Page:The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer (IA iliadodysseyofho02home).pdf/586

578 Returning from a fight weary and faint I needed rest, and would have slept, no sleep Found I, those ceaseless croakers of the lake Noisy, perverse, forbidding me a wink. Sleepless, and with an aching head I lay Therefore, until the crowing of the cock. By my advice, then, O ye Gods, move not Nor interfere, favouring either side, Lest ye be wounded; for both hosts alike Are valiant, nor would scruple to assail Even ourselves. Suffice it, therefore, hence To view the battle, safe, and at our ease. She ceas'd, and all complied. Meantime, the hosts Drew nearer, and in front of each was seen An herald, gonfalon in hand; huge gnats Through clarions of unwieldy length sang forth The dreadful note of onset fierce, and Jove Doubled the signal, thund'ring from above. First, with his spear Hypsiboas assail'd Lichenor. Deep into his body rush'd The point, and pierced his liver. Prone he fell, And all his glossy down with dust defiled. Then, Troglodytes hurl'd his massy spear At Pelion, which he planted in his chest. Down dropp'd the Frog, night whelm'd him, and he died.