Of numerous helmets, corselets furbish’d bright,415 And shields refulgent meeting, dull’d the eye, And turn’d it dark away. Stranger indeed Were he to fear, who could that strife have view’d With heart elate, or spirit unperturb’d. Two mighty sons of Saturn adverse parts420 Took in that contest, purposing alike To many a valiant Chief sorrow and pain. Jove, for the honor of Achilles, gave Success to Hector and the host of Troy, Not for complete destruction of the Greeks425 At Ilium, but that glory might redound To Thetis thence, and to her dauntless son. On the other side, the King of Ocean risen Secretly from the hoary Deep, the host Of Greece encouraged, whom he grieved to see430 Vanquish’d by Trojans, and with anger fierce Against the Thunderer burn’d on their behalf. Alike from one great origin divine Sprang they, but Jove was elder, and surpass’d In various knowledge; therefore when he roused435 Their courage, Neptune traversed still the ranks Clandestine, and in human form disguised. Thus, these Immortal Two, straining the cord Indissoluble of all-wasting war, Alternate measured with it either host,440 And loosed the joints of many a warrior bold. Then, loud exhorting (though himself with age Half grey) the Achaians, into battle sprang Idomeneus, and scatter’d, first, the foe, Slaying Othryoneus, who, by the lure445 Of martial glory drawn, had left of late Cabesus. He Priam’s fair daughter woo’d Cassandra, but no nuptial gift vouchsafed To offer, save a sounding promise proud To chase, himself, however resolute450 The Grecian host, and to deliver Troy. To him assenting, Priam, ancient King, Assured to him his wish, and in the faith Of that assurance confident, he fought. But brave Idomeneus his splendid lance455 Well-aim’d dismissing, struck the haughty Chief. Pacing elate the field; his brazen mail Endured not; through his bowels pierced, with clang Of all his arms he fell, and thus with joy Immense exulting, spake Idomeneus.460 I give thee praise, Othryoneus! beyond All mortal men, if truly thou perform Thy whole big promise to the Dardan king, Who promised thee his daughter. Now, behold, We also promise: doubt not the effect.465 We give into thy arms the most admired Of Agamemnon’s daughters, whom ourselves Will hither bring from Argos, if thy force With ours uniting, thou wilt rase the walls Of populous Troy. Come—follow me; that here470 Among the ships we may adjust the terms Of marriage, for we take not scanty dower. So saying, the Hero dragg’d him by his heel Through all the furious fight. His death to avenge Asius on foot before his steeds advanced,475 For them, where’er he moved, his charioteer Kept breathing ever on his neck behind. With fierce desire the heart of Asius burn’d To smite Idomeneus, who with his lance Him reaching first, pierced him beneath the chin480 Into his throat, and urged the weapon through. He fell, as some green poplar falls, or oak, Or lofty pine, by naval artists hewn