The Iliad of Homer


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Cursed be the fate that sent me to the field  
Without a warrior's arms, the spear and shield!  
If e'er with life I quit the Trojan plain,  
If e'er I see my spouse and sire again,  
This bow, unfaithful to my glorious aims,  
Broke by my hand, shall feed the blazing flames."  
To whom the leader of the Dardan race:  
"Be calm, nor Phoebus' honour'd gift disgrace.  
The distant dart be praised, though here we need  
The rushing chariot and the bounding steed.  
Against yon hero let us bend our course,  
And, hand to hand, encounter force with force.  
Now mount my seat, and from the chariot's height  
Observe my father's steeds, renown'd in fight;  
Practised alike to turn, to stop, to chase,  
To dare the shock, or urge the rapid race;  
Secure with these, through fighting fields we go;  
Or safe to Troy, if Jove assist the foe.  
Haste, seize the whip, and snatch the guiding rein;  
The warrior's fury let this arm sustain;  
Or, if to combat thy bold heart incline,  
Take thou the spear, the chariot's care be mine."  
"
O prince! (Lycaon's valiant son replied)  
As thine the steeds, be thine the task to guide.  
18  
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Page
216 217 218 219 220

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980