Homer ILIAD : Rhapsody 13

Page 17

"Hither, my friends, and aid me alone, for I greatly dread swift-footed Aeneas, rushing on, who is coming upon me; who is very powerful to slay men in battle, and possesses the bloom of youth, which is the greatest strength. For if we were of the same age, with the spirit that I now possess, quickly would either he bear off great glory, or I would."

Thus he spoke; but they all, having one determination in their minds, stood near him, inclining their shields upon their shoulders. Aeneas, on the other hand, animated his companions, looking towards Deiphobus, Paris, and noble Agenor, who, together with himself, were leaders of the Trojans. These also the people followed, as sheep follow from their pasture after the ram in order to drink; and the shepherd then is rejoiced in his mind. So was the soul of Aeneas gladdened in his breast, when he beheld a body of troops following himself. These therefore engaged in close fight round Alcathous with long spears, whilst the brass resounded horribly on the breasts of them, aiming at each other through the crowd. But two warlike men, conspicuous among the rest, Aeneas and Idomeneus, equal to Mars, longed to lacerate each other's flesh with the ruthless brass. But Aeneas first hurled his javelin at Idomeneus; but he, perceiving it opposite, avoided the brazen spear; and the spear of Aeneas sank quivering into the earth; for it fled in vain from his sturdy hand. Idomeneus next smote oenomaus in the middle of the stomach, and the spear burst the cavity of his corslet, and penetrating, drank his entrails through; but falling amid the dust, he grasped the earth with the hollow of his hand. Then Idomeneus plucked out the long spear from his body, but was unable to tear off the other rich armour from his shoulders, for he was pressed hard by weapons. For no longer were the sinews of his feet firm as he rushed, either to hasten on after his own dart,[432] or avoid [that of another]. Wherefore also in standing fight, he warded off the fatal day, nor did his feet any longer bear him with ease in retreating from the battle. But against him, gradually retiring, Deiphobus took aim with his glittering spear, for he ever had a rooted hatred towards him. But then too he missed, and struck with his javelin Ascalaphus, the son of Mars, and drove the stout spear through his shoulder; and tailing amid the dust, he grasped the earth with his hand.

[Footnote 432: So as to recover it.]

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