The beginning Lines of HOMER's ILIAD as originally translated by Mr. POPE

The stern Pelides' rage, O Goddess! sing, Of all the woes of Greece, the fatal spring, That strow'd with warriors dead the Phrygian plain, And peopled the dark shades with heroes slain; Whose limbs unburied on the hostile shore, Devouring dogs and greedy vulturs tore. Since first Atrides and Achilles strove, Such was the sov'reign doom, and such the will of Jove.

Declare, O Goddess! what offended pow'r Enflam'd their rage in that ill-omen'd hour! Phoebus himself the dire debate procur'd, T'avenge the wrongs his injur'd priest endur'd.

For this the God a dire infection spread, And heap'd the camp with millions of the dead. The king of men the sacred Sire defy'd, And for the king's offence the people dy'd.