a man of no understanding; one would deem him to be churlish, and naught
but a fool. But when he uttered his great voice from his chest, and
words like unto the snowflakes of winter, then could no mortal man
contend with Odysseus; then marvelled we not thus to behold Odysseus'
aspect."

And thirdly the old man say Aias, and asked: "Who then is this other
Achaian warrior, goodly and great, preeminent among the Archives by the
measure of his head and broad shoulders?"

And long-robed Helen, fair among women, answered: "This is huge Aias,
bulwark of the Achaians. And on the other side amid the Cretans standeth
Idomeneus like a god, and about him are gathered the captains of the
Cretans. Oft did Menelaos dear to Ares entertain him in our house
whene'er he came from Crete. And now behold I all the other
glancing-eyed Achaians, whom well I could discern and tell their names;
but two captains of the host can I not see, even Kastor tamer of horses
and Polydeukes the skilful boxer, mine own brethren, whom the same mother
bare. Either they came not in the company from lovely Lakedaimon; or
they came hither indeed in their seafaring ships, but now will not enter
into the battle of the warriors, for fear of the many scornings and
revilings that are mine."

So said she; but them the life-giving earth held fast there in
Lakedaimon, in their dear native land.

Meanwhile were the heralds bearing through the city the holy
oath-offerings, two lambs and strong-hearted wine, the fruit of the
earth, in a goat-skin bottle. And the herald Idaios bare the shining
bowl and golden cups; and came to the old man and summoned him and said: