Say now, ye Nine, who on Olympus dwell! What Trojan first, or what ally of Troy265 Opposed the force of Agamemnon’s arm? Iphidamas, Antenor’s valiant son, Of loftiest stature, who in fertile Thrace Mother of flocks was nourish’d, Cisseus him His grandsire, father of Theano praised270 For loveliest features, in his own abode Rear’d yet a child, and when at length he reach’d The measure of his glorious manhood firm Dismiss’d him not, but, to engage him more, Gave him his daughter. Wedded, he his bride275 As soon deserted, and with galleys twelve Following the rumor’d voyage of the Greeks, The same course steer’d; but at Percope moor’d, And marching thence, arrived on foot at Troy. He first opposed Atrides. They approach’d.280 The spear of Agamemnon wander’d wide; But him Iphidamas on his broad belt Beneath the corselet struck, and, bearing still On his spear-beam, enforced it; but ere yet He pierced the broider’d zone, his point, impress’d285 Against the silver, turn’d, obtuse as lead. Then royal Agamemnon in his hand The weapon grasping, with a lion’s rage Home drew it to himself, and from his gripe Wresting it, with his falchion keen his neck290 Smote full, and stretch’d him lifeless at his foot. So slept Iphidamas among the slain; Unhappy! from his virgin bride remote, Associate with the men of Troy in arms He fell, and left her beauties unenjoy’d.295 He gave her much, gave her a hundred beeves, And sheep and goats a thousand from his flocks Promised, for numberless his meadows ranged; But Agamemnon, son of Atreus, him Slew and despoil’d, and through the Grecian host300 Proceeded, laden with his gorgeous arms. Coön that sight beheld, illustrious Chief, Antenor’s eldest born, but with dim eyes Through anguish for his brother’s fall. Unseen Of noble Agamemnon, at his side305 He cautious stood, and with a spear his arm, Where thickest flesh’d, below his elbow, pierced, Till opposite the glittering point appear’d. A thrilling horror seized the King of men So wounded; yet though wounded so, from fight310 He ceased not, but on Coön rush’d, his spear Grasping, well-thriven growth[11] of many a wind. He by the foot drew off Iphidamas, His brother, son of his own sire, aloud Calling the Trojan leaders to his aid;315 When him so occupied with his keen point Atrides pierced his bossy shield beneath. Expiring on Iphidamas he fell Prostrate, and Agamemnon lopp’d his head. Thus, under royal Agamemnon’s hand,320 Antenor’s sons their destiny fulfill’d, And to the house of Ades journey’d both. Through other ranks of warriors then he pass’d, Now with his spear, now with his falchion arm’d, And now with missile force of massy stones,325 While yet his warm blood sallied from the wound. But when the wound grew dry, and the blood ceased, Anguish intolerable undermined Then all the might of Atreus’ royal son. As when a laboring woman’s arrowy throes330 Seize her intense, by Juno’s daughters dread The birth-presiding Ilithyæ deep