dead;
The cold remains consume with equal care;
And slowly, sadly, to their fleet repair.
Now, ere the morn had streak'd with reddening light
The doubtful confines of the day and night,
About the dying flames the Greeks appear'd,
And round the pile a general tomb they rear'd.
Then, to secure the camp and naval powers,
They raised embattled walls with lofty towers:186
[pg 139]
From space to space were ample gates around,
For passing chariots, and a trench profound
Of large extent; and deep in earth below,
Strong piles infix'd stood adverse to the foe.
So toil'd the Greeks: meanwhile the gods above,
In shining circle round their father Jove,
Amazed beheld156 the wondrous157 works of man:
Then he, whose trident shakes the earth, began:
"What mortals henceforth shall our power adore,
Our fanes frequent, our oracles158 implore,
If the proud Grecians thus successful boast
Their rising bulwarks159 on the sea-beat coast?
See the long walls extending to the main,
No god consulted, and no victim slain!
Their fame shall fill the world's remotest ends,
Wide as the morn her golden beam extends;
While old Laomedon's divine abodes160,
Those radiant structures raised by labouring gods,
Shall, razed161 and lost, in long oblivion sleep."
Thus spoke the hoary monarch of the deep.
The almighty Thunderer with a frown replies,
That clouds the world, and blackens half the skies:
"Strong god of ocean! thou, whose rage can make
The solid earth's eternal basis shake!
What cause of fear from mortal works could move187
The meanest subject of our realms above?
Where'er the sun's refulgent162 rays are cast,
Thy power is honour'd, and thy fame shall last.
But yon proud work no future age shall view,
No trace remain where once the glory grew.
The sapp'd foundations by thy force shall fall,
And, whelm'd beneath the waves, drop the huge wall:
Vast drifts of sand shall change the former shore:
The ruin vanish'd, and the name no more."
Thus they in heaven: while, o'er the Grecian train,
The rolling sun descending to the main
Beheld the finish'd work. Their bulls they slew;
Back from the tents the savoury vapour flew.
And now the fleet, arrived from Lemnos' strands163,
With Bacchus' blessings164 cheered the generous bands.
Of fragrant165 wines the rich Eunaeus sent
A thousant measures to the royal tent.
(Eunaeus, whom Hypsipyle of yore
To Jason, shepherd of his people, bore,)
[pg 140]
The rest they purchased at their proper cost,
And well the plenteous freight supplied the host:
Each, in exchange, proportion'd treasures gave;188
Some, brass or iron; some, an ox, or slave.
All night they feast, the Greek and Trojan powers:
Those on the fields, and these within their towers.
But Jove averse the signs of wrath display'd,
And shot red lightnings through the gloomy shade:
Humbled166 they stood; pale horror seized on all,
While the deep thunder shook the aerial hall.
Each pour'd to Jove before the bowl was crown'd;
And large libations drench'd the thirsty ground:
Then late, refresh'd with sleep from toils of fight,
Enjoy'd the balmy blessings of the night.
Illustration: GREEK AMPHORA—WINE VESSELS167.
GREEK AMPHORA—WINE VESSELS.
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1
apprehensions
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| 疑惧 | |
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descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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incite
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| v.引起，激动，煽动 | |
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herald
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| vt.预示...的来临，预告，宣布，欢迎 | |
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truce
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| n.休战，(争执，烦恼等的)缓和；v.以停战结束 | |
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erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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Neptune
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| n.海王星 | |
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jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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pacified
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| 使（某人）安静( pacify的过去式和过去分词 )； 息怒； 抚慰； 在（有战争的地区、国家等）实现和平 | |
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10
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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duel
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| n./v.决斗；(双方的)斗争 | |
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rites
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| 仪式，典礼( rite的名词复数 ) | |
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slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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14
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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15
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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dire
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| adj.可怕的，悲惨的，阴惨的，极端的 | |
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slaughter
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| n.屠杀，屠宰；vt.屠杀，宰杀 | |
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18
oar
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| n.桨，橹，划手；v.划行 | |
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19
gales
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| 龙猫 | |
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20
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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21
descends
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| v.下来( descend的第三人称单数 )；下去；下降；下斜 | |
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22
almighty
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| adj.全能的，万能的；很大的，很强的 | |
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mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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25
kindle
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| v.点燃，着火 | |
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raze
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| vt.铲平，把(城市、房屋等)夷为平地，拆毁 | |
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progeny
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| n.后代，子孙；结果 | |
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orb
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| n.太阳；星球；v.弄圆；成球形 | |
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29
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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30
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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31
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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32
sage
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| n.圣人，哲人；adj.贤明的，明智的 | |
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33
dictates
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| n.命令，规定，要求( dictate的名词复数 )v.大声讲或读( dictate的第三人称单数 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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34
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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35
persuasive
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| adj.有说服力的，能说得使人相信的 | |
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36
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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37
thronging
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| v.成群，挤满( throng的现在分词 ) | |
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38
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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39
bristling
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| a.竖立的 | |
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40
zephyr
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| n.和风，微风 | |
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41
bespoke
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| adj.（产品）订做的；专做订货的v.预定( bespeak的过去式 )；订（货）；证明；预先请求 | |
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42
averse
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| adj.厌恶的；反对的，不乐意的 | |
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43
warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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44
toils
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| 网 | |
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45
woes
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| 困境( woe的名词复数 )； 悲伤； 我好苦哇； 某人就要倒霉 | |
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46
urns
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| n.壶( urn的名词复数 )；瓮；缸；骨灰瓮 | |
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47
knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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48
despoil
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| v.夺取，抢夺 | |
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49
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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50
mariner
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| n.水手号不载人航天探测器，海员，航海者 | |
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51
resounding
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| adj. 响亮的 | |
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52
valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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53
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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54
groaning
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| adj. 呜咽的, 呻吟的 动词groan的现在分词形式 | |
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55
opprobrious
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| adj.可耻的，辱骂的 | |
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56
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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57
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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58
azure
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| adj.天蓝色的，蔚蓝色的 | |
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59
strand
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| vt.使（船）搁浅，使（某人）困于（某地） | |
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60
tempt
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| vt.引诱，勾引，吸引，引起…的兴趣 | |
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61
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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62
shun
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| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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63
mightier
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| adj. 强有力的，强大的，巨大的 adv. 很，极其 | |
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dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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65
mightiest
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| adj.趾高气扬( mighty的最高级 )；巨大的；强有力的；浩瀚的 | |
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66
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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67
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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68
persuasion
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| n.劝说；说服；持有某种信仰的宗派 | |
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69
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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70
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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71
hoary
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| adj.古老的；鬓发斑白的 | |
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72
degenerate
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| v.退步，堕落；adj.退步的，堕落的；n.堕落者 | |
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73
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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74
aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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75
lament
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| n.悲叹，悔恨，恸哭；v.哀悼，悔恨，悲叹 | |
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76
immortal
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| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
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77
wield
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| vt.行使，运用，支配；挥，使用(武器等) | |
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78
mace
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| n.狼牙棒，豆蔻干皮 | |
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79
slew
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| v.（使）旋转；n.大量，许多 | |
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80
guileful
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| adj.狡诈的，诡计多端的 | |
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81
javelin
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| n.标枪，投枪 | |
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82
thicket
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| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
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83
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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84
assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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85
tempestuous
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| adj.狂暴的 | |
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86
prone
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| adj.(to)易于…的，很可能…的；俯卧的 | |
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87
vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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88
reproofs
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| n.责备，责难，指责( reproof的名词复数 ) | |
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89
inflame
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| v.使燃烧；使极度激动；使发炎 | |
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90
vows
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| 誓言( vow的名词复数 )； 郑重宣布，许愿 | |
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91
ascend
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| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
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92
inscription
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| n.（尤指石块上的）刻印文字，铭文，碑文 | |
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93
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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94
implore
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| vt.乞求，恳求，哀求 | |
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95
rends
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| v.撕碎( rend的第三人称单数 )；分裂；（因愤怒、痛苦等而）揪扯（衣服或头发等）；（声音等）刺破 | |
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96
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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97
braced
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| adj.拉牢的v.支住( brace的过去式和过去分词 )；撑牢；使自己站稳；振作起来 | |
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98
armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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99
sheathed
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| adj.雕塑像下半身包在鞘中的；覆盖的；铠装的；装鞘了的v.将（刀、剑等）插入鞘( sheathe的过去式和过去分词 )；包，覆盖 | |
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100
majestic
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| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
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101
bulwark
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| n.堡垒，保障，防御 | |
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102
brazen
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| adj.厚脸皮的，无耻的，坚硬的 | |
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103
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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104
adverse
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| adj.不利的；有害的；敌对的，不友好的 | |
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105
shuns
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| v.避开，回避，避免( shun的第三人称单数 ) | |
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106
dexterous
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| adj.灵敏的；灵巧的 | |
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107
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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108
downwards
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| adj./adv.向下的（地），下行的（地） | |
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109
wary
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| adj.谨慎的，机警的，小心的 | |
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110
javelins
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| n.标枪( javelin的名词复数 ) | |
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111
foaming
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| adj.布满泡沫的；发泡 | |
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112
watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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113
knotty
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| adj.有结的，多节的，多瘤的，棘手的 | |
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114
spouts
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| n.管口( spout的名词复数 )；（喷出的）水柱；（容器的）嘴；在困难中v.（指液体）喷出( spout的第三人称单数 )；滔滔不绝地讲；喋喋不休地说；喷水 | |
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115
gore
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| n.凝血，血污；v.（动物）用角撞伤，用牙刺破；缝以补裆；顶 | |
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116
resounded
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| v.（指声音等）回荡于某处( resound的过去式和过去分词 )；产生回响；（指某处）回荡着声音 | |
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117
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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118
numbing
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| adj.使麻木的，使失去感觉的v.使麻木，使麻痹( numb的现在分词 ) | |
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119
heralds
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| n.使者( herald的名词复数 )；预报者；预兆；传令官v.预示( herald的第三人称单数 )；宣布（好或重要） | |
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120
adorns
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| 装饰，佩带( adorn的第三人称单数 ) | |
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121
martial
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| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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122
lengthen
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| vt.使伸长，延长 | |
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123
enjoins
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| v.命令( enjoin的第三人称单数 ) | |
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124
memorable
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| adj.值得回忆的，难忘的，特别的，显著的 | |
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125
hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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126
steer
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| vt.驾驶，为…操舵；引导；vi.驾驶 | |
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joints
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| 接头( joint的名词复数 )； 关节； 公共场所（尤指价格低廉的饮食和娱乐场所） （非正式）； 一块烤肉 （英式英语） | |
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128
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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129
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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130
promiscuous
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| adj.杂乱的，随便的 | |
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131
naval
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| adj.海军的，军舰的，船的 | |
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132
trench
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| n./v.(挖)沟，(挖)战壕 | |
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133
wholesome
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| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
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134
convened
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| 召开( convene的过去式 )； 召集； （为正式会议而）聚集； 集合 | |
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135
sate
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| v.使充分满足 | |
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136
spartan
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| adj.简朴的，刻苦的；n.斯巴达；斯巴达式的人 | |
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137
dame
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| n.女士 | |
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138
discord
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| n.不和，意见不合，争论，（音乐）不和谐 | |
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139
refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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140
monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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141
rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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142
proffers
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| v.提供，贡献，提出( proffer的第三人称单数 ) | |
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143
defrauded
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| v.诈取，骗取( defraud的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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144
totters
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| v.走得或动得不稳( totter的第三人称单数 )；踉跄；蹒跚；摇摇欲坠 | |
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145
acclaim
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| v.向…欢呼，公认；n.欢呼，喝彩，称赞 | |
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146
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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147
corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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148
slaughtered
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| v.屠杀，杀戮，屠宰( slaughter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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149
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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151
chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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152
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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153
throngs
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| n.人群( throng的名词复数 )v.成群，挤满( throng的第三人称单数 ) | |
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154
deformed
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| adj.畸形的；变形的；丑的，破相了的 | |
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deplored
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| v.悲叹，痛惜，强烈反对( deplore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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156
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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157
wondrous
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| adj.令人惊奇的，奇妙的；adv.惊人地；异乎寻常地；令人惊叹地 | |
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158
oracles
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| 神示所( oracle的名词复数 )； 神谕； 圣贤； 哲人 | |
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159
bulwarks
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| n.堡垒( bulwark的名词复数 )；保障；支柱；舷墙 | |
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160
abodes
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| 住所( abode的名词复数 )； 公寓； （在某地的）暂住； 逗留 | |
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razed
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| v.彻底摧毁，将…夷为平地( raze的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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refulgent
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| adj.辉煌的，灿烂的 | |
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163
strands
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| n.（线、绳、金属线、毛发等的）股( strand的名词复数 )；缕；海洋、湖或河的)岸；（观点、计划、故事等的）部份v.使滞留，使搁浅( strand的第三人称单数 ) | |
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164
blessings
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| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
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165
fragrant
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| adj.芬香的，馥郁的，愉快的 | |
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166
humbled
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| adj. 卑下的，谦逊的，粗陋的 vt. 使 ... 卑下，贬低 | |
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167
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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