[The Iliad by Homer]@TWC D-Link book
The Iliad

BOOK XII
5/20

Sarpedon was captain over the allies, and took with him Glaucus and Asteropaeus whom he deemed most valiant after himself--for he was far the best man of them all.

These helped to array one another in their ox-hide shields, and then charged straight at the Danaans, for they felt sure that they would not hold out longer and that they should themselves now fall upon the ships.
The rest of the Trojans and their allies now followed the counsel of Polydamas but Asius, son of Hyrtacus, would not leave his horses and his esquire behind him; in his foolhardiness he took them on with him towards the ships, nor did he fail to come by his end in consequence.
Nevermore was he to return to wind-beaten Ilius, exulting in his chariot and his horses; ere he could do so, death of ill-omened name had overshadowed him and he had fallen by the spear of Idomeneus the noble son of Deucalion.

He had driven towards the left wing of the ships, by which way the Achaeans used to return with their chariots and horses from the plain.

Hither he drove and found the gates with their doors opened wide, and the great bar down--for the gatemen kept them open so as to let those of their comrades enter who might be flying towards the ships.

Hither of set purpose did he direct his horses, and his men followed him with a loud cry, for they felt sure that the Achaeans would not hold out longer, and that they should now fall upon the ships.


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