Page:Ovid's Metamorphoses (Vol. 2) - tr Garth, Dryden, et. al. (1727).djvu/199

Book 13. War seem'd asleep for nine long Years; at length Both Sides resolv'd to push, we try'd our Strength. Now what did Ajax, while our Arms took Breath, Vers'd only in the gross mechanick Trade of Death? If you require my Deeds with ambush'd Arms I trapp'd the Foe, or tir'd with false Alarms; Secur'd the Ships, drew Lines along the Plain, The fainting chear'd, chastis'd the Rebel-train, Provided Forage, our spent Arms renew'd; Employ'd at home, or sent abroad, the common Cause pursu'd. The King, deluded in a Dream by Jove, Despair'd to take the Town, and order'd to remove. What Subject durst arraign the Pow'r Supream, Producing Jove to justifie his Dream? Ajax might wish the Soldiers to retain From shameful Flight, for Wishes were in vain: As wanting of Effect had been his Words, Such as of Course his thundring Tongue affords. But did this Boaster threaten, did he pray, Or by his own Example urge their Stay? None, none of these but ran himself away. I saw him run, and was asham'd to see; Who ply'd his Feet so fast to get aboard, as He, Then speeding through the Place, I made a stand, And loudly cry'd, O base degenerate Band, To leave a Town already in your Hand! After so long Expence of Blood for Fame, To bring home nothing, but perpetual Shame! These Words, or what I have forgotten since, (For Grief inspir'd me then with Eloquence) Reduc'd their Minds they leave the crowded Port, And to their late forsaken Camp resort: Dismay'd the Council met: this Man was there, But mute, and not recover'd of his Fear: Thersites tax'd the King, and loudly rail'd, But his wide opening Mouth with Blows I seal'd Then,