the fleet steeds were performing the last
course, back towards the hoary deep, then appeared the excellence of
each, and the course was immediately extended to the horses;[751] and
then the swift-footed steeds of the son of Pheres[752] swiftly bore him
away. The male Trojan steeds of Diomede, however, bore [themselves] next
to them; nor were they at all far distant, but very near; for they
always seemed as if about to mount into the chariot. And with their
breathing the back and broad shoulders of Eumelus were warmed; for they
flew along, leaning their heads over him. And certainly he had either
passed, or made [the victory] doubtful, had not Phoebus Apollo been
enraged with the son of Tydeus, and accordingly shaken out of his hands
the shining lash. Then from the eyes of him indignant tears poured,
because indeed he beheld the others now going much swifter, whilst his
[steeds] were injured, running without a goad. Neither did Apollo,
fraudulently injuring Tydides, escape the notice of Minerva, but she
very quickly overtook the shepherd of the people, and gave him his lash,
and put vigour into his steeds. And to the son of Admetus, the goddess,
indignant, advanced, and broke for him his horse-yoke; and so his mares
ran on both sides out of the way, and the pole was dashed upon the
ground. He himself was thrown from the driving-seat close by the wheel,
and was lacerated all round in his arms, his mouth, and nostrils, and
his forehead was bruised near the eyebrows; but his eyes were filled
with tears, and his liquid voice was clogged. Then Diomede passing by,
directed his hollow-hoofed steeds, bounding far before the others; for
Minerva had put vigour into his steeds, and given him glory. But after
him, however, the son of Atreus, yellow-haired Menelaus, drove; but
Antilochus cheered on the steeds of his father:

[Footnote 751: _I.e._ "the speed of the horses was immediately
put to the stretch," as the Oxford Translator well, but freely,
renders it.]

[Footnote 752: Eumelus.]

"Push on! and exert yourselves, both of you, as fast as possible. I
indeed do not order you to contend with the steeds of warlike Diomede,
to which Minerva has now given speed, and given glory to him; but
quickly overtake the horses of Atrides, nor be left behind, lest AEthe,
being a mare, shed disgrace upon you both. Why should ye be left
inferior, O best [of steeds]? For thus I tell you, and it shall surely
be accomplished; attentio