Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/229

213—252. have failed; however I think that thou wilt know [the ear] when thou beholdest the straw: for much woe possesses me. Mars indeed and Minerva bestowed courage on me, and power to break through ranks, whenever for an ambush I chose excellent men, sowing evils for mine enemies: nor did my noble mind ever set death before mine eyes; but having leaped on far the foremost with my spear, I slew whoever of hostile men gave way to me with their feet. Such a one I was in war; but work was not agreeable to me, nor house-keeping, which nurtures noble children: but oar-equipped ships were always loved by me, and wars, and well-polished javelins, and arrows, mournful things, which are objects of shuddering to others. But to me these things were dear, these things the deity placed in my mind; for different men are delighted with different employments. For before the sons of the Grecians embarked against Troy, nine times I was commander over men, and swift ships, against foreign men: and all things turned out well for me; from these I chose out what was agreeable to my mind, and many things I afterwards obtained by lot; but my house rapidly increased, and then I became mighty and revered amongst the Cretans. But when wide-seeing Jove determined on this hateful expedition, which loosened the knees of many men, then they ordered me and illustrious Idomeneus to take the command of the ships to Troy; nor was there any contrivance to refuse it, for the clamour of the people was harsh. There indeed for nine years we sons of the Grecians waged war, but in the tenth having destroyed the city of Priam, we embarked homewards with our ships; and the deity dispersed the Grecians. But for wretched me planning Jove devised evil; for for a month only I remained delighted with my parents, and my virgin-wedded wife, and my possessions. But then my mind incited me to sail to Egypt, having well-equipped ships with godlike companions. I equipped nine ships, and quickly were the people collected together. For six days then my beloved companions feasted; but I gave [them] many victims, both to sacrifice to the gods, and to furnish a banquet for themselves. But on the seventh,