Priam’s son Hector and the admirable Odysseus proceeded to measure out the ground, and then to cast lots from a metal helmet to see which of the two should throw his bronze spear first. The watching armies prayed, with their hands raised to the gods – the same prayer served them both. ‘Father Zeus, you that rule from Mount Ida, most glorious and great; let the man who brought these troubles on both peoples die and go down to the House of Hades; and let peace be established between us.’

They made their prayers; and now great Hector of the flashing helmet shook the lots, turning his eyes aside. One of the lots leapt out at once. It was that of Paris.

The troops sat down in rows, each man by his high-stepping horses, where his ornate arms were piled; and Prince Paris, husband of Helen of the lovely hair, put on his beautiful armour. He began by tying round his legs a pair of splendid greaves, which were fitted with silver clips for the ankles. Next he put a cuirass on his breast. It was his brother Lycaon’s and he had to adjust it. Over his shoulder he slung a bronze sword with a silver-studded hilt, and then a great thick shield. On his sturdy head he set a well-made helmet. It had a horse-hair crest, and the plume nodded grimly from the top. Last, he took up a powerful spear, which was fitted to his grip.

Battle-loving Menelaus also equipped himself in the same way; and when both had got themselves ready, each behind his own front line, they strode out between the two forces, looking so terrible that the spectators were spellbound, horse-taming Trojans and Achaean men-at-arms alike. The two men took their stations not far from one another on the measured piece of ground, and in mutual fury brandished their weapons. Paris was the first to hurl his long-shadowed spear. It landed on the round shield of Menelaus. But the bronze did not break through; the point was bent back by the stout shield. Then Menelaus son of Atreus brought his spear into play, with a prayer to Father Zeus: ‘Grant me revenge, King Zeus, on Paris, the man who wronged me in the beginning. Use my hands to bring him down, so that our children’s children may still shudder at the thought of injuring a host who has received them kindly.’