HOMER'S ILIAD COMPLETE

Rhapsody 16

Literally Translated, with Explanatory Notes, by Theodore Alois Buckley

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Page 5

Thus they indeed discussed these matters with each other. But Ajax no longer remained firm,[513] for he was pressed hard with weapons; because the counsel of Jove overpowered him, and the fierce Trojans hurling. And a dreadful clang did his glittering helmet round his temples emit, being struck, and he was constantly smitten upon the well-made studs of his casque. He was fatigued in the left shoulder, by always firmly holding his moveable shield; nor could they, pressing him all around with their weapons, drive him [from his place]. Unceasingly afflicted was he with severe panting, and everywhere from his limbs poured copious perspiration, nor was he able to respire; for everywhere evil was heaped upon evil.

[Footnote 513: Compare the splendid description in Ennius apud Macrob. Sat. vi. 3:--

Undique conveniunt, vel imber, tela Tribuno. Configunt parmam, tinnit hastilibus umbo, AEratae sonitant galeae: sed nec pote quisquam Undique nitendo corpus discerpere ferro. Semper abundanteis hastas frangitque, quatitque, Totum sudor habet corpus, multumque laborat: Nec respirandi fit copia praepete ferro.

Cf. Virg. Aen. ix. 806, sqq.; Stat. Theb. ii. 668, sqq.]

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