d. But now I think in my
mind that I honour thee still more, since thou hast dared for my sake,
when thou dost behold [me] with thine eyes, to come out of the city;
while others remain within."

But him the azure-eyed goddess Minerva in turn addressed:

"My brother dear, my father and venerable mother indeed greatly
supplicated me, by turn embracing my knees and my companions around, to
remain there (so much do all tremble with fear); but my mind within was
harassed with sad grief. But now let us forthwith eagerly engage, nor
let there any longer be a sparing of our spears, that we may know
whether Achilles, having slain us both, shall bear our bloody spoils to
the hollow barks, or be subdued by thy spear."

Thus having spoken, Minerva also with deception led on. But when they
were near advancing towards each other, him mighty crest-tossing Hector
first addressed:

"No longer, O son of Peleus, will I fly thee as before. Thrice have I
fled round the great city of Priam, nor ever dared to await thee coming
on; but now my mind urges me to stand against thee: certainly I shall
slay, or be slain. But come, let us attest the gods; for they will be
the best witnesses and observers of agreements. For neither will I
cruelly insult thee, if indeed Jove shall give me the victory, and I
take away thy life; but after I shall despoil thy beautiful armour, O
Achilles, I will give back thy body to the Greeks; and so also do thou."

But him swift-footed Achilles sternly regarding, addressed:

"Talk not to me of covenants, O most cursed Hector. As there are not
faithful leagues between lions and men, nor yet have wolves and lambs an
according mind,[706] but ever meditate evils against each other; so it
is not possible for thee and me to contract a friendship, nor shall
there at all be leagues between us,--first shall one, falling, satiate
the invincible warrior Mars with his blood. Call to mind all thy valour;
now it is very necessary for thee to be both a spearman and a daring
warrior. Nor is there any longer any escape for thee, for Pallas Minerva
at once subdues thee beneath my spear, and thou shalt now pay for all
the accumulated sorrows of my companions, whom thou hast slain, raging
with the spear."

[Footnote 706: See Duport, p. 127; and cf. Hor. Epod. iv. 1.]

He spoke, and brandishing it, sent forth his long-shadowed spear, and
illustrious Hector, seeing it opposite, avoided it; for, looking before
him, he sunk down,