the Greeks. For not so greatly have we held in dread Achilles, the great leader, whom they call The goddess-born; but terrible in wrath Is Diomed, nor hath his peer in might.”
He spake, and Hector of his brother’s words Was not unmindful. Instantly he leaped, Armed, from his chariot, shaking his sharp spears; And everywhere among the host he went, Exhorting them to combat manfully; And thus he kindled the fierce fight anew. They, turning from the flight, withstood the Greeks. The Greeks fell back and ceased to slay; they thought That one of the immortals had come down From out the starry heaven to help the men Of Troy, so suddenly they turned and fought. Then Hector to the Trojans called aloud:—
“O valiant sons of Troy, and ye allies Summoned from far! Be men, my friends; call back Your wonted valor, while I go to Troy To ask the aged men, our counsellors, And all our wives, to come before the gods And pray and offer vows of sacrifice.”
So the plumed Hector spake, and then withdrew, While the black fell that edged his bossy shield Struck on his neck and ankles as he went.
Now came into the midst between the hosts Glaucus, the offspring of Hippolochus, And met the son of Tydeus—both intent On combat. But when now the twain were near, And ready to engage, brave Diomed Spake first, and thus addressed his enemy:—
“Who mayst thou be, of mortal men? Most brave Art thou, yet never in the glorious fight Have I beheld thee. Thou surpassest now All others in thy daring, since thou com’st Within the reach of my long spear. The sons Of most unhappy men are they who meet My arm; but—if thou comest from above, A god—I war not with the gods of heaven; For even brave Lycurgus lived not long, The son of Dryas, who engaged in strife With the celestial gods. He once pursued The nurses of the frantic Bacchus through The hallowed ground of Nyssa. All at once They flung