Then, as the twain were stripping from the dead Their glittering arms, the largest, bravest band Of those who eagerly desired to break The rampart and to burn the ships with fire, Following Polydamas and Hector, stood Consulting at the trench. An augury, Just as they were in act to cross, appeared Upon the left: an eagle high in air, Between the armies, in his talons bore A monstrous serpent, bleeding, yet alive And palpitating⁠—nor disabled yet For combat; for it turned, and on the breast Wounded the eagle, near the neck. The bird In pain let fall his prize amid the host, And flew away, with screams, upon the wind. The Trojans shuddered at the spotted snake Lying among them, and Polydamas Said thus to fearless Hector, standing near:⁠—