Fierce at the word uprose great Tydeus’ son, And the huge bulk of Ajax Telamon. Clad in refulgent steel, on either hand, The dreadful chiefs amid the circle stand; Louring they meet, tremendous to the sight; Each Argive bosom beats with fierce delight. Opposed in arms not long they idly stood, But thrice they closed, and thrice the charge renew’d. A furious pass the spear of Ajax made Through the broad shield, but at the corslet stay’d. Not thus the foe: his javelin aim’d above The buckler’s margin, at the neck he drove. But Greece, now trembling for her hero’s life, Bade share the honours, and surcease the strife. Yet still the victor’s due Tydides gains, With him the sword and studded belt remains.