The Iliad Of Homer: Translated Into English Blank Verse: Book I. Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

Rhyme Scheme: A B C BDECFCGBHIJKLMNOPQRS TUVWXBYZA2BB2C2D2E2E 2F2CG2E2E2E2CH2E2COI E2E2I2J2K2E2L2M2E2N2 O2E2L2P2Q2E2SE2E2E2E 2E2R2S2HFCT2U2V2E2OE 2W2DE2SE2E2CE2X2Y2Z2 E2E2A3OE2H2Y2B3X2E2E 2FCEE2C3D3NRE3F3E2E2 E2E3E2G3E2E2E2E2DOE2 YE2E2E2E2H3T2E2I3E2C CE2J3E2K3FE2X2E2E2YF L3M3E2X2N3E2E2HE2CIE 2E2E2IG2E2E2O3VE2YE2 U2B3P3E2CBCFE2CFE3Q3 L2X2E2J2FIR3E2E2X2E3 S3E2E2RT3U3ICV3P3W3E 2X3Y3C2Z3Q2A4E2B4Q2C CRE2X2E2E2Q2Q2X2CYC4 CQ2E2CCX2E2E2E2E2E2Q 2E2V2D4E4E2Q2E2YH2F3 FCF4YQ2CD4Q2D2A2FG4H 4Y3E2E2I4J4E2Q2E2E2K 4L4E2E2L3CM4L2J3CX2N 4E2YYYCE4E2E2B3Q2Q2C YE4E2CH4Q2EYO4YE2E2E 2YYE2Q2FRQ2YE2E2B3YE 4E2P4E2Q4Q2E2Q2E2YNC B3E2 R4X2YCJ3Q2YYE2YFH2FF Q2Q2L2Y2E2E2E2E2VCYR E2YFS4YE3YD3O4ECCYE2 CE2FFCE2YR4E2YE2T4YE 2FU4CE2E2YCP3OYV4E2E 2YH4Q2E2E2FCE2E2YE2E 2E2W4YQ2Q2E4Q2YE2E2C CE2YH4D3YE2D2E2E2RP3 E2E2E2Q2FE2E2E2E2E2N E2YCE2Q2E2CYE2E2D3X4 PE2E2E2E2CYE2Y2E2E2E 2E2E2YF2E2Y4E2H2YRCQ 2E2FFRYE2YE2YE2E2B3F YE2FFE2E2H2RE2Z4YE2Q 2YFCQ2Q2Q2E2CE2YCYFY C4E2C4E2E2YC4U4YV2E2 E2E2E2E2YE2Q2H2FE2CC Q2E2YE2FCC4Q2E2YE2CE 2B4YYE2E2E2Y4E2C4YH4 Q2E2E2E2FE2E2YE2YE2V E2E2E2E2S4E2E2E2YYYY E2E2CE2V2H4E2E2Q2E2Q 2YQ2C4E2E2E2E2E2Q2E2 E2C4YFFYE2E2E2YE2E2C B4Q2E2FCE2YE2YCQ2YE2 Q2E2E2YE2YE2CN2C4CC4 E2E2P3E2CE2YYO4E3E2E 2YE2FE2L2Q2E2FYE2YE2 CE2FYE2Q2YE2YYYCE2E2 YE2Q2E2H4YYYE2E2Q2CE 2E2FE2E2E2YCF2YQ2E2E 2FYE2YE2YE2E2E2Q2E2E 2E2E2Q2H4E2H4E2E2YE2 E2CQ2YQ2E2 Q2

Argument Of The First Book	A
	-
	-
The book opens with an account of a pestilence that prevailed in the Grecian camp and the cause of it is assigned A council is called in which fierce altercation takes place between Agamemnon and Achilles The latter solemnly renounces the field Agamemnon by his heralds demands Bris is and Achilles resigns her He makes his complaint to Thetis who undertakes to plead his cause with Jupiter She pleads it and prevails The book concludes with an account of what passed in Heaven on that occasion	B
	-
	-
	-
The reader will please observe that by Achaians Argives Dana are signified Grecians Homer himself having found these various appellatives both graceful and convenient it seemed unreasonable that a Translator of him should be denied the same advantage TR	C
	-
Achilles sing O Goddess Peleus' son	B
His wrath pernicious who ten thousand woes	D
Caused to Achaia's host sent many a soul	E
Illustrious into Ades premature	C
And Heroes gave so stood the will of Jove	F
To dogs and to all ravening fowls a prey	C
When fierce dispute had separated once	G
The noble Chief Achilles from the son	B
Of Atreus Agamemnon King of men	H
Who them to strife impell'd What power divine	I
Latona's son and Jove's For he incensed	J
Against the King a foul contagion raised	K
In all the host and multitudes destroy'd	L
For that the son of Atreus had his priest	M
Dishonored Chryses To the fleet he came	N
Bearing rich ransom glorious to redeem	O
His daughter and his hands charged with the wreath	P
And golden sceptre of the God shaft arm'd	Q
His supplication was at large to all	R
The host of Greece but most of all to two	S
The sons of Atreus highest in command	T
Ye gallant Chiefs and ye their gallant host	U
So may the Gods who in Olympus dwell	V
Give Priam's treasures to you for a spoil	W
And ye return in safety take my gifts	X
And loose my child in honor of the son	B
Of Jove Apollo archer of the skies	Y
At once the voice of all was to respect	Z
The priest and to accept the bounteous price	A2
But so it pleased not Atreus' mighty son	B
Who with rude threatenings stern him thence dismiss'd	B2
Beware old man that at these hollow barks	C2
I find thee not now lingering or henceforth	D2
Returning lest the garland of thy God	E2
And his bright sceptre should avail thee nought	E2
I will not loose thy daughter till old age	F2
Steal on her From her native country far	C
In Argos in my palace she shall ply	G2
The loom and shall be partner of my bed	E2
Move me no more Begone hence while thou may'st	E2
He spake the old priest trembled and obey'd	E2
Forlorn he roamed the ocean's sounding shore	C
And solitary with much prayer his King	H2
Bright hair'd Latona's son Phoebus implored	E2
God of the silver bow who with thy power	C
Encirclest Chrysa and who reign'st supreme	O
In Tenedos and Cilla the divine	I
Sminthian Apollo If I e'er adorned	E2
Thy beauteous fane or on the altar burn'd	E2
The fat acceptable of bulls or goats	I2
Grant my petition With thy shafts avenge	J2
On the Achaian host thy servant's tears	K2
Such prayer he made and it was heard The God	E2
Down from Olympus with his radiant bow	L2
And his full quiver o'er his shoulder slung	M2
Marched in his anger shaken as he moved	E2
His rattling arrows told of his approach	N2
Gloomy he came as night sat from the ships	O2
Apart and sent an arrow Clang'd the cord	E2
Dread sounding bounding on the silver bow	L2
Mules first and dogs he struck but at themselves	P2
Dispatching soon his bitter arrows keen	Q2
Smote them Death piles on all sides always blazed	E2
Nine days throughout the camp his arrows flew	S
The tenth Achilles from all parts convened	E2
The host in council Juno the white armed	E2
Moved at the sight of Grecians all around	E2
Dying imparted to his mind the thought	E2
The full assembly therefore now convened	E2
Uprose Achilles ardent and began	R2
Atrides Now it seems no course remains	S2
For us but that the seas roaming again	H
We hence return at least if we survive	F
But haste consult we quick some prophet here	C
Or priest or even interpreter of dreams	T2
For dreams are also of Jove that we may learn	U2
By what crime we have thus incensed Apollo	V2
What broken vow what hecatomb unpaid	E2
He charges on us and if soothed with steam	O
Of lambs or goats unblemish'd he may yet	E2
Be won to spare us and avert the plague	W2
He spake and sat when Thestor's son arose	D
Calchas an augur foremost in his art	E2
Who all things present past and future knew	S
And whom his skill in prophecy a gift	E2
Conferred by Phoebus on him had advanced	E2
To be conductor of the fleet to Troy	C
He prudent them admonishing replied	E2
Jove loved Achilles Wouldst thou learn from me	X2
What cause hath moved Apollo to this wrath	Y2
The shaft arm'd King I shall divulge the cause	Z2
But thou swear first and covenant on thy part	E2
That speaking acting thou wilt stand prepared	E2
To give me succor for I judge amiss	A3
Or he who rules the Argives the supreme	O
O'er all Achaia's host will be incensed	E2
Wo to the man who shall provoke the King	H2
For if to day he smother close his wrath	Y2
He harbors still the vengeance and in time	B3
Performs it Answer therefore wilt thou save me	X2
To whom Achilles swiftest of the swift	E2
What thou hast learn'd in secret from the God	E2
That speak and boldly By the son of Jove	F
Apollo whom thou Calchas seek'st in prayer	C
Made for the Dana and who thy soul	E
Fills with futurity in all the host	E2
The Grecian lives not who while I shall breathe	C3
And see the light of day shall in this camp	D3
Oppress thee no not even if thou name	N
Him Agamemnon sovereign o'er us all	R
Then was the seer embolden'd and he spake	E3
Nor vow nor hecatomb unpaid on us	F3
He charges but the wrong done to his priest	E2
Whom Agamemnon slighted when he sought	E2
His daughter's freedom and his gifts refused	E2
He is the cause Apollo for his sake	E3
Afflicts and will afflict us neither end	E2
Nor intermission of his heavy scourge	G3
Granting 'till unredeem'd no price required	E2
The black eyed maid be to her father sent	E2
And a whole hecatomb in Chrysa bleed	E2
Then not before the God may be appeased	E2
He spake and sat when Atreus' son arose	D
The Hero Agamemnon throned supreme	O
Tempests of black resentment overcharged	E2
His heart and indignation fired his eyes	Y
On Calchas lowering him he first address'd	E2
Prophet of mischief from whose tongue no note	E2
Of grateful sound to me was ever heard	E2
Ill tidings are thy joy and tidings glad	E2
Thou tell'st not or thy words come not to pass	H3
And now among the Dana thy dreams	T2
Divulging thou pretend'st the Archer God	E2
For his priest's sake our enemy because	I3
I scorn'd his offer'd ransom of the maid	E2
Chrys is more desirous far to bear	C
Her to my home for that she charms me more	C
Than Clytemnestra my own first espoused	E2
With whom in disposition feature form	J3
Accomplishments she may be well compared	E2
Yet being such I will return her hence	K3
If that she go be best Perish myself	F
But let the people of my charge be saved	E2
Prepare ye therefore a reward for me	X2
And seek it instant It were much unmeet	E2
That I alone of all the Argive host	E2
Should want due recompense whose former prize	Y
Is elsewhere destined as ye all perceive	F
To whom Achilles matchless in the race	L3
Atrides glorious above all in rank	M3
And as intent on gain as thou art great	E2
Whence shall the Grecians give a prize to thee	X2
The general stock is poor the spoil of towns	N3
Which we have taken hath already passed	E2
In distribution and it were unjust	E2
To gather it from all the Greeks again	H
But send thou back this Virgin to her God	E2
And when Jove's favor shall have given us Troy	C
A threefold fourfold share shall then be thine	I
To whom the Sovereign of the host replied	E2
Godlike Achilles valiant as thou art	E2
Wouldst thou be subtle too But me no fraud	E2
Shall overreach or art persuade of thine	I
Wouldst thou that thou be recompensed and I	G2
Sit meekly down defrauded of my due	E2
And didst thou bid me yield her Let the bold	E2
Achaians give me competent amends	O3
Such as may please me and it shall be well	V
Else if they give me none I will command	E2
Thy prize the prize of Ajax or the prize	Y
It may be of Ulysses to my tent	E2
And let the loser chafe But this concern	U2
Shall be adjusted at convenient time	B3
Come launch we now into the sacred deep	P3
A bark with lusty rowers well supplied	E2
Then put on board Chrys is and with her	C
The sacrifice required Go also one	B
High in authority some counsellor	C
Idomeneus or Ajax or thyself	F
Thou most untractable of all mankind	E2
And seek by rites of sacrifice and prayer	C
To appease Apollo on our host's behalf	F
Achilles eyed him with a frown and spake	E3
Ah clothed with impudence as with a cloak	Q3
And full of subtlety who thinkest thou	L2
What Grecian here will serve thee or for thee	X2
Wage covert war or open Me thou know'st	E2
Troy never wronged I came not to avenge	J2
Harm done to me no Trojan ever drove	F
My pastures steeds or oxen took of mine	I
Or plunder'd of their fruits the golden fields	R3
Of Phthia the deep soil'd She lies remote	E2
And obstacles are numerous interposed	E2
Vale darkening mountains and the dashing sea	X2
No Shameless Wolf For thy good pleasure's sake	E3
We came and Face of flint to avenge the wrongs	S3
By Menelaus and thyself sustain'd	E2
On the offending Trojan service kind	E2
But lost on thee regardless of it all	R
And now What now Thy threatening is to seize	T3
Thyself the just requital of my toils	U3
My prize hard earn'd by common suffrage mine	I
I never gain what Trojan town soe'er	C
We ransack half thy booty The swift march	V3
And furious onset these I largely reap	P3
But distribution made thy lot exceeds	W3
Mine far while I with any pittance pleased	E2
Bear to my ships the little that I win	X3
After long battle and account it much	Y3
But I am gone I and my sable barks	C2
My wiser course to Phthia and I judge	Z3
Scorn'd as I am that thou shalt hardly glean	Q2
Without me more than thou shalt soon consume	A4
He ceased and Agamemnon thus replied	E2
Fly and fly now if in thy soul thou feel	B4
Such ardor of desire to go begone	Q2
I woo thee not to stay stay not an hour	C
On my behalf for I have others here	C
Who will respect me more and above all	R
All judging Jove There is not in the host	E2
King or commander whom I hate as thee	X2
For all thy pleasure is in strife and blood	E2
And at all times yet valor is no ground	E2
Whereon to boast it is the gift of Heaven	Q2
Go get ye back to Phthia thou and thine	Q2
There rule thy Myrmidons I need not thee	X2
Nor heed thy wrath a jot But this I say	C
Sure as Apollo takes my lovely prize	Y
Chrys is and I shall return her home	C4
In mine own bark and with my proper crew	C
So sure the fair Bris is shall be mine	Q2
I shall demand her even at thy tent	E2
So shalt thou well be taught how high in power	C
I soar above thy pitch and none shall dare	C
Attempt thenceforth comparison with me	X2
He ended and the big disdainful heart	E2
Throbbed of Achilles racking doubt ensued	E2
And sore perplex'd him whether forcing wide	E2
A passage through them with his blade unsheathed	E2
To lay Atrides breathless at his foot	E2
Or to command his stormy spirit down	Q2
So doubted he and undecided yet	E2
Stood drawing forth his falchion huge when lo	V2
Down sent by Juno to whom both alike	D4
Were dear and who alike watched over both	E4
Pallas descended At his back she stood	E2
To none apparent save himself alone	Q2
And seized his golden locks Startled he turned	E2
And instant knew Minerva Flashed her eyes	Y
Terrific whom with accents on the wing	H2
Of haste incontinent he questioned thus	F3
Daughter of Jove why comest thou that thyself	F
May'st witness these affronts which I endure	C
From Agamemnon Surely as I speak	F4
This moment for his arrogance he dies	Y
To whom the blue eyed Deity From heaven	Q2
Mine errand is to sooth if thou wilt hear	C
Thine anger Juno the white arm'd alike	D4
To him and thee propitious bade me down	Q2
Restrain thy wrath Draw not thy falchion forth	D2
Retort and sharply and let that suffice	A2
For I foretell thee true Thou shalt receive	F
Some future day thrice told thy present loss	G4
For this day's wrong Cease therefore and be still	H4
To whom Achilles Goddess although much	Y3
Exasperate I dare not disregard	E2
Thy word which to obey is always best	E2
Who hears the Gods the Gods hear also him	I4
He said and on his silver hilt the force	J4
Of his broad hand impressing sent the blade	E2
Home to its rest nor would the counsel scorn	Q2
Of Pallas She to heaven well pleased return'd	E2
And in the mansion of Jove gis armed	E2
Arriving mingled with her kindred Gods	K4
But though from violence yet not from words	L4
Abstained Achilles but with bitter taunt	E2
Opprobrious his antagonist reproached	E2
Oh charged with wine in steadfastness of face	L3
Dog unabashed and yet at heart a deer	C
Thou never when the troops have taken arms	M4
Hast dared to take thine also never thou	L2
Associate with Achaia's Chiefs to form	J3
The secret ambush No The sound of war	C
Is as the voice of destiny to thee	X2
Doubtless the course is safer far to range	N4
Our numerous host and if a man have dared	E2
Dispute thy will to rob him of his prize	Y
King over whom Women and spiritless	Y
Whom therefore thou devourest else themselves	Y
Would stop that mouth that it should scoff no more	C
But hearken I shall swear a solemn oath	E4
By this same sceptre which shall never bud	E2
Nor boughs bring forth as once which having left	E2
Its stock on the high mountains at what time	B3
The woodman's axe lopped off its foliage green	Q2
And stript its bark shall never grow again	Q2
Which now the judges of Achaia bear	C
Who under Jove stand guardians of the laws	Y
By this I swear mark thou the sacred oath	E4
Time shall be when Achilles shall be missed	E2
When all shall want him and thyself the power	C
To help the Achaians whatsoe'er thy will	H4
When Hector at your heels shall mow you down	Q2
The Hero slaughtering Hector Then thy soul	E
Vexation stung shall tear thee with remorse	Y
That thou hast scorn'd as he were nothing worth	O4
A Chief the soul and bulwark of your cause	Y
So saying he cast his sceptre on the ground	E2
Studded with gold and sat On the other side	E2
The son of Atreus all impassion'd stood	E2
When the harmonious orator arose	Y
Nestor the Pylian oracle whose lips	Y
Dropped eloquence the honey not so sweet	E2
Two generations past of mortals born	Q2
In Pylus co taneous with himself	F
He govern'd now the third amid them all	R
He stood and thus benevolent began	Q2
Ah what calamity hath fall'n on Greece	Y
Now Priam and his sons may well exult	E2
Now all in Ilium shall have joy of heart	E2
Abundant hearing of this broil the prime	B3
Of Greece between in council and in arms	Y
But be persuaded ye are younger both	E4
Than I and I was conversant of old	E2
With Princes your superiors yet from them	P4
No disrespect at any time received	E2
Their equals saw I never never shall	Q4
Exadius Coeneus and the Godlike son	Q2
Of geus mighty Theseus men renown'd	E2
For force superior to the race of man	Q2
Brave Chiefs they were and with brave foes they fought	E2
With the rude dwellers on the mountain heights	Y
The Centaurs whom with havoc such as fame	N
Shall never cease to celebrate they slew	C
With these men I consorted erst what time	B3
From Pylus though a land from theirs remote	E2
	-
They called me forth and such as was my strength	R4
With all that strength I served them Who is he	X2
What Prince or Chief of the degenerate race	Y
Now seen on earth who might with these compare	C
Yet even these would listen and conform	J3
To my advice in consultation given	Q2
Which hear ye also for compliance proves	Y
Oft times the safer and the manlier course	Y
Thou Agamemnon valiant as thou art	E2
Seize not the maid his portion from the Greeks	Y
But leave her his nor thou Achilles strive	F
With our imperial Chief for never King	H2
Had equal honor at the hands of Jove	F
With Agamemnon or was throned so high	F
Say thou art stronger and art Goddess born	Q2
How then His territory passes thine	Q2
And he is Lord of thousands more than thou	L2
Cease therefore Agamemnon calm thy wrath	Y2
And it shall be mine office to entreat	E2
Achilles also to a calm whose might	E2
The chief munition is of all our host	E2
To whom the sovereign of the Greeks replied	E2
The son of Atreus Thou hast spoken well	V
Old Chief and wisely But this wrangler here	C
Nought will suffice him but the highest place	Y
He must control us all reign over all	R
Dictate to all but he shall find at least	E2
One here disposed to question his commands	Y
If the eternal Gods have made him brave	F
Derives he thence a privilege to rail	S4
Whom thus Achilles interrupted fierce	Y
Could I be found so abject as to take	E3
The measure of my doings at thy lips	Y
Well might they call me coward through the camp	D3
A vassal and a fellow of no worth	O4
Give law to others Think not to control	E
Me subject to thy proud commands no more	C
Hear yet again And weigh what thou shalt hear	C
I will not strive with thee in such a cause	Y
Nor yet with any man I scorn to fight	E2
For her whom having given ye take away	C
But I have other precious things on board	E2
Of those take none away without my leave	F
Or if it please thee put me to the proof	F
Before this whole assembly and my spear	C
Shall stream that moment purpled with thy blood	E2
Thus they long time in opposition fierce	Y
Maintained the war of words and now at length	R4
The grand consult dissolved Achilles walked	E2
Patroclus and the Myrmidons his steps	Y
Attending to his camp and to his fleet	E2
But Agamemnon order'd forth a bark	T4
A swift one manned with twice ten lusty rowers	Y
He sent on board the Hecatomb he placed	E2
Chrys is with the blooming cheeks himself	F
And to Ulysses gave the freight in charge	U4
So all embarked and plow'd their watery way	C
Atrides next bade purify the host	E2
The host was purified as he enjoin'd	E2
And the ablution cast into the sea	Y
Then to Apollo on the shore they slew	C
Of the untillable and barren deep	P3
Whole Hecatombs of bulls and goats whose steam	O
Slowly in smoky volumes climbed the skies	Y
Thus was the camp employed nor ceased the while	V4
The son of Atreus from his threats denounced	E2
At first against Achilles but command	E2
Gave to Talthybius and Eurybates	Y
His heralds ever faithful to his will	H4
Haste Seek ye both the tent of Peleus' son	Q2
Achilles Thence lead hither by the hand	E2
Blooming Bris is whom if he withhold	E2
Not her alone but other spoil myself	F
Will take in person He shall rue the hour	C
With such harsh message charged he them dismissed	E2
They sad and slow beside the barren waste	E2
Of Ocean to the galleys and the tents	Y
Moved of the Myrmidons Him there they found	E2
Beneath the shadow of his bark reclined	E2
Nor glad at their approach Trembling they stood	E2
In presence of the royal Chief awe struck	W4
Nor questioned him or spake He not the less	Y
Knew well their embassy and thus began	Q2
Ye heralds messengers of Gods and men	Q2
Hail and draw near I bid you welcome both	E4
I blame not you the fault is his alone	Q2
Who sends you to conduct the damsel hence	Y
Bris is Go Patroclus generous friend	E2
Lead forth and to their guidance give the maid	E2
But be themselves my witnesses before	C
The blessed Gods before mankind before	C
The ruthless king should want of me be felt	E2
To save the host from havoc Oh his thoughts	Y
Are madness all intelligence or skill	H4
Forecast or retrospect how best the camp	D3
May be secured from inroad none hath he	Y
He ended nor Patroclus disobey'd	E2
But leading beautiful Bris is forth	D2
Into their guidance gave her loth she went	E2
From whom she loved and looking oft behind	E2
Then wept Achilles and apart from all	R
With eyes directed to the gloomy Deep	P3
And arms outstretch'd his mother suppliant sought	E2
Since mother though ordain'd so soon to die	E2
I am thy son I might with cause expect	E2
Some honor at the Thunderer's hands but none	Q2
To me he shows whom Agamemnon Chief	F
Of the Achaians hath himself disgraced	E2
Seizing by violence my just reward	E2
So prayed he weeping whom his mother heard	E2
Within the gulfs of Ocean where she sat	E2
Beside her ancient sire From the gray flood	E2
Ascending sudden like a mist she came	N
Sat down before him stroked his face and said	E2
Why weeps my son and what is thy distress	Y
Hide not a sorrow that I wish to share	C
To whom Achilles sighing deep replied	E2
Why tell thee woes to thee already known	Q2
At Thebes E tion's city we arrived	E2
Smote sack'd it and brought all the spoil away	C
Just distribution made among the Greeks	Y
The son of Atreus for his lot received	E2
Blooming Chrys is Her Apollo's priest	E2
Old Chryses followed to Achaia's camp	D3
That he might loose his daughter Ransom rich	X4
He brought and in his hands the hallow'd wreath	P
And golden sceptre of the Archer God	E2
Apollo bore to the whole Grecian host	E2
But chiefly to the foremost in command	E2
He sued the sons of Atreus then the rest	E2
All recommended reverence of the Seer	C
And prompt acceptance of his costly gifts	Y
But Agamemnon might not so be pleased	E2
Who gave him rude dismission he in wrath	Y2
Returning prayed whose prayer Apollo heard	E2
For much he loved him A pestiferous shaft	E2
He instant shot into the Grecian host	E2
And heap'd the people died His arrows swept	E2
The whole wide camp of Greece 'till at the last	E2
A Seer by Phoebus taught explain'd the cause	Y
I first advised propitiation Rage	F2
Fired Agamemnon Rising he denounced	E2
Vengeance and hath fulfilled it She in truth	Y4
Is gone to Chrysa and with her we send	E2
Propitiation also to the King	H2
Shaft arm'd Apollo But my beauteous prize	Y
Bris is mine by the award of all	R
His heralds at this moment lead away	C
But thou wherein thou canst aid thy own son	Q2
Haste hence to Heaven and if thy word or deed	E2
Hath ever gratified the heart of Jove	F
With earnest suit press him on my behalf	F
For I not seldom in my father's hall	R
Have heard thee boasting how when once the Gods	Y
With Juno Neptune Pallas at their head	E2
Conspired to bind the Thunderer thou didst loose	Y
His bands O Goddess calling to his aid	E2
The Hundred handed warrior by the Gods	Y
Briareus but by men geon named	E2
For he in prowess and in might surpassed	E2
His father Neptune who enthroned sublime	B3
Sits second only to Saturnian Jove	F
Elate with glory and joy Him all the Gods	Y
Fearing from that bold enterprise abstained	E2
Now therefore of these things reminding Jove	F
Embrace his knees entreat him that he give	F
The host of Troy his succor and shut fast	E2
The routed Grecians prisoners in the fleet	E2
That all may find much solace in their King	H2
And that the mighty sovereign o'er them all	R
Their Agamemnon may himself be taught	E2
His rashness who hath thus dishonor'd foul	Z4
The life itself and bulwark of his cause	Y
To him with streaming eyes Thetis replied	E2
Born as thou wast to sorrow ah my son	Q2
Why have I rear'd thee Would that without tears	Y
Or cause for tears transient as is thy life	F
A little span thy days might pass at Troy	C
But short and sorrowful the fates ordain	Q2
Thy life peculiar trouble must be thine	Q2
Whom therefore oh that I had never borne	Q2
But seeking the Olympian hill snow crown'd	E2
I will myself plead for thee in the ear	C
Of Jove the Thunderer Meantime at thy fleet	E2
Abiding let thy wrath against the Greeks	Y
Still burn and altogether cease from war	C
For to the banks of the Oceanus	Y
Where thiopia holds a feast to Jove	F
He journey'd yesterday with whom the Gods	Y
Went also and the twelfth day brings them home	C4
Then will I to his brazen floor'd abode	E2
That I may clasp his knees and much misdeem	C4
Of my endeavor or my prayer shall speed	E2
So saying she went but him she left enraged	E2
For fair Bris is' sake forced from his arms	Y
By stress of power Meantime Ulysses came	C4
To Chrysa with the Hecatomb in charge	U4
Arrived within the haven deep their sails	Y
Furling they stowed them in the bark below	V2
Then by its tackle lowering swift the mast	E2
Into its crutch they briskly push'd to land	E2
Heaved anchors out and moor'd the vessel fast	E2
Forth came the mariners and trod the beach
Forth came the victims of Apollo next	E2
And last Chrys is Her Ulysses led	E2
Toward the altar gave her to the arms	Y
Of her own father and him thus address'd	E2
O Chryses Agamemnon King of men	Q2
Hath sent thy daughter home with whom we bring	H2
A Hecatomb on all our host's behalf	F
To Phoebus hoping to appease the God	E2
By whose dread shafts the Argives now expire	C
So saying he gave her to him who with joy	C
Received his daughter Then before the shrine	Q2
Magnificent in order due they ranged	E2
The noble Hecatomb Each laved his hands	Y
And took the salted meal and Chryses made	E2
His fervent prayer with hands upraised on high	F
God of the silver bow who with thy power	C
Encirclest Chrysa and who reign'st supreme	C4
In Tenedos and Cilla the divine	Q2
Thou prov'dst propitious to my first request	E2
Hast honor'd me and punish'd sore the Greeks	Y
Hear yet thy servant's prayer take from their host	E2
At once the loathsome pestilence away	C
So Chryses prayed whom Phoebus heard well pleased	E2
Then prayed the Grecians also and with meal	B4
Sprinkling the victims their retracted necks	Y
First pierced then flay'd them the disjointed thighs	Y
They next invested with the double caul
Which with crude slices thin they overspread	E2
The priest burned incense and libation poured	E2
Large on the hissing brands while him beside	E2
Busy with spit and prong stood many a youth	Y4
Trained to the task The thighs with fire consumed	E2
They gave to each his portion of the maw	C4
Then slashed the remnant pierced it with the spits	Y
And managing with culinary skill	H4
The roast withdrew it from the spits again	Q2
Their whole task thus accomplish'd and the board	E2
Set forth they feasted and were all sufficed	E2
When neither hunger more nor thirst remained	E2
Unsatisfied boys crown'd the beakers high	F
With wine delicious and from right to left	E2
Distributing the cups served every guest	E2
Thenceforth the youths of the Achaian race	Y
To song propitiatory gave the day	E2
P ans to Phoebus Archer of the skies	Y
Chaunting melodious Pleased Apollo heard	E2
But when the sun descending darkness fell	V
They on the beach beside their hawsers slept	E2
And when the day spring's daughter rosy palm'd	E2
Aurora look'd abroad then back they steer'd	E2
To the vast camp Fair wind and blowing fresh
Apollo sent them quick they rear'd the mast	E2
Then spread the unsullied canvas to the gale	S4
And the wind filled it Roared the sable flood	E2
Around the bark that ever as she went	E2
Dash'd wide the brine and scudded swift away	E2
Thus reaching soon the spacious camp of Greece	Y
Their galley they updrew sheer o'er the sands	Y
From the rude surge remote then propp'd her sides	Y
With scantlings long and sought their several tents	Y
But Peleus' noble son the speed renown'd	E2
Achilles he his well built bark beside	E2
Consumed his hours nor would in council more	C
Where wise men win distinction or in fight	E2
Appear to sorrow and heart withering wo	V2
Abandon'd though for battle ardent still	H4
He panted and the shout resounding field	E2
But when the twelfth fair morrow streak'd the East	E2
Then all the everlasting Gods to Heaven	Q2
Resorted with the Thunderer at their head	E2
And Thetis not unmindful of her son	Q2
Prom the salt flood emerged seeking betimes	Y
Olympus and the boundless fields of heaven	Q2
High on the topmost eminence sublime	C4
Of the deep fork'd Olympian she perceived	E2
The Thunderer seated from the Gods apart	E2
She sat before him clasp'd with her left hand	E2
His knees her right beneath his chin she placed	E2
And thus the King Saturnian Jove implored	E2
Father of all by all that I have done	Q2
Or said that ever pleased thee grant my suit	E2
Exalt my son by destiny short lived	E2
Beyond the lot of others Him with shame	C4
The King of men hath overwhelm'd by force	Y
Usurping his just meed thou therefore Jove	F
Supreme in wisdom honor him and give	F
Success to Troy till all Achaia's sons	Y
Shall yield him honor more than he hath lost	E2
She spake to whom the Thunderer nought replied	E2
But silent sat long time She as her hand	E2
Had grown there still importunate his knees	Y
Clasp'd as at first and thus her suit renew'd	E2
Or grant my prayer and ratify the grant	E2
Or send me hence for thou hast none to fear	C
Plainly refused that I may know and feel	B4
By how much I am least of all in heaven	Q2
To whom the cloud assembler at the last	E2
Spake deep distress'd Hard task and full of strife	F
Thou hast enjoined me Juno will not spare	C
For gibe and taunt injurious whose complaint	E2
Sounds daily in the ears of all the Gods	Y
That I assist the Trojans but depart	E2
Lest she observe thee my concern shall be	Y
How best I may perform thy full desire	C
And to assure thee more I give the sign	Q2
Indubitable which all fear expels	Y
At once from heavenly minds Nought so confirmed	E2
May after be reversed or render'd vain	Q2
He ceased and under his dark brows the nod	E2
Vouchsafed of confirmation All around	E2
The Sovereign's everlasting head his curls	Y
Ambrosial shook and the huge mountain reeled	E2
Their conference closed they parted She at once	Y
From bright Olympus plunged into the flood	E2
Profound and Jove to his own courts withdrew	C
Together all the Gods at his approach	N2
Uprose none sat expectant till he came	C4
But all advanced to meet the Eternal Sire	C
So on his throne he sat Nor Juno him	C4
Not understood she watchful had observed	E2
In consultation close with Jove engaged	E2
Thetis bright footed daughter of the deep	P3
And keen the son of Saturn thus reproved	E2
Shrewd as thou art who now hath had thine ear	C
Thy joy is ever such from me apart	E2
To plan and plot clandestine and thy thoughts	Y
Think what thou may'st are always barred to me	Y
To whom the father thus of heaven and earth	O4
Expect not Juno that thou shalt partake	E3
My counsels at all times which oft in height	E2
And depth thy comprehension far exceed	E2
Jove's consort as thou art When aught occurs	Y
Meet for thine ear to none will I impart	E2
Of Gods or men more free than to thyself	F
But for my secret thoughts which I withhold	E2
From all in heaven beside them search not thou	L2
With irksome curiosity and vain	Q2
Him answer'd then the Goddess ample eyed	E2
What word hath passed thy lips Saturnian Jove	F
Thou most severe I never search thy thoughts	Y
Nor the serenity of thy profound	E2
Intentions trouble they are safe from me	Y
But now there seems a cause Deeply I dread	E2
Lest Thetis silver footed daughter fair	C
Of Ocean's hoary Sovereign here arrived	E2
At early dawn to practise on thee Jove	F
I noticed her a suitress at thy knees	Y
And much misdeem or promise bound thou stand'st	E2
To Thetis past recall to exalt her son	Q2
And Greeks to slaughter thousands at the ships	Y
To whom the cloud assembler God incensed	E2
Ah subtle ever teeming with surmise	Y
And fathomer of my concealed designs	Y
Thy toil is vain or which is worse for thee	Y
Shall but estrange thee from mine heart the more	C
And be it as thou sayest I am well pleased	E2
That so it should be Be advised desist	E2
Hold thou thy peace Else if my glorious hands	Y
Once reach thee the Olympian Powers combined	E2
To rescue thee shall interfere in vain	Q2
He said whom Juno awful Goddess heard	E2
Appall'd and mute submitted to his will	H4
But through the courts of Jove the heavenly Powers	Y
All felt displeasure when to them arose	Y
Vulcan illustrious artist who with speech
Conciliatory interposed to sooth	Y
His white armed mother Juno Goddess dread	E2
Hard doom is ours and not to be endured	E2
If feast and merriment must pause in heaven	Q2
While ye such clamor raise tumultuous here	C
For man's unworthy sake yet thus we speed	E2
Ever when evil overpoises good	E2
But I exhort my mother though herself	F
Already warn'd that meekly she submit	E2
To Jove our father lest our father chide	E2
More roughly and confusion mar the feast	E2
For the Olympian Thunderer could with ease	Y
Us from our thrones precipitate so far	C
He reigns to all superior Seek to assuage	F2
His anger therefore so shall he with smiles	Y
Cheer thee nor thee alone but all in heaven	Q2
So Vulcan and upstarting placed a cup
Full charged between his mother's hands and said	E2
My mother be advised and though aggrieved	E2
Yet patient lest I see thee whom I love	F
So dear with stripes chastised before my face	Y
Willing but impotent to give thee aid	E2
Who can resist the Thunderer Me when once	Y
I flew to save thee by the foot he seized	E2
And hurl'd me through the portal of the skies	Y
From morn to eve I fell a summer's day	E2
And dropped at last in Lemnos There half dead	E2
The Sintians found me and with succor prompt	E2
And hospitable entertained me fallen	Q2
So He then Juno smiled Goddess white arm'd	E2
And smiling still from his unwonted hand	E2
Received the goblet He from right to left	E2
Rich nectar from the beaker drawn alert	E2
Distributed to all the powers divine	Q2
Heaven rang with laughter inextinguishable	H4
Peal after peal such pleasure all conceived	E2
At sight of Vulcan in his new employ	H4
So spent they in festivity the day	E2
And all were cheered nor was Apollo's harp
Silent nor did the Muses spare to add	E2
Responsive melody of vocal sweets	Y
But when the sun's bright orb had now declined	E2
Each to his mansion wheresoever built	E2
By the lame matchless Architect withdrew	C
Jove also kindler of the fires of heaven	Q2
His couch ascending as at other times	Y
When gentle sleep approach'd him slept serene	Q2
With golden sceptred Juno at his side	E2
	-
	-
	-
The first book contains the preliminaries to the commencement of serious action First the visit of the priest of Apollo to ransom his captive daughter the refusal of Agamemnon to yield her up and the pestilence sent by the god upon the Grecian army in consequence Secondly the restoration the propitiation of Apollo the quarrel of Agamemnon and Achilles and the withdrawing of the latter from the Grecian army Thirdly the intercession of Thetis with Jupiter his promise unwillingly given to avenge Achilles and the assembly of the gods in which the promise is angrily alluded to by Juno and the discussion peremptorily checked by Jupiter The poet throughout this book maintains a simple unadorned style but highly descriptive and happily adapted to the nature of the subject FELTON	Q2

William Cowper

Poem topics: , Print This Poem , Rhyme Scheme

Submit Spanish Translation
Submit German Translation
Submit French Translation

<< On The Death Of The Bishop Of Ely.[1] Anno Aetates 17. Poem To Giovanni Battista Manso, Marquis Of Villa. Poem>>

Write your comment about The Iliad Of Homer: Translated Into English Blank Verse: Book I. poem by William Cowper

Best Poems of William Cowper

Recent Interactions*

This poem was read 17 times,

This poem was added to the favorite list by 0 members,

This poem was voted by 0 members.

(* Interactions only in the last 7 days)

New Poems

Wonderful Women
by Umaru Kanneh Boima
Freedom To Scratch In Peace
by Olute Aete
Happy New Year
by Felix Menda
Human Beings
by Dana Graslie
Lust
by Wisdom Greatness
An Isolated Tree's Song
by Sayeed Abubakar
A Strange Boy
by Sayeed Abubakar
O Soil
by Sayeed Abubakar
No War, No War-monger
by Sayeed Abubakar
Night's Town
by Sayeed Abubakar

Popular Poets

1. Emily Dickinson(2414 poems)
2. Madison Julius Cawein(1231 poems)
3. Ella Wheeler Wilcox(1136 poems)
4. William Wordsworth(1016 poems)
5. Robert Burns(986 poems)
6. Edgar Albert Guest(945 poems)
7. Thomas Moore(849 poems)
8. Robert Service(831 poems)