Hector drew near, and smote with his huge sword The ashen spear of Ajax just below The socket of the blade, and cut the stem In two. The son of Telamon in vain Brandished the severed weapon, while afar The brazen blade flew off, and ringing fell To earth. Then Ajax in his mighty mind Acknowledged that the gods were in the war, And shuddered, knowing that the Thunderer Was thwarting all his warlike purposes, And willed the victory to Troy. The chief Withdrew beyond the reach of spears, while fast The eager enemy hurled the blazing brands At the swift ship, and wrapped the stern in flames Unquenchable. Achilles saw, and smote His thigh, and spake: “Patroclus, noble friend And knight, make haste: already I behold The flames that rage with fury at the fleet. Now, lest the enemy seize our ships and we Be barred of our return, put quickly on Thy armor; be my task to call the troops.”