The Iliad by Homer Book 21 Page 2

fire — the flame comes on and on till at last it overtakes them and they huddle into the water — even so was the eddying stream of Xanthus filled with the uproar of men and horses, all struggling in confusion before Achilles.

Forthwith the hero left his spear upon the bank, leaning it against a tamarisk bush, and plunged into the river like a god, armed with his sword only. Fell was his purpose as he hewed the Trojans down on every side. Their dying groans rose hideous as the sword smote them, and the river ran red with blood. As when fish fly scared before a huge dolphin, and fill every nook and corner of some fair haven — for he is sure to eat all he can catch — even so did the Trojans cower under the banks of the mighty river, and when Achilles’ arms grew weary with killing them, he drew