Among its thickets, then I may at eve Bathe in the river and return refreshed To Troy. But why give way to thoughts like these? For he may yet observe me as I haste From Ilium o’er the plain, and his swift feet May follow; there will then be no escape From death and fate, since he in might of arm Excels all other men. If now I here Confront him before Troy, I cannot think That he is weapon-proof; one life alone Dwells in him, though Saturnian Jupiter Bestows on him the glory of the day.”
He spake, and firmly waited for the son Of Peleus; eagerly his fearless heart Longed for the combat. As a panther leaves The covert of the wood and comes to meet A huntsman, nor is scared nor put to flight By noise of baying hounds, not even though A spear’s thrust or a javelin flung from far Have wounded him, yet, wounded, he fights on, Until he grapples with his enemy Or perishes—thus did the noble son Of the renowned Antenor press to try His prowess with Achilles, and disdained To flee before him. Holding his round shield Before his face, and with his lifted spear Aimed at the Greek, he shouted thus aloud:—