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him, but those who were on foot kept trying their very ut-
most. Then Polydamas went up to Hector and said, ‘Hector,
and you other captains of the Trojans and allies, it is mad-
ness for us to try and drive our horses across the trench; it
will be very hard to cross, for it is full of sharp stakes, and
beyond these there is the wall. Our horses therefore can-
not get down into it, and would be of no use if they did;
moreover it is a narrow place and we should come to harm.
If, indeed, great Jove is minded to help the Trojans, and in
his anger will utterly destroy the Achaeans, I would myself
gladly see them perish now and here far from Argos; but if
they should rally and we are driven back from the ships pell-
mell into the trench there will be not so much as a man get
back to the city to tell the tale. Now, therefore, let us all do
as I say; let our squires hold our horses by the trench, but let
us follow Hector in a body on foot, clad in full armour, and
if the day of their doom is at hand the Achaeans will not be
able to withstand us.’
Thus spoke Polydamas and his saying pleased Hector,
who sprang in full armour to the ground, and all the other
Trojans, when they saw him do so, also left their chari-
ots. Each man then gave his horses over to his charioteer
in charge to hold them ready for him at the trench. Then
they formed themselves into companies, made themselves
ready, and in five bodies followed their leaders. Those that
went with Hector and Polydamas were the bravest and most
in number, and the most determined to break through the
wall and fight at the ships. Cebriones was also joined with
them as third in command, for Hector had left his chariot