He spake; and, raising them aloft, he hung The spoils upon a tamarisk, and brake Reeds and the spreading branches of the tree To form a mark, that so on their return They might not, in the darkness, miss the spot. Then onward, mid strewn arms and pools of blood, They went, and soon were where the Thracians lay. There slept the warriors, overpowered with toil; Their glittering arms were near them, fairly ranged In triple rows, and by each suit of arms Two coursers. Rhesus slumbered in the midst. Near him were his fleet horses, which were made Fast to the chariot’s border by the reins. Ulysses saw them first, and, pointing, said:⁠—

“This is the man, O Diomed, and these The steeds, described by Dolon whom we slew. Come, then; put forth thy strength of arm, for ill Doth it become thee to stand idle here, Armed as thou art. Loose thou the steeds; or else Slay thou the men, and leave the steeds to me.”