Page:The Iliad of Homer. Translated by James Macpherson, Esq. Volumes 1 to 3. 1818 to 1819.pdf/607

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THE ILIAD OF HOMER.

BOOK 3.x If.

Or, whether, subdued by thy spear—the hero shall breathe his last.”

Thus deceiving, the goddess spoke. Right onward she led the way. When, near each other, the heroes came—bending forward, with all their arms: Hector, first, began to the foe: Waving aloft his various helm : “No more, son of god like Peleus ! I fly thy steps or decline the fight. Thrice round the lofty city of Priam-have I fled: Nor sustained I thy rage. But, now, his soul bids Hector to stop. H, now, oppose thee, chief, in arms: Determined to slay or be slain. But let us call to witness the gods: THEY the best witnesses are: THEY are guardians of oaths

and of leagues. Thy corse I shall not dishonour in aught: Should Jove grant success to my spear: And call forth thy soul, round my steel. Stripping THEE of thy beauteous arms— I shall restore thy corse to the Argives. This also, de thou, Achilies!”

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STERNLY turning his eyes on the chief—the mighty Achilles replied: “Hector, most detested of men I Speak not of leagues to M.E. As faith ful treaties can never subsist—between-mankind

and lions of prey: As the wolf and timid lamb

—can never in aught agree: They always burn with ceaseless vancour and mutual hate: So no

triendship, no compact, no league—can ever subsist between Hedtor and M.E.

Gne or other,

this instant, shall die: Shall glut with his flow

ing blood–fierce Mars, the invincible god! Rouze, then, all thy knowledge in fight. It much behoves thee to wield thy spear: To shew

thyself dauntless and firm : A warrior unyield ing and strong! No farther escape is for thee! Straight Pallas shall lay thee in blood–beneath the eager point of my spear. At once, thou