The Iliad of Homer


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And through the wound the rushing entrails broke:  
In strong convulsions panting on the sands  
He lies, and grasps the dust with dying hands.  
Struck at the sight, recede the Trojan train:  
The shouting Argives strip the heroes slain.  
And now had Troy, by Greece compell'd to yield,  
Fled to her ramparts, and resign'd the field;  
Greece, in her native fortitude elate,  
With Jove averse, had turn'd the scale of fate:  
But Phoebus urged Æneas to the fight;  
He seem'd like aged Periphas to sight:  
(A herald in Anchises' love grown old,  
Revered for prudence, and with prudence bold.)  
Thus he--"What methods yet, O chief! remain,  
To save your Troy, though heaven its fall ordain?  
There have been heroes, who, by virtuous care,  
By valour, numbers, and by arts of war,  
Have forced the powers to spare a sinking state,  
And gain'd at length the glorious odds of fate:  
But you, when fortune smiles, when Jove declares  
His partial favour, and assists your wars,  
Your shameful efforts 'gainst yourselves employ,  
And force the unwilling god to ruin Troy."  
641  


Page
639 640 641 642 643

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980