1. For the beloved's cheek the conversation was painful
It flowed, it flowed like an arrow piercing the joints

2. The heavily armed warrior set out on foot
In his hand the spearhead blazing

3. Urging on the zeal of the horsemen
Steeling their resolve until they turned and stood firm

4. They wheeled, but the men pressing on
Were resolute in counter-attack, fiercely stubborn

5. In neither troop was there a faint heart
Nor was there one who feared and ran away

6. When the two armies engaged with spear and lance
The warriors' steeds trampled the ground and plundered

7. The Greeks donned the raiment of turbulent flight
Beneath their feet the sound of steps, above a cloud of dust

8. As if the threshing floors of Demeter in the valley
Raise up the chaff of straw, while the grain sinks down,

9. The wind winnows the chaff then makes it
Swirl thickly, white and grey

10. Thus did the Greeks rush out from under their helmets
Brawny-armed, equipped for the foe, girt for battle

11. Apollo obeyed and hardened his resolve
Athena stood over them, blazing like stars

12. And sent down from above the armies a cloud
Shading the iron mail and veiling

13. And when the clash of spears rang out, plunging wildly
Into the arena of turmoil came swift-footed Ajax

14. With him came Phebios, unscathed,
Mighty of will, iron of heart, seething and raging

15. His courage revived and hearts of his folk throbbed
A band of the elite of warriors escorted him

16. Without asking they joined the fierce blaze of war
Tempests of Phebios and lightning of turmoil

17. Ares and Hephaestus with showers of missiles
Ajax, Ajax and Idomeneus the rouser

18. Calling the Greeks to battle, forming ranks
Whenever there was tactical retreat or steadfast defence

19. For steadfast defence the troops’ chieftains stood firm
Undaunted heroes who neither feared nor retreated

20. Though the battle raged they were like
Clouds above the high peaks clustered

21. The winds had laid down to rest, no more playing
Raging, while the winds above them gambol

22. Agamemnon ranged between their ranks
Shouting, tracking the steps behind