Iliad by Homer - Join iZDOT

Homer’s Iliad
of all Pleuron and high Calydon, and was honoured among his
people as though he were a god. “Idomeneus,” said he, “lawgiver
to the Cretans, what has now become of the threats with which the
sons of the Achaeans used to threaten the Trojans?”
And Idomeneus chief among the Cretans answered, “Thoas, no
one, so far as I know, is in fault, for we can all fight. None are held
back neither by fear nor slackness, but it seems to be the of
almighty Jove that the Achaeans should perish ingloriously here far
from Argos: you, Thoas, have been always staunch, and you keep
others in heart if you see any fail in duty; be not then remiss now,
but exhort all to do their utmost.”
To this Neptune lord of the earthquake made answer, “Idomeneus,
may he never return from Troy, but remain here for dogs to batten
upon, who is this day wilfully slack in fighting. Get your armour
and go, we must make all haste together if we may be of any use,
though we are only two. Even cowards gain courage from
companionship, and we two can hold our own with the bravest.”
Therewith the god went back into the thick of the fight, and
Idomeneus when he had reached his tent donned his armour,
grasped his two spears, and sallied forth. As the lightning which
the son of Saturn brandishes from bright Olympus when he would
show a sign to mortals, and its gleam flashes far and wide- even so
did his armour gleam about him as he ran. Meriones his sturdy
squire met him while he was still near his tent (for he was going to
fetch his spear) and Idomeneus said
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