among the foremost combatants; but the magnanimous Epeans fled
terrified in different directions when they beheld the hero fallen, the
leader of their cavalry, he who was the best to fight. But I rushed upon
them like unto a black whirlwind; and I took fifty chariots, and in each
two men bit the ground with their teeth, vanquished by my spear. And now
indeed I should have slain the youthful Molions, the sons[385] of Actor,
had not their sire, wide-ruling Neptune, covering them with a thick
haze, preserved them from the war. Then Jove delivered into the hands of
the Pylians great strength, for so long did we follow them through the
long[386] plain, both slaying them, and gathering up rich armour, until
he had driven our horses to Buprasium, fertile in wheat, to the rock
Olenia and Alesium, where it is called Colone: whence Minerva turned
back the people. Then having killed the last man, I left him; but the
Greeks guided back their swift steeds from Buprasium to Pylus; and all
gave glory to Jove, of the gods, and to Nestor, of men. Thus was I, as
sure as ever I existed, among men: but Achilles will enjoy his valour
alone: surely I think that he will hereafter greatly lament, when the
people have bitterly perished. O my friend, Menoetius did assuredly thus
command thee on that day when he sent thee from Phthia to Agamemnon. For
we being both within, I and noble Ulysses, distinctly heard all things
in the halls, as he charged you: but we were come to the well-inhabited
palace of Peleus, collecting an army through fertile Greece. There then
we found the hero Menoetius within, as well as thee, and Achilles
besides; but the aged horseman, Peleus, was burning the fat thighs of an
ox to thunder-rejoicing Jove, within the enclosure[387] of his palace,
and held a golden cup, pouring the dark wine over the blazing sacrifice.
Both of you were then employed about the flesh of the ox, whilst we
stood in the vestibule; but Achilles, astonished, leaped up, and led us
in, taking us by the hand, and bade us be seated: and he set in order
before us the offerings of hospitality which are proper for guests. But
when we were satiated with eating and drinking, I began discourse,
exhorting you to follow along with us. Ye were both very willing, and
they both commanded you many things. Aged Peleus in the first place
directed his son Achilles ever to be the bravest, and to be conspicuous
above others; but to thee again Menoetius, the son of Actor,