Before long, however, it becomes so evident they are merely delaying
the inevitable issue, that they agree to withdraw from the field,
leaving mortals to settle the matter themselves.

There are vivid descriptions of sundry encounters, including one
between Achilles and Aeneas, wherein both heroes indulge in boastful
speeches before coming to blows. At one time, when Aeneas is about to
get the worst of it, the gods, knowing he is reserved for greater
things, snatch him from the battle-field and convey him to a place of
safety. Thus miraculously deprived of his antagonist, Achilles resumes
his quest for Hector, who has hitherto been avoiding him, but who,
seeing one of his brothers fall beneath the Greek's blows, meets him
bravely. But, as the moment of Hector's death has not yet come, the
gods separate these two fighters, although their hatred is such that,
whenever they catch a glimpse of each other, they rush forward to
renew the fight.

_Book XXI._ Fleeing before the Greeks, the Trojans reach the Xanthus
River, into which Achilles plunges after them, and where, after
killing hosts of victims, he secures a dozen prisoners to sacrifice on
his friend's tomb. Hearing Achilles refuse mercy to a young Trojan,
and enraged because he has choked his bed with corpses, the River God
suddenly rises to chide him, but Achilles is now in so defiant a mood
that he is ready to fight even the gods themselves. In spite of his
courage he would, however, have been drowned, had not Neptune and
Minerva come to his rescue, fighting the waters with fire, and
assuring him Hector will soon lie lifeless at his feet.

He ceased; wide conflagration blazing round;
The bubbled waters yield a hissing sound.