Yet not without a struggle let me die,
Nor all inglorious; but let some great act,
Which future days may hear of, mark my fall.
And another time (O. xv. 494):—
And if there be among you who this day shall meet his doom by
sword or arrow slain, e'en let him die! a glorious death is
his who for his country falls.
To those who distinguish themselves he distributes gifts (I. ix. 334):—
To other chiefs and kings he meted out their several portions.
And he threatens deserters (I. xv. 348):—
Whom I elsewhere, and from the ships aloof
Shall find, my hand shall down him on the spot.
Why is it necessary to speak of the heroes in battle? How differently and variously he makes them give and receive wounds. One he thinks worthy of mention, because he thinks those wounded in front are the more honorable because they prove steadfastness and a desire to abide the shock. Those who are struck in the back or neck were less honorable, since these blows they received in flight. Both of these are mentioned in Homer (I. xii. 288):—
Not in the neck behind, nor in thy back
Should fall the blow, but in thy breast in front,
Thy courage none might call in doubt
Shouldst thou from spear or sword receive a wound.
And again (I. xxii. 213):—