The Iliad of Homer


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As from some far-seen mountain's airy crown,  
Subdued by steel, a tall ash tumbles down,  
And soils its verdant tresses on the ground;  
So falls the youth; his arms the fall resound.  
Then Teucer rushing to despoil the dead,  
From Hector's hand a shining javelin fled:  
He saw, and shunn'd the death; the forceful dart  
Sung on, and pierced Amphimachus's heart,  
Cteatus' son, of Neptune's forceful line;  
Vain was his courage, and his race divine!  
Prostrate he falls; his clanging arms resound,  
And his broad buckler thunders on the ground.  
To seize his beamy helm the victor flies,  
And just had fastened on the dazzling prize,  
When Ajax' manly arm a javelin flung;  
Full on the shield's round boss the weapon rung;  
He felt the shock, nor more was doom'd to feel,  
Secure in mail, and sheath'd in shining steel.  
Repulsed he yields; the victor Greeks obtain  
The spoils contested, and bear off the slain.  
Between the leaders of the Athenian line,  
(
Stichius the brave, Menestheus the divine,)  
Deplored Amphimachus, sad object! lies;  
Imbrius remains the fierce Ajaces' prize.  
As two grim lions bear across the lawn,  
Snatch'd from devouring hounds, a slaughter'd fawn.  
480  


Page
478 479 480 481 482

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980