The Iliad of Homer


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The bloody labours of the doubtful war:  
Thither the Lycian princes bend their course,  
The best and bravest of the hostile force.  
But if too fiercely, here, the foes contend,  
At least, let Telamon those towers defend,  
And Teucer haste with his unerring bow  
To share the danger, and repel the foe."  
Straight to the fort great Ajax turn'd his care,  
And thus bespoke his brothers of the war:  
"Now, valiant Lycomede! exert your might,  
And, brave Oileus, prove your force in fight;  
To you I trust the fortune of the field,  
Till by this arm the foe shall be repell'd:  
That done, expect me to complete the day  
Then with his sevenfold shield he strode away.  
With equal steps bold Teucer press'd the shore,  
Whose fatal bow the strong Pandion bore.  
High on the walls appear'd the Lycian powers,  
Like some black tempest gathering round the towers:  
The Greeks, oppress'd, their utmost force unite,  
Prepared to labour in the unequal fight:  
The war renews, mix'd shouts and groans arise;  
Tumultuous clamour mounts, and thickens in the skies.  
Fierce Ajax first the advancing host invades,  
463  


Page
461 462 463 464 465

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980