Reference address : https://www.ellopos.net/elpenor/greek-texts/ancient-greece/homer/iliad-17.asp?pg=19

ELPENOR - Home of the Greek Word

Three Millennia of Greek Literature
HOMER HOME PAGE  /  HOMER EPICS  

HOMER'S ILIAD COMPLETE

Rhapsody 17

Literally Translated, with Explanatory Notes, by Theodore Alois Buckley

Homer Bilingual Anthology  Studies  Homer in Print



ELPENOR EDITIONS IN PRINT

The Original Greek New Testament
Page 19

Thus he spake; and Idomeneus lashed on the beautiful-maned steeds to the hollow ships; for fear now seized his mind.

Nor did Jove escape notice of magnanimous Ajax and Menelaus, when he for the present gave the dubious victory to the Trojans; but to them the mighty Ajax, son of Telamon, began to speak:

"Alas! even he who is very stupid might now know that father Jove himself is aiding the Trojans; for the weapons of them all take effect, whoever may throw them, whether coward or brave man. Jove certainly directs them all. But the weapons of all of us fall to the earth in vain. Come, however, let us devise the best plan, both how we may drag off the corse, and how we ourselves may be a source of joy to our beloved comrades, having returned home. They, of a truth, beholding us here, are grieved, and think that we shall no longer resist the might and invincible hands of man-slaughtering Hector. But, would there were some companion who would quickly bring word to Achilles, since I think he has not yet heard the mournful tidings, that his dear comrade has died. But nowhere can I see such a person among the Greeks, for they and their steeds are together enveloped in darkness. O father Jove, liberate at least the sons of the Greeks from darkness; make a clear atmosphere, and grant us to see with our eyes; then destroy us in the light,[566] if thus it be pleasing to thee."

[Footnote 566: A prayer well worthy of Ajax. Ammian. Marcell. xxviii.: "Per horrorem tenebrarum—quo tempore hebetari solent obstrictae terroribus mentes; ut inter innumera multa Ajax quoque Homericus docet, optans perire potius luce, quam pati formidinis augmenta nocturnae." Cf. Longin. ix.]

Previous / First / Next Page of this Rhapsody
Homer's Complete ILIAD & ODYSSEY Contents

Homer Bilingual Anthology ||| Elpenor's Free Greek Lessons
A Commentary on the ODYSSEY ||| Interlinear ILIAD
Three Millennia of Greek Literature

 

Greek Literature - Ancient, Medieval, Modern

  Iliad and Odyssey Home Page   Homer Home Page & Bilingual Anthology
Homer in Print

Elpenor's Greek Forum : Post a question / Start a discussion

Learned Freeware

Reference address : https://www.ellopos.net/elpenor/greek-texts/ancient-greece/homer/iliad-17.asp?pg=19