which
was the eighth [layer] thereon. And the unwearied brass cutting through,
penetrated six folds, and was stuck fast in the seventh hide. Next,
Jove-sprung Ajax in turn sent forth his very long spear, and struck the
all-equal shield of Priam's son. Through the shining shield passed the
impetuous spear, and was fastened in his very ingeniously-wrought
corslet, and from the opposite side the spear cut his tunic near the
flank. But he inclined himself, and avoided black death. Then they both,
having drawn out their long spears with their hands, joined battle, like
unto raw-devouring lions, or wild boars, whose strength is not feeble.
Then indeed the son of Priam struck the midst of his [Ajax's] shield
with his spear; it broke not through the brass, but the point of it was
bent. But Ajax, bounding forward, pierced his shield: and the spear went
right through, and repelled him as he rushed on: it glanced over his
neck, cutting it, and black gore gushed forth. But not even thus did
crest-tossing Hector cease from the battle: but retiring back, he seized
in his hand, a black, rough, huge stone, lying in the plain. With it he
struck the mighty seven-hided shield of Ajax, in the midst of the boss,
and the brass rang around. Ajax next taking up a much larger stone,
whirling, discharged it, and applied immense strength. And he broke
through the shield, having struck with a rock like unto a millstone, and
he wounded him in the knee; and he was stretched supine, having come
into violent contact with his shield; but Apollo quickly raised him. And
now in close combat hand to hand, they would have wounded each other
with their swords, had not the heralds, the messengers of gods and men,
arrived, one of the Trojans, the other of the brazen-mailed Greeks,
Talthybius and Idaeus, both prudent men. And between both armies they
held their sceptres, but the herald Idaeus, skilled in prudent counsels,
said:

"No longer, my dear sons, war or fight, for cloud-collecting Jove loves
you both: ye both are warriors, and this we all know. Night is now
approaching, and it is good to obey night." [259]

[Footnote 259: Cf. AEn. ii. 8:--

----"et jam nox humida coelo
Praecipitat, suadentque cadentia sidera somnos."]

But him Telamonian Ajax answering addressed: "Idaeus, order Hector to
speak these words, for he challenged all the bravest [of our side] to
battle. Let him begin, and I will entirely obey, if indeed h