BOOK XV.

ARGUMENT.

THE FIFTH BATTLE AT THE SHIPS; AND THE ACTS OF AJAX.

Jupiter, awaking, sees the Trojans repulsed from the trenches, Hector in a

swoon, and Neptune at the head of the Greeks: he is highly incensed at the

artifice of Juno, who appeases him by her submissions; she is then sent to

Iris and Apollo. Juno, repairing to the assembly of the gods, attempts,

with extraordinary address, to incense them against Jupiter; in particular

she touches Mars with a violent resentment; he is ready to take arms, but

is prevented by Minerva. Iris and Apollo obey the orders of Jupiter; Iris

commands Neptune to leave the battle, to which, after much reluctance and

passion, he consents. Apollo reinspires Hector with vigour, brings him

back to the battle, marches before him with his aegis, and turns the

fortune of the fight. He breaks down great part of the Grecian wall: the

Trojans rush in, and attempt to fire the first line of the fleet, but are,

as yet, repelled by the greater Ajax with a prodigious slaughter.

Now in swift flight they pass the trench profound,

And many a chief lay gasping on the ground:

Then stopp'd and panted, where the chariots lie

Fear on their cheek, and horror in their eye.

Meanwhile, awaken'd from his dream of love,

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The Iliad of Homer