In that, a mighty stroke Marphisa sped, Meaning to cleave the brainpan of her foe:
He raised the buckler to defend his head, And the sword smote upon its bird of snow, Nor broke nor bruised the shield, by spell bested;
But his arm rang astounded by the blow;
Nor aught but Hector's mail the sword had stopt, Whose furious blow would his left arm have lopt;
