The Iliad of Homer


google search for The Iliad of Homer

Return to Master Book Index.

Page
770 771 772 773 774

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980

Thou robb'st me of a glory justly mine,  
Powerful of godhead, and of fraud divine:  
Mean fame, alas! for one of heavenly strain,  
To cheat a mortal who repines in vain."  
Then to the city, terrible and strong,  
With high and haughty steps he tower'd along,  
So the proud courser, victor of the prize,  
To the near goal with double ardour flies.  
Him, as he blazing shot across the field,  
The careful eyes of Priam first beheld.  
Not half so dreadful rises to the sight,(274)  
Through the thick gloom of some tempestuous night,  
Orion's dog (the year when autumn weighs),  
And o'er the feebler stars exerts his rays;  
Terrific glory! for his burning breath  
Taints the red air with fevers, plagues, and death.  
So flamed his fiery mail. Then wept the sage:  
He strikes his reverend head, now white with age;  
He lifts his wither'd arms; obtests the skies;  
He calls his much-loved son with feeble cries:  
The son, resolved Achilles' force to dare,  
Full at the Scaean gates expects the war;  
While the sad father on the rampart stands,  
And thus adjures him with extended hands:  
772  


Page
770 771 772 773 774

Quick Jump
1 245 490 735 980