He said, and, brandishing the Pelian ash,
  Dismiss’d it; but illustrious Hector warn’d,
  Crouched low, and, overflying him, it pierced
  The soil beyond, whence Pallas plucking it 320
  Unseen, restored it to Achilles’ hand,
  And Hector to his godlike foe replied. 
    Godlike Achilles! thou hast err’d, nor know’st
  At all my doom from Jove, as thou pretend’st,
  But seek’st, by subtlety and wind of words, 325
  All empty sounds, to rob me of my might. 
  Yet stand I firm.  Think not to pierce my back. 
  Behold my bosom! if the Gods permit,
  Meet me advancing, and transpierce me there. 
  Meantime avoid my glittering spear, but oh 330
  May’st thou receive it all! since lighter far
  To Ilium should the toils of battle prove,
  Wert thou once slain, the fiercest of her foes. 
    He said, and hurling his long spear with aim
  Unerring, smote the centre of the shield 335
  Of Peleus’ son, but his spear glanced away. 
  He, angry to have sent it forth in vain,
  (For he had other none) with eyes downcast
  Stood motionless awhile, then with loud voice
  Sought from Deiphobus, white-shielded Chief, 340
  A second; but Deiphobus was gone. 
  Then Hector understood his doom, and said. 
    Ah, it is plain; this is mine hour to die. 
  I thought Deiphobus at hand, but me
  Pallas beguiled, and he is still in Troy. 345
  A bitter death threatens me, it is nigh,
  And there is no escape; Jove, and Jove’s son
  Apollo, from the first, although awhile
  My prompt deliverers, chose this lot for me,
  And now it finds me.  But I will not fall 350
  Inglorious; I will act some great exploit
  That shall be celebrated ages hence. 
    So saying, his keen falchion from his side
  He drew, well-temper’d, ponderous, and rush’d
  At once to combat.  As the eagle darts 355
  Right downward through a sullen cloud to seize
  Weak lamb or timorous hare, so brandishing
  His splendid falchion, Hector rush’d to fight. 
  Achilles, opposite, with fellest ire
  Full-fraught came on; his shield with various art 360
  Celestial form’d, o’erspread his ample chest,
  And on his radiant casque terrific waved
  The bushy gold of his resplendent crest,
  By Vulcan spun, and pour’d profuse around. 
  Bright as, among the stars, the star of all 365
  Most radiant, Hesperus, at midnight moves,
  So, in the right hand of Achilles beam’d
  His brandish’d spear, while, meditating wo
  To Hector, he explored his noble form,
  Seeking where he was vulnerable most. 370
  But every part, his dazzling armor torn
  From brave Patroclus’ body, well