The city, and the wives and little ones Of its defenders; if she will protect Our sacred Ilium from the ruthless son Of Tydeus, from whose valor armies flee, And whom I deem the bravest of 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:⁠—