they reach the well-benched ships, till the sun set, and sacred darkness come on."
So saying, he breathed strong vigor into the steeds; and they, shaking the dust from their manes to the ground quickly bore the rapid car among the Trojans and Greeks. And against them[1] fought Automedon, though grieved for his companion, rushing along in his chariot like a vulture among the geese. For he fled easily from the tumult of the Trojans, and easily did he rush on, pursuing through the dense throng. Yet did he not slay the men when he pressed onward to pursue; for it was by no means possible for him, being alone in the sacred[2] car, to assault with the spear and to rein in the fleet steeds. At length, however, a companion, the hero Alcimedon, son of Laërceus, the son of Æmon, beheld him with his eyes, and stood behind his chariot, and addressed Automedon:
"Which of the gods, O Automedon, has placed a foolish counsel in thy bosom, and taken from thee sound judgment; inasmuch as alone thou fightest in the foremost ranks with the Trojans? Thy companion indeed is slain; and Hector himself vaunts, having upon his shoulders the armor of Æacides."
Him then Automedon, the son of Diores, addressed:
"Alcimedon, what other of the Greeks, then, is like thee, to subdue and restrain the spirit of immortal steeds, unless Patroclus, while alive, a counselor equal to the gods? Now, however, death and fate possess him. Nevertheless, do thou take the lash and beautiful reins; but I will descend from the chariot, that I may fight."[3]
Thus he spoke, but Alcimedon, ascending the chariot, swift in war, instantly took in his hands the lash and reins, while Automedon leaped down; but illustrious Hector perceived this, and immediately addressed Æneas, being near:
"Æneas, counselor of the brazen-mailed Trojans, I have
- ↑ The Trojans.
- ↑ i. e., splendid, of surpassing workmanship. Others refer the epithet to the divine gift mentioned in ver 443, to the fabrication of the chariot by the god Vulcan, or to the origin of Achilles himself from a goddess.
- ↑ Alcimedon in this address condemns the imprudence of his friend, who, in this moment of imminent danger, takes upon him the joint offices of warrior (παραβάτης) and charioteer (ἡνίοχος).
