Page 132 - the-iliad

With this they fell praying to King Jove the son of Saturn,
and thus would one of them say as he looked into the vault
of heaven, ‘Father Jove that rulest from Ida, most glorious
in power, vouchsafe victory to Ajax, and let him win great
glory: but if you wish well to Hector also and would protect
him, grant to each of them equal fame and prowess.’
Thus they prayed, and Ajax armed himself in his suit of
gleaming bronze. When he was in full array he sprang for-
ward as monstrous Mars when he takes part among men
whom Jove has set fighting with one another—even so did
huge Ajax, bulwark of the Achaeans, spring forward with
a grim smile on his face as he brandished his long spear
and strode onward. The Argives were elated as they beheld
him, but the Trojans trembled in every limb, and the heart
even of Hector beat quickly, but he could not now retreat
and withdraw into the ranks behind him, for he had been
the challenger. Ajax came up bearing his shield in front of
him like a wall—a shield of bronze with seven folds of ox-
hide—the work of Tychius, who lived in Hyle and was by far
the best worker in leather. He had made it with the hides
of seven full-fed bulls, and over these he had set an eighth
layer of bronze. Holding this shield before him, Ajax son of
Telamon came close up to Hector, and menaced him say-
ing, ‘Hector, you shall now learn, man to man, what kind
of champions the Danaans have among them even besides
lion-hearted Achilles cleaver of the ranks of men. He now
abides at the ships in anger with Agamemnon shepherd of
his people, but there are many of us who are well able to face
you; therefore begin the fight.’

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