The Iliad of Homer


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Nor could Ulysses, for his art renown'd,  
O'erturn the strength of Ajax on the ground;  
Nor could the strength of Ajax overthrow  
The watchful caution of his artful foe.  
While the long strife even tired the lookers on,  
Thus to Ulysses spoke great Telamon:  
"Or let me lift thee, chief, or lift thou me:  
Prove we our force, and Jove the rest decree."  
He said; and, straining, heaved him off the ground  
With matchless strength; that time Ulysses found  
The strength to evade, and where the nerves combine  
His ankle struck: the giant fell supine;  
Ulysses, following, on his bosom lies;  
Shouts of applause run rattling through the skies.  
Ajax to lift Ulysses next essays;  
He barely stirr'd him, but he could not raise:  
His knee lock'd fast, the foe's attempt denied;  
And grappling close, they tumbled side by side.  
Defiled with honourable dust they roll,  
Still breathing strife, and unsubdued of soul:  
Again they rage, again to combat rise;  
When great Achilles thus divides the prize:  
"
Your noble vigour, O my friends, restrain;  
Nor weary out your generous strength in vain.  
34  
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