The Book of the Epic: The World's Great Epics Told in Story — John Shaqi
The Book of the Epic: The World's Great Epics Told in StoryGuerber, H. A. (Hélène Adeline)
General
The Book of the Epic: The World's Great Epics Told in Story
Guerber, H. A. (Hélène Adeline)
Epic poetry -- Adaptations
_Book XI._ At daybreak Jupiter sends Discord to waken the Greeks and,
when they appear in battle array, hurls a thunder-bolt as a signal for
the fight to begin. Stimulated by Hector's ardor, the Trojans now
pounce like ravening wolves upon their foes, but, in spite of their
courage, are driven back almost to the Scean Gate. To encourage
Hector, however, Jupiter warns him, that once Agamemnon is wounded the
tide will turn. Soon after, a javelin strikes Agamemnon, and Hector,
seeing him borne to his tent, urges his men on with new vehemence
until he forces back the Greeks in his turn. In the ensuing medley
both Diomedes and Ulysses are wounded, and Achilles, moodily lounging
on the prow of his ship, sees Nestor bring them into camp. Wishing to
ascertain who has been hurt, he sends Patroclus to find out. Thus this
warrior learns how many of the Greeks are wounded, and is persuaded to
try to induce Achilles to assist their countrymen, or at least to
allow his friend to lead his forces to their rescue.
_Book XII._ Although the Trojans are now fiercely trying to enter the
Greek camp, their efforts are baffled until Hector, dismounting from
his chariot, attacks the mighty wall which the gods are to level as
soon as the war is over. Thanks to his efforts, its gates are battered
in, and the Trojans pour into the Greek camp, where many duels occur,
and where countless warriors are slain on both sides.
_Book XIII._ Having effected an entrance into the camp, the Trojans
rush forward to set fire to the ships, hoping thus to prevent the
escape of their foes. Perceiving the peril of the Greeks, Neptune, in
the guise of a priest, urges them to stand fast.
Then with his sceptre, that the deep controls,
He touched the chiefs and steel'd their manly souls:
Strength, not their own, the touch divine imparts,
Prompts their light limbs, and swells their daring hearts.
Then, as a falcon from the rocky height,
Her quarry seen, impetuous at the sight,
Forth-springing instant, darts herself from high,
Shoots on the wing, and skims along the sky:
Such, and so swift, the power of ocean flew;
The wide horizon shut him from their view.
But the advantage does not remain continuously with the Trojans, for
Hector is soon beaten back, and, seeing his people's peril, again
hotly reviles Paris, whose crime has entailed all this bloodshed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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