He spake, and Telamonian Ajax rose, The large of limb; Tydides Diomed, The strong, rose also. When they had put on Their arms apart from all the host, they came, All eager for the combat, to the lists, And fearful was their aspect. All the Greeks Looked on with dread and wonder, and when now Stood face to face the warriors, thrice they rushed Against each other; thrice they dealt their blows. Then Ajax thrust through Diomed’s round shield His weapon, but it wounded not; the mail Beyond it stopped the stroke. Tydides aimed Over his adversary’s mighty shield A blow to reach his neck. The Greeks, alarmed For Ajax, shouted that the strife should cease, And both divide the prize. Achilles heard, But gave to Diomed the ponderous sword, Its sheath, and the fair belt from which it hung.