ARGUMENT. The fourth Battle continued, in which Neptune affifts the Greeks: the acts of Idomeneus. NEPTUNE, concerned for the lofs of the Grecians, upon feeing the fortification forced by Hector (who had entered the gate near the station of the Ajaxes) affumes the shape of Calchas, and inspires those heroes to oppofe him: then, in the form of one of the generals, encourages the other Greeks, who had retired to their veffels. The Ajaxes form their troops in a close phalanx, and put a stop to Hector and the Trojans. Several deeds of valour are performed; Meriones, lofing his fpear in the encounter, repairs to feek another at the tent of Idomeneus: this occafions a converfation between those two warriours, who return together to the battle. Idomeneus fignalizes his courage above the reft; he kills Othryoneus, Afius, and Alcathous: Deïphobus and Æneas march against him, and at length Idomeneus retires. Menelaus wounds Helenus, and kills Pifander. The Trojans are repulfed in the left wing; Hector ftill keeps his ground against the Ajaxes, till, being galled by the Locrian flingers and archers, Polydamas advises to call a council of war: Hector approves his advice, but goes firft to rally the Trojans; upbraids Paris, rejoins Polydamas, meets Ajax again, and renews the attack. The eight and twentieth day still continues. The fcene is between the Grecian wall and the fea-fhore. |