“ As men in slumbers seem with speedy pace, One to pursue, and one to lead the chase, Their sinking limbs the fancied course forsake, Nor this can fly, nor that can overtake : No less the labouring heroes pant and strain: While that but flies, and this pursues in vain. ”
Homer, Iliad (c. 850 BC). copy citation
| Author | Homer |
|---|---|
| Source | Iliad |
| Topic | chase labour |
| Date | c. 850 BC |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Alexander Pope |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/6130/6130-h/6130-h.htm |
Context
“Oft as to reach the Dardan gates he bends, And hopes the assistance of his pitying friends, (Whose showering arrows, as he coursed below, From the high turrets might oppress the foe,) So oft Achilles turns him to the plain: He eyes the city, but he eyes in vain. As men in slumbers seem with speedy pace, One to pursue, and one to lead the chase, Their sinking limbs the fancied course forsake, Nor this can fly, nor that can overtake : No less the labouring heroes pant and strain: While that but flies, and this pursues in vain. What god, O muse, assisted Hector’s force With fate itself so long to hold the course? Phœbus it was; who, in his latest hour, Endued his knees with strength, his nerves with power: And great Achilles, lest some Greek’s advance Should snatch the glory from his lifted lance, Sign’d to the troops to yield his foe the way, And leave untouch’d the honours of the day.
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