When they mingled with us Trojans
in our meeting, and Menelaus rose, 230 [210]
his broad shoulders were higher than the other's.
But once they sat, Odysseus seemed more regal.
When the time came for them to speak to us,
setting out their thoughts quite formally,
Menelaus spoke with fluency—few words,
but very clear—no chatter, no digressions—
although he was the younger of the two.
But when wise Odysseus got up to speak,
he just stood, eyes downcast, staring at the ground.
He didn't move the sceptre to and fro, 240
but gripped it tightly, like some ignoramus—
a bumpkin or someone idiotic.
But when that great voice issued from his chest,
with words like winter snowflakes, no man alive
could match Odysseus. We were no longer
disconcerted at witnessing his style."
Priam, the old man, saw a third figure, Ajax, and asked:
"Who is that other man? He's over there—
that huge, burly Achaean—his head and shoulders
tower over the Achaeans." 250
Then Helen,
long-robed goddess among women, answered:
"That's massive Ajax, Achaea's bulwark.
Across from him stands Idomeneus,
surrounded by his Cretans, like a god.
Around him there stand the Cretan leaders.
Often war-loving Menelaus welcomed him
in our house, whenever he arrived from Crete.
Now I see all the bright-eyed Achaeans
whom I know well, whose names I could recite.
But I can't see two of the men's leaders, 260
Castor, tamer of horses, and Pollux,
the fine boxer—they are both my brothers,
whom my mother bore along with me.
Either they did not come with the contingent
from lovely Lacedaemon, or they sailed here
in their seaworthy ships, but have no wish
to join men's battles, fearing the disgrace,
the many slurs, which are justly mine."
Helen spoke. But the life-nourishing earth
already held her brothers in Lacedaemon, 270
in their own dear native land.
(Book III)
First Appearance of Helen | Second | 3d, 4th, and 5th | Final Appearance