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 a Grecian.  Paris slew
  Menesthius who in Arna dwelt, the son
  Of Areithoues, club-bearing chief, 10
  And of Philomedusa radiant-eyed. 
  But Hector wounded with his glittering spear
  Eioneus; he pierced his neck beneath
  His brazen morion’s verge, and dead he fell. 
  Then Glaucus, leader of the Lycian host, 15
  Son of Hippolochus, in furious fight
  Iphinoues son of Dexias assail’d,
  Mounting his rapid mares, and with his lance
  His shoulder pierced; unhorsed he fell and died. 
    Such slaughter of the Grecians in fierce fight 20
  Minerva noting, from the Olympian hills
  Flew down to sacred Ilium; whose approach
  Marking from Pergamus, Apollo flew