“Babbler and boaster, what wild words are these? O Ajax! Would that I were but as sure To be the child of aegis-bearing Jove, Brought forth by Juno the august, and held In honor everywhere like that which crowns Apollo and Minerva, as I know That to the Greeks this very day will bring Destruction, and that thou shalt also lie Slain with the others, if thou dare abide The stroke of my long spear, which yet shall tear Thy dainty flesh, and thou, with thy full limbs, Shalt be the feast of Trojan dogs and birds, Unburied by the galleys of the Greeks.”

So Hector spake, and led his warriors on. They followed with a mighty shout; the rear Sent up as loud a cry. On the other side Shouted the Greeks, nor intermitted now Their wonted valor, but stood firm to breast The onset of the chosen men of Troy. The mingled clamor of both hosts went up To heaven, and to the shining seat of Jove.