Achilles (Mythological character); Epic poetry, Greek -- Translations into English; Trojan War
Thus he spoke, but Deïphobus hesitated between two opinions, whether,
falling back, he should join to himself some one of the magnanimous
Trojans, or make trial although alone. But to him, thus deliberating,
it appeared preferable to go in search of Æneas; whom he found standing
at the rear of the army, for he was ever indignant with noble Priam,
because he by no means honoured him, though being valiant among heroes.
And, standing near, he addressed to him winged words:
“Æneas, thou counsellor of the Trojans, now does it greatly behove thee
to aid thy brother-in-law, if indeed any regard reaches thee. But
follow, let us bring aid to Alcathous, who, being thy brother-in-law,
nourished thee whilst very young, in his palace, and whom spear-famed
Idomeneus hath slain.”
Thus he spoke, and roused the courage in his breast, and he, greatly
desirous of battle, went to meet Idomeneus. Yet fear seized not
Idomeneus like a tender boy, but he stood still, like a boar in the
mountains, confident in his prowess, and who abides the mighty din of
men advancing against him, in a desert place, 431 and bristles up his
back; his eyes, too, gleam with fire, and he whets his teeth, eager to
keep at bay both dogs and men. So spear-renowned Idomeneus awaited
Æneas, swift in the battle-din, coming against him, nor retired; but he
shouted to his companions, looking to Ascalaphus, and Aphareus, and
Deïpyrus, and Meriones, and Antilochus, skilful in fight. Exhorting
these, he addressed to them winged words:
Footnote 431: (return) Or, “in the sheep-pasture.”
“Hither, my friends, and aid me alone, for I greatly dread swift-footed
Æneas, rushing on, who is coming upon me; who is very powerful to slay
men in battle, and possesses the bloom of youth, which is the greatest
strength. For if we were of the same age, with the spirit that I now
possess, quickly would either he bear off great glory, or I would.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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