Iliad by Homer - Join iZDOT

Homer’s Iliad
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 Aetolians, 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
rescued him. He has killed many of us Danaans already, and I take
it will yet do so, for the hand of Jove must be with him or he would
never dare show himself so masterful in the forefront of the battle.
Now, therefore, let us all do as I say; let us order the main body of
our forces to fall back upon the ships, but let those of us who
profess to be the flower of the army stand firm, and see whether we
cannot hold Hector back at the point of our spears as soon as he
comes near us; I conceive that he will then think better of it before
he tries to charge into the press of the Danaans.”
289