The Iliad of Homer


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Whose eager javelin launch'd against the foe,  
Great Apisaon felt the fatal blow;  
From his torn liver the red current flow'd,  
And his slack knees desert their dying load.  
The victor rushing to despoil the dead,  
From Paris' bow a vengeful arrow fled;  
Fix'd in his nervous thigh the weapon stood,  
Fix'd was the point, but broken was the wood.  
Back to the lines the wounded Greek retired,  
Yet thus retreating, his associates fired:  
"What god, O Grecians! has your hearts dismay'd?  
Oh, turn to arms; 'tis Ajax claims your aid.  
This hour he stands the mark of hostile rage,  
And this the last brave battle he shall wage:  
Haste, join your forces; from the gloomy grave  
The warrior rescue, and your country save."  
Thus urged the chief: a generous troop appears,  
Who spread their bucklers, and advance their spears,  
To guard their wounded friend: while thus they stand  
With pious care, great Ajax joins the band:  
Each takes new courage at the hero's sight;  
The hero rallies, and renews the fight.  
Thus raged both armies like conflicting fires,  
While Nestor's chariot far from fight retires:  
433  


Page
431 432 433 434 435

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980