335
Again led on by Ajax, who in form
And in exploits all others far excell'd.
Peerless AEacides alone except.
Right through the foremost combatants he rush'd,
In force resembling most some savage boar 340
That in the mountains bursting through the brakes,
The swains disperses and their hounds with ease;
Like him, illustrious Ajax, mighty son
Of Telamon, at his assault dispersed
With ease the close imbattled ranks who fought 345
Around Patroclus' body, strong in hope
To achieve it, and to make the glory theirs.
Hippothoues, a youth of high renown,
Son of Pelasgian Lethus, by a noose
Around his ancle cast dragg'd through the fight 350
Patroclus, so to gratify the host
Of Ilium and their Chief; but evil him
Reached suddenly, by none of all his friends
(Though numerous wish'd to save him) turn'd aside.
For swift advancing on him through the crowd 355
The son of Telamon pierced, spear in hand,
His helmet brazen-cheek'd; the crested casque,
So smitten, open'd wide, for huge the hand
And ponderous was the spear that gave the blow
And all around its neck, mingled with blood 360
Gush'd forth the brain. There, lifeless, down he sank,
Let fall the hero's foot, and fell himself
Prone on the dead, never to see again?
Deep-soil'd Larissa, never to require
Their kind solicitudes who gave him birth, 365
In bloom of life by dauntless Ajax slain.
Then Hector hurl'd at Ajax his bright spear,
But he, forewarn'd of its approach, escaped
Narrowly, and it pierced Schedius instead,
Brave son of Iphitus; he, noblest Chief 370
Of the Phocensians, over many reign'd,
Dwelling in Panopeus the far-renown'd.
Entering beneath the clavicle[4] the point
Right through his shoulder's summit pass'd behind,
And on his loud-resounding arms he fell. 375
But Ajax at his waist wounded the son
Of Phoenops, valiant Phorcys, while he stood
Guarding Hippothoeus; through his hollow mail
Enforced the weapon drank his inmost life,
And in his palm, supine, he clench'd the dust. 380
Then, Hector with the foremost Chiefs of Troy
Fell back; the Argives sent a shout to heaven,
And dragging Phorcys and Hippothoeus thence
Stripp'd both. In that bright moment Ilium's host
Fear-quell'd before