The Iliad of Homer. Homer

Surmounting all impediment, escapes;165

       Such seem'd the valiant Diomede incensed

       To fury, mingling with the host of Troy.

      Astynoüs and Hypenor first he slew;

       One with his brazen lance above the pap

       He pierced, and one with his huge falchion smote170

       Fast by the key-bone,[10] from the neck and spine His parted shoulder driving at a blow.

      Them leaving, Polyides next he sought

       And Abas, sons of a dream-dealing seer,

       Eurydamas; their hoary father's dreams175

       Or not interpreted, or kept concealed,

       Them saved not, for by Diomede they died.

       Xanthus and Thöon he encounter'd next,

       Both sons of Phænops, sons of his old age,

       Who other heir had none of all his wealth,180

       113 Nor hoped another, worn with many years.

       Tydides slew them both; nor aught remain'd

       To the old man but sorrow for his sons

       For ever lost, and strangers were his heirs.

       Two sons of Priam in one chariot borne185

       Echemon next, and Chromius felt his hand

       Resistless. As a lion on the herd

       Leaping, while they the shrubs and bushes browse,

       Breaks short the neck of heifer or of steer,

       So them, though clinging fast and loth to fall,190

       Tydides hurl'd together to the ground,

       Then stripp'd their splendid armor, and the steeds

       Consigned and chariot to his soldiers' care.

      Æneas him discern'd scattering the ranks,

       And through the battle and the clash of spears195

       Went seeking godlike Pandarus; ere long

       Finding Lycaon's martial son renown'd,

       He stood before him, and him thus address'd.

      Thy bow, thy feather'd shafts, and glorious name

       Where are they, Pandarus? whom none of Troy200

       Could equal, whom of Lycia, none excel.

       Come. Lift thine hands to Jove, and at yon Chief

       Dispatch an arrow, who afflicts the host

       Of Ilium thus, conquering where'er he flies,

       And who hath slaughter'd numerous brave in arms,205

       But him some Deity I rather deem

       Avenging on us his neglected rites,

       And who can stand before an angry God?

      Him answer'd then Lycaon's son renown'd.

       Brave leader of the Trojans brazen-mail'd,210

       Æneas! By his buckler which I know,

       And by his helmet's height, considering, too

       His steeds, I deem him Diomede the bold;

       Yet such pronounce him not, who seems a God.

       But if bold Diomede indeed he be215

       Of whom I speak, not without aid from heaven

       His fury thus prevails, but at his side

       Some God, in clouds enveloped, turns away

       114 From him the arrow to a devious course.

       Already, at his shoulder's hollow mail220

       My shaft hath pierced him through, and him I deem'd

       Dismiss'd full sure to Pluto ere his time

       But he survives; whom therefore I at last

       Perforce conclude some angry Deity.

       Steeds have I none or chariot to ascend,225

       Who have eleven chariots in the stands

       Left of Lycaon, with fair hangings all

       O'ermantled, strong, new finish'd, with their steeds

       In pairs beside them, eating winnow'd grain.

       Me much Lycaon my old valiant sire230

       At my departure from his palace gates

       Persuaded, that my chariot and my steeds

       Ascending, I should so conduct my bands

       To battle; counsel wise, and ill-refused!

       But anxious, lest (the host in Troy so long235

       Immew'd) my steeds, fed plenteously at home,

       Should here want food, I left them, and on foot

       To Ilium came, confiding in my bow

       Ordain'd at last to yield me little good.

       Twice have I shot, and twice I struck the mark,240

       First Menelaus, and Tydides next;

       From each I drew the blood, true, genuine blood,

       Yet have but more incensed them. In an hour

       Unfortunate, I therefore took my bow

       Down from the wall that day, when for the sake245

       Of noble Hector, to these pleasant plains

       I came, a leader on the part of Troy.

       But should I once return, and with these eyes

       Again behold my native land, my sire,

       My wife, my stately mansion, may the hand,250

       That moment, of some adversary there

       Shorten me by the head, if I not snap

       This bow with which I charged myself in vain,

       And burn the unprofitable tool to dust.

      To whom Æneas, Trojan Chief, replied.255

       Nay, speak not so. For ere that hour arrive

       115 We will, with chariot and with horse, in arms

       Encounter him, and put his strength to proof.

       Delay not, mount my chariot. Thou shalt see

       With what rapidity the steeds of Troy260

       Pursuing or retreating, scour the field.

       If after all, Jove purpose still to exalt

       The son of Tydeus, these shall bear us safe

       Back to the city. Come then. Let us on.

       The lash take thou, and the resplendent reins,265

       While I alight for battle, or thyself

       Receive them, and the steeds shall be my care.

      Him answer'd then Lycaon's son renown'd.

       Æneas! manage thou the reins, and guide

       Thy proper steeds. If fly at last we must270

       The son of Tydeus, they will readier draw

       Directed by their wonted charioteer.

       Else, terrified, and missing thy control,

       They may refuse to bear us from the fight,

       And Tydeus' son assailing us, with ease275

       Shall slay us both, and drive thy steeds away.

       Rule therefore thou the chariot, and myself

       With my sharp spear will his assault receive.

      So saying, they mounted both, and furious drove

       Against Tydides. Them the noble son280