The Iliad of Homer


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Each adverse battle gored with equal wounds.  
But now (what time in some sequester'd vale  
The weary woodman spreads his sparing meal,  
When his tired arms refuse the axe to rear,  
And claim a respite from the sylvan war;  
But not till half the prostrate forests lay  
Stretch'd in long ruin, and exposed to day)  
Then, nor till then, the Greeks' impulsive might  
Pierced the black phalanx, and let in the light.  
Great Agamemnon then the slaughter led,  
And slew Bienor at his people's head:  
Whose squire Oileus, with a sudden spring,  
Leap'd from the chariot to revenge his king;  
But in his front he felt the fatal wound,  
Which pierced his brain, and stretch'd him on the ground.  
Atrides spoil'd, and left them on the plain:  
Vain was their youth, their glittering armour vain:  
Now soil'd with dust, and naked to the sky,  
Their snowy limbs and beauteous bodies lie.  
Two sons of Priam next to battle move,  
The product, one of marriage, one of love:(222)  
In the same car the brother-warriors ride;  
This took the charge to combat, that to guide:  
Far other task, than when they wont to keep,  
On Ida's tops, their father's fleecy sheep.  
409  


Page
407 408 409 410 411

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980