Book X

All night the Princes of the Argives slept,
Save Agamemnon, who could take no rest,
But with unquiet thoughts was waking kept,
And casting for his safety what was best.
And frequent as the Lightning flashes are
When Jove is making Rain or Hail i'th' Skies,
Or somewhere punishing the proud by War;
So frequent then were Agamemnon's sighs.
And when the fires he saw upon the Plain
Made by the Foe, and th'Acclamation
And Shouts he heard, he wondred. But again
When he his Ships and People look'd upon,
Then by the roots he pluck'd off from his Head
Handfuls of Hair, and sigh'd and groaned more;
And thought it best then to be counselled
By Nestor how he might himself restore.
And rising up his Coat he first puts on,
And to his smooth white feet his Shoes he ty'd;
And then above his Coat, he cast upon
His Back a great and tawny Lions hide.
And Menelaus too that waking lay
And trembling in his bed all night, for fear
The Greeks that for his sake were come to Troy
Should fall into some great disaster there,
Rose up and to his Brothers Tent went in.
A Spear he had in's hand, and armed was,
Having upon his back a Leopards skin
And on his Head a Helmet good of Brass.
And said to Agamemnon, Brother, Why
So early up? Have you a mind to send
Into the Army of the Foe some Spy?
I fear you will not find so bold a friend
As thither dares to go i'th' night alone.
Brother (said Agamemnon) you and I
Must better counsel take than we have done,
Since Jove now favoureth the Enemy,
And takes in Hector's Sacrifice delight.
For so much harm so soon was never done
As he to us has done in one days fight;
Yet nor of God nor Goddess is the Son.
His this days Acts the Greeks will ne'er forget.
But go you to the Princes quickly. Run.
Call up Idomeneus the King of Creet,
And the great Ajax Son of Telamon.
While I call Nestor up and bring him to
The place which is appointed for the guard,
T'instruct the men with what they have to do,
Because his Counsel they will most regard.
For by his Son the Watch commanded is,
And with him we Meriones have join'd.
Then Menelaus farther askt him this
(That he might fully understand his mind)
When they are call'd, what next is to be done?
Must I stay here till you come back again,
Or after you about the Army run?
No, no, said he, where you are now, remain.
But going call upon each one aloud,
And by the name he from his Father takes,
And praise them all, let them not think you proud;
Pain is no shame when 'tis for our own sakes.
This said they part, and Agamemnon went
To seek out Nestor; whom he found abed,
And all his Armour by him in his Tent,
His Shield, two Spears, and Helmet for his Head,
And Belt of many Colours finely wrought,
Which alwaies he was wont in War to use
When he his people unto Battle brought.
No Labour would he on his age excuse.
Now raised on his Elbow, Who, said he,
Are you that walk abroad when others sleep?
Stay there I say and come no nearer me,
Until your name you tell, at distance keep.
Seek you some Officer or Camerade?
I Agamemnon am, said he, your friend
Whom Jove to bear such miseries hath made
As while I live will never have an end;
And in my bed no sleep at all I take
For fear of some unfortunate event.
Unsetled is my Heart, my Limbs all shake,
And in this plight I wandred to your Tent:
And now I pray you, since you waking lye
Come with me to the Watch; for since the Foe
Unto our Wall encamped is so nigh,
They charge us may by night for ought we know.
To this old Nestor answer made and said,
Think not Atrides Jove will all things do
As they are now in Hector's fancy laid?
For harder work he would be put unto
If we Achilles can but once appease.
But go, I'll follow you, and call upon
Tydides and Ulysses if you please,
Ajax the less, and Meges Phyleus Son.
I wish some other man of nimbler feet
Were to great Ajax sent to make him rise,
And to Idomeneus the King of Crete,
Whose quarter from this place a great way lyes.
But Menelaus I intend to chide,
That sleeps and leaves the work to you alone.
'Tis no fit time within his Tent t'abide,
But to the Princes should himself have gone.
To Nestor Agamemnon then reply'd,
O Nestor, he is often negligent,
And often I have pray'd you him to chide.
Yet 'tis not sloth; but my Commandement
He always looks for though there be no cause.
And yet to night he has prevented me.
For up and arm'd before me now he was;
And when he came I sent him presently
To call up Ajax and the King of Creet.
And at the Watch we both of them shall see,
Where I appointed have the rest to meet.
Nestor again reply'd. 'Tis well, said he,
The Greeks will of him have a better thought,
And readier obedience he will find.
This said, he put himself into his Coat,
And ty'd his Shooes on, and his Cloak well lin'd,
And took his Spear in hand. Then on they went
Amongst the Argive Ships upon the sand.
And when they came unto Ulysses Tent,
To call and waken him, they made a stand.
And Nestor with his voice stretcht to the height
Call'd to him by his name. Ulysses streight
Came forth and said, Why come you in the night?
Your bus'ness sure must be of mighty we[…]ght.
O Laërtiades, said Nestor then,
Take it not ill. Such is our misery.
But come with us to call up other men,
That we may Counsel take to fight or fly.
Ulysses then return'd into his Tent,
And on his shoulder hung his painted Shield;
And with them first to Diomed he went
Whom they found armed in the open field,
His Soldiers sleeping lay about him round,
And on his Buckler each one had his head,
The Butt-ends of their Spears sixt in the ground,
Whereof the points like Lightning glittered.
But he himself slept on a good Cow-hide,
His Head upon a gaudy Carpet laid.
Then Nestor came and standing at his side
Awakt him with his foot and to him said,
Awake Tydides, hear you not how nigh
The Trojans are encamped to the Fleet?
This said, Tydides leapt up suddenly,
And when he raised was upon his feet,
Nestor (said he) unhappy restless man
That aged as you are take not your ease,
When younger men there are that better can
Call up the Argive Princes if they please.
'Tis true (said Nestor) I have at my Tent
Sons of my own, and others can command,
Who might upon such Errands have been sent,
But that upon the very brink we stand
Of Life and Death. And since you pity me,
Call little Ajax up, and Phyleus Son.
For young you are, and can do't easilie.
Tydides then a Lions skin puts on
Tauny and reaching to his heels, and then
Into his hand he took a heavy Spear,
And out he went and called up those men.
When to the Watch they come together were,
The Captains of the Watch were not asleep,
But all were sitting at their Arms awake.
As Dogs that guarding are a Fold of Sheep
Hearing the noise the Hounds and Hunters make
When in the Woods they chace some savage beast,
And nearer still and nearer hear the cries,
They doubt the worst, and cannot take their rest,
But list'ning stand and sleep forsakes their eyes;
So watchfully spent they the tedious night,
And ever when of Feet they heard the tread
'Twixt them and Troy, that way they turn'd their sight;
So much they Hectors coming on did dread.
When Nestor coming by, observ'd them had,
So, so (said he) brave Lads, continue so,
And give no cause to Hector to be glad.
He and the Princes then together go
(All that to Counsel had been made to rise
Except Meriones and Nestor's Son
Whom they thought worthy with them to advise)
And part the Ditch, and sitting down upon
The place to which they were pursu'd before
By Hector, who retiring thence lest clear
The ground from dead mens Carkasses and Gore,
Of what they next should do consulted there.
First Nestor spake. Who dares (said he) to go
Unto the Trojan Camp that lies so near,
And kill, or bring thence some outlying Foe?
Or what they shall resolve upon to hear?
Whether (since they have worsted us) to stay
So near us or retire into the Town.
If this he do and safely come away,
He to himself acquire will great Renown,
And by each one that has of Ships command,
He for his service shall be well requited.
Each one an Ewe and Lamb shall give him, and
He to our publick Feastings be invited.
This said, they paus'd a while, but by and by
Tydides rising spake. Nestor, said he,
To go into the Trojan Camp dare I.
But 'twould be best some other went with me,
More hope and courage is where there are two;
What one observeth not the other may.
A man alone can little see or do,
And single Judgments see but little way.
At these words many with him would have gone,
Ajaxes both the greater and the less
And stout Antilochus old Nestor's Son,
And Menelaus and Meriones.
But most of all Ulysses long'd to see
What projects in the Trojan Camp were laid.
For none adventure farther durst than he.
Then to Tydides Agamemnon said,
Tydides, whom I love, now chuse your man;
Regard not Birth nor Scepters, but the cause.
Take him that you th[…]nk best assist you can.
And this he said in fear for Menelaus.
To this Tydides answer made agen,
Since of my fellow I the choice must make,
Ulysses I prefer before all men,
And him for my assistant I will take;
So much in diligence he doth excel,
And so much care Athena of him has,
That I believe we both should come off well
Though through a flaming fire we were to pass.
Then said Ulysses, Speak no more of me
Nor good nor ill. The Argives know me well.
Let's go. Two thirds o'th' night are spent you see,
As any man that sees the Stars can tell.
Then put they on their Arms. And Thrasymed
Gave Diomed a Sword (who had forgot
To bring his own) and to defend his Head
A leather Cap without crest, call'd a Pot.
Meriones unto Ulysses gave
His Bow and Quiver, Sword and Dogskin Cap
Pleated with thongs within his Head to save
If need should be in Combat, from mishap.
For 'twixt the leathers tough inserted were
Guards of thick felt; of Bores teeth was the brim.
Eleon was the first that did it wear,
But taken by A[…]tolycus from him.
And given 'twas unto Amphidamus,
Which he to Molon gave that was his guest,
And to Meriones then left it was,
And now upon Ulysses head did rest.
And being both thus armed, forth they went
And by the way a Heron Dexter flew,
A lucky signe and by Athena sent,
As by the sound made by her wings they knew.
Ulysses then unto the Goddess pray'd,
Hail Virgin-Daughter of Almighty Jove,
That all my labour seest and giv'st me aid,
Now more than ever let me find your love.
Grant me that I some good exploit may do
To vex the Trojans, and come safe from thence.
And then Tydides pray'd unto her too.
Celestial Maid that with my Father went'st
When he Ambassador to Th[…]b[…]s was sent
With words of Peace, and coming back atchieved
By your assistance and encouragement
Such noble Acts as scarce will be believed,
If you will aid me as you aided him,
O Goddess, I will to you sacrifice
A Heifer, and with Gold her horns I'll trim.
This said, their Suit the Goddess not denies.
When their Devotion now was at an end,
Away they went 'mongst Carcasses and Blood,
Like Lions that on slaughter love t'attend.
Nor Hector and the Trojans idle stood.
But call'd a Counsel of the Chiefs, and said,
Who's he will undertake what I'll propound,
And for his pains be honourably paid,
And for his Valour far and near renown'd?
I give him will two Horses and a Coach
The best that shall be taken from the Fo,
That will unto the Argive Fleet approach,
And bring me word what they intend to do;
Whether their Ships they guard as heretofore,
Or mean to quit the Siege at Ilium.
And beaten thus haul down their Ships from Shore,
And ere their work be finished go home.
This said, they silent sat. But one there was
Dolon by name, the Squire Eumedes Son
That master was of store of Gold and Brass,
A sorry fellow, but that well could run.
Hector, said he, I'll to the Fleet approach.
Swear now by Jove, and hold your Scepter high,
I shall Achilles Horses have and Coach,
And I for you will be a faithful Spy.
For down to Agamemnon's Tent I'll go,
Where they consult whether to Fight or Fly:
For there their resolution I shall know.
Then Hector held his Scepter up on high.
O Jove, betwixt us witness bear, said he,
No Trojan shall these Horses have but you,
And yours they shall perpetually be.
Thus Hector swore, although it prov'd not true.
Upon his Shoulder then his Bow he hung.
His Cap of Cat, a Wolfs skin was his Coat.
And when he gotten clear was from the throng,
With Spear in hand he […]ell into his trot.
And first Ulysses heard the sound of feet.
I hear one come, said he to Diomed,
Perhaps a Spy that sent is to our Fleet,
Or one that has a mind to strip the dead.
'Tis best t'avoid him till he past us be.
And then to follow him and drive him on.
But lest he swifter be of foot than we,
And to the City back again should run,
Rise and be sure to turn him with your Spear.
And when he was a lands length past them go[…]e
They follow'd him. And he their feet did hear,
And thought some Trojans had been coming on
By Hector sent to call him back agen.
But when they from him were scarce a Spears cast,
He knew then they were Agamemnon's men,
And frighted was; and then his Feet mov'd fast.
As two Hounds in a Wood obscure and dim
Pursue a fearful Doe or Hare, just so
Tydides and Ulysses hunted him
When back into the Herd he could not go.
When Dolon to the Watch was very near,
Athena puts into Tydides head,
That some man else might at him throw a Spear,
And be thereby before him honoured.
To Dolon then Tydides spake and said,
Stay, or my Spear shall make you stay. For long
I am assur'd you cannot death avoid.
And as he spake the word his Spear he flung;
And miss'd on purpose, but it lighted near.
Dolon affrighted pale and trembling stands,
And in his head chatter'd his Teeth with fear.
Then in they came and seiz'd on both his hands.
And Dolon weeping then for Quarter pray'd,
Great Ransome for me will my Father give,
For Gold he has enough; and will, he said,
Give any price, when here he knows I live.
Then to him said Ulysses, Do not fear,
Nor think of death. But see you tell me true
Upon what weighty bus'ness you are here,
When others sleep, and at a time undue.
Meant you to rifle any of the dead?
Or were you sent by Hector as a Spy,
Or undertook the same of your own Head?
T'Ulysses Dolon then did thus reply.
I was by Hector's promises set on,
And should have had Achilles Chariot
And Horses, if I to the Fleet had gone,
And good intelligence to Hector brought
Whether the Ships be guarded as before,
Or that the G[…]eks now beaten mean to fly,
And weary of their labour watch no more.
To this again Ulysses made reply,
And smiling said, It was no small reward
You aimed at. Achilles Horses say ye?
To rule them for a mortal man 'tis hard.
The Goddess […]hetis Son they'll scarce obey.
But tell me further; When you came away
Where you left Hector, where his Horses are,
And where his Arms, where other Trojans stay
To sleep or watch, and whether they prepare
To go into the Town, or mean t'abide
Alwaies so near our Ships as they are now.
T'Ulysses Dolon then again reply'd,
This also I will let you truly know.
I Hector left at Ilus Sepulcher
With other Lords in consultation,
The rest about the Bonfires waking were.
But certain Watch appointed there was none.
But those Confederates that came from far
Slept at their ease all night and watched not.
For that they trusted to the Trojans care,
Having no Wives nor Children with them brought.
Ulysses then examin'd him again,
How lye the Strangers? Mixt with those of Troy
Or by themselves? Inform me and be plain.
Nothing (said Dolon) but the truth I'll say.
Paeons, Pelasgians, Caucons, Leleges,
And Cars lye by the Sea-side on the Sands,
The rest near Thymbra quarter, and are these;
The Maeons, Mysia[…]s, Lycians, Phrygians.
But there's no need to tell you ev'ry thing;
For if upon our Quarters you would fall,
There lye the Thracians new come, and their King
Rhesus by name, and utmost lies of all.
Such Horses yet I never did behold,
Swift as the Wind, and than the Snow more white,
With Silver cover'd is his Charre, and Gold;
Gold are his Arms and make a gallant sight,
And fitter for a God than man to wear.
But try now whether I say true or no,
And send me to the Ships, or bind me here.
Then said Tydides with a frowning Brow,
Think not to scape though all you say be true.
For if I let you loose, for ought I know
You may return agen to Fight or View;
But hurt us cannot if I kill you now.
As Dolon then beginning was to pray
Tydides sword lighted on's Neck so just,
That from his Shoulders fell his Head away
As he was speaking, and lay in the dust.
And from him then they took his Cap of Cat,
His Spear and Wolfes-skin Coat, and Bow unbent,
And in his hands Ulysses took all that,
And to Minerva up his Prayer sent.
Hail Pallas, whom we pray'd to for success
Before all other Gods, receive these Gifts,
And us unto the Thracian Tents address.
This said, the Spoils of Dolon up he lifts
And laies them in a Tree; and for a mark,
They near the way laid store of Boughs and Reeds
To find them coming back because 'twas dark.
Then with Tydides onward he proceeds,
And ev'ry step on Arms or Blood they tread,
And soon amongst the Thracians they were,
That sleeping lay as if they had been dead,
And by each one his Buckler and his Spear.
Their Horses to the Charret-seats were ty'd.
Thus in three Rows the Thracians were laid,
Rhesus i'th' midst; which first Ulysses spy'd,
And to Tydides speaking softly said,
See there the Horses, and see there the Man
Rhesus, of whom we were by Dolon told.
Untie the Horses; or kill all you can,
And I upon the Horses will lay hold.
Tydides then made by Minerva bold
Amongst them killing went, and never staid
(Like Lion fierce in a neglected fold)
Till he a dozen of them dead had laid.
And whomsoever Diomedes slew,
Ulysses following took him by the Foot
And from the place a little way him drew,
For fear the Steeds not yet accustom'd to't
Should boggle, tremble, and refuse to pass.
To Rhesus last of all went Diomed,
And kill'd him too. So he the thirteenth was.
And panted as he slept; for at his Head
He dreamt Tydides all night standing was.
Ulysses to the Horses went; And now
Seiz'd, and their Heads together tyed has.
But for a Whip he made use of his Bow.
And gotten forth whistled to Diomed
To come away, who gave no ear thereto,
But staying with himself considered
What further hurt he might the Trojans do.
To draw away the Charret by the Pole,
Wherein the Golden Arms of Rhesus lay,
Or thence upon his Shoulders bear the whole;
Or whether he more Thracians should destroy.
While thus he studied Pallas by him stood.
Contented be, said she, with what is done.
To go unto the Ships I think it good,
For fear you thither should be forc'd to run.
Some other God awake the Trojans may.
This said, that Pallas to him spake he thought,
And from the Thracian Quarter came away,
And on one of the Horses backs he got,
And tow'rds the Ships at full speed then they ride,
Ulysses with his Bow still switching on.
But Phoebus with Tydides Pallas spy'd,
And angerly call'd up Hippocoon.
Who when he came and empty saw the ground
Where th'horses stood, & dy'd with blood the field,
And sprawling in their blood the Thracians found,
Ay me, said he, they have my Unckle kill'd.
The Trojans then in haste and frighted rise,
And at the place in great disorder meer,
And gaze upon the mischief with their eyes,
But they that did it fled were to the Fleet.
When flying they were at the Tree, where lay
The Spoils of Delon, there a while they tarry,
Until Tydides fetch'd them had away,
And to Ulysses given them to carry,
And mounted was upon his Horse agen.
Agen Ulysses switch'd them tow'rds the Fleet;
And when they near it were, Old Nestor then
Who was the first that heard the Horses Feet
Cry'd out, The sound of Horses feet I hear;
I wish Ulysses 'twere and Diomed.
But somewhat else and worse it is I fear;
So many sad mishaps run in my Head.
He scarce had spoken this but they came in.
When they alighted were and welcomed
With Hands and Speeches of their Friends had been,
Then Nestor thus Ulysses questioned.
Ulysses, Glory of the Greeks, said he,
Whence are these Horses beauteous as the Sun?
Won from the Trojans? But that cannot be.
For such amongst the Trojans I saw none,
Though I amongst them were in ev'ry fight.
Or given by the Gods? Which may be true.
For both of you are gracious in their sight,
And Jove and Pallas have a care of you.
O Noble Nestor, said Ulysses then,
Gods can give better Horses if they please.
For richer much are they than mortal men.
Tydides from a King of Thrace took these,
Who was come newly to the Trojans aid;
And slain him has, besides a dozen more,
And besides these a Spy that them betraid,
By Hector sent, your purpose to explore.
This said, Ulysses with much people went
Triumphing, and the milk white Horses drave
Over the Trenches to Tydides Tent.
There sets them up, and Wheat unto them gave;
But Dolon's Spoils astern his Ship he plac'd,
Preparing for Athena's Sacrifice.
And then into the Sea they went and wash'd
The sweat from off their Shoulders, Legs & Thighs,
And after bath, and 'noint themselves with oyl,
That done, they sit down to their meat and dine.
And being thus refreshed from their toil,
Unto the Goddess Pallas offer Wine.