I fear a Greek even with a gift in his hand.’ With these
words he hurled a mighty spear with all his force against
the beast’s side, the jointed arch of its belly. It lodged, 30
and stood quivering; the womb shook again, and an echo
and a groan rang hollow from its caverns; and, then,
had but heaven’s destiny and man’s judgment been unwarped,
he had led us to carry sword and havoc into the
Argive lurking-place, and Troy would now be standing, 35
and thou, Priam’s tall fortress, still in being.
“Meanwhile, see! some Dardan shepherds are dragging