ire, [cut] from the tops of Pelion, about to be death to
heroes. He also commanded Automedon quickly to yoke the steeds, whom,
next to rank-breaking Achilles, he most honoured, because he was most
faithful to him in battle, to stand the charge. Wherefore Automedon
yoked the fleet horses, Xanthus and Balius, which kept pace with the
winds. Them the Harpy Podarge bore to Zephyrus, the wind, while feeding
in the meadows by the stream of Oceanus. And in the outer harness he
fastened illustrious Pedasus, whom Achilles led away long since, having
sacked the city of Eetion; and which [steed], though being mortal,
accompanied immortal steeds. But Achilles, going about, armed all the
Myrmidons through the tents with their armour; but they, like
carnivorous wolves, in whose hearts is immense strength, and which,
having slain a great horned stag in the mountains, tearing, devour it;
but the jaws of all are red with blood: and then they rush in a pack,
lapping with slender tongues the surface of the dark water from a
black-water fountain, vomiting forth clots of blood; but the courage in
their breasts is dauntless, and their stomach is distended: so rushed
the leaders and chiefs of the Myrmidons round the brave attendant of
swift-footed AEacides, and amongst them stood warlike Achilles, animating
both the steeds and the shield-bearing warriors.

Fifty were the swift galleys which Achilles, dear to Jove, led to Troy;
and in each were fifty men, companions at the benches. But he had
appointed five leaders, in whom he put trust, to command them; and he
himself, being very powerful, governed. One troop indeed Menesthius,
with flexible corslet, commanded, the son of Sperchius, a Jove-descended
river; whom the daughter of Peleus, fair Polydora, bore to indefatigable
Sperchius, a woman having been embraced by a god; although, according to
report, to Borus, son of Perieres, who openly espoused her, giving
infinite marriage gifts. But warlike Eudorus commanded another
[company], clandestinely begotten, whom Polymela, the daughter of
Phylas, graceful in the dance, bore. Her the powerful slayer of
Argus[514] loved, beholding her with his eyes among the dancers at a
choir of golden-bowed Diana, huntress-maid; and immediately ascending to
an upper chamber, pacific Mercury secretly lay with her: whence she
bore to him a son, Eudorus, swift to run, and also a warrior. But after
that birth-presiding Ilithyia had brought him into light, and he behel