his course.
At once he came where noble Hector stood
Now turning, after conference with his spouse,
When godlike Alexander thus began. 630
My hero brother, thou hast surely found
My long delay most irksome. More dispatch
Had pleased thee more, for such was thy command.
To whom the warlike Hector thus replied.
No man, judicious, and in feat of arms 635
Intelligent, would pour contempt on thee
(For thou art valiant) wert thou not remiss
And wilful negligent; and when I hear
The very men who labor in thy cause
Reviling thee, I make thy shame my own. 640
But let us on. All such complaints shall cease
Hereafter, and thy faults be touch'd no more,
Let Jove but once afford us riddance clear
Of these Achaians, and to quaff the cup
Of liberty, before the living Gods. 645

* * * * *

It may be observed, that Hector begins to resume his hope of success,
and his warlike spirit is roused again, as he approaches the field of
action. The depressing effect of his sad interview is wearing away
from his mind, and he is already prepared for the battle with Ajax,
which awaits him.

The student who has once read this book, will read it again and again.
It contains much that is addressed to the deepest feelings of our
common nature, and, despite of the long interval of time which lies
between our age and the Homeric--despite the manifold changes of
customs, habits, pursuits, and the advances that have been made in
civilization and art--despite of all these, the universal spirit of
humanity will recognize in these scenes much of that true poetry which
delights alike all ages, all nations, all men.--FELTON.

THE ILIAD.

BOOK VII.

ARGUMENT OF THE SEVENTH BOOK.

Ajax and Hector engage in single combat. The Grecians fortify their
camp.

BOOK VII.

So saying, illustrious Hector through the gates
To battle rush'd, with Paris at his side,
And both were bent on deeds of high renown.
As when the Gods vouchsafe propitious gales
To longing mariners, who with smooth oars 5
Threshing the waves have all their strength consumed,
So them the longing Trojans glad received.
At once each slew