The Iliad of Homer


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For ah! what is there of inferior birth,  
That breathes or creeps upon the dust of earth;  
What wretched creature of what wretched kind,  
Than man more weak, calamitous, and blind?  
A miserable race! but cease to mourn:  
For not by you shall Priam's son be borne  
High on the splendid car: one glorious prize  
He rashly boasts: the rest our will denies.  
Ourself will swiftness to your nerves impart,  
Ourself with rising spirits swell your heart.  
Automedon your rapid flight shall bear  
Safe to the navy through the storm of war.  
For yet 'tis given to Troy to ravage o'er  
The field, and spread her slaughters to the shore;  
The sun shall see her conquer, till his fall  
With sacred darkness shades the face of all."  
He said; and breathing in the immortal horse  
Excessive spirit, urged them to the course;  
From their high manes they shake the dust, and bear  
The kindling chariot through the parted war:  
So flies a vulture through the clamorous train  
Of geese, that scream, and scatter round the plain.  
From danger now with swiftest speed they flew,  
And now to conquest with like speed pursue;  
Sole in the seat the charioteer remains,  
647  


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645 646 647 648 649

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980