The Iliad: A New Translation by Caroline Alexander by Homer & Caroline Alexander

Author:Homer & Caroline Alexander [Homer & Alexander, Caroline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2015-11-24T07:00:00+00:00

bear it through dense underbrush

holding it high above the ground in their jaws, 200

so the two Aiantes holding Imbrios high stripped his helmet

and his armor; and from his soft neck the son of Oïleus

cut off his head, in his rage for the death of Amphimachos,

and swinging it round, he hurled it like a ball through the throng; and it fell

in the dust before the feet of Hector.

Then Poseidon, his heart consumed with rage

at the falling of his grandson in dread combat,

set out to go to the shelters and ships of the Achaeans

to rouse the Danaans, and to wreak heartache for the Trojans.

But spear-famed Idomeneus chanced upon him, 210

as he made his way from a companion who had just come to him from the

fighting, having been wounded behind the knee by sharp bronze.

His companions had carried the wounded man, and having given orders to the healers

he was going to his shelter; for he was still minded to take part in battle.

And the lord Earth-Shaker addressed him,

assuming the voice of Andraimon’s son Thoas,

who in all Pleuron and steep Calydon

ruled the Aetolians, and was honored like a god by the people:

“Idomeneus, leader of the Cretan council, where then are the threats

that the sons of Achaeans made to the Trojans?” 220

In turn Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him:

“O Thoas, no man is to be blamed now, as far as I myself

know; for all of us know how to fight.

No slack fear constrains any man, nor yielding to doubt

does anyone shirk the evil fighting; but this way

it seems is pleasing to the almighty son of Cronus,

that the Achaeans die here, nameless, far from Argos.

Come Thoas, for before this you were battle-steady,

and rallied another whenever you saw him hanging back;

therefore do not be reluctant now and give every man his order.” 230

Then Poseidon who shakes the earth answered him:

“Idomeneus, may that man never yet return

home from Troy, but become here a plaything of dogs,

who on this day would willingly hang back from doing battle.

But come, taking your armor follow this way; we must hurry matters on

together, to see if we may be of use in any way, though we are but two.

United, there is valor in even worthless men;

and we two know how to fight—even against good warriors.”

So speaking Poseidon set out again, a god among the fighting throng of men;

and when Idomeneus arrived at his well-built shelter, 240

he put his splendid armor about his body, and grasped two spears.

And set out like a bolt of lightning that the son of Cronus

taking hold of in his hand brandishes from radiant Olympus

to declare a sign to mortal men, and its flashings outshine everything in heaven;

so the bronze armor shone about his chest as he was running.

Then his good henchman Meriones encountered him

while he was still near the shelter. For he had come after to fetch a bronze spear.

And strong Idomeneus spoke to him:

“Meriones, swift-footed son of Molos, most beloved of companions,

why have you come here leaving the strife and battle? 250

Have you been hit somewhere and

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