Single Combat of Menelaus and Paris
Proposal of Hector to end the war by a duel between Menelaus and Paris, the victor to possess Helen and her wealth—Priam and Helen behold the combat—Description of the principal Greek princes and chiefs, given by Helen to Priam—Paris snatched away from the combat by Venus, as he was in danger of being slain, and conveyed to the bedchamber of Helen.
Now when both armies were arrayed for war, Each with its chiefs, the Trojan host moved on With shouts and clang of arms, as when the cry Of cranes is in the air, that, flying south From winter and its mighty breadth of rain, Wing their way over ocean, and at dawn Bring fearful battle to the pygmy race, Bloodshed and death. But silently the Greeks Went forward, breathing valor, mindful still To aid each other in the coming fray.
As when the south wind shrouds a mountaintop In vapors that awake the shepherd’s fear— A surer covert for the thief than night— And round him one can only see as far As one can hurl a stone—such was the cloud Of dust that from the warriors’ trampling feet Rose round their rapid march and filled the air.
Now drew they near each other, face to face, And Paris in the Trojan van pressed on, In presence like a god. A leopard’s hide Was thrown across his shoulders, and he bore A crooked bow and falchion. Brandishing Two brazen-pointed javelins, he defied To mortal fight the bravest of the Greeks.
Him, Menelaus, loved of Mars, beheld Advancing with large strides before the rest; And as a hungry lion who has made A prey of some large