The Iliad of Homer


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And full on Mars impelled the foaming horse:  
But first, to hide her heavenly visage, spread  
Black Orcus' helmet o'er her radiant head.  
Just then gigantic Periphas lay slain,  
The strongest warrior of the Ætolian train;  
The god, who slew him, leaves his prostrate prize  
Stretch'd where he fell, and at Tydides flies.  
Now rushing fierce, in equal arms appear  
The daring Greek, the dreadful god of war!  
Full at the chief, above his courser's head,  
From Mars's arm the enormous weapon fled:  
Pallas opposed her hand, and caused to glance  
Far from the car the strong immortal lance.  
Then threw the force of Tydeus' warlike son;  
The javelin hiss'd; the goddess urged it on:  
Where the broad cincture girt his armour round,  
It pierced the god: his groin received the wound.  
From the rent skin the warrior tugs again  
The smoking steel. Mars bellows with the pain:  
Loud as the roar encountering armies yield,  
When shouting millions shake the thundering field.  
Both armies start, and trembling gaze around;  
And earth and heaven re-bellow to the sound.  
As vapours blown by Auster's sultry breath,  
Pregnant with plagues, and shedding seeds of death,  
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248 249 250 251 252

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980