“O friends! The lot is mine, and I rejoice Heartily, for I think to overcome The noble Hector. Now, while I put on My armor for the fight, pray ye to Jove, The mighty son of Saturn, silently, Unheard by them of Troy, or else aloud, Since we fear no one. None by strength of arm Shall vanquish me, or find me inexpert In battle, nor was I to that degree Ill-trained in Salamis, where I was born.”

He spake; and they to Saturn’s monarch-son Prayed, looking up to the broad heaven, and said:⁠—

“O Father Jove! Most mighty, most august! Who rulest from the Idaean mount, vouchsafe That Ajax bear away the victory And everlasting honor; but if thou Dost cherish Hector and protect his life, Give equal strength to both, and equal fame.”