Page 246 - the-iliad

in check, but I much fear that some evil will befall us here
where furious Hector, who boasts himself the son of great
Jove himself, is leading them on like a pillar of flame. May
some god, then, put it into your hearts to make a firm stand
here, and to incite others to do the like. In this case you
will drive him from the ships even though he be inspired
by Jove himself.’
As he spoke the earth-encircling lord of the earthquake
struck both of them with his sceptre and filled their hearts
with daring. He made their legs light and active, as also their
hands and their feet. Then, as the soaring falcon poises on
the wing high above some sheer rock, and presently swoops
down to chase some bird over the plain, even so did Nep-
tune lord of the earthquake wing his flight into the air and
leave them. Of the two, swift Ajax son of Oileus was the first
to know who it was that had been speaking with them, and
said to Ajax son of Telamon, ‘Ajax, this is one of the gods
that dwell on Olympus, who in the likeness of the prophet
is bidding us fight hard by our ships. It was not Calchas the
seer and diviner of omens; I knew him at once by his feet
and knees as he turned away, for the gods are soon recog-
nised. Moreover I feel the lust of battle burn more fiercely
within me, while my hands and my feet under me are more
eager for the fray.’
And Ajax son of Telamon answered, ‘I too feel my hands
grasp my spear more firmly; my strength is greater, and my
feet more nimble; I long, moreover, to meet furious Hector
son of Priam, even in single combat.’
Thus did they converse, exulting in the hunger after battle