The Iliad by Homer Book 11 Page 37

his high throne struck fear into the heart of Ajax, so that he stood there dazed and threw his shield behind him — looking fearfully at the throng of his foes as though he were some wild beast, and turning hither and thither but crouching slowly backwards. As peasants with their hounds chase a lion from their stockyard, and watch by night to prevent his carrying off the pick of their herd — he makes his greedy spring, but in vain, for the darts from many a strong hand fall thick around him, with burning brands that scare him for all his fury, and when morning comes he slinks foiled and angry away — even so did Ajax, sorely against his will, retreat angrily before the Trojans, fearing for the ships of the Achaeans.

Or as some lazy ass that has had many a cudgel broken about his back, when he into a field