Page 105 - the-iliad

could fight, and rushed madly into the fray even when I told
him not to do so. When he went all unattended as envoy to
the city of Thebes among the Cadmeans, I bade him feast in
their houses and be at peace; but with that high spirit which
was ever present with him, he challenged the youth of the
Cadmeans, and at once beat them in all that he attempted,
so mightily did I help him. I stand by you too to protect you,
and I bid you be instant in fighting the Trojans; but either
you are tired out, or you are afraid and out of heart, and in
that case I say that you are no true son of Tydeus the son of
Oeneus.’
Diomed answered, ‘I know you, goddess, daughter of ae-
gis-bearing Jove, and will hide nothing from you. I am not
afraid nor out of heart, nor is there any slackness in me. I
am only following your own instructions; you told me not
to fight any of the blessed gods; but if Jove’s daughter Venus
came into battle I was to wound her with my spear. There-
fore I am retreating, and bidding the other Argives gather
in this place, for I know that Mars is now lording it in the
field.’
‘Diomed, son of Tydeus,’ replied Minerva, ‘man after my
own heart, fear neither Mars nor any other of the immor-
tals, for I will befriend you. Nay, drive straight at Mars, and
smite him in close combat; fear not this raging madman,
villain incarnate, first on one side and then on the other.
But now he was holding talk with Juno and myself, saying
he would help the Argives and attack the Trojans; neverthe-
less he is with the Trojans, and has forgotten the Argives.’
With this she caught hold of Sthenelus and lifted him

10 The Iliad