Then great had been the slaughter; fearful deeds Had then been done; the Trojans had been scared Into their town like lambs into the fold⁠— Had not the Father of the immortal gods And mortal men beheld, and from on high Terribly thundered, sending to the earth A bolt of fire. He flung it down before The car of Diomed; and fiercely glared The blazing sulphur; both the frightened steeds Cowered trembling by the chariot. Nestor’s hand Let fall the embroidered reins; his spirit sank With fear, and thus he said to Diomed:⁠—

“Tydides, turn thy firm-paced steeds, and flee. Dost thou not see that victory from Jove Attends thee not? Today doth Saturn’s son Award the glory to the Trojan chief. Hereafter he will make it ours, if such Be his good pleasure. No man, though he be The mightiest among men, can thwart the will Of Jupiter, with whom abides all power.”