Rhesus (Euripides)
About the Play
After Hector and the Trojans successfully push the Greeks back to their seaside camp (Book 8 of the Iliad), the Trojan army spends the night on the open plain facing their enemies.
To discover the Greeks' next move, the Trojans send out a spy named Dolon. At the same time, the Greeks send two of their own spies, Odysseus and Diomedes, into the Trojan camp. The two groups cross paths, and the Greeks capture Dolon. Out of fear, Dolon reveals everything: the layout of the Trojan forces and the news that a powerful new ally — Rhesus, the Thracian king and son of a goddess — has just arrived.
Odysseus and Diomedes kill Dolon and use his information to infiltrate the enemy camp. This play, which corresponds to the events described in Book 10 of the Iliad, tells the story of King Rhesus's arrival and the chaotic, bloody events that followed that night in the Trojan camp.
The story bridges the gap between major battles in the Trojan War by focusing on a "night raid" and espionage rather than a massive battlefield confrontation. Essentially, it highlights how Rhesus's divine lineage and military might were undone by a single act of betrayal and a well-timed stealth mission.
A quick note on Ancient Greek choruses: they were often divided into two "semichoruses" — sometimes, even smaller units. In Rhesus, the Chorus is a troop of guards. The dashes in the Greek text represent the chaotic, urgent energy of individual soldiers waking up, shouting to one another, and calling out to their leaders. It isn't one unified voice; it's a "soundscape" of different voices. We added quotation marks in English to convey a multitude of speakers.
When the Chorus interacts directly with a main character (like Hector) or gives a long, reasoned speech (which would sound strange for a conversational reply), it is the Coryphaeus (the Chorus Leader) speaking on behalf of everyone as their single representative.
Ῥῆσος
Eὐριπίδης
Rhesus
Euripides
Translated by Edward P., 1906
(Modernized version by Perseus)
Τὰ τοῦ δράματος πρόσωπα
Χορὸς φυλάκων
Ἕκτωρ
Αἰνείας
Δόλων
Ἄγγελος
Ῥῆσος
Ὀδυσσεύς
Διομήδης
Ἀθηνᾶ
Πάρις
Ῥήσου ἡνίοχος
Μοῦσα
Dramatis Personae
Chorus — sentinels of the Trojan army.
Hector — captain of the host of Troy.
Aeneas — a Trojan chief.
Dolon — a Trojan.
Shepherd
Rhesus — king of Thrace, son of the Muse Terpsichore.
Odysseus — a crafty Greek, king of Ithaca.
Diomedes, a valiant Greek.
Athena — a Goddess.
Paris — named also Alexander, a Trojan, son of Priam.
Charioteer of Rhesus.
The Muse Terpsichore, mother of Rhesus.
Χορός
[Εἴσοδος Χοροῦ Τρώων φυλάκων]
— Βᾶθι πρὸς εὐνὰς τὰς Ἑκτορέους. Τίς ὑπασπιστῶν ἄγρυπνος βασιλέως, ἢ τευχοφόρων;
— Δέξαιτο νέων κληδόνα μύθων, οἳ τετράμοιρον νυκτὸς φυλακὴν πάσης στρατιᾶς προκάθηνται.
— Ὄρθου κεφαλὴν πῆχυν ἐρείσας, λῦσον βλεφάρων γοργωπὸν ἕδραν, λεῖπε χαμεύνας φυλλοστρώτους, Ἕκτορ· καιρὸς γὰρ ἀκοῦσαι.
Chorus
[Enter the Chorus of Trojan guards]
"Go to Hector’s couch. Which of you squires that tend the prince, or you armor-clad men, is awake?"
"He ought to receive fresh tidings from the warriors who were set to guard the assembled army during the fourth watch of the night."
[Calls to Hector in the tent]
"Calls to Hector in the tent. Lift up your head! Prop your arm beneath it! Unseal that fierce eye from its repose; quit your lowly couch of scattered leaves, Hector! It is time to hearken."
Ἕκτωρ
Τίς ὅδʼ; ἦ φίλιος φθόγγος· τίς ἀνήρ; τί τὸ σῆμα; θρόει· τίνες ἐκ νυκτῶν τὰς ἡμετέρας κοίτας πλάθουσʼ; ἐνέπειν χρή.
Hector
Who is this? Is it a friend who calls? Who are you? Your password? Speak! Who are these who come near my couch in the night? You must tell me.
Χορός
Φύλακες στρατιᾶς.
Chorus
Sentinels of the army.
Ἕκτωρ
Τί φέρῃ θορύβῳ;
Hector
Why this tumultuous haste?
Χορός
Θάρσει.
Chorus
Be of good courage.
Ἕκτωρ
Θαρσῶ. Μῶν τις λόχος ἐκ νυκτῶν;
Hector
I am. Is there some midnight ambush?
Χορός
Οὐκ ἔστι.
Chorus
No.
Ἕκτωρ
Τί σὺ γὰρ φυλακὰς προλιπὼν κινεῖς στρατιάν, εἰ μή τινʼ ἔχων νυκτηγορίαν; οὐκ οἶσθα δορὸς πέλας Ἀργείου νυχίαν ἡμᾶς κοίταν πανόπλους κατέχοντας;
Hector
Why do you desert your post and rouse the army, unless you have some tidings of the night? Are you not aware how near the Argive army we take our night’s repose clad in all our armor?
Χορός
(23)
— Ὁπλίζου χέρα· συμμάχων, Ἕκτορ, βᾶθι πρὸς εὐνάς, ὄτρυνον ἔγχος αἴρειν, ἀφύπνισον.
— Πέμπε φίλους ἰέναι ποτὶ σὸν λόχον, ἁρμόσατε ψαλίοις ἵππους.
— Τίς εἶσʼ ἐπὶ Πανθοΐδαν, ἢ τὸν Εὐρώπας, Λυκίων ἀγὸν ἀνδρῶν;
— Ποῦ σφαγίων ἔφοροι;
— Ποῦ δὲ γυμνήτων μόναρχοι τοξοφόροι τε Φρυγῶν;
— Ζεύγνυτε κερόδετα τόξα νευραῖς.
— Πέμπε φίλους ἰέναι ποτὶ σὸν λόχον, ἁρμόσατε ψαλίοις ἵππους.
— Τίς εἶσʼ ἐπὶ Πανθοΐδαν, ἢ τὸν Εὐρώπας, Λυκίων ἀγὸν ἀνδρῶν;
— Ποῦ σφαγίων ἔφοροι;
— Ποῦ δὲ γυμνήτων μόναρχοι τοξοφόροι τε Φρυγῶν;
— Ζεύγνυτε κερόδετα τόξα νευραῖς.
Chorus
(23)
"To arms! Hector, seek your allies’ sleeping camp! Stir them up to wield the spear! Awake them!"
"Despatch a friend to your own company, bridle the horses."
"Who will go to the son of Panthus? Who to Europa’s son, captain of the Lycian band?"
"Where are they who should inspect the victims?"
"Where are the leaders of the light-armed troops and the Phrygian archers?"
"String your horn-tipped bows!"
"Despatch a friend to your own company, bridle the horses."
"Who will go to the son of Panthus? Who to Europa’s son, captain of the Lycian band?"
"Where are they who should inspect the victims?"
"Where are the leaders of the light-armed troops and the Phrygian archers?"
"String your horn-tipped bows!"
Ἕκτωρ
(34)
Τὰ μὲν ἀγγέλλεις δείματʼ ἀκούειν, τὰ δὲ θαρσύνεις, κοὐδὲν καθαρῶς. Ἀλλʼ ἦ Κρονίου Πανὸς τρομερᾷ μάστιγι φοβῇ; Φυλακὰς δὲ λιπὼν κινεῖς στρατιάν. Τί θροεῖς; Τί σε φῶ νέον ἀγγέλλειν; Πολλά γὰρ εἰπὼν οὐδὲν τρανῶς ἀπέδειξας.
Hector
(34)
Your tidings inspire now fear, now confidence; nothing is plainly set forth. Can it be that you are smitten with wild fear by Pan, the son of Cronion? Leaving your watch you rouse the army. What does your noisy summons mean? What tidings can I say you bring? Your words are many, but no plain statement have you made.
Χορός
(41)
— Πύρʼ αἴθει στρατὸς Ἀργόλας, Ἕκτορ, πᾶσαν ἀνʼ ὄρφναν, διειπετῆ δὲ ναῶν πυρσοῖς σταθμά.
— Πᾶς δʼ Ἀγαμεμνονίαν προσέβα στρατὸς ἐννύχιος θορύβῳ σκηνάν, νέαν τινʼ ἐφιέμενοι βάξιν. Οὐ γάρ πω πάρος ὧδʼ ἐφοβήθη ναυσιπόρος στρατιά.
— Σοὶ δʼ, ὑποπτεύων τὸ μέλλον, ἤλυθον ἄγγελος, ὡς μήποτʼ ἐς ἐμέ τινα μέμψιν εἴπῃς.
— Πᾶς δʼ Ἀγαμεμνονίαν προσέβα στρατὸς ἐννύχιος θορύβῳ σκηνάν, νέαν τινʼ ἐφιέμενοι βάξιν. Οὐ γάρ πω πάρος ὧδʼ ἐφοβήθη ναυσιπόρος στρατιά.
— Σοὶ δʼ, ὑποπτεύων τὸ μέλλον, ἤλυθον ἄγγελος, ὡς μήποτʼ ἐς ἐμέ τινα μέμψιν εἴπῃς.
Chorus
(41)
"The long night through, Hector, the Argive army has kindled fires, and bright with torches shines the anchored fleet."
"To Agamemnon’s tent the whole army move clamorously by night, eager for fresh orders; for never before has the sea-faring company been so alarmed."
"And so I was suspicious of what might happen and came to tell you, so that you may have no cause to blame me hereafter."
"To Agamemnon’s tent the whole army move clamorously by night, eager for fresh orders; for never before has the sea-faring company been so alarmed."
"And so I was suspicious of what might happen and came to tell you, so that you may have no cause to blame me hereafter."
Ἕκτωρ
(52)
Ἐς καιρὸν ἥκεις, καίπερ ἀγγέλλων φόβον· ἅνδρες γὰρ ἐκ γῆς τῆσδε νυκτέρῳ πλάτῃ λαθόντες ὄμμα τοὐμὸν ἀρεῖσθαι φυγὴν μέλλουσι· σαίνει μʼ ἔννυχος φρυκτωρία. Ὦ δαῖμον, ὅστις μʼ εὐτυχοῦντʼ ἐνόσφισας θοίνης λέοντα, πρὶν τὸν Ἀργείων στρατὸν σύρδην ἅπαντα τῷδʼ ἀναλῶσαι δορί. Εἰ γὰρ φαεννοὶ μὴ ξυνέσχον ἡλίου λαμπτῆρες, οὔτἂν ἔσχον εὐτυχοῦν δόρυ, πρὶν ναῦς πυρῶσαι καὶ διὰ σκηνῶν μολεῖν κτείνων Ἀχαιοὺς τῇδε πολυφόνῳ χερί. Κἀγὼ μὲν ἦ πρόθυμος ἱέναι δόρυ ἐν νυκτὶ χρῆσθαί τʼ εὐτυχεῖ ῥύμῃ θεοῦ· ἀλλʼ οἱ σοφοί με καὶ τὸ θεῖον εἰδότες μάντεις ἔπεισαν ἡμέρας μεῖναι φάος κἄπειτʼ Ἀχαιῶν μηδένʼ ἐν χέρσῳ λιπεῖν. Οἳ δʼ οὐ μένουσι τῶν ἐμῶν θυοσκόων βουλάς· ἐν ὄρφνῃ δραπέτης μέγα σθένει. Ἀλλʼ ὡς τάχιστα χρὴ παραγγέλλειν στρατῷ τεύχη πρόχειρα λαμβάνειν λῆξαί θʼ ὕπνου, ὡς ἄν τις αὐτῶν καὶ νεὼς θρῴσκων ἔπι νῶτον χαραχθεὶς κλίμακας ῥάνῃ φόνῳ, οἳ δʼ ἐν βρόχοισι δέσμιοι λελημμένοι Φρυγῶν ἀρούρας ἐκμάθωσι γαπονεῖν.
Hector
(52)
In good season you come, although your tidings are full of terror; for those men are bent on giving me the slip and stealing away from this land in their ships by night; their midnight signalling pleases me. Ah! Fortune, to rob me in my hour of triumph, a lion of his prey, before this spear had made an end of the whole Argive army in one line! Yes, if the sun’s bright lamp had not withheld his light, I would not have stayed my victor’s spear, before I had fired their ships and made my way from tent to tent, drenching this hand in Achaean blood. I was eager to make a night attack and take advantage of the stroke of luck sent by heaven; but those wise seers of mine, who have heaven’s will so pat, persuaded me to wait for dawn, and then leave not one Achaean in the land. But those others do not await the counsels of my soothsayers; darkness turns runaways to heroes. But we must now without delay pass this word to the army to take up arms and cease from slumber, so that many an Achaean, as he leaps aboard his ship, shall be smitten through the back and sprinkle the ladders with blood, and others shall be fast bound with cords and learn to till our Phrygian fields.
Κορυφαῖος
Ἕκτορ, ταχύνεις πρὶν μαθεῖν τὸ δρώμενον· ἅνδρες γὰρ εἰ φεύγουσιν οὐκ ἴσμεν τορῶς.
Chorus Leader
You hasten, Hector, before you know clearly what is happening; for we do not know for certain whether the men are flying.
Ἕκτωρ
Τίς γὰρ πύρʼ αἴθειν πρόφασις Ἀργείων στρατόν;
Hector
What other reason did the Argive army have to kindle fires?
Κορυφαῖος
Οὐκ οἶδʼ· ὕποπτον δʼ ἐστὶ κάρτʼ ἐμῇ φρενί.
Chorus Leader
I do not know; I am very suspicious.
Ἕκτωρ
Πάντʼ ἂν φοβηθεὶς ἴσθι, δειμαίνων τόδε.
Hector
If you fear this, be sure there’s nothing you would not fear.
Κορυφαῖος
Οὔπω πρὶν ἧψαν πολέμιοι τοσόνδε φῶς.
Chorus Leader
Never before did the enemy kindle such a blaze.
Ἕκτωρ
Οὐδʼ ὧδέ γʼ αἰσχρῶς ἔπεσον ἐν τροπῇ δορός.
Hector
No, nor ever before did they suffer such shameful defeat and rout.
Κορυφαῖος
Σὺ ταῦτʼ ἔπραξας· καὶ τὰ λοιπὰ νῦν σκόπει.
Chorus Leader
This you have achieved; look now to what remains to do.
Ἕκτωρ
Ἁπλοῦς ἐπʼ ἐχθροῖς μῦθος ὁπλίζειν χέρα.
Hector
A simple tale, to arm against the enemy.
Κορυφαῖος
(85)
Καὶ μὴν ὅδʼ Αἰνέας καὶ μάλα σπουδῇ ποδός στείχει, νέον τι πρᾶγμʼ ἔχων φίλοις φράσαι.
Chorus Leader
(85)
Look! Here comes Aeneas, in great haste too, with news to tell his friends.
Αἰνείας
Ἕκτορ, τί χρῆμα νύκτεροι κατὰ στρατὸν τὰς σὰς πρὸς εὐνὰς φύλακες ἐλθόντες φόβῳ νυκτηγοροῦσι καὶ κεκίνηται στρατός;
Aeneas
Hector, why have the sentinels in terror made their way through the army at night to your couch to hold a midnight conclave and disturb the army?
Ἕκτωρ
Αἰνέα, πύκαζε τεύχεσιν δέμας σέθεν.
Hector
Encase yourself in your armor, Aeneas.
Αἰνείας
Τί δʼ ἔστι; μῶν τις πολεμίων ἀγγέλλεται δόλος κρυφαῖος ἑστάναι κατʼ εὐφρόνην;
Aeneas
What is it? Have tidings come of some secret stratagem set on foot during the night by the foe?
Ἕκτωρ
Φεύγουσιν ἅνδρες κἀπιβαίνουσιν νεῶν.
Hector
The men are flying, and going aboard their ships.
Αἰνείας
Τί τοῦδʼ ἂν εἴποις ἀσφαλὲς τεκμήριον;
Aeneas
What sure proof can you give of this?
Ἕκτωρ
Αἴθουσι πᾶσαν νύκτα λαμπάδας πυρός· καί μοι δοκοῦσιν οὐ μενεῖν ἐς αὔριον, ἀλλʼ ἐκκέαντες πύρσʼ ἐπʼ εὐσέλμων νεῶν φυγῇ πρὸς οἴκους τῆσδʼ ἀφορμήσειν χθονός.
Hector
The whole night they are kindling blazing torches; I think they will not wait for tomorrow, but after lighting brands upon their ships’ decks will leave this land and fly to their homes.
Αἰνείας
Σὺ δʼ ὡς τί δράσων πρὸς τάδʼ ὁπλίζῃ χέρας;
Aeneas
And you, why do you gird on your sword?
Ἕκτωρ
Φεύγοντας αὐτοὺς κἀπιθρῴσκοντας νεῶν λόγχῃ καθέξω κἀπικείσομαι βαρύς· αἰσχρὸν γὰρ ἡμῖν, καὶ πρὸς αἰσχύνῃ κακόν, θεοῦ διδόντος πολεμίους ἄνευ μάχης φεύγειν ἐᾶσαι πολλὰ δράσαντας κακά.
Hector
With my spear I will stop them even as they fly and leap aboard their ships, and my hand shall be heavy upon them; for it is shameful in us, yes, and cowardly as well as shameful, when the god gives them into our hands, to let our foes escape without battle, after all the injuries they have done us.
Αἰνείας
Εἴθʼ ἦσθʼ ἀνὴρ εὔβουλος ὡς δρᾶσαι χερί. Ἀλλʼ οὐ γὰρ αὑτὸς πάντʼ ἐπίστασθαι βροτῶν πέφυκεν· ἄλλῳ δʼ ἄλλο πρόσκειται γέρας, σὲ μὲν μάχεσθαι, τοὺς δὲ βουλεύειν καλῶς· ὅστις πυρὸς λαμπτῆρας ἐξήρθης κλύων φλέγειν Ἀχαιούς, καὶ στρατὸν μέλλειν ἄγειν τάφρους ὑπερβὰς νυκτὸς ἐν καταστάσει. Καίτοι περάσας κοῖλον αὐλώνων βάθος, εἰ μὴ κυρήσεις πολεμίους ἀπὸ χθονὸς φεύγοντας, ἀλλὰ σὸν βλέποντας ἐς δόρυ, νικώμενος μὲν οὔτι μὴ μόλῃς πάλιν· πῶς γὰρ περάσει σκόλοπας ἐν τροπῇ στρατός; Πῶς δʼ αὖ γεφύρας διαβαλοῦσʼ ἱππηλάται, ἢν ἆρα μὴ θραύσαντες ἀντύγων χνόας; Νικῶν δʼ ἔφεδρον παῖδʼ ἔχεις τὸν Πηλέως, ὅς σʼ οὐκ ἐάσει ναυσὶν ἐμβαλεῖν φλόγα, οὐδʼ ὧδʼ Ἀχαιούς, ὡς δοκεῖς, ἀναρπάσαι. Αἴθων γὰρ ἁνὴρ καὶ πεπύργωται χερί. Ἀλλὰ στρατὸν μὲν ἥσυχον παρʼ ἀσπίδας εὕδειν ἐῶμεν ἐκ κόπων ἀρειφάτων, κατάσκοπον δὲ πολεμίων, ὃς ἂν θέλῃ, πέμπειν δοκεῖ μοι· κἂν μὲν αἴρωνται φυγήν, στείχοντες ἐμπέσωμεν Ἀργείων στρατῷ· εἰ δʼ ἐς δόλον τινʼ ἥδʼ ἄγει φρυκτωρία, μαθόντες ἐχθρῶν μηχανὰς κατασκόπου βουλευσόμεσθα· τήνδʼ ἔχω γνώμην, ἄναξ.
Aeneas
Would you were as sage as you are bold! But, to be sure, among mortals the same man is not dowered by nature with universal knowledge; each has his special gift appointed him, yours is battle, another’s is sage counsel. You are excited to hear that the Achaeans are lighting blazing torches, and you would lead on our troops across the ditches in the calm still night. Now after crossing the deep yawning trench, supposing you should find the enemy are not flying from the land, but are awaiting your onset, beware lest you suffer defeat and so never reach this city again; for how will you pass the palisades in a rout? And how shall your charioteers cross the bridges without dashing the axles of their cars to pieces? And, if victorious, you have next the son of Peleus to engage; he will never allow you to cast the firebrand on the fleet or harry the Achaeans, as you believe. No, for that man is fierce as fire, a very tower of might. Let us rather then leave our men to sleep calmly under arms after the weariness of battle, while we send, as I advise, whoever will volunteer to spy upon the enemy; and if they really are preparing to fly, let us arise and fall upon the Argive army, but if this signalling is a trap to catch us, we shall discover from the spy the enemy’s designs and take counsel; such is my advice, lord.
Χορός
(131)
Τάδε δοκεῖ, τάδε μεταθέμενος νόει. Σφαλερὰ δʼ οὐ φιλῶ στρατηγῶν κράτη. Τί γὰρ ἄμεινον ἢ ταχυβάταν νεῶν κατόπταν μολεῖν πέλας ὅ τί ποτʼ ἄρα δαΐοις πυρὰ κατʼ ἀντίπρῳρα ναυστάθμων δαίεται;
Chorus
(131)
It pleases me well; so change your mind and adopt this counsel. I do not love hazardous commands in generals. What is better than for a swift-footed spy to approach the ships and learn why our foes are lighting fires in front of their naval station?
Ἕκτωρ
(137)
Νικᾶτʼ, ἐπειδὴ πᾶσιν ἁνδάνει τάδε. [Πρὸς Αἰνείαν] Στείχων δὲ κοίμα συμμάχους· τάχʼ ἂν στρατὸς κινοῖτʼ ἀκούσας νυκτέρους ἐκκλησίας. Ἐγὼ δὲ πέμψω πολεμίων κατάσκοπον. Κἂν μέν τινʼ ἐχθρῶν μηχανὴν πυθώμεθα, σὺ πάντʼ ἀκούσῃ καὶ παρὼν εἴσῃ λόγον· ἐὰν δʼ ἀπαίρωσʼ ἐς φυγὴν ὁρμώμενοι, σάλπιγγος αὐδὴν προσδοκῶν καραδόκει, ὡς οὐ μενοῦντά μʼ· ἀλλὰ προσμείξω νεῶν ὁλκοῖσι νυκτὸς τῆσδʼ ἐπʼ Ἀργείων στρατῷ.
Hector
(137)
Since this finds favor with you all, prevail. [To Aeneas] Go and calm the allies; perhaps the army hearing of our midnight council is disturbed. Mine shall it be to send one forth to spy upon the foe. And if I discover any plot among them, you shall fully hear of it and be present to learn the report; but in case they are starting off in flight, with eager ear await the trumpet’s call, for then I will not stay, but will this very night engage the Argive army there where their ships are hauled up.
Αἰνείας
Πέμφʼ ὡς τάχιστα· νῦν γὰρ ἀσφαλῶς φρονεῖς. Σὺν σοὶ δʼ ἔμʼ ὄψῃ καρτεροῦνθʼ, ὅταν δέῃ.
Aeneas
Send out the spy at once; there’s safety in your counsels now. And you shall find me steadfast at your side, whenever occasion calls.
Ἕκτωρ
Τίς δῆτα Τρώων οἳ πάρεισιν ἐν λόγῳ θέλει κατόπτης ναῦς ἐπʼ Ἀργείων μολεῖν; Τίς ἂν γένοιτο τῆσδε γῆς εὐεργέτης; Τίς φησιν; Οὔτοι πάντʼ ἐγὼ δυνήσομαι πόλει πατρῴᾳ συμμάχοις θʼ ὑπηρετεῖν.
Hector
What Trojan of those present in council volunteers to go and spy on the Argive fleet? Who will be that patriot? Who says yes? I myself cannot at every point serve my country and my friends in arms.
Δόλων
Ἐγὼ πρὸ γαίας τόνδε κίνδυνον θέλω ῥίψας κατόπτης ναῦς ἐπʼ Ἀργείων μολεῖν, καὶ πάντʼ Ἀχαιῶν ἐκμαθὼν βουλεύματα ἥξω· ἐπὶ τούτοις τόνδʼ ὑφίσταμαι πόνον.
Dolon
I for my country will gladly run this risk and go to spy on the Argive fleet, and when I have learned fully all that the Achaeans plot I will return. I undertake this toil on these conditions.
Ἕκτωρ
Ἐπώνυμος μὲν κάρτα καὶ φιλόπτολις Δόλων· πατρὸς δὲ καὶ πρὶν εὐκλεᾶ δόμον νῦν δὶς τόσως ἔθηκας εὐκλεέστερον.
Hector
True to his name indeed, his country’s friend is Dolon. Your father’s house was famed before, but now you have made it doubly so.
Δόλων
Οὐκοῦν πονεῖν μὲν χρή, πονοῦντα δʼ ἄξιον μισθὸν φέρεσθαι. Παντὶ γὰρ προσκείμενον κέρδος πρὸς ἔργῳ τὴν χάριν τίκτει διπλῆν.
Dolon
So must I toil, but for my pains I should receive fitting wages. For set a reward on any deed, and it breeds a double favor.
Ἕκτωρ
(164)
Ναί, καὶ δίκαια ταῦτα κοὐκ ἄλλως λέγω. Τάξαι δὲ μισθόν, πλὴν ἐμῆς τυραννίδος.
Hector
(164)
Yes, that is fair; I cannot dispute it. Name your wage, except for my sovereignty.
Δόλων
Οὐ σῆς ἐρῶμεν πολιόχου τυραννίδος.
Dolon
I do not covet your toilsome sovereignty.
Ἕκτωρ
Σὺ δʼ ἀλλὰ γήμας Πριαμιδῶν γαμβρὸς γενοῦ.
Hector
Well then, marry a daughter of Priam and become my brother-in-law.
Δόλων
Οὐδʼ ἐξ ἐμαυτοῦ μειζόνων γαμεῖν θέλω.
Dolon
No, I do not wish to marry among those beyond my station.
Ἕκτωρ
Χρυσὸς πάρεστιν, εἰ τόδʼ αἰτήσεις γέρας.
Hector
There’s gold, if this you’ll claim as your prize.
Δόλων
Ἀλλʼ ἔστʼ ἐν οἴκοις· οὐ βίου σπανίζομεν.
Dolon
I have it in my home; I lack no sustenance.
Ἕκτωρ
Τί δῆτα χρῄζεις ὧν κέκευθεν Ἴλιος;
Hector
What then is your desire of all that Ilium stores within her?
Δόλων
Ἑλὼν Ἀχαιοὺς δῶρά μοι ξυναίνεσον.
Dolon
Promise me my gift when you conquer the Achaeans.
Ἕκτωρ
Δώσω· σὺ δʼ αἴτει πλὴν στρατηλάτας νεῶν.
Hector
I will give it to you; ask anything except the captains of the fleet.
Δόλων
Κτεῖνʼ, οὔ σʼ ἀπαιτῶ Μενέλεω σχέσθαι χέρα.
Dolon
Slay them; I do not ask you to keep your hand off Menelaus.
Ἕκτωρ
Οὐ μὴν τὸν Ἰλέως παῖδά μʼ ἐξαιτῇ λαβεῖν;
Hector
Is it the son of Oileus you would ask me for?
Δόλων
Κακαὶ γεωργεῖν χεῖρες εὖ τεθραμμέναι.
Dolon
Hands that are well brought up are worthless at farming.
Ἕκτωρ
Τίνʼ οὖν Ἀχαιῶν ζῶντʼ ἀποινᾶσθαι θέλεις;
Hector
Whom then of the Achaeans will you have alive to hold to ransom?
Δόλων
Καὶ πρόσθεν εἶπον· ἔστι χρυσὸς ἐν δόμοις.
Dolon
I told you before, my house is stored with gold.
Ἕκτωρ
Καὶ μὴν λαφύρων γʼ αὐτὸς αἱρήσῃ παρών.
Hector
Why then, you shall come and with your own hands choose out some spoil.
Δόλων
Θεοῖσιν αὐτὰ πασσάλευε πρὸς δόμοις.
Dolon
Nail up the spoils for the gods on their temples.
Ἕκτωρ
Τί δῆτα μεῖζον τῶνδέ μʼ αἰτήσεις γέρας;
Hector
Then what greater prize than these will you ask me for?
Δόλων
Ἵππους Ἀχιλλέως· χρὴ δʼ ἐπʼ ἀξίοις πονεῖν ψυχὴν προβάλλοντʼ ἐν κύβοισι δαίμονος.
Dolon
Achilles’ horses. The prize must be worth the toil when one stakes one’s life on Fortune’s dice.
Ἕκτωρ
Καὶ μὴν ἐρῶντί γʼ ἀντερᾷς ἵππων ἐμοί· ἐξ ἀφθίτων γὰρ ἄφθιτοι πεφυκότες τὸν Πηλέως φέρουσι θούριον γόνον· δίδωσι δʼ αὐτοὺς πωλοδαμνήσας ἄναξ Πηλεῖ Ποσειδῶν, ὡς λέγουσι, πόντιος. Ἀλλʼ οὔ σʼ ἐπάρας ψεύσομαι· δώσω δέ σοι, κάλλιστον οἴκοις κτῆμʼ, Ἀχιλλέως ὄχον.
Hector
Ah! but your desires clash with mine about those horses; for they are immortal and born from immortals, who bear the son of Peleus on his headlong course. Poseidon, lord of the ocean, broke them and gave them to Peleus, so runs the legend. Yet, for I urged you on, I will not break my word; I will give to you Achilles’ team, a fair possession for your house.
Δόλων
Αἰνῶ· λαβὼν δʼ ἄν φημι κάλλιστον Φρυγῶν δῶρον δέχεσθαι τῆς ἐμῆς εὐσπλαγχνίας. Σὲ δʼ οὐ φθονεῖν χρή· μυρίʼ ἔστιν ἄλλα σοι, ἐφʼ οἷσι τέρψῃ τῆσδʼ ἀριστεύων χθονός.
Dolon
I thank you; in receiving then, I assert that I am taking a fairer gift than any other Phrygian for my bravery. Yet you should not be envious; you have other things to gladden your heart, in your kingship over this land.
Χορός
(195)
Μέγας ἀγών, μεγάλα δʼ ἐπινοεῖς ἑλεῖν· μακάριός γε μὴν κυρήσας ἔσῃ. Πόνος ὅδʼ εὐκλεής· μέγα δὲ κοιράνοισι γαμβρὸν πέλειν. Τὰ θεόθεν ἐπιδέτω Δίκα, τὰ δὲ παρʼ ἀνδράσιν τέλειά σοι φαίνεται.
Chorus
(195)
Great the enterprise, and great the reward you design to receive. Happy, yes, happy will you be, if you succeed; fair the fame your toil shall win. Yet it is a great thing to become the brother-in-law of princes. On the gods’ decrees let Justice keep her eye! what man can give you have, it seems, in full.
Δόλων
(201)
Στείχοιμʼ ἄν· ἐλθὼν δʼ ἐς δόμους ἐφέστιος σκευῇ πρεπόντως σῶμʼ ἐμὸν καθάψομαι, κἀκεῖθεν ἥσω ναῦς ἐπʼ Ἀργείων πόδα.
Dolon
(201)
I will set forth; but going within my house I will clothe myself in fitting attire, and then I will hasten to the Argive fleet.
Κορυφαῖος
Ἐπεὶ τίνʼ ἄλλην ἀντὶ τῆσδʼ ἕξεις στολήν;
Chorus Leader
Why, what dress in place of this will you assume?
Δόλων
Πρέπουσαν ἔργῳ κλωπικοῖς τε βήμασι.
Dolon
One that fits my task and furtive steps.
Κορυφαῖος
Σοφοῦ παρʼ ἀνδρὸς χρὴ σοφόν τι μανθάνειν· λέξον, τίς ἔσται τοῦδε σώματος σαγή;
Chorus Leader
One should ever learn wisdom from the wise; tell me, what will be your equipment?
Δόλων
Λύκειον ἀμφὶ νῶτʼ ἐνάψομαι δορὰν καὶ χάσμα θηρὸς ἀμφʼ ἐμῷ θήσω κάρᾳ, βάσιν τε χερσὶ προσθίαν καθαρμόσας καὶ κῶλα κώλοις, τετράπουν μιμήσομαι λύκου κέλευθον πολεμίοις δυσεύρετον, τάφροις πελάζων καὶ νεῶν προβλήμασιν. Ὅταν δʼ ἔρημον χῶρον ἐμβαίνω ποδί, δίβαμος εἶμι· τῇδε σύγκειται δόλος.
Dolon
I will fasten a wolf-skin about my back, and over my head put the brute’s gaping jaws; then fitting its fore-feet to ny hands and its hind-feet to my legs, I will go on all-fours in imitation of a wolf’s gait to puzzle the enemy, when I approach their trenches and barriers round the ships. Rut whenever I come to a deserted spot, I will walk on two feet; such is the ruse I have decided on.
Κορυφαῖος
Ἀλλʼ εὖ σʼ ὁ Μαίας παῖς ἐκεῖσε καὶ πάλιν πέμψειεν Ἑρμῆς, ὅς γε φηλητῶν ἄναξ. Ἔχεις δὲ τοὔργον· εὐτυχεῖν μόνον σε δεῖ.
Chorus Leader
May Hermes, Maia’s child, escort you safely there and back, prince of tricksters as he is! You know what you have to do; good luck is all you need now.
Δόλων
Σωθήσομαί γε καὶ κτανὼν Ὀδυσσέως οἴσω κάρα σοι — σύμβολον δʼ ἔχων σαφὲς φήσεις Δόλωνα ναῦς ἐπʼ Ἀργείων μολεῖν — ἢ παῖδα Τυδέως· οὐδʼ ἀναιμάκτῳ χερὶ ἥξω πρὸς οἴκους πρὶν φάος μολεῖν χθόνα.
Dolon
I shall return in safety, and bring to you the head of Odysseus "when I have slain him, or the son of Tydeus, and with this clear proof before you you shall assert that Dolon went to the Argive fleet;" for, before the dawn, I will come back home with bloodstained hand. [Exit Dolon]
Χορός
(224)
Θυμβραῖε καὶ Δάλιε καὶ Λυκίας ναὸν ἐμβατεύων Ἄπολλον, ὦ δία κεφαλά, μόλε τοξήρης, ἱκοῦ ἐννύχιος καὶ γενοῦ σωτήριος ἀνέρι πομπᾶς ἁγεμὼν καὶ ξύλλαβε Δαρδανίδαις, ὦ παγκρατές, ὦ Τροΐας τείχη παλαιὰ δείμας.
Chorus
(224)
Lord of Thymbra and of Delos, who haunt your temple in Lycia, Apollo, O divine head, come with all your archery, appear this night, and by your guidance save this man, and aid the Dardanians, O almighty god whose hands in days of old built the walls of Troy.
Χορός
(233)
Μόλοι δὲ ναυκλήρια, καὶ στρατιᾶς Ἑλλάδος διόπτας ἵκοιτο, καὶ κάμψειε πάλιν θυμέλας οἴκων πατρὸς Ἰλιάδας. Φθιάδων δʼ ἵππων ποτʼ ἐπʼ ἄντυγα βαίη, δεσπότου πέρσαντος Ἀχαιὸν Ἄρη, τὰς πόντιος Αἰακίδᾳ Πηλεῖ δίδωσι δαίμων.
Chorus
(233)
May he come to the ships! May he reach the army of Hellas and spy it out, then turn again and reach the altars of his father’s home in Ilium! May he mount the chariot drawn by Phthia’s horses, when our master has sacked Achaea’s camp, those horses that the sea-god gave to Peleus, son of Aeacus.
Χορός
(242)
Ἐπεὶ πρό τʼ οἴκων πρό τε γᾶς ἔτλα μόνος ναύσταθμα βὰς κατιδεῖν· ἄγαμαι λήματος· ἦ σπανία τις τῶν ἀγαθῶν, ὅταν ᾖ δυσάλιος ἐν πελάγει καὶ σαλεύῃ πόλις. Ἔστι Φρυγῶν τις ἔστιν ἄλκιμος· ἔνι δὲ θράσος ἐν αἰχμᾷ· πόθι Μυσῶν ὃς ἐμὰν συμμαχίαν ἀτίζει;
Chorus
(242)
For he alone had heart enough for home and country to go and spy on the naval station; I admire his spirit; how few stout hearts there are, when on the sea the sunlight dies and the city labors in the surge. Phrygia yet has left a valiant few, and bold hearts in the battle’s press; it is only Mysia’s sons who scorn us as allies.
Χορός
(254)
Τίνʼ ἄνδρʼ Ἀχαιῶν ὁ πεδοστιβὴς σφαγεὺς οὐτάσει ἐν κλισίαις, τετράπουν μῖμον ἔχων ἐπιγαίου θηρός; Ἕλοι Μενέλαν, κτανὼν δʼ Ἀγαμεμνονίαν κρᾶτʼ ἐνέγκοι Ἑλένᾳ κακόγαμβρον ἐς χέρας γόον, ὃς ἐπὶ πόλιν, ὃς ἐπὶ γᾶν Τροΐαν χιλιόναυν ἤλυθʼ ἔχων στρατείαν.
Chorus
(254)
Which of the Achaeans will the earth-treading murderer slay in their beds, as he pretends to be a four-footed beast on the ground? May he lay Menelaus low, slay Agamemnon and bring his head to Helen’s hands, causing her to lament her evil kinsman, who has come against my city, against the land of Troy with his army of a thousand ships.
Ἄγγελος Ποιμήν
(264)
Ἄναξ, τοιούτων δεσπόταισιν ἄγγελος εἴην τὸ λοιπὸν οἷά σοι φέρω μαθεῖν.
Messenger
(264)
Lord, in days to come may it be mine to bring my masters such news as I am bearing to you now.
Ἕκτωρ
Ἦ πόλλʼ ἀγρώταις σκαιὰ πρόσκειται φρενί· καὶ γὰρ σὺ ποίμνας δεσπόταις τευχεσφόροις ἥκειν ἔοικας ἀγγελῶν ἵνʼ οὐ πρέπει. Οὐκ οἶσθα δῶμα τοὐμὸν ἢ θρόνους πατρός, οἷ χρῆν γεγωνεῖν σʼ εὐτυχοῦντα ποίμνια;
Hector
Often the rustic mind is afflicted with dullness; so you have probably come to this ill-suited place to tell your master, in armor, about the sheep! Do you not know my palace or my father’s throne, where you should carry your tale when you have prospered with your flocks?
Ἄγγελος
Σκαιοὶ βοτῆρές ἐσμεν· οὐκ ἄλλως λέγω. Ἀλλʼ οὐδὲν ἧσσον σοι φέρω κεδνοὺς λόγους.
Messenger
Dull we herdsmen are; I do not dispute it. But none the less I bring joyful news to you.
Ἕκτωρ
Παῦσαι λέγων μοι τὰς προσαυλείους τύχας· μάχας πρὸ χειρῶν καὶ δόρη βαστάζομεν.
Hector
Cease your tale of how the sheep-fold fares; I have battles to fight and spears to wield.
Ἄγγελος
Τοιαῦτα κἀγὼ σημανῶν ἐλήλυθα· ἀνὴρ γὰρ ἀλκῆς μυρίας στρατηλατῶν στείχει φίλος σοὶ σύμμαχός τε τῇδε γῇ.
Messenger
The very things of which I, too, came to tell you; for a chieftain of a countless army is on his way to join you as your friend and ally of this land.
Ἕκτωρ
Ποίας πατρῴας γῆς ἐρημώσας πέδον;
Hector
His country? and the home that he has left?
Ἄγγελος
Θρῄκης· πατρὸς δὲ Στρυμόνος κικλήσκεται.
Messenger
Thrace; men call his father Strymon.
Ἕκτωρ
Ῥῆσον τιθέντʼ ἔλεξας ἐν Τροίᾳ πόδα;
Hector
Did you say that Rhesus was setting foot in Troy?
Ἄγγελος
Ἔγνως· λόγου δὲ δὶς τόσου μʼ ἐκούφισας.
Messenger
You have it; and lighten me of half my speech.
Ἕκτωρ
Καὶ πῶς πρὸς Ἴδης ὀργάδας πορεύεται, πλαγχθεὶς πλατείας πεδιάδος θʼ ἁμαξιτοῦ;
Hector
How is it that he comes to Ida’s meadows, wandering from the broad wagon track across the plain?
Ἄγγελος
(284)
Οὐκ οἶδʼ ἀκριβῶς· εἰκάσαι γε μὴν πάρα. Νυκτὸς γὰρ οὔτι φαῦλον ἐμβαλεῖν στρατόν, κλύοντα πλήρη πεδία πολεμίας χερός. Φόβον δʼ ἀγρώσταις, οἳ κατʼ Ἰδαῖον λέπας οἰκοῦμεν αὐτόρριζον ἑστίαν χθονός, παρέσχε δρυμὸν νυκτὸς ἔνθηρον μολών. Πολλῇ γὰρ ἠχῇ Θρῄκιος ῥέων στρατὸς ἔστειχε· θάμβει δʼ ἐκπλαγέντες ἵεμεν ποίμνας πρὸς ἄκρας, μή τις Ἀργείων μόλῃ λεηλατήσων καὶ σὰ πορθήσων σταθμά, πρὶν δὴ διʼ ὤτων γῆρυν οὐχ Ἑλληνικὴν ἐδεξάμεσθα καὶ μετέστημεν φόβου. Στείχων δʼ ἄνακτος προυξερευνητὰς ὁδοῦ ἀνιστόρησα Θρῃκίοις προσφθέγμασι, Τίς ὁ στρατηγὸς καὶ τίνος κεκλημένος στείχει πρὸς ἄστυ Πριαμίδαισι σύμμαχος; Καὶ πάντʼ ἀκούσας ὧν ἐφιέμην μαθεῖν, ἔστην· ὁρῶ δὲ Ῥῆσον ὥστε δαίμονα ἑστῶτʼ ἐν ἵπποις Θρῃκίοις τʼ ὀχήμασι. Χρυσῆ δὲ πλάστιγξ αὐχένα ζυγηφόρον πώλων ἔκλῃε χιόνος ἐξαυγεστέρων. Πέλτη δʼ ἐπʼ ὤμων χρυσοκολλήτοις τύποις ἔλαμπε· Γοργὼν δʼ ὡς ἐπʼ αἰγίδος θεᾶς χαλκῆ μετώποις ἱππικοῖσι πρόσδετος πολλοῖσι σὺν κώδωσιν ἐκτύπει φόβον. Στρατοῦ δὲ πλῆθος οὐδʼ ἂν ἐν ψήφου λόγῳ θέσθαι δυναίμην, ὡς ἄπλατον ἦν ἰδεῖν, πολλοὶ μὲν ἱππῆς, πολλὰ πελταστῶν τέλη, πολλοὶ δʼ ἀτράκτων τοξόται, πολὺς δʼ ὄχλος γυμνὴς ὁμαρτῇ, Θρῃκίαν ἔχων στολήν. Τοιόσδε Τροίᾳ σύμμαχος πάρεστʼ ἀνήρ, ὃν οὔτε φεύγων οὔθʼ ὑποσταθεὶς δορὶ ὁ Πηλέως παῖδʼ ἐκφυγεῖν δυνήσεται.
Messenger
(284)
I cannot say for certain, though I might guess. It is no idle task for an army to make an invasion by night, hearing that the plains are packed with foemen’s troops. But he frightened us rustic shepherds who dwell along the slopes of Ida, the earliest settlement in the land, as he came by night through the wood full of wild beasts. On surged the tide of Thracian warriors with loud shouts; at this in wild amazement we drove our flocks unto the heights, for fear that some Argives were coming to plunder and harry your steading, till we caught the sound of voices other than Greek and ceased from our alarm. Then I went and questioned in the Thracian tongue those who were reconnoitring the road for their lord, who it was that lead them, and whose son he was called, that came to the city to help the sons of Priam. And when I had heard all I wished to learn, I stood still; and I see Rhesus mounted like a god upon his Thracian chariot. Of gold was the yoke that linked the necks of his horses brighter than the snow; and on his shoulders flashed his shield with figures welded in gold; while a gorgon of bronze like that on the aegis of the goddess was bound upon the front of his horses, ringing out its note of fear with many a bell. The number of his army you could not reckon to an exact sum, for it was beyond one’s comprehension; many knights, many ranks of targeteers, many archers, a great crowd of light-armed troops, arrayed in Thracian garb, to bear them company. Such the man who comes to Troy’s assistance, whom the son of Peleus will never escape, either if he tries to escape or if he meets him spear to spear.
Κορυφαῖος
Ὅταν πολίταις εὐσταθῶσι δαίμονες, ἕρπει κατάντης ξυμφορὰ πρὸς τἀγαθά.
Chorus Leader
Whenever the gods stand by the citizens, the tide of fortune glides with easy flow to a successful goal.
Ἕκτωρ
(319)
Πολλούς, ἐπειδὴ τοὐμὸν εὐτυχεῖ δόρυ καὶ Ζεὺς πρὸς ἡμῶν ἐστιν, εὑρήσω φίλους. Ἀλλʼ οὐδὲν αὐτῶν δεόμεθʼ, οἵτινες πάλαι μὴ ξυμπονοῦσιν, ἡνίκʼ ἐξώστης Ἄρης ἔθραυε λαίφη τῆσδε γῆς μέγας πνέων. Ῥῆσος δʼ ἔδειξεν οἷος ἦν Τροίᾳ φίλος· ἥκει γὰρ ἐς δαῖτʼ, οὐ παρὼν κυνηγέταις αἱροῦσι λείαν οὐδὲ συγκαμὼν δορί.
Hector
(319)
I shall find many friends now that fortune smiles upon my warring and Zeus is on my side. But we have no need of those who did not share our toils long since, when Ares, driving all before him, was rending the sails of our ship of state with his tempestuous blast. Rhesus has shown the friendship he then bore to Troy; for he comes to the feast, although he was not with the hunters when they took the prey, nor did he join his spear with theirs.
Κορυφαῖος
Ὀρθῶς ἀτίζεις κἀπίμομφος εἶ φίλοις· δέχου δὲ τοὺς θέλοντας ὠφελεῖν πόλιν.
Chorus Leader
You are right to scorn and blame such friends; yet welcome those who wish to help the state.
Ἕκτωρ
Ἀρκοῦμεν οἱ σῴζοντες Ἴλιον πάλαι.
Hector
We who have long kept Ilium safe are sufficient.
Χορός
Πέποιθας ἤδη πολεμίους ᾑρηκέναι;
Chorus
Are you so sure you have already caught the foe?
Ἕκτωρ
Πέποιθα· δείξει τοὐπιὸν σέλας θεοῦ.
Hector
I am sure; tomorrow’s light will make that plain.
Κορυφαῖος
Ὅρα τὸ μέλλον· πόλλʼ ἀναστρέφει θεός.
Chorus Leader
Beware of what may happen; often fortune veers about.
Ἕκτωρ
Μισῶ φίλοισιν ὕστερον βοηδρομεῖν. Ὃ δʼ οὖν, ἐπείπερ ἦλθε, σύμμαχος μὲν οὔ, ξένος δὲ πρὸς τράπεζαν ἡκέτω ξένων· χάρις γὰρ αὐτῷ Πριαμιδῶν διώλετο.
Hector
I loath the friend who brings his help too late. But let him, since he has arrived, come to our table not as an ally but as a guest; for the gratitude of Priam’s sons is forfeit in his case.
Κορυφαῖος
Ἄναξ, ἀπωθεῖν συμμάχους ἐπίφθονον.
Chorus Leader
O prince, to turn away allies earns hatred.
Ἄγγελος
Φόβος γένοιτʼ ἂν πολεμίοις ὀφθεὶς μόνον.
Messenger
His mere appearance would cause a panic among the foe.
Ἕκτωρ
Σύ τʼ εὖ παραινεῖς καὶ σὺ καιρίως σκοπεῖς. Ὁ χρυσοτευχὴς δʼ οὕνεκʼ ἀγγέλου λόγων Ῥῆσος παρέστω τῇδε σύμμαχος χθονί.
Hector
You counsel rightly; you too take the proper view. Let Rhesus in his gilded armor join the allies of this land, thanks to the messenger’s report. [Exit the Messenger]
Χορός
(342)
Ἀδράστεια μὲν ἁ Διὸς παῖς εἴργοι στομάτων φθόνον· φράσω γὰρ δὴ ὅσον μοι ψυχᾷ προσφιλές ἐστιν εἰπεῖν. Ἥκεις, ὦ ποταμοῦ παῖ, ἥκεις, ἐπλάθης Φιλίου πρὸς αὐλὰν ἀσπαστός, ἐπεί σε χρόνῳ Πιερὶς μάτηρ ὅ τε καλλιγέφυρος ποταμὸς πορεύει
Chorus
(342)
May Nemesis, daughter of Zeus, check the word that may offend; for lo! I will utter all that it is dear to my soul to say. You have come, O son of the river god, you have come, welcome in your advent, to the halls of Friendship, since late in time your Pierian mother and Strymon, river with fair bridges, are sending you to us.
Χορός
(351)
Στρυμών, ὅς ποτε τᾶς μελῳδοῦ Μούσας διʼ ἀκηράτων δινηθεὶς ὑδροειδὴς κόλπων σὰν ἐφύτευσεν ἥβαν. Σύ μοι Ζεὺς ὁ φαναῖος ἥκεις διφρεύων βαλιαῖσι πώλοις. Νῦν, ὦ πατρὶς ὦ Φρυγία, ξὺν θεῷ νῦν σοι τὸν ἐλευθέριον Ζῆνα πάρεστιν εἰπεῖν.
Chorus
(351)
Strymon, who begot you, his strong young son, that day his swirling waters found a refuge in the tuneful Muse’s virgin bosom. You are my Zeus, my god of light, as you come driving your dappled horses. Now, O Phrygia, O my country, now may you by God’s grace address Zeus the Deliverer!
Χορός
(360)
Ἆρά ποτʼ αὖθις ἁ παλαιὰ Τροΐα τοὺς προπότας παναμερεύσει θιάσους ἐρώτων ψαλμοῖσι καὶ κυλίκων οἰνοπλανήτοις ὑποδεξίαις ἁμίλλαις κατὰ πόντον Ἀτρειδᾶν Σπάρταν οἰχομένων Ἰλιάδος παρʼ ἀκτᾶς; Ὦ φίλος, εἴθε μοι σᾷ χερὶ καὶ σῷ δορὶ πράξας τάδʼ ἐς οἶκον ἔλθοις.
Chorus
(360)
Shall old Troy once more at last spend the whole day in drinking toasts and singing love’s praise, while the bewildering wine-cup sends a capacious challenge round, as over the sea for Sparta the sons of Atreus quit the Ilian strand? O friend, with your arm and spear may you do me this service, then safe return.
Χορός
(370)
Ἐλθέ, φάνηθι, τὰν ζάχρυσον προβαλοῦ Πηλεΐδα κατʼ ὄμμα πέλταν δοχμίαν πεδαίρων σχιστὰν παρʼ ἄντυγα, πώλους ἐρεθίζων δίβολόν τʼ ἄκοντα πάλλων. Σὲ γὰρ οὔτις ὑποστὰς Ἀργείας ποτʼ ἐν Ἥρας δαπέδοις χορεύσει· ἀλλά νιν ἅδε γᾶ καπφθίμενον Θρῃκὶ μόρῳ φίλτατον ἄχθος οἴσει.
Chorus
(370)
Come, appear, brandish that shield of gold full in Achilles’ face; raise it aslant along the chariot’s branching rail, urging on your horses, and shaking your lance with double point. For none after facing you will ever join the dance on the plains of Argive Hera; no, but he shall die, slain by Thracians, and this land shall bear the burden of his corpse and be glad.
Χορός
(380)
— Ἰὼ ἰώ, μέγας ὦ βασιλεῦ. Καλόν, ὦ Θρῄκη, σκύμνον ἔθρεψας πολίαρχον ἰδεῖν. Ἴδε χρυσόδετον σώματος ἀλκήν, κλύε καὶ κόμπους κωδωνοκρότους παρὰ πορπάκων κελαδοῦντας. Θεός, ὦ Τροία, θεός, αὐτὸς Ἄρης ὁ Στρυμόνιος πῶλος ἀοιδοῦ Μούσης ἥκων καταπνεῖ σε.
Chorus
(380)
Hail, all hail! O mighty prince! Fair the cub you have bred, 0 Thrace, a ruler in his every look. See his stalwart frame in golden corslet! Hark to the ringing bells that peal so proudly from his shield-handle. A god, O Troy, a god, a very Ares, Strymon’s colt and the tuneful Muse’s, has come to breathe courage into you.
Ῥῆσος
(388)
Χαῖρʼ, ἐσθλὸς ἐσθλοῦ παῖς, τύραννε τῆσδε γῆς, Ἕκτορ· παλαιᾷ σʼ ἡμέρᾳ προσεννέπω. Χαίρω δέ σʼ εὐτυχοῦντα καὶ προσήμενον πύργοισιν ἐχθρῶν· συγκατασκάψων δʼ ἐγὼ τείχη πάρειμι καὶ νεῶν πρήσων σκάφη.
Rhesus
(388)
Hail, noble son of a noble sire, Hector, lord of this land! I greet you after many a long day. I rejoice at your success, to see you camped before the enemy’s towers; I am here to help you raze their walls and fire their fleet of ships.
Ἕκτωρ
Παῖ τῆς μελῳδοῦ μητέρος Μουσῶν μιᾶς Θρῃκός τε ποταμοῦ Στρυμόνος, φιλῶ λέγειν τἀληθὲς αἰεὶ κοὐ διπλοῦς πέφυκʼ ἀνήρ. Πάλαι πάλαι χρῆν τῇδε συγκάμνειν χθονὶ ἐλθόντα, καὶ μὴ τοὐπί σʼ Ἀργείων ὑπο Τροίαν ἐᾶσαι πολεμίῳ πεσεῖν δορί. Οὐ γάρ τι λέξεις ὡς ἄκλητος ὢν φίλοις οὐκ ἦλθες οὐδʼ ἤμυνας οὐδʼ ἐπεστράφης.
Hector
Son of the tuneful Muse, one of the sisters nine, and of Thrace’s river Strymon, I ever love to speak the truth; I am no man of double tongue. Long, long ago should you have come to aid this land, and not, for all you did to help it, have left Troy to fall by the spear of Argive foes. You cannot say it was because you were not called that you did not come, or aid us, or visit us.
Ῥῆσος
(388)
Χαῖρʼ, ἐσθλὸς ἐσθλοῦ παῖς, τύραννε τῆσδε γῆς, Ἕκτορ· παλαιᾷ σʼ ἡμέρᾳ προσεννέπω. Χαίρω δέ σʼ εὐτυχοῦντα καὶ προσήμενον πύργοισιν ἐχθρῶν· συγκατασκάψων δʼ ἐγὼ τείχη πάρειμι καὶ νεῶν πρήσων σκάφη.
Rhesus
(388)
Brave son of father as brave, Hector, prince of this land, hail! After many a long day I greet you. I rejoice at your success, to see you camped hard on the enemy towers; I am here to help you raze their walls and fire their fleet of ships.
Ἕκτωρ
Παῖ τῆς μελῳδοῦ μητέρος Μουσῶν μιᾶς Θρῃκός τε ποταμοῦ Στρυμόνος, φιλῶ λέγειν τἀληθὲς αἰεὶ κοὐ διπλοῦς πέφυκʼ ἀνήρ. Πάλαι πάλαι χρῆν τῇδε συγκάμνειν χθονὶ ἐλθόντα, καὶ μὴ τοὐπί σʼ Ἀργείων ὑπο Τροίαν ἐᾶσαι πολεμίῳ πεσεῖν δορί. Οὐ γάρ τι λέξεις ὡς ἄκλητος ὢν φίλοις οὐκ ἦλθες οὐδʼ ἤμυνας οὐδʼ ἐπεστράφης. Τίς γάρ σε κῆρυξ ἢ γερουσία Φρυγῶν ἐλθοῦσʼ ἀμύνειν οὐκ ἐπέσκηψεν πόλει; Ποῖον δὲ δώρων κόσμον οὐκ ἐπέμψαμεν; Σὺ δʼ ἐγγενὴς ὢν βάρβαρός τε βαρβάρους Ἕλλησιν ἡμᾶς προύπιες τὸ σὸν μέρος. Καίτοι σε μικρᾶς ἐκ τυραννίδος μέγαν Θρῃκῶν ἄνακτα τῇδʼ ἔθηκʼ ἐγὼ χερί, ὅτʼ ἀμφὶ Πάγγαιόν τε Παιόνων τε γῆν Θρῃκῶν ἀρίστοις ἐμπεσὼν κατὰ στόμα ἔρρηξα πέλτην, σοὶ δὲ δουλώσας λεὼν παρέσχον· ὧν σὺ λακτίσας πολλὴν χάριν, φίλων νοσούντων ὕστερος βοηδρομεῖς. Οἱ δʼ οὐδὲν ἡμῖν ἐν γένει πεφυκότες, πάλαι παρόντες, οἳ μὲν ἐν χωστοῖς τάφοις κεῖνται πεσόντες, πίστις οὐ σμικρὰ πόλει, οἳ δʼ ἔν θʼ ὅπλοισι καὶ παρʼ ἱππείοις ὄχοις ψυχρὰν ἄησιν δίψιόν τε πῦρ θεοῦ μένουσι καρτεροῦντες, οὐκ ἐν δεμνίοις πυκνὴν ἄμυστιν ὡς σὺ δεξιούμενοι. Ταῦθʼ, ὡς ἂν εἰδῇς Ἕκτορʼ ὄντʼ ἐλεύθερον, καὶ μέμφομαί σοι καὶ λέγω κατʼ ὄμμα σόν.
Hector
Son of that tuneful mother, one of the Muses, and of Thracian Strymon’s river, I love to speak plain truth always; nature did not give me a double tongue. Long, long ago should you have come and shared the labors of this land, and not allowed Troy for any help of yours to fall overthrown by hostile Argive spears. You can not say it was any want of invitation that kept you from coming with your help to visit us. What herald or embassy from Phrygia did not come to you, urgently requiring your aid for our city? What sumptuous presents did we not send to you? But you, brother barbarian though you were, pledged away to Hellenes us your barbarian brothers, for all the help you gave. Yet it was I with this arm that raised you from your paltry princedom to high lordship over Thrace, when I fell upon the Thracian chieftains face to face around Pangaeum in Paeonia’s land and broke their serried ranks, and gave their people up to you enslaved; but you have trampled on this great favor done you, and come with laggard step to give your aid when friends are in distress. While they, whom no natural tie of kin constrains, have long been here, and some are dead and in their graves beneath the heaped-up cairn, no mean proof of loyalty to the city; and others in arms and mounted on their chariots, with steadfast soul endure the icy blast and parching heat of the sun, not pledging one another on couches, as you do, in long deep draughts. This is the charge I bring against you and utter to your face, that you may know how frank is Hector’s tongue.
Ῥῆσος
(422)
Τοιοῦτός εἰμι καὐτός, εὐθεῖαν λόγων τέμνων κέλευθον, κοὐ διπλοῦς πέφυκʼ ἀνήρ. Ἐγὼ δὲ μεῖζον ἢ σὺ τῆσδʼ ἀπὼν χθονὸς λύπῃ πρὸς ἧπαρ δυσφορῶν ἐτειρόμην· ἀλλʼ ἀγχιτέρμων γαῖά μοι, Σκύθης λεώς, μέλλοντι νόστον τὸν πρὸς Ἴλιον περᾶν ξυνῆψε πόλεμον· Εὐξένου δʼ ἀφικόμην πόντου πρὸς ἀκτάς, Θρῇκα πορθμεύσων στρατόν. Ἔνθʼ αἱματηρὸς πέλανος ἐς γαῖαν Σκύθης ἠντλεῖτο λόγχῃ Θρῄξ τε συμμιγὴς φόνος. Τοιάδε τοί μʼ ἀπεῖργε συμφορὰ πέδον Τροίας ἱκέσθαι σύμμαχόν τέ σοι μολεῖν. Ἐπεὶ δʼ ἔπερσα, τῶνδʼ ὁμηρεύσας τέκνα τάξας τʼ ἔτειον δασμὸν ἐς δόμους φέρειν, ἥκω περάσας ναυσὶ πόντιον στόμα, τὰ δʼ ἄλλα πεζὸς γῆς περῶν ὁρίσματα — οὐχ ὡς σὺ κομπεῖς τὰς ἐμὰς ἀμύστιδας, οὐδʼ ἐν ζαχρύσοις δώμασιν κοιμώμενος, ἀλλʼ οἷα πόντον Θρῄκιον φυσήματα κρυσταλλόπηκτα Παιόνας τʼ ἐπεζάρει, ξὺν τοῖσδʼ ἄυπνος οἶδα τλὰς πορπάμασιν. Ἀλλʼ ὕστερος μὲν ἦλθον, ἐν καιρῷ δʼ ὅμως· σὺ μὲν γὰρ ἤδη δέκατον αἰχμάζεις ἔτος κοὐδὲν περαίνεις, ἡμέραν δʼ ἐξ ἡμέρας πίπτεις κυβεύων τὸν πρὸς Ἀργείους Ἄρη· ἐμοὶ δὲ φῶς ἓν ἡλίου καταρκέσει πέρσαντι πύργους ναυστάθμοις ἐπεσπεσεῖν κτεῖναί τʼ Ἀχαιούς· θατέρᾳ δʼ ἀπʼ Ἰλίου πρὸς οἶκον εἶμι, συντεμὼν τοὺς σοὺς πόνους, ὑμῶν δὲ μή τις ἀσπίδʼ ἄρηται χερί· ἐγὼ γὰρ ἕξω τοὺς μέγʼ αὐχοῦντας δορὶ πέρσας Ἀχαιούς, καίπερ ὕστερος μολών.
Rhesus
(422)
I too am just the same; straight to the point I cut my way; no shuffling nature is mine. My heart was wrung with sorer anguish than yours at my absence from this land; I fumed and chafed, but Scythian people, whose borders march with mine, made war on me on the very eve of my departure for Ilium; I had reached the strand of the Euxine sea, there to transport my Thracian army. Then my spear poured out over Scythia’s land great drops of bloody rain, and Thrace too shared in the mingled slaughter. This then was what chanced to keep me from coming to the land of Troy and joining your standard. But as soon as I had conquered these and taken their children as hostages and appointed the yearly tribute they should pay my house, I have come, sailing across the sea’s mouth, and on foot traversing the other borders of your land—not as you in your jeers at those carousals of my countrymen hint, nor sleeping soft in gilded palaces, but amid the frozen hurricanes that vex the Thracian sea and the Paeonian shores, learning as I lay awake what suffering is, this soldier’s cloak my only wrap. True my coming has tarried, but yet I am in time; ten years already have you been at the fray, and accomplished nothing yet; day in, day out, you fall, throwing the dice of war with Argives. But the light of one day will be enough for me to sack those towers and fall upon their anchored fleet and slay the Achaeans; and on the next day I will go home from Ilium, at one stroke ending all your toil. Let none of you lay hand to spear to lift it, for I, for all my late arrival, will with my lance make utter havoc of those vaunting Achaeans.
Χορός
(454)
Ἰὼ ἰώ. Φίλα θροεῖς, φίλος Διόθεν εἶ· μόνον φθόνον ἄμαχον ὕπατος Ζεὺς θέλοι ἀμφὶ σοῖς λόγοισιν εἴργειν. Τὸ δὲ νάιον Ἀργόθεν δόρυ οὔτε πρίν τινʼ οὔτε νῦν ἀνδρῶν ἐπόρευσε σέθεν κρείσσω. Πῶς μοι Ἀχιλεὺς τὸ σὸν ἔγχος ἂν δύναιτο, πῶς δʼ Αἴας ὑπομεῖναι; Εἰ γὰρ ἐγὼ τόδʼ ἦμαρ εἰσίδοιμʼ, ἄναξ, ὅτῳ πολυφόνου χειρὸς ἀποινάσαιο λόγχᾳ.
Chorus
(454)
Joy, joy! Sweet champion sent by Zeus! Only may Zeus, throned on high, keep jealousy, resistless foe, from you for your words! That fleet of ships from Argos never brought, neither formerly nor now, among all its warriors a braver than you. How I wonder will Achilles, how will Aias stand the onset of your spear? Oh! that I might see that day, my prince, on which you may wreak vengeance on them, gripping your lance in your death-dealing hand!
Ῥῆσος
(467)
Τοιαῦτα μέν σοι τῆς μακρᾶς ἀπουσίας πρᾶξαι παρέξω — σὺν δʼ Ἀδραστείᾳ λέγω — ἐπειδἂν ἐχθρῶν τήνδʼ ἐλευθέραν πόλιν θῶμεν θεοῖσί τʼ ἀκροθίνιʼ ἐξέλῃς, ξὺν σοὶ στρατεύειν γῆν ἐπʼ Ἀργείων θέλω καὶ πᾶσαν ἐλθὼν Ἑλλάδʼ ἐκπέρσαι δορί, ὡς ἂν μάθωσιν ἐν μέρει πάσχειν κακῶς.
Rhesus
(467)
Such exploits am I ready to achieve to atone for my long absence; (with due submission to Nemesis I say this); then when we have cleared this city of its foes and you have chosen out first-fruits for the gods, I wish to march with you against the Argives’ country and at my coming lay Hellas waste with war, that they in turn may know the taste of ill.
Ἕκτωρ
Εἰ τοῦ παρόντος τοῦδʼ ἀπαλλαχθεὶς κακοῦ πόλιν νεμοίμην ὡς τὸ πρίν ποτʼ ἀσφαλῆ, ἦ κάρτα πολλὴν θεοῖς ἂν εἰδείην χάριν. Τὰ δʼ ἀμφί τʼ Ἄργος καὶ νομὸν τὸν Ἑλλάδος οὐχ ὧδε πορθεῖν ῥᾴδιʼ, ὡς λέγεις, δορί.
Hector
If I could rid the city of this present curse and restore it to its old security, I should indeed feel deep gratitude towards the gods. But, as for sacking Argos and the pasture-lands of Hellas with the spear, it is no such easy task as you say.
Ῥῆσος
Οὐ τούσδʼ ἀριστέας φασὶν Ἑλλήνων μολεῖν;
Rhesus
Do they not say that here came the greatest chiefs of Hellas?
Ἕκτωρ
Κοὐ μεμφόμεσθά γʼ, ἀλλʼ ἄδην ἐλαύνομεν.
Hector
Yes, and I do not scorn them; I have enough to do in driving them away.
Ῥῆσος
Οὐκ οὖν κτανόντες τούσδε πᾶν εἰργάσμεθα;
Rhesus
Well, when we slay these, is our task not fully done?
Ἕκτωρ
Μή νυν τὰ πόρρω τἀγγύθεν μεθεὶς σκόπει.
Hector
Do not leave the present need to look to distant schemes.
Ῥῆσος
Ἀρκεῖν ἔοικέ σοι παθεῖν, δρᾶσαι δὲ μή.
Rhesus
You are, it seems, content to suffer and make no return.
Ἕκτωρ
Πολλῆς γὰρ ἄρχω κἀνθάδʼ ὢν τυραννίδος. Ἀλλʼ εἴτε λαιὸν εἴτε δεξιὸν κέρας εἴτʼ ἐν μέσοισι συμμάχοις πάρεστί σοι πέλτην ἐρεῖσαι καὶ καταστῆσαι στρατόν.
Hector
Yes, for I rule a great empire, even though I am here. But on the left wing or the right or in the centre of the allies you may plant your shield and marshal your troops.
Ῥῆσος
(488)
Μόνος μάχεσθαι πολεμίοις, Ἕκτορ, θέλω. Εἰ δʼ αἰσχρὸν ἡγῇ μὴ συνεμπρῆσαι νεῶν πρύμνας, πονήσας τὸν πάρος πολὺν χρόνον, τάξον μʼ Ἀχιλλέως καὶ στρατοῦ κατὰ στόμα.
Rhesus
(488)
Alone I will face the foe, Hector. But if you are ashamed, after all your previous toil, to have no share in firing their ships’ prows, place me face to face with Achilles and his army.
Ἕκτωρ
Οὐκ ἔστʼ ἐκείνῳ θοῦρον ἐντάξαι δόρυ.
Hector
Against that man you cannot range your eager spear.
Ῥῆσος
Καὶ μὴν λόγος γʼ ἦν ὡς ἔπλευσʼ ἐπʼ Ἴλιον.
Rhesus
Why, it was surely said he sailed to Ilium.
Ἕκτωρ
Ἔπλευσε καὶ πάρεστιν· ἀλλὰ μηνίων στρατηλάταισιν οὐ συναίρεται δόρυ.
Hector
He sailed and he is here; but he is angry and takes no part with the other chieftains in the battle.
Ῥῆσος
Τίς δὴ μετʼ αὐτὸν ἄλλος εὐδοξεῖ στρατοῦ;
Rhesus
Who next to him has won a name in their army?
Ἕκτωρ
(497)
Αἴας ἐμοὶ μὲν οὐδὲν ἡσσᾶσθαι δοκεῖ χὡ Τυδέως παῖς· ἔστι δʼ αἱμυλώτατον κρότημʼ Ὀδυσσεύς, λῆμά τʼ ἀρκούντως θρασὺς καὶ πλεῖστα χώραν τήνδʼ ἀνὴρ καθυβρίσας· ὃς εἰς Ἀθάνας σηκὸν ἔννυχος μολὼν κλέψας ἄγαλμα ναῦς ἐπʼ Ἀργείων φέρει. Ἤδη δʼ ἀγύρτης πτωχικὴν ἔχων στολὴν ἐσῆλθε πύργους, πολλὰ δʼ Ἀργείοις κακὰ ἠρᾶτο, πεμφθεὶς Ἰλίου κατάσκοπος· κτανὼν δὲ φρουροὺς καὶ παραστάτας πυλῶν ἐξῆλθεν· αἰεὶ δʼ ἐν λόχοις εὑρίσκεται Θυμβραῖον ἀμφὶ βωμὸν ἄστεως πέλας θάσσων· κακῷ δὲ μερμέρῳ παλαίομεν.
Hector
(497)
Aias and the son of Tydeus are, I take it, in no way his inferiors; there is Odysseus, a wheedling rascal, but bold enough indeed, and of all men he has wrought most outrage on this country. For he came by night to Athena’s shrine and stole her image and took it to the Argive ships; next he came inside our battlements, clad as a vagrant in a beggar’s garb, and loudly did he curse the Argives, sent as a spy to Ilium; and then went out again, when he had slain the sentinels and warders at the gate. He is always to be found lurking in ambush about the altar of Thymbrean Apollo near the city. In him we have a troubling pest to wrestle with.
Ῥῆσος
Οὐδεὶς ἀνὴρ εὔψυχος ἀξιοῖ λάθρᾳ κτεῖναι τὸν ἐχθρόν, ἀλλʼ ἰὼν κατὰ στόμα. Τοῦτον δʼ ὃν ἵζειν φὴς σὺ κλωπικὰς ἕδρας καὶ μηχανᾶσθαι, ζῶντα συλλαβὼν ἐγὼ πυλῶν ἐπʼ ἐξόδοισιν ἀμπείρας ῥάχιν στήσω πετεινοῖς γυψὶ θοινατήριον. Λῃστὴν γὰρ ὄντα καὶ θεῶν ἀνάκτορα συλῶντα δεῖ νιν τῷδε κατθανεῖν μόρῳ.
Rhesus
No brave man thinks it right to kill his foe in secret, but to meet him face to face. If I can catch this fellow alive, who, as you say, sits in stealthy ambush and plots his mischief, I will impale him at the outlet of the gates and set him up for winged vultures to make their meal upon. This is the death he ought to die, pirate and temple-robber that he is.
Ἕκτωρ
Νῦν μὲν καταυλίσθητε· καὶ γὰρ εὐφρόνη. Δείξω δʼ ἐγώ σοι χῶρον, ἔνθα χρὴ στρατὸν τὸν σὸν νυχεῦσαι τοῦ τεταγμένου δίχα. Ξύνθημα δʼ ἡμῖν Φοῖβος, ἤν τι καὶ δέῃ· μέμνησʼ ἀκούσας, Θρῃκί τʼ ἄγγειλον στρατῷ. Ὑμᾶς δὲ βάντας χρὴ προταινὶ τάξεων φρουρεῖν ἐγερτὶ καὶ νεῶν κατάσκοπον δέχθαι Δόλωνα· καὶ γάρ, εἴπερ ἐστὶ σῶς, ἤδη πελάζει στρατοπέδοισι Τρωικοῖς.
Hector
To your quarters now, for it is night. For you I will myself point out a spot where your army can watch this night apart from our array. Our password is Phoebus, if perhaps there should be need of it; hear and remember it, and tell it to the Thracian army. You must advance in front of our ranks and keep a watchful guard, and receive Dolon, who went to spy on the ships, for he, if he is safe, is even now approaching the camp of Troy.
Χορός
(527)
— Τίνος ἁ φυλακά; Τίς ἀμείβει τὰν ἐμάν; Πρῶτα δύεται σημεῖα καὶ ἑπτάποροι Πλειάδες αἰθέριαι· μέσα δʼ αἰετὸς οὐρανοῦ ποτᾶται.
— Ἔγρεσθε, τί μέλλετε; Κοιτᾶν ἔγρεσθε πρὸς φυλακάν. Οὐ λεύσσετε μηνάδος αἴγλαν;
— Ἀὼς δὴ πέλας, ἀὼς γίγνεται, καί τις προδρόμων ὅδε γʼ ἐστὶν ἀστήρ.
— Τίς ἐκηρύχθη πρώτην φυλακήν;
— Μυγδόνος υἱόν φασι Κόροιβον.
— Τίς γαὐ ἐπʼ αὐτῷ;
— Κίλικας Παίων στρατὸς ἤγειρεν, Μυσοὶ δʼ ἡμᾶς.
— Οὐκ οὖν Λυκίους πέμπτην φυλακὴν βάντας ἐγείρειν καιρὸς κλήρου κατὰ μοῖραν;
— Ἔγρεσθε, τί μέλλετε; Κοιτᾶν ἔγρεσθε πρὸς φυλακάν. Οὐ λεύσσετε μηνάδος αἴγλαν;
— Ἀὼς δὴ πέλας, ἀὼς γίγνεται, καί τις προδρόμων ὅδε γʼ ἐστὶν ἀστήρ.
— Τίς ἐκηρύχθη πρώτην φυλακήν;
— Μυγδόνος υἱόν φασι Κόροιβον.
— Τίς γαὐ ἐπʼ αὐτῷ;
— Κίλικας Παίων στρατὸς ἤγειρεν, Μυσοὶ δʼ ἡμᾶς.
— Οὐκ οὖν Λυκίους πέμπτην φυλακὴν βάντας ἐγείρειν καιρὸς κλήρου κατὰ μοῖραν;
Chorus
(527)
"Whose watch is it? Who relieves me? Night’s earlier stars are on the wane, and the seven Pleiads mount the sky; in the middle of the heavens the eagle floats."
"Rouse yourselves, why delay? Up from your beds to the watch! Do you not see the moonlight?"
"Dawn is near, dawn is coming, and lo! a star that heralds it."
"Who was told off to the first watch?"
"The son of Mygdon, whom they call Coroebus."
"Who after him?"
"The Paeonian contingent roused the Cilicians, and the Mysians us."
"Is it not then high time we went and roused the Lycians for the fifth watch, as the lot decided?"
"Rouse yourselves, why delay? Up from your beds to the watch! Do you not see the moonlight?"
"Dawn is near, dawn is coming, and lo! a star that heralds it."
"Who was told off to the first watch?"
"The son of Mygdon, whom they call Coroebus."
"Who after him?"
"The Paeonian contingent roused the Cilicians, and the Mysians us."
"Is it not then high time we went and roused the Lycians for the fifth watch, as the lot decided?"
Χορός
(546)
— Καὶ μὴν ἀΐω· Σιμόεντος ἡμένα κοίτας φοινίας ὑμνεῖ πολυχορδοτάτᾳ γήρυϊ παιδολέτωρ μελοποιὸν ἀηδονὶς μέριμναν.
— Ἤδη δὲ νέμουσι κατʼ Ἴδαν ποίμνια· νυκτιβρόμου σύριγγος ἰὰν κατακούω.
— Θέλγει δʼ ὄμματος ἕδραν ὕπνος· ἅδιστος γαὐ ἔβα βλεφάροις πρὸς ἀοῦς.
— Τί ποτʼ οὐ πλάθει σκοπός, ὃν ναῶν Ἕκτωρ ὤτρυνε κατόπταν;
— Ταρβῶ· χρόνιος γαὐ ἄπεστιν.
— Ἀλλʼ ἦ κρυπτὸν λόχον ἐσπαίσας διόλωλε;
— Τάχʼ ἄν. φοβερόν μοι.
— Αὐδῶ Λυκίους πέμπτην φυλακὴν βάντας ἐγείρειν ἡμᾶς κλήρου κατὰ μοῖραν.
— Ἤδη δὲ νέμουσι κατʼ Ἴδαν ποίμνια· νυκτιβρόμου σύριγγος ἰὰν κατακούω.
— Θέλγει δʼ ὄμματος ἕδραν ὕπνος· ἅδιστος γαὐ ἔβα βλεφάροις πρὸς ἀοῦς.
— Τί ποτʼ οὐ πλάθει σκοπός, ὃν ναῶν Ἕκτωρ ὤτρυνε κατόπταν;
— Ταρβῶ· χρόνιος γαὐ ἄπεστιν.
— Ἀλλʼ ἦ κρυπτὸν λόχον ἐσπαίσας διόλωλε;
— Τάχʼ ἄν. φοβερόν μοι.
— Αὐδῶ Λυκίους πέμπτην φυλακὴν βάντας ἐγείρειν ἡμᾶς κλήρου κατὰ μοῖραν.
Chorus
(546)
"Hark! hark! a sound; sitting on her blood-stained nest by Simois, she sings with voice of many trills her piteous plaint, the nightingale that slew her child."
"Already on Ida they are pasturing the flocks, and over the night I catch the shrill pipe’s note."
"Sleep charms my eyes, for sleep is sweetest at dawn to tired eyelids."
"Why does not our scout draw near, whom Hector sent to spy on the fleet?"
"He is so long away, I have my fears."
"Is it possible he has plunged into a hidden ambush and been slain?"
"Perhaps. I am afraid."
"My counsel is we go and rouse the Lycians for the fifth watch, as the lot ordained." [Exit Chorus]
"Already on Ida they are pasturing the flocks, and over the night I catch the shrill pipe’s note."
"Sleep charms my eyes, for sleep is sweetest at dawn to tired eyelids."
"Why does not our scout draw near, whom Hector sent to spy on the fleet?"
"He is so long away, I have my fears."
"Is it possible he has plunged into a hidden ambush and been slain?"
"Perhaps. I am afraid."
"My counsel is we go and rouse the Lycians for the fifth watch, as the lot ordained." [Exit Chorus]
Ὀδυσσεύς
(565)
Διόμηδες, οὐκ ἤκουσας — ἢ κενὸς ψόφος στάζει διʼ ὤτων; — τευχέων τινὰ κτύπον;
Odysseus
(565)
Did you not hear, Diomedes, the clash of arms or is it an idle noise that rings in my ears?
Διομήδης
Οὔκ, ἀλλὰ δεσμὰ πωλικῶν ἐξ ἀντύγων κλάζει σιδήρου· κἀμέ τοι, πρὶν ᾐσθόμην δεσμῶν ἀραγμὸν ἱππικῶν, ἔδυ φόβος.
Diomedes
No, it is the rattle of steel harness on the chariot rails; I, too, was afraid, till I perceived it was the clang of horses’ chains.
Ὀδυσσεύς
Ὅρα κατʼ ὄρφνην μὴ φύλαξιν ἐντύχῃς.
Odysseus
Beware lest you stumble upon the guard in the darkness.
Διομήδης
Φυλάξομαί τοι κἀν σκότῳ τιθεὶς πόδα.
Diomedes
I will take good care how I advance even in the gloom.
Ὀδυσσεύς
Ἢν δʼ οὖν ἐγείρῃς, οἶσθα σύνθημα στρατοῦ;
Odysseus
If however you should rouse them, do you know their password?
Διομήδης
Φοῖβον Δόλωνος οἶδα σύμβολον κλύων.
Diomedes
Yes, it is Phoebus; I heard Dolon use it.
Ὀδυσσεύς
Ἔα· εὐνὰς ἐρήμους τάσδε πολεμίων ὁρῶ.
Odysseus
Ah! I see the enemy have left this bivouac.
Διομήδης
Καὶ μὴν Δόλων γε τάσδʼ ἔφραζεν Ἕκτορος κοίτας, ἐφʼ ᾧπερ ἔγχος εἵλκυσται τόδε.
Diomedes
Yet Dolon surely said that here was Hector’s couch, against whom this sword of mine is drawn.
Ὀδυσσεύς
Τί δῆτʼ ἂν εἴη; μῶν λόχος βέβηκέ ποι;
Odysseus
What can it mean? Has his company withdrawn elsewhere?
Διομήδης
Ἴσως ἐφʼ ἡμῖν μηχανὴν στήσων τινά.
Diomedes
Perhaps to form some stratagem against us.
Ὀδυσσεύς
Θρασὺς γὰρ Ἕκτωρ νῦν, ἐπεὶ κρατεῖ, θρασύς.
Odysseus
Yes, for Hector is bold now, by reason of his victory, bold.
Διομήδης
Τί δῆτʼ, Ὀδυσσεῦ, δρῶμεν; οὐ γὰρ ηὕρομεν τὸν ἄνδρʼ ἐν εὐναῖς, ἐλπίδων δʼ ἡμάρτομεν.
Diomedes
What then are we to do, Odysseus? We have not found the man asleep; our hopes are dashed.
Ὀδυσσεύς
Στείχωμεν ὡς τάχιστα ναυστάθμων πέλας. Σῴζει γὰρ αὐτὸν ὅστις εὐτυχῆ θεῶν τίθησιν· ἡμῖν δʼ οὐ βιαστέον τύχην.
Odysseus
Let us go to the fleet with what speed we may. Some god, whichever it be that gives him his good luck, is preserving him; against fate we must not strive.
Διομήδης
Οὐκ οὖν ἐπʼ Αἰνέαν ἢ τὸν ἔχθιστον Φρυγῶν Πάριν μολόντε χρὴ καρατομεῖν ξίφει;
Diomedes
Then should we two not go against Aeneas or Paris, most hateful of Phrygians, and with our swords cut off their heads?
Ὀδυσσεύς
Πῶς οὖν ἐν ὄρφνῃ πολεμίων ἀνὰ στρατὸν ζητῶν δυνήσῃ τούσδʼ ἀκινδύνως κτανεῖν;
Odysseus
Well, how in the darkness can you find them among a hostile army, and slay them without risk?
Διομήδης
Αἰσχρόν γε μέντοι ναῦς ἐπʼ Ἀργείων μολεῖν δράσαντε μηδὲν πολεμίους νεώτερον.
Diomedes
Yet it would be shameful to go to the Argive ships if we have done the enemy no harm.
Ὀδυσσεύς
Πῶς δʼ οὐ δέδρακας; οὐ κτανόντε ναυστάθμων κατάσκοπον Δόλωνα σῴζομεν τάδε σκυλεύματʼ; ἢ πᾶν στρατόπεδον πέρσειν δοκεῖσ;
Odysseus
What! no harm! Have we not slain Dolon who spied upon the anchored fleet, and have we not his spoils safe here? Or do you expect to sack the entire camp?
Διομήδης
Πείθεις, πάλιν στείχωμεν· εὖ δʼ εἴη τυχεῖν.
Diomedes
I agree, let us return; and good luck go with us!
Ἀθήνα
(595)
Ποῖ δὴ λιπόντες Τρωικῶν ἐκ τάξεων χωρεῖτε, λύπῃ καρδίαν δεδηγμένοι, εἰ μὴ κτανεῖν σφῷν Ἕκτορʼ ἢ Πάριν θεὸς δίδωσιν; Ἄνδρα δʼ οὐ πέπυσθε σύμμαχον Τροίᾳ μολόντα Ῥῆσον οὐ φαύλῳ τρόπῳ. Ὃς εἰ διοίσει νύκτα τήνδʼ ἐς αὔριον, οὔτε σφʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς οὔτʼ ἂν Αἴαντος δόρυ μὴ πάντα πέρσαι ναύσταθμʼ Ἀργείων σχέθοι, τείχη κατασκάψαντα καὶ πυλῶν ἔσω λόγχῃ πλατεῖαν ἐσδρομὴν ποιούμενον. Τοῦτον κατακτὰς πάντʼ ἔχεις. Τὰς δʼ Ἕκτορος εὐνὰς ἔασον καὶ καρατόμους σφαγάς· ἔσται γὰρ αὐτῷ θάνατος ἐξ ἄλλης χερός.
Athena
(595)
Where are you going, away from the Trojan ranks, with sorrow gnawing at your hearts, because the god does not grant you two to slay Hector or Paris? Have you not heard that Rhesus has come to aid Troy in no mean fashion? If he survives this night until the dawn, neither Achilles nor Aias’s spear can stop him from utterly destroying the Argive fleet, razing its palisades and carrying the onslaught of his lance far and wide within the gates. Slay him, and all is yours; let Hector’s sleep alone, no throat-cutting slaughter; for he shall find death at another hand.
Ὀδυσσεύς
Δέσποινʼ Ἀθάνα, φθέγματος γὰρ ᾐσθόμην τοῦ σοῦ συνήθη γῆρυν· ἐν πόνοισι γὰρ παροῦσʼ ἀμύνεις τοῖς ἐμοῖς ἀεί ποτε· τὸν ἄνδρα δʼ ἡμῖν, ποῦ κατηύνασται, φράσον· πόθεν τέτακται βαρβάρου στρατεύματος;
Odysseus
Queen Athena, it is the well-known accent of your voice I hear; for you are always at my side to help me in my toil. Tell us where that man lies asleep; in what part of the barbarian army is he stationed?
Ἀθήνα
Ὅδʼ ἐγγὺς ἧσται κοὐ συνήθροισται στρατῷ, ἀλλʼ ἐκτὸς αὐτὸν τάξεων κατηύνασεν Ἕκτωρ, ἕως ἂν νὺξ ἀμείψηται φάος. Πέλας δὲ πῶλοι Θρῃκίων ἐξ ἁρμάτων λευκαὶ δέδενται, διαπρεπεῖς ἐν εὐφρόνῃ· στίλβουσι δʼ ὥστε ποταμίου κύκνου πτερόν. Ταύτας, κτανόντες δεσπότην, κομίζετε, κάλλιστον οἴκοις σκῦλον· οὐ γὰρ ἔσθʼ ὅπου τοιόνδʼ ὄχημα χθὼν κέκευθε πωλικόν.
Athena
Here lies he close at hand, not marshalled with the other troops, but outside the ranks Hector has given him quarters, till night gives place to day. And near him his white horses are tethered to his Thracian chariot, easy to see in the darkness; they shine like the plumage of a river swan. Slay their master and bear them off home, glorious spoils; for nowhere else in all the world is such a team to be found.
Ὀδυσσεύς
Διόμηδες, ἢ σὺ κτεῖνε Θρῄκιον λεών, ἢ ʼμοὶ πάρες γε, σοὶ δὲ χρὴ πώλους μέλειν.
Odysseus
Diomedes, either you slay the Thracian folk, or leave that to me, while your care must be the horses.
Διομήδης
Ἐγὼ φονεύσω, πωλοδαμνήσεις δὲ σύ· τρίβων γὰρ εἶ τὰ κομψὰ καὶ νοεῖν σοφός. Χρὴ δʼ ἄνδρα τάσσειν οὗ μάλιστʼ ἂν ὠφελοῖ.
Diomedes
I will do the killing, and you master the horses. For you are well versed in clever tricks, and have a ready wit. And it is right to station a man where he may best serve.
Ἀθήνα
Καὶ μὴν καθʼ ἡμᾶς τόνδʼ Ἀλέξανδρον βλέπω στείχοντα, φυλάκων ἔκ τινος πεπυσμένον δόξας ἀσήμους πολεμίων μεμβλωκότων.
Athena
Look! there I see Paris coming towards us; perhaps he has heard from the guard a vague rumor that foes are near.
Διομήδης
Πότερα σὺν ἄλλοις ἢ μόνος πορεύεται;
Diomedes
Are others with him or does he come alone?
Ἀθήνα
Μόνος· πρὸς εὐνὰς δʼ, ὡς ἔοικεν, Ἕκτορος χωρεῖ, κατόπτας σημανῶν ἥκειν στρατοῦ.
Athena
Alone; to Hector’s couch he seems to wend his way, to announce to him that spies are in the camp.
Διομήδης
Οὐκ οὖν ὑπάρχειν τόνδε κατθανόντα χρή;
Diomedes
Ought he not head the list of slain?
Ἀθήνα
Οὐκ ἂν δύναιο τοῦ πεπρωμένου πλέον. Τοῦτον δὲ πρὸς σῆς χειρὸς οὐ θέμις θανεῖν. Ἀλλʼ ᾧπερ ἥκεις μορσίμους φέρων σφαγάς, τάχυνʼ· ἐγὼ δέ, τῷδε σύμμαχος Κύπρις δοκοῦσʼ ἀρωγὸς ἐν πόνοις παραστατεῖν, σαθροῖς λόγοισιν ἐχθρὸν ἄνδρʼ ἀμείψομαι. Καὶ ταῦτʼ ἐγὼ μὲν εἶπον· ὃν δὲ χρὴ παθεῖν, οὐκ οἶδεν οὐδʼ ἤκουσεν ἐγγὺς ὢν λόγου.
Athena
You can not overreach destiny. It is not decreed that he should fall by your hand. But hasten on your mission of fore-ordained slaughter, while I, feigning to be Cypris, his ally, and to aid him in his efforts, will answer the foe with unsound words. I tell you this; but the fated victim does not know, nor has he heard, for all he is so near. [Exeunt Odysseus and Diomedes]
Ἀλέξανδρος
(642)
Σὲ τὸν στρατηγὸν καὶ κασίγνητον λέγω, Ἕκτορ, καθεύδεις; Οὐκ ἐγείρεσθαί σε χρῆν; Ἐχθρῶν τις ἡμῖν χρίμπτεται στρατεύματι, ἢ κλῶπες ἄνδρες ἢ κατάσκοποί τινες.
Paris
(642)
To you I call, general and brother, Hector, are you asleep? Should you not awake? Some enemy draws near our army, or thieves perhaps, or spies.
Ἀθήνα
Θάρσει· φυλάσσει σʼ ἥδε πρευμενὴς Κύπρις. Μέλει δʼ ὁ σός μοι πόλεμος, οὐδʼ ἀμνημονῶ τιμῆς, ἐπαινῶ δʼ εὖ παθοῦσα πρὸς σέθεν. Καὶ νῦν ἐπʼ εὐτυχοῦντι Τρωικῷ στρατῷ ἥκω πορεύουσʼ ἄνδρα σοι μέγαν φίλον, τῆς ὑμνοποιοῦ παῖδα Θρῄκιον θεᾶς Μούσης· πατρὸς δὲ Στρυμόνος κικλήσκεται.
Athena
Courage! See, Cypris watches over you in gracious mood. Your warfare is my concern, for I do not forget the honor you once did me, and I thank you for your good service. And now, when the army of Troy is triumphant, I have come bringing to you a powerful friend, the Thracian child of the Muse, the heavenly singer; his father’s name is Strymon.
Ἀλέξανδρος
Αἰεί ποτʼ εὖ φρονοῦσα τυγχάνεις πόλει κἀμοί, μέγιστον δʼ ἐν βίῳ κειμήλιον κρίνας σέ φημι τῇδε προσθέσθαι πόλει. Ἥκω δʼ ἀκούσας οὐ τορῶς — φήμη δέ τις φύλαξιν ἐμπέπτωκεν — ὡς κατάσκοποι ἥκουσʼ Ἀχαιῶν. Χὣ μὲν οὐκ ἰδὼν λέγει, ὃ δʼ εἰσιδὼν μολόντας οὐκ ἔχει φράσαι· ὧν οὕνεκʼ εὐνὰς ἤλυθον πρὸς Ἕκτορος.
Paris
Always to this city and to me you are a kind friend, and I am sure that decision I then made conferred you upon this city, the highest treasure life affords. I came when I heard a vague report—for a rumor prevailed among the guards—that Achaean spies are here. One man, that did not see them, says so, while another, that saw them come, cannot describe them; and so I am on my way to Hector’s tent.
Ἀθήνα
Μηδὲν φοβηθῇς· οὐδὲν ἐν στρατῷ νέον· Ἕκτωρ δὲ φροῦδος Θρῇκα κοιμήσων στρατόν.
Athena
Fear nothing; all is quiet in the army, and Hector has gone to assign a sleeping-place to the Thracian army.
Ἀλέξανδρος
Σύ τοί με πείθεις, σοῖς δὲ πιστεύων λόγοις τάξιν φυλάξων εἶμʼ ἐλεύθερος φόβου.
Paris
You persuade me, and I believe your words, and will go to guard my post, free of fear.
Ἀθήνα
Χώρει· μέλειν γὰρ πάντʼ ἐμοὶ δόκει τὰ σά, ὥστʼ εὐτυχοῦντας συμμάχους ἐμοὺς ὁρᾶν. Γνώσῃ δὲ καὶ σὺ τὴν ἐμὴν προθυμίαν. [Exit Paris] Ὑμᾶς δʼ ἀυτῶ τοὺς ἄγαν ἐρρωμένους, Λαερτίου παῖ, θηκτὰ κοιμίσαι ξίφη. Κεῖται γὰρ ἡμῖν Θρῄκιος στρατηλάτης, ἵπποι τʼ ἔχονται, πολέμιοι δʼ ᾐσθημένοι χωροῦσʼ ἐφʼ ὑμᾶς· ἀλλʼ ὅσον τάχιστα χρὴ φεύγειν πρὸς ὁλκοὺς ναυστάθμων. Τί μέλλετε σκηπτοῦ ʼπιόντος πολεμίων σῷσαι βίον;
Athena
Go, for it is my pleasure ever to watch your interests, that so I may see my allies prosperous. Yes, and you too shall recognize my zeal. [Exit Paris. In a loud voice, to Odysseus and Diomedes] Son of Laertes, I bid you sheath your whetted swords, you warriors all too keen. For the Thracian chief lies dead and his horses are captured, but the enemy know it, and are coming against you; fly with all speed to the ships’ station. Why delay saving your lives, when the enemy’s storm is just bursting on you?
Χορός
(675)
— Ἔα ἔα· βάλε βάλε βάλε βάλε. Θένε θένε.
— Τίς ἁνήρ; λεύσσετε· τοῦτον αὐδῶ.
— Κλῶπες οἵτινες κατʼ ὄρφνην τόνδε κινοῦσι στρατόν.
— Δεῦρο δεῦρο πᾶς.
— Τούσδʼ ἔχω, τούσδʼ ἔμαρψα.
— Τίς ὁ λόχος; πόθεν ἔβας; ποδαπὸς εἶ;
— Τίς ἁνήρ; λεύσσετε· τοῦτον αὐδῶ.
— Κλῶπες οἵτινες κατʼ ὄρφνην τόνδε κινοῦσι στρατόν.
— Δεῦρο δεῦρο πᾶς.
— Τούσδʼ ἔχω, τούσδʼ ἔμαρψα.
— Τίς ὁ λόχος; πόθεν ἔβας; ποδαπὸς εἶ;
Chorus
(675)
"Oh, oh! At them, at them! Strike them, strike them!"
"Who goes there? Look; I mean that man."
"There are the thieves who in the gloom disturbed this army."
"Come here, here, everyone!"
"I have them, I have clutched them fast."
"What is your company? Where did you come from? Who are you?"
"Who goes there? Look; I mean that man."
"There are the thieves who in the gloom disturbed this army."
"Come here, here, everyone!"
"I have them, I have clutched them fast."
"What is your company? Where did you come from? Who are you?"
Ὀδυσσεύς
(683)
Οὔ σε χρὴ εἰδέναι· θανῇ γαὐ σήμερον δράσας κακῶς.
Odysseus
(683)
It is not for you to know; for you will die today for your villainy.
Χορός
Οὐκ ἐρεῖς ξύνθημα, λόγχην πρὶν διὰ στέρνων μολεῖν;
Chorus
Will you not declare the password, before my sword finds its way to your heart?
Ὀδυσσεύς
Ἵστω. Θάρσει.
Odysseus
Halt! Be of good heart.
Χορός
Πέλας ἴθι. Παῖε πᾶς.
Chorus
Come near. Strike, everyone!
Ὀδυσσεύς
Ἦ σὺ δὴ Ῥῆσον κατέκτας;
Odysseus
What! have you slain Rhesus?
Χορός
Ἀλλὰ τὸν κτενοῦντα σὲ ...
Chorus
No, but you, who came to slay us—
Ὀδυσσεύς
Ἴσχε πᾶς τις.
Odysseus
Stay, every man of you!
Χορός
Οὐ μὲν οὖν.
Chorus
No, no, lay on!
Ὀδυσσεύς
Ἆ· φίλιον ἄνδρα μὴ θένῃς.
Odysseus
Ah! do not slay a friend!
Χορός
Καὶ τί δὴ τὸ σῆμα;
Chorus
What is the password, then?
Ὀδυσσεύς
Φοῖβος.
Odysseus
Phoebus.
Χορός
Ἔμαθον· ἴσχε πᾶς δόρυ. Οἶσθʼ ὅποι βεβᾶσιν ἅνδρες;
Chorus
Right! every man hold back his spear! Do you know where the men have gone?
Ὀδυσσεύς
Τῇδέ πῃ κατείδομεν.
Odysseus
Somewhere here I caught a sight of them.
Χορός
Ἕρπω πᾶς κατʼ ἴχνος αὐτῶν. Ἢ βοὴν ἐγερτέον; Ἀλλὰ συμμάχους ταράσσειν δεινὸν ἐκ νυκτῶν φόβῳ.
Chorus
Close on their track each man of you! Or should we shout for aid? No, it would be strange conduct to disturb our friends with wild alarms by night. [Exeunt Odysseus and Diomedes]
Χορός
(692)
— Τίς ἀνδρῶν ὁ βάς; Τίς ὁ μέγα θρασὺς ἐπεύξεται χέρα φυγὼν ἐμάν; Πόθεν νιν κυρήσω; Τίνι προσεικάσω, ὅστις διʼ ὄρφνης ἦλθʼ ἀδειμάντῳ ποδὶ διά τε τάξεων καὶ φυλάκων ἕδρας; Θεσσαλὸς ἢ παραλίαν Λοκρῶν νεμόμενος πόλιν; Ἢ νησιώτην σποράδα κέκτηται βίον; Τίς ἦν; Πόθεν; Ποίας πάτρας; Ποῖον δʼ εὔχεται τὸν ὕπατον θεῶν;
— Ἆρʼ ἔστʼ Ὀδυσσέως τοὔργον ἢ τίνος τόδε; Εἰ τοῖς πάροιθε χρὴ τεκμαίρεσθαι· τί μήν;
— Δοκεῖσ γάρ;
— Τί μὴν οὔ;
— Θρασὺς γοῦν ἐς ἡμᾶς.
— Τίνʼ ἀλκήν; τίνʼ αἰνεῖς;
— Ὀδυσσῆ.
— Μὴ κλωπὸς αἴνει φωτὸς αἱμύλον δόρυ.
— Ἆρʼ ἔστʼ Ὀδυσσέως τοὔργον ἢ τίνος τόδε; Εἰ τοῖς πάροιθε χρὴ τεκμαίρεσθαι· τί μήν;
— Δοκεῖσ γάρ;
— Τί μὴν οὔ;
— Θρασὺς γοῦν ἐς ἡμᾶς.
— Τίνʼ ἀλκήν; τίνʼ αἰνεῖς;
— Ὀδυσσῆ.
— Μὴ κλωπὸς αἴνει φωτὸς αἱμύλον δόρυ.
Chorus
(692)
"Who was that man who slipped away? Who was he that will loudly boast his daring in escaping me? How shall I catch him now? To whom shall I liken him, the man who came by night with fearless step passing through our ranks and the guard we set? Is he a Thessalian or a dweller in some seacoast town of Locris? Or does he make his living among the islands scattered in the sea? Who was he? Where from? What is his fatherland? What god does he avow as lord of all the rest?"
"Whose work is this? is it the deed of Odysseus? If one may conjecture from his former acts, of course it is."
"Do you think so really?"
"Why, of course."
"He is a bold foe for us."
"What strength? Whom are you praising?"
"Odysseus."
"Do not praise the crafty weapons that a robber uses."
"Whose work is this? is it the deed of Odysseus? If one may conjecture from his former acts, of course it is."
"Do you think so really?"
"Why, of course."
"He is a bold foe for us."
"What strength? Whom are you praising?"
"Odysseus."
"Do not praise the crafty weapons that a robber uses."
Χορός
(710)
Ἔβα καὶ πάρος κατὰ πόλιν, ὕπαφρον ὄμμʼ ἔχων, ῥακοδύτῳ στολᾷ πυκασθείς, ξιφήρης κρύφιος ἐν πέπλοις. Βίον δʼ ἐπαιτῶν εἷρπʼ ἀγύρτης τις λάτρις, ψαφαρόχρουν κάρα πολυπινές τʼ ἔχων· πολλὰ δὲ τὰν βασιλίδʼ ἑστίαν Ἀτρειδᾶν κακῶς ἔβαζε δῆθεν ἐχθρὸς ὢν στρατηλάταις. Ὄλοιτʼ ὄλοιτο πανδίκως, πρὶν ἐπὶ γᾶν Φρυγῶν ποδὸς ἴχνος βαλεῖν.
— Εἴτʼ οὖν Ὀδυσσέως εἴτε μή, φόβος μʼ ἔχει· Ἕκτωρ γὰρ ἡμῖν τοῖς φύλαξι μέμψεται.
— Τί λάσκων;
— Δυσοίζων.
— Τί δρᾶσαι; τί ταρβεῖς;
— Καθʼ ἡμᾶς περᾶσαι ...
— Τίνʼ ἀνδρῶν;
— Οἳ τῆσδε νυκτὸς ἦλθον ἐς Φρυγῶν στρατόν.
— Εἴτʼ οὖν Ὀδυσσέως εἴτε μή, φόβος μʼ ἔχει· Ἕκτωρ γὰρ ἡμῖν τοῖς φύλαξι μέμψεται.
— Τί λάσκων;
— Δυσοίζων.
— Τί δρᾶσαι; τί ταρβεῖς;
— Καθʼ ἡμᾶς περᾶσαι ...
— Τίνʼ ἀνδρῶν;
— Οἳ τῆσδε νυκτὸς ἦλθον ἐς Φρυγῶν στρατόν.
Chorus
(710)
Once before he came into this city, with swimming bleary eyes, clad in rags and tatters, his sword hidden in his cloak. And like some vagrant menial he slunk about begging his living, his head rough and dirty; and he spoke bitterly of the royal house of the Atreidae—as though he were really opposed to those chiefs! Would, oh! would he had perished, as was his due, before he set foot on Phrygia’s soil!
"Whether it was really Odysseus or not, I am afraid; for Hector will blame us sentinels."
"What can he allege?"
"He will suspect."
"What have we done? Why are you afraid?"
"They got past us—"
"Well, who?"
"The ones who came this night to the Phrygian army."
"Whether it was really Odysseus or not, I am afraid; for Hector will blame us sentinels."
"What can he allege?"
"He will suspect."
"What have we done? Why are you afraid?"
"They got past us—"
"Well, who?"
"The ones who came this night to the Phrygian army."
Ἡνίοχος
(728)
Ἰὼ, ἰώ, δαίμονος τύχα βαρεῖα. Φεῦ φεῦ.
Charioteer
(728)
Oh, oh! Cruel stroke of fate. Woe, woe!
Χορός
Ἔα, ἔα· σῖγα πᾶς ὕφιζʼ· ἴσως γὰρ ἐς βόλον τις ἔρχεται.
Chorus Leader
Hush! be silent all, crouch low; for perhaps there comes someone into the snare.
Ἡνίοχος
Ἰὼ ἰώ, συμφορὰ βαρεῖα Θρῃκῶν.
Charioteer
Oh, oh! dire mishap to the Thracians.
Χορός
Συμμάχων τις ὁ στένων.
Chorus Leader
It is one of the allies who is groaning.
Ἡνίοχος
(733)
Ἰὼ ἰώ, δύστηνος ἐγώ· σύ τʼ, ἄναξ Θρῃκῶν, ὦ στυγνοτάτην Τροίαν ἐσιδών, οἷόν σε βίου τέλος εἷλεν.
Charioteer
(733)
Oh, oh! woe to me and to you, O king of Thrace, how cursed the sight of Troy to you! what an end to your life!
Χορός
(736)
Τίς εἶ ποτʼ ἀνδρῶν συμμάχων; Κατʼ εὐφρόνην ἀμβλῶπες αὐγαὶ κοὔ σε γιγνώσκω τορῶς.
Chorus Leader
(736)
Who are you? One of the allies? Night’s gloom has dulled these eyes and I cannot clearly recognize you.
Ἡνίοχος
(738)
Ποῦ τινʼ ἀνάκτων Τρωικῶν εὕρω; Ποῦ δῆθʼ Ἕκτωρ τὸ ὑπασπίδιον κοῖτον ἰαύει; Τίνι σημήνω διόπων στρατιᾶς οἷα πεπόνθαμεν, οἷά τις ἡμᾶς δράσας ἀφανῆ φροῦδος, φανερὸν Θρῃξὶν πένθος τολυπεύσας;
Charioteer
(738)
Where can I find some Trojan chief? Where does Hector take his rest under arms? To which of the captains of the army am I to tell my tale? What sufferings ours! what dark deeds someone has wrought on us and gone his way, when he had wound up a ball of sorrow manifest to every Thracian!
Χορός
(745)
Κακὸν κυρεῖν τι Θρῃκίῳ στρατεύματι ἔοικεν, οἷα τοῦδε γιγνώσκω κλύων.
Chorus Leader
(745)
From what I gather of this man’s words, some calamity, it seems, is befalling the Thracian army.
Ἡνίοχος
(747)
Ἔρρει στρατιά, πέπτωκεν ἄναξ δολίῳ πληγῇ. Ἆ ἆ ἆ ἆ, οἵα μʼ ὀδύνη τείρει φονίου τραύματος εἴσω. Πῶς ἂν ὀλοίμην; Χρῆν γάρ μʼ ἀκλεῶς Ῥῆσόν τε θανεῖν, Τροίᾳ κέλσαντʼ ἐπίκουρον;
Charioteer
(747)
Lost is all our army, our prince is dead, slain by a treacherous blow. Oh! Oh! The cruel anguish of this bloody wound that racks my frame within! Would I were dead! Was it to die this inglorious death that Rhesus and I came bringing aid to Troy?
Χορός
(754)
Τάδʼ οὐκ ἐν αἰνιγμοῖσι σημαίνει κακά· Σαφῶς γὰρ αὐδᾷ συμμάχους ὀλωλότας.
Chorus Leader
(754)
He does not declare the disaster in riddles; no, he clearly asserts our allies’ destruction.
Ἡνίοχος
Κακῶς πέπρακται κἀπὶ τοῖς κακοῖσι πρὸς αἴσχιστα· Καίτοι δὶς τόσον κακὸν τόδε· Θανεῖν γὰρ εὐκλεῶς μέν, Εἰ θανεῖν χρεών, Λυπρὸν μὲν οἶμαι τῷ θανόντι — Πῶς γὰρ οὔ; — Τοῖς ζῶσι δʼ ὄγκος καὶ δόμων εὐδοξία. Ἡμεῖς δʼ ἀβούλως κἀκλεῶς ὀλώλαμεν. Ἐπεὶ γὰρ ἡμᾶς ηὔνασʼ Ἑκτόρεια χείρ, Ξύνθημα λέξας, Ηὕδομεν πεδοστιβεῖ κόπῳ δαμέντες, Οὐδʼ ἐφρουρεῖτο στρατὸς φυλακαῖσι νυκτέροισιν, Οὐδʼ ἐν τάξεσιν ἔκειτο τεύχη, Πλῆκτρά τʼ οὐκ ἐπὶ ζυγοῖς ἵππων καθήρμοσθʼ, Ὡς ἄναξ ἐπεύθετο κρατοῦντας ὑμᾶς κἀφεδρεύοντας νεῶν πρύμναισι· Φαύλως δʼ ηὕδομεν πεπτωκότες. Κἀγὼ μελούσῃ καρδίᾳ λήξας ὕπνου πώλοισι χόρτον, Προσδοκῶν ἑωθινὴν ζεύξειν ἐς ἀλκήν, Ἀφθόνῳ μετρῶ χερί. Λεύσσω δὲ φῶτε περιπολοῦνθʼ ἡμῶν στρατὸν πυκνῆς διʼ ὄρφνης· Ὡς δʼ ἐκινήθην ἐγώ, Ἐπτηξάτην τε κἀνεχωρείτην πάλιν· Ἤπυσα δʼ αὐτοῖς μὴ πελάζεσθαι στρατῷ, Κλῶπας δοκήσας συμμάχων πλάθειν τινάς. Οἳ δʼ οὐδέν· Οὐ μὴν οὐδʼ ἐγὼ τὰ πλείονα. Ηὗδον δʼ ἀπελθὼν αὖθις ἐς κοίτην πάλιν.
Charioteer
A sorry deed it was, and more than that a deed most shameful; Yes, it is an evil doubly bad; To die with glory, if die one must, is bitterness enough I think to him who dies—How not?— Though to the living it may add dignity and honor for their house. But we have died foolishly and without glory. No sooner had great Hector given us our quarters and told us the password than we lay down to sleep upon the ground, overcome by weariness. No guard our army set to watch by night, nor were our arms set in array, nor were the whips hung ready on the horses’ yokes, for our prince was told that you were masters now, and had encamped hard on their ships; So carelessly we threw ourselves down to sleep. Now I with thoughtful mind awoke from my slumber, and with ungrudging hand measured out the horses’ feed, expecting to harness them at dawn for the fray; Through the thick gloom two men I see roaming around our army. But when I roused myself they crouched low and were gone once more; And I called out to them to keep away from the army, for I thought they might be thieves from our allies. Nothing from them, so I too said no more, but came back to my couch and slept again.
Ἡνίοχος
(780)
Καί μοι καθʼ ὕπνον δόξα τις παρίσταται· Ἵππους γὰρ ἃς ἔθρεψα κἀδιφρηλάτουν Ῥήσῳ παρεστώς, Εἶδον, Ὡς ὄναρ δοκῶν, λύκους ἐπεμβεβῶτας ἑδραίαν ῥάχιν· Θείνοντε δʼ οὐρᾷ πωλικῆς ῥινοῦ τρίχα ἤλαυνον, Αἳ δʼ ἔρρεγκον ἐξ ἀντηρίδων θυμὸν πνέουσαι κἀνεχαίτιζον φόβῳ. Ἐγὼ δʼ ἀμύνων θῆρας ἐξεγείρομαι πώλοισιν· Ἔννυχος γὰρ ἐξώρμα φόβος. Κλύω δʼ ἐπάρας κρᾶτα μυχθισμὸν νεκρῶν. Θερμὸς δὲ κρουνὸς δεσπότου πάρα σφαγαῖς βάλλει με δυσθνῄσκοντος αἵματος νέου. Ὀρθὸς δʼ ἀνᾴσσω χειρὶ σὺν κενῇ δορός. Καί μʼ ἔγχος αὐγάζοντα καὶ θηρώμενον παίει παραστὰς νεῖραν ἐς πλευρὰν ξίφει ἀνὴρ ἀκμάζων· Φασγάνου γὰρ ᾐσθόμην πληγῆς, Βαθεῖαν ἄλοκα τραύματος λαβών. Πίπτω δὲ πρηνής· Οἳ δʼ ὄχημα πωλικὸν λαβόντες ἵππων ἵεσαν φυγῇ πόδα. Ἆ ἆ. Ὀδύνη με τείρει, Κουκέτʼ ὀρθοῦμαι τάλας. Καὶ ξυμφορὰν μὲν οἶδʼ ὁρῶν, Τρόπῳ δʼ ὅτῳ τεθνᾶσιν οἱ θανόντες οὐκ ἔχω φράσαι, Οὐδʼ ἐξ ὁποίας χειρός. Εἰκάσαι δέ μοι πάρεστι λυπρὰ πρὸς φίλων πεπονθέναι.
Charioteer
(780)
And as I slept a strange fancy came over me: Those horses that I had reared and used to drive, stationed at Rhesus’ side, I saw, I thought as in a dream, with wolves mounted on their backs; And these with their tails lashed the horses’ flanks and urged them on, while they snorted and breathed fury from their nostrils, striving in terror to unseat their riders. Up I sprang to defend the horses from the brutes, for the horror of the night scared me. Then as I raised my head I heard the groans of dying men, and a warm stream of new-shed blood bespattered me, beside my murdered master as he died. To my feet I start, but all unarmed; And as I peer about and grope to find my sword, a stalwart hand from somewhere near struck me with a sword beneath the ribs. I felt the sword-thrust, the deep gaping wound it gave me. Down on my face I fell, while they fled clean away with horses and chariot. Oh, oh! Tortured with pain, too weak to stand, a piteous object! I know what happened, for I saw it; But how the victims met their death I cannot say, nor at whose hand. But I can well surmise we have our friends to thank for this grief.
Χορός
Ἡνίοχε Θρῃκὸς τοῦ κακῶς πεπραγότος, Μηδὲν δυσοίζου· Πολέμιοι δρασαν τάδε. Ἕκτωρ δὲ καὐτὸς συμφορᾶς πεπυσμένος χωρεῖ· Συναλγεῖ δʼ, Ὡς ἔοικε, σοῖς κακοῖς.
Chorus Leader
Charioteer of Thrace’s hapless king, do not suspect us. Enemies did this. But Hector himself is here, having learned your mischance; He sympathizes as he should with your hard fate.
Ἕκτωρ
Πῶς, Ὦ μέγιστα πήματʼ ἐξειργασμένοι, Μολόντες ὑμᾶς πολεμίων κατάσκοποι λήθουσιν αἰσχρῶς, Καὶ κατεσφάγη στρατός, Κοὔτʼ εἰσιόντας στρατόπεδʼ ἐξαπώσατε οὔτʼ ἐξιόντας; Τῶνδε τίς τείσει δίκην πλὴν σοῦ; Σὲ γὰρ δὴ φύλακά φημʼ εἶναι στρατοῦ. Φροῦδοι δʼ ἄπληκτοι, Τῇ Φρυγῶν κακανδρίᾳ πόλλʼ ἐγγελῶντες τῷ στρατηλάτῃ τʼ ἐμοί. Εὖ νυν τόδʼ ἴστε — Ζεὺς ὀμώμοται πατήρ — Ἤτοι μάραγνά γʼ ἢ καρανιστὴς μόρος μένει σε δρῶντα τοιάδʼ, Ἢ τὸν Ἕκτορα τὸ μηδὲν εἶναι καὶ κακὸν νομίζετε.
Hector
You who have caused this great calamity, how did the enemy’s spies come without your knowledge, to your shame, and spread destruction through the army, and you did not drive them away either as they entered or left the camp? Who but you shall pay the penalty for this? You, I say, were here to guard the army. But they are gone without a wound, with many a scoff at Phrygian cowardice, and at me their leader. Now mark you this—By father Zeus I swear—Either the scourge or the headsman’s axe awaits you for such conduct; Or else consider Hector to be nothing, a mere coward.
Χορός
(820)
— Ἰὼ ἰώ, Μετὰ σέ, Ναί, Μετὰ σέ, Ὦ πολίοχον κράτος, Τότε ἄρα ἔμολον, Ὅτε σοι ἄγγελος ἦλθον ἀμφὶ ναῦς πύρʼ αἴθειν·
— Ἐπεὶ ἄγρυπνον ὄμμʼ ἐν εὐφρόνῃ οὔτε ἐκοίμισα οὔτε ἔβριξα, Οὐ τὰς Σιμοεντιάδας πηγάς· Μή μοι κότον, Ὦ ἄνα, Θῇς· Ἀναίτιος γὰρ ἔγωγε πάντων.
— Εἰ δὲ χρόνῳ παράκαιρον ἔργον ἢ λόγον πύθῃ, Κατά με γᾶς ζῶντα πόρευσον· Οὐ παραιτοῦμαι.
— Ἐπεὶ ἄγρυπνον ὄμμʼ ἐν εὐφρόνῃ οὔτε ἐκοίμισα οὔτε ἔβριξα, Οὐ τὰς Σιμοεντιάδας πηγάς· Μή μοι κότον, Ὦ ἄνα, Θῇς· Ἀναίτιος γὰρ ἔγωγε πάντων.
— Εἰ δὲ χρόνῳ παράκαιρον ἔργον ἢ λόγον πύθῃ, Κατά με γᾶς ζῶντα πόρευσον· Οὐ παραιτοῦμαι.
Chorus
(820)
"Woe, woe! It was in quest of you, yes, you, great lord of my city, that I went, when I brought news to you that the Argive army was kindling fires about the ships;"
"For by the springs of Simois I vow my eye kept sleepless watch by night, nor did I slumber or sleep. Do not be angry with me, my lord; I am guiltless of all."
"Yet if hereafter you find that I in word or deed have done amiss, bury me alive beneath the earth; I ask no mercy."
"For by the springs of Simois I vow my eye kept sleepless watch by night, nor did I slumber or sleep. Do not be angry with me, my lord; I am guiltless of all."
"Yet if hereafter you find that I in word or deed have done amiss, bury me alive beneath the earth; I ask no mercy."
Ἡνίοχος
(833)
Τί τοῖσδʼ ἀπειλεῖς βάρβαρός τε βαρβάρου γνώμην ὑφαιρῇ τὴν ἐμήν, Πλέκων λόγους; Σὺ ταῦτʼ ἔδρασας· Οὐδένʼ ἂν δεξαίμεθα οὔθʼ οἱ θανόντες οὔτʼ ἂν οἱ τετρωμένοι ἄλλον· Μακροῦ γε δεῖ σε καὶ σοφοῦ λόγου, Ὅτῳ με πείσεις μὴ φίλους κατακτανεῖν, Ἵππων ἐρασθείς, Ὧν ἕκατι συμμάχους τοὺς σοὺς φονεύεις, Πόλλʼ ἐπισκήπτων μολεῖν. Ἦλθον, Τεθνᾶσιν· Εὐπρεπέστερον Πάρις ξενίαν κατῄσχυνʼ ἢ σὺ συμμάχους κτανών. Μὴ γάρ τι λέξῃς ὥς τις Ἀργείων μολὼν διώλεσʼ ἡμᾶς· Τίς δʼ ὑπερβαλὼν λόχους Τρώων ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς ἦλθεν, Ὥστε καὶ λαθεῖν; Σὺ πρόσθεν ἡμῶν ἧσο καὶ Φρυγῶν στρατός. Τίς οὖν τέτρωται, Τίς τέθνηκε συμμάχων τῶν σῶν, Μολόντων ὧν σὺ πολεμίων λέγεις; Ἡμεῖς δʼ ἑκὰς τετρώμεθʼ, Οἳ δὲ μειζόνως παθόντες οὐχ ὁρῶσιν ἡλίου φάος. Ἁπλῶς δʼ Ἀχαιῶν οὐδένʼ αἰτιώμεθα. Τίς δʼ ἂν χαμεύνας πολεμίων κατʼ εὐφρόνην Ῥήσου μολὼν ἐξηῦρεν, Εἰ μή τις θεῶν ἔφραζε τοῖς κτανοῦσιν; Οὐδʼ ἀφιγμένον τὸ πάμπαν ᾖσαν· Ἀλλὰ μηχανᾷ τάδε.
Charioteer
(833)
Why threaten these? Why try to undermine my barbarian mind with your subtle words, you yourself a barbarian? You did this deed; Neither they who have died nor we who are wounded will believe it was any other. A long and clever speech you’ll need to prove to me you did not slay your friends because you coveted the horses, and to gain them murdered your own allies, after strongly imposing on them come. They came, they are dead; Paris found more decent means to shame the rights of hospitality than you, who killed your allies. No, do not tell me some Argive came and slaughtered us. Who could have passed the Trojan lines and come against us without detection? You and your Phrygian troops were camped in front of us. Who was wounded, who was slain among your friends, when that foe you speak of came? It was we, far off, were wounded, while some have met a sterner fate and said farewell to the sunlight. Briefly, then, I blame no Achaean. For what enemy could have come and found the lowly bed of Rhesus in the dark, unless some god were guiding the murderers’ steps? They did not know so much as know of his arrival. No, this is your plot!
Ἕκτωρ
Χρόνον μὲν ἤδη συμμάχοισι χρώμεθα ὅσονπερ ἐν γῇ τῇδʼ Ἀχαιικὸς λεώς, Κοὐδὲν πρὸς αὐτῶν οἶδα πλημμελὲς κλύων· Ἐν σοὶ δʼ ἂν ἀρχοίμεσθα. Μὴ μʼ ἔρως ἕλοι τοιοῦτος ἵππων ὥστʼ ἀποκτείνειν φίλους. Καὶ ταῦτʼ Ὀδυσσεύς· Τίς γὰρ ἄλλος ἄν ποτε ἔδρασεν ἢ ʼβούλευσεν Ἀργείων ἀνήρ; Δέδοικα δʼ αὐτὸν καί τί μου θράσσει φρένας, Μὴ καὶ Δόλωνα συντυχὼν κατακτάνῃ· Χρόνον γὰρ ἤδη φροῦδος ὢν οὐ φαίνεται.
Hector
For a long time now I have had to do with allies, yes, ever since Achaea’s army settled in this land, and never a harsh word have I known them say of me; But with you I am to make a beginning. Never may such longing for horses seize me that I should slay my friends! This is the work of Odysseus; For who of all the Argives but he would have devised or carried out such a deed? I fear him; And my mind is a little troubled lest he should have met and slain Dolon as well; For he has been gone a long time and does not appear.
Ἡνίοχος
Οὐκ οἶδα τοὺς σοὺς οὓς λέγεις Ὀδυσσέας· Ἡμεῖς δʼ ὑπʼ ἐχθρῶν οὐδενὸς πεπλήγμεθα.
Charioteer
I do not know this Odysseus of whom you speak. It was no enemy’s hand that struck us.
Ἕκτωρ
Σὺ δʼ οὖν νόμιζε ταῦτʼ, Ἐπείπερ σοι δοκεῖ.
Hector
If it pleases you to think that, do so.
Ἡνίοχος
Ὦ γαῖα πατρίς, Πῶς ἂν ἐνθάνοιμί σοι;
Charioteer
O land of my fathers, would I might die in you!
Ἕκτωρ
Μὴ θνῇσχʼ· Ἅλις γὰρ τῶν τεθνηκότων ὄχλος.
Hector
Die! No! Enough are those already dead.
Ἡνίοχος
Ποῖ δὴ τράπωμαι δεσποτῶν μονούμενος;
Charioteer
Where am I to turn, I ask you, bereft of my master?
Ἕκτωρ
Οἶκός σε κεύθων οὑμὸς ἐξιάσεται.
Hector
My house shall shelter you and cure you of your hurt.
Ἡνίοχος
Καὶ πῶς με κηδεύσουσιν αὐθεντῶν χέρες;
Charioteer
How shall murderers’ hands care for me?
Ἕκτωρ
Ὅδʼ αὖ τὸν αὐτὸν μῦθον οὐ λήξει λέγων.
Hector
This fellow will never have done repeating the same story.
Ἡνίοχος
Ὄλοιθʼ ὁ δράσας. Οὐ γὰρ ἐς σὲ τείνεται γλῶσσʼ, Ὡς σὺ κομπεῖς· Ἡ Δίκη δʼ ἐπίσταται.
Charioteer
Curses on the doer of this deed! On you my tongue fixes no charge, as you complain; But Justice is over all.
Ἕκτωρ
Λάζυσθʼ· Ἄγοντες δʼ αὐτὸν ἐς δόμους ἐμούς, Οὕτως ὅπως ἂν μὴ ʼγκαλῇ πορσύνετε· Ὑμᾶς δʼ ἰόντας τοῖσιν ἐν τείχει χρεὼν Πριάμῳ τε καὶ γέρουσι σημῆναι νεκροὺς θάπτειν κελεύθου λεωφόρου πρὸς ἐκτροπάς.
Hector
Take him away; Carry him to my palace and tend him carefully, that he may have no fault to find. And you must go to those upon the walls, to Priam and his aged councillors, and tell them to give orders for the burial of the dead at the resting-place along the public road. [The charioteer is carried off.]
Χορός
(882)
Τί ποτʼ εὐτυχίας ἐκ τῆς μεγάλης Τροίαν ἀνάγει πάλιν ἐς πένθη δαίμων ἄλλος, Τί φυτεύων;
Ἔα ἔα. Ὦ ὦ. Τίς ὑπὲρ κεφαλῆς θεός, Ὦ βασιλεῦ, Τὸν νεόκμητον νεκρὸν ἐν χειροῖν φοράδην πέμπει; Ταρβῶ, Λεύσσων τόδε, Πῆμα.
Ἔα ἔα. Ὦ ὦ. Τίς ὑπὲρ κεφαλῆς θεός, Ὦ βασιλεῦ, Τὸν νεόκμητον νεκρὸν ἐν χειροῖν φοράδην πέμπει; Ταρβῶ, Λεύσσων τόδε, Πῆμα.
Chorus
(882)
Why does fate change and bring Troy once again to mourning after her great good fortune, planting what seeds?
Oh, oh! What deity above our heads, O king, bears in her hands as on a bier the newly slain corpse? I shudder at this sight of woe.
Oh, oh! What deity above our heads, O king, bears in her hands as on a bier the newly slain corpse? I shudder at this sight of woe.
Μοῦσα
(890)
Ὁρᾶν πάρεστι, Τρῶες· Ἡ γὰρ ἐν σοφοῖς τιμὰς ἔχουσα Μοῦσα συγγόνων μία πάρειμι, Παῖδα τόνδʼ ὁρῶσʼ οἰκτρῶς φίλον θανόνθʼ ὑπʼ ἐχθρῶν· Ὅν ποθʼ ὁ κτείνας χρόνῳ δόλιος Ὀδυσσεὺς ἀξίαν τείσει δίκην.
Muse
(890)
Behold me, Trojans; For I, the Muse, one of the nine sisters, that have honor among the wise, I am here, having seen the piteous death his foes have dealt my darling son. Yet the crafty Odysseus, that slew him, one day hereafter shall pay a fitting penalty.
Μοῦσα
(895)
Ἰαλέμῳ αὐθιγενεῖ, Τέκνον, Σʼ ὀλοφύρομαι, Ὦ ματρὸς ἄλγος, Οἵαν ἔκελσας ὁδὸν ποτὶ Τροίαν· Ἦ δυσδαίμονα καὶ μελέαν, Ἀπομεμφομένας ἐμοῦ πορευθείς, Ἀπὸ δʼ ἀντομένου πατρὸς βιαίως. Ὤμοι ἐγὼ σέθεν, Ὦ φιλία φιλία κεφαλά, Τέκνον, Ὤμοι.
Muse
(895)
O my son, your mother’s grief, I mourn for you in my native strains of woe! What a journey you made to Troy, a very path of ill-fortune and sorrow! Starting, in spite of all my warnings and your father’s earnest prayers, in defiance of us. Woe to me for you, my dear, dear son! Ah, woe!
Χορός
(904)
Ὅσον προσήκει μὴ γένους κοινωνίαν ἔχοντι λύπῃ τὸν σὸν οἰκτίρω γόνον.
Chorus Leader
(904)
As far as one can who has no common tie of kin, I bewail and mourn your son.
Μοῦσα
(906)
Ὄλοιτο μὲν Οἰνεΐδας, Ὄλοιτο δὲ Λαρτιάδας, Ὅς μʼ ἄπαιδα γέννας ἔθηκεν ἀριστοτόκοιο· Ἅ θʼ Ἕλλανα λιποῦσα δόμον Φρυγίων λεχέων ἔπλευσε πλαθεῖσʼ ὑπʼ Ἰλίῳ ὤλεσε μὲν σʼ ἕκατι Τροίας, Φίλτατε, Μυριάδας τε πόλεις ἀνδρῶν ἀγαθῶν ἐκένωσεν.
Muse
(906)
Curses on the son of Oeneus! Curses on Laertes’ child! Who has bereft me of my fair son and left me childless! And on that woman, too, that left her home in Hellas, and sailed here with her Phrygian lover, bringing death to you, my dearest, for the sake of Troy, and emptying countless cities of their brave heroes.
Μοῦσα
(915)
Ἦ πολλὰ μὲν ζῶν, Πολλά δʼ εἰς Ἅιδου μολών, Φιλάμμονος παῖ, Τῆς ἐμῆς ἥψω φρενός· Ὕβρις γάρ, Ἥ σʼ ἔσφηλε, Καὶ Μουσῶν ἔρις τεκεῖν μʼ ἔθηκε τόνδε δύστηνον γόνον. Περῶσα γὰρ δὴ ποταμίους διὰ ῥοὰς λέκτροις ἐπλάθην Στρυμόνος φυταλμίοις, Ὅτʼ ἤλθομεν γῆς χρυσόβωλον ἐς λέπας Πάγγαιον ὀργάνοισιν ἐξησκημέναι Μοῦσαι μεγίστην εἰς ἔριν μελῳδίας κείνῳ σοφιστῇ Θρῃκί, Κἀκτυφλώσαμεν Θάμυριν, Ὃς ἡμῶν πόλλʼ ἐδέννασεν τέχνην. Κἀπεὶ σὲ τίκτω, Συγγόνους αἰδουμένη καὶ παρθενείαν, Ἧκʼ ἐς εὐύδρου πατρὸς δίνας· Τρέφειν δέ σʼ οὐ βρότειον ἐς χέρα Στρυμὼν δίδωσιν, Ἀλλὰ πηγαίαις κόραις. Ἔνθʼ ἐκτραφεὶς κάλλιστα Παρθένων ὕπο, Θρῄκης ἀνάσσων πρῶτος ἦσθʼ ἀνδρῶν, Τέκνον. Καί σʼ ἀμφὶ γῆν μὲν πατρίαν φιλαιμάτους ἀλκὰς κορύσσοντʼ οὐκ ἐδείμαινον θανεῖν· Τροίας δʼ ἀπηύδων ἄστυ μὴ κέλσαι ποτε, Εἰδυῖα τὸν σὸν πότμον· Ἀλλά σʼ Ἕκτορος πρεσβεύμαθʼ αἵ τε μυρίαι γερουσίαι ἔπεισαν ἐλθεῖν κἀπικουρῆσαι φίλοις. Καὶ τοῦδʼ, Ἀθάνα, Παντὸς αἰτία μόρου, — Οὐδὲν δʼ Ὀδυσσεὺς οὐδʼ ὁ Τυδέως τόκος ἔδρασε δράσας — Μὴ δόκει λεληθέναι. Καίτοι πόλιν σὴν σύγγονοι πρεσβεύομεν Μοῦσαι μάλιστα κἀπιχρώμεθα χθονί, Μυστηρίων τε τῶν ἀπορρήτων φανὰς ἔδειξεν Ὀρφεύς, Αὐτανέψιος νεκροῦ τοῦδʼ ὃν κατακτείνεις σύ· Μουσαῖόν τε, Σὸν σεμνὸν πολίτην κἀπὶ πλεῖστον ἄνδρʼ ἕνα ἐλθόντα, Φοῖβος σύγγονοί τʼ ἠσκήσαμεν. Καὶ τῶνδε μισθὸν παῖδʼ ἔχουσʼ ἐν ἀγκάλαις θρηνῶ· Σοφιστὴν δʼ ἄλλον οὐκ ἐπάξομαι.
Muse
(915)
Many indeed are the wounds, Thamyris, son of Philammon, that you have inflicted on my heart, in your life and in your death. Yes, for it was your pride, your own undoing, and your rivalry with the Muses that made me mother of this poor son of mine. For as I crossed the river’s streams I came too near to Strymon’s fruitful couch, that day we Muses came to the brow of Mount Pangaeus with its soil of gold, furnished forth with all our music for one great trial of minstrel skill with that clever Thracian bard; And we blinded him, Thamyris, the man who often reviled our craft. And then, when I gave birth to you, because I felt shame of my sisters and my virginity, I sent you to the swirling stream of your father, the river; And Strymon did not entrust your nurture to mortal hands, but to the fountain nymphs. There you were reared most fairly by the maiden nymphs, and you ruled over Thrace, a leader among men, my child. So long as you ranged your native land in quest of bloody deeds of prowess I did not fear for your death; But I forbade you to set out for Troy, in my knowledge of your doom; But Hector’s sages and those countless embassies persuaded you to go and help your friends. This was your doing, Athena; You alone are to blame for his death —"neither Odysseus nor the son of Tydeus had anything to do with it"— Do not think it has escaped my eye. And yet we sister Muses do special honor to your city, your land we chiefly haunt; And those dark mysteries with their torch processions were revealed by Orpheus, cousin of this dead man whom you have slain. Musaeus, too, your holy citizen, of all men most advanced in lore, was trained by Phoebus and us, the nine sisters. And here is your reward for this; In my arms I hold my child and mourn for him. I’ll bring to you no other learned man.
Χορός
Μάτην ἄρʼ ἡμᾶς Θρῄκιος τροχηλάτης ἐδέννασʼ, Ἕκτορ, Τῷδε βουλεῦσαι φόνον.
Chorus Leader
Vainly it seems the Thracian charioteer reviled us with plotting this man’s murder, Hector.
Ἕκτωρ
(952)
ᾔδη τάδʼ· Οὐδὲν μάντεων ἔδει φράσαι Ὀδυσσέως τέχναισι τόνδʼ ὀλωλότα. Ἐγὼ δὲ γῆς ἔφεδρον Ἑλλήνων στρατὸν λεύσσων, Τί μὴν ἔμελλον οὐ πέμψειν φίλοις κήρυκας, Ἐλθεῖν κἀπικουρῆσαι χθονί; Ἔπεμψʼ· Ὀφείλων δʼ ἦλθε συμπονεῖν ἐμοί. Οὐ μὴν θανόντι γʼ οὐδαμῶς συνήδομαι. Καὶ νῦν ἕτοιμος τῷδε καὶ τεῦξαι τάφον καὶ ξυμπυρῶσαι μυρίων πέπλων χλιδήν· Φίλος γὰρ ἐλθὼν δυστυχῶς ἀπέρχεται.
Hector
(952)
I knew it; It needed no seer to say that he had perished by the arts of Odysseus. Now I, when I saw the Hellene army camped in my land, of course would not hesitate to send heralds to my friends, bidding them come and help my country; And so I sent, and he as in duty bound came to share my toils. I do not at all rejoice to see him dead. And now I am ready to raise a tomb for him and burn at his pyre great store of fine raiment; For he came as a friend and in sorrow he is going away.
Μοῦσα
Οὐκ εἶσι γαίας ἐς μελάγχιμον πέδον· Τοσόνδε Νύμφην τὴν ἔνερθʼ αἰτήσομαι, Τῆς καρποποιοῦ παῖδα Δήμητρος θεᾶς, Ψυχὴν ἀνεῖναι τοῦδʼ· Ὀφειλέτις δέ μοι τοὺς Ὀρφέως τιμῶσα φαίνεσθαι φίλους. Κἀμοὶ μὲν ὡς θανών τε κοὐ λεύσσων φάος ἔσται τὸ λοιπόν· Οὐ γὰρ ἐς ταὐτόν ποτε οὔτʼ εἶσιν οὔτε μητρὸς ὄψεται δέμας· Κρυπτὸς δʼ ἐν ἄντροις τῆς ὑπαργύρου χθονὸς ἀνθρωποδαίμων κείσεται βλέπων φάος, Βάκχου προφήτης ὥστε Παγγαίου πέτραν ᾤκησε, Σεμνὸς τοῖσιν εἰδόσιν θεός. Ῥᾷον δὲ πένθος τῆς θαλασσίας θεοῦ οἴσω· Θανεῖν γὰρ καὶ τὸν ἐκ κείνης χρεών. Θρήνοις δʼ ἀδελφαὶ πρῶτα μὲν σὲ ὑμνήσομεν, Ἔπειτʼ Ἀχιλλέα Θέτιδος ἐν πένθει ποτέ. Οὐ ῥύσεταί νιν Παλλάς, Ἥ σʼ ἀπέκτανεν· Τοῖον φαρέτρα Λοξίου σῴζει βέλος. Ὦ παιδοποιοὶ συμφοραί, Πόνοι βροτῶν· Ὡς ὅστις ὑμᾶς μὴ κακῶς λογίζεται, Ἄπαις διοίσει κοὐ τεκὼν θάψει τέκνα.
Muse
He shall not go into earth’s dark soil; So earnest a prayer will I address to the bride of the nether world, the daughter of the goddess Demeter, giver of increase, to release his soul; And, debtor as she is to me, show that she honors the friends of Orpheus. And to me for the rest of time he will be as one who is dead and does not see the light; For never again will he meet me or see his mother; But he will lie hidden in a cavern of the land with veins of silver, restored to life, a deified man, just as the prophet of Bacchus dwelt in a grotto beneath Pangaeus, a god whom his votaries honored. Lightly now shall I feel the grief of the sea-goddess, for her son too must die. First then for you we sisters must chant our dirge, and then for Achilles when Thetis mourns some day. Pallas, your slayer, shall not save him; So true the shaft Loxias keeps in his quiver for him. Oh, the sorrows that a mother feels! The troubles of mortals! Whoever fairly reckons you up will live and die childless and will have no children to bury.
Χορός
Οὗτος μὲν ἤδη μητρὶ κηδεύειν μέλει· Σὺ δʼ εἴ τι πράσσειν τῶν προκειμένων θέλεις, Ἕκτορ, Πάρεστι· Φῶς γὰρ ἡμέρας τόδε.
Chorus Leader
His mother now must see to this man’s burial; But for you, Hector, if you will carry out any scheme, now is the time, for day is dawning.
Ἕκτωρ
Χωρεῖτε, Συμμάχους δʼ ὁπλίζεσθαι τάχος ἄνωχθε πληροῦν τʼ αὐχένας ξυνωρίδων. Πανοὺς δʼ ἔχοντας χρὴ μένειν Τυρσηνικῆς σάλπιγγος αὐδήν· Ὡς ὑπερβαλὼν στρατὸν τείχη τʼ Ἀχαιῶν ναυσὶν αἶθον ἐμβαλεῖν πέποιθα Τρωσί θʼ ἡμέραν ἐλευθέραν ἀκτῖνα τὴν στείχουσαν ἡλίου φέρειν.
Hector
Go, bid our allies arm at once and yoke the horses; Torch in hand you must await the blast of the Etrurian trumpet; For I hope to pass beyond their army and walls and fire the ships of the Achaeans, bringing to the Trojans this approaching beam of the sun as the day of freedom.
Χορός
(993)
Πείθου βασιλεῖ· Στείχωμεν ὅπλοις κοσμησάμενοι καὶ ξυμμαχίᾳ τάδε φράζωμεν· Τάχα δʼ ἂν νίκην δοίη δαίμων ὁ μεθʼ ἡμῶν.
Chorus
(993)
Obedience to our prince! Let us go to array ourselves in armor and tell these orders to our allies; Perhaps the god who is on our side may grant us victory.
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