And then he said to Hector with a frown: “Draw nearer, that thou mayst the sooner die.”

The crested Hector, undismayed, replied: “Pelides, do not hope with empty words To frighten me, as if I were a boy. Insults and taunts I could with ease return. I know that thou art brave; I know that I In might am not thy equal; but the event Rests in the laps of the great gods, and they May, though I lack the prowess, give thy life Into my hands when I shall cast my spear. The weapon that I bear is keen like thine.”