As when the flakes of snow fall thick from heaven, Driven by the north wind sweeping on the clouds Before it, so from out the galleys came Helms crowding upon helms that glittered fair, Strong hauberks, bossy shields, and ashen spears. The gleam of armor brightened heaven and earth, And mighty was the sound of trampling feet. Amidst them all the great Achilles stood, Putting his armor on; he gnashed his teeth; His eyes shot fire; a grief too sharp to bear Was in his heart, as, filled with rage against The men of Troy, he cased his limbs in mail, The gift of Vulcan, from whose diligent hand It came. And first about his legs he clasped The beautiful greaves, with silver fastenings, Fitted the corselet to his bosom next, And from his shoulders hung the brazen sword With silver studs, and then he took the shield, Massive and broad, whose brightness streamed as far As the moon’s rays. And as at sea the light Of beacon, blazing in some lonely spot By night, upon a mountain summit, shines To mariners whom the tempest’s force has driven Far from their friends across the fishy deep,