Iliad by Homer - Join iZDOT

Homer’s Iliad
Thus they prayed, and Ajax armed himself in his suit of gleaming
bronze. When he was in full array he sprang forward 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 oxhide- 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 saying, “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.”
And Hector answered, “Noble Ajax, son of Telamon, captain of the
host, treat me not as though I were some puny boy or woman that
cannot fight. I have been long used to the blood and butcheries of
battle. I am quick to turn my leathern shield either to right or left,
for this I deem the main thing in battle. I can charge among the
chariots and horsemen, and in hand to hand fighting can delight
the heart of Mars; howbeit I would not take such a man as you are
off his guard- but I will smite you openly if I can.”
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