warriors rang The shining brass, oft smitten; for they fought Fearlessly, trusting in the aid of those Who held the wall, and their own valiant arms. And they who stood on the strong towers hurled down Stones, to defend the Achaians and their tents And their swift ships. As snow-flakes fall to earth When strong winds, driving on the shadowy cloud, Shower them upon the nourishing glebe, so thick Were showered the weapons from the hands of Greeks And Trojans; and the helms and bossy shields, Beaten by stones, resounded. Asius then— The son of Hyrtacus—in anger groaned, And smote his thighs impatiently, and said:—
“O Father Jove! Thou then art wholly false. I did not look to see the men of Greece Stand thus before our might and our strong arms; Yet they, like pliant-bodied wasps or bees, That build their cells beside the rocky way, And quit not their abode, but, waiting there The hunter, combat for their young—so these, Although but two, withdraw not from the gates, Nor will, till they be slain or seized alive.”
He spake; but moved not thus the will of