to defend at the same time thyself and the lofty city. But
come, encourage now thy numerous cavalry to drive their fleet steeds
towards the hollow ships; but I, going before, will level the whole way
for the horses, and I will turn to flight the Grecian heroes."

Thus speaking, he inspired great strength into the shepherd of the
people. As when some stalled horse, fed on barley[490] at the manger,
having snapped his halter, runs over the plain, striking the earth with
his feet (accustomed to bathe in the smooth-flowing river), exulting, he
holds his head on high, and around his shoulders his mane is
dishevelled; and, trusting to his beauty[491]--his knees easily bear him
to the accustomed places and pasture of the mares: so Hector swiftly
moved his feet and knees, encouraging the horsemen, after he had heard
the voice of the god. But they--as dogs and rustic men rush against
either a horned stag or wild goat; which however a lofty rock and shady
forest protect, nor is it destined for them to catch it; but at their
clamour[492] a bushy-bearded lion appears in the way, and turns them all
back, although ardently pursuing: thus the Greeks hitherto indeed ever
kept following in troops, striking with their swords and double-edged
spears. But when they beheld Hector entering the ranks of heroes, they
were troubled, and the courage of all fell at their feet.

[Footnote 490: Cf. vi. 508; and on [Greek: akostesas], Buttm.
Lexil. p. 75, sq.]

[Footnote 491: Observe the abrupt change of construction.]

[Footnote 492: [Greek: Ypo iaches], attracted by their shouting.]

Then Thoas, the son of Andraemon, addressed them, by far the bravest of
the AEtolians, skilled in the use of the javelin, and brave in the
standing fight; few also of the Greeks excelled him in the council when
the youths contended in eloquence. Who wisely counselling, harangued
them, and said:

"O gods, surely I behold with mine eyes this mighty miracle, since
Hector has thus risen again, having escaped death. Certainly the mind of
each was in great hopes that he had died by the hands of Telamonian
Ajax. But some one of the gods has again liberated and preserved Hector,
who hath already relaxed the knees of many Greeks; as I think is about
[to occur] now also, for not without far-sounding Jove does he stand in
the van, thus earnest. But come, let us all obey as I shall desire. Let
us order the multitude to retreat towards the ships. But let us, as ma