Iliad by Homer - Join iZDOT

Homer’s Iliad
death of Patroclus and the havoc you wrought among the Achaeans
whom you have slain while I held aloof from battle.”
So spoke Achilles, but the river grew more and more angry, and
pondered within himself how he should stay the hand of Achilles
and save the Trojans from disaster. Meanwhile the son of Peleus,
spear in hand, sprang upon Asteropaeus son of Pelegon to kill him.
He was son to the broad river Axius and Periboea eldest daughter
of Acessamenus; for the river had lain with her. Asteropaeus stood
up out of the water to face him with a spear in either hand, and
Xanthus filled him with courage, being angry for the death of the
youths whom Achilles was slaying ruthlessly within his waters.
When they were close up with one another Achilles was first to
speak. “Who and whence are you,” said he, “who dare to face me?
Woe to the parents whose son stands up against me.” And the son
of Pelegon answered, “Great son of Peleus, why should you ask
my lineage. I am from the fertile land of far Paeonia, captain of the
Paeonians, and it is now eleven days that I am at Ilius. I am of the
blood of the river Axius- of Axius that is the fairest of all rivers that
run. He begot the famed warrior Pelegon, whose son men call me.
Let us now fight, Achilles.”
Thus did he defy him, and Achilles raised his spear of Pelian ash.
Asteropaeus failed with both his spears, for he could use both
hands alike; with the one spear he struck Achilles’ shield, but did
not pierce it, for the layer of gold, gift of the god, stayed the point;
with the other spear he grazed the elbow of Achilles! right arm
drawing dark blood, but the spear itself went by him and fixed
itself in the ground, foiled of its bloody banquet. Then Achilles,
fain to kill him, hurled his spear at Asteropaeus, but failed to hit
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