Then rose Achilles, and addressed the Greeks: “Ye who would try your fortune in this strife, Arise.” He spake, and mighty Ajax rose, The son of Telamon, and after him The wise Ulysses, trained to stratagems. They, girding up their loins, came forth and stood In the mid space, and there with vigorous arms They clasped each other, locked like rafters framed By some wise builder for the lofty roof Of a great mansion proof against the winds. Then their backs creaked beneath the powerful strain Of their strong hands; the sweat ran down their limbs; Large whelks upon their sides and shoulders rose, Crimson with blood. Still eagerly they strove For victory and the tripod. Yet in vain Ulysses labored to supplant his foe, And throw him to the ground, and equally Did Ajax strive in vain, for with sheer strength Ulysses foiled his efforts. When they saw That the Greeks wearied of the spectacle, The mighty Telamonian Ajax said:⁠—