1. Then Achilles stood up to speak
Appointed for the third contest

2. He showed the crowds the wrestling garb
Urging them to watch the bout

3. For the victor, a tripod cauldron
Worth twelve oxen in value

4. And for the fallen, a maiden
Worth no more than four

5. He shouted, " Heroes, who among you
Desires to enter this arena?"

6. First stood Ajax the Elder
Then Odysseus the cunning advisor

7. They girded themselves and stepped forth
And collided hand against hand

8. They clung together like two rafters
Standing in a roof's construction

9. Fixed firmly by the mason's wisdom
To withstand rain and gales

10. Until their ribs were exposed, nearly broken
And sweat poured like a downpour

11. And blood flowed crimson
Down their chests and spines

12. And all watched intently
Hoping for victory and the cauldron

13. But neither Ajax nor Odysseus prevailed
Nor gained advantage over the other

14. The crowds grew weary
And then the son of Telamon called

15. "Odysseus, this is taking too long
Lift me up now, or I'll lift you

16. To settle who gets the rest of the glory"
Ajax lifted him as he desired

17. But Odysseus did not forget his cunning
Grabbing his leg and throwing Ajax back

18. His knee buckled and both fell down
With Odysseus atop his chest

19. And the crowd marveled at their feat
Then Odysseus tried to lift him up

20. But could not even rock him
Until both kneeled, rubbing dust

21. As they tried to collide again
But Achilles settled the bout

22. “Enough wrestling, enough pain
You both have proven your valor

23. You’ll have equal rewards
That’s enough - others remain

24. Obey and leave the arena"
They listened and obeyed his order

25. Parted and left the wrestling
Dusted themselves off and dressed

26. Each donned his tunic and sat down