Had made him leave the battle, for his life Had ended there. The act was not unseen By All-disposing Jupiter, whose power Protected Hector, and denied the Greek The glory hoped for; for he snapped in twain The firmly twisted cord as Teucer drew That perfect bow; the brazen arrow flew Aside; the warrior’s hands let fall the bow, And, shuddering, he bespake his brother thus:⁠—

“Now woe is me! Some deity, no doubt, Brings all our plans to nought. ’Tis he whose touch Strikes from my hand the bow, and snaps in twain The cord just twisted, which I bound myself This morning to the bow, that it might bear The frequent arrow bounding toward the foe.”