Page:The Story of the Iliad.djvu/189

Rh hast escaped from death once more; but mischief came near thee. Apollo hath saved thee, to whom doubtless thou prayest ere thou came into the press of war. But some time I will slay thee, if only some god will help."

And he turned to slay the men of Troy. But while he spoiled the son of Pæon, whom he had slain ere Hector came against him, Paris, who was in hiding behind the pillar on the Tomb of Ilus, drew his bow, and smote him with an arrow through the ankle of the right foot. Loud he boasted of his aim. "Only," he said, "I would that I had pierced thee in the loin; then hadst thou troubled the sons of Troy no more."

But Diomed answered: "Small good were thy bow to thee, cowardly archer, if thou shouldst dare to meet me face to face. And as for this graze on my foot, I care no more than if a woman or child had smitten me. Not such the wounds I deal; as for those that meet my spear in the battle, I think that they are dearer to the fowls of the air than to women in the chamber."

Then Ulysses stood before him, while he