As when some vigorous youth with sharpen’d axe A pastured bullock smites behind the horns And hews the muscle through; he, at the stroke Springs forth and falls, so sprang Aretus forth, Then fell supine, and in his bowels stood630 The keen-edged lance still quivering till he died. Then Hector, in return, his radiant spear Hurl’d at Automedon, who of its flight Forewarn’d his body bowing prone, the stroke Eluded, and the spear piercing the soil635 Behind him, shook to its superior end, Till, spent by slow degrees, its fury slept. And now, with hand to hilt, for closer war Both stood prepared, when through the multitude Advancing at their fellow-warrior’s call,640 The Ajaces suddenly their combat fierce Prevented. Awed at once by their approach Hector retired, with whom Æneas went Also and godlike Chromius, leaving there Aretus with his vitals torn, whose arms,645 Fierce as the God of war Automedon Stripp’d off, and thus exulted o’er the slain. My soul some portion of her grief resigns Consoled, although by slaughter of a worse, For loss of valiant Menœtiades.650 So saying, within his chariot he disposed The gory spoils, then mounted it himself With hands and feet purpled, as from a bull His bloody prey, some lion newly-gorged. And now around Patroclus raged again655 Dread strife deplorable! for from the skies Descending at the Thunderer’s command Whose purpose now was to assist the Greeks, Pallas enhanced the fury of the fight. As when from heaven, in view of mortals, Jove660 Exhibits bright his bow, a sign ordain’d Of war, or numbing frost which all the works Suspends of man and saddens all the flocks; So she, all mantled with a radiant cloud Entering Achaia’s host, fired every breast.665 But meeting Menelaus first, brave son Of Atreus, in the form and with the voice Robust of Phœnix, him she thus bespake. Shame, Menelaus, shall to thee redound For ever, and reproach, should dogs devour670 The faithful friend of Peleus’ noble son Under Troy’s battlements; but stand, thyself, Undaunted, and encourage all the host. To whom the son of Atreus bold in arms. Ah, Phœnix, friend revered, ancient and sage!675 Would Pallas give me might and from the dint Shield me of dart and spear, with willing mind I would defend Patroclus, for his death Hath touch’d me deep. But Hector with the rage Burns of consuming fire, nor to his spear680 Gives pause, for him Jove leads to victory. He ceased, whom Pallas, Goddess azure-eyed Hearing, rejoiced that of the heavenly powers He had invoked _her_ foremost to his aid. His shoulders with new might, and limbs she fill’d,685 And persevering boldness to his breast Imparted, such as prompts the fly, which oft From flesh of man repulsed, her purpose yet To bite holds fast, resolved on human blood. His stormy bosom with such courage fill’d690 By Pallas, to Patroclus he approach’d And hurl’d, incontinent, his glittering spear. There was a Trojan Chief, Podes by name, Son of Eëtion, valorous and rich;