Then Hector aimed, to smite Automedon, His shining spear. The Greek beheld and stooped, And shunned the brazen weapon. Down it came, And plunged into the earth, and stood, its stem Still shaken with the blow, and spent its force. Now would the twain have turned, and hand to hand Fought with their swords, when suddenly came up The warriors Ajax, hastening, at the call Of their companion, through the crowd, and stayed The combat. Hector and Aeneas then, And Chromius, of the godlike form, withdrew Through caution, leaving on the battle-field Aretus lying mangled. The fierce chief Automedon despoiled the dead, and spake Boastfully: “Somewhat lighter on my heart Lies now my grief for Menoetiades, Though I have slain a man of meaner note.”