Such were their words, while Ajax armed himself In glittering brass; and, when about his limbs The mail was buckled, forward rushed the chief. As moves the mighty Mars to war among The heroes whom the son of Saturn sends To struggle on the field in murderous strife, So the great Ajax, bulwark of the Greeks, With a grim smile came forward, and with strides Firm-set and long, and shook his ponderous spear. The Greeks exulted at the sight; dismay Seized every Trojan: even Hector’s heart Quailed in his bosom; yet he might not now Withdraw through fear, nor seek to hide among The throng of people, since himself had given The challenge. Ajax, drawing near, upheld A buckler like a rampart, bright with brass, And strong with ox-hides seven. The cunning hand Of Tychius, skilled beyond all other men In leather-work, had wrought it at his home In Hyla. He for Ajax framed the shield With hides of pampered bullocks in seven folds, And an eighth fold of brass⁠—the outside fold. This Telamonian Ajax held before His breast, as he approached, and threatening said:⁠—