Book V

And Pallas now t'ennoble Diomed
Amongst the Greeks, with force did him inspire,
Whereby his heart and hands were strengthened;
And on his Shield and Helmet stood a Fire
Bright as th'Autumnal Star above his Head
And Shoulders flaming. And straightway he runs
(Set on by Pallas and encouraged)
Into the throng, where were the two good Sons
Of Dares, who was Vulcan's Priest. Well skill'd
They both were in the War. Idaeus one,
The other Phegus. These seeing him i'th' field
On foot, and not far from them, and alone,
Met him; and Phegus threw, but hit him not.
For ore his shoulder flew the Spear in vain.
Then Diomedes threw, and Phegus smote,
Clean through the Breast. When Phegus thus was slain
Down leapt Idaeus from the Chariot;
But durst not by his Brothers body stay.
For if he had, the like Fate he had got.
But Vulcan in a smoak took him away,
Not willing that his Priest should childless dye.
Tydides to the Ships the Horses sent.
To see these two, one slain, the other fly,
To the proud Trojans very hearts it went.
But Pallas then took Mars by th'hand, and said,
Mars, bloody Mars, to what end stay we here?
Let's Neuters be. For I am much afraid
We both shall too much anger Jupiter.
This said, she led him out, and set him on
Scamander bank. And then the Trojans fled
Before the Greeks. Each Leader killed one,
Pressing them at their backs uncovered.
Then Dalius first his Charret turn'd about,
And open lay to Agamemnon's Spear,
Which in at's Back, and at his Breast went out.
Down fell the Alizonian Charioteer.
Idomeneus slew Phaestus with a thrust,
As up into his Charriot he went
The Spear at the right shoulder pa[…]ed iust,
And back again unto the earth him sent.
And Menelaus slew Scamandrius,
That well the Art of Hunting understood.
I'th' Hills and Woods none was more dexterous.
But Dian', and his skill did him no good.
For Menelaus pierc'd him back and Breast
Between the Shoulders with a deadly Spear,
And down he tumbled of life dispossest,
His eyes with endless darkness covered were.
Meriones slew Ph[…]riclus the Son
Of Harmonides the great Architect
That (but by Pallas) taught had been by none.
But of his Art unhappy was th'effect.
'Twas he that built those Ships for Alexander,
That brought with him so much ill luck to Troy,
And to himself, and to his chief Commander;
Not knowing what the Oracles did say.
But he, as from the Fight he fled, was here
Ore taken by Meriones, and slain.
At his right Buttock entered the Spear;
And at his Groin the point came out again.
Meges Pedaeus slew, Antenor's Son,
Though not his Wives, yet was his Wife so kind
T'Antenor, that she bred him as her own,
And lookt upon him with a Mothers mind
Him Meges overtaking as he fled
Slew with his strong sharp-pointed Spear, which lighting
Behind upon the noddle of his Head,
Forward he fell the senseless weapon b[…]ing.
And then Eurypylus Euaemon's Son
Hypsenor slew, new made Scamander's Priest,
That from him, but not fast enough, did run.
Eurypylus shav'd off his Hand at th' Wrist.
For at his Shoulder though he aim'd the stroak,
The quick Sword finding there the Brass resist
Slipt down unto his hand with force unbroke,
And there in streams of blood his Soul dismist.
Mean while Tydides like a man enraged
Ran up and down the field. One could not know
With whom and where he was in fight engaged,
Whether amongst the Greeks, or with the Foe.
As when a Torrent falling from the Hills
Distends it self with fury on the Plain,
And suddenly the River overfills,
Supply'd by Jove with mighty showers of Rain,
And beareth down the Bridges as it goes,
No fence of Vineyard can against it stand;
But all the husbandry of men orethrows,
And uncontrolled passes ore their land:
Tydides so brake through each Trojan band,
And made them fly before him as he went.
And Pandarus then took his Bow in hand,
And a sharp Arrow from it to him sent.
Which pass'd through the right shoulder of his Coat
Of Mail, and fetcht the blood, and with great joy
Trojans (cry'd he) no more stand so remote.
For wounded is the stoutest foe of Troy,
And long he cannot the sore pain endure,
Unless my faith in Phoebus be in vain.
Thus said he bo[…]sting. For he thought 'twas sure
The wound was mortal, and Tydides slain.
Tydides to his Charre did then retreat,
And Sthenelus alighting on the ground
(For sitting he was on the Charret-seat)
Drew out the cruel Arrow from the wound.
And out the blood gusht. Then Tydides pray'd,
O Pallas, Jove's all-conquering Child, said he,
If ere you did me or my Father ayd,
Within my Spears reach let me this man see,
That with his Arrow me prevented has,
And boasting says, I have not long to live.
Athena to his wish indulgent was,
And to him did more strength and courage give.
Fear not (said she) to go into the throng,
And charge i'th' thickest of the Enemies.
For I have made thee as thy Father strong,
And taken have the mist off from thy eyes,
That thou mayst see who Gods are, who are men.
If any God oppose thee, give him way,
Except if Venus thou encounter, then
Spare her no more than Mortals in the Fray.
This said, away the goddess Pallas went,
And Diomed went to the fight again,
And though before he were upon it bent,
His courage now was trebled by his pain.
As when a Shepherd sees a Lion come,
And wounds him slightly as he leaps the Pen;
Then leaves his Sheep, and frighted runneth home,
And dares not in the field appear agen;
The Lion now made fiercer than before,
Laies all his Sheep one by another dead,
And back again the Pen once more leaps ore:
So rag'd amongst the Trojans Diomed.
Astyno[…]s there, and Hypenor dy'd;
One through the Breast he pierced with his Spear;
And th'others Head did from his Neck divide
With his broad Sword. And slain he left them there.
And overtook Abas and Poly[…]ide
Sons of Eurydamas, who could tell what
Upon a Dream should to a man betide,
And slew them both. No Dream had told him that.
Thoon and Xanthus then he followed
Phaenops two Sons, gotten when he was old,
And of them both the vital Blood did shed.
Th'Estate to strangers came to have and hold.
Then Chromius and Echemon he slew,
Two Sons of Priam in one Chariot,
Whom from the seat unto the ground he threw,
And till he had disarm'd them left them not.
But to the Ships he sent away the Horses.
Aeneas seeing how he disarray'd
Before him as he went the Trojan forces,
Sought Pa[…]darus, and having found him, said,
Lycaons Son, where are thy Shafts and Bow,
And Skill, wherein the Lycians yield to thee?
See you the man that rages yonder now?
Aim a Shaft at him whosoere he be.
For many valiant Trojans he has slain.
(Unless he be one of the Gods above
Neglected by us) 'twill not be in vain.
Shoot boldly then, but first invoking Jove.
Then Pandarus replying, to him said;
'Tis Diomed as far as can be guess'd.
His Horses, and his Shield I have survay'd.
And pleated Horse-hair hanging at his Crest.
Though it be he, as I believe it is,
Yet sure some God does on his Shoulders sit.
For else of killing him how could I miss,
When I his Shoulder with my Arrow hit?
For I one Arrow shot at him before,
And verily believ'd I had him slain.
His Armour all besmeared was with gore,
But slew him not. Now here he is again.
I did not on a Charret hither come,
Although Lycaon have eleven new,
With handsome Curtains to each one, at home,
And Horses fit to draw them not a few.
The old Knight too advis'd me earnestly
That when to Battle I the Trojans led,
I from a Charre should charge the Enemy;
But to his counsel I not hearkened.
(Wh[…]ch I repent.) It came into my head
That when within Troy Walls we should be pent,
My Horses, which were us'd to be well fed
Would there be useless wanting nourishment.
This made me come without a Chariot,
And march (as far as 'twas) to Troy on foot.
And trust unto my Bow which helps me not,
But faileth me as often as I shoot.
For two of them I have already shot,
Tydides and Atrides, and good store
Of blood have drawn from both, though killed no[…],
But made them fiercer than they were before.
In an ill hour sure I took down my Bow
To fight for Hector and the Trojan men;
But if I safely to my Country go,
And to my House and Wife get back agen,
Let any man that will cut off my Head,
If presently my[…]Bow I do not burn,
That never yet my hopes has answered.
For why not, when it doth not serve my turn?
To Pandarus Aeneas then reply'd,
No, say not so, but first let's to him go.
For by th'encounter soon it will be try'd
Whether he be indeed a God or no.
Get up into the Seat, and you shall see
The vertue of my horses on the plain,
And if some God with Diomedes be,
How nimbly they will fetch us off again.
Come take the Whip and Reins in hand, and I
Descend will from the Chariot and fight.
Or if you please, when to him we are nigh
I'll hold the Whip and Reins, and you alight.
No, no (said he) keep you the Reins in hand,
The Horses us'd thereto will you obey.
To me, it may be, they will restive stand,
And to the Foe themselves and us betray.
Let me alight and meet him with my Spear.
This said, they mounted both; and coming on
Towards Tydides both observed were
By Sthenelus Capaneus his Son,
Who warning to Tydides gave. I see
Two mighty men to fight us coming on,
Of which I know th'one Pandarus to be,
The other Venus and Anchises Son.
Come up into your Charret and retire.
But frowning he reply'd, I'll ne'r do that.
It not becomes the Children of my Sire,
When they should fight to Double nor to Squat.
I loath to sit upon a Chariot,
And as I am I will attend them here.
For of my strength deprived I am not,
And Pallas has forbidden me to fear.
I doubt not but to kill them both, or one.
If both, your Reins unto the two Wheels tie,
And to Aeneas Horses quickly run,
And seize their Reins, lest frighted they should flie.
Then send them to the Ships, brave Steeds, well bred;
Of heavenly race they are, and got by those,
Which Jove to make amends for Ganymed,
Was pleas'd to give unto his Father Tros.
Anchises privily convey'd to these,
Six Mares, and had a Colt by ev'ry one;
Whereof he gave two to his Son Aeneas.
To take these Horses now were bravely done.
While they were talking, th'other two came nigh,
And then said Pandarus, O Diomed,
Since my swift Arrow could not make you die,
I come to try now how my Spear will speed.
And as he spake the Spear flew from his hand
And pass'd his Shield, but in his Armour staid.
Y'are hit, said he, and long you cannot stand.
But Diomed, nothing at all dismaid,
No no cry'd out, your Spear is thrown in vain.
But I believe before we have done here,
That one of you, if not both, will be slain.
And as he spake he at him threw his Spear.
Which at his Nose close by his Eye went in,
And struck his Teeth our, and cut off his Tongue.
And out again it pass'd beneath his Chin.
For Pallas from above it downward flung.
There dead he lay. Aeneas to defend
His body to him came with Spear and Shield,
And 'bout him went, resolv'd the man to send
To Hell, that should oppose him in the field.
Tydides then took up a mighty Stone
Which two men scarce could bear such as are now.
But Diomedes swinging it alone,
The same with ease did at Aeneas throw,
And hit him on the Huckle bone, wherein
Into the Hip inserted is the Thigh.
And torn was by the rugged stone the skin,
And Tendons broken which the Joint did tie.
Then down upon his knees and hands he fell,
And taken from him was his sight with pain.
That Venus saw him lying thus 'twas well;
Else by Tydides he had there been slain.
For then came Venus down, and with the lap
Of her Celestial Robe him covered,
Lest any of the Greeks should have the hap
To kill or wound him as from Earth he fled.
But Sthenelus remembring well his Order,
Ty'd his own Steeds up to his Charret-wheels,
And led them out o'th' tumult and disorder,
And to Deiphilus that was at's Heels,
(His Friend) he gave the Horses of Aeneas
To carry them unto the Argive Fleet.
But took Tydides Horses, and with these
To try went if Tydides he could meet.
But he in chase of Venus now was gone
(Knowing that she a tender Goddess was,
And for the War Commission had none,
Nor had as Pallas any Shield of brass.)
And had when he came to her wounded her.
For through her Robe, though by the Graces made,
Without resistance quickly pass'd the Spear,
And at her Wrist did her fair Hand invade.
And from the Wound out sprang the Blood Divine.
(Not such as men have in their Veins, but Ichor.
For Gods that neither eat Bread nor drink Wine
Have in their Veins another kind of Liquor,
And therefore bloodless and immortal be)
And Venus screaming then lets fall her Son.
But by Apollo's hand preserv'd was he,
Convey'd thence in a Mist perceiv'd by none,
For fear he should be by some Argive slain.
To Venus then Tydides whoop'd, and said,
Away Jove's Daughter, from the War abstain.
Go practise how to cosen Wife or Maid,
For I believe if here you longer stay,
(So many such as these mishaps there are)
That you therein will have but little joy,
And troubled be when men but talk of War.
This said, away she went, not knowing where
She was; and great the pain was of her hand.
But Iris from the Fight conducted her,
And set her hard by Mars upon the sand.
For there by Pallas placed he had been.
His Horses and his Charret by him staid
Hid in a Mist by man not to be seen.
And Venus there before him kneeling said,
Dear Brother, let me your good horses have,
To bear me to Olympus from the Fray;
This cruel wound mad Diomed me gave,
And would wound Jove if he came in his way.
Mars presently his Horses to her lent.
Venus and Iris mount into the Seat.
Iris the Reins held, and away they went.
The time they spent in going was not great.
When they were there, Iris the Steeds unty'd,
And set them up, and gave unto them meat,
Ambrosian meat, till they were satisfy'd,
Such as immortal Horses use to eat.
But Venus fell into Diones lap,
Her Mother, who imbrac'd her lovingly,
Stroakt her, and said, How came this sad mishap?
Who us'd you thus? What a rash God was he?
What more could he have done, if he had found
You doing somthing openly amiss?
It was a man, said she, gave me this wound,
Tydides; and for nothing else but this;
I sav'd my Son Aeneas from his hand,
My dearest Son, whom he was going to slay.
And now the War is all (I understand)
'Twixt Greeks and Heaven, not 'twixt Greeks and Troy.
Daughter (reply'd Dione then) 'tis hard.
For we the Gods that in Olympus dwell
Many from men as ill as you have far'd,
And many no less wrongs have put up well.
Otus and Ephialtes Neptune's Sons
In a brass Dungeon once imprison'd Mars,
And kept him in the dark there thirteen Moons.
There like he was t'have staid till now, for scarce
Could Hermes set him free with all his Art
And Juno's help. And when to liberty
He was restor'd, he took it in good part,
Though with his chains he gall'd was cruelly.
When Hercules shot Juno in the Breast,
Though wounded sore, yet she reveng'd it not.
And Pluto by the same man shot did rest
Contented, and no reparation got.
But to the house of Jupiter he went,
And got the Arrow pluck'd out from the wound
By Paeon; who with gentle Plaisters sent
The pain away, and made his Shoulder sound.
But though no God of any wound can die,
Yet of Amphitryon the peevish Son
(Who little cares at whom his Arrows flie)
Great mischief oft unto the Gods has done.
But Pallas 'tis that thus has wounded you,
Though with Tydides Spear. Fool as he was
What 'tis to wound a God he never knew.
Not long such wicked deeds unpunish'd pass.
Such men when they return from painful War
Shall seldom set their Children on their Knee
Pleas'd with their half form'd words. Let him beware
Lest he provoke some stronger Deity,
And then Aegilia Diomedes Wife
Awake the houshold with her Lamentation,
And cry, Tydides thou hast lost thy life,
O my dear Husband, best of all the Nation.
This said, she wip'd the Ichor from her hand,
And streight her hand was well, the pain was gone.
Then Juno by, and Pallas jeering stand.
And Pallas thus to Jupiter begun.
Shall I say what I think? O Father Jove,
Venus some Argive Dame has courting been
To take the Trojans part whom she doth love,
And stroaking her, her hand scratcht with a pin.
Jove smil'd at this, and then to Venus said,
Daughter, I gave you no command in War.
That charge on Mars and Pallas I have laid.
Of Nuptials and Love take you the care.
While they were thus discoursing, Diomed
Did with great speed and rage Aeneas follow,
To gain his Armour and his Blood to shed,
Knowing he was in th'hands now of Apollo.
Undaunted then, with Shield before his Breast,
And Sword in Hand, struck at Aeneas thrice,
And thrice again Phoebus his rage represt.
But at the fourth time gave him good advice.
Retire (said he) Tydides, and beware
You not your self think equal to the Gods.
They sway the Heavens, on Earth men creeping are.
'Twixt Mortals and Immortals there's great odds.
Tydides then retir'd a little way,
Not knowing what harm might from Phoebus come.
And Phoebus thence Aeneas did convay
T'a Temple of his own in Pergamum.
There Leto and Diana cur'd his wound.
And then an Image Phoebus like him made,
And in like Arms, and set it on the ground,
For which the Foes each other then invade.
And there they one anothers Bucklers hew.
To Mars Apollo speaking, Why, said he,
Mars, bloody, murdering Mars, why suffer you
Tydides at the Battle still to be?
Mad as he is now, he with Jove would fight.
From Venus hand he made the blood run down,
And then at me he flew like any Sprite.
This said, he sat o'th' top of Pergam Town
And Mars the Trojan Bands encouraged,
Taking the shape of valiant Acamas.
Who to the War at Troy the Thracians led.
And as he through the armed Ranks did pass,
Children of Priam what d'ye mean, said he;
Shall the Greeks follow killing us to Troy?
Fall'n is Aeneas the great man whom we
Like Hector honor'd Come, let's if we may
This good Commander rescue, Thus said he.
Sarpedon likewise Hector sharpned. Where
Are now your Kin you said enough would be
Troy to defend? I see none of them here.
Like Hounds about a Lion off they stand.
We your Confederates the Fight maintain.
The labour lyeth all upon our hand;
And I my self amongst the rest would fain
Make tryal of this mighty man in fight.
At least I shall, as doth a friend become,
My peoples courage all I can excite,
Since they are here, and very far from home;
And though from me the Greeks can nothing get,
Neither to carry nor to drive away.
But you to th' Trojans have not spoken yet
So much as to defend their Wives in Troy
From being taken in the Argives net,
And plund'red be the stately Town of Troy.
When chiefly you on this your heart should set,
And your Confederates perswade to stay,
And not the fault on one another lay.
So said Sarpedon. Hector therewith stung,
Upon his Charret could no longer stay,
But armed down unto the ground he sprung.
And 'mongst the Trojan Ranks and Files he goes,
Into their hearts new courage to inspire.
And then they turn'd their Faces to their Foes.
Nor did the Argives from their place retire.
And then, as when on Ceres sacred floor
The winnowed Chaff lyes heapt together white,
So white the Troops of Argives were all ore
With dust their Horses rais'd had in the Fight.
And then the Trojans boldly marched on,
And Mars to aid them dark'ned had the Field,
As he was bidden by Latona's Son,
When Pallas from the Greeks remov'd her Shield.
And from the Temple fetcht Aeneas out
Alive and whole, and bold, and made him stand
Amongst the Troops, that joyful stood about.
But other work now lying on their hand,
(Made them by Mars and Strife) no time had they
To ask him questions. But encouraged
The Argives were by th' Ajaxes to stay,
And by Ulysses and by Diomed.
For of the Trojans they were not afraid.
But as a Cloud that resteth on a Hill,
Which in calm weather there by Jove is laid,
Till boisterous winds arise it resteth still.
Then up and down went Agamemnon there,
My friends, said he, be bold, and fight like men.
Of one anothers censure stand in fear.
Of them that do so fewer perish then
Of those that fly and never think upon
The loss of fame. This said, he threw his Spear
And smote Aeneas friend Democoon,
Who was unto the Trojans no less dear
Than if he one of Priams Sons had been.
For with the foremost he was still in fight.
And at his Buckler went the Weapon in,
And through both that and Belt it passed quite.
And mortal in his Belly was the wound,
And with his Armour ratling down he fell.
Aeneas then two Greeks laid on the ground.
The Sons of Diocles, descended well.
For of th'immortal and fair stream Alpheus,
Orsilochus a great King was the Son.
And he the Father was of Diocles,
And he Orsilochus got and Crethon;
Brave men, who when they came to mans estate
With Atreus Son, his honour to regain,
To Ilium sayl'd, and there they met their Fate,
And never to their Country came again.
As when two Lions in the Mountains bred
And Woods obscure, come down into the Plain,
And Sheep and Cattle in the field leave dead,
Until at last by Hunters they are slain;
So fell these two men by Aeneas kill'd,
And like two Fir-trees straight lay on the Sand.
And Menelaus then with fury fill'd,
With Helmet on his Head, and Spear in Hand,
Advanced boldly to Anchises Son.
In hope to have deprived him of breath.
And Mars himself it was that set him on
To bring him by Aeneas hand to death.
Antilochus then Nestor's valiant Son
Fearing lest Menelaus should be slain,
Resolv'd he should not fight with him alone,
And all their toil at Ilium make vain,
Went after him, and overtook him as
They ready were to fight, but nothing done.
Aeneas then as valiant as he was
Retir'd, eschewing th' odds of two to one
And when they had brought off the Bodies slain,
And left them in their fellow soldiers hands,
Unto the skirmish they return'd again,
And slew the Prince of Paphlagonians
Pylaem[…]nes. Atrides threw the Spear
Which near the Shoulder pass'd into his Neck.
By Nestor's Son slain was his Chariotier,
Mydon by name that did his Horses check,
As he his Charret turning was to fly,
Antilochus him wounded with a Stone
On th'Elbow, and benum'd his Hand, whereby
The sense he had to hold the Reins was gone.
The Reins fell down, and then with Sword in hand
Antilochus divides his Head in twain,
And headlong fell he where it chanc'd the Sand
Was very deep, and there he did remain
With Head and Shoulders sticking in the sands.
But upright in the Air were both his Hips.
The Horses laid him flat. Which by the hands
Of Nestor's Son convey'd were to the Ships.
Hector saw this, and in came with great cry,
Whom Bands of lusty Trojans followed.
Mars and Bellona marching furiously
Against the Argives to the Fight them led.
Bellona brought in Tumult and Affright.
And Mars a mighty Spear had in his hand,
And sometimes after Hector went i'th' fight,
Sometimes before, and oft did by him stand.
Tydides when he saw him was affraid,
As when a man in haste has lost his way,
And running on is at some River staid,
That's deep and swift, he runs as fast away:
So he retir'd. And to his Argives said,
No wonder 'tis if Hector valiant be;
One God or other alwaies gives him aid,
And near him stands from death to set him free.
Now Mars comes with him like a mortal wight.
Retire. But turn your Faces to the Foe,
Forbearing still against the Gods to fight.
This said he, but the Trojans near were now.
And Hector there had slain two men that sat
Together, Mnestheus and Anchialus,
Both Warriors good. But Ajax griev'd thereat
(The greater Ajax, Telamonius)
Darted his heavy Spear at Amphius.
Rich was he both in Lands and Goods, and dwelt
At Paesus. And fought here for Priamus.
But by the Spear which pass'd quite through his Belt
Upon his Belly took a mortal wound.
And as he fell, Ajax ran fiercely in
To strip him of his Armour on the ground,
And stript him had, had he not hindred been.
For from the Trojans came a shower of Spears,
Whereof his Shield received not a few.
Then to be hemm'd in by the Foe he fears.
His own Spear he recover'd and withdrew.
Whilst they in stubborn war thus toyling were,
Unlucky fate Tlepolemus brought on
To charge Sarpedon; and when they were near
Together come, Jove's Grandson and his Son,
Tlepolemus said then, What need had you
Unskilful in the War to tremble here?
Jove's Son men say you are, but 'tis not true.
No such weak men by Jove begotten were;
But such as Hercules is said t'have been
Couragious as a Lion; with few men
In but six Ships this strong Town he did win,
And rifled it, and safe went off agen.
But you are weak, your men a great part dead,
And can but little help afford to Troy.
And though from Lycia you were strengthened,
I mean to send you now another way.
To this Sarpedon answered, 'Tis true
That Hercules sackt Troy, because the Steeds
Laomedon kept back that were his due,
And gave him evil language for good deeds.
But you from me shall present death receive,
For which I shall have honour truly paid,
And you your Soul shall now to Pluto leave.
And this Sarpedon had no sooner said,
Than from their hands their Spears together started.
Tlepolemus clean through the Neck was struck,
And from him presently his life departed.
But from Sarpedon Jove kept such ill luck;
Yet on his left Thigh he receiv'd a wound.
For through it went the Spear close by the bone.
Sarpedon by his friends born off the ground
Was plac'd apart where Battle there was none,
Tormented with the Spear still in his Thigh.
To pull it out they all had quite forgot.
In so great haste they were, the Foe so nigh,
The time so little, and the Fight so hot.
Mean while Tl[…]polemus his body dead
The Greeks fetch'd off. The wise Ulisses then
Within himself a while considered
Whether to charge Sarpedon or his men.
But since by Fate Sarpedon was to die
By other, and not by Ulysses hands,
Athena made him lay that purpose by,
And turn his anger on the Lycians.
Alastor then he slew, and Coeramus,
Alcander, Prytanis and Noemon.
And Halius he slew, and Chromius,
And many Lycians more had overthrown.
But mighty Hector now approached near
In glittering Arms, and brought with him Affright.
But glad Sarpedon was to see him there;
And when he was come up unto him quite,
Himself lamenting thus to Hector said,
Leave me not Hector to the Greeks a prey,
But let my Body in your ground be laid,
Since I my Country must no more enjoy,
Nor my beloved Wife and tender Son.
So said Sarpedon. Hector not replies,
But to the Enemy he passeth on;
And as he goes the ground with blood he dyes.
Under a Beech sacred to Jupiter
Sarpedon placed was upon the ground,
And gently Pelagon pull'd out the Spear;
The pain hereof put him into a swound.
Lost was his sight; but by a gentle wind
And cool, that from the North upon him blew,
He soon recover'd both his Sight and Mind,
And all the company about him knew.
To Mars and Hector still the Greeks gave way,
And still their Faces to the Trojans were,
But for to charge none durst advance or stay.
For Diomed had told them Mars was there.
Now tell me Muse, who slain by Hector was?
Trechus, Orestes, Tenthras, Helenus,
(Whose Father Oenops was) and Oenonaus.
And last of all wealthy Oresbius.
In Hyla on Cephissis Lake he dwelt,
The richest pasture of Boeotia,
And known was by the gayness of his Belt.
This slaughter of the Greeks when Juno saw,
She then to Pallas spake. Pallas (said she)
If we let Mars still play the madman here,
Our word to Menelaus false will be,
That he from Troy return should Conqueror.
Let's courage take, and try what we can do.
Pallas contented, 'twas agreed upon.
And Juno ready made her self to go,
And quickly the Coach-wheels Hebe sets on.
Eight spokes each wheel had, and were all of Brass,
And fixed round about at th'Axle-tree.
The Axle-tree it self of Iron was.
The Circle Gold, and wonderful to see.
But arm'd it was above with Pla[…]es of Bras[…].
The Naves on both sides were of Silver white,
With Gold and Silver Wire extended was
The Seat, which had two Silver rings and bright.
In which the Beam of Silver fastned staid.
At th'other end the Golden Yoke she ti'd,
And on the Yoke the Golden Reins she laid.
And Juno then no longer could abide,
But to the Coach her self the Horses brought,
From quarrels so impatiently she staid.
Pallas threw off her Robe, and took Joves Coat,
And with the same she there her self arraid.
And then her Breast with Armour covered,
And on her Shoulder hung her frightful Shield,
Wherein Strife, Force, Flight, Chase were figured,
With all the Horrour of a soughten field.
And in the middle stood out Gorgoes head.
Then put she on her Golden Helmet, that
Ten thousand mens heads might have covered,
And to the Charret up she went, and sat,
And her great heavy Spear takes in her hands
The Spear wherewith, when she displeased is,
She scatters of proud Kings the armed bands,
Then Juno with the whip was not remiss.
And of it self flew open Heaven-gate,
Though to the Seasons Jove the power gave
Alone to judge of Early and of Late.
And out the Goddesses their Horses drave.
Jove on the highest of Olympus tops
Sitting alone they found, and none him nigh.
The Goddess Juno there her Horses stops,
And spake unto him thus, his mind to try.
Pray tell me Jove if you contented be,
That Mars thus raging in the Field remain.
For what unseemly work he makes you see,
And of brave Greeks how many he has slain,
While Venus at my grief stands laughing by,
And pleased is Apollo with the sight,
And set him on. But I could make him fly
(But that I fear your anger) from the Fight.
Do't then, said Jove; not you, but Pallas; she
Accustom'd is to vex him more than you.
Ju[…]o took this Commission willingly.
Feeling the whip away her Horses flew,
'Twixt Heav'n and Earth, and went at every strain
As far as coming one can see a Ship
That from a Hill looketh upon the Main,
So far the Horses of the Gods can skip.
Arriv'd at Troy, on ground they set their feet,
And Juno there her heavenly Steeds unty'd
Where Simois doth with Scamander meet.
And with Ambrosia Simois them supply'd.
Then swift as Doves, to give the Argives aid
They went to where they saw the greatest throng.
There was Tydides, and about him staid
Many as Lions valiant and strong.
And Juno there in shape of Stentor stood,
And spake as loud as any fifty men.
Argives, said she, Cowards, for nothing good,
Although you make a goodly show. For when
Achilles went before you to the Fight,
Out at their Gates the Trojans durst not peep,
So much they of his Spear abhor'd the sight.
But from your Ships you scarce now can them keep.
When Juno thus the Greeks encouraged,
To Diomed went Pallas; whom she sound
Hard by his Horses sitting, wearied,
And cooling in the open air the wound
Given by Pandarus; which with the sweat
Under his Belt afflicted him the more.
And lifting up his Belt, some ease to get,
He from the wound was wiping off the gore.
As at the yoke Athena leaning stood,
Like him (said she) your Father left no Son.
A little man was he, but Warriour good.
Though I not bad him, he went boldly on.
And when to Thebes alone I bad him go
Ambassador, and with the Theban Lords
To sit at Feast, and not provoke the Foe,
And at their Table to forbear harsh words,
Yet he his native Courage still retained,
And them defy'd at manly Exercises,
And from them all the Victory he gained,
And won, by my assistance, all the Prizes.
But when I you, as I did him, defend,
And bid you boldly with the Trojans fight,
You are affraid, or weariness pretend.
Of Tydeus sure the Son you are not right.
Tydides to her then replying said,
Daughter of Jove, (Pallas I know you are)
'Tis not that I am weary or affraid,
That I stand here abstaining from the War,
But in obedience to your own command,
Who gave me leave if Venus in the Wars
I met, to wound her; but not lift my hand
'Gainst other Gods. Now in the field is Mars,
And domineering fights on Hectors side.
And that's the cause why I from fight abstain,
And others by my Counsel here abide.
To this the Goddess then reply'd again,
Nor Mars nor any of th'Immortals spare
That shall advance against you in the field.
And for your safety trust unto my care,
And know you are protected by my Shield.
But first to Mars drive up your Horses close,
And strike the Blockhead with your Spear in hand,
That fights sometimes for these, sometimes for those,
And with the Trojans now you see him stand,
And yet to help the Greeks he promis'd me
And Juno, but a little while before,
And now amongst the Trojans fighteth he,
And thinks upon his promises no more.
This said, they mount into the Chariot,
And Sthenelus descending left his Seat.
The Axtree groaned under them. Why not?
A great man he, she was a Goddess great.
And then to Mars directly they drive on,
Who had but newly slain great Periphas,
Of old Ochesius the valiant Son,
And far the best of all th' Aetolians was.
Athena then puts Pluto's Helmet on,
Lest she by Mars should be discovered.
When Mars there saw Tydides all alone,
He Periphas forsook who there lay dead;
And turn'd to meet Tydides on the way;
And when to one another they were near,
Mars making full account the man to slay,
Over the Yoke thrusts at him with his Spear.
But Pallas with her hand the point supprest,
And made it light beneath the Seat in vain.
Tydides then to Mars a Spear addrest,
Which had he been a Mortal had him slain.
For Pallas in his Belly stuck the Spear,
And presently the same pluckt out again.
Mars roar'd as loud as if in battle there
Fighting had been nine or ten thousand men,
And frighted both the Armies with the noise.
Then like a black Cloud which some Wind makes rise,
He left th'unlucky field and went his ways,
And in a little time was in the Skies.
And sitting down hard by his Fathers Throne,
Shew'd him the blood that from the wound did flow,
And grievously lamenting made his mone.
Father, said he, do you such work allow?
That we the Gods such harm from Mortals take,
While some for Trojans, some for Argives fight,
And partial be for one anothers sake,
The fault is to be laid on you by right.
For you brought forth this mad pernicious Maid,
Whose study is her malice to effect,
When by us other Gods you are obey'd.
And this you saw, but never would correct.
'Twas she that on the Gods set Diomed,
Who wounded Venus first, then flew at me.
And there in pain I lien had 'mongst the dead,
Or crippled been, had not my feet been free.
Uncertain Mars (then Jupiter reply'd)
Of all the Gods most hateful to my sight,
That quarrel lov'st to make, but not decide.
Thou hast thy Mother Juno's nature right,
That oft provokes me with her peevish tongue,
And by her order, I think, this was done.
But in this pain I'le not detain you long,
Seeing you are as well mine as her Son.
But had another got you, you had sure
To Pluto and th'Infernal Gods be sent.
This said, to Paeon he commits his cure:
And Paeon presenly about it went.
As quickly as the Milk is turn'd to Curd,
When with a proper Rennet it is mixt,
And with a Housewifes hand together stir'd;
So quickly was the wide wound clos'd and fixt.
Then bath'd he was by Hebe, and new clad;
And that he so came off was well content.
Juno and Pallas when they driven had
Mars from the Battle, up t'Olympus went.