In standing fight Ajax would not retire Even before that breaker of the ranks 395 Achilles, although far less swift than he.  But turn we to the left, that we may learn At once, if glorious death, or life be ours. 
  Then, rapid as the God of war, his course
Meriones toward the left began, 400 As he enjoin’d.  Soon as the Trojans saw Idomeneus advancing like a flame, And his compeer Meriones in arms All-radiant clad, encouraging aloud From rank to rank each other, on they came 405 To the assault combined.  Then soon arose Sharp contest on the left of all the fleet.  As when shrill winds blow vehement, what time Dust deepest spreads the ways, by warring blasts Upborne a sable cloud stands in the air, 410 Such was the sudden conflict; equal rage To stain with gore the lance ruled every breast.  Horrent with quivering spears the fatal field Frown’d on all sides; the brazen flashes dread Of numerous helmets, corselets furbish’d bright, 415 And shields refulgent meeting, dull’d the eye, And turn’d it dark away.  Stranger indeed Were he to fear, who could that strife have view’d With heart elate, or spirit unperturb’d. 
  Two mighty sons of Saturn adverse parts 420
Took in that contest, purposing alike To many a valiant Chief sorrow and pain.  Jove, for the honor of Achilles, gave Success to Hector and the host of Troy, Not for complete destruction of the Greeks 425 At Ilium, but that glory might redound To Thetis thence, and to her dauntless son.  On the other side, the King of Ocean risen Secretly from the hoary Deep, the host Of Greece encouraged, whom he grieved to see 430 Vanquish’d by Trojans, and with anger fierce Against the Thunderer burn’d on their behalf.  Alike from one great origin divine Sprang they, but Jove was elder, and surpass’d In various knowledge; therefore when he roused 435 Their courage, Neptune traversed still the ranks Clandestine, and in human form disguised.  Thus, these Immortal Two, straining the cord Indissoluble of all-wasting war, Alternate measured with it either host, 440 And loosed the joints of many a warrior bold.  Then, loud exhorting (though himself with age Half grey) the Achaians, into battle sprang Idomeneus, and scatter’d, first, the foe, Slaying Othryoneus, who, by the lure 445 Of martial glory drawn, had left of late Cabesus.  He Priam’s fair daughter woo’d Cassandra, but no nuptial gift vouchsafed To offer, save a sounding promise proud To chase, himself, however resolute 450 The Grecian host, and to deliver Troy.  To him assenting, Priam, ancient King, Assured to him his wish, and in the faith Of that assurance confident, he fought.  But brave Idomeneus his splendid lance 455 Well-aim’d dismissing, struck the haughty Chief.  Pacing elate the field;