But Hector, meanwhile, was thinking on the same things, for he called the chiefs to a council and said: "Who now will go and spy among the Greeks, and see what they purpose to do on the morrow, and whether they are keeping watch through the night? A goodly reward shall he have, even a chariot and horses, the best that there are in the camp of the Greeks."
Then stood up a certain Dolon. Ill-favoured was he, but a swift runner. He said:—
Do'-lon.
"I will go, Hector; but come, lift up thy sceptre, and swear to me that thou wilt give me the chariot and the horses of Achilles."
So Hector sware to him. And Dolon took his bow, and a helmet of gray wolf-skin, and a sharp spear, and went his way in haste. But Ulysses saw him, and said:—
"Here cometh a man, Diomed, but whether he be a spy or a spoiler of the dead I know not. Let him pass by a space that we may take him. If he outrun us, press him with thy spear towards the ships; only let him not turn back to the city."
So they lay down among the dead, a little out of the way, and Dolon passed by them unknowing; but when he had gone a little space they ran upon him. For a while he stood hearkening to their steps, for he thought that Hector had sent comrades to call him back. But when they were a spear's throw from him, or less, he knew them for foes and fled. And as two dogs follow a fawn or a hare, so they ran, pursuing Dolon. And when he had well-nigh reached the trench, for they kept him from turning back to the city, Diomed rushed forward and cried:—
"Stay, or I will slay thee with my spear."
And he threw the spear, but made it pass over his shoulder, so that it stood in the ground before him. Then Dolon stood trembling and pale, and with teeth chattering with fear. And the two heroes, breathing hard, came up and laid hands on him. And he said, weeping:—
"Hold me for ransom; much gold and bronze and iron will my father give, if he hear that I am a prisoner at the ships."