content_output-027_6 (Q5837)

The bows and the other engines of war were not available at a greater distance than about four hundred yards, and in the heroic age it may be assumed that it was contrary to the usage of war to fire arrows at champions when engaged in mortal combat. This rule was sometimes broken, as the readers of the "Iliad" will remember; the exploits of the archer Pandarus being there referred to in flattering terms.