And chariot I should lead the sons of Troy In the fierce battle. I obeyed him not: Far better if I had. I wished to spare My horses, lest, so largely fed at home, They might want food in the beleaguered town. So, leaving them, I came on foot to Troy, Confiding in my bow, which yet was doomed To avail me little, for already I Have smitten with my arrows the two chiefs, Tydides and Atrides, and from both Drew the red blood, but only made their rage To flame the fiercer. In an evil hour I took my bow and quiver from the wall And came to lead the Trojans for the sake Of Hector. But if ever I return To see my native country and my wife And my tall spacious mansion, may some foe Strike off my head if with these hands I fail To break my bow in pieces, casting it Into the flames, a useless weapon now.”