So saying, illustrious Hector through the gates To battle rush’d, with Paris at his side, And both were bent on deeds of high renown. As when the Gods vouchsafe propitious gales To longing mariners, who with smooth oars5 Threshing the waves have all their strength consumed, So them the longing Trojans glad received. At once each slew a Grecian. Paris slew Menesthius who in Arna dwelt, the son Of Areithoüs, club-bearing chief,10 And of Philomedusa radiant-eyed. But Hector wounded with his glittering spear Eïoneus; he pierced his neck beneath His brazen morion’s verge, and dead he fell. Then Glaucus, leader of the Lycian host,15 Son of Hippolochus, in furious fight Iphinoüs son of Dexias assail’d, Mounting his rapid mares, and with his lance His shoulder pierced; unhorsed he fell and died. Such slaughter of the Grecians in fierce fight20 Minerva noting, from the Olympian hills Flew down to sacred Ilium; whose approach Marking from Pergamus, Apollo flew To meet her, ardent on the part of Troy. Beneath the beech they join’d, when first the King,25 The son of Jove, Apollo thus began. Daughter of Jove supreme! why hast thou left Olympus, and with such impetuous speed? Comest thou to give the Danaï success Decisive? For I know that pity none30 Thou feel’st for Trojans, perish as they may But if advice of mine can influence thee To that which shall be best, let us compose This day the furious fight which shall again Hereafter rage, till Ilium be destroy’d.35 Since such is Juno’s pleasure and thy own. Him answer’d then Pallas cærulean-eyed. Celestial archer! be it so. I came Myself so purposing into the field From the Olympian heights. But by what means40 Wilt thou induce the warriors to a pause? To whom the King, the son of Jove, replied. The courage of equestrian Hector bold Let us excite, that he may challenge forth To single conflict terrible some chief45 Achaian. The Achaians brazen-mail’d Indignant, will supply a champion soon To combat with the noble Chief of Troy. So spake Apollo, and his counsel pleased Minerva; which when Helenus the seer,50 Priam’s own son, in his prophetic soul Perceived, approaching Hector, thus he spake. Jove’s peer in wisdom, Hector, Priam’s son! I am thy brother. Wilt thou list to me? Bid cease the battle. Bid both armies sit.55 Call first, thyself, the mightiest of the Greeks To single conflict. I have heard the voice Of the Eternal Gods, and well-assured Foretell thee that thy death not now impends. He spake, whom Hector heard with joy elate.60 Before his van striding into the space Both hosts between, he with his spear transverse[1] Press’d back the Trojans, and they sat. Down sat The well-greaved Grecians also at command Of Agamemnon; and in shape assumed65 Of vultures, Pallas and Apollo perch’d High on the lofty beech sacred to Jove The father Ægis-arm’d; delighted thence They view’d the peopled plain horrent around With shields and helms and glittering spears erect.70 As when fresh-blowing Zephyrus the flood