Page 134 - the-iliad

its middle, so that the bronze rang again. But Ajax in turn
caught up a far larger stone, swung it aloft, and hurled it
with prodigious force. This millstone of a rock broke Hec-
tor’s shield inwards and threw him down on his back with
the shield crushing him under it, but Apollo raised him at
once. Thereon they would have hacked at one another in
close combat with their swords, had not heralds, messen-
gers of gods and men, come forward, one from the Trojans
and the other from the Achaeans—Talthybius and Idaeus
both of them honourable men; these parted them with their
staves, and the good herald Idaeus said, ‘My sons, fight no
longer, you are both of you valiant, and both are dear to
Jove; we know this; but night is now falling, and the behests
of night may not be well gainsaid.’
Ajax son of Telamon answered, ‘Idaeus, bid Hector say
so, for it was he that challenged our princes. Let him speak
first and I will accept his saying.’
Then Hector said, ‘Ajax, heaven has vouchsafed you
stature and strength, and judgement; and in wielding the
spear you excel all others of the Achaeans. Let us for this
day cease fighting; hereafter we will fight anew till heaven
decide between us, and give victory to one or to the other;
night is now falling, and the behests of night may not be
well gainsaid. Gladden, then, the hearts of the Achaeans at
your ships, and more especially those of your own followers
and clansmen, while I, in the great city of King Priam, bring
comfort to the Trojans and their women, who vie with one
another in their prayers on my behalf. Let us, moreover, ex-
change presents that it may be said among the Achaeans

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