of war.”
And then he said to Hector with a frown: “Draw nearer, that thou mayst the sooner die.”
The crested Hector, undismayed, replied: “Pelides, do not hope with empty words To frighten me, as if I were a boy. Insults and taunts I could with ease return. I know that thou art brave; I know that I In might am not thy equal; but the event Rests in the laps of the great gods, and they May, though I lack the prowess, give thy life Into my hands when I shall cast my spear. The weapon that I bear is keen like thine.”
Thus having spoken, brandishing his spear, He sent it forth; but with a gentle breath Minerva turned it from the glorious Greek, And laid it at the noble Hector’s feet. Then did Achilles, resolute to slay His enemy, rush against him with a shout Of fury; but Apollo, with such power As gods put forth, withdrew him thence, and spread A darkness round him. Thrice the swift of foot, Achilles, rushed against him with his spear, And thrice he smote the cloud. But when once more, In godlike might, he made the assault, he spake These wingèd words of menace and reproach:—