The Whole Works of Homer Prince of Poetts: In his Iliads, and Odysses. Translated according to the Greeke. By Geo: Chapman |
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| 22. | THE XXII. BOOKE OF HOMERS ILIADS. |
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 | The Whole Works of Homer |  |
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THE XXII. BOOKE OF HOMERS ILIADS.
The Argvment.
All Troians housd but Hector; onely he,Keepes field, and vndergoes th' extremitie.
Æacides assaulting; Hector flies.
Minerua stayes him: he resists, and dies.
Achilles to his chariot doth enforce;
And to the nauall station, drags his corse.
Another Argument.
Hector (in Chi) to death is done,By powre of Peleus angry sonne.
Thus (chac't like Hinds) the Ilians, tooke time to drinke and eate,
And to refresh them; getting off, the mingl'd dust and sweate;
And good strōg rāpires on in stead. The Greeks thē cast their shields
Aloft their shoulders; and now Fate, their neare inuasion yeelds
Of those tough wals. Her deadly hand, compelling Hectors stay
Before Troy at the Scæan ports. Achilles still made way
At Phœbus; who, his bright head turn'd; and askt: Why (Peleus sonne)
Pursu'st thou (being a man) a god? thy rage hath neuer done.
Acknowledge not thine eyes my state? esteemes thy mind no more
Thy honor in the chase of Troy; but puts my chace before
Their vtter conquest? they are all, now housde in Ilion,
While thou hunt'st me. What wishest thou? my bloud will neuer runne
On thy proud iauelin. It is thou (repli'd Æacides)
That putst dishonor thus on me, (thou worst of deities)
Thou turndst me from the walls, whose ports, had neuer entertaind
Numbers now enter'd; ouer whom, thy sauing hand hath raign'd,
And robd my honor. And all is, since all thy actions stand,
Past feare of reckoning: but held I, the measure in my hand,
It should affoord thee deare-bought scapes. Thus with elated spirits,
(Steed-like, that at Olympus games, weares garlands for his merits,
And rattles home his chariot, extending all his pride)
Achilles so parts with the god. When aged Priam spide
The great Greek come, (sphear'd round with beames, and show'ng as if the star,
Surnam'd Orions hound; that springs, in Autumne, and sends farre
His radiance through a world of starres; of all whose beames, his owne
Cast greatest splendor: the midnight, that renders them most showne,
Then being their foile; and on their points; cure-passing Feuers then,
Come shaking downe, into the ioynts, of miserable men:
As this were falne to earth; and shot, along the field his raies,
Now towards Priam (when he saw, in great Æacides)
Out flew his tender voice in shriekes; and with raisde hands he smit
His reuerend head; then vp to heauen, he cast them; shewing it,
What plagues it sent him; Downe againe, then threw them to his sonne,
To make him shun them. He now stood, without steepe Ilion,
Thirsting the combat; and to him, thus miserably cride
The kind old king: O Hector! flie, this man, this homicide,
That strait will stroy thee. Hee's too strong; and would to heauen he were,
As strong in heauens loue as in mine; Vultures and dogs should teare
His prostrate carkasse; all my woes, quencht with his bloudy spirits.
He has robd me of many sonnes; and worthy; and their merits
Sold to farre Ilands. Two of them (aye me) I misse but now;
They are not enterd; nor stay here; Laothoe, O twas thou,
(O Queene of women) from whose wombe, they breath'd: O did the tents
Detaine them onely; brasse and gold, would purschase safe euents,
To their sad durance: tis within. Old Altes (yong in fame)
Gaue plentie fot his daughters dowre; but if they fed the flame
Of this mans furie, woe is me; woe to my wretched Queene.
But in our states woe, their two deaths, will nought at all be seene;
So thy life quit them: take the towne; retire (deare sonne) and saue
Troys husbands and her wiues; nor giue, thine owne life to the graue,
For this mans glorie: pitie me; me, wretch, so long aliue;
Whom in the doore of Age, Ioue keepes; that so he may depriue
My being, in Fortunes vtmost curse; to see the blackest thred
Of this lifes miseries; my sonnes slaine; my daughters rauished;
Their resting chambers sackt; their babes, torne from them, on their knees
Pleading for mercie; themselues dragd, to Grecian slaueries,
(And all this drawne through my red eyes.) Then last of all kneele I,
Alone, all helplesse, at my gates, before my enemie,
That (ruthlesse) giues me to my dogs: all the deformitie
Of age discouer'd; and all this, thy death (sought wilfully)
Will poure on me. A faire yong man, at all parts it beseemes,
(Being brauely slaine) to lie all gasht; and weare the worst extremes
Of warres most crueltie; no wound, of whatsoeuer ruth,
But is his ornament: but I, a man so farre from youth;
White head, white bearded, wrinkl'd, pin'd; all shames must shew the eye:
Liue; preuent this then; this most shame, of all mans miserie.
And to refresh them; getting off, the mingl'd dust and sweate;
And good strōg rāpires on in stead. The Greeks thē cast their shields
Aloft their shoulders; and now Fate, their neare inuasion yeelds
Of those tough wals. Her deadly hand, compelling Hectors stay
Before Troy at the Scæan ports. Achilles still made way
At Phœbus; who, his bright head turn'd; and askt: Why (Peleus sonne)
Pursu'st thou (being a man) a god? thy rage hath neuer done.
Acknowledge not thine eyes my state? esteemes thy mind no more
Thy honor in the chase of Troy; but puts my chace before
Their vtter conquest? they are all, now housde in Ilion,
While thou hunt'st me. What wishest thou? my bloud will neuer runne
On thy proud iauelin. It is thou (repli'd Æacides)
That putst dishonor thus on me, (thou worst of deities)
Thou turndst me from the walls, whose ports, had neuer entertaind
Numbers now enter'd; ouer whom, thy sauing hand hath raign'd,
And robd my honor. And all is, since all thy actions stand,
Past feare of reckoning: but held I, the measure in my hand,
It should affoord thee deare-bought scapes. Thus with elated spirits,
(Steed-like, that at Olympus games, weares garlands for his merits,
And rattles home his chariot, extending all his pride)
Achilles so parts with the god. When aged Priam spide
The great Greek come, (sphear'd round with beames, and show'ng as if the star,
Surnam'd Orions hound; that springs, in Autumne, and sends farre
His radiance through a world of starres; of all whose beames, his owne
Cast greatest splendor: the midnight, that renders them most showne,
Then being their foile; and on their points; cure-passing Feuers then,
300
As this were falne to earth; and shot, along the field his raies,
Now towards Priam (when he saw, in great Æacides)
Out flew his tender voice in shriekes; and with raisde hands he smit
His reuerend head; then vp to heauen, he cast them; shewing it,
What plagues it sent him; Downe againe, then threw them to his sonne,
To make him shun them. He now stood, without steepe Ilion,
Thirsting the combat; and to him, thus miserably cride
The kind old king: O Hector! flie, this man, this homicide,
That strait will stroy thee. Hee's too strong; and would to heauen he were,
As strong in heauens loue as in mine; Vultures and dogs should teare
His prostrate carkasse; all my woes, quencht with his bloudy spirits.
He has robd me of many sonnes; and worthy; and their merits
Sold to farre Ilands. Two of them (aye me) I misse but now;
They are not enterd; nor stay here; Laothoe, O twas thou,
(O Queene of women) from whose wombe, they breath'd: O did the tents
Detaine them onely; brasse and gold, would purschase safe euents,
To their sad durance: tis within. Old Altes (yong in fame)
Gaue plentie fot his daughters dowre; but if they fed the flame
Of this mans furie, woe is me; woe to my wretched Queene.
But in our states woe, their two deaths, will nought at all be seene;
So thy life quit them: take the towne; retire (deare sonne) and saue
Troys husbands and her wiues; nor giue, thine owne life to the graue,
For this mans glorie: pitie me; me, wretch, so long aliue;
Whom in the doore of Age, Ioue keepes; that so he may depriue
My being, in Fortunes vtmost curse; to see the blackest thred
Of this lifes miseries; my sonnes slaine; my daughters rauished;
Their resting chambers sackt; their babes, torne from them, on their knees
Pleading for mercie; themselues dragd, to Grecian slaueries,
(And all this drawne through my red eyes.) Then last of all kneele I,
Alone, all helplesse, at my gates, before my enemie,
That (ruthlesse) giues me to my dogs: all the deformitie
Of age discouer'd; and all this, thy death (sought wilfully)
Will poure on me. A faire yong man, at all parts it beseemes,
(Being brauely slaine) to lie all gasht; and weare the worst extremes
Of warres most crueltie; no wound, of whatsoeuer ruth,
But is his ornament: but I, a man so farre from youth;
White head, white bearded, wrinkl'd, pin'd; all shames must shew the eye:
Liue; preuent this then; this most shame, of all mans miserie.
Thus wept the old king, and tore off, his white haire; yet all these
Retir'd not Hector. Hecuba, then fell vpon her knees;
Stript nak't her bosome, shew'd her breasts, and bad him reuerence them,
And pitie her: if euer she, had quieted his exclaime,
He would ceasse hers, and take the towne; not tempting the rude field,
When all had left it: thinke (said she) I gaue thee life to yeeld
My life reomfort; thy rich wife, shall haue no rites of thee,
Nor do thee rites: our teares shall pay, thy corse no obsequie,
Being rauisht from vs; Grecian dogs, nourisht, with what I nurst.
Retir'd not Hector. Hecuba, then fell vpon her knees;
Stript nak't her bosome, shew'd her breasts, and bad him reuerence them,
And pitie her: if euer she, had quieted his exclaime,
He would ceasse hers, and take the towne; not tempting the rude field,
When all had left it: thinke (said she) I gaue thee life to yeeld
My life reomfort; thy rich wife, shall haue no rites of thee,
Nor do thee rites: our teares shall pay, thy corse no obsequie,
Being rauisht from vs; Grecian dogs, nourisht, with what I nurst.
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Thus wept both these; and to his ruth, proposde the vtmost worst,
Of what could chance them; yet he staid. And now drew deadly neare,
Mightie Achilles; yet he still, kept deadly station there.
Looke how a Dragon, when she sees, a traueller bent vpon
Her breeding den; her bosome fed, with fell contagion,
Gathers her forces, sits him firme, and at his nearest pace,
Wraps all her Cauerne in her folds, and thrusts a horrid face
Out at his entrie: Hector so, with vnextinguisht spirit,
Stood great Achilles; stird no foote; but at the prominent turret,
Bent to his bright shield, and resolu'd, to beare falne heauen on it.
Yet all this resolute abode, did not so truly fit
His free election; but be felt, a much more galling spurre
To the performance, with conceit, of what he should incurre,
Entring, like others; for this cause; to which, he thus gaue way.
Of what could chance them; yet he staid. And now drew deadly neare,
Mightie Achilles; yet he still, kept deadly station there.
Looke how a Dragon, when she sees, a traueller bent vpon
Her breeding den; her bosome fed, with fell contagion,
Gathers her forces, sits him firme, and at his nearest pace,
Wraps all her Cauerne in her folds, and thrusts a horrid face
Out at his entrie: Hector so, with vnextinguisht spirit,
Stood great Achilles; stird no foote; but at the prominent turret,
Bent to his bright shield, and resolu'd, to beare falne heauen on it.
Yet all this resolute abode, did not so truly fit
His free election; but be felt, a much more galling spurre
To the performance, with conceit, of what he should incurre,
Entring, like others; for this cause; to which, he thus gaue way.
O me, if I shall take the towne, Polydamas will lay
This flight, and all this death on me; who counseld me to leade
My powres to Troy: this last blacke night, when so I saw make head,
Incenst Achilles; I yet staid; though (past all doubt) that course
Had much more profited then mine; which, (being by so much worse,
As comes to all our flight, and death) my folly now I feare,
Hath bred this scandall; all our towne, now burnes my ominous eare
With whispering: Hectors selfe conceit, hath cast away his host.
And (this true) this extremitie, that I relie on most,
Is best for me; stay, and retire, with this mans life; or die
Here for our citie with renowme; since all else fled, but I.
And yet one way, cuts both these wayes; what if I hang my shield,
My helme and lance here, on these wals; and meete in humble field,
Renowm'd Achilles, offering him, Hellen, and all the wealth,
What euer in his hollow keeles, bore Alexanders stealth
For both th' Atrides? For the rest; what euer is possest
In all this citie, knowne, or hid, by oath shall be confest
Of all our citizens; of which, one halfe the Greeks shall haue;
One halfe themselues. But why (lou'd soule) would these suggestions saue
Thy state still in me? Ile not sue; nor would he grant; but I,
(Mine armes cast off) should be assur'd, a womans death to die.
To men of oke and rocke, no words; virgins and youths talke thus;
Virgins and youths, that loue, and wooe; there's other warre with vs:
What blowes and conflicts vrge, we crie; hates and defiances;
And with the garlands these trees beare, trie which hand Ioue will blesse.
This flight, and all this death on me; who counseld me to leade
My powres to Troy: this last blacke night, when so I saw make head,
Incenst Achilles; I yet staid; though (past all doubt) that course
Had much more profited then mine; which, (being by so much worse,
As comes to all our flight, and death) my folly now I feare,
Hath bred this scandall; all our towne, now burnes my ominous eare
With whispering: Hectors selfe conceit, hath cast away his host.
And (this true) this extremitie, that I relie on most,
Is best for me; stay, and retire, with this mans life; or die
Here for our citie with renowme; since all else fled, but I.
And yet one way, cuts both these wayes; what if I hang my shield,
My helme and lance here, on these wals; and meete in humble field,
Renowm'd Achilles, offering him, Hellen, and all the wealth,
What euer in his hollow keeles, bore Alexanders stealth
For both th' Atrides? For the rest; what euer is possest
In all this citie, knowne, or hid, by oath shall be confest
Of all our citizens; of which, one halfe the Greeks shall haue;
One halfe themselues. But why (lou'd soule) would these suggestions saue
Thy state still in me? Ile not sue; nor would he grant; but I,
(Mine armes cast off) should be assur'd, a womans death to die.
To men of oke and rocke, no words; virgins and youths talke thus;
Virgins and youths, that loue, and wooe; there's other warre with vs:
What blowes and conflicts vrge, we crie; hates and defiances;
And with the garlands these trees beare, trie which hand Ioue will blesse.
These thoughts emploid his stay; and now, Achilles comes; now neare
His Mars-like presence, terribly, came brandishing his speare;
His right arme shooke it; his bright armes, like day came glittering on,
Like fire-light, or the light of heauen, strot from the rising Sun.
This sight outwrought discourse; cold Feare, shooke Hector from his stand;
No more stay now; all ports were left; he fled in feare the hand
Of that Feare-master, who hauk-like, aires swiftest passenger,
That holds a timorous Doue in chaoe; and with command doth beare
His fierie onset: the Doue hasts; the Hauke comes whizzing on;
This way, and that, he turnes, and winds, and cuffes the Pigeon;
And till he trusse it, his great spirit, layes hote charge on his wing:
So vrg'd Achilles, Hectors fright; so still, Feares point did sting
His troubl'd spirit; his knees wrought hard; along the wall he flew;
In that faire chariot way, that runnes, beneath the towre of view,
And Troys wilde fig-tree; till they reacht, where those two mother springs,
Of deepe Scamander, pour'd abroad, their siluer murmurings.
One warme, and casts out fumes, as fire; the other, cold as snow,
Or haile dissolu'd. And when the Sunne, made ardent sommer glow,
There waters concrete cristall shin'd, neare which, were cisternes made,
All pau'd, and cleare; where Troian wiues, and their faire daughters had
Landrie for their fine linnen weeds; in times of cleanly Peace,
Before the Grecians brought their siege. These Captaines noted these;
One flying; th' other in pursuite; a strong man flew before;
A stronger follow'd him by farre, and close vp to him bore.
Both did their best; for neither now, ranne for a sacrifice;
Or for the sacrificers hide, (our runners vsuall prise)
These ranne for tame-horse Hectors soule. And as two running Steeds,
Backt in some set race for a game, that tries their swiftest speeds,
(A tripod, or a woman giuen, for some mans funerals):
Such speed made these men; and on foote, ranne thrice about the wals.
His Mars-like presence, terribly, came brandishing his speare;
His right arme shooke it; his bright armes, like day came glittering on,
Like fire-light, or the light of heauen, strot from the rising Sun.
This sight outwrought discourse; cold Feare, shooke Hector from his stand;
No more stay now; all ports were left; he fled in feare the hand
Of that Feare-master, who hauk-like, aires swiftest passenger,
That holds a timorous Doue in chaoe; and with command doth beare
His fierie onset: the Doue hasts; the Hauke comes whizzing on;
302
And till he trusse it, his great spirit, layes hote charge on his wing:
So vrg'd Achilles, Hectors fright; so still, Feares point did sting
His troubl'd spirit; his knees wrought hard; along the wall he flew;
In that faire chariot way, that runnes, beneath the towre of view,
And Troys wilde fig-tree; till they reacht, where those two mother springs,
Of deepe Scamander, pour'd abroad, their siluer murmurings.
One warme, and casts out fumes, as fire; the other, cold as snow,
Or haile dissolu'd. And when the Sunne, made ardent sommer glow,
There waters concrete cristall shin'd, neare which, were cisternes made,
All pau'd, and cleare; where Troian wiues, and their faire daughters had
Landrie for their fine linnen weeds; in times of cleanly Peace,
Before the Grecians brought their siege. These Captaines noted these;
One flying; th' other in pursuite; a strong man flew before;
A stronger follow'd him by farre, and close vp to him bore.
Both did their best; for neither now, ranne for a sacrifice;
Or for the sacrificers hide, (our runners vsuall prise)
These ranne for tame-horse Hectors soule. And as two running Steeds,
Backt in some set race for a game, that tries their swiftest speeds,
(A tripod, or a woman giuen, for some mans funerals):
Such speed made these men; and on foote, ranne thrice about the wals.
The gods beheld them; all much mou'd; and Ioue said: O ill sight!
A man I loue much, I see forc't, in most vnworthy flight
About great Ilion; my heart grieues; he paid so many vowes,
With thighes of sacrificed beeues; both on the loftie browes
Of Ida, and in Ilions height. Consult we; shall we free
His life from death? or giue it now, t'Achilles victorie?
A man I loue much, I see forc't, in most vnworthy flight
About great Ilion; my heart grieues; he paid so many vowes,
With thighes of sacrificed beeues; both on the loftie browes
Of Ida, and in Ilions height. Consult we; shall we free
His life from death? or giue it now, t'Achilles victorie?
Minerua answer'd: Alter Fate? one, long since markt for death,
Now take from death? do thou; but know, he still shall runne beneath,
Our other censures. Be it then, (replide the Thunderer)
My lou'd Tritonia, at thy will; in this I will preferre
Thy free intention; worke it all. Then stoopt she from the skie,
To this great combat. Peleus sonne, pursu'd incessantly
Still-flying Hector: As a Hound, that hauing rouz'd a Hart,
Although he tappish ne're so oft; and euery shrubbie part,
Attempts for strength, and trembles in; the Hound doth still pursue
So close, that not a foote he failes; but hunts it still at view:
So plied Achilles, Hectors steps; as oft as he assail'd
The Dardan ports and towres for strength, (to fetch from thence some aid,
With winged shafts) so oft forc't he, amends of pace; and stept
Twixt him and all his hopes; and still, vpon the field he kept
His vtmost turnings to the towne. And yet, as in a dreame,
One thinkes he giues another chace; when such a fain'd extreame
Possesseth both; that he in chace, the chacer cannot flie;
Nor can the chacer get to hand, his flying enemie:
So, nor Achilles chace could reach, the flight of Hectors pace;
Nor Hectors flight enlarge it selfe, of swift Achilles chace.
Now take from death? do thou; but know, he still shall runne beneath,
Our other censures. Be it then, (replide the Thunderer)
My lou'd Tritonia, at thy will; in this I will preferre
Thy free intention; worke it all. Then stoopt she from the skie,
To this great combat. Peleus sonne, pursu'd incessantly
Still-flying Hector: As a Hound, that hauing rouz'd a Hart,
Although he tappish ne're so oft; and euery shrubbie part,
Attempts for strength, and trembles in; the Hound doth still pursue
So close, that not a foote he failes; but hunts it still at view:
So plied Achilles, Hectors steps; as oft as he assail'd
The Dardan ports and towres for strength, (to fetch from thence some aid,
With winged shafts) so oft forc't he, amends of pace; and stept
Twixt him and all his hopes; and still, vpon the field he kept
His vtmost turnings to the towne. And yet, as in a dreame,
One thinkes he giues another chace; when such a fain'd extreame
Possesseth both; that he in chace, the chacer cannot flie;
Nor can the chacer get to hand, his flying enemie:
So, nor Achilles chace could reach, the flight of Hectors pace;
Nor Hectors flight enlarge it selfe, of swift Achilles chace.
But how chanc't this? how, all this time, could Hector beare the knees
Of fierce Achilles, with his owne; and keepe off Destinies,
If Phœbus (for his last and best) through all that course had fail'd,
To adde his succours to his nerues? And (as his foe assail'd)
Neare, and within him, fed his scape. Achilles yet well knew,
His knees would fetch him; and gaue signes, to some friends (making shew
Of shooting at him) to forbeare, lest they detracted so
From his full glorie; in first wounds; and in the ouerthrow,
Make his hand last. But when they reacht, the fourth time, the two founts;
Then Ioue, his golden skoles weigh'd vp; and tooke the last accounts
Of Fate for Hector; putting in, for him, and Peleus sonne,
Two fates of bitter death; of which, high heauen receiu'd the one,
The other hell: so low declin'd, the light of Hectors life.
Then Phœbus left him, when warres Queene, came to resolue the strife,
In th' others knowledge: Now (said she) Ioue-lou'd Æacides,
I hope at last to make Renowme, performe a braue accesse
To all the Grecians; we shall now, lay low this champions height;
Though neuer so insatiate, was his great heart of fight.
Nor must he scape our pursuite still; though at the feete of Ioue,
Apollo bowes into a sphere, soliciting more loue,
To his most fauour'd. Breath thee then, stand firme; my selfe will hast,
And hearten Hector to change blowes. She went, and he stood fast;
Lean'd on his lance; and much was ioy'd, that single strokes should trie
This fadging conflict. Then came close, the changed deitie,
To Hector, like Deiphobus, in shape, and voice; and said:
303
If Phœbus (for his last and best) through all that course had fail'd,
To adde his succours to his nerues? And (as his foe assail'd)
Neare, and within him, fed his scape. Achilles yet well knew,
His knees would fetch him; and gaue signes, to some friends (making shew
Of shooting at him) to forbeare, lest they detracted so
From his full glorie; in first wounds; and in the ouerthrow,
Make his hand last. But when they reacht, the fourth time, the two founts;
Then Ioue, his golden skoles weigh'd vp; and tooke the last accounts
Of Fate for Hector; putting in, for him, and Peleus sonne,
Two fates of bitter death; of which, high heauen receiu'd the one,
The other hell: so low declin'd, the light of Hectors life.
Then Phœbus left him, when warres Queene, came to resolue the strife,
In th' others knowledge: Now (said she) Ioue-lou'd Æacides,
I hope at last to make Renowme, performe a braue accesse
To all the Grecians; we shall now, lay low this champions height;
Though neuer so insatiate, was his great heart of fight.
Nor must he scape our pursuite still; though at the feete of Ioue,
Apollo bowes into a sphere, soliciting more loue,
To his most fauour'd. Breath thee then, stand firme; my selfe will hast,
And hearten Hector to change blowes. She went, and he stood fast;
Lean'd on his lance; and much was ioy'd, that single strokes should trie
This fadging conflict. Then came close, the changed deitie,
To Hector, like Deiphobus, in shape, and voice; and said:
O brother, thou art too much vrg'd, to be thus combatted
About our owne wals; let vs stand, and force to a retreat
Th' insulting Chaser. Hector ioy'd, at this so kind deceit;
And said: O good Deiphobus, thy loue was most before
(Of all my brothers) deare to me; but now, exceeding more
It costs me honor; that thus vrg'd, thou com'st to part the charge
Of my last fortunes; other friends, keepe towne, and leaue at large
My rackt endeuours. She replide: Good brother, tis most true;
One after other, King and Queene; and all our friends did sue
(Euen on their knees) to stay me there; such tremblings shake them all,
With this mans terror: but my mind, so grieu'd to see our wall
Girt with thy chases; that to death, I long'd to vrge thy stay.
Come, fight we, thirstie of his bloud; no more let's feare to lay
Cost on our lances; but approue, if bloudied with our spoiles,
He can beare glorie to their fleete, or shut vp all their toiles,
In his one sufferance on thy lance. With this deceit, she led;
And (both come neare) thus Hector spake: Thrice I haue compassed
This great towne (Peleus sonne) in flight, with auersation,
That out of Fate put off my steps; but now, all flight is flowne;
The short course set vp; death or life. Our resolutions yet,
Must shun all rudenesse; and the gods, before our valour set,
For vse of victorie; and they, being worthiest witnesses
Of all vowes; since they keepe vowes best; before their deities,
Let vowes of fit respect, passe both; when Conquest hath bestow'd
Her wreath on either. Here I vow, no furie shall be show'd,
That is not manly, on thy corse; but, hauing spoil'd thy armes,
Resigne thy person; which sweare thou. These faire and temperate termes,
Farre fled Achilles; his browes bent; and out flew this reply.
About our owne wals; let vs stand, and force to a retreat
Th' insulting Chaser. Hector ioy'd, at this so kind deceit;
And said: O good Deiphobus, thy loue was most before
(Of all my brothers) deare to me; but now, exceeding more
It costs me honor; that thus vrg'd, thou com'st to part the charge
Of my last fortunes; other friends, keepe towne, and leaue at large
My rackt endeuours. She replide: Good brother, tis most true;
One after other, King and Queene; and all our friends did sue
(Euen on their knees) to stay me there; such tremblings shake them all,
With this mans terror: but my mind, so grieu'd to see our wall
Girt with thy chases; that to death, I long'd to vrge thy stay.
Come, fight we, thirstie of his bloud; no more let's feare to lay
Cost on our lances; but approue, if bloudied with our spoiles,
He can beare glorie to their fleete, or shut vp all their toiles,
In his one sufferance on thy lance. With this deceit, she led;
And (both come neare) thus Hector spake: Thrice I haue compassed
This great towne (Peleus sonne) in flight, with auersation,
That out of Fate put off my steps; but now, all flight is flowne;
The short course set vp; death or life. Our resolutions yet,
Must shun all rudenesse; and the gods, before our valour set,
For vse of victorie; and they, being worthiest witnesses
Of all vowes; since they keepe vowes best; before their deities,
Let vowes of fit respect, passe both; when Conquest hath bestow'd
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That is not manly, on thy corse; but, hauing spoil'd thy armes,
Resigne thy person; which sweare thou. These faire and temperate termes,
Farre fled Achilles; his browes bent; and out flew this reply.
Hector, thou onely pestilence, in all mortalitie,
To my sere spirits; neuer set, the point twixt thee and me
Any conditions; but as farre, as men and Lions flie,
All termes of couenant; lambes and wolues: in so farre opposite state,
(Impossible for loue t'attone) stand we; till our soules satiate
The god of souldiers; do not dreame, that our disiunction can
Endure condition. Therefore now, all worth that fits a man,
Call to thee; all particular parts, that fit a souldier;
And they, all this include, (besides, the skill, and spirit of warre)
Hunger for slaughter; and a hate, that eates thy heart, to eate
Thy foes heart. This stirs; this supplies, in death, the killing heate;
And all this needst thou. No more flight; Pallas Athenia
Will quickly cast thee to my lance; now, now together draw
All griefes for vengeance; both in me, and all my friends late dead
That bled thee; raging with thy lance. This said, he brandished
His long lance; and away it sung: which, Hector giuing view,
Stoupt low, stood firme, (foreseeing it best) and quite it ouerflew,
Fastening on earth. Athenia, drew it, and gaue her friend,
Vnseene of Hector. Hector then, thus spake: Thou want'st thy end,
(God-like Achilles:) now I see, thou hast not learn'd my fate,
Of Ioue at all; as thy high words, would brauely intimate;
Much tongue affects thee; cunning words, well serue thee to prepare
Thy blowes with threats, that mine might faint, with want of spirit to dare;
But my backe neuer turnes with breath; it was not borne to beare
Burthens of wounds; strike home, before; driue at my breast thy speare,
As mine at thine shall; and trie then, if heauens will fauor thee
With scape of my lance; O would Ioue, would take it after me,
And make thy bosome take it all; an easie end would crowne
Our difficult warres, were thy soule fled; thou most bane of our towne.
To my sere spirits; neuer set, the point twixt thee and me
Any conditions; but as farre, as men and Lions flie,
All termes of couenant; lambes and wolues: in so farre opposite state,
(Impossible for loue t'attone) stand we; till our soules satiate
The god of souldiers; do not dreame, that our disiunction can
Endure condition. Therefore now, all worth that fits a man,
Call to thee; all particular parts, that fit a souldier;
And they, all this include, (besides, the skill, and spirit of warre)
Hunger for slaughter; and a hate, that eates thy heart, to eate
Thy foes heart. This stirs; this supplies, in death, the killing heate;
And all this needst thou. No more flight; Pallas Athenia
Will quickly cast thee to my lance; now, now together draw
All griefes for vengeance; both in me, and all my friends late dead
That bled thee; raging with thy lance. This said, he brandished
His long lance; and away it sung: which, Hector giuing view,
Stoupt low, stood firme, (foreseeing it best) and quite it ouerflew,
Fastening on earth. Athenia, drew it, and gaue her friend,
Vnseene of Hector. Hector then, thus spake: Thou want'st thy end,
(God-like Achilles:) now I see, thou hast not learn'd my fate,
Of Ioue at all; as thy high words, would brauely intimate;
Much tongue affects thee; cunning words, well serue thee to prepare
Thy blowes with threats, that mine might faint, with want of spirit to dare;
But my backe neuer turnes with breath; it was not borne to beare
Burthens of wounds; strike home, before; driue at my breast thy speare,
As mine at thine shall; and trie then, if heauens will fauor thee
With scape of my lance; O would Ioue, would take it after me,
And make thy bosome take it all; an easie end would crowne
Our difficult warres, were thy soule fled; thou most bane of our towne.
Thus flew his dart, toucht at the midst, of his vast shield, and flew
A huge way from it; but his heart, wrath enterd with the view
Of that hard scape; and heauie thoughts, strooke through him, when he spide
His brother vanisht; and no lance, beside left; out he cride,
Deiphobus! another lance. Lance, nor Deiphobus
Stood neare his call. And then his mind, saw all things ominous,
And thus suggested: Woe is me; the gods haue cald, and I
Must meete Death here; Deiphobus, I well hop't had bene by,
With his white shield; but our strong wals, shield him; and this deceit
Flowes from Minerua; now, ô now, ill death comes; no more flight,
No more recouerie: O Ioue, this hath bene otherwise;
Thy bright sonne, and thy selfe, haue set, the Greeks a greater prise
Of Hectors bloud then now; of which, (euen iealous) you had care;
But Fate now conquers; I am hers; and yet, not she shall share
In my renowme; that life is left, to euery noble spirit;
And that, some great deed shall beget; that all liues shall inherit.
A huge way from it; but his heart, wrath enterd with the view
Of that hard scape; and heauie thoughts, strooke through him, when he spide
His brother vanisht; and no lance, beside left; out he cride,
Deiphobus! another lance. Lance, nor Deiphobus
Stood neare his call. And then his mind, saw all things ominous,
And thus suggested: Woe is me; the gods haue cald, and I
Must meete Death here; Deiphobus, I well hop't had bene by,
With his white shield; but our strong wals, shield him; and this deceit
Flowes from Minerua; now, ô now, ill death comes; no more flight,
No more recouerie: O Ioue, this hath bene otherwise;
Thy bright sonne, and thy selfe, haue set, the Greeks a greater prise
Of Hectors bloud then now; of which, (euen iealous) you had care;
But Fate now conquers; I am hers; and yet, not she shall share
In my renowme; that life is left, to euery noble spirit;
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Thus, forth his sword flew, sharpe and broad, and bore a deadly weight;
With which, he rusht in: And looke how, an Eagle from her height,
Stoopes to the rapture of a Lambe; or cuffes a timorous Hare:
So fell in Hector; and at him, Achilles; his minds fare,
Was fierce and mightie: his shield cast, a Sun-like radiance;
Helme nodded; and his foure plumes shooke; and when he raisde his lance,
Vp Hesperus rose, amongst th' euening starres. His bright and sparkling eies,
Lookt through the body of his foe; and sought through all that prise,
The next way to his thirsted life. Of all wayes, onely one
Appear'd to him; and thas was, where, th' vnequall winding bone,
That ioynes the shoulders and the necke, had place; and where there lay
The speeding way to death: and there, his quicke eye could display
The place it sought; euen through those armes, his friend Patroclus wore,
When Hector slue him. There he aim'd, and there his iauelin tore
Sterne passage quite through Hectors necke; yet mist it so his throte,
It gaue him powre to change some words; but downe to earth it got
His fainting bodie. Then triumpht, diuine Æacides;
Hector, (said he) thy heart supposde, that in my friends deceasse,
Thy life was safe; my absent arme, not car'd for: Foole! he left
One at the fleete, that better'd him; and he it is that reft
Thy strong knees thus; and now the dogs, and fowles, in foulest vse
Shall teare thee vp; thy corse exposde, to all the Greeks abuse.
With which, he rusht in: And looke how, an Eagle from her height,
Stoopes to the rapture of a Lambe; or cuffes a timorous Hare:
So fell in Hector; and at him, Achilles; his minds fare,
Was fierce and mightie: his shield cast, a Sun-like radiance;
Helme nodded; and his foure plumes shooke; and when he raisde his lance,
Vp Hesperus rose, amongst th' euening starres. His bright and sparkling eies,
Lookt through the body of his foe; and sought through all that prise,
The next way to his thirsted life. Of all wayes, onely one
Appear'd to him; and thas was, where, th' vnequall winding bone,
That ioynes the shoulders and the necke, had place; and where there lay
The speeding way to death: and there, his quicke eye could display
The place it sought; euen through those armes, his friend Patroclus wore,
When Hector slue him. There he aim'd, and there his iauelin tore
Sterne passage quite through Hectors necke; yet mist it so his throte,
It gaue him powre to change some words; but downe to earth it got
His fainting bodie. Then triumpht, diuine Æacides;
Hector, (said he) thy heart supposde, that in my friends deceasse,
Thy life was safe; my absent arme, not car'd for: Foole! he left
One at the fleete, that better'd him; and he it is that reft
Thy strong knees thus; and now the dogs, and fowles, in foulest vse
Shall teare thee vp; thy corse exposde, to all the Greeks abuse.
He, fainting, said: Let me implore, euen by thy knees, and soule,
And thy great parents; do not see, a crueltie so foule
Inflicted on me; brasse and gold, receiue at any rate,
And quit my person; that the Peeres, and Ladies of our state,
May tombe it; and to sacred fire, turne thy prophane decrees.
And thy great parents; do not see, a crueltie so foule
Inflicted on me; brasse and gold, receiue at any rate,
And quit my person; that the Peeres, and Ladies of our state,
May tombe it; and to sacred fire, turne thy prophane decrees.
Dog, (he replied) vrge not my ruth, by parents, soule, nor knees;
I would to God that any rage, would let me eate thee raw,
Slic't into peeces; so beyond, the right of any law,
I tast thy merits; and beleeue, it flies the force of man,
To rescue thy head from the dogs. Giue all the gold they can;
If ten or twentie times so much, as friends would rate thy price,
Were tenderd here; with vowes of more; to buy the cruelties
I here haue vow'd; and after that, thy father with his gold
Would free thy selfe; all that should faile, to let thy mother hold
Solemnities of death with thee; and do thee such a grace,
To mourne thy whole corse on a bed; which peecemeale Ile deface
With fowles and dogs. He (dying) said: I (knowing thee well) foresaw
Thy now tried tyrannie; nor hop't, for any other law,
Of nature, or of nations: and that feare, forc't much more
Then death, my flight; which neuer toucht, at Hectors foote before.
A soule of iron informes thee; marke, what vengeance th' equall fates
Will giue me of thee, for this rage; when in the Scæan gates,
Phœbus and Paris meete with thee. Thus deaths hand closde his eyes;
His soule flying his faire lims, to hell; mourning his destinies,
To part so with his youth and strength. Thus dead; thus Thetis sonne,
His prophecie answer'd: Die thou now; when my short thred is spunne,
Ile beare it as the will of Ioue. This said, his brazen speare,
He drew, and stucke by: then his armes (that all embrewed were)
He spoil'd his shoulders off. Then all, the Greeks ran in to him,
To see his person; and admir'd, his terror-stirring lim:
Yet none stood by, that gaue no wound, to his so goodly forme;
When each to other said: O Ioue, he is not in the storme,
He came to fleete in, with his fire; he handles now more soft.
I would to God that any rage, would let me eate thee raw,
Slic't into peeces; so beyond, the right of any law,
I tast thy merits; and beleeue, it flies the force of man,
To rescue thy head from the dogs. Giue all the gold they can;
If ten or twentie times so much, as friends would rate thy price,
Were tenderd here; with vowes of more; to buy the cruelties
I here haue vow'd; and after that, thy father with his gold
Would free thy selfe; all that should faile, to let thy mother hold
Solemnities of death with thee; and do thee such a grace,
To mourne thy whole corse on a bed; which peecemeale Ile deface
With fowles and dogs. He (dying) said: I (knowing thee well) foresaw
Thy now tried tyrannie; nor hop't, for any other law,
Of nature, or of nations: and that feare, forc't much more
Then death, my flight; which neuer toucht, at Hectors foote before.
A soule of iron informes thee; marke, what vengeance th' equall fates
Will giue me of thee, for this rage; when in the Scæan gates,
Phœbus and Paris meete with thee. Thus deaths hand closde his eyes;
His soule flying his faire lims, to hell; mourning his destinies,
To part so with his youth and strength. Thus dead; thus Thetis sonne,
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Ile beare it as the will of Ioue. This said, his brazen speare,
He drew, and stucke by: then his armes (that all embrewed were)
He spoil'd his shoulders off. Then all, the Greeks ran in to him,
To see his person; and admir'd, his terror-stirring lim:
Yet none stood by, that gaue no wound, to his so goodly forme;
When each to other said: O Ioue, he is not in the storme,
He came to fleete in, with his fire; he handles now more soft.
O friends, (said sterne Æacides) now that the gods haue brought
This man thus downe; Ile freely say, he brought more bane to Greece,
Then all his aiders. Trie we then, (thus arm'd at euery peece,
And girding all Troy with our host) if now their hearts will leaue
Their citie cleare; her cleare stay slaine; and all their liues receaue;
Or hold yet, Hector being no more. But why vse I a word
Of any act, but what concernes, my friend? dead, vndeplor'd,
Vnsepulcherd; he lies at fleete, vnthought on; neuer houre
Shall make his dead state, while the quicke, enioyes me; and this powre,
To moue these mouers. Though in hell, men say, that such as die,
Obliuion seiseth; yet in hell, in me shall Memorie
Hold all her formes still, of my friend. Now, (youths of Greece) to fleete
Beare we this body; Pæans sing; and all our nauie greete
With endlesse honor; we haue slaine, Hector, the period
Of all Troys glorie; to whose worth, all vow'd, as to a god.
This man thus downe; Ile freely say, he brought more bane to Greece,
Then all his aiders. Trie we then, (thus arm'd at euery peece,
And girding all Troy with our host) if now their hearts will leaue
Their citie cleare; her cleare stay slaine; and all their liues receaue;
Or hold yet, Hector being no more. But why vse I a word
Of any act, but what concernes, my friend? dead, vndeplor'd,
Vnsepulcherd; he lies at fleete, vnthought on; neuer houre
Shall make his dead state, while the quicke, enioyes me; and this powre,
To moue these mouers. Though in hell, men say, that such as die,
Obliuion seiseth; yet in hell, in me shall Memorie
Hold all her formes still, of my friend. Now, (youths of Greece) to fleete
Beare we this body; Pæans sing; and all our nauie greete
With endlesse honor; we haue slaine, Hector, the period
Of all Troys glorie; to whose worth, all vow'd, as to a god.
This said; a worke, not worthy him, he set to: of both feete,
He bor'd the nerues through, from the heele, to th' ankle; and then knit
Both to his chariot, with a thong, of whitleather; his head
Trailing the center. Vp he got, to chariot; where he laid
The armes repurchac't; and scourg'd on, his horse, that freely flew.
A whirlewind made of startl'd dust, draue with them, as they drew;
With which were all his black-browne curls, knotted in heapes, and fil'd.
And there lay Troys late Gracious; by Iupiter exil'd
To all disgrace, in his owne land, and by his parents seene.
He bor'd the nerues through, from the heele, to th' ankle; and then knit
Both to his chariot, with a thong, of whitleather; his head
Trailing the center. Vp he got, to chariot; where he laid
The armes repurchac't; and scourg'd on, his horse, that freely flew.
A whirlewind made of startl'd dust, draue with them, as they drew;
With which were all his black-browne curls, knotted in heapes, and fil'd.
And there lay Troys late Gracious; by Iupiter exil'd
To all disgrace, in his owne land, and by his parents seene.
When (like her sonnes head) all with dust, Troys miserable Queene,
Distain'd her temples; plucking off, her honor'd haire; and tore
Her royall garments, shrieking out. In like kind, Priam bore
His sacred person; like a wretch, that neuer saw good day,
Broken, with outcries. About both, the people prostrate lay;
Held downe with Clamor; all the towne, vail'd with a cloud of teares.
Ilion, with all his tops on fire, and all the massacres,
Left for the Greeks, could put on lookes, of no more ouerthrow
Then now fraid life. And yet the king, did all their lookes outshow.
The wretched people could not beare, his soueraigne wretchednesse,
Plaguing himselfe so; thrusting out, and praying all the preasse
To open him the Dardan ports; that he alone might fetch
His dearest sonne in; and (all fil'd, with tumbling) did beseech
Each man by name, thus: Loued friends, be you content; let me
(Though much ye grieue) be that poore meane, to our sad remedie,
Now in our wishes; I will go, and pray this impious man,
(Author of horrors) making proofe, if ages reuerence can
Excite his pitie. His owne sire, is old like me; and he,
That got him to our giefes; perhaps, may (for my likenesse) be
Meane for our ruth to him. Ahlas, you haue no cause of cares,
Compar'd with me; I, many sonnes, grac't, with their freshest yeares
Haue lost by him: and all their deaths, in slaughter of this one,
(Afflicted man) are doubl'd: this, will bitterly set gone
My soule to hell. O would to heauen, I could but hold him dead
In these pin'd armes: then teares, on teares, might fall, till all were shed
In common fortune. Now amaze, their naturall course doth stop,
And pricks a mad veine. Thus he mourn'd; and with him, all brake ope
Their store of sorrowes. The poore Queene, amongst the women wept,
Turn'd into anguish: O my sonne, (she cried out) why, still kept,
Patient of horrors, is my life, when thine is vanished?
My dayes thou glorifiedst; my nights, rung of some honour'd deed,
Done by thy virtues: ioy to me, profite to all our care.
All made a god of thee; and thou, mad'st them, all that they are.
Now vnder fate, now dead. These two, thus vented as they could,
Their sorrowes furnace. Hectors wife, not hauing yet bene told
So much, as of his stay without. She in her chamber close,
Sate at her Loome: a peece of worke, grac't with a both sides glosse,
Strew'd curiously with varied flowres, her pleasure was; her care,
To heate a Caldron for her Lord, to bath him, turn'd from warre:
Of which, she chiefe charge gaue her maides. Poore Dame, she little knew
How much her cares lackt of his case. But now the Clamor flew
Vp to her turret: then she shooke; her worke fell from her hand,
And vp she started, cald her maides; she needs must vnderstand
That ominous outcrie. Come (said she) I heare through all this crie
My mothers voyce shrieke; to my throte, my heart bounds; Ecstasie
Vtterly alters me: some fate, is neare the haplesse sonnes
Of fading Priam: would to god, my words suspicions
No eare had heard yet: O I feare, and that most heartily;
That with some stratageme, the sonne, of Peleus hath put by
The wall of Ilion, my Lord; and (trusty of his feet)
Obtaind the chase of him alone; and now the curious heate
Of his still desperate spirit is cool'd. It let him neuer keep
In guard of others; before all, his violent foote must step,
Or his place, forfeited he held. Thus furie-like she went,
Two women (as she will'd) at hand; and made her quicke ascent
Vp to the towre, and preasse of men; her spirit in vprore. Round
She cast her greedy eye, and saw, her Hector slaine, and bound
T'Achilles chariot; manlesly, dragg'd to the Grecian fleet.
Blacke night strooke through her; vnder her, Trance tooke away her feet,
And backe she shrunke, with such a sway; that off her head-tire flew;
Her Coronet, Call, Ribands, Vaile, that golden Venus threw
On her white shoulders; that high day, when warre-like Hector wonne
Her hand in nuptials, in the Court, of king Eetion;
And that great dowre, then giuen with her. About her, on their knees,
Her husbands sisters, brothers wiues, fell round, and by degrees
Recouerd her. Then, when againe, her respirations found
Free passe, (her mind and spirit met) these thoughts her words did sound.
Distain'd her temples; plucking off, her honor'd haire; and tore
Her royall garments, shrieking out. In like kind, Priam bore
His sacred person; like a wretch, that neuer saw good day,
Broken, with outcries. About both, the people prostrate lay;
Held downe with Clamor; all the towne, vail'd with a cloud of teares.
Ilion, with all his tops on fire, and all the massacres,
Left for the Greeks, could put on lookes, of no more ouerthrow
Then now fraid life. And yet the king, did all their lookes outshow.
The wretched people could not beare, his soueraigne wretchednesse,
Plaguing himselfe so; thrusting out, and praying all the preasse
To open him the Dardan ports; that he alone might fetch
His dearest sonne in; and (all fil'd, with tumbling) did beseech
Each man by name, thus: Loued friends, be you content; let me
(Though much ye grieue) be that poore meane, to our sad remedie,
Now in our wishes; I will go, and pray this impious man,
307
Excite his pitie. His owne sire, is old like me; and he,
That got him to our giefes; perhaps, may (for my likenesse) be
Meane for our ruth to him. Ahlas, you haue no cause of cares,
Compar'd with me; I, many sonnes, grac't, with their freshest yeares
Haue lost by him: and all their deaths, in slaughter of this one,
(Afflicted man) are doubl'd: this, will bitterly set gone
My soule to hell. O would to heauen, I could but hold him dead
In these pin'd armes: then teares, on teares, might fall, till all were shed
In common fortune. Now amaze, their naturall course doth stop,
And pricks a mad veine. Thus he mourn'd; and with him, all brake ope
Their store of sorrowes. The poore Queene, amongst the women wept,
Turn'd into anguish: O my sonne, (she cried out) why, still kept,
Patient of horrors, is my life, when thine is vanished?
My dayes thou glorifiedst; my nights, rung of some honour'd deed,
Done by thy virtues: ioy to me, profite to all our care.
All made a god of thee; and thou, mad'st them, all that they are.
Now vnder fate, now dead. These two, thus vented as they could,
Their sorrowes furnace. Hectors wife, not hauing yet bene told
So much, as of his stay without. She in her chamber close,
Sate at her Loome: a peece of worke, grac't with a both sides glosse,
Strew'd curiously with varied flowres, her pleasure was; her care,
To heate a Caldron for her Lord, to bath him, turn'd from warre:
Of which, she chiefe charge gaue her maides. Poore Dame, she little knew
How much her cares lackt of his case. But now the Clamor flew
Vp to her turret: then she shooke; her worke fell from her hand,
And vp she started, cald her maides; she needs must vnderstand
That ominous outcrie. Come (said she) I heare through all this crie
My mothers voyce shrieke; to my throte, my heart bounds; Ecstasie
Vtterly alters me: some fate, is neare the haplesse sonnes
Of fading Priam: would to god, my words suspicions
No eare had heard yet: O I feare, and that most heartily;
That with some stratageme, the sonne, of Peleus hath put by
The wall of Ilion, my Lord; and (trusty of his feet)
Obtaind the chase of him alone; and now the curious heate
Of his still desperate spirit is cool'd. It let him neuer keep
In guard of others; before all, his violent foote must step,
Or his place, forfeited he held. Thus furie-like she went,
Two women (as she will'd) at hand; and made her quicke ascent
Vp to the towre, and preasse of men; her spirit in vprore. Round
She cast her greedy eye, and saw, her Hector slaine, and bound
T'Achilles chariot; manlesly, dragg'd to the Grecian fleet.
Blacke night strooke through her; vnder her, Trance tooke away her feet,
And backe she shrunke, with such a sway; that off her head-tire flew;
Her Coronet, Call, Ribands, Vaile, that golden Venus threw
On her white shoulders; that high day, when warre-like Hector wonne
Her hand in nuptials, in the Court, of king Eetion;
And that great dowre, then giuen with her. About her, on their knees,
308
Recouerd her. Then, when againe, her respirations found
Free passe, (her mind and spirit met) these thoughts her words did sound.
O Hector, O me cursed dame; both borne beneath one fate:
Thou here, I in Cilician Thebes; where Placus doth elate,
His shadie forehead, in the Court, where king Eetion,
(Haplesse) begot vnhappy me; which would he had not done,
To liue past thee: thou now art diu'd, to Putos gloomie throne,
Sunke through the couerts of the earth: I, in a hell of mone,
Left here thy widdow: one poore babe, borne to vnhappy both,
Whom thou leau'st helplesse, as he thee; he borne to all the wroth
Of woe, and labour. Lands left him, will others seise vpon:
The Orphan day, of all friends helps, robs euery mothers son.
An Orphan, all men suffer sad; his eyes stand still with teares.
Need tries his fathers friends; and failes. Of all his fauourers
If one the cup giues, tis not long; the wine he finds in it,
Scarce moists his palate: if he chance, to gaine the grace, to sit;
Suruiuing fathers sonnes repine; vse contumelies, strike,
Bid, leaue vs; where's thy fathers place? He (weeping with dislike)
Retires to me. To me, ahlas, Astyanax is he
Borne to these miseries. He that late, fed on his fathers knee,
To whom all knees bow'd; daintiest fare, apposde him; and when Sleepe
Lay on his temples, his cries still'd (his heart, euen laid in steepe,
Of all things precious) a soft bed; a carefull nurses armes
Tooke him to guardiance; but now, as huge a world of harmes,
Lies on his suffrance; now thou wantst, thy fathers hand to friend:
O my Astyanax, O my Lord; thy hand that did defend,
These gates of Ilion: these long walls, by thy arme, measur'd still,
Amply, and onely: yet at fleete, thy naked corse must fill
Vile wormes, when dogs are satiate; farre from thy parents care;
Farre from those funerall ornaments; that thy mind would prepare,
(So sodaine being the chance of armes) euer expecting death.
Which taske (though my heart would not serue, t'employ my hands beneath)
I made my women yet performe. Many, and much in price
Were those integuments they wrought, t'adorne thy Exequies:
Which, since they flie thy vse, thy Corse, not laid in their attire;
Thy sacrifice they shall be made; these hands in mischieuous fire
Shall vent their vanities. And yet, (being consecrate to thee)
They shall be kept for citizens; and their faire wiues, to see.
Thou here, I in Cilician Thebes; where Placus doth elate,
His shadie forehead, in the Court, where king Eetion,
(Haplesse) begot vnhappy me; which would he had not done,
To liue past thee: thou now art diu'd, to Putos gloomie throne,
Sunke through the couerts of the earth: I, in a hell of mone,
Left here thy widdow: one poore babe, borne to vnhappy both,
Whom thou leau'st helplesse, as he thee; he borne to all the wroth
Of woe, and labour. Lands left him, will others seise vpon:
The Orphan day, of all friends helps, robs euery mothers son.
An Orphan, all men suffer sad; his eyes stand still with teares.
Need tries his fathers friends; and failes. Of all his fauourers
If one the cup giues, tis not long; the wine he finds in it,
Scarce moists his palate: if he chance, to gaine the grace, to sit;
Suruiuing fathers sonnes repine; vse contumelies, strike,
Bid, leaue vs; where's thy fathers place? He (weeping with dislike)
Retires to me. To me, ahlas, Astyanax is he
Borne to these miseries. He that late, fed on his fathers knee,
To whom all knees bow'd; daintiest fare, apposde him; and when Sleepe
Lay on his temples, his cries still'd (his heart, euen laid in steepe,
Of all things precious) a soft bed; a carefull nurses armes
Tooke him to guardiance; but now, as huge a world of harmes,
Lies on his suffrance; now thou wantst, thy fathers hand to friend:
O my Astyanax, O my Lord; thy hand that did defend,
These gates of Ilion: these long walls, by thy arme, measur'd still,
Amply, and onely: yet at fleete, thy naked corse must fill
Vile wormes, when dogs are satiate; farre from thy parents care;
Farre from those funerall ornaments; that thy mind would prepare,
(So sodaine being the chance of armes) euer expecting death.
Which taske (though my heart would not serue, t'employ my hands beneath)
I made my women yet performe. Many, and much in price
Were those integuments they wrought, t'adorne thy Exequies:
Which, since they flie thy vse, thy Corse, not laid in their attire;
Thy sacrifice they shall be made; these hands in mischieuous fire
Shall vent their vanities. And yet, (being consecrate to thee)
They shall be kept for citizens; and their faire wiues, to see.
Thus spake shee weeping; all the dames, endeuouring to cheare
Her desert state; (fearing their owne) wept with her teare for teare.
Her desert state; (fearing their owne) wept with her teare for teare.
The end of the two and twentieth Booke.
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