Page:Homer - Iliad, translation Pope, 1909.djvu/228

226 On certain dangers we too rashly run:

If 'tis his will our haughty foes to tame,

Oh may this instant end the Grecian name!

Here, far from Argos, let their heroes fall,

And one great day destroy, and bury all!

But should they turn, and here oppress our train,

What hopes, what methods of retreat remain?

Wedged in the trench, by our own troops confused,

In one promiscuous carnage crushed and bruised,

All Troy must perish, if their arms prevail,

Nor shall a Trojan live to tell the tale.

Hear then, ye warriors, and obey with speed;

Back from the trenches let your steeds be led;

Then all alighting, wedged in to array,

Proceed on foot, and Hector lead the way.

So Greece shall stoop before our conquering power,

And this, if Jove consent, her fatal hour."

This counsel pleased: the godlike Hector sprung

Swift from his seat; his clanging armour rung.

The chief's example followed by his train,

Each quits his car, and issues on the plain.

By orders strict the charioteers enjoined,

Compel the coursers to their ranks behind.

The forces part in five distinguished bands,

And all obey their several chiefs' commands,

The best and bravest in the first conspire,

Pant for the fight, and threat the fleet with fire:

Great Hector glorious in the van of these,

Polydamas, and brave Cebriones.

Before the next graceful Paris shines,

And bold Alcathoüs, and Agenor joins,

The sons of Priam with the third appear,

Deïphobus, and Helenus the seer;

In arms with these the mighty Asius stood,

Who drew from Hyrtacus his nooble blood,

And whom Arisba's yellow coursers bore,

The coursers fed on Selle's winding shore.

Antenor's sons the fourth battalion guide,

And great Æneas, born on fountful Ide.

Dnine Sarpedon the last band obeyed,

Whom Glaucus and Asteropæus aid;

Next him, the bravest at their army's head,

But he more brave than all the hosts he led.

Now, with compacted shields, in close array,

The Moving legions speed their headlong way:

Already in their hope they fire the fleet,

And see the Grecians gasping at their feet.

While every Trojan thus, and every aid,

The advice of wise Polydamas obeyed;