“Some god, O Ajax, from the Olympian hill, Wearing the augur’s form, hath bid us fight Beside the ships; nor can it be the seer Calchas, for well I marked his feet and legs As he departed; easily by these The gods are known. I feel a spirit roused In my own bosom eager to engage In the fierce strife; my very feet below, And hands above, take part in the desire.”

And thus the son of Telamon replied:⁠— “So also these strong hands that grasp the spear Burn eagerly to wield it, and my heart Is full of courage. I am hurried on By both my feet, and vehemently long To try alone the combat with this chief Of boundless valor, Hector, Priam’s son.”