Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/39

Rh And when the advancing chiefs stood face to face,

The crested hero, Hector, thus began:

"No longer I avoid thee as of late,

O son of Peleus! Thrice around the walls

Of Priam's mighty city have I fled,

Nor dared to wait thy coming. Now my heart

Bids me encounter thee; my time is come

To slay or to be slain. Now let us call

The gods to witness, who attest and guard

The covenants of men. Should Jove bestow

On me the victory, and I take thy life,

Thou shalt meet no dishonor at my hands;

But, stripping off the armor, I will send

The Greeks thy body. Do the like by me."

The swift Achilles answered with a frown:

"Accursed Hector, never talk to me

Of covenants. Men and lions plight no faith,

Nor wolves agree with lambs, but each must plan

Evil against the other. So between

Thyself and me no compact can exist,

Or understood intent. First, one of us

Must fall and yield his life-blood to the god

Of battles. Summon all thy valor now.

A skilful spearman thou hast need to be,

And a bold warrior. There is no escape,

For now doth Pallas doom thee to be slain

By my good spear. Thou shalt repay to me

The evils thou hast done my countrymen,—

My friends whom thou hast slaughtered in thy rage."

He spake, and brandishing his massive spear

Hurled it at Hector, who beheld its aim

From where he stood. He stooped, and over him

The brazen weapon passed and plunged to earth.

Unseen by royal Hector, Pallas went