The Iliad of Homer Books I-IV Author:Homer Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: BOOK III. Then, when all were arrayed, the several tribes with their leaders, Onward the Trojans came with a bird-like clamour and shouting; Like to the clamo... more »ur of cranes, that along the heavens resoundeth, Fleeing the coming blasts and the rain-squalls dire of the winter. Straight for the ocean-streams their flight with clamour directing, 5 Slaughter and imminent death they bring to the race of the Pygmies, E'en with the morning mists the deadly combat provoking. Silently, breathing valour, the while advanced the Achaians, Eager in soul each man to aid his comrades in battle. E'en as the south wind bringeth a mist o'er the peaks of a mountain, 10 Unto the shepherd hateful, but better than night for the robber,— When but a stone's throw from him a man may see for the denseness,— Thus, from beneath the feet of the squadrons marching to battle, Thickly the dust-cloud rose, and the plain they rapidly traversed. But, when at length they both drew near, to the onset advancing, 15 Forth Alexandros came as the Trojans' champion, god-like, Wearing upon his shoulders a panther's skin, and his curved Bow, and his falchion slung: in his hands two spears did he brandish Headed with brass : and thus he challenged the host of the Argives, Calling upon their bravest in mortal combat to meet him 20 Hand unto hand. But when Menelaiis, beloved of Ares, Saw him with mighty strides in front of the army advancing, Then, as a lion finding the carcase huge of an ibex, Or of a horned stag, rejoiceth, when he is hungered: Greedily he devours it, although swift dogs be pursuing 25 Followed by lusty youths: e'en thus rejoiced Menelaiis When with his eyes he saw the god-like Paris; for surely Now would he take revenge on the base seducer. And straightway Down to the ground he leap...« less