Trojans and Allies Break Through the Wall, Led by Hector

So the son of Menoetius was attending to the hurt of Eurypylus within the tent, but the Argives and Trojans still fought desperately, nor were the trench and the high wall above it, to keep the Trojans in check longer. They had built it to protect their ships, and had dug the trench all round it that it might safeguard both the ships and the rich spoils which they had taken, but they had not offered hecatombs to the gods. It had been built without the consent of the immortals, and therefore it did not last. So long as Hector lived and Achilles nursed his anger, and so long as the city of Priam remained untaken, the great wall of the Achaeans stood firm; but when the bravest of the Trojans were no more, and many also of the Argives, though some were yet left alive—when, moreover, the city was sacked in the tenth year, and the Argives had gone back with their ships to their own country—then Neptune and Apollo took counsel to destroy the wall, and they turned on to it the streams of all the rivers from Mount Ida into the sea, Rhesus, Heptaporus, Caresus, Rhodius, Grenicus, Aesopus, and goodly Scamander, with Simois, where many a shield and helm had fallen, and many a hero of the race of demigods had bitten the dust. Phoebus Apollo turned the mouths of all these rivers together and made them flow for nine days against the wall, while Jove rained the whole time that he might wash it sooner into the sea. Neptune himself, trident in hand, surveyed the work and threw into the sea all the foundations of beams and stones which the Achaeans had laid with so much toil; he made all level by the mighty stream of the Hellespont, and then when he had swept the wall away he spread a great beach of sand over the place where it had been. This done he turned the rivers back into their old courses.

So the son of Menoetius was treating Eurypylus’s wound inside the tent, but the Argives and Trojans still fought desperately. The trench and the high wall above it would not hold back the Trojans much longer. The Argives had built the wall to protect their ships and dug the trench around it. Both defenses were meant to safeguard the ships and the rich spoils the Argives had taken. But the Argives had offered no hecatombs, sacrifices of a hundred cattle, to the gods. The wall had been built without the immortals’ consent, so it did not last. The great wall of the Achaeans stood firm as long as Hector lived and Achilles nursed his anger. It stood as long as Priam’s city remained unconquered. But the bravest Trojans would die, along with many Argives, though some Argives would remain alive. The city would be sacked in the tenth year, and the Argives would sail home in their ships. Once all this had happened, Neptune and Apollo planned together to destroy the wall. They directed against it all the rivers flowing from Mount Ida to the sea. These were Rhesus, Heptaporus, Caresus, Rhodius, Grenicus, Aesopus, and beautiful Scamander, along with Simois. Into Simois many shields and helmets had fallen, and many heroes descended from demigods had fallen dead there. Phoebus Apollo brought the mouths of all these rivers together and sent their waters against the wall for nine days. Meanwhile, Jove sent rain the whole time to wash the wall into the sea more quickly. Neptune himself, trident in hand, oversaw the work. He hurled into the sea all the foundation beams and stones the Achaeans had laid with such effort. He leveled everything beside the mighty current of the Hellespont. Then, after sweeping away the wall, he spread a great sandy beach over the place where the wall had stood. Once this was done, he returned the rivers to their old courses.

This was what Neptune and Apollo were to do in after time; but as yet battle and turmoil were still raging round the wall till its timbers rang under the blows that rained upon them. The Argives, cowed by the scourge of Jove, were hemmed in at their ships in fear of Hector the mighty minister of Rout, who as heretofore fought with the force and fury of a whirlwind. As a lion or wild boar turns fiercely on the dogs and men that attack him, while these form a solid wall and shower their javelins as they face him—his courage is all undaunted, but his high spirit will be the death of him; many a time does he charge at his pursuers to scatter them, and they fall back as often as he does so—even so did Hector go about among the host exhorting his men, and cheering them on to cross the trench.

This was what Neptune and Apollo would do in the future. But for now, battle and turmoil still raged around the wall. Its timbers rang under the blows raining down on them. Beaten down by Jove, the Argives were trapped at their ships, afraid of Hector, the mighty servant of Rout. As before, Hector fought with the force and fury of a whirlwind. He was like a lion or wild boar turning fiercely on the dogs and men attacking him. The attackers form a solid wall and face the beast, hurling their javelins. His courage never falters, but his fierce spirit will be the death of him. Again and again, he charges his pursuers to scatter them, and each time the pursuers fall back. Just so, Hector moved among his troops, urging them on and encouraging them to cross the trench.

But the horses dared not do so, and stood neighing upon its brink, for the width frightened them. They could neither jump it nor cross it, for it had overhanging banks all round upon either side, above which there were the sharp stakes that the sons of the Achaeans had planted so close and strong as a defence against all who would assail it; a horse, therefore, could not get into it and draw his chariot after him, but those who were on foot kept trying their very utmost. Then Polydamas went up to Hector and said, “Hector, and you other captains of the Trojans and allies, it is madness for us to try and drive our horses across the trench; it will be very hard to cross, for it is full of sharp stakes, and beyond these there is the wall. Our horses therefore cannot get down into it, and would be of no use if they did; moreover it is a narrow place and we should come to harm. If, indeed, great Jove is minded to help the Trojans, and in his anger will utterly destroy the Achaeans, I would myself gladly see them perish now and here far from Argos; but if they should rally and we are driven back from the ships pell-mell into the trench there will be not so much as a man get back to the city to tell the tale. Now, therefore, let us all do as I say; let our squires hold our horses by the trench, but let us follow Hector in a body on foot, clad in full armour, and if the day of their doom is at hand the Achaeans will not be able to withstand us.”

But the horses did not dare cross. They stood neighing at the trench’s edge, frightened by its width. They could neither jump over it nor cross through it, because both banks overhung the trench. Above the banks stood sharp stakes, which the sons of the Achaeans had planted close together and firmly in place. The stakes defended the trench against all attackers. So no horse could enter the trench and pull a chariot through, but the men on foot kept trying their hardest. Then Polydamas approached Hector and said, “Hector, and you other captains of the Trojans and allies, trying to drive our horses across the trench is madness. Crossing will be very hard, because the trench is full of sharp stakes, and beyond them stands the wall. So our horses cannot get down into the trench, and even if they could, they would be useless there. Besides, the space is narrow, and we would come to harm. If great Jove intends to help the Trojans and, in his anger, completely destroy the Achaeans, I would welcome that. I would gladly see the Achaeans perish here and now, far from Argos. But if the Achaeans rally and drive us back from the ships headlong into the trench, not one man will escape. No one will return to the city to tell the tale. So now let us all do as I say. Let our squires hold our horses beside the trench. But let us follow Hector together on foot, wearing full armour. And if the Achaeans’ day of doom has come, they will not be able to withstand us.”

Thus spoke Polydamas and his saying pleased Hector, who sprang in full armour to the ground, and all the other Trojans, when they saw him do so, also left their chariots. Each man then gave his horses over to his charioteer in charge to hold them ready for him at the trench. Then they formed themselves into companies, made themselves ready, and in five bodies followed their leaders. Those that went with Hector and Polydamas were the bravest and most in number, and the most determined to break through the wall and fight at the ships. Cebriones was also joined with them as third in command, for Hector had left his chariot in charge of a less valiant soldier. The next company was led by Paris, Alcathous, and Agenor; the third by Helenus and Deiphobus, two sons of Priam, and with them was the hero Asius—Asius, the son of Hyrtacus, whose great black horses of the breed that comes from the river Selleis had brought him from Arisbe. Aeneas, the valiant son of Anchises, led the fourth; he and the two sons of Antenor, Archelochus and Acamas, men well versed in all the arts of war. Sarpedon was captain over the allies, and took with him Glaucus and Asteropaeus whom he deemed most valiant after himself—for he was far the best man of them all. These helped to array one another in their ox-hide shields, and then charged straight at the Danaans, for they felt sure that they would not hold out longer and that they should themselves now fall upon the ships.

Polydamas spoke, and Hector approved of his advice. Hector leaped to the ground in full armor. When all the other Trojans saw him, they too left their chariots. Each man left his horses with his charioteer, who would keep them ready at the trench. Then the men formed companies and prepared for battle. They followed their leaders in five groups. The men with Hector and Polydamas were the bravest and formed the largest group. They were also the most determined to break through the wall and fight at the ships. Cebriones joined them as third in command, because Hector had left a less valiant soldier in charge of his chariot. Paris, Alcathous, and Agenor led the next company. Helenus and Deiphobus, two sons of Priam, led the third, along with the hero Asius. Asius was the son of Hyrtacus. His great black horses, of the breed from the river Selleis, had brought him from Arisbe. Aeneas, the valiant son of Anchises, led the fourth company with Antenor’s two sons, Archelochus and Acamas. These men were skilled in every art of war. Sarpedon commanded the allies and took Glaucus and Asteropaeus with him. He considered them the bravest after himself, for he was by far the best warrior among them all. These men helped one another get their ox-hide shields into position. Then they charged straight at the Danaans. They felt certain the Danaans could hold out no longer and that they would now attack the ships.

The rest of the Trojans and their allies now followed the counsel of Polydamas but Asius, son of Hyrtacus, would not leave his horses and his esquire behind him; in his foolhardiness he took them on with him towards the ships, nor did he fail to come by his end in consequence. Nevermore was he to return to wind-beaten Ilius, exulting in his chariot and his horses; ere he could do so, death of ill-omened name had overshadowed him and he had fallen by the spear of Idomeneus the noble son of Deucalion. He had driven towards the left wing of the ships, by which way the Achaeans used to return with their chariots and horses from the plain. Hither he drove and found the gates with their doors opened wide, and the great bar down—for the gatemen kept them open so as to let those of their comrades enter who might be flying towards the ships. Hither of set purpose did he direct his horses, and his men followed him with a loud cry, for they felt sure that the Achaeans would not hold out longer, and that they should now fall upon the ships. Little did they know that at the gates they should find two of the bravest chieftains, proud sons of the fighting Lapithae—the one, Polypoetes, mighty son of Pirithous, and the other Leonteus, peer of murderous Mars. These stood before the gates like two high oak trees upon the mountains, that tower from their wide-spreading roots, and year after year battle with wind and rain—even so did these two men await the onset of great Asius confidently and without flinching. The Trojans led by him and by Iamenus, Orestes, Adamas the son of Asius, Thoon and Oenomaus, raised a loud cry of battle and made straight for the wall, holding their shields of dry ox-hide above their heads; for a while the two defenders remained inside and cheered the Achaeans on to stand firm in the defence of their ships; when, however, they saw that the Trojans were attacking the wall, while the Danaans were crying out for help and being routed, they rushed outside and fought in front of the gates like two wild boars upon the mountains that abide the attack of men and dogs, and charging on either side break down the wood all round them tearing it up by the roots, and one can hear the clattering of their tusks, till some one hits them and makes an end of them—even so did the gleaming bronze rattle about their breasts, as the weapons fell upon them; for they fought with great fury, trusting to their own prowess and to those who were on the wall above them. These threw great stones at their assailants in defence of themselves their tents and their ships. The stones fell thick as the flakes of snow which some fierce blast drives from the dark clouds and showers down in sheets upon the earth—even so fell the weapons from the hands alike of Trojans and Achaeans. Helmet and shield rang out as the great stones rained upon them, and Asius, the son of Hyrtacus, in his dismay cried aloud and smote his two thighs. “Father Jove,” he cried, “of a truth you too are altogether given to lying. I made sure the Argive heroes could not withstand us, whereas like slim-waisted wasps, or bees that have their nests in the rocks by the wayside—they leave not the holes wherein they have built undefended, but fight for their little ones against all who would take them—even so these men, though they be but two, will not be driven from the gates, but stand firm either to slay or be slain.”

The rest of the Trojans and their allies now followed Polydamas’s advice. But Asius, son of Hyrtacus, refused to leave his horses and his attendant behind. Recklessly, he took them with him toward the ships, and that decision brought about his death. Never again would he return to wind-battered Ilius, glorying in his chariot and horses. Before he could return, death, whose very name brings dread, would overshadow him. He would fall to the spear of Idomeneus, the noble son of Deucalion. Asius had driven toward the left wing of the ships. The Achaeans used that route to return from the plain with their chariots and horses. There he found the gates wide open, with the great bar lowered. The gatekeepers kept the gates open to let in any comrades fleeing toward the ships. Asius deliberately drove his horses that way, and his men followed with a loud shout. They felt certain the Achaeans could hold out no longer and that they would now attack the ships. Little did they know that two of the bravest chieftains waited at the gates, proud sons of the warlike Lapithae. One was Polypoetes, the mighty son of Pirithous. The other was Leonteus, equal to murderous Mars. They stood before the gates like two tall mountain oaks, rising from spreading roots and battling wind and rain year after year. Just as firmly, these two men awaited the attack of mighty Asius, confident and unflinching. The Trojans raised a loud battle cry and charged straight toward the wall, holding shields of dried oxhide above their heads. Their leaders were Asius, Iamenus, Orestes, Adamas the son of Asius, Thoon, and Oenomaus. For a while, the two defenders stayed inside, urging the Achaeans to stand firm and defend their ships. But then they saw the Trojans attacking the wall, while the Danaans cried for help and were driven back. So the two men rushed outside and fought in front of the gates. They were like two wild boars in the mountains, standing their ground against men and dogs. The boars charge to either side, breaking down the woods around them and tearing trees up by the roots. Their tusks clash loudly until someone strikes them and kills them. Just so, the gleaming bronze armor rattled around the warriors’ chests as weapons struck them. They fought fiercely, trusting their own strength and skill and the men on the wall above. The men above hurled great stones at the attackers to defend themselves, their tents, and their ships. The stones fell thick as snowflakes driven by a fierce wind from dark clouds, pouring down in sheets upon the earth. Just as thickly, weapons flew from the hands of Trojans and Achaeans alike. Helmets and shields rang as the great stones rained down upon them. In dismay, Asius, son of Hyrtacus, cried out and struck both his thighs. “Father Jove,” he cried, “you too are utterly devoted to lies. I was certain the Argive heroes could not withstand us. But they are like slender-waisted wasps, or bees nesting in the rocks beside a road. Those creatures do not leave their nesting holes undefended. They fight to protect their young against all who would take them. Just so, these men, though only two, refuse to be driven from the gates. They stand firm, ready to kill or be killed.”

He spoke, but moved not the mind of Jove, whose counsel it then was to give glory to Hector. Meanwhile the rest of the Trojans were fighting about the other gates; I, however, am no god to be able to tell about all these things, for the battle raged everywhere about the stone wall as it were a fiery furnace. The Argives, discomfited though they were, were forced to defend their ships, and all the gods who were defending the Achaeans were vexed in spirit; but the Lapithae kept on fighting with might and main.

He spoke, but did not change Jove’s mind, for Jove’s plan then was to give glory to Hector. Meanwhile, the rest of the Trojans were fighting around the other gates. But I am no god, able to tell of all these things. For the battle raged everywhere around the stone wall like a fiery furnace. Though the Argives were shaken, they had to defend their ships. And all the gods defending the Achaeans were troubled, but the Lapithae kept fighting with all their strength.

Thereon Polypoetes, mighty son of Pirithous, hit Damasus with a spear upon his cheek-pierced helmet. The helmet did not protect him, for the point of the spear went through it, and broke the bone, so that the brain inside was scattered about, and he died fighting. He then slew Pylon and Ormenus. Leonteus, of the race of Mars, killed Hippomachus the son of Antimachus by striking him with his spear upon the girdle. He then drew his sword and sprang first upon Antiphates whom he killed in combat, and who fell face upwards on the earth. After him he killed Menon, Iamenus, and Orestes, and laid them low one after the other.

Then Polypoetes, the mighty son of Pirithous, struck Damasus with his spear on the helmet with pierced cheek guards. The helmet failed to protect Damasus. The spearhead pierced the helmet and shattered the bone, scattering his brain, and he died fighting. Polypoetes then killed Pylon and Ormenus. Leonteus, a descendant of Mars, killed Hippomachus, son of Antimachus, by striking him in the belt with his spear. Then Leonteus drew his sword and sprang first at Antiphates. He killed Antiphates in combat, and Antiphates fell faceup on the ground. After Antiphates, Leonteus killed Menon, Iamenus, and Orestes, striking them down one after another.

While they were busy stripping the armour from these heroes, the youths who were led on by Polydamas and Hector (and these were the greater part and the most valiant of those that were trying to break through the wall and fire the ships) were still standing by the trench, uncertain what they should do; for they had seen a sign from heaven when they had essayed to cross it—a soaring eagle that flew skirting the left wing of their host, with a monstrous blood-red snake in its talons still alive and struggling to escape. The snake was still bent on revenge, wriggling and twisting itself backwards till it struck the bird that held it, on the neck and breast; whereon the bird being in pain, let it fall, dropping it into the middle of the host, and then flew down the wind with a sharp cry. The Trojans were struck with terror when they saw the snake, portent of aegis-bearing Jove, writhing in the midst of them, and Polydamas went up to Hector and said, “Hector, at our councils of war you are ever given to rebuke me, even when I speak wisely, as though it were not well, forsooth, that one of the people should cross your will either in the field or at the council board; you would have them support you always: nevertheless I will say what I think will be best; let us not now go on to fight the Danaans at their ships, for I know what will happen if this soaring eagle which skirted the left wing of our host with a monstrous blood-red snake in its talons (the snake being still alive) was really sent as an omen to the Trojans on their essaying to cross the trench. The eagle let go her hold; she did not succeed in taking it home to her little ones, and so will it be—with ourselves; even though by a mighty effort we break through the gates and wall of the Achaeans, and they give way before us, still we shall not return in good order by the way we came, but shall leave many a man behind us whom the Achaeans will do to death in defence of their ships. Thus would any seer who was expert in these matters, and was trusted by the people, read the portent.”

While they were busy stripping the armour from these heroes, the young men led by Polydamas and Hector remained by the trench. These were the majority, and the bravest, of those trying to break through the wall and burn the ships. They stood uncertain what to do, because they had seen a sign from heaven while trying to cross the trench. A soaring eagle had flown along the left wing of their army, carrying a monstrous blood-red snake in its talons. The snake was still alive and struggling to escape. Still bent on revenge, the snake writhed and twisted backward until it struck the eagle in the neck and breast. In pain, the eagle released the snake, dropping it into the middle of the army. Then the eagle flew away with the wind, giving a sharp cry. The Trojans were terrified to see the snake writhing among them, an omen from aegis-bearing Jove. Polydamas went up to Hector and said, “Hector, at our war councils you are always quick to rebuke me, even when I speak wisely. As though an ordinary man should never dare oppose your wishes, whether in battle or in council! You want everyone to support you always. Even so, I will say what I think is best. Let us not go on now to fight the Danaans at their ships. For I know what will happen if that soaring eagle was truly an omen sent to the Trojans. The eagle appeared as we tried to cross the trench. It flew along our army’s left wing, carrying a monstrous blood-red snake that was still alive. The eagle let the snake go. She failed to bring it home to her young, and the same will happen to us. We may break through the Achaeans’ gates and wall with a mighty effort, and the Achaeans may retreat before us. Even if we do, we will not return in good order along the way we came. Instead, we will leave many men behind, killed by the Achaeans as they defend their ships. That is how any seer skilled in such matters, and trusted by the people, would interpret this omen.”

Hector looked fiercely at him and said, “Polydamas, I like not of your reading. You can find a better saying than this if you will. If, however, you have spoken in good earnest, then indeed has heaven robbed you of your reason. You would have me pay no heed to the counsels of Jove, nor to the promises he made me—and he bowed his head in confirmation; you bid me be ruled rather by the flight of wild-fowl. What care I whether they fly towards dawn or dark, and whether they be on my right hand or on my left? Let us put our trust rather in the counsel of great Jove, king of mortals and immortals. There is one omen, and one only—that a man should fight for his country. Why are you so fearful? Though we be all of us slain at the ships of the Argives you are not likely to be killed yourself, for you are not steadfast nor courageous. If you will not fight, or would talk others over from doing so, you shall fall forthwith before my spear.”

Hector glared at him and said, “Polydamas, I don’t like your interpretation. You can offer better advice than this if you choose. But if you mean what you’ve said, then heaven has truly robbed you of your senses. You want me to ignore Jove’s advice and the promises he made me. He bowed his head to confirm those promises. Instead, you tell me to follow the flight of wild birds. Why should I care whether the birds fly toward dawn or darkness, to my right or my left? Let us trust instead in the advice of great Jove, king of mortals and immortals. There is only one omen that matters: a man should fight for his country. Why are you so afraid? Even if all of us are killed at the ships of the Argives, you are unlikely to die yourself. You lack the resolve and courage to stand your ground. If you refuse to fight or try to persuade others not to fight, my spear will kill you at once.”

With these words he led the way, and the others followed after with a cry that rent the air. Then Jove the lord of thunder sent the blast of a mighty wind from the mountains of Ida, that bore the dust down towards the ships; he thus lulled the Achaeans into security, and gave victory to Hector and to the Trojans, who, trusting to their own might and to the signs he had shown them, essayed to break through the great wall of the Achaeans. They tore down the breastworks from the walls, and overthrew the battlements; they upheaved the buttresses, which the Achaeans had set in front of the wall in order to support it; when they had pulled these down they made sure of breaking through the wall, but the Danaans still showed no sign of giving ground; they still fenced the battlements with their shields of ox-hide, and hurled their missiles down upon the foe as soon as any came below the wall.

With these words, he led the way, and the others followed with a cry that split the air. Then Jove, lord of thunder, sent a powerful gust of wind from the mountains of Ida. The wind carried dust down toward the ships. In this way, Jove lulled the Achaeans into a sense of safety and gave Hector and the Trojans victory. Trusting in their own strength and the signs Jove had shown them, the Trojans tried to breach the Achaeans’ great wall. They tore down the wall’s defensive barriers and knocked down its battlements. They uprooted the buttresses the Achaeans had placed in front of the wall to support it. With these supports torn down, the Trojans felt sure they could break through the wall. But the Danaans still showed no sign of giving ground. They continued to defend the battlements with their ox-hide shields. They hurled weapons down at the enemy whenever anyone came beneath the wall.

The two Ajaxes went about everywhere on the walls cheering on the Achaeans, giving fair words to some while they spoke sharply to any one whom they saw to be remiss. “My friends,” they cried, “Argives one and all—good bad and indifferent, for there was never fight yet, in which all were of equal prowess—there is now work enough, as you very well know, for all of you. See that you none of you turn in flight towards the ships, daunted by the shouting of the foe, but press forward and keep one another in heart, if it may so be that Olympian Jove the lord of lightning will vouchsafe us to repel our foes, and drive them back towards the city.”

The two Ajaxes went everywhere along the walls, encouraging the Achaeans. They spoke kindly to some, but sharply to anyone they saw holding back. “My friends,” they cried, “every one of you Argives, whether strong, weak, or somewhere in between, listen. No battle has ever been fought in which everyone showed equal courage and skill. As you well know, there is now enough work for all of you. Make sure none of you turn and flee toward the ships, frightened by the enemy’s shouting. Instead, press forward and encourage one another. Perhaps Olympian Jove, the lord of lightning, will grant us the strength to repel our enemies. If he does, we may drive them back toward the city.”

Thus did the two go about shouting and cheering the Achaeans on. As the flakes that fall thick upon a winter’s day, when Jove is minded to snow and to display these his arrows to mankind—he lulls the wind to rest, and snows hour after hour till he has buried the tops of the high mountains, the headlands that jut into the sea, the grassy plains, and the tilled fields of men; the snow lies deep upon the forelands, and havens of the grey sea, but the waves as they come rolling in stay it that it can come no further, though all else is wrapped as with a mantle, so heavy are the heavens with snow—even thus thickly did the stones fall on one side and on the other, some thrown at the Trojans, and some by the Trojans at the Achaeans; and the whole wall was in an uproar.

So the two went about shouting and urging the Achaeans on. The stones fell as thickly as snowflakes on a winter’s day, when Jove decides to send snow. He means to show mankind these arrows of his. He stills the wind and sends snow hour after hour until it buries the high mountain peaks. It also buries the headlands jutting into the sea, the grassy plains, and people’s plowed fields. The snow lies deep on the coastal points and harbors of the gray sea. But the waves rolling in hold back the snow, so it can spread no farther. Yet everything else is wrapped as if in a cloak, so heavy are the heavens with snow. Just as thickly, stones fell on both sides, some thrown at the Trojans, and some by the Trojans at the Achaeans. The whole wall was in an uproar.

Still the Trojans and brave Hector would not yet have broken down the gates and the great bar, had not Jove turned his son Sarpedon against the Argives as a lion against a herd of horned cattle. Before him he held his shield of hammered bronze, that the smith had beaten so fair and round, and had lined with ox-hides which he had made fast with rivets of gold all round the shield; this he held in front of him, and brandishing his two spears came on like some lion of the wilderness, who has been long famished for want of meat and will dare break even into a well-fenced homestead to try and get at the sheep. He may find the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks with dogs and spears, but he is in no mind to be driven from the fold till he has had a try for it; he will either spring on a sheep and carry it off, or be hit by a spear from some strong hand—even so was Sarpedon fain to attack the wall and break down its battlements. Then he said to Glaucus son of Hippolochus, “Glaucus, why in Lycia do we receive especial honour as regards our place at table? Why are the choicest portions served us and our cups kept brimming, and why do men look up to us as though we were gods? Moreover we hold a large estate by the banks of the river Xanthus, fair with orchard lawns and wheat-growing land; it becomes us, therefore, to take our stand at the head of all the Lycians and bear the brunt of the fight, that one may say to another, ‘Our princes in Lycia eat the fat of the land and drink best of wine, but they are fine fellows; they fight well and are ever at the front in battle.’ My good friend, if, when we were once out of this fight, we could escape old age and death thenceforward and forever, I should neither press forward myself nor bid you do so, but death in ten thousand shapes hangs ever over our heads, and no man can elude him; therefore let us go forward and either win glory for ourselves, or yield it to another.”

Still, the Trojans and brave Hector would not yet have broken through the gates and their great bar. But Jove sent his son Sarpedon against the Argives like a lion attacking a herd of horned cattle. Sarpedon held his shield of hammered bronze before him. A smith had hammered the shield into a fine, round shape and lined it with ox hides. He had fastened the hides with gold rivets all around the shield. Holding the shield before him and brandishing his two spears, Sarpedon advanced like a lion in the wilderness. Long starved of meat, the lion dares to break into even a well-fenced farmyard to reach the sheep. He may find shepherds guarding their flocks with dogs and spears. But he has no intention of being driven from the fold without making an attempt. He will either leap on a sheep and carry it off, or be struck by a strong man's spear. Just so, Sarpedon was eager to attack the wall and tear down its battlements. Then he said to Glaucus son of Hippolochus, “Glaucus, why are we given places of special honor at the table in Lycia? Why are we served the choicest portions, and why are our cups kept full? Why do men look up to us as though we were gods? We also own a large estate beside the river Xanthus, with beautiful orchards, meadows, and wheat fields. So we should stand at the head of all the Lycians and bear the brunt of the fighting. Then one man may say to another, ‘Our princes in Lycia eat the finest food and drink the best wine. But they are fine men. They fight well and are always at the front in battle.’ My good friend, suppose we could escape old age and death forever once we were out of this fight. If so, I would neither press forward myself nor urge you to do so. But death in ten thousand forms always hangs over our heads, and no man can escape him. So let us go forward and either win glory for ourselves or give it to another.”

Glaucus heeded his saying, and the pair forthwith led on the host of Lycians. Menestheus son of Peteos was dismayed when he saw them, for it was against his part of the wall that they came—bringing destruction with them; he looked along the wall for some chieftain to support his comrades and saw the two Ajaxes, men ever eager for the fray, and Teucer, who had just come from his tent, standing near them; but he could not make his voice heard by shouting to them, so great an uproar was there from crashing shields and helmets and the battering of gates with a din which reached the skies. For all the gates had been closed, and the Trojans were hammering at them to try and break their way through them. Menestheus, therefore, sent Thootes with a message to Ajax. “Run, good Thootes,” he said, “and call Ajax, or better still bid both come, for it will be all over with us here directly; the leaders of the Lycians are upon us, men who have ever fought desperately heretofore. But if they have too much on their hands to let them come, at any rate let Ajax son of Telamon do so, and let Teucer, the famous bowman, come with him.”

Glaucus listened to him, and the two immediately led the Lycian army forward. Menestheus son of Peteos was alarmed when he saw them. They were advancing against his section of the wall, bringing destruction with them. He looked along the wall for some commander to help his comrades. He saw the two Ajaxes, always eager for battle, and Teucer standing nearby. Teucer had just come from his tent. But Menestheus could not shout loudly enough for them to hear him over the uproar. Shields and helmets crashed, and the pounding on the gates sent a deafening noise up to the skies. All the gates had been closed, and the Trojans were hammering at them, trying to break through. So Menestheus sent Thootes with a message to Ajax. “Run, good Thootes,” he said, “and call Ajax, or better still, ask both Ajaxes to come. Otherwise, we will soon be finished here. The Lycian leaders are upon us, men who have always fought fiercely. But if both Ajaxes are too busy fighting to come, at least let Ajax son of Telamon come. And let Teucer, the famous archer, come with him.”

The messenger did as he was told, and set off running along the wall of the Achaeans. When he reached the Ajaxes he said to them, “Sirs, princes of the Argives, the son of noble Peteos bids you come to him for a while and help him. You had better both come if you can, or it will be all over with him directly; the leaders of the Lycians are upon him, men who have ever fought desperately heretofore; if you have too much on your hands to let both come, at any rate let Ajax, son of Telamon, do so, and let Teucer, the famous bowman, come with him.”

The messenger did as he was told and ran along the wall of the Achaeans. When he reached the Ajaxes, he said to them, “Sirs, princes of the Argives, the son of noble Peteos asks you to come and help him for a while. Both of you should come if you can, or he will soon be finished. The leaders of the Lycians are attacking him, men who have always fought fiercely. If you are too busy fighting for both of you to come, at least send Ajax, son of Telamon. And let Teucer, the famous archer, come with him.”

Great Ajax son of Telamon heeded the message, and at once spoke to the son of Oileus. “Ajax,” said he, “do you two, yourself and brave Lycomedes, stay here and keep the Danaans in heart to fight their hardest. I will go over yonder, and bear my part in the fray, but I will come back here at once as soon as I have given them the help they need.”

Great Ajax son of Telamon listened to the message and immediately spoke to the son of Oileus. “Ajax,” he said, “you and brave Lycomedes must stay here and encourage the Danaans to fight their hardest. I will go over there and do my part in the fighting. But I will return here as soon as I have given them the help they need.”

With this, Ajax son of Telamon set off, and Teucer, his brother by the same father, went also, with Pandion to carry Teucer’s bow. They went along inside the wall, and when they came to the tower where Menestheus was (and hard pressed indeed did they find him) the brave captains and leaders of the Lycians were storming the battlements as it were a thick dark cloud, fighting in close quarters, and raising the battle-cry aloud.

With that, Ajax son of Telamon set off. His brother Teucer, who shared the same father, went with him, along with Pandion, who carried Teucer’s bow. They walked along the inside of the wall and reached the tower where Menestheus was. They found Menestheus under heavy attack. The brave captains and leaders of the Lycians were storming the battlements like a thick, dark cloud. They fought at close quarters and shouted their battle cries.

First, Ajax son of Telamon killed brave Epicles, a comrade of Sarpedon, hitting him with a jagged stone that lay by the battlements at the very top of the wall. As men now are, even one who is in the bloom of youth could hardly lift it with his two hands, but Ajax raised it high aloft and flung it down, smashing Epicles’ four-crested helmet so that the bones of his head were crushed to pieces, and he fell from the high wall as though he were diving, with no more life left in him. Then Teucer wounded Glaucus the brave son of Hippolochus as he was coming on to attack the wall. He saw his shoulder bare and aimed an arrow at it, which made Glaucus leave off fighting. Thereon he sprang covertly down for fear some of the Achaeans might see that he was wounded and taunt him. Sarpedon was stung with grief when he saw Glaucus leave him, still he did not leave off fighting, but aimed his spear at Alcmaon the son of Thestor and hit him. He drew his spear back again and Alcmaon came down headlong after it with his bronzed armour rattling round him. Then Sarpedon seized the battlement in his strong hands, and tugged at it till it all gave way together, and a breach was made through which many might pass.

First, Ajax son of Telamon killed brave Epicles, a comrade of Sarpedon, with a jagged stone. The stone lay beside the battlements at the very top of the wall. Even a man in his prime today could hardly lift it with both hands. But Ajax raised the stone high and hurled it down, smashing Epicles’ four-crested helmet and shattering his skull. Epicles fell from the high wall as though he were diving, with no life left in him. Then Teucer wounded Glaucus, the brave son of Hippolochus, as Glaucus advanced to attack the wall. Teucer saw Glaucus’s exposed shoulder and aimed an arrow at it, forcing Glaucus to stop fighting. Glaucus then slipped down from the wall, afraid some of the Achaeans might see his wound and taunt him. Sarpedon was struck with grief when he saw Glaucus leave him, but he kept fighting. He aimed his spear at Alcmaon son of Thestor and struck him. As Sarpedon pulled his spear back, Alcmaon fell headfirst after it, his bronze armor rattling around him. Then Sarpedon gripped the battlement in his strong hands and pulled until the whole thing gave way. This left a gap through which many men could pass.

Ajax and Teucer then both of them attacked him. Teucer hit him with an arrow on the band that bore the shield which covered his body, but Jove saved his son from destruction that he might not fall by the ships’ sterns. Meanwhile Ajax sprang on him and pierced his shield, but the spear did not go clean through, though it hustled him back that he could come on no further. He therefore retired a little space from the battlement, yet without losing all his ground, for he still thought to cover himself with glory. Then he turned round and shouted to the brave Lycians saying, “Lycians, why do you thus fail me? For all my prowess I cannot break through the wall and open a way to the ships single-handed. Come close on behind me, for the more there are of us the better.”

Ajax and Teucer both attacked him. Teucer’s arrow struck the strap holding the shield that protected his body. But Jove saved his son from death so he would not fall by the ships’ sterns. Meanwhile, Ajax lunged at him and pierced his shield, but the spear did not go all the way through. Still, the blow drove him back so he could advance no farther. He therefore withdrew a short distance from the battlement, but did not give up all his ground. He still hoped to win glory. Then he turned and shouted to the brave Lycians, “Lycians, why are you letting me down like this? For all my strength in battle, I cannot break through the wall and open a path to the ships alone. Follow close behind me, for the more of us there are, the better.”

The Lycians, shamed by his rebuke, pressed closer round him who was their counsellor and their king. The Argives on their part got their men in fighting order within the wall, and there was a deadly struggle between them. The Lycians could not break through the wall and force their way to the ships, nor could the Danaans drive the Lycians from the wall now that they had once reached it. As two men, measuring-rods in hand, quarrel about their boundaries in a field that they own in common, and stickle for their rights though they be but in a mere strip, even so did the battlements now serve as a bone of contention, and they beat one another’s round shields for their possession. Many a man’s body was wounded with the pitiless bronze, as he turned round and bared his back to the foe, and many were struck clean through their shields; the wall and battlements were everywhere deluged with the blood alike of Trojans and of Achaeans. But even so the Trojans could not rout the Achaeans, who still held on; and as some honest hard-working woman weighs wool in her balance and sees that the scales be true, for she would gain some pitiful earnings for her little ones, even so was the fight balanced evenly between them till the time came when Jove gave the greater glory to Hector son of Priam, who was first to spring towards the wall of the Achaeans. When he had done so, he cried aloud to the Trojans, “Up, Trojans, break the wall of the Argives, and fling fire upon their ships.”

Shamed by his rebuke, the Lycians crowded closer around their adviser and king. The Argives formed their men for battle inside the wall, and a deadly struggle began between the two sides. The Lycians could not break through the wall and force their way to the ships. Nor could the Danaans drive the Lycians back now that the Lycians had reached the wall. Just as two men with measuring rods argue over the boundary of a field they own together, the armies fought. Each man insists on his rights, even over a narrow strip of land. So the armies fought over the battlements, striking each other’s round shields to gain control. Many men were wounded by merciless bronze as they turned and exposed their backs to the enemy. Many others were struck right through their shields. The wall and battlements were drenched everywhere with the blood of Trojans and Achaeans alike. Even so, the Trojans could not drive the Achaeans into retreat, and the Achaeans held their ground. An honest, hardworking woman weighs wool on her scales, making sure the balance is exact. She hopes to earn a meager sum for her little ones. Just as her scales balance evenly, so the battle remained evenly matched. Then the time came when Jove gave greater glory to Hector son of Priam. Hector was the first to leap toward the wall of the Achaeans. After doing so, he shouted to the Trojans, “Up, Trojans, break through the wall of the Argives, and set their ships on fire.”

Thus did he hound them on, and in one body they rushed straight at the wall as he had bidden them, and scaled the battlements with sharp spears in their hands. Hector laid hold of a stone that lay just outside the gates and was thick at one end but pointed at the other; two of the best men in a town, as men now are, could hardly raise it from the ground and put it on to a waggon, but Hector lifted it quite easily by himself, for the son of scheming Saturn made it light for him. As a shepherd picks up a ram’s fleece with one hand and finds it no burden, so easily did Hector lift the great stone and drive it right at the doors that closed the gates so strong and so firmly set. These doors were double and high, and were kept closed by two cross-bars to which there was but one key. When he had got close up to them, Hector strode towards them that his blow might gain in force and struck them in the middle, leaning his whole weight against them. He broke both hinges, and the stone fell inside by reason of its great weight. The portals re-echoed with the sound, the bars held no longer, and the doors flew open, one one way, and the other the other, through the force of the blow. Then brave Hector leaped inside with a face as dark as that of flying night. The gleaming bronze flashed fiercely about his body and he had two spears in his hand. None but a god could have withstood him as he flung himself into the gateway, and his eyes glared like fire. Then he turned round towards the Trojans and called on them to scale the wall, and they did as he bade them—some of them at once climbing over the wall, while others passed through the gates. The Danaans then fled panic-stricken towards their ships, and all was uproar and confusion.

So he urged them on, and they rushed together straight at the wall, as he had ordered. They climbed the battlements with sharp spears in their hands. Hector grabbed a stone lying just outside the gates, thick at one end and pointed at the other. Two of a town’s strongest men, as men are today, could hardly lift it onto a wagon. But Hector lifted it easily by himself, because the son of scheming Saturn made the stone light for him. A shepherd can pick up a ram’s fleece with one hand and feel no burden. Just as easily, Hector lifted the great stone and drove it straight at the doors of the strongly built gateway. The doors were tall and double, held shut by two crossbars with only one key for both. Once close, Hector strode toward the doors to give his blow more force. He struck them in the middle, throwing his whole weight into the blow. He broke both hinges, and the stone fell inside because of its great weight. The gateway echoed with the crash. The bars no longer held, and the force of the blow sent the doors flying open in opposite directions. Then brave Hector leaped inside, his face as dark as night sweeping in. Gleaming bronze flashed fiercely around his body, and he held two spears in his hand. Only a god could have stood against him as he hurled himself into the gateway, his eyes blazing like fire. Then he turned toward the Trojans and called on them to climb the wall. They obeyed. Some immediately climbed over the wall, while others went through the gates. The Danaans fled in panic toward their ships, and all was uproar and confusion.