Succeed to these my cares, and rouse the rest;

He serves me most, who serves his country best."

This said, the hero o'er his shoulders flung

A lion's spoils, that to his ankles hung;

Then seized his ponderous lance, and strode along.

Meges the bold, with Ajax famed for speed,

The warrior roused, and to the entrenchments lead.

And now the chiefs approach the nightly guard;

A wakeful squadron, each in arms prepared:

The unwearied watch their listening leaders keep,

And, couching close, repel invading sleep.

So faithful dogs their fleecy charge maintain,

With toil protected from the prowling train;

When the gaunt lioness, with hunger bold,

Springs from the mountains toward the guarded fold:

Through breaking woods her rustling course they hear;

Loud, and more loud, the clamours strike their ear

Of hounds and men: they start, they gaze around,

Watch every side, and turn to every sound.

Thus watch'd the Grecians, cautious of surprise,

Each voice, each motion, drew their ears and eyes:

Each step of passing feet increased the affright;

And hostile Troy was ever full in sight.

Nestor with joy the wakeful band survey'd,

383

The Iliad of Homer