Around the walls he gazed, to view from far

What aid appear'd to avert the approaching war,

And saw where Teucer with the Ajaces stood,

Of fight insatiate, prodigal of blood.

In vain he calls; the din of helms and shields

Rings to the skies, and echoes through the fields,

The brazen hinges fly, the walls resound,

Heaven trembles, roar the mountains, thunders all the ground

Then thus to Thoos: "Hence with speed (he said),

And urge the bold Ajaces to our aid;

Their strength, united, best may help to bear

The bloody labours of the doubtful war:

Hither the Lycian princes bend their course,

The best and bravest of the hostile force.

But if too fiercely there the foes contend,

Let Telamon, at least, our towers defend,

And Teucer haste with his unerring bow

To share the danger, and repel the foe."

Swift, at the word, the herald speeds along

The lofty ramparts, through the martial throng,

And finds the heroes bathed in sweat and gore,

Opposed in combat on the dusty shore.

"Ye valiant leaders of our warlike bands!

Your aid (said Thoos) Peteus' son demands;

Your strength, united, best may help to bear

462

The Iliad of Homer