Aurora from Tithonus' side arose With light for heaven and earth, when Jove dispatch'd Discord, the fiery signal in her hand Of battle bearing, to the Grecian fleet. High on Ulysses' huge black ship she stood The centre of the fleet, whence all might hear, The tent of Telamon's huge son between, And of Achilles; for confiding they In their heroic fortitude, their barks Well-poised had station'd utmost of the line. There standing, shrill she sent a cry abroad Among the Achaians, such as thirst infused Of battle ceaseless into every breast. All deem'd, at once, war sweeter, than to seek Their native country through the waves again. Then with loud voice Atrides bade the Greeks Gird on their armor, and himself his arms Took radiant. First around his legs he clasp'd His shining greaves with silver studs secured, Then bound his corselet to his bosom, gift Of Cynyras long since; for rumor loud Had Cyprus reached of an Achaian host Assembling, destined to the shores of Troy: Wherefore, to gratify the King of men, He made the splendid ornament his own. Ten rods of steel coerulean all around Embraced it, twelve of gold, twenty of tin; Six spiry serpents their uplifted heads Coerulean darted at the wearer's throat, Splendor diffusing as the various bow Fix'd by Saturnian Jove in showery clouds, A sign to mortal men. He slung his sword Athwart his shoulders; dazzling bright it shone With gold emboss'd, and silver was the sheath Suspended graceful in a belt of gold. His massy shield o'ershadowing him whole, High-wrought and beautiful, he next assumed. Ten circles bright of brass around its field Extensive, circle within circle, ran; The central boss was black, but hemm'd about With twice ten bosses of resplendent tin. There, dreadful ornament! the visage dark Of Gorgon scowl'd, border'd by Flight and Fear. The loop was silver, and a serpent form Coerulean over all its surface twined, Three heads erecting on one neck, the heads Together wreath'd into a stately crown. His helmet quâtre-crested, and with studs Fast riveted around he to his brows Adjusted, whence tremendous waved his crest Of mounted hair on high. Two spears he seized Ponderous, brass-pointed, and that flash'd to heaven. Sounds like clear thunder, by the spouse of Jove And by Minerva raised to extol the King Of opulent Mycenæ, roll'd around. At once each bade his charioteer his steeds Hold fast beside the margin of the trench In orderly array; the foot all arm'd Rush'd forward, and the clamor of the host Rose infinite into the dawning skies. First, at the trench, the embattled infantry Stood ranged; the chariots follow'd close behind; Dire was the tumult by Saturnian Jove Excited, and from ether down he shed Blood-tinctured dews among them, for he meant That day to send full many a warrior bold To Pluto's dreary realm, slain premature.