on the side of the Achaeans."

[Footnote 565: [Greek: Epiligoen], _on the surface_, [Greek: di'
epipoles].--Kennedy.]

Thus he spake; and Idomeneus lashed on the beautiful-maned steeds to the
hollow ships; for fear now seized his mind.

Nor did Jove escape notice of magnanimous Ajax and Menelaus, when he for
the present gave the dubious victory to the Trojans; but to them the
mighty Ajax, son of Telamon, began to speak:

"Alas! even he who is very stupid might now know that father Jove
himself is aiding the Trojans; for the weapons of them all take effect,
whoever may throw them, whether coward or brave man. Jove certainly
directs them all. But the weapons of all of us fall to the earth in
vain. Come, however, let us devise the best plan, both how we may drag
off the corse, and how we ourselves may be a source of joy to our
beloved comrades, having returned home. They, of a truth, beholding us
here, are grieved, and think that we shall no longer resist the might
and invincible hands of man-slaughtering Hector. But, would there were
some companion who would quickly bring word to Achilles, since I think
he has not yet heard the mournful tidings, that his dear comrade has
died. But nowhere can I see such a person among the Greeks, for they and
their steeds are together enveloped in darkness. O father Jove, liberate
at least the sons of the Greeks from darkness; make a clear atmosphere,
and grant us to see with our eyes; then destroy us in the light,[566] if
thus it be pleasing to thee."

[Footnote 566: A prayer well worthy of Ajax. Ammian. Marcell.
xxviii.: "Per horrorem tenebrarum--quo tempore hebetari solent
obstrictae terroribus mentes; ut inter innumera multa Ajax quoque
Homericus docet, optans perire potius luce, quam pati formidinis
augmenta nocturnae." Cf. Longin. ix.]

Thus he spoke; but the Sire felt compassion for him weeping, and
immediately dissipated the haze, and removed the cloud. And the sun
shone forth, and the whole battle was displayed, and then Ajax addressed
Menelaus, good in the din of war:

"Look around now, O Jove-nurtured Menelaus, if anywhere thou canst
perceive, yet alive, Antilochus, the son of magnanimous Nestor. Urge
him, going speedily, to tell to warlike Achilles, that the comrade, by
far most dear to him, has perished."

Thus he spoke; nor did Menelaus, good in the din of war, disobey. But he
hastened to go, like some lion from a fold, which after that he is
f