The Exploits of Diomed
The valor of Diomed, aided by Minerva—He is wounded by Pandarus, and healed by the Goddess, who forbids him to fight with any of the immortals, save Venus—His combat with Pandarus and Aeneas—Pandarus slain, and Aeneas, wounded and in great danger, rescued by Venus, who in the act is wounded by Diomed, and leaves Aeneas to the care of Apollo—Descent of Mars to the field in aid of Hector—Return of Aeneas to the field—Descent of Juno and Minerva to resist Mars, who is wounded by Diomed—Return of the gods to heaven.
Then Pallas to Tydides Diomed Gave strength and courage, that he might appear Among the Achaians greatly eminent, And win a glorious name. Upon his head And shield she caused a constant flame to play, Like to the autumnal star that shines in heaven Most brightly when new-bathed in ocean tides. Such light she caused to beam upon his crest And shoulders, as she sent the warrior forth Into the thick and tumult of the fight.
Among the Trojans, Dares was the priest Of Vulcan, rich and blameless. His two sons Were Phegeus and Idaus, trained in all The arts of war. They left the host and came To meet Tydides—on the chariot they, And he on foot; and now, as they drew near, First Phegeus hurled his massive lance. It flew O’er Diomed’s left shoulder and struck not. Tydides cast his spear, and not in vain; It smote the breast of Phegeus in the midst, And dashed him from his seat. Idaeus leaped To earth, and left the sumptuous car, nor dared To guard the slain, yet would have met his death If Vulcan had not borne him swiftly thence Concealed in darkness, that he might not leave The aged man, his father, desolate. The son of Tydeus took the