Page:History of the destruction of Troy (2).pdf/17

Greek that landed, his death being thereupon before prophesied, he sorely wounded Palemedos, who had done wonders in the beginning of the fight; then he encountered Patroclus, who smote him so strong on the shield with his spear that it pierced through Hector, who having never before met with such rough dealings, assailed him with his sword, and gave him such a stroke on the head as cleft it in two pieces; but king Memnon came upon Hector with (illegible text) knights, striding over the dead body, to prevent its being carried off, also his curious silver armour, which Hector much coveted, reproaching-him of insatiable avarice; but his life had paid for it had not Giancion, king Theseus, and Archilogus come timely to his assistance with 3000 more. Then Hector laid on, and beat down all before him, breaking his way through the host of the Greeks, till he met with Telamon Ajax, who had destroyed a number of the Trojans; between these two champions began an exceeding fierce combat, insomuch that their armour shivered in pieces like glass, and many deep wounds were made on both sides; at which Hector was so much enraged to see his enemy stand so firm against him, that he laid on such terrible blows as broke his sword asunder, and the like, at the next stroke did Ajax: Whereupon the noble Hector groan-ing