The Iliad of Homer


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While these they undermine, and those they rend;  
Upheaved the piles that prop the solid wall;  
And heaps on heaps the smoky ruins fall.  
Greece on her ramparts stands the fierce alarms;  
The crowded bulwarks blaze with waving arms,  
Shield touching shield, a long refulgent row;  
Whence hissing darts, incessant, rain below.  
The bold Ajaces fly from tower to tower,  
And rouse, with flame divine, the Grecian power.  
The generous impulse every Greek obeys;  
Threats urge the fearful; and the valiant, praise.  
"
Fellows in arms! whose deeds are known to fame,  
And you, whose ardour hopes an equal name!  
Since not alike endued with force or art;  
Behold a day when each may act his part!  
A day to fire the brave, and warm the cold,  
To gain new glories, or augment the old.  
Urge those who stand, and those who faint, excite;  
Drown Hector's vaunts in loud exhorts of fight;  
Conquest, not safety, fill the thoughts of all;  
Seek not your fleet, but sally from the wall;  
So Jove once more may drive their routed train,  
And Troy lie trembling in her walls again."  
Their ardour kindles all the Grecian powers;  
458  


Page
456 457 458 459 460

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980