Page:Homer - Iliad, translation Pope, 1909.djvu/186

184 The matrons ravished, the whole race enslaved:

The warrior heard, he vanquished, and he saved.

The Ætolians, long disdained, now took their turn,

And left the chief their broken faith to mourn.

Learn hence, betimes to curb pernicious ire,

Nor stay, till yonder fleets ascend in fire:

Accept the presents; draw thy conquering sword;

And be amongst our guardian gods adored."

Thus he: the stern Achilles thus replied:

"My second father, and my reverend guide!

Thy friend, believe me, no such gifts demands,

And asks no honours from a mortal's hands:

Jove honours me, and favours my designs:

His pleasure guides me, and his will confines:

And here I stay, if such his high behest,

While life's warm spirit beats within my breast.

Yet hear one word, and lodge it in thy heart:

No more molest me on Atrides' part:

Is it for him these tears are taught to flow,

For him these sorrows? for my mortal foe?

A generous friendship no cold medium knows,

Burns with one love, with one resentment glows;

One should our interests, and our passions, be;

My friend must hate the man that injures me.

Do this, my Phœnix, 'tis a generous part,

And share my realms, my honours, and my heart;

Let these return: our voyage, or our stay,

Rest undetermined till the dawning day."

He ceased: then ordered for the sage's bed

A warmer couch with numerous carpets spread.

With that, stern Ajax his long silence broke,

And thus, impatient, to Ulysses spoke:

"Hence let us go—why waste we time in vain?

See what effect our low submissions gain!

Liked or not liked, his words we must relate,

The Greeks expect them, and our heroes wait.

Proud as he is, that iron heart retains

Its stubborn purpose, and his friends disdains.

Stern, and unpitying! if a brother bleed,

On just atonement, we remit the deed;

A sire the slaughter of his son forgives;

The price of blood discharged, the murderer lives:

The haughtiest hearts at length their rage resign,

And gifts can conquer every soul but thine:

The gods that unrelenting breast have steeled,

And cursed thee with a mind that cannot yield.

One woman slave was ravished from thy arms:

Lo, seven are offered, and of equal charms.

Then hear, Achilles! be of better mind;