He now abides at the ships in anger with Agamemnon shepherd of his people, but there are many of us who are well able to face you; therefore begin the fight." And Hector answered, "Noble Ajax, son of Telamon, captain of the host, treat me not as though I were some puny boy or woman that cannot fight.
I have been long used to the blood and butcheries of battle.

I am quick to turn my leathern shield either to right or left, for this I deem the main thing in battle.

I can charge among the chariots and horsemen, and in hand to hand fighting can delight the heart of Mars; howbeit I would not take such a man as you are off his guard--but I will smite you openly if I can." He poised his spear as he spoke, and hurled it from him.

It struck the sevenfold shield in its outermost layer--the eighth, which was of bronze--and went through six of the layers but in the seventh hide it stayed.

Then Ajax threw in his turn, and struck the round shield of the son of Priam.