The Trojan chief Aeneas, answering, said:— “Nay, talk not so; it cannot but be thus, Until upon a chariot, and with steeds, We try our prowess with this man in war. Haste, mount my chariot here, and thou shalt see How well are Trojan horses trained to range The field of battle, in the swift pursuit Hither and thither, or in rapid flight; And they shall bring us safely to the town Should Jove a second time bestow the meed Of glory on Tydides. Haste, and take The lash and well-wrought reins, while I descend To fight on foot; or haply thou wilt wait The foe’s advance while I direct the steeds.”
Then spake again Lycaon’s eminent son:— “Keep thou the reins, Aeneas, and still guide The horses. With their wonted charioteer, The better shall they bear away the car Should we be forced to fly before the arm Of Diomed; lest, taking flight, they range Unmastered when they hear thy voice no more, Nor bear us from the combat, and the son Of Tydeus, having slain us, shall lead thence Thy firm-hoofed coursers. Therefore guide them still, Them and the chariot, while, with this keen spear, I wait the Greek, as he is rushing on.”
They spake, and, climbing the magnificent car, Turned toward Tydides the swift-footed steeds. The noble son of Capaneus beheld, And said in wingèd words to Diomed:—
“Tydides Diomed, most dear of men! I see two warriors, strong, immensely strong, Coming to combat with thee. Pandarus Is one, the skilled in archery, who boasts To be Lycaon’s son; and by his side There comes Aeneas, glorying that he sprang From the large-souled Anchises—borne to him By Venus. Mount we now our car and leave The ground, nor in thy fury rush along The van of battle, lest thou lose thy life.”
The brave Tydides, with a frown, replied:— “Speak not of flight; thou canst not yet persuade My mind to that. To skulk or shrink with fear In battle ill becomes me, and my strength Is unexhausted yet. It suits me not