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 ftation of the Ajaxes) affumes the shape of Calchas, and infpires thofe 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 conversation between those two warriours, who return together to the battle. Idomeneus fignalizes his courage above the reft; he kills Othryoneus, Afius, and Alcathous : 'Deiphobus 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. W [3] THE ILIA D. BOOK XIII. HEN now the Thunderer on the fea-beat coaft He left them to the Fates, in bloody fray To toil and struggle through the well-fought day; While his high law suspends the powers of Heaven. * Obferv'd the Thunderer, nor obferv'd in vain. Whose waving woods o'erhung the deeps below, B 2 5 10 20 Below, * Neptune. 25 Below, fair Ilion's glittering fpires were seen, 30 } 35 Fleet as the winds, and deck'd with golden manes. Immortal arins of adamant and gold. He mounts the car, the golden fcourge applies, 4.0 He fits fuperior, and the chariot flies: His whirling wheels the glaffy furface sweep; Deep in the liquid regions lies a cave; 50 45 There |