A two-edged falchion Thrasymed the brave, And ample buckler, to Tydides gave: Then in a leathern helm he cased his head, Short of its crest, and with no plume o'erspread: (Such as by youths unused to arms are worn:) No spoils enrich it, and no studs adorn. Next him Ulysses took a shining sword, A bow and quiver, with bright arrows stored: A well-proved casque, with leather braces bound, (Thy gift, Meriones,) his temples crown'd; Soft wool within; without, in order spread,(217) A boar's white teeth grinn'd horrid o'er his head. This from Amyntor, rich Ormenus' son, Autolycus by fraudful rapine won, And gave Amphidamas; from him the prize Molus received, the pledge of social ties; The helmet next by Merion was possess'd, And now Ulysses' thoughtful temples press'd. Thus sheathed in arms, the council they forsake, And dark through paths oblique their progress take. Just then, in sign she favour'd their intent, A long-wing'd heron great Minerva sent: This, though surrounding shades obscured their view. By the shrill clang and whistling wings they knew. As from the right she soar'd, Ulysses pray'd, Hail'd the glad omen, and address'd the maid: "O daughter of that god whose arm can wield The avenging bolt, and shake the dreadful shield! O thou! for ever present in my way, Who all my motions, all my toils survey! Safe may we pass beneath the gloomy shade, Safe by thy succour to our ships convey'd, And let some deed this signal night adorn, To claim the tears of Trojans yet unborn." Then godlike Diomed preferr'd his prayer: "Daughter of Jove, unconquer'd Pallas! hear. Great queen of arms, whose favour Tydeus won, As thou defend'st the sire, defend the son. When on Ćsopus' banks the banded powers Of Greece he left, and sought the Theban towers, Peace was his charge; received with peaceful show, He went a legate, but return'd a foe: Then help'd by thee, and cover'd by thy shield, He fou