When he was in full array he sprang forward as monstrous Mars when he takes part among men whom Jove has set fighting with one another--even so did huge Ajax, bulwark of the Achaeans, spring forward with a grim smile on his face as he brandished his long spear and strode onward.

The Argives were elated as they beheld him, but the Trojans trembled in every limb, and the heart even of Hector beat quickly, but he could not now retreat and withdraw into the ranks behind him, for he had been the challenger.

Ajax came up bearing his shield in front of him like a wall--a shield of bronze with seven folds of oxhide--the work of Tychius, who lived in Hyle and was by far the best worker in leather.

He had made it with the hides of seven full-fed bulls, and over these he had set an eighth layer of bronze.

Holding this shield before him, Ajax son of Telamon came close up to Hector, and menaced him saying, "Hector, you shall now learn, man to man, what kind of champions the Danaans have among them even besides lion-hearted Achilles cleaver of the ranks of men.