SING, GODDESS, THE WRATH OF ACHILLES, SON OF PELEUS

bringing boundless woes upon the ranks of the Achaeans,

hurling forth many brave warriors down to Hades,

making feasts of their bones for dogs, their bodies for

vultures, and thus the will of Zeus was accomplished

on the day when first these two men stood in conflict-

Son of Atreus, lord of men, challenged godlike Achilles.

which of the immortals, then, set these two men to fighting?

the king enraged Apollo, borne of Leto and Zeus,

who loosed upon the army a deadly plague, killing

for the benefit of his priest, dishonored by Agamemnon.

as supplicant Chryses came to the swift ships of the Achaeans,

bearing countless treasures for the ransom of his daughter.

he raised the golden staff and gilded boughs of he

who strikes from afar to plead with the gathered army,

but most of all the Atreïdes, captains of men—

Sons of Atreus and all strong-greaved Achaeans,

may the gods who dwell on Olympus grant to you

the plunder of Priam’s house and haven in your own.

Take the gold! but let my precious child fly to me-

honor Apollo, the far-shooting son of Zeus!