Homer ILIAD : Rhapsody 18

Page 24

On it he also placed a soft fallow field,[610] rich glebe, wide, thrice-ploughed; and in it many ploughmen drove hither and thither, turning round their teams. But when, returning, they reached the end of the field, then a man, advancing, gave into their hands a cup of very sweet wine; but they turned themselves in series,[611] eager to reach the [other] end of the deep fallow. But it was all black behind, similar to ploughed land, which indeed was a marvel beyond [all others].

On it likewise he placed a field of deep corn, where reapers were cutting, having sharp sickles in their hands. Some handfuls fell one after the other upon the ground along the furrow, and the binders of sheaves tied others with bands. Three binders followed [the reapers], whilst behind them boys gathering the handfuls, [and] bearing them in their arms, continually supplied them; and amongst them the master stood by the swathe[612] in silence, holding a sceptre, delighted in heart. But apart, beneath an oak, servants were preparing a banquet, and sacrificing a huge ox, they ministered; whilst women sprinkled much white barley[613] [on the meat], as a supper for the reapers.

[Footnote 610: With the whole of this description of the shield of Achilles, the lover of poetry should compare Milton, P.L. xi. 638, sqq. with the remarks of Bishop Newton.]

[Footnote 611: But Hesychius by [Greek: ogmous] understood [Greek: aulakas], "the furrows." See Schneid. on Nicand. Ther. 371.]

[Footnote 612: I here follow the Oxford translator. The term [Greek: basileus] is well in accordance with the simple manners of the early ages, when kings were farmers on a large scale. Many of our Saviour's parables present a similar association of agriculture with the regal dignity.]

[Footnote 613: Probably a religious rite. Cf. i. 449, 458.]

Previous / First / Next Page of this Rhapsody

HOMER'S ILIAD COMPLETE

Rhapsody 18

Homer Bilingual Anthology Studies Homer in Print

Learned Freeware