Deep in the sea there is a spacious cave, Between the rugged Imbrus and the isle Of Tenedos. There Neptune, he who shakes The shores, held back his steeds, took off their yoke, Gave them ambrosial food, and, binding next Their feet with golden fetters which no power Might break or loosen, so that they might wait Their lord’s return, he sought the Grecian host.

Still did the Trojans, rushing on in crowds, Like flames or like a tempest, follow close Hector, the son of Priam; still their rage Abated not; with stormy cries they came; They hoped to seize the fleet and slay the Greeks Beside it. But the power who swathes the earth And shakes it, Neptune, coming from the deep, Revived the valor of the Greeks. He took The shape of Calchas and his powerful voice, And thus to either Ajax, who yet stemmed The battle with a resolute heart, he spake:⁠—