Now in their tents the long-haired Greeks had shared A hasty meal, and girded on their arms. The Trojans, also, in their city armed Themselves for war, as eager for the fight, Though fewer; for a hard necessity Forced them to combat for their little ones And wives. They set the city-portals wide, And forth the people issued, foot and horse Together, and a mighty din arose. And now, when host met host, their shields and spears Were mingled in disorder; men of might Encountered, cased in mail, and bucklers clashed Their bosses; loud the clamor: cries of pain And boastful shouts arose from those who fell And those who slew, and earth was drenched with blood.