-rending brass, to make trial of each other
before the host for these. Whoever shall be the first to wound the fair
flesh, and touch the entrails through the armour and black blood, to
him, indeed, will I give this silver-studded, beautiful Thracian sword,
which I formerly took from Asteropaeus. But let both bear away these arms
in common, and before them I will place a splendid banquet in my tents."

Thus he spoke; but then arose mighty Telamonian Ajax, and the son of
Tydeus, valiant Diomede rose up. But they, after they had armed apart on
either side from the ground, both came together into the midst, eager to
fight, looking dreadfully; and stupor possessed all the Greeks. But when
approaching each other, they were near, thrice indeed they rushed on,
and thrice made the attack hand to hand. Then Ajax, indeed, pierced
through his shield, equal on all sides, nor reached the flesh; for the
corslet inside protected him. But next the son of Tydeus, with the point
of his shining spear, endeavoured to reach the neck, over his great
shield. And then, indeed, the Greeks, fearing for Ajax, desired them,
ceasing, to take up equal rewards. The hero, however, gave the great
sword to Diomede, bearing it both with the sheath and the well-cut belt.

Then the son of Peleus deposited a rudely-molten mass of iron, which
the great might of Eetion used formerly to hurl. But when swift-footed,
noble Achilles slew him, he brought this also, with other possessions,
in his ships. Then he stood up, and spoke amongst the Greeks:

"Arise, you who will make trial of this contest also. Even if his rich
fields be of very far and wide extent, using this he will have it even
for five revolving years; for indeed neither will his shepherd nor his
ploughman go into the city wanting iron, but [this] will furnish it."

Thus he spoke; then up arose warlike Polypoetes, and the valiant might of
godlike Leonteus arose; also Telamonian Ajax, and noble Epeus arose.
Then they stood in order; but noble Epeus seized the mass, and, whirling
it round, threw it; but all the Greeks laughed at him. Next Leonteus, a
branch of Mars, threw second; but third, mighty Telamonian Ajax hurled
with his strong hand, and cast beyond the marks of all. But when now
warlike Polypoetes had seized the mass, as far as a cow-herdsman throws
his crook, which, whirled around, flies through the herds of oxen, so
far, through the whole stadium, did he cast beyond; but they shouted
aloud;