, having girded themselves, proceeded into the
middle of the circus, and both at the same time engaged, with their
strong hands opposite, raising [them up], and their heavy hands were
mingled. Then a horrid crashing of jaws ensued, and the sweat flowed on
all sides from their limbs. Then noble Epeus rushed in, and smote him
upon the cheek, while looking round, nor could he stand any longer; but
his fair limbs tottered under him. And as when, from beneath the
surface, rippled[767] by the north wind, a fish leaps out upon the weedy
shore, and the dark billow covers it, so he, stricken, sprang up. But
magnanimous Epeus, taking [him] in his hands, lifted him up; and his
dear comrades stood around, who conducted him through the circus on
tottering feet, spitting out clotted gore, [and] drooping his head on
each side; and then, leading, placed him among them, insensible, while
they, departing, received the double cup.

But the son of Peleus quickly staked other third prizes for laborious
wrestling, exhibiting [them] to the Greeks; for the conqueror, indeed, a
large tripod, ready for the fire,[768] which the Greeks estimated
amongst themselves at twelve oxen; and for the conquered person he
placed a female in the midst. She understood various works, and they
reckoned her at four oxen. But he stood up, and spoke this speech among
the Greeks:

"Arise, ye who will make trial of this contest." Thus he spoke; but then
arose mighty Telamonian Ajax, and wise Ulysses stood up, skilled in
stratagems. But these two, having girded themselves, advanced into the
midst of the circus, and grasped each other's arms with their strong
hands, like the rafters[769] of a lofty dome, which a renowned architect
has fitted, guarding off the violence of the winds. Then their backs
creaked, forcibly dragged by their powerful hands, and the copious[770]
sweat poured down; and thick welds, purple with blood, arose upon their
sides and shoulders. Yet always eagerly they sought desired victory, for
the sake of the well-made tripod. Neither could Ulysses trip, nor throw
him to the ground, nor could Ajax him, for the valiant might of Ulysses
hindered him. But when at length they were wearying the well-greaved
Greeks, then mighty Telamonian Ajax addressed him:

[Footnote 767: See Kennedy.]

[Footnote 768: _I.e._ intended for domestic purposes, not a mere
votive offering or ornament.]

[Footnote 769: [Greek: Ameibontes dokoi megalai, allelais