He spake, and, brandishing his ponderous lance, Hurled it; and on the outer plate of brass, Which covered the seven bullock-hides, it struck The shield of Ajax. Through the brass and through Six folds of hides the irresistible spear Cut its swift way, and at the seventh was stopped. Then high-born Ajax cast his massive spear In turn, and drove it through the fair, round shield Of Priam’s son. Through that bright buckler went The rapid weapon, pierced the well-wrought mail, And tore the linen tunic at the flank. But Hector stooped and thus avoided death. They took their spears again, and, coming close, Like lions in their hunger, or wild boars Of fearful strength, joined battle. Priam’s son Sent his spear forward, striking in the midst The shield of Ajax, but it broke not through The brass; the metal turned the weapon’s point. While Ajax, springing onward, smote the shield Of Hector, drave his weapon through, and checked His enemy’s swift advance, and wounded him Upon the shoulder, and the black blood flowed. Yet not for this did plumèd Hector cease From combat, but went back, and, lifting up