The Iliad of Homer


google search for The Iliad of Homer

Return to Master Book Index.

Page
720 721 722 723 724

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980

What time a vengeful monster of the main  
Swept the wide shore, and drove him to the plain.  
Here Neptune and the gods of Greece repair,  
With clouds encompass'd, and a veil of air:  
The adverse powers, around Apollo laid,  
Crown the fair hills that silver Simois shade.  
In circle close each heavenly party sat,  
Intent to form the future scheme of fate;  
But mix not yet in fight, though Jove on high  
Gives the loud signal, and the heavens reply.  
Meanwhile the rushing armies hide the ground;  
The trampled centre yields a hollow sound:  
Steeds cased in mail, and chiefs in armour bright,  
The gleaming champaign glows with brazen light.  
Amid both hosts (a dreadful space) appear,  
There great Achilles; bold Æneas, here.  
With towering strides Aeneas first advanced;  
The nodding plumage on his helmet danced:  
Spread o'er his breast the fencing shield he bore,  
And, so he moved, his javelin flamed before.  
Not so Pelides; furious to engage,  
He rush'd impetuous. Such the lion's rage,  
Who viewing first his foes with scornful eyes,  
Though all in arms the peopled city rise,  
722  


Page
720 721 722 723 724

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980