BOOK VII.
ARGUMENT OF THE SEVENTH BOOK.
Ajax and Hector engage in single combat. The Grecians fortify their camp.
BOOK VII.
So saying, illustrious Hector through the gates
To battle rush’d, with Paris at his side,
And both were bent on deeds of high renown.
As when the Gods vouchsafe propitious gales
To longing mariners, who with smooth oars5
Threshing the waves have all their strength consumed,
So them the longing Trojans glad received.
At once each slew a Grecian. Paris slew
Menesthius who in Arna dwelt, the son
Of Areithoüs, club-bearing chief,10
And of Philomedusa radiant-eyed.
But Hector wounded with his glittering spear
Eïoneus; he pierced his neck beneath
His brazen morion’s verge, and dead he fell.
Then Glaucus, leader of the Lycian host,15
Son of Hippolochus, in furious fight
Iphinoüs son of Dexias assail’d,
Mounting his rapid mares, and with his lance
His shoulder pierced; unhorsed he fell and died.
Such slaughter of the Grecians in fierce fight20
Minerva noting, from the Olympian hills
Flew down to sacred Ilium; whose approach
Marking from Pergamus, Apollo flew
To meet her, ardent on the part of Troy.
Beneath the beech they join’d, when first the King,25
The son of Jove, Apollo thus began.