Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE ILIAD: BOOK 16. ACHILLES LENDS PATROCLUS HIS ARMOR, by HOMER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE ILIAD: BOOK 16. ACHILLES LENDS PATROCLUS HIS ARMOR, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Achilles then within his tent withdrew
Last Line: He granted; but denied his safe return.
Variant Title(s): Achilles' Prayer
Subject(s): Achilles; Mythology - Classical; Trojan War


ACHILLES then within his tent withdrew,
And of a gorgeous coffer raised the lid,
Well-wrought, by silver-footed Thetis placed
On board his ship, and filled with rich attire,
With store of wind-proof cloaks, and carpets soft.
There lay a goblet, richly chased, whence none,
But he alone, might drink the ruddy wine,
Nor might libations thence to other Gods
Be made, save only Jove; this brought he forth
And first with sulphur purified, and next
Washed with pure water; then his hands he washed,
And drew the ruddy wine; then standing forth
Made in the centre of the court his prayer,
And as he poured the wine, looked up to Heaven,
Not unbeheld of Jove, the lightning's Lord.
'Great King, Dodona's Lord, Pelasgian Jove,
Who dwell'st on high, and rul'st with sovereign sway
Dodona's wintry heights; where dwell around
Thy Sellian priests, men of unwashen feet,
That on the bare ground sleep; thou once before
Hast heard my prayer, and me with honour crowned,
And on the Greeks inflicted all thy plagues;
Hear yet again, and this my boon accord.
I 'mid the throng of ships myself remain;
But with a numerous force of Myrmidons
I send my comrade in my stead to fight:
On him, all-seeing Jove, thy favour pour;
Strengthen his heart, that Hector's self may learn
If, e'en alone, my follower knows to fight,
Or only then resistless power displays,
When I myself the toil of battle share.
And from our vessels when the foe is driven,
Grant that with all his arms and comrades true
He may in safety to the ships return.'
Thus prayed he: Jove, the Lord of Counsel, heard,
And half his prayer he granted, half denied:
For from the ships the battle to repel
He granted; but denied his safe return.





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