So spake he, cheering on his men. They heard, And rushed in mighty throngs against the wall, And climbed the battlements, to charge the foe With spears. Then Hector stooped, and seized a stone Which lay before the gate, broad at the base And sharp above, which two, the strongest men⁠— As men are now⁠—could hardly heave from earth Into a wain. With ease he lifted it, Alone, and brandished it: such strength the son Of Saturn gave him, that it seemed but light. As when a shepherd carries home with ease A wether’s fleece⁠—he bears it in one hand, And little is he cumbered with its weight⁠— So Hector bore the lifted stone, to break The beams that strengthened the tall folding-gates. Two bars within, laid crosswise, hold them firm⁠— Both fastened with one bolt. He came and stood Before them; with wide-parted feet he stood, And put forth all his strength, that so his arm Might drive the missile home; and in the midst He smote the folding-gates. The blow tore off The hinges; heavily the great stone fell Within: the portals crashed; nor did the bars Withstand the blow: the shattered beams gave way