and burst the tendons; then the van
Of Ilium's host, with Hector, all retired. 715
Far as the slender javelin cuts the air
Hurl'd with collected force, or in the games,
Or even in battle at a desperate foe,
So far the Greeks repulsed the host of Troy.
Then Glaucus first, Chief of the shielded bands 720
Of Lycia, slew Bathycles, valiant son
Of Calchon; Hellas was his home, and far
He pass'd in riches all the Myrmidons.
Him chasing Glaucus whom he now attain'd,
The Lycian, turning sudden, with his lance 725
Pierced through the breast, and, sounding, down he fell
Grief fill'd Achaia's sons for such a Chief
So slain, but joy the Trojans; thick they throng'd
The conqueror around, nor yet the Greeks
Forgat their force, but resolute advanced. 730
Then, by Meriones a Trojan died
Of noble rank, Laogonus, the son
Undaunted of Onetor great in Troy,
Priest of Idaean Jove. The ear and jaw
Between, he pierced him with a mortal force; 735
Swift flew the life, and darkness veil'd his eyes.
AEneas, in return, his brazen spear
Hurl'd at Meriones with ardent hope
To pierce him, while, with nimble[18] steps and short
Behind his buckler made, he paced the field; 740
But, warn'd of its approach, Meriones
Bow'd low his head, shunning it, and the spear
Behind him pierced the soil; there quivering stood
The weapon, vain, though from a vigorous arm,
Till spent by slow degrees its fury slept. 745
* * * * *
* * * * *[19]
Indignant then AEneas thus exclaim'd.
Meriones! I sent thee such a spear
As reaching thee, should have for ever marr'd 750
Thy step, accomplish'd dancer as thou art.
To whom Meriones spear-famed replied.
AEneas! thou wilt find the labor hard
How great soe'er thy might, to quell the force
Of all opposers. Thou art also doom'd 755
Thyself to die; and may but spear of mine
Well-aim'd once strike thee full, what strength soe'er
Or magnanimity be thine to boast,
Thy glory in that moment thou resign'st
To me, thy soul to Pluto steed-renown'd. 760
He said, but him Patroclus sharp reproved.
Why speaks Meriones, although in fight
Approved, thus proudly? Nay, my gal