Page 297 - the-iliad

self but of your city. Now, therefore, order your horsemen to
drive their chariots to the ships in great multitudes. I will
go before your horses to smooth the way for them, and will
turn the Achaeans in flight.’
As he spoke he infused great strength into the shepherd of
his people. And as a horse, stabled and full-fed, breaks loose
and gallops gloriously over the plain to the place where he
is wont to take his bath in the river—he tosses his head, and
his mane streams over his shoulders as in all the pride of his
strength he flies full speed to the pastures where the mares
are feeding— even so Hector, when he heard what the god
said, urged his horsemen on, and sped forward as fast as his
limbs could take him. As country peasants set their hounds
on to a homed stag or wild goat—he has taken shelter under
rock or thicket, and they cannot find him, but, lo, a bearded
lion whom their shouts have roused stands in their path,
and they are in no further humour for the chase—even so
the Achaeans were still charging on in a body, using their
swords and spears pointed at both ends, but when they saw
Hector going about among his men they were afraid, and
their hearts fell down into their feet.
Then spoke Thoas son of Andraemon, leader of the Ae-
tolians, a man who could throw a good throw, and who
was staunch also in close fight, while few could surpass
him in debate when opinions were divided. He then with
all sincerity and goodwill addressed them thus: ‘What, in
heaven’s name, do I now see? Is it not Hector come to life
again? Every one made sure he had been killed by Ajax son
of Telamon, but it seems that one of the gods has again res-

The Iliad