When he was enraged by this, he grabbed a heavy rock

lying on the ground, a burden to the earth, with his stout hand

and he struck Cabbagetreader with it below the knees. His right greave

was completely shattered and he fell face-up into the dust.

Croakerson defended him and went straight at the other guy,

striking him in the middle of the stomach. The whole sharp reed

pierced into him and all of his guts poured out on the ground

because of the spear as it was withdrawn by the strong hand.

When Holedweller saw this from the banks of the river,

he retreated, limping from the battle to rest, since he was terribly worn out.

He rushed into the ditches in order to flee the sheer destruction.

Breadmuncher struck Bellowmouth on the top of the foot.

He retreated to the furthest part of the pond, terribly worn out.

And when Greenstalk saw him falling still half-alive,

again he then ran out, desiring to kill,

and he went through the champions and hurled his sharp-reed.

He didn’t break the shield and the tip of the spear held fast.

Shining Oregano, as he imitated Ares himself,

and was the only one who prevailed through the engagement among the frogs,

did not strike the four-measured, blameless helm

but he rushed at him. But when the frog saw him, he didn’t wait for

the strong heroes, but he dived into the depths of the pond.

There was a child among the mice who stood out from all others,

Pieceplunder, the dear son of blameless Grater, the Bread-councilor.

He was on his way home; he had ordered the child to join in the war.

But he was threatening to eliminate the race of the frogs

as he stood nearby desiring to fight with force.

First, he split a nut along its middle into two halves

and set them on both his bare hands as defense,

then everyone feared him and scattered around the pond.

He would have achieved his goal since his strength was so great

if the father of men and gods had not taken note.

Kronos’ son pitied the dying frogs;

he spoke this kind of speech as he shook his head.

“O wretches, I really see a wonder with my eyes!

Pieceplunder worries me not a little as he crosses like

a thief among the frogs. But quickly then,

let’s send war-rousing Pallas or even Ares

to restrain him from battle, even though he is mighty.”

So Zeus spoke and Ares responded with a speech:

“Son of Kronos, neither the power of Athena nor Ares

is able to ward steep destruction from the frogs.

Let’s all go as allies. Or maybe you should

brandish your arms. Whoever is best will be caught in this way,

as when you killed the stout man Kapaneus,

great Enkelados, and the fierce tribes of the giants.”

So he spoke and the son of Kronos threw down shining lightning