Dares the Phrygian: DARETIS PHRYGII DE EXCIDIO TROIAE HISTORIA (c. A.D. 600?)

Cum multa ago Athenis curiose, inveni historiam Daretis Phrygii ipsius manu scriptam, ut titulus indicat, quam de Graecis et Troianis memoriae mandavit. Quam ego summo amore complexus continuo transtuli. Cui nihil adiciendum vel diminuendum rei reformandae causa putavi, alioquin mea posset videri.

While I was attending carefully to many things at Athens, I found a history of Dares the Phrygian written by his own hand, as the title indicates, which he committed to memory concerning the Greeks and Trojans. Which I, having embraced with the greatest love, straightaway transcribed. To which I thought nothing ought to be added or diminished for the purpose of restoring the matter, lest otherwise it might appear to be mine.

Optimum ergo duxi ita ut fuit vere et simpliciter perscripta, sic eam ad verbum in Latinitatem transvertere, ut legentes cognoscere possent, quomodo res gestae essent: utrum verum magis existiment quod Dares Phrygius memoriae commendavit, qui per id ipsum tempus vixit et militavit, cum Graeci Troianos oppugnarent; anne Homero credendum, qui post multos annos natus est, quam bellum hoc gestum est. De qua re Athenis iudicium fuit, cum pro insano haberetur, quod Deos cum hominibus belligerasse scripserit. Sed hactenus ista: nunc ad pollicitum revertamur.

Therefore I judged it best that, as it was truly and plainly written, so it should be translated into Latin word for word, so that readers might know how the things were done: whether they should judge more credible what Dares Phrygius committed to memory, who lived and served in arms at that very time when the Greeks attacked the Trojans; or whether Homer should be believed, who was born many years later, about how that war was waged. On this matter the judgment in Athens was that he was to be held mad, because he had written that the gods fought with men. But these things so far: now let us return to the promised matter.

[I] Pelias rex [in Peloponneso] Aesonem fratrem habuit. Aesonis filius erat Iason virtute praestans: et qui sub regno eius erant, omnes hospites habebat, et ab eis validissime amabatur. Pelias rex, ut vidit Iasonem tam acceptum esse omni homini, veritus est ne sibi iniurias faceret, et se regno eiceret.

[1] King Pelias [in the Peloponnese] had a brother Aeson. Aeson’s son was Jason, outstanding in virtue: and all who were under his rule he entertained as guests, and was very strongly loved by them. King Pelias, when he saw Jason to be so acceptable to every man, feared lest they do him injury and thrust him out of the kingdom.

Dicit Iasoni Colchis pellem inauratam arietis esse dignam eius virtute: ut eam inde auferret, omnia se ei daturum pollicetur. Iason ubi audivit, ut erat animi fortissimi et qui loca omnia nosse volebat, et quod clariorem se existimabat futurum, si pellem inauratam Colchis abstulisset, dicit Peliae regi se eo velle ire, si vires sociique non deessent. Pelias rex Argum architectum vocari iussit, et ei imperat ut navem aedificaret quam pulcherrimam, ad voluntatem Iasonis.

He tells Iason that the fleece in Colchis, gilded, is worthy of his virtue: and that he promises to give him everything so that he might take it away from there. When Iason heard this — for he was of the most brave spirit and wished to know all places, and because he thought himself destined to be more renowned if he should carry off the gilded fleece from Colchis — he tells King Pelias that he wishes to go there, if strength and companions do not fail him. King Pelias ordered Argus the architect to be called, and bade him build a ship most fair, according to Iason’s desire.

Per totam Graeciam rumor cucurrit navem aedificari in qua Colchos eat Iason pellem auream petiturus. Amici et hospites ad Iasonem venerunt, et pollicentur se una ituros. Iason illis gratias egit et rogavit ut parati essent, cum tempus supervenisset.

Throughout all Greece a rumor ran that a navis was being built in which Jason would go to Colchis to seek the golden pelt: the golden fleece. Friends and hospites came to Jason, and promised that they would go una with him. Jason thanked them and asked that they be parati when the time should arrive.

Internea navis aedificatur et cum tempus anni supervenisset, Iason litteras ad eos misit qui erant polliciti sese una ituros et ilico convenerunt ad navem, cuius nomen erat Argo. Pelias rex quae opus erant in navim imponi iussit et hortatus est Iasonem, et qui cum eo profecturi erant, ut animo forti ad perficiendum irent quod conati essent. Ea res claritatem Graeciae et ipsis factura videbatur.

Meanwhile the ship was being built, and when the season of the year had come, Iason sent letters to those who had promised to go with him, and they at once assembled at the ship, whose name was Argo. Pelias the king ordered that the things which were needed be loaded onto the ship and exhorted Iason and those who were to set out with him to go with a brave spirit to accomplish what they had undertaken. The enterprise seemed likely to make renown for Greece and for themselves.

Demonstrare eos qui cum Iasone profecti sunt non videtur nostrum esse: sed qui volunt eos cognoscere, Argonautas legant.

It does not seem to be ours to demonstrate those who set out with Jason: but let those who wish to know them read the Argonauts.

[II] Iason, ubi ad Phrygiam venit, navem admovit ad portum Simoenta. Deinde omnes de navi exierunt in terram. Laomedonti regi nuntiatum est mirandam navim in portum Simoenta intrasse et in ea multos iuvenes de Graecia venisse.

[II] Jason, when he came to Phrygia, brought the ship up to the port Simoenta. Then all went forth from the ship onto the land. It was reported to King Laomedon that a remarkable ship had entered the port of Simoenta and that in it many youths from Greece had come.

Ubi audivit Laomedon rex commotus est: consideravit commune periculum esse, si consuescerent Graeci ad sua litora adventare navibus. Mittit ad portum qui dicant ut Graeci de finibus discedant; si non dicto obaudissent, sese armis eos de finibus eiecturum. Iason et qui cum eo venerant graviter tulerunt crudelitatem Laomedontis, sic se ab eo tractari, cum nulla ab eis iniuria facta esset: simul timebant multitudinem barbarorum, si contra imperium conarentur permanere, ne obprimerentur: cum ipsi non essent parati ad proeliandum, navim conscenderunt et a terra recesserunt, Colchos profecti sunt, pellem abstulerunt, domum reversi sunt.

When King Laomedon heard (this) he was moved: he considered it a common peril if the Greeks should grow accustomed to coming to his shores with ships. He sent to the harbor to command that the Greeks depart from his territory; if they did not obey the command, he threatened that he would expel them by arms. Jason and those who had come with him bore Laomedon’s cruelty grievously, to be so dealt with by him when no wrong had been done by them: at the same time they feared the multitude of barbarians, if they strove to remain against his imperium, lest they be overwhelmed; since they themselves were not prepared for battle, they boarded their ship and put off from the land, set out for Colchis, took away the pelt (the fleece), and returned home.

[III] Hercules graviter tulit a rege Laomedonte contumeliose se tractatum et eos qui una profecti erant Colchos cum Iasone, Spartamque ad Castorem et Pollucem venit. Agit cum his, ut secum suas iniurias defendant, ne Laomedon impune ferat, quod illos a terra et portu prohibuisset. Multos adiutores futuros, si se accommodassent.

[3] Hercules took it grievously that he had been treated contemptuously by King Laomedon, and he went with those who had set out together to Colchos with Jason, and to Sparta to Castor and Pollux. He urges them to defend his wrongs with him, lest Laomedon bear them unpunished, because he had forbidden them entry to land and harbor. Many auxiliaries would be forthcoming, if they would but accede.

Castor et Pollux omnia promiserunt se facturos quae Hercules vellet. Ab his Salaminam profectus ad Telamonem venit: rogat eum ut secum ad Troiam eat, et suas suorumque iniurias defendat. Telamon promisit omnibus se paratum esse, quae Hercules facere vellet.

Castor and Pollux promised to do all things that Hercules wished. Hercules, having set out from them, came to Salamis and to Telamon: he asks him to go with him to Troy, and to defend his and their injuries. Telamon vowed that in all things he was ready to do whatever Hercules wished.

Inde ad Phthiam profectus est ad Peleum, rogatque eum ut secum eat ad Troiam: pollicitusque est ei Peleus se iturum. Inde Pylum ad Nestorem profectus est; rogatque eum Nestor quid venerit. Hercules dicit, quod dolore commotus sit, velle se exercitum in Phrygiam ducere.

Thence he set out to Phthia to Peleus, and he asks him to go with him to Troy: and Peleus promised him that he would go. Thence he departed to Pylus to Nestor; and he asks Nestor why he has come. Hercules says that, moved by grief, he wishes to lead an army into Phrygia.

Nestor Herculem conlaudavit, operamque suam ei pollicitus est. Hercules ubi omnium voluntates intellexit, naves paravit, milites eligit. Ubi tempus datum est proficiscendi, litteras ad eos quos rogaverat misit ut venirent cum suis omnibus; cum venissent, profecti sunt in Phrygiam: ad Sigeum noctu accesserunt.

Nestor praised Hercules highly, and promised him his aid. When Hercules perceived the wills of all, he fitted out ships and chose his milites. When the time for setting forth was given, he sent letters to those whom he had entreated that they come with all their people; when they had come, they set out into Phrygia and approached Sigeum by night.

Inde Hercules, Telamon, et Peleus exercitum eduxerunt: navibus qui praesidio essent Castorem et Pollucem et Nestorem reliquerunt. Quod ubi Laomedonti regi nuntiatum est classem Graecorum ad Sigeum accessisse, et ipse cum equestri copia ad mare venit, et coepit proeliari. Hercules ad Ilium ierat, et imprudentes qui erant in oppido urgere coepit.

Then Hercules, Telamon, and Peleus led out the army: they left Castor and Pollux and Nestor as a garrison on the ships. When this was reported to King Laomedon that the Greek fleet had approached Sigeum, he himself came to the sea with a cavalry force and began to engage in battle. Hercules had gone to Ilium, and began to press upon the unwary who were in the town.

Quod ubi Laomedonti nuntiatum est, urgeri ab hostibus Ilium, ilico revertitur: et in itinere obvius Graecis factus, ab Hercule occiditur. Telamon primus Ilium oppidum introiit: cui Hercules virtutis causa Hesionam Laomedontis regis filiam dono dedit. Ceteri vero qui cum Laomedontis ierant occiduntur.

When this was reported to Laomedon, that Ilium was being pressed by enemies, he at once returned; and, meeting the Greeks on the road, he was slain by Hercules. Telamon first entered the town of Ilium: to whom Hercules, for the sake of valour, gave Hesione, the daughter of King Laomedon, as a gift. The others, however, who had gone with Laomedon were killed.

Priamus in Phrygia erat, ubi eum Laomedon eius pater exercitui praefecerat. Hercules et qui cum eo venerant praedam magnam fecerunt, et ad naves deportaverunt. Inde domum proficisci decreverunt.

Priam was in Phrygia, where his father Laomedon had placed him over the army. Hercules and those who had come with him made a great booty and carried it off to the ships. Thereupon they resolved to set out for home.

Telamon Hesionam secum convexit.

Telamon carried Hesione away with him.

[IV] Hoc ubi Priamo nuntiatum est, patrem occisum, cives direptos, praedam devectam, Hesionam sororem dono datam, graviter tulit tam contumeliose Phrygiam tractatam esse a Grais. Ilium petit cum uxore Hecuba et liberis Hectore, Alexandro, Deiphobo, Heleno, Troilo, Andromacha, Cassandra, Polyxena. Nam erant ei etiam alii filii ex concubinis nati; sed nemo ex regio genere dixit esse, nisi eos qui essent ex legitimis uxoribus.

[4] When this was reported to Priam — that his father had been slain, the citizens despoiled, the booty carried away, and Hesionam his sister given as a gift — he bore it grievously, that Phrygia had been treated so contumeliously by the Greeks. He made for Ilion with his wife Hecuba and his children Hector, Alexander, Deiphobus, Helenus, Troilus, Andromache, Cassandra, Polyxena. For he had also other sons born of concubines; but he declared that none were of the royal stock except those who were by legitimate wives.

Priamus ut Ilium venit, ampliora moenia exstruxit, civitatem munitissimam reddidit; et militum multitudinem ibi esse fecit, ne per ignorantiam opprimeretur, ita ut Laomedon pater eius oppressus est. Regiam quoque aedificavit, et ibi aram Iovi statuamque consecravit. Hectorem in Paeoniam misit.

When Priam came to Ilium, he raised larger ramparts, and rendered the city most strongly fortified; and he caused a multitude of soldiers to be there, lest it be overthrown through ignorance, so that Laomedon, his father, was oppressed. He also built a royal palace, and there consecrated an altar to Jove and a statue. He sent Hector into Paeonia.

Ilio portas fecit, quarum nomina sunt haec: Antenoria, Dardania, Ilia, Scaea, Thymbraea, Troiana. Et postquam Ilium stabilitum vidit, tempus expectavit. Ut visum est ei iniurias patris ulcisci, Antenorem vocari iubet dicitque ei velle se, eum legatum in Graeciam mittere: graves sibi iniurias ab his qui cum exercitu venerant factas in Laomedontis patris nece, et abductione Hesionae, quae omnia tamen aequo se animo passurum, si Hesiona ei reddatur.

He made gates for Ilion, whose names are these: Antenoria, Dardania, Ilia, Scaea, Thymbraea, Troiana. And after he saw Ilium established, he waited for the time. When it seemed to him to avenge the injuries of his father, he ordered Antenor to be summoned and said that he wished to send him as an envoy to Greece: that grievous injuries had been done to him by those who had come with the army in the death of Laomedon his father and in the abduction of Hesione, which things nevertheless he would endure with an even mind, if Hesione be restored to him.

[V] Antenor, ut Priamus imperavit, navim conscendit, et profectus venit Magnesiam ad Peleum. Quem Peleus hospitio triduo recepit, die quarto rogat eum quid venerit. Antenor dicit quae a Priamo mandata erant, ut Graios postularet, ut Hesiona redderetur.

[V] Antenor, as Priamus had commanded, boarded a ship, and having set out came to Magnesia to Peleus. Peleus received him with hospitality for three days; on the fourth day he asks him for what reason he has come. Antenor relates the things that had been entrusted by Priam: that he should demand the Greeks, and that Hesiona be returned.

Haec ubi Peleus audivit, graviter tulit, et quod haec ad se pertinere videbat: iubet eum de finibus suis discedere. Antenor nihil moratus, navim ascendit, secundum Boeotiam iter fecit Salaminam advectus est ad Telamonem: rogare eum coepit ut Priamo Hesionam sororem redderet; non enim esse aequum in servitute habere regii generis puellam. Telamon Antenori respondit nihil a se Priamo factum: sed quod virtutis causa donatum sit, se nemini daturum: ob hoc Antenorem de insula discedere iubet.

When Peleus heard this, he bore it grievously, and since he saw that these matters pertained to him, he ordered him to depart from his domains. Antenor, having delayed nothing, boarded ship, sailed along Boeotia, was brought to Salamis and came to Telamon: he began to implore him that he restore to Priam Hesione his sister; for it was not just that a maiden of royal lineage be held in servitude. Telamon replied to Antenor that nothing had been done by him to Priam; but that, because she had been given for reasons of virtue, he would give her to no one: therefore he ordered Antenor to leave the island.

Antenor navim conscendit, in Achaiam pervenit. Inde ad Castorem et Pollucem delatus, coepit ab his postulare, ut Priamo satisfacerent, et ei Hesionam sororem redderent. Castor et Pollux negaverunt iniuriam Priamo factam esse, Antenorem discedere iubent.

Antenor boarded a ship and reached Achaea. Thence, conveyed to Castor and Pollux, he began to demand of them that they make satisfaction to Priam and restore to him Hesione, his sister. Castor and Pollux denied that any injury had been done to Priam, and ordered Antenor to depart.

Inde Pylum ad Nestorem venit, dixit Nestori qua de causa venisset. Qui ut audivit, coepit Antenorem obiurgare, cur ausus sit in Graeciam venire, cum a Phrygibus priores Graeci prius laesi fuissent. Antenor ubi vidit nihil se impetrasse, et contumeliose [Priamum] tractari, navim conscendit, domum reversus est.

Thence he came to Pylus to Nestor, and told Nestor for what cause he had come. Who, when he heard, began to rebuke Antenor, asking why he had dared to come into Greece, since the earlier Greeks had beforehand been wronged by the Phrygians. When Antenor saw that he had obtained nothing, and that [Priam] was being handled contumeliously, he boarded a ship and returned home.

Priamo regi demonstrat, quid unusquisque responderit: et quomodo ab illis tractatus sit: simulque hortatur Priamum, ut eos bello persequatur.

He reports to King Priam what each man replied, and how he was dealt with by them; and at the same time he urges Priam to pursue them by war.

[VI] Continuo Priamus filios vocari iubet, et omnes amicos suos, Antenorem, Anchisen, Aenean, Ucalegontem, Bucolionem, Panthum, Lamponem, et omnes filios qui ex concubinis nati erant. Qui ut convenerunt, dixit eis se Antenorem legatum in Graeciam misisse, ut hi sibi satisfacerent quod patrem suum necassent, Hesionam sibi redderent, illos contumeliose tractasse, et Antenorem ab eis nihil impetrasse: verum quoniam suam voluntatem facere noluissent, videri sibi exercitum in Graeciam mitti, qui poenas repeterent ab eis; ne barbaros Graeci inrisui haberent. Hortatusque est Priamus liberos suos, ut eius rei principes forent, maxime Hectorem: erat enim maior natu: qui coepit dicere, se voluntatem patris vindicaturum et Laomedontis avi sui necem, et quascumque iniurias Graeci Troianis fecissent, executurum, ne impunitum id Grais foret: sed vereri, ne perficere non possent quod conati essent; multos adiutores Graeciae futuros; Europam bellicosos homines habere; Asiam semper in desidia vitam exercuisse, et ob id classem non habere.

[6] Immediately Priamus ordered his sons to be called, and all his friends, Antenor, Anchises, Aeneas, Ucalegon, Bucolion, Panthus, Lampon, and all the sons born from concubines. When they had assembled, he told them that he had sent Antenor as envoy into Greece, that they might satisfy him for having slain their father, restore Hesione to him, that they had treated them contumeliously, and that Antenor had obtained nothing from them; but since they had been unwilling to do his will, it seemed to him that an army should be sent into Greece to exact penalties from them, lest the Greeks hold the barbarians up to derision. And Priamus exhorted his children to be the chiefs of this affair, especially Hector — for he was the elder in birth — who began to say that he would vindicate his father's will and avenge the death of his grandfather Laomedon, and execute whatever injuries the Greeks had done to the Trojans, so that this would not be unpunished among the Greeks; yet he feared that they might not accomplish what they attempted; that many helpers would be favorable to Greece; that Europe had warlike men; that Asia had always practiced life in sloth, and therefore did not possess a fleet.

[VII] Alexander cohortari coepit, ut classis praeparetur, et in Graeciam mitteretur: se eius rei principem futurum, si pater velit: in deorum benignitate se confidere, victis hostibus laude adepta, de Graecia domum rediturum esse. Nam sibi in Ida sylva cum venatum abisset, in somnis Mercurium adduxisse Iunonem, Venerem et Minervam, ut inter eas de specie iudicaret. Et tunc sibi Venerem pollicitam esse, si suam speciosam faciem iudicaret, daturam se ei uxorem, quae in Graecia speciosissima forma videretur: ubi ita audisset, optimam facie Venerem iudicasse: unde sperare coepit Priamum, Venerem adiutricem Alexandro futuram.

[7] Alexander began to exhort that a fleet be prepared and be sent into Greece; that he would be the leader of that enterprise, if his father consented; that he trusted in the benignity of the gods, and, having won praise by the defeat of the enemies, would return home from Greece. For when he had gone hunting in the Idaean wood, in dreams Mercury had brought to him Juno, Venus, and Minerva, that he should judge among them concerning beauty. And then Venus had promised him, if he should judge her the most beautiful, that she would give him as a wife one who would appear most beautiful in form in Greece; and when he had so heard, he judged Venus the best in appearance, whence he began to hope that Venus would be a helper to Alexander in the matter of Priam.

Deiphobus placere sibi dixit Alexandri consilium: et sperare Graecos Hesionam reddituros, et satisfacturos, si, ut dipositum esset, classis in Graeciam mitteretur. Helenus vaticinari coepit, Graios venturos, Ilium eversuros, parentes et fratres hostili manu interituros, si Alexander sibi uxorem de Graecia adduxisset. Troilus minimus natu, non minus fortis quam Hector, bellum geri suadebat, et non debere terreri metu verborum Heleni.

Deiphobus said that Alexander’s counsel pleased him, and hoped the Greeks would restore Hesione and make satisfaction, if, as had been arranged, a fleet were sent into Greece. Helenus began to prophesy that the Greeks would come, would overthrow Ilium, and would slay parents and brothers with hostile hand, if Alexander had brought him a wife from Greece. Troilus, the youngest in age, no less brave than Hector, urged that war be waged, and that they ought not to be frightened by the fear of Helenus’s words.

Ob quod omnibus placuit, classem comparare, et in Graeciam proficisci.

Wherefore it pleased everyone to prepare a fleet and to set out for Greece.

[VIII] Priamus Alexandrum et Deiphobum in Paeoniam misit, ut milites legerent: ad concionem populum venire iubet. Commonefacit filios, ut maiores natu minoribus imperarent. Monstravit quas iniurias Graeci Troianis fecissent: ob hoc Antenorem legatum in Graeciam, misisse, ut sibi Hesionam sororem redderent, et satis Troianis facerent.

[VIII] Priam sent Alexander and Deiphobus into Paeonia to levy soldiers: he orders the people to come to an assembly. He admonishes his sons that the elders by birth should command the younger. He showed what injuries the Greeks had inflicted on the Trojans: on that account he had sent Antenor as an envoy into Greece, that they might restore to him his sister Hesione, and make satisfaction to the Trojans.

Antenorem a Grais contumeliose tractatum: neque ab his quicquam impetrare potuisse. Placere sibi, Alexandrum in Graeciam mitti cum classe, qui avi sui mortem et Troianorum iniurias ulciscatur. Antenorem dicere iussit, quomodo in Graecia tractatus esset.

That Antenor had been treated with contumely by the Greeks: and that he had been unable to obtain anything from them. It pleased him that Alexander be sent into Greece with a fleet, that he might avenge the death of his grandfather and the injuries of the Trojans. He ordered Antenor to tell how he had been treated in Greece.

Antenor hortatus est Troianos, ne horrescerent, ad debellendam Graeciam suos alacriores fecit. Paucis demonstravit, quae in Graecia gesserat. Priamus dixit, si cui displiceret bellum geri, suam voluntatem ediceret.

Antenor urged the Trojans not to recoil, and made his men more eager to subdue Greece. In few words he recounted what he had done in Greece. Priam said that if it displeased anyone that war should be waged, let him proclaim his own will.

Panthus Priamo et propinquis prodit ea quae a patre suo Euphorbo audierat: dicere coepit si Alexander uxorem de Graecia adduxisset, Troianis extremum exitium futurum. Sed pulchrius esse in otio vitam degere, quam in tumultu libertatem amittere [et periculum inire]. Populus auctoritatem Panthi contempsit: regem dicere iusserunt, quid vellet fieri. Priamus dixit naves praeparandas esse, ut eatur in Graeciam: utensilia quoque populo non deesse.

Panthus reported to Priam and his kinsmen those things which he had heard from his father Euphorbus: he began to say that if Alexander had brought a wife from Greece, it would be the final ruin of the Trojans. But it is more beautiful to pass life in leisure than in tumult to lose liberty [and to incur danger]. The people scorned Panthus’s authority: they bade the king announce what he wished to be done. Priam said that ships must be prepared, so that he might go into Greece; and that the people would not be lacking in utensils.

Populus conclamavit per se moram non esse, quo minus regis praeceptis pareatur. Priamus illis magnas gratias egit, concionemque dimisit. Ac mox in Idam sylvam misit, qui materiam succiderent, naves aedificarent.

The people shouted that there was no delay on their part, so that the king’s commands might be obeyed. Priam gave them great thanks, and dismissed the assembly. And soon he sent into the Idaean wood those to cut down timber and to construct ships.

Hectorem in superiorem Phrygiam misit, ut exercitum pararet; [et ita paratus est]. Cassandra, postquam audivit patris consilium, dicere coepit quae Troianis futura essent, si Priamus perseveraret classem in Graeciam mittere.

He sent Hector into upper Phrygia to ready an army; [and so it was readied]. Cassandra, after she heard her father’s counsels, began to speak what would befall the Trojans if Priam persisted in sending the fleet into Greece.

[IX] Interea tempus supervenit: naves aedificatae sunt. Milites supervenerunt, quos Alexander et Deiphobus in Paeonia elegerant; et ubi visum est navigari posse, Priamus exercitum alloquitur: Alexandrum imperatorem exercitui praeficit, mittit cum eo Deiphobum, Aeneam, Polydamantem. Imperatque Alexandro, ut primum Spartam accedat, Castorem et Pollucem conveniat, et ab his petat, ut Hesiona soror eius reddatur, et satis Troianis fiat.

[IX] Meanwhile the time came: the ships were built. The soldiers arrived, whom Alexander and Deiphobus had chosen in Paeonia; and when it seemed possible to sail, Priamus addressed the army: he appointed Alexander commander of the forces, and placed Deiphobus, Aeneas, and Polydamas with him. He ordered Alexander that as soon as he approached Sparta he should meet Castor and Pollux, and ask them that Hesione, his sister, be restored, and that adequate satisfactio be given to the Trojans.

Quod si negassent, continuo ad se nuntium mittat, ut exercitum possit in Graeciam mittere. Post haec Alexander in Graeciam navigavit, adducto secum duce eo qui cum Antenore iam navigaverat. Non multos ante dies, quam Alexander in Graeciam navigavit, et antequam insulam Cytheream accederet, Menelaus ad Nestorem Pylum proficiscens, Alexandro in itinere occurrit, et mirabatur classem regiam quo tenderet.

If they were to refuse, let him immediately send a messenger to them, so that he may be able to send the army into Greece. After these things Alexander sailed into Greece, having brought with him as commander the man who had already sailed with Antenor. Not many days before Alexander sailed into Greece, and before he reached the island Cythera, Menelaus, setting out for Nestor at Pylos, met Alexander on the road and marveled at the royal fleet to which it was bound.

Utrique occurrentes aspexerunt se invicem, inscii quo quisque iret. Castor et Pollux ad Clytaemnestram ierant, secum Hermionam neptem suam Helenae filiam adduxerant. Argis Iunonis dies festus erat his diebus, quibus Alexander in insulam Cytheream venit, ubi fanum Veneris erat: Dianae sacrificavit.

Meeting one another as they ran, they caught sight of each other, both ignorant to which way each was going. Castor and Pollux had gone to Clytaemnestra, and had brought with them Hermione, their niece, Helen’s daughter. At Argos it was the festival day of Juno on those days when Alexander came to the island Cytherea, where there was a shrine of Venus: he offered a sacrifice to Diana.

Hi qui in insula erant mirabantur classem regiam, et interrogabant ab illis qui cum Alexandro venerant, qui essent, quid venissent. Responderunt illi a Priamo rege Alexandrum legatum missum ad Castorem et Pollucem, ut eos conveniret.

Those on the island marvelled at the royal fleet, and asked those who had come with Alexander who they were and why they had come. They answered that Alexander had been sent as a legate by King Priam to Castor and Pollux, that he might meet them.

[X] At Helena vero, Menelai uxor, cum Alexander in insula Cytherea esset, placuit ei eo ire. Qua de causa ad littus processit. Oppidum ad mare est Helaea, ubi Dianae et Apollinis fanum est: ibi rem divinam Helena facere disposuerat.

[X] But Helena, indeed, the wife of Menelaus, since Alexander was on the island Cytherea, decided to go thither. For this reason she advanced to the shore. The town by the sea is Helaea, where there is a sanctuary of Diana and Apollo: there Helena had resolved to perform a divine rite.

Quod ubi Alexandro nuntiatum est, Helenam ad mare venisse, conscius formae suae, in conspectu eius ambulare coepit, cupiens eam videre. Helenae nuntiatum est, Alexandrum Priami regis filium ad Helaeam oppidum, ubi ipsa erat, venisse. Quem etiam ipsa videre cupiebat.

When this was reported to Alexander, that Helena had come to the sea, conscious of his own form, he began to walk in her sight, desiring to see her. It was reported to Helena that Alexander, the son of King Priam, had come to the town Helaea, where she herself was. Whom she herself also longed to see.

Et cum se utrique respexissent, ambo, forma sua incensi, tempus dederunt ut gratiam referrent. Alexander imperat, omnes ut in navibus sint parati: nocte classem solvant, de fano Helenam eripiant, secum eam auferant. Signo dato fanum invaserunt, Helenam non invitam eripiunt, in navem deferunt, et cum ea mulieres aliquas depraedantur.

And when they had each looked back at one another, both, inflamed by their beauty, allowed time to render a return of grace. Alexander orders that all be ready on the ships: by night they will weigh the fleet, snatch Helen from the temple, and carry her off with them. At the signal given they burst into the temple, seize Helen—not unwilling—bear her into the ship, and with her plunder certain women.

Quod cum Helenam abreptam oppidani vidissent, diu pugnaverunt cum Alexandro, ne Helenam eripere posset. Quos Alexander fretus sociorum multitudine superavit, fanum exspoliavit, homines secum quam plurimos captivos duxit, in navim imposuit, classem solvit, domum reverti disposuit, in portum Tenedon pervenit, ubi Helenam maestam alloquio mitigat, patri rei gestae nuntium mittit. Menelao postquam nuntiatum est Pylum, cum Nestore Spartam profectus est, ad Agamemnonem fratrem misit Argos, rogans ut ad se veniat.

When the townsfolk saw Helen carried off, they fought for a long time with Alexander so that he might not be able to snatch Helen away. Those whom Alexander, relying on the multitude of his allies, overcame, he despoiled the shrine, led away as many men as possible with him as captives, put them on ship, weighed his fleet, arranged to return home, and arrived at the port Tenedos, where he soothes Helen, sorrowful, with words and sends a messenger of the deed to her father. After it was reported to Menelaus that from Pylus, with Nestor, he had set out for Sparta, he sent to Agamemnon his brother at Argos, begging him to come to him.

[XI] Interea Alexander ad patrem suum cum praeda pervenit, et rei gestae ordinem refert. Priamus gavisus est, sperans Graecos ob causam recuperationis Helenae sororem Hesionam reddituros, et ea quae inde a Troianis abstulerant. Helenam maestam consolatus est, et eam Alexandro coniugem dedit: quam ut aspexit Cassandra, vaticinari coepit, memorans ea quae ante praedixerat.

[11] Meanwhile Alexander arrived at his father with the booty and related the order of the deeds. Priamus rejoiced, hoping that the Greeks, on account of the recovery of his sister Hesione, would restore her and the things which they had taken from the Trojans. He comforted the sorrowful Helen, and gave her to Alexander as a spouse: which when Cassandra saw, she began to prophesy, recalling those things which she had foretold before.

Quam Priamus abstrahi et includi iussit. Agamemnon postquam Spartam venit fratrem consolatus est et placuit ut per totam Graeciam conquisituri mitterentur ad convocandos Graecos et Troianis bellum indicendum. Convenerunt autem hi: Achilles cum Patroclo, Euryalus, Tlepolemus, Diomedes.

Whom Priamus ordered to be dragged away and shut up. After Agamemnon came to Sparta he comforted his brother and it was resolved that envoys should be sent throughout all Greece to summon the Greeks and to declare war on the Trojans. Those who assembled were: Achilles with Patroclus, Euryalus, Tlepolemus, Diomedes.

Postquam Spartam accesserunt, decreverunt iniurias Troianorum persequi, exercitum et classem comparare. Agamemnonem imperatorem et ducem praeficiunt. Hi legatos mittunt, ut tota Graecia conveniant cum classibus et exercitibus ornati pariterque ad Atheniensem portum, ut inde pariter ad Troiam proficiscantur ad defendendas suas iniurias.

After they had come to Sparta, they resolved to pursue the Trojans’ injuries and to raise an army and a fleet. They appointed Agamemnon as commander and leader. They sent envoys that all Greece should assemble, equipped with fleets and armies, and together repair to the Athenian port, so that thence together they might set out for Troy to avenge their wrongs.

Castor et Pollux in recenti, postquam audierunt Helenam suam sororem raptam, navem conscenderunt et secuti sunt. Cum in litore Lesbio navem solverent, maxima tempestate exorta nusquam eos comparuisse creditum est. Postea dictum est eos immortales factos.

Castor and Pollux, recently, after they heard that their sister Helen had been carried off, boarded a ship and pursued her. When they were putting out from the Lesbian shore, a great storm having arisen it was believed that they were nowhere to be found. Afterwards it was said that they were made immortal.

Itaque Lesbios navibus eos usque ad Troiam quaesitum isse, neque eorum vestigia usquam vestigium inventum domum renuntiasse.

Thus they searched for them by ships even to Troy among the Lesbians, and nowhere was any vestige of them ever found; they reported that they had made no return home.

[XII] Dares Phrygius, qui hanc historiam scripsit, ait se militasse usque dum Troia capta est, hos se vidisse cum indutiae essent, partim proelio interfuisse, a Dardanis autem audisse qua facie et natura fuissent Castor et Pollux. Fuerunt autem alter alteri similis capillo flavo oculis magnis facie pura bene figurati corpore deducto. Helenam similem illis formosam animi simplicis blandam cruribus optimis notam inter duo supercilia habentem ore pusillo.

[12] Dares Phrygius, who wrote this history, says that he served as a soldier until Troy was taken, that he saw these men when there was a truce, that he in part took part in battle, and that he heard from the Dardanians about the appearance and nature of Castor and Pollux. They were like one another, with yellow hair, large eyes, a clear face, well-formed and of fine-bodied build. Helen, resembling them, beautiful, of simple disposition, charming, with excellent legs, bearing a mark between the two eyebrows and a small mouth.

Priamum Troianorum regem vultu pulchro magnum voce suavi aquilino corpore. Hectorem blaesum candidum crispum strabum pernicibus membris vultu venerabili barbatum decentem bellicosum animo magno in civibus clementem dignum amore aptum. Deiphobum et Helenum similes patri dissimili natura: Deiphobum fortem Helenum clementem doctum vatem.

Priam, king of the Trojans, great in handsome countenance, sweet-voiced, with an aquiline body. Hector, lisping, fair, curly-haired, squinting, with nimble limbs, venerable in countenance, bearded and comely, warlike, of great spirit, merciful toward his citizens, worthy of love and fitting thereto. Deiphobus and Helenus like their father in appearance but unlike in nature: Deiphobus brave, Helenus gentle, learned, a vates (seer).

Troilum magnum pulcherrimum pro aetate valentem fortem cupidum virtutis. Alexandrum candidum longum fortem oculis pulcherrimis capillo molli et flavo ore venusto voce suavi velocem cupidum imperii. Aeneam rufum quadratum facundum affabilem fortem cum consilio pium venustum oculis hilaribus et nigris.

Troilus — great, most beautiful for his age, vigorous, brave, eager for virtue. Alexander — fair, tall, strong, with very beautiful eyes, with soft and blond hair, with a charming mouth, with a sweet voice, swift, desirous of empire. Aeneas — reddish, square-jawed, eloquent, affable, brave, of good counsel, pious, graceful, with cheerful and black eyes.

Antenorem longum gracilem velocibus membris versutum cautum. Hecubam magnam aquilino corpore pulchram mente virili piam iustam. Andromacham oculis claris candidam longam formosam modestam sapientem pudicam blandam.

Antenor, tall, slender, with swift limbs, crafty, cautious. Hecuba, great, with an aquiline body, beautiful, with a manly mind, pious, just. Andromache, with bright eyes, fair, tall, beautiful, modest, wise, chaste, gentle.

Cassandram mediocri statura ore rotundo rufam oculis micantibus futurorum praesciam. Polyxenam candidam altam formosam collo longo oculis venustis capillis flavis et longis compositam membris digitis prolixis cruribus rectis pedibus optimis, quae forma sua omnes superaret, animo simplici largam dapsilem.

Cassandra of moderate stature, with a round ruddy face, her eyes flashing with foreknowledge of the future. Polyxena fair, tall, shapely, with a long neck, eyes charming, hair blond and long, arranged, with slender limbs, long fingers, straight legs, excellent feet, who by her form surpassed all, with a simple spirit, generous and dapsilem.

[XIII] Agamemnonem albo corpore magnum membris valentibus facundum prudentem nobilem divitem. Menelaum mediocri statura rufum formosum acceptum gratum. Achillem pectorosum ore venusto membris valentibus et magnis iubatum bene crispatum clementem in armis acerrimum vultu hilari largum dapsilem capillo myrteo.

[13] Agamemnon, of a white/pale body, large, with valiant limbs, eloquent, prudent, noble, wealthy. Menelaus, of medium stature, ruddy, handsome, well-received, pleasing. Achilles, broad-chested, with a venust (charming) face, with strong and large limbs, mane-bearded, well-curled, clement, most fierce in arms, with a cheerful countenance, bountiful, lavish, with myrtle-like hair.

Patroclum pulchro corpore oculis caesiis viribus magnis verecundum certum prudentem dapsilem. Aiacem Oileum quadratum valentibus membris aquilino corpore iucundum fortem. Aiacem Telamonium valentem voce clara capillis nigris coma crispa simplici animo in hostem atrocem.

Patroclus, of a handsome body, with gray-blue eyes, of great strength, modest, resolute, prudent, and bountiful. Ajax Oileus, square-built, with powerful limbs, an aquiline body, pleasant, brave. Ajax Telamonian, strong, with a clear voice, black hair, a curly mane, simple in spirit, fierce against the enemy.

Ulixem firmum dolosum ore hilari statura media eloquentem sapientem. Diomedem fortem quadratum corpore honesto vulto austero in bello acerrimum clamosum cerebro calido impatientem audacem. Nestorem magnum naso obunco longo latum candidum consiliarium prudentem.

Ulysses, steadfast, crafty, with a cheerful countenance, of medium stature, eloquent, wise. Diomedes, brave, square-bodied, honourable in bearing, austere in aspect, most fierce in war, clamorous, with a hot brain, impatient, daring. Nestor, great, with a long hooked nose, broad, fair, a counsellor, prudent.

Protesilaum corpore candido vultu honesto velocem confidentem temerarium. Neoptolemum magnum viriosum stomachosum blaesum vultu bonum aduncum oculis rotundis superciliosum. Palamedem gracilem longum sapientem animo magnum blandum.

Protesilaus, fair-bodied, of honest visage, swift, confident, temerarious. Neoptolemus, great, virile, choleric, lisping, with a kindly hooked face, round-eyed, brow-arched. Palamedes, slender, long-statured, wise in mind, great of spirit, blandly charming.

Podalirium crassum valentem superbum tristem. Machaonem fortem magnum certum prudentem patientem misericordem. Merionem rufum mediocri statura corpore rotundo viriosum pertinacem crudelem impatientem.

Podalirius, stout, valiant, proud, sad. Machaon, strong, great, steadfast, prudent, patient, merciful. Merion, red-haired, of medium stature, round-bodied, virile, pertinacious, cruel, impatient.

Briseidam formosam non alta statura candidam capillo flavo et molli superciliis iunctis oculis venustis corpore aequali blandam affabilem verecundam animo simplici piam.

Briseis, fair and of not lofty stature, with flaxen, soft hair and joined eyebrows, with charming eyes and a symmetrical body, alluring, affable, modest, and with a simple, pious spirit.

[XIV] Deinde ornati cum classe Graeci Athenas convenerunt. Agamemnon ex Mycenis cum navibus numero C, Menelaus ex Sparta cum navibus numero LX, Arcesilaus et Prothenor ex Boeotia cum navibus numero L, Ascalaphus et Ialmenus ex Orchomeno cum navibus numero XXX, Epistrophus et Schedius ex Phocide cum navibus numero XL, Aiax Telamonius ex Salamina adduxit secum Teucrum fratrem, ex Buprasione Amphimachum, Diorem, Thalpium, Polyxenum cum navibus XL, Nestor ex Pylo cum navibus numero LXXX, Thoas ex Aetolia cum navibus numero XL, Nircus ex Syme cum navibus numero LIII, Aiax Oileus ex Locris cum navibus numero XXXVII, Antiphus et Phidippus ex Calydna cum navibus numero XXX, Idomeneus et Meriones ex Creta cum navibus numero LXXX, Ulixes ex Ithaca cum navibus numero XII, Eumelus ex Pheris cum navibus numero X, Protesilaus et Podarces ex Phylaca cum navibus numero XL, Podalirius et Machaon Aesculapii filii ex Tricca cum navibus numero XXXII, Achilles cum Patroclo et Myrmidonibus ex Phthia cum navibus numero L, Tlepolemus ex Rhodo cum navibus numero IX, Eurypylus ex Ormenio navibus numero XL, Antiphus et Amphimachus ex Elide navibus numero XI, Polypoetes et Leonteus ex Argisa navibus numero XL, Diomedes Euryalus Sthenelus ex Argis navibus numero LXXX, Philoctetes ex Meliboea navibus numero VII, Guneus ex Cypho navibus numero XXI, Prothous ex Magnesia navibus numero XL, Agapenor ex Arcadia navibus numero XL, Mnestheus ex Athenis navibus numero L. Hi fuerunt duces Graecorum numero XLVIIII, qui adduxerunt naves numero mille CXXX.

[XIV] Then, furnished with their fleet, the Greeks assembled at Athens. Agamemnon from Mycenae with ships number 100, Menelaus from Sparta with ships number 60, Arcesilaus and Prothenor from Boeotia with ships number 50, Ascalaphus and Ialmenus from Orchomenus with ships number 30, Epistrophus and Schedius from Phocis with ships number 40, Ajax Telamonian from Salamis brought with him Teucer his brother, from Buprasium Amphimachus, Dioreus, Thalpius, Polyxenus with ships 40, Nestor from Pylos with ships number 80, Thoas from Aetolia with ships number 40, Nireus from Syme with ships number 53, Ajax Oileus from the Locrians with ships number 37, Antiphus and Phidippus from Calydon with ships number 30, Idomeneus and Meriones from Crete with ships number 80, Ulysses from Ithaca with ships number 12, Eumelus from Pherae with ships number 10, Protesilaus and Podarces from Phylace with ships number 40, Podalirius and Machaon, sons of Aesculapius, from Tricca with ships number 32, Achilles with Patroclus and the Myrmidons from Phthia with ships number 50, Tlepolemus from Rhodes with ships number 9, Eurypylus from Ormenium with ships number 40, Antiphus and Amphimachus from Elis with ships number 11, Polypoetes and Leonteus from Argos with ships number 40, Diomedes, Euryalus, Sthenelus from Argos with ships number 80, Philoctetes from Meliboea with ships number 7, Guneus from Cyphus with ships number 21, Prothous from Magnesia with ships number 40, Agapenor from Arcadia with ships number 40, Mnestheus from Athens with ships number 50. These were the leaders of the Greeks, number 49, who brought ships number 1,130.

[XV] Postquam Athenas venerunt, Agamemnon duces in consilium vocat, conlaudat hortatur, ut quam primum iniurias suas defendant. Rogat, si cui quid placeat suadetque ut, antequam proficiscerentur, Delphos ad Apollinem consulendum mitterent: cui omnes adsentiunt. Cui rei praeficitur Achilles, hic cum Patroclo proficiscitur.

[XV] After they came to Athens, Agamemnon summons the leaders to council, praises and urges them to avenge his injuries as soon as possible. He asks if aught pleases anyone and exhorts that, before they set out, they send to Delphi to consult Apollo; to which all assent. Achilles is put in charge of this business, and he sets out with Patroclus.

Priamus interea, ut audivit quia hostes parati sunt, mittit per totam Phrygiam qui finitimos exercitus adducant, domique milites magno animo comparat. Achilles cum Delphos venisset, ad oraculum pergit: et ex adyto respondetur Graecos victuros, decimoque anno Troiam capturos. Achilles res divinas, sicut imperatum est, fecit.

Priam meanwhile, when he heard that the enemies were prepared, sent through all Phrygia men to bring up neighboring armies, and at home he gathered soldiers of great spirit. When Achilles had come to Delphi he proceeded to the oracle: and from the adytum it was answered that the Greeks would be victorious, and would capture Troy in the 10th year. Achilles performed the divine rites, as had been commanded.

Et eo tempore venerat Calchas Thestore natus divinus. Dona pro Phrygibus a suo populo missus Apollini portabat, simul consuluit de regno rebusque suis. Huic ex adyto respondetur, ut cum Argivorum classe militum contra Troianos proficiscatur eosque sua intelligentia iuvet, neve inde prius discedant, quam Troia capta sit.

And at that time there came Calchas, son of Thestor, divinely born. He was bearing gifts to Apollo on behalf of the Phrygians, sent by his own people, and at the same time consulted about his kingdom and his affairs. From the adytum it was answered to him that he should set forth with the Argives’ fleet of soldiers against the Trojans and aid them with his own intelligence, and that they should not depart thence before Troy is captured.

Postquam in fanum ventum est, inter se Achilles et Calchas responsa contulerunt, gaudentes hospitio amicitiam confirmant, una Athenas proficiscuntur, perveniunt eo. Achilles eadem in consilio refert, Argivi gaudent, Calchantem secum recipiunt, classem solvunt. Cum eos ibi tempestates retinerent, Calchas ex augurio respondet uti revertantur et in Aulidem proficiscantur. Profecti perveniunt.

After they had come into the shrine, Achilles and Calchas compared their responses with one another; rejoicing, they confirmed their friendship by hospitality, and together set out for Athens, and arrived there. Achilles reported the same thing in council; the Argives rejoiced, they received Calchas with them, and launched the fleet. When storms detained them there, Calchas, from an augury, answered that they should return and put out for Aulis. Having put to sea, they arrived.

Agamemnon Dianam placat dicitque sociis suis ut classem solvant, ad Troiam iter faciant. Utuntur duce Philocteta, qui cum Argonautis ad Troiam fuerat. Deinde applicant classem ad oppidum, quod sub imperio Priami regis erat, et id expugnant, praedaque facta, proficiscuntur.

Agamemnon appeases Diana and bids his companions that they launch the fleet and make a voyage to Troy. They employ as leader Philoctetes, who had been to Troy with the Argonauts. Then they bring the fleet to a town that was under the rule of King Priam, and they storm it; with plunder taken, they set out.

Veniunt Tenedum, ubi omnes occidunt. Agamemnon praedam divisit, consilium convocavit.

They came to Tenedos, where all were slain. Agamemnon divided the booty, and summoned a council.

[XVI] Inde legatos ad Priamum mittit, si velit Helenam reddere et praedam quam Alexander fecit restituere. Legati eleguntur Diomedes et Ulixes, hi ad Priamum proficiscuntur. Dum legati mandatis parent, mittuntur Achilles et Telephus ad praedandam Mysiam.

[XVI] Thence he sends legates to Priam, to ask if he will restore Helen and give back the booty which Alexander took. Legates are chosen, Diomedes and Ulysses; these set out for Priam. While the legates obey the commands, Achilles and Telephus are sent to plunder Mysia.

Ad Teuthrantem regem veniunt praedamque faciunt. Teuthras cum exercitu superveniunt. Quem Achilles fugato exercitu vulnerat: quem iacentem Telephus clipeo protexit, ne ab Achille interficeretur.

They come to King Teuthras and make a raid, taking booty. Teuthras arrives with an army. Achilles, the army having been put to flight, wounds him; Telephus, shielding the man as he lies with his shield, prevents him from being slain by Achilles.

Commemorant inter se hospitium, quod Telephus cum adhuc puer erat, a patre Hercule progenitus, a Teuthrante rege hospitio receptus est. Diomedem regem ferunt eo tempore venantem cum equis potentibus et feris ab Hercule interfectum Teuthranti regnum totum tradidisse: ob hoc eius filium Telephum ei subpetias venisse. Quod cum Teuthras intelligeret, se eodem vulnere mortem effugere non posse, regnum suum Mysiam vivus Telepho tradidit, et eum regem ordinavit.

They recount between themselves the hospitality: that Telephus, when yet a boy, begotten by his father Hercules, was received into the hospitality of King Teuthras. They report that at that time King Diomedes, coming with powerful and wild horses, having been slain by Hercules, had delivered the whole kingdom to Teuthras; on account of this his son Telephus had come to him to solicit refuge. When Teuthras understood this — that he could not avoid death by the same wound — he, while alive, handed his kingdom of Mysia to Telephus and appointed him king.

Tum regem Teuthrantem Telephus magnifice sepelivit. Suadet ei Achilles ut novum regnum conservet: ait plus multo exercitum adiuvaturum, si commeatum frumenti exercitui praepararet, quam si ad Troiam iret. Itaque Telephus remanet.

Then Telephus buried King Teuthras with great magnificence. Achilles urges him to preserve the new kingdom: he says he would assist the army far more if he prepared a supply of grain for the army than if he went to Troy. Thus Telephus remains.

Achilles cum magno praedae commercio ad exercitum Tenedum revertitur. Agamemnoni rem gestam narrat, Agamemnon adprobat conlaudat.

Achilles, with a great convoy of booty, returned to the army at Tenedos. He relates the deed accomplished to Agamemnon, and Agamemnon approves and praises.

[XVII] Interea legati missi ad Priamum veniunt. Ulixes mandata Agamemnonis refert, postulat ut Helena et praeda reddatur satisque Graecis fiat, ut pacifice discedant. Priamus iniurias Argonautarum commemorat, patris interitum, Troiae expugnationem, et Hesionae sororis servitutem.

[XVII] Meanwhile legates sent to Priam arrive. Ulysses reports Agamemnon’s commands, demands that Helen and the booty be returned and that enough be made to the Greeks, so that they may depart peaceably. Priam recalls the injuries of the Argives, the death of his father, the sacking of Troy, and the servitude of his sister Hesione.

Denique Antenorem legatum cum miserit, quam contumeliose ab eis tractatus sit. Pacem repudiat, bellum indicit, Graecorum legatos de finibus repelli iubet. Legati in castra Tenedum revertuntur renuntiantes responsum.

Finally, after he had sent Antenor as legate, how contemptuously he was treated by them. He repudiates peace, declares war, and orders the Greek legates to be driven from the borders. The legates return to the camp at Tenedos, reporting the response.

Res consultu geritur.

The matter is conducted with deliberation.

[XVIII] Aderant vero ad auxilium Priamo adversus Graecos ducatores hi cum exercitibus suis, quorum nomina et provincias insinuandas esse duximus: de Zelia Pandarus Amphion Adrastus, de Colophonia Mopsus, de Phrygia Asius, de Caria Amphimachus Nastes, de Lycia Sarpedon Glaucus, de Larissa Hippothous et Cupesus, de Ciconia Euphemus, de Thracia Pirus et Acamas, de Paeonia Pyraechmes et Asteropaeus, de Phrygia Ascanius et Phorcys, de Maeonia Antiphus et Mesthles, de Paphlagonia Pylaemenes, de Aethiopia Perses et Memnon, de Thracia Rhesus et Archilochus, de Adrestia Adrastus et Amphius, de Alizonia Epistrophus et Odius. His ductoribus et exercitibus qui paruerunt praefecit Priamus principem et ductorem Hectorem, dein Deiphobum Alexandrum Troilum Aeneam Memnonem. Dum Agamemnon consulit de tota re, ex Cormo advenit Nauplii filius Palamedes cum navibus XXX.

[18] Present indeed to help Priam against the Greeks were these commanders with their armies, whose names and provinces we thought should be set forth: from Zelia, Pandarus, Amphion, Adrastus; from Colophonia, Mopsus; from Phrygia, Asius; from Caria, Amphimachus, Nastes; from Lycia, Sarpedon, Glaucus; from Larissa, Hippothous and Cupesus; from Ciconia, Euphemus; from Thracia, Pirus and Acamas; from Paeonia, Pyraechmes and Asteropaeus; from Phrygia, Ascanius and Phorcys; from Maeonia, Antiphus and Mesthles; from Paphlagonia, Pylaemenes; from Aethiopia, Perses and Memnon; from Thracia, Rhesus and Archilochus; from Adrestia, Adrastus and Amphius; from Alizonia, Epistrophus and Odius. Over these leaders and the armies that obeyed them Priam put Hector as chief and commander, then Deiphobus, Alexander, Troilus, Aeneas, Memnon. While Agamemnon deliberated about the whole matter, Palamedes, son of Nauplius, arrived from Cormo with 30 ships.

Ille excusavit se morbo adfectum Athenas venire non potuisse: quod venerit, cum primum potuerit, ratias agunt rogantque eum in consilio esse.

He excused himself as being afflicted by illness and therefore not able to have come to Athens: that he had come as soon as he was able, they give thanks and entreat him to be present in the council.

[XIX] Deinde cum Argivis non constaret exeundum ad Troiam clam noctu an interdiu foret, Palamedes suadet et rationem reddit luce ad Troiam escensionem fieri oportere et manum hostium deduci. Itaque omnes ei adsentiunt. Consulto Agamemnonem praeficiunt.

[XIX] Then, since the Argives were not agreed whether they should depart for Troy stealthily by night or in the daytime, Palamedes urged and gave the argument that the embarkation for Troy ought to be made in the light and that the enemy’s force should be drawn out. And so all assent to him. By deliberate choice they set Agamemnon over them as commander.

Legatos ad Mysiam ceterisque locis mittunt, ut exercitui commeatus subportandos curent, Thesidas Demophoontem et Acamantem et Anium. Deinde exercitum ad concionem convocat conlaudat imperat hortatur monet diligenter, ut dicto obaudientes sint. Signo dato naves solvunt, tota classis ad latitudinem accedit ad Troiae littora.

They send envoys to Mysia and the other places to see to the bringing-up of provisions for the army: Thesidas, Demophoon, Acamas, and Anius. Then he summons the army to an assembly, praises them as a whole, commands, exhorts, and admonishes carefully that they be obedient to his words. At the signal given they cast off the ships; the whole fleet comes up abreast of the shores of Troy.

Troiani fortiter defendunt. Protesilaus in terram excursionem facit fugat caedit. Cui Hector obviam venit et eum interfecit, ceteros perturbat.

The Trojans defend bravely. Protesilaus makes a landward sortie, puts the enemy to flight and slays many. Hector comes forth to meet him and kills him, and throws the rest into disorder.

Unde Hector recedebat, ibi Troiani fugabantur. Postquam magna caedes utrimque facta est, advenit Achilles: is totum exercitum in fugam vertit, redegit in Troiam. Nox proelium dirimit.

Where Hector was retiring, there the Trojans were put to flight. After a great slaughter had been made on both sides, Achilles arrived: he turned the whole army into flight and drove them back into Troy. Night divides the battle.

Agamemnon exercitum totum in terram educit, castra facit. Postera die Hector exercitum ex urbe educit et instruit. Agamemnon contra clamore magno occurrit.

Agamemnon led the whole army out onto the plain and made camp. On the next day Hector led the army forth from the city and drew it up. Agamemnon, in reply, met him with a great shout.

Proelium acre iracundumque fit, fortissimus quisque in primis cadit. Hector Patroclum occidit et spoliare parat. Meriones eum ex acie ne spoliaretur eripuit.

A sharp and wrathful battle is fought; the very bravest fall foremost. Hector kills Patroclus and prepares to despoil him. Meriones snatched him from the battle-line so that he would not be stripped.

Hector Merionem persequitur et occidit. Quem cum similiter spoliare vellet, advenit subpetias Mnestheus, Hectoris femur sauciat, saucius quoque multa millia occidit et perseverasset Achivos in fugam mittere, nisi obvius illi Aiax Telamonius fuisset. Cum quo cum congrederetur, cognovit eum esse de sanguine suo, erat enim de Hesiona sorore Priami natus.

Hector pursues Meriones and kills him. When he would likewise strip him, Mnestheus came up at hand; Mnestheus wounded Hector in the thigh, and the wounded man also slew many thousands, and would have continued putting the Achaeans to flight, if Ajax Telamonian had not met him. When he engaged with him, he recognized him as of his own blood, for he had been born of Hesione, sister of Priam.

Quo pacto Hector a navibus ignem removeri iussit et utrique se invicem muneraverunt, et amici discesserunt.

In this manner Hector commanded the fire to be removed from the ships, and the two of them exchanged gifts with one another, and the friends departed.

[XX] Postera die Graiugenae indutias petunt. Achilles Patroclum plangit, Graiugenae suos. Agamemnon Protesilaum magnifico funere effert ceterosque sepeliendos curat.

[XX] The next day the Graeans ask for a truce. Achilles laments Patroclus; the Graeans, their own. Agamemnon brings out Protesilaus with a magnificent funeral and sees to the burial of the others.

Achilles Patroclo ludos funebres facit. Dum indutiae sunt, Palamedes non cessat seditionem facere: indignum regem Agamemnonem esse qui exercitui imperaret. Ipse coram exercitu multa sua studia ostendit: primum suam excursionem castrorum munitionem vigiliarum circuitione, signi dationem librarum ponderumque dimensionem exercitusque instructionem.

Achilles holds funeral games for Patroclus. While the truce lasts, Palamedes does not cease to foment sedition: he declares Agamemnon an unworthy king to command the army. He himself, before the army, displays many of his undertakings: first his sortie, the fortification of the camp by a circuit of watches, the setting of the standard, the measurement of pounds and weights, and the drilling (instruction) of the army.

Haec cum a se orta essent, non aequum esse, cum a paucis imperium Agamemnoni datum sit, eum omnibus qui postea convenissent imperare, praesertim cum omnes ingenium virtutemque exspectassent in ducibus suis. Dum Achivi de imperio inter se vicissim certant, proelium post biennium repetitum est. Agamemnon Achilles Diomedes Menelaus exercitum educunt.

When these things had arisen from him, they declared it not fair that, since command had been given to Agamemnon by a few, he should rule over all who afterwards had assembled, especially since all had expected talent and virtue in their leaders. While the Achaeans were contending among themselves in turn about the command, the battle was taken up again after two years. Agamemnon, Achilles, Diomedes, Menelaus led the army forth.

Contra Hector Troilus Aeneas occurrunt. Fit magna caedes, ex utraque parte fortissimi cadunt. Hector Boetem Archilochum Proethenorum occidit.

Against them Hector, Troilus, and Aeneas advance to meet. A great slaughter ensues; from each side the most brave fall. Hector kills Boetes, Archilochus of the Proethenians.

Nox proelium dirimit. Agamemnon noctu in consilium omnes duces convocat suadet hortatur, ut omnes in aciem prodeant, ex maxime Hectorem persequantur, quia de his aliquos duces fortissimos occidit.

Night breaks the battle. Agamemnon, by night, calls all the leaders together into council, urges and exhorts them that all should advance into the battle‑line and especially pursue Hector, because from these he has slain some very brave leaders.

[XXI] Mane facto Hector Aeneas Alexander exercitum educunt. Omnes duces Achivorum prodeunt. Fit magna caedes.

[21] At dawn Hector, Aeneas, and Alexander lead forth the army. All the leaders of the Achaeans advance. A great slaughter takes place.

Multa milia invicem Orco dimittuntur. Menelaus Alexandrum persequi coepit: quem respiciens Alexander sagitta Menelai femur transfigit. Ille, dolore commotus, pariter cum Aiace Locro non cessant eum persequi.

Many thousands are sent to Orcus in turn. Menelaus began to pursue Alexander: Alexander, looking back at him, transfixes Menelaus’s thigh with an arrow. He, moved by pain, together with Ajax the Locrian, do not cease to pursue him.

Quos ut vidit Hector instanter fratrem suum persequi, subpetias cum Aenea ei venit. Quem Aeneas clipeo protexit, et de proelio ad civitatem secum adduxit. Nox proelium dirimit.

When Hector saw that they were pressingly pursuing his brother, he came to his aid together with Aeneas. Aeneas shielded him with his shield, and led him out of the battle back to the city with him. Night ended the fighting.

Achilles postera die cum Diomede exercitum educit. Contra Hector et Aeneas. Fit magna caedes.

Achilles on the following day leads the army out with Diomedes. Opposing them are Hector and Aeneas. A great slaughter ensues.

Hector Orcomeneum Palamenem Epistrophum Schedium Elpenorem Dorium Polyxenum duces occidit. Aeneas Amphimachum et Nireum, Achilles Euphemum Hippothoum Pyleum Asterium, Diomedes Xanthippum Mesthlem. Agamemnon ut vidit duces fortissimos cecidisse, pugnam revocavit.

Hector killed the leaders Orcomeneus, Palamenes, Epistrophus, Schedius, Elpenor, Dorium, Polyxenus. Aeneas killed Amphimachus and Nireus; Achilles killed Euphemus, Hippothous, Pyleus, Asterius; Diomedes Xanthippus and Mesthles. When Agamemnon saw that the very bravest leaders had fallen, he recalled the fight.

Troiani laeti in castra revertuntur. Agamemnon sollicitus duces in consilium vocavit hortatur ut fortiter pugnarent, neque desisterent, quoniam maior pars ex suis superata sit, sperare se exercitum ex Mysia cotidie superventurum.

The Trojans, glad, returned to the camp. Agamemnon, anxious, summoned the leaders to counsel and exhorted them to fight bravely and not to desist, since the greater part of his men had been overpowered; he hoped that an army from Mysia would arrive daily to come to his aid.

[XXII] Postera die Agamemnon totum exercitum et omnes duces in pugnam prodire coegit. Contra Troiani. Fit magna caedes, acriter ex ultraque parte pugnatur, multa millia hinc et inde cadunt.

[22] On the next day Agamemnon forced the whole army and all the leaders to go forward into battle. Opposing them were the Trojans. A great slaughter occurs; it is fought fiercely on both sides, and many thousands fall here and there.

Nec differebatur pugna, ita ut continuis LXXX diebus animose pugnatum sit. Agamemnon ut vidit multa milia cotidie occidi neque sufficere mortuos sine intermissione funerari, misit legatos Ulixen et Diomedem ad Priamum, ut indutias in triennium peterent, ut suos funerarent, vulneratos curarent, naves reficerent, exercitum compararent, commeatum conveherent. Ulixes et Diomedes noctu ad Priamum vadunt legati.

The fighting was not put off, so that for eighty continuous days they fought with spirit. When Agamemnon saw that many thousands were being slain daily and that there were not enough men to bury the dead without interruption, he sent envoys, Ulysses and Diomedes, to Priam to beg a truce for three years, that they might bury their own, tend the wounded, repair their ships, raise an army, and gather supplies. Ulysses and Diomedes went by night to Priam as envoys.

Occurrit illis ex Troianis Dolon. Qui cum interrogaret, quid ita armati noctu ad oppidum venissent, dixerunt se ab Agamemnone legatos ad Priamum missos. Quos ut audivit Priamus venisse et desiderium suum exposuisse, in consilium omnes duces convocat, quibus refert legatos venisse ab Agamemnone, ut indutias ad triennium peterent.

Dolon, one of the Trojans, came upon them. When he asked why they had thus come armed by night to the town, they said that they had been sent by Agamemnon as legates to Priam. When Priam heard that they had come and had declared his desire, he summoned all the chiefs to counsel, to whom he reported that legates had come from Agamemnon to request a truce for three years.

Hectori suspectum videtur quod tam longum tempus postulassent. Priamus dicere imperat quid cuique videatur: omnibus placitum est, indutias in triennium dare. Interim Troiani moenia renovant, suos quisque saucios curant, mortuos cum ingenti honore sepeliunt.

It seemed suspect to Hector that they should demand so long a time. Priam orders that each say what seems to him: it is agreed by all to grant an armistice for three years. Meanwhile the Trojans renew the walls, each cares for his own wounded, and they bury the dead with great honor.

[XXIII] Tempus pugnae post triennium supervenit. Hector et Troilus exercitum educunt. Agamemnon Menelaus Achilles et Diomedes etiam ipsi exercitum educunt.

[23] The time of battle arrived after three years. Hector and Troilus lead forth the army. Agamemnon, Menelaus, Achilles, and Diomedes likewise themselves lead out the army.

Fit magna caedes. Hector in prima acie Phidippum et Antiphum duces interficit, Achilles Lycaonem et Phorcyn occidit et ex cetera plebe multa milia hominum ex utraque parte cadunt. Pugnatur acriter diebus continuis XXX.

A great slaughter occurs. Hector in the front line kills the leaders Phidippus and Antiphus; Achilles kills Lycaon and Phorcyn, and from the rest of the plebs many thousands of men fall on both sides. Fierce fighting continues for 30 consecutive days.

Priamus ut vidit multos de suo exercitu cecidisse, mittit legatos ad Agamemnonem, ut indutias peterent mensibus VI et ex consilii sententia Agamemnon concedit indutias. Tempus pugnae supervenit. Acriter per duodecim dies pugnatur.

When Priamus saw that many from his own army had fallen, he sent legates to Agamemnon to request an armistice for 6 months, and by the counsel’s decision Agamemnon granted the armistice. The time of battle arrived. Fiercely fighting continued for 12 days.

Multi duces fortissimi hinc et inde cadunt, plures vulnerantur, plurimi in curatione moriuntur. Agamemnon mittit ad Priamum legatos et triginta dierum indutias postulat, ut funerare mortuos suos possit. Priamus consulte fecit.

Many very brave leaders fall here and there; more are wounded, and very many perish in treatment. Agamemnon sends legates to Priam and demands an armistice of thirty days, that he may bury his dead. Priam, after consultation, granted it.

[XXIV] At ubi tempus pugnae supervenit Andromacha uxor Hectoris in somnis vidit Hectorem non debere in pugnam procedere: et cum ad eum visum referret, Hector muliebria verba abicit. Andromacha maesta misit ad Priamum, ut illi prohibeat ne ea die pugnaret. Priamus Alexandrum Helenum Troilum et Aeneam in pugnam misit.

[24] But when the time of battle arrived Andromache, Hector’s wife, saw in a dream that Hector ought not to proceed into battle: and when she related the vision to him, Hector cast off womanly words. Andromache, sorrowful, sent to Priam that he should forbid him to fight on that day. Priam sent Alexander (Paris), Helenus, Troilus, and Aeneas into the fight.

Hector ut ista audivit, multa increpans Andromacham arma ut proferret poposcit nec retineri ullo modo potuit. Maesta Andromacha summissis capillis Astyanactem filium protendens ante pedes Hectoris eum revocare non potuit. Tunc planctu femineo oppidum concitat, ad Priamum in regiam currit, refert quae in somnis viderit velle Hectorem veloci saltu in pugnam ire, proiectoque ad genua Astyanacte filio suo eum revocare mandat.

When Hector heard these things, reproving Andromache much, he demanded that she bring forth his arms, and could in no way be detained. Sorrowful Andromache, with her hair let down, extending Astyanax, her son, before Hector’s feet, could not recall him. Then with a woman’s lament she arouses the town, runs to Priam in the palace, reports what she had seen in the dream — that Hector wished with a swift leap to go into battle — and, having thrown her son Astyanax at his knees, bids him recall him.

Priamus omnes in pugnam prodire iussit, Hectorem retinuit. Agamemnon Achilles Diomedes Aiax Locrus ut viderunt Hectorem in pugna non esse, acriter pugnaverunt multosque duces de Troianorum numero occiderunt. Hector ut audivit tumultum Troianosque in bello saeve laborare, prosiluit in pugnam.

Priam ordered everyone to go forth into battle; he detained Hector. When Agamemnon, Achilles, Diomedes, Ajax the Locrian saw that Hector was not in the fight, they fought fiercely and killed many leaders from the Trojan number. When Hector heard the tumult and that the Trojans were suffering fiercely in the war, he sprang forth into the battle.

Statimque Idoneum obtruncavit, Iphinoum sauciavit Leonteum occidit, Stheneli femur iaculo figit. Achilles ut respexit multos duces eius dextera cecidisse, animum in eum dirigebat, ut illi obvius fieret. Considerabat enim Achilles nisi Hectorem occideret plures de Graecorum numero eius dextera perituros.

Immediately he slew Idoneus, wounded Iphinous, killed Leonteus, and fixed a javelin in Sthenelus’ thigh. When Achilles looked back and saw many leaders fallen by that right hand, he turned his spirit toward him, that he might meet him. For Achilles considered that unless he killed Hector, many more of the Greeks would perish by that same right hand.

Proelium interea conliditur. Hector Polypoetem ducem fortissimum occidit dumque eum spoliare coepit, Achilles supervenit. Fit pugna maior, clamor ab oppido et a toto exercitu surgit.

Meanwhile the battle is joined. Hector slew Polypoetes, a most valiant leader, and as he began to strip him, Achilles came up. A greater fight ensues; a clamor rises from the town and from the entire army.

Hector Achillis femur sauciavit. Achilles dolore accepto magis eum persequi coepit nec destitit nisi eum occideret. Quo interempto Troianos in fugam vertit et maxima caede laesos usque ad portas persequitur.

Hector wounded Achilles’ thigh. Achilles, the pain received, began to pursue him the more and did not desist until he killed him. With him slain he turned the Trojans into flight and, with great slaughter, pursued the wounded as far as the gates.

Cui tamen Memnon restitit et inter se acriter pugnaverunt: laesi utrique discesserunt. Nox proelium dirimit. Achilles saucius de bello redit.

To whom, however, Memnon opposed himself and they fought fiercely with one another: both withdrew wounded. Night breaks off the battle. Achilles, wounded, returns from the fighting.

Noctu Troiani Hectorem lamentantur. Graiugenae suos.

By night the Trojans lament Hector. The Graiugenae lament their own.

[XXV] Postera die Memnon Troianos educit contra Graecorum exercitum. Agamemnon exercitum consulit suadetque indutias duum mensium postulari, quisque ut suos quisque sepelire possit. Legati ad Priamum Troiam proficiscuntur, venientes desiderium prosecuti sunt, duum mensium indutias accipiunt.

[25] On the following day Memnon leads the Trojans out against the army of the Greeks. Agamemnon consults the army and advises that a truce of two months be demanded, so that each man may be able to bury his own. Envoys set out to Priam at Troy; when they came they assuaged the longing and received a two‑month truce.

Priamus Hectorem suorum more ante portas sepelivit, ludosque funebres fecit. Dum indutiae sunt, Palamedes iterum non cessat de imperio conqueri. Itaque Agamemnon seditioni cessit et dixit se de ea re libenter laturum, ut quem vellent Imperatorem praeficerent.

Priamus buried Hector of his people according to their custom before the gates, and held funeral games. While the truce was in force, Palamedes again would not cease to complain about the command. Thus Agamemnon yielded to the sedition and said that he would gladly endure the matter, provided they should appoint as Imperator whomever they wished.

Postera die populum ad concionem vocat, negat se unquam cupidum imperii fuisse: animo aequo se accipere si cui vellent dare: se libenter cedere: satis sibi esse dum hostes ulciscantur et parvi facere cuius id opera fiat. Se tamen regnum Mycenis habere, iubet dicere, si cui quid placeat. Palamedes prodit, suum ingenium ostendit.

On the following day he calls the people to an assembly, denies that he was ever desirous of command: that he would receive it with a calm mind if they wished to give it to anyone: that he would gladly yield: that it was enough for him so long as the enemies were avenged and to humble the man by whose deed this is achieved. He nevertheless orders them to say that he holds the kingdom at Mycenae, if that pleases anyone. Palamedes betrays, displays his own ingenuity.

Itaque Argivi ei libenter imperium tradunt. Palamedes Argivis gratias agit, imperium accipit administrat. Achilles vituperat imperii commutationem.

And so the Argives gladly entrust the imperium to him. Palamedes gives thanks to the Argives, accepts the imperium and administers it. Achilles denounces the commutation of rule.

[XXVI] Interea indutiae exeunt. Palamedes ornatum paratumque exercitum educit instruit hortatur. Contra Deiphobus.

[26] Meanwhile truces are declared. Palamedes leads forth the ornamented and prepared army, instructs it and exhorts it. Against Deiphobus.

Pugnatur acriter a Troianis. Sarpedon Lycius cum suis inpressionem in Argivos facit caedit prosternit. Obvius ei fit Tlepolemus Rhodius, sed diu stando pugnandoque male vulneratus cadit.

There is fierce fighting by the Trojans. Sarpedon the Lycian, with his men, makes an assault on the Argives, slays and overthrows them. Tlepolemus the Rhodian meets him; but, after standing and fighting long, badly wounded, he falls.

Succedit Pheres Admeti filius proelium restituit diuque cum Sarpedone comminus pugnando occiditur. Sarpedon quoque vulneratus de proelio recedit. Itaque per aliquot dies proelia fiunt.

Pheres, son of Admetus, succeeds and renews the battle, and after long fighting hand-to-hand with Sarpedon is killed. Sarpedon likewise, wounded, withdraws from the engagement. Thus for several days skirmishes take place.

Ex utraque parte multi ductores occiduntur sed plures a Priamo. Troiani mittunt legatos, indutias postulant, ut mortuos sepeliant, saucios curent. Palamedes indutias fecit in annum, mortuos utrique sepeliunt, saucios curant.

From both sides many leaders are slain, but more by Priam. The Trojans send legates, demand a truce, that they may bury the dead and tend the wounded. Palamedes made a truce for one year; both sides bury their dead and care for the wounded.

Fide data ultro citroque in oppidum et castra Argivorum commeant. Palamedes Agamemnonem legatum mittit ad Thesidas Acamantem et Demophoontem, quos legatos Agamemnon praefecerat, ut commeatus compararent et frumentum de Mysia a Telepho acceptum subportarent. Ut eo venit, seditionem Palamedis narrat.

With a pledge given on both sides they freely resort to the town and to the Argive camp. Palamedes sends Agamemnon as envoy to Thesidas, Acamantis, and Demophoon, whom Agamemnon had placed as legates, that they might procure provisions and carry up the grain received from Mysia from Telephus. When he arrived there, he recounted the sedition against Palamedes.

Illi moleste ferunt. Agamemnon ait se moleste non ferre, sua voluntate esse factum. Interea naves onerandas curat Palamedes, castra munit, turribusque circumdat.

They take it badly. Agamemnon says that he does not take it badly, that it was done by his own will. Meanwhile Palamedes sees to the loading of the ships, fortifies the camp, and girds it with towers.

Troiani exercitum exercent, murum diligenter instaurant, fossas et vallum addunt, cetera diligenter conparant.

The Trojans drill the army, diligently restore the wall, add ditches and a rampart, and carefully prepare the remaining things.

[XXVII] Postquam dies anni venit quo Hector sepultus est, Priamus et Hecuba et Polyxena ceterique Troiani ad sepulchrum profecti sunt. Quibus obvius fit Achilles, Polyxenam contemplatur, figit animum, amare vehementer eam coepit. Tunc ardore conpulsus odiosam in amore vitam consumit et aegre ferebat ademptum imperium Agamemnoni sibique Palamedem praepositum.

[27] After the yearly day came on which Hector was buried, Priam and Hecuba and Polyxena and the other Trojans set out to the tomb. To them Achilles came meeting; he contemplates Polyxena, fixes his mind, and began to love her vehemently. Then, driven by ardor, he consumed his life in a hateful love and bitterly resented that the command had been taken to Agamemnon and that Palamedes had been set over him.

Cogente amore Phrygio servo fidelissimo mandata dat ferenda ad Hecubam et ab ea sibi uxorem Polyxenam poscit. Si dederit, se cum suis Myrmidonibus domum rediturum. Quod cum ipse fecerit, ceteros porro ductores idem facturos.

Compelled by love, he gives mandates to be borne to Hecuba by his most faithful Phrygian servant, and requests from her Polyxena as his wife. If she grants her, he will return home with his Myrmidons. And when he himself has done this, the other commanders moreover will do the same.

Servus proficiscitur ad Hecubam convenit mandata dicit: Hecuba respondit velle se, si Priamo placeat viro suo: dum ipsa cum Priamo agat, servus reverti iubet. Servus Achilli quid egerit nuntiat. Agamemnon cum magno comitatu ad castra revertitur.

The slave sets out, meets Hecuba, and delivers the commands: Hecuba answered that she was willing, if it should please Priam, her husband; while she herself deals with Priam, she orders the slave to return. The slave reports to Achilles what he had done. Agamemnon returns to the camp with a great retinue.

Hecuba cum Priamo de conditione Achillis conloquitur. Priamus respondit fieri non posse, non ideo, quod eum indignum adfinitate existimet, sed si ei dederit et ipse discesserit ceteros non discessuros et iniquum esse filiam suam hosti coniungere. Quapropter si id fieri velit, pax perpetua fiat, et exercitus discedat, foedus iure sanciatur.

Hecuba, with Priam, speaks about the condition of Achilles. Priam answered that it could not be done, not because he would deem him unworthy by affinity, but that if he gave (her) to him and he himself departed, the others would not depart, and it would be unjust to unite his daughter to the enemy. Wherefore, if she wishes that this be done, let perpetual peace be established, and let the army depart, and let the treaty be ratified by law.

Si id factum sit, se illi filiam libenter daturum. Itaque Achilles ut constitutum erat servum ad Hecubam mittit, ut sciat quid cum Priamo egerit. Hecuba omnia quae cum Priamo egerat mandat servo.

If that be done, he will willingly give his daughter to him. And so Achilles, as had been agreed, sends a servant to Hecuba, that he may learn what he has done with Priam. Hecuba entrusts to the servant all things which she had done with Priam.

Is Achilli refert. Achilles queritur in vulgus, unius mulieris Helenae causa totam Graeciam et Europam convocatam esse, tanto tempore tot milia hominum perisse, libertatem in ancipiti esse, unde oportere pacem fieri, exercitus recedere.

He reports to Achilles. Achilles complains to the crowd, that for the sake of one woman, Helen, the whole Greece and Europe have been convened, that for so long a time so many thousands of men have perished, that liberty stands in a precarious (double‑edged) state, whence it is necessary that peace be made and the armies withdraw.

[XXVIII] Annus circumactus est. Palamedes exercitum educit instruit. Deiphobus contra.

[28] The year was completed. Palamedes leads out and drills the army. Deiphobus, by contrast.

Achilles iratus in proelium non prodit. Palamedes occasionem nactus inpressionem in Deiphobum facit eumque obtruncat. Proelium acre insurgit, acriter ab utrisque pugnatur, multa milia hominum cadunt.

Achilles, angry, does not go forth into battle. Palamedes, having seized an occasion, makes an assault upon Deiphobus and cuts him down. A keen battle breaks out, fought bitterly by both sides, and many thousands of men fall.

Palamedes in prima acie versatur hortaturque proelium ut fortiter gerant. Contra eum Sarpedon Lycius occurrit eumque Palamedes interficit. Eo facto laetus in acie versatur.

Palamedes is engaged in the first line and urges the men to carry the battle on bravely. Against him Sarpedon the Lycian attacks, and Palamedes slays him. With that deed done he moves about the line rejoicing.

Cui exultanti et glorianti Alexander Paris sagitta collum transfigit. Phryges animadvertunt, tela coniciunt atque ita Palamedes occiditur. Rege occisocuncti hostes inpressionem faciunt Argivi cedunt, in castra confugiunt.

To him, exulting and glorying, Alexander Paris transfixes the neck with an arrow. The Phrygians perceive it, hurl their missiles, and thus Palamedes is killed. With the king slain, all the enemies make an onrush; the Argives give way and flee into the camp.

Troiani persecuntur, castra obpugnant, naves incendunt. Achilli nuntiatum est, dissimulat. Aiax Telamonius fortiter defendit.

The Trojans pursue, assault the camp, and set the ships on fire. It was reported to Achilles; he conceals it. Ajax Telamonian defends stoutly.

Nox proelium dirimit. Argivi in castris Palamedis scientiam aequitatem clementiam bonitatem lamentantur. Troiani Sarpedonem et Deiphobum deflent.

Night breaks up the battle. The Argives in the camps lament Palamedes’ learning, equity, clemency, and goodness. The Trojans mourn Sarpedon and Deiphobus.

[XXIX] Nestor qui maior natu erat, noctu ductores in consilium vocat suadet hortatur, ut imperatorem praeficiant et si eis videatur eundem Agamemnonem minima cum discordia fieri posse. Item commemorat, quod dum ille imperator fuit, res prospere cecisse, felicem fuisse exercitum: si cui quid aliud videatur dicere suadet. Omnes adsentiunt, Agamemnonem summum imperatorem praeficiunt.

[29] Nestor, who was greater by birth, at night calls the leaders into council, advises and exhorts that they appoint a commander and, if it seems to them, that same Agamemnon could be made with the least discord. He likewise recalls that while he was commander things had prospered, that the army had been fortunate: if to anyone it seems to say anything otherwise he urges him to speak. All assent; they appoint Agamemnon supreme commander.

Postera die Troiani alacres in aciem prodeunt. Agamemnon exercitum contra educit. Proelio commisso uterque exercitus inter se pugnat.

On the next day the Trojans, eager, advance into the battle‑line. Agamemnon leads his army out against them. When the battle is joined, both armies fight with one another.

Postquam maior pars diei transiit, prodit in primo Troilus, caedit devastat, Argivos in castra fugat. Postera die exercitum Troiani educunt: contra Agamemnon. Fit maxima caedes, uterque exercitus inter se pugnat acriter.

After the greater part of the day had passed, Troilus sallies forth at the first watch, slays and devastates, and drives the Argives into their camp. On the next day the Trojans lead out their army against Agamemnon. A very great slaughter occurs; each army fights fiercely with the other.

Multos duces Argivorum Troilus interficit. Pugnatur continuis diebus VII. Agamemnon indutias petit in duos menses.

Troilus kills many leaders of the Argives. Fighting continues for seven successive days. Agamemnon petitions for a truce for two months.

Palameden magnifico funere effert ceterosque duces ac milites utrique sepeliendos curant.

They carry Palamedes forth with a magnificent funeral and see to the burial of the remaining leaders and soldiers on each side.

[XXX] Agamemnon dum indutiae sunt mittit ad Achillem Ulixen Nestorem et Diomeden, ut rogent eum in bellum prodire. Abnegat Achilles maestus, quod iam destinaverat in bellum non prodire, ob id quod promiserat Hecubae, aut certe se minus pugnaturum, eo quod Polyxenam valde amabat. Coepit male eos accipere qui ad eum venerant, dicens debere perpetuam pacem fieri, tanta pericula unius mulieris causa fieri, libertatem periclitari, tanto tempore desidere: pacem expostulat, pugnare negat.

[30] While a truce held, Agamemnon sent Ulysses, Nestor, and Diomedes to Achilles, that they might beg him to go forth into the war. Achilles, sorrowful, refused, for he had already resolved not to go forth into the war, because of that which he had promised to Hecuba, or at least that he would fight less, since he loved Polyxena greatly. He began to receive badly those who came to him, saying that a perpetual peace ought to be made, that such dangers were undertaken for the sake of one woman, that liberty was being endangered, that they idled for so long a time: he demanded peace, he refused to fight.

Agamemnoni renuntiatur, quid cum Achille actum sit, illum pertinaciter negare. Agamemnon omnes duces in consilium vocat, exercitum quid fieri debeat consulit, imperat dicere quid cuique videatur. Menelaus hortari coepit fratrem suum, ut exercitum in pugnam produceret, nec debere terreri, si Achilles se excusaverit: se tamen persuasurum ei ut in bellum prodeat, nec vereri, si noluerit.

It is reported to Agamemnon what had been done with Achilles: that he stubbornly refuses. Agamemnon calls all the leaders into council, consults what ought to be done about the army, and commands that each state what seems to him. Menelaus began to exhort his brother to lead the army into battle, and that he ought not be frightened if Achilles had excused himself; yet he would persuade him to go forth into the war, and should not fear if he refused.

Commemorare coepit Troianos non habere alium virum tam fortem sicut Hector fuit. Diomedes et Ulixes dicere coeperunt Troilum non minus quam Hectorem virum fortissimum esse. Diomedi et Ulixi Menelaus resistens bellum geri suadebat.

He began to recount that the Trojans had no other man so brave as Hector had been. Diomedes and Ulysses began to say that Troilus was no less than Hector, a man most brave. Menelaus, resisting Diomedes and Ulysses, urged that war be waged.

Calchas ex augurio respondit debere pugnare nec vereri quod modo superiores Troiani fuerint.

Calchas, from the augury, answered that they ought to fight and should not fear that the Trojans had only recently been superior.

[XXXI] Tempus pugnae supervenit. Agamemnon Menelaus Diomedes Aiax exercitum educunt. Contra Troiani.

[31] The time of battle came. Agamemnon, Menelaus, Diomedes, Ajax lead forth the army. Against them, the Trojans.

Fit magna caedes, pugnatur acriter, uterque exercitus inter se saeviunt. Troilus Menelaum sauciat, multos interficit, ceteros paulatim persequitur. Nox proelium dirimit.

A great slaughter takes place, the fight is fierce, each army rages against the other. Troilus wounds Menelaus, slays many, and gradually pursues the rest. Night breaks off the battle.

Postera die Troilus cum Alexandro exercitum educit. Contra omnes Argivi prodeunt: acriter pugnatur. Troilus Diomeden sauciat: in Agamemnonem inpressionem facit, nec non et ipsum sauciat, Argivos caedit.

On the next day Troilus, with Alexander, leads out the army. Against them all the Argives advance: the fighting is fierce. Troilus wounds Diomedes; he makes an onrush upon Agamemnon, and indeed wounds him too, and cuts down Argives.

Per aliquot dies pugnatur acriter, multa milia hominum ex utraque parte trucidantur. Agamemnon, ut vidit maiorem partem exercitus se cotidie amittere nec sufficere posse, petit indutias in sex menses. Priamus consilium cogit, indicat Argivorum desideria.

For several days fierce fighting takes place, many thousands of men on each side are slaughtered. Agamemnon, when he saw that he was losing the greater part of his army daily and that it could not suffice, sought a truce for six months. Priam devises a counsel and declares the Argives' desires.

Troilus negat debere dari tam longo tempore indutias, sed potius inpressionem fieri, naves incendi. Priamus quid cuique videatur dicere imperat. Omnibus placitum est, debere fieri quod Argivi petunt.

Troilus denies that a truce ought to be granted for so long a time, but rather that an assault should be made and the ships set on fire. Priam commands that each one say what seems to him. It is pleasing to all: that what the Argives request ought to be done.

Priamus itaque in sex menses indutias dedit. Agamemnon honorifice suos sepeliendos curat, Diomedem Menelaum saucios curat. Troiani suos aeque sepeliunt.

Priamus therefore granted a truce of six months. Agamemnon honorably sees to his own being buried, and tends the wounded Diomedes and Menelaus. The Trojans likewise bury their own.

Dum indutiae sunt, ex consilii sententia Agamemnon ad Achillem proficiscitur, ut eum ad pugnam provocaret. Achilles tristis negare coepit se proditurum, sed pacem peti oportere, conqueri coepit, quod Agamemnoni nihil negare possit: tamen cum tempus pugnae supervenisset, se milites suos missurum, ipsum excusatum haberet. Agamemnon ei gratias egit.

While the truce lasted, by the council’s decree Agamemnon set out to Achilles, to provoke him to battle. Achilles, sorrowful, began to deny that he would betray them, but began to complain that peace ought to be sought, lamenting that he could refuse Agamemnon nothing; nevertheless, when the time of fighting arrived, he would send his soldiers and considered himself excused. Agamemnon thanked him.

[XXXII] Tempus pugnae supervenit. Troiani exercitum educunt. Contra Argivi prodeunt.

[32] The time of battle arrived. The Trojans led forth their army. Opposite them the Argives advanced.

Achilles primo Myrmidones instruit, ad Agamemnonem paratos mittit. Fit pugna maior: acriter saevitur. Troilus in prima acie Argivos caedit, Myrmidonas fuga, inpressionem usque in castra facit, multos occidit, plurimos sauciat.

Achilles first marshals the Myrmidons and sends them, ready, to Agamemnon. A greater battle takes place: he rages fiercely. Troilus in the foremost line cuts down the Argives, puts the Myrmidons to flight, forces a pressing breach all the way into the camp, kills many, wounds very many.

Aiax Telamonius obstitit. Troiani victores in oppidum revertuntur. Postera die Agamemnon exercitum educit, omnes duces et Myrmidones prodeunt.

Ajax Telamonian stood firm. The victorious Trojans return into the town. On the following day Agamemnon leads out the army; all the leaders and the Myrmidones come forth.

Contra Troiani in aciem laeti exeunt. Proelio commisso uterque exercitus inter se dimicat, acriter per aliquot dies pugnatur, multa milia hominum ex utraque parte cadunt. Troilus Myrmidonas persequitur sternit fugat.

The Trojans, joyful, march forth into the battle line. When the combat is joined each army fights against the other; it is fought fiercely for several days, and many thousands of men fall on both sides. Troilus pursues the Myrmidons, he strikes them down and puts them to flight.

Agamemnon ut vidit ex sua parte multos occisos, indutias in dies triginta petit, ut suos funerare possit. Priamus indutias dedit. Suos quisque sepeliendos curat.

When Agamemnon saw many slain on his side, he asked for a truce for thirty days, that he might bury his own. Priam granted the truce. Each man cares for burying his own.

[XXXIII] Tempus pugnae supervenit. Troiani exercitum educunt. Contra Agamemnon omnes duces in pugnam cogit.

[33] The time of battle arrived. The Trojans lead out their army. Against Agamemnon he marshals all the leaders into battle.

Proelio commisso fit magna caedes: acriter saevitur. Postquam primum diei tempus transiit, prodit in primo Troilus caedit prosternit. Argivi fugam cum clamore fecerunt.

When the battle was joined a great slaughter took place: the fighting raged fiercely. After the first time of day had passed, Troilus came forth first, slew and laid low. The Argives made flight with a cry.

Achilles ut animadvertit Troilum iracunde saevire et Argivis insultare simulque sine intermissione Myrmidones prosternere, procedit in bellum. Quem Troilus continuo excipit et sauciat. Achilles de proelio saucius redit.

When Achilles perceived that Troilus was raging furiously and trampling upon the Argives, and at the same time without intermission laying low the Myrmidones, he advanced into the fight. Troilus at once met him and wounded him. Achilles, wounded from the battle, withdrew.

Pugnatur continuis diebus sex. Die septimo dum uterque exercitus proelio facto inter se pugnant, Achilles, qui aliquot dies vexatus in pugnam non prodierat, Myrmidones instruit. Alloquitur hortatur, ut fortiter inpressionem in Troilum faciant.

Fighting is waged for six continuous days. On the seventh day, while each army, the battle having been joined, fights among themselves, Achilles, who, harassed for several days, had not gone forth into battle, draws up the Myrmidons. He addresses them and urges that they make a brave assault upon Troilus.

Postquam maior pars diei transiit, prodit Troilus ex equo laetus. Argivi maximo clamore fugam faciunt. Myrmidones supervenerunt, inpressionem in Troilum faciunt, de quorum numero multi a Troilo occiduntur.

After the greater part of the day had passed, Troilus dismounts from his horse, joyful. The Argives, with a very great shout, take to flight. The Myrmidons come up, make a press upon Troilus; of their number many are slain by Troilus.

Dum acriter proeliantur, equus vulneratus corruit, Troilum inplicitum excutit. Eum cito Achilles adveniens occidit, ex proelio trahere coepit. Quod Achilles interventu Memnonis complere non potuit.

While they fought fiercely, a wounded horse fell and dislodged the entangled Troilus. Achilles, arriving quickly, killed him and began to drag him from the battle; which Achilles, by Memnon’s intervention, could not complete.

Adveniens enim Memnon et Troili corpus eripuit et Achillem vulnere sauciavit. Achilles de proelio saucius rediit. Memnon insequi eum cum multis coepit quem Achilles ut respexit, substitit: curato vulnere, et aliquamdiu proeliatus Memnonem multis plagis occidit et ipse vulneratus ab eo ex proelio recessit.

For Memnon arriving tore away Troilus’ body and wounded Achilles with a wound. Achilles, wounded from the battle, returned. Memnon began to pursue him with many, whom when Achilles beheld he halted: his wound having been tended, and after fighting for some time he killed Memnon with many strokes, and himself, wounded by him, withdrew from the battle.

Postquam Persarum ductor occisus est reliqui in oppidum confugerunt, portasque clauserunt. Nox proelium dirimit. Postera die a Priamo legati ad Agamemnonem missi sunt, qui dierum XX indutias peterent, quod continuo Agamemnon concedit.

After the leader of the Persians was killed, the remaining men took refuge in the town and closed the gates. Night parted the battle. On the following day envoys were sent by Priam to Agamemnon, who requested a truce of 20 days, which Agamemnon at once conceded.

Priamus igitur Troilum Memnonemque magnifico funere effert: ceterosque milites utrique sepeliendos curant.

Therefore Priam bears forth Troilus and Memnon with a magnificent funeral, and sees to it that the remaining soldiers are buried for both sides.

[XXXIV] Hecuba maesta quod duo filii eius fortissimi Hector et Troilus ab Achille interfecti essent, consilium muliebre temerarium iniit ad ulciscendum dolorem. Alexandrum filium arcessit orat hortatur, ut se et fratres suos vindicaret, insidias Achilli faceret et eum nec opinantem occidat: quoniam ad se miserit et rogaverit ut sibi Polyxenam daret in matrimonium: se ad eum missuram Priami verbis, pacem inter se foedusque firment constituant in fano Apollinis Thymbraei, quod est ante portam: eo Achillem venturum, conlocuturum ibique se illi insidias collocare, satis sibi victum esse si eum occideret. Quod temptaturum se Alexander promisit.

[34] Hecuba, sorrowful that her two sons, the most brave Hector and Troilus, had been slain by Achilles, devised a rash womanly plan to avenge the grief. She summoned her son Alexander, beseeching and exhorting him that he avenge her and his brothers, that he lay ambushes for Achilles and kill him unawares; for he should be moved to pity and ask that Polyxena be given him in marriage: she would send him to her by Priam’s words, and that they establish peace and a pact between them in the shrine of Apollo Thymbraeus, which is before the gate: there Achilles would come, would confide, and there she would place the ambushes for him, content that she had prevailed if he were slain. Alexander promised that he would attempt it.

Noctu de exercitu eliguntur fortissimi, et in fano Apollinis collocantur, signum accipiunt. Hecuba ad Achillem, sicuti condixerat, nuntium mittit. Achilles laetus Polyxenam amans postera die ad fanum se venturum constituit.

By night the bravest are chosen from the army and placed in the fane of Apollo, where they receive a sign. Hecuba, as she had arranged, sends a messenger to Achilles. Achilles, joyful and loving Polyxena, determines that on the following day he will come to the fane.

Interea Achilles sequenti die cum Antilocho Nestoris filio ad constitutum veniunt simulque fanum Apollinis ingrediuntur, undique ex insidiis occurrunt, tela coniiciunt: Paris hortatur. Achilles cum Antilocho, brachio sinistro chlamyde involuto, enses dextra tenentes impetum faciunt. Exinde Achilles multos occidit.

Meanwhile Achilles, on the following day, comes to the appointed place with Antilochus, son of Nestor, and together they enter the fane of Apollo; they are met on all sides by ambushes, weapons are hurled: Paris urges them on. Achilles with Antilochus, his left arm wrapped in a chlamys, holding swords in his right, make an assault. Thereafter Achilles kills many.

Alexander Antilochum interimit ipsumque Achillem multis plagis confodit. Ita Achilles animam ex insidiis nequiquam fortiter faciens amisit. Quem Alexander feris et volucribus proici iubet.

Alexander kills Antilochus and himself stabs Achilles with many wounds. Thus Achilles, striving bravely against the ambushes in vain, lost his life. Alexander orders him to be thrown to the wild beasts and to the birds.

Hoc ne faciat Helenus rogat, tunc eos de fano eici iubet et suis tradi: quorum corpora accepta Argivi in castra ferunt. Agamemnon eos magnifico funere effert Achillique sepulchrum ut faciat, a Priamo indutias petit ibique ludos funebres facit.

Helenus begs that he not do this; then he orders them to be expelled from the temple and handed over to his own men: whose bodies, having been received, the Argives carry into the camp. Agamemnon conducts them with a magnificent funeral, and, in order to make a tomb for Achilles, asks a truce from Priam and there holds funeral games.

[XXXV] Deinde consilium convocat, Argivos alloquitur. Placet omnibus ut ea quae Achillis essent Aiaci propinquo eius commendarentur atque ita Aiax ait: cum filius Neoptolemus ei supersit, neminem aequius super Myrmidones principatum habere quam eum, oportere ad pugnam accersiri, eique universia quae patris erant restitui. Consilium idem placuit Agamemnoni et omnibus.

[35] Then he summons a council and addresses the Argives. It pleases everyone that those things which belonged to Achilles be entrusted to Ajax, his kinsman, and so Ajax says: since the son Neoptolemus survives him, no one more fittingly should hold the principate over the Myrmidons than he; he ought to be summoned to battle, and to him all the possessions that were his father’s should be restored. The same plan pleased Agamemnon and all.

Datur negotium Menelao: hic Scyrum proficiscitur ad Lycomedem avum eius: imperat ut nepotem suum mittat. Quod Argivis Lycomedes libenter concedit. Postquam indutiae exierunt, Agamemnon exercitum educit instruit hortatur.

A commission is given to Menelaus: he sets out for Scyros to Lycomedes, his grandfather; he orders that his grandson be sent. Which Lycomedes gladly concedes to the Argives. After the truce had ended, Agamemnon leads the army forth, draws it up, and encourages them.

Contra Troiani ex urbe prodeunt. Proelium committitur. In prima acie Aiax nudus versatur, clamore magno orto multi ex utroque exercitu pereunt.

Against them the Troiani come forth from the city. A battle is joined. In the first acies Ajax is engaged naked; a great shout having risen, many from both armies perish.

Alexander arcum tetendit, multos interfecit, Aiacis latus nudum figit. Aiax saucius Alexandrum persequitur, nec destitit nisi eum occideret. Aiax fessus vulnere in castra refertur, sagitta exempta moritur.

Alexander drew his bow, killed many, and pierced Ajax’s unprotected side. Wounded, Ajax pursued Alexander and did not desist until he had killed him. Ajax, exhausted by the wound, is carried back into the camp; the arrow having been withdrawn, he dies.

Alexandri corpus ad urbem refertur. Alexandro occiso, Diomedes virili animo in hostes inpressionem facit. Phryges fessi in urbem confugiunt, quos Diomedes usque in urbem persequitur.

The body of Alexander is carried back to the city. With Alexander slain, Diomedes, of manly spirit, makes an onset upon the enemies. The Phrygians, exhausted, take refuge in the city, whom Diomedes pursues even into the city.

Agamemnon exercitum circa oppidum ducit, et tota nocte circa murum obsedit, curat ut alternis vice vigilias agant. Postera die Priamus Alexandrum in oppido sepelit, quem magno ululatu Helena prosecuta est, quoniam ab eo honorifice tractata est. Quam Priamus et Hecuba ut filiam aspexerunt, et diligenter curaverunt, quod numquam Troianos despexisset Argivosque non desiderasset.

Agamemnon leads the army about the town, and he besieged round the wall the whole night, he sees to it that they keep the watches in alternating turns. On the next day Priam buries Alexander in the town, whom Helena attended with great wailing, since she had been treated honorably by him. Whom Priam and Hecuba regarded as a daughter, and they tended her carefully, because she had never spurned the Trojans nor longed for the Argives.

[XXXVI] Postera die Agamemnon coepit exercitum ante portas instruere et Dardanos ad proelium provocare. Priamus subsistere, urbem munire et quiescere usque dum Penthesilea cum Amazonibus superveniret. Penthesilea postea supervenit, exercitum contra Agamemnonem educit.

[36] On the following day Agamemnon began to draw up the army before the gates and to challenge the Dardanians to battle. Priam halted, fortified the city, and kept quiet until Penthesilea with the Amazons should arrive. Penthesilea afterward arrived and led her army out against Agamemnon.

Fit proelium ingens, per aliquot dies pugnatur. Argivi fugantur in castris opprimuntur. Cui vix Diomedes obstitit, alioquin naves incendisset et Argivorum universum exercitum devastasset.

A tremendous battle takes place, and is fought for several days. The Argives are routed and crushed in their camps. Against whom Diomedes scarcely opposed himself; otherwise he would have set the ships on fire and devastated the whole army of the Argives.

Proelio dirempto Agamemnon se in castris continuit. Penthesilea vero cotidie prodit Argivos devastat et in bellum provocat. Agamemnon ex consilio castra munit tueturque, et in bellum non prodit, usque dum Menelaus veniat.

When the battle was ended Agamemnon kept himself within the camp. Penthesilea, however, daily sallies forth, devastates the Argives and challenges them to battle. Agamemnon, by counsel, fortifies the camp and guards it, and does not go out to war until Menelaus arrives.

Menelaus ad Scyrum venit, arma Achillis Neoptolemo filio eius tradit, quae cum sumpsisset, venit et in Argivorum castris vehementer circa patris tumulum lamentatus est. Penthesilea ex consuetudine aciem instruit, et usque ad Argivorum castra prodit. Neoptolemus Myrmidonum princeps contra aciem ducit.

Menelaus came to Scyros and delivered Achilles’ arms to his son Neoptolemus; when he had taken them up, he came and in the Argives’ camp bewailed vehemently about his father’s tumulus. Penthesilea, by custom, draws up the battle‑line and advances as far as the Argives’ camp. Neoptolemus, princeps of the Myrmidons, leads against the line.

Agamemnon exercitum instruit. Pariter ambo concurrunt. Neoptolemus stragem facit.

Agamemnon arrays the army. Both alike rush together. Neoptolemus wreaks a slaughter.

Occurrit Penthesilea et fortiter in proelio versatur. Utrique per aliquot dies acriter pugnaverunt, multosque occiderunt. Penthesilea Neoptolemum sauciat.

Penthesilea met him and fought bravely in the battle. Both fought fiercely for several days and slew many. Penthesilea wounded Neoptolemus.

Ille dolore accepto Amazonidum ductricem Penthesileam obtruncat. Eo facto totum exercitum Troianorum in fugam convertit, in urbem victi refugiunt. Argivi cum exercitu murum circundant, ut foras Troiani exire non possent.

He, the pain received, slays the Amazon leader Penthesilea. With this done he turns the whole army of the Trojans to flight; the conquered flee back into the city. The Argives, with their army, surround the wall, so that the Trojans could not go out.

[XXXVII] Hoc postquam Troiani viderunt, Antenor Polydamas Aeneas ad Priamum veniunt. Agunt cum eo, ut consilium convocet et deliberet quid de fortunis suis futurum sit. Priamus consilium convocat: qui postulaverunt sibi loquendi facultatem dari iubet eis dicere quid desiderent.

[37] After the Trojans saw this, Antenor, Polydamas, and Aeneas came to Priam. They urge him to convene a council and deliberate what will happen to their fortunes. Priam summons a council: he orders that those who asked for the faculty of speaking be granted leave, and bids them say what they desire.

Antenor memorat principes defensores Troiae Hectorem ceterosque natos eius cum advenis ductoribus interfectos esse, Argivis remanere fortissimos Agamemnonem Menelaum Neoptolemum, non minus fortem quam pater eius fuit, Diomedem Aiacem Locrum ceterosque quam conplures summaeque prudentiae Nestorem Ulixem. Contra, Troianos clausos et metu contritos esse. Suadet potius esse, ut Helena his reddatur et ea quae Alexander cum sociis abstulerat reddantur et pax fiat.

Antenor recalls that the princes, defenders of Troy—Hector and the others sprung from him—together with the arriving commanders, have been killed; that among the Argives remain the most brave: Agamemnon, Menelaus, Neoptolemus, no less brave than his father was, Diomedes, Ajax the Locrian, and as many others, and of the highest prudence Nestor and Ulysses. By contrast, the Trojans are hemmed in and crushed by fear. He rather advises that Helen be restored to them and that those things which Alexander carried off with his comrades be given back, and that peace be made.

Postquam multis verbis de pace concilianda egerunt, surgit Amphimachus filius Priami adolescens fortissimus, malis verbis Antenorem adortus est et eos qui consenserant, increpare facta eorum, suadere potius educendum exercitum, inruptionem in castra faciendam, usque dum vincant aut victi pro patria occumbant. Postquam is finem fecit, Aeneas exurgit, lenibus mitibusque dictis Amphimacho repugnat, ab Argivis pacem petendam magnopere suadet. Polydamas eadem suadet.

After they had spoken many words about bringing peace together, Amphimachus, son of Priam, a very brave young man, rose up, assailed Antenor with harsh words and those who had agreed with him, reproached their deeds, and rather urged that the army be led forth, that an assault on the camp be made, until they prevail or, if conquered, fall dying for the patria. When he had made an end, Aeneas stood up, with gentle and mild words opposed Amphimachus, and earnestly urged that peace be sought from the Argives. Polydamas counseled the same.

[XXXVIII] Postquam dicendi finis factus est, Priamus magno animo surgit, ingerit multa mala Antenori et Aeneae. Eos belli appetendi auctores fuisse, ut legatos in Graeciam mitterentur, Antenorem quidem obiurgat, quia pacem suadet, cum ipse quoque legatus ierit et renuntiaverit se contumeliose tractatum esse et ipse bellum suaserit. Deinde Aeneam qui cum Alexandro Helenam et praedam eripuerit.

[38] When the speaking was brought to an end, Priamus rose with a great spirit, he heaps many reproaches upon Antenor and Aeneas. He charges them with having been the authors of pursuing war, so that envoys should be sent into Greece; he indeed scolds Antenor because he counsels peace, since he himself also had gone as an envoy and had reported that he was treated with contumely and himself had urged war. Then (he attacks) Aeneas, who, together with Alexander, had snatched away Helen and the spoil.

Quapropter certum sibi esse pacem non fieri: imperatque uti omnes parati sint, ut cum signum dederit, e portis inruptionem faciant, aut vincere aut mori sibi certum esse. Haec postquam multis verbis dixit hortatusque est eos, consilium dimittit, Amphimachum secum in regiam duxit dicitque ei vereri se ab his qui pacem suaserunt, ne oppidum prodant, eos habere de plebe multos qui una sentiant, opus esse eos interfici. Quod si hoc factum sit, se esse patriam defensurum, et Argivos superaturum.

Therefore he was certain that peace would not be made: and he commands that all be ready, so that when he gives the signal they must sally forth from the gates, it being certain to them to conquer or to die. When he had spoken these things at length and had exhorted them, he dismissed the council, led Amphimachus with him into the palace, and tells him that he fears those who have urged peace, lest they betray the town; that they have among the populace many who think together with them; that it is necessary to put these men to death. If this be done, he will defend the fatherland and will overcome the Argives.

Simulque rogat, ut sibi fidelis et obaudiens paratusque cum armis sit, id sine suspicione posse fieri. Postera die ita uti solet rem divinam facturum eosque ad cenam vocaturum. Tunc Amphimachus consilio armatis inruptionem faciat eosque interimat.

And at the same time he asks that he be loyal and obedient to him and ready with arms, so that this may be done without suspicion. On the next day, as he is wont, he will perform the sacred rite and will summon them to the supper. Then Amphimachus, with armed men by design, shall make an assault and put them to death.

Amphimachus consilium eius approbat seque hoc facturum promittit, atque ita ab eo discessit.

Amphimachus approves his consilium and promises that he himself will do this, and so departed from him.

[XXXIX] Eodem die clam conveniunt Antenor Polydamas Ucalegon Dolon, dicunt se mirari regis pertinaciam qui inclusus cum patria et comitibus perire malit quam pacem facere. Antenor ait se invenisse quod sibi et illis in commune proficiat, quod quo pacto fieri possit dicturum si sibi fides servaretur. Omnes se in fidem Antenori obstringunt.

[39] On the same day Antenor, Polydamas, Ucalegon, Dolon secretly assemble, and say that they marvel at the king’s pertinacity, who, shut in with his fatherland and companions, prefers to perish rather than make peace. Antenor says that he has discovered something that will profit him and them in common, and that he will tell by what means it can be done if faith is kept toward him. All bind themselves into Antenor’s faith.

Antenor, ut vidit se obstrictum, mittit ad Aenean, dicit patriam prodendam esse et sibi et suis esse cavendum, ad Agamemnonem de his rebus aliquem esse mittendum, quid id sine suspitione curet, maturandum esse, animadvertisse se Priamum iratum de consilio surrexisse, quia ei pacem suaserit: vereri se ne quid novi consilii ineat. Itaque omnes promittunt: statim Polydamantem, qui ex his minime invidiosus erat ad Agamemnonem clam mittunt. Polydamas in castra Argivorum pervenit, Agamemnonem convenit, dicit ei quae suis placuerint.

Antenor, when he saw himself bound, sent to Aeneas, saying that the fatherland must be surrendered and that he and his must be provided for; that someone must be sent to Agamemnon about these matters, to see that it be effected without suspicion, and that it must be hastened; that he had observed Priam risen, angry at the counsel, because he had urged peace upon him: he feared lest some new plot be formed. Therefore they all promise: immediately they secretly send Polydamas — who among them was least envious — to Agamemnon. Polydamas reached the Argive camp, met Agamemnon, and told him what had pleased his men.

[XL] Agamemnon clam nocte omnes duces in consilium convocat eadem refert, quid cuique videatur dicere iubet. Omnibus placitum est, ut fides proditoribus servaretur. Ulixes et Nestor dixerunt se vereri hanc rem subire.

[40] Agamemnon secretly by night summons all the leaders to council, reports the same thing, and bids each say what seems to him to be said. It is agreed by all that faith should be kept with the proditors. Ulixes and Nestor said that they feared to undergo this matter.

Neoptolemus hos refutat. Dum inter se certant, placitum est signum a Polydamante exigi et id ipsum propter Sinonem ad Aenean et Anchisen et Antenorem mitti. Sinon ad Troiam proficiscitur et quia nondum claves portae Amphimachi custodibus tradiderat, signo dato Sinon vocem Aeneae et Anchisae et Antenoris audiendo confirmatus Agamemnoni renuntiat.

Neoptolemus refutes these. While they contend among themselves, it is agreed that a sign be demanded from Polydamantes and that that same sign, on account of Sinon, be sent to Aeneas and Anchises and Antenor. Sinon sets out for Troy, and because he had not yet handed over the keys of Amphimachus’ gate to the guards, when the sign is given Sinon, confirmed by hearing the voices of Aeneas and Anchises and Antenor, reports back to Agamemnon.

Tunc placitum est omnibus, ut fides daretur iureiurando confirmaretur, ut si oppidum proxima nocte tradidissent Antenori Ucalegonti Polydamanti Aeneae Doloni suisque omnibus parentibus fides servaretur nec non liberis, coniugibus consanguineis amicis propinquis qui una coniurassent suaque omnia incolumia sibi habere liceat. Hoc pacto confirmato et iureiurando adstricto, suadet Polydamas noctu exercitum ad portam Scaeam adducant, ubi extrinsecus caput equi sculptum est, ibi praesidia habere noctu Antenorem et Anchisen, exercitui Argivorum portam reseraturos, eisque lumen prolaturos. Id signum eruptionis fore.

Then it was agreed by all that trust should be given and confirmed by an oath, that if they should surrender the town on the next night to Antenor, Ucalegon, Polydamas, Aeneas, Dolon and all their kinsmen, faith would be kept — likewise to their children, wives, blood-relations, friends and kindred who had conspired with them — and that all their belongings should be allowed to remain uninjured. With this pact confirmed and bound by an oath, Polydamas advises that at night they lead the army to the Scaean Gate, where on the outside the horse’s head is carved; there Antenor and Anchises are to keep the watch by night, and, with the Argive army’s gate unbarred, they will pass in a light for them. That shall be the signal of the sally.

[XLI] Postquam pacta dicta demonstrata sunt, Polydamas in oppidum redit, rem peractam nuntiat dicitque Antenori et Aeneae ceterisque quibus placitum erat, uti suos omnes in eam partem adducant, noctu Scaeam portam aperiant, lumen ostendant, exercitum inducant. Antenor et Aeneas noctu ad portam praesto fuerunt, Neoptolemum susceperunt, exercitui portam reseraverunt, lumen ostenderunt, fugam praesidio sibi suisque ut sit providerunt. Neoptolemus praesidium dat, Antenor eum in regiam ducit, ubi Troianis positum praesidium erat.

[41] After the agreements had been spoken and declared, Polydamas returns into the town, proclaims the matter accomplished and tells Antenor and Aeneas and the others to whom it was agreeable that they should bring all their men to that place, open the Scaean Gate by night, display a light, and admit the army. Antenor and Aeneas were at the gate at night, they received Neoptolemus, unbarred the gate for the army, showed the light, and provided that an escape would be secured by a garrison for themselves and their own. Neoptolemus supplies a garrison; Antenor leads him into the palace, where a garrison had been placed for the Trojans.

Neoptolemus in regiam inruptionem facit, Troianos caedit, Priamum persequitur, quem ante aram Iovis obtruncat. Hecuba dum fugit cum Polyxena Aeneas occurrit, Polyxenam tradit se ei, quam Aeneas ad patrem Anchisen abscondit. Andromacha et Cassandra se in aede Minervae occultant.

Neoptolemus makes an incursion into the palace, slaughters Trojans, pursues Priam, whom before the altar of Jupiter he cuts down. Hecuba, while fleeing with Polyxena, encounters Aeneas, hands Polyxena over to him, whom Aeneas conceals and carries to his father Anchises. Andromache and Cassandra hide themselves in the temple of Minerva.

Tota nocte non cessant Argivi devastare praedasque facere.

Throughout the night the Argives do not cease to ravage and to seize booty.

[XLII] Postquam dies inluxit, Agamemnon universos duces in arce convocat. Diis gratias agit, exercitum conlaudat, omnem praedam iubet in medio reponendam: quam cum omnibus partitus est simulque consulit exercitum, an placeat Antenori et Aeneae et his qui una patriam prodiderant, fidem servari. Exercitus totus conclamat placere sibi: itaque convocatis omnibus sua omnia reddit.

[42] After the day broke, Agamemnon summoned all the leaders into the citadel. He gives thanks to the gods, praises the army, and orders that all the booty be laid up in the midst: which, when he distributed among all, he at the same time consults the army whether it pleases that faith be preserved toward Antenor and Aeneas and those who together had betrayed their fatherland. The whole army shouts that it pleases them; and so, with all summoned, he restores to each their own possessions.

Antenor rogat Agamemnonem, ut sibi loqui liceat. Agamemnon dicere iubet. Principio omnibus Graiugenis gratias agit simulque commemorat Helenum et Cassandram pacem semper patri suasisse, Achillemque suasu Heleni sepulturae redditum fuisse.

Antenor asks Agamemnon that he may be permitted to speak. Agamemnon bids him speak. At first he gives thanks to all the Greeks and at the same time recalls that Helen and Cassandra had always entreated their father for peace, and that Achilles, by Helen’s persuasion, had been restored to burial.

Agamemnon ex consilii sententia Heleno et Cassandrae libertatem reddit. Helenus pro Hecuba et Andromacha Agamemnonem deprecatur commemoratque semper ab his esse dilectum. Etiam his ex consilii sententia libertas concessa est.

Agamemnon, by the council’s decision, restores freedom to Helenus and Cassandra. Helenus, on behalf of Hecuba and Andromache, implores Agamemnon and recalls that he has always been beloved by them. Also to these, by the council’s sentence, liberty was granted.

Interea praedam omnem exercitui ut decuit divisit, diis gratias agit, hostias immolavit. Quinta die domum reverti constituunt.

Meanwhile he distributed all the booty to the army, as was fitting, gave thanks to the gods, and sacrificed victims. On the fifth day they resolved to return home.

[XLIII] Ut dies profectionis advenit, tempestates magnae exortae sunt, et per aliquot dies remanserunt. Calchas respondit inferis satis factum non esse. Neoptolemo in mentem venit Polyxenam, cuius causa pater eius perierat, in regia non esse inventam.

[43] When the day of departure arrived, great storms arose, and remained for several days. Calchas answered that enough had not been done for the dead. It occurred to Neoptolemus that Polyxena, on whose account his father had perished, was not to be found in the palace.

Agamemnonem poscit conqueritur, exercitum accusat. Antenorem accersiri iubet imperatque ei ut inquirat eam inventamque ad se adducat. Antenor ad Aeneam venit et diligentius quaerit ut priusquam Argivi proficiscantur, Polyxena Agamemnoni praesentetur.

He demands Agamemnon, he complains, accuses the army. He orders Antenor to be summoned and commands him to inquire and, if found, to bring Polyxena to him. Antenor comes to Aeneas and searches more diligently so that, before the Argives set out, Polyxena may be presented to Agamemnon.

Polyxenam ab eis absconsam invenit, ad Agamemnonem adducit. Agamemnon Neoptolemo tradit, is eam ad tumulum patris iugulat. Agamemnon iratus Aeneae quod Polyxenam absconderat, eum cum suis protinus de patria excedere iubet.

He finds Polyxena hidden by them and brings her to Agamemnon. Agamemnon delivers her to Neoptolemus, who slaughters her at his father’s tomb. Agamemnon, angry with Aeneas because he had hidden Polyxena, orders him and his men to depart at once from the country.

Aeneas cum suis omnibus proficiscitur. Agamemnon postquam profectus est, Helena post aliquot dies, maesta magis quam quando venerat domum reportatur cum suo Menelao. Helenus cum Cassandra sorore et Andromacha Hectoris fratris uxore et Hecuba matre Chersonesum petit.

Aeneas departs with all his people. Agamemnon, after he had departed, Helena after several days is carried back home, more sorrowful than when she had come, with her Menelaus. Helenus, with his sister Cassandra and Andromache, wife of Hector’s brother, and Hecuba their mother, makes for the Chersonesus.

[XLIV] Hactenus Dares Phrygius Graecis mandavit litteris, nam is ibidem cum Antenoris factione remansit. Pugnatum est annis decem mensibus sex diebus duodecim ad Troiam. Ruerunt ex Argivis, sicut acta diurna indicant quae Dares descripsit, hominum milia DCCCLXXXVI et ex Troianis ruerunt usque ad oppidum proditum hominum milia DCLXXVI.

[44] So far Dares Phrygius entrusted to the Greeks in letters, for he remained there with Antenor’s faction. The fight lasted ten years, six months, twelve days at Troy. They rushed forth from the Argives, as the daily acts indicate which Dares described, in the number of men 886,000, and from the Trojans they rushed up to the betrayed town in the number of men 676,000.

Aeneas navibus profectus est in quibus Alexander in Graeciam ierat, numero viginti duabus. Quem omnis aetas hominum secuta est in milibus tribus et quadringetis. Antenorem secuti sunt duo milia quingenti.

Aeneas departed by the ships in which Alexander had gone into Greece, twenty-two in number. He was followed by every age of men in 3,400. Two thousand five hundred followed Antenor.

Helenum et Andromacham mille ducenti.

Helen and Andromache, 1,200.