Eurymedon that valour loves, and Sthenelus, ascends Old Nestor’s coach. Of Diomed’s horse Nestor the charge sustains, And Tydeus’ son took place of fight. Neleides held the reins, And scourg’d the horse, who swiftly ran direct in Hector’s face; Whom fierce Tydides bravely charg’d, but, he turn’d from the chace, His jav’lin Eniopeus smit, mighty Thebæus’ son, And was great Hector’s charioteer; it through his breast did run, Near to his pap; he fell to earth, back flew his frighted horse, His strength and soul were both dissolv’d. Hector had deep remorse Of his mishap; yet left he him, and for another sought; Nor long his steeds did want a guide, for straight good fortune brought Bold Archeptolemus, whose life did from Iphitis spring; He made him take the reins and mount. Then souls were set on wing; Then high exploits were undergone; then Trojans in their walls Had been infolded like meek lambs, had Jove wink’d at their falls, Who hurl’d his horrid thunder forth, and made pale lightnings fly. Into the earth, before the horse that Nestor did apply. A dreadful flash burnt through the air, that savour’d sulphur-like, Which down before the chariot the dazzled horse did strike. The fair reins fell from Nestor’s hand, who did in fear entreat Renown’d Tydides into flight to turn his fury’s heat: “For know’st thou not,” said he, “our aid is not supplied from Jove? This day he will give fame to Troy, which when it fits his love We shall enjoy. Let no man tempt his unresisted will, Though he exceed in gifts of strength; for he exceeds him still.” “Father,” replied the king, “’tis true; but both my heart and soul Are most extremely griev’d to think how Hector will control My valour with his vaunts in Troy, that I was terror-sick With his approach; which when he boasts, let earth devour me quick.” “Ah! warlike Tydeus’ son,” said he, “what needless words are these? Though Hector should report thee faint, and amorous of thy ease, The Trojans, nor the Trojan wives, would never give him trust, Whose youthful husbands thy free hand hath smother’d so in dust.” This said, he turn’d his one-hoof’d horse to flight, and troop did take, When Hector and his men, with shouts, did greedy púrsuit make, And pour’d on darts that made air sigh. Then Hector did exclaim: “O Tydeus’ son, the kings of Greece do most renown thy name With highest place, feasts, and full cups; who now will do thee shame; Thou shalt be like a woman us’d, and they will say: ‘Depart, Immartial minion, since to stand Hector thou hadst no heart.’ Nor canst thou scale our turrets’ tops, nor lead the wives to fleet Of valiant men; that wife-like fear’st my adverse charge to meet.” This two ways mov’d him,—still to fly, or turn his horse and fight. Thrice thrust he forward to assault, and ev’ry time the fright Of Jove’s fell thunder drave him back, which he propos’d for sign (To show the change of victory) Trojans should victors shine. Then Hector comforted his men: “All my advent’rous friends,