The Iliad of Homer


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High-towering in the front, the warrior came.  
First the sharp lance was by Atrides thrown;  
The lance far distant by the winds was blown.  
Nor pierced Pisander through Atrides' shield:  
Pisander's spear fell shiver'd on the field.  
Not so discouraged, to the future blind,  
Vain dreams of conquest swell his haughty mind;  
Dauntless he rushes where the Spartan lord  
Like lightning brandish'd his far beaming sword.  
His left arm high opposed the shining shield:  
His right beneath, the cover'd pole-axe held;  
(An olive's cloudy grain the handle made,  
Distinct with studs, and brazen was the blade;)  
This on the helm discharged a noble blow;  
The plume dropp'd nodding to the plain below,  
Shorn from the crest. Atrides waved his steel:  
Deep through his front the weighty falchion fell;  
The crashing bones before its force gave way;  
In dust and blood the groaning hero lay:  
Forced from their ghastly orbs, and spouting gore,  
The clotted eye-balls tumble on the shore.  
And fierce Atrides spurn'd him as he bled,  
Tore off his arms, and, loud-exulting, said:  
"
Thus, Trojans, thus, at length be taught to fear;  
O race perfidious, who delight in war!  
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Page
499 500 501 502 503

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980