第7章

Neptunewasveryangryandsaid，"Greatheavens！strongasJovemaybe，hehassaidmorethanhecandoifhehasthreatenedviolenceagainstme，whoamoflikehonourwithhimself。WewerethreebrotherswhomRheaboretoSaturn-Jove，myself，andHadeswhorulestheworldbelow。Heavenandearthweredividedintothreeparts，andeachofuswastohaveanequalshare。Whenwecastlots，itfelltometohavemydwellingintheseaforevermore；Hadestookthedarknessoftherealmsundertheearth，whileairandskyandcloudsweretheportionthatfelltoJove；butearthandgreatOlympusarethecommonpropertyofall。ThereforeIwillnotwalkasJovewouldhaveme。Forallhisstrength，lethimkeeptohisownthirdshareandbecontentedwithoutthreateningtolayhandsuponmeasthoughIwerenobody。Lethimkeephisbraggingtalkforhisownsonsanddaughters，whomustperforceobeyhim。

Irisfleetasthewindthenanswered，"AmIreally，Neptune，totakethisdaringandunyieldingmessagetoJove，orwillyoureconsideryouranswer？Sensiblepeopleareopentoargument，andyouknowthattheErinyesalwaysrangethemselvesonthesideoftheolderperson。"

Neptuneanswered，"GoddessIris，yourwordshavebeenspokeninseason。Itiswellwhenamessengershowssomuchdiscretion。

Neverthelessitcutsmetotheveryheartthatanyoneshouldrebukesoangrilyanotherwhoishisownpeer，andoflikeempirewithhimself。Now，however，Iwillgivewayinspiteofmydispleasure；

furthermoreletmetellyou，andImeanwhatIsay-ifcontrarytothedesireofmyself，Minervadriverofthespoil，Juno，Mercury，andKingVulcan，JovesparessteepIlius，andwillnotlettheAchaeanshavethegreattriumphofsackingit，lethimunderstandthathewillincurourimplacableresentment。"

Neptunenowleftthefieldtogodownunderthesea，andsorelydidtheAchaeansmisshim。ThenJovesaidtoApollo，"Go，dearPhoebus，toHector，forNeptunewhoholdstheearthinhisembracehasnowgonedownundertheseatoavoidtheseverityofmydispleasure。

HadhenotdonesothosegodswhoarebelowwithSaturnwouldhavecometohearofthefightbetweenus。Itisbetterforbothofusthatheshouldhavecurbedhisangerandkeptoutofmyreach，forIshouldhavehadmuchtroublewithhim。Take，then，yourtasselledaegis，andshakeitfuriously，soastosettheAchaeanheroesinapanic；

take，moreover，braveHector，OFar-Darter，intoyourowncare，androusehimtodeedsofdaring，tilltheAchaeansaresentflyingbacktotheirshipsandtotheHellespont。FromthatpointIwillthinkitwellover，howtheAchaeansmayhavearespitefromtheirtroubles。"

Apolloobeyedhisfather’ssaying，andleftthecrestsofIda，flyinglikeafalcon，baneofdovesandswiftestofallbirds。HefoundHectornolongerlyingupontheground，butsittingup，forhehadjustcometohimselfagain。Heknewthosewhowereabouthim，andthesweatandhardbreathinghadlefthimfromthemomentwhenthewillofaegis-bearingJovehadrevivedhim。Apollostoodbesidehimandsaid，"Hector，sonofPriam，whyareyousofaint，andwhyareyouhereawayfromtheothers？Hasanymishapbefallenyou？"

Hectorinaweakvoiceanswered，"Andwhich，kindsir，ofthegodsareyou，whonowaskmethus？DoyounotknowthatAjaxstruckmeonthechestwithastoneasIwaskillinghiscomradesattheshipsoftheAchaeans，andcompelledmetoleaveofffighting？ImadesurethatthisverydayIshouldbreathemylastandgodownintothehouseofHades。"

ThenKingApollosaidtohim，"Takeheart；thesonofSaturnhassentyouamightyhelperfromIdatostandbyyouanddefendyou，evenme，PhoebusApolloofthegoldensword，whohavebeenguardianhithertonotonlyofyourselfbutofyourcity。Now，therefore，orderyourhorsementodrivetheirchariotstotheshipsingreatmultitudes。Iwillgobeforeyourhorsestosmooththewayforthem，andwillturntheAchaeansinflight。"

Ashespokeheinfusedgreatstrengthintotheshepherdofhispeople。Andasahorse，stabledandfull-fed，breakslooseandgallopsgloriouslyovertheplaintotheplacewhereheiswonttotakehisbathintheriver-hetosseshishead，andhismanestreamsoverhisshouldersasinalltheprideofhisstrengthhefliesfullspeedtothepastureswherethemaresarefeeding-evensoHector，whenheheardwhatthegodsaid，urgedhishorsemenon，andspedforwardasfastashislimbscouldtakehim。Ascountrypeasantssettheirhoundsontoahomedstagorwildgoat-hehastakenshelterunderrockorthicket，andtheycannotfindhim，but，lo，abeardedlionwhomtheirshoutshaverousedstandsintheirpath，andtheyareinnofurtherhumourforthechase-evensotheAchaeanswerestillchargingoninabody，usingtheirswordsandspearspointedatbothends，butwhentheysawHectorgoingaboutamonghismentheywereafraid，andtheirheartsfelldownintotheirfeet。

ThenspokeThoassonofAndraemon，leaderoftheAetolians，amanwhocouldthrowagoodthrow，andwhowasstaunchalsoinclosefight，whilefewcouldsurpasshimindebatewhenopinionsweredivided。Hethenwithallsincerityandgoodwilladdressedthemthus:"What，inheaven’sname，doInowsee？IsitnotHectorcometolifeagain？

EveryonemadesurehehadbeenkilledbyAjaxsonofTelamon，butitseemsthatoneofthegodshasagainrescuedhim。HehaskilledmanyofusDanaansalready，andItakeitwillyetdoso，forthehandofJovemustbewithhimorhewouldneverdareshowhimselfsomasterfulintheforefrontofthebattle。Now，therefore，letusalldoasIsay；letusorderthemainbodyofourforcestofallbackupontheships，butletthoseofuswhoprofesstobetheflowerofthearmystandfirm，andseewhetherwecannotholdHectorbackatthepointofourspearsassoonashecomesnearus；IconceivethathewillthenthinkbetterofitbeforehetriestochargeintothepressoftheDanaans。"

Thusdidhespeak，andtheydidevenashehadsaid。ThosewhowereaboutAjaxandKingIdomeneus，thefollowersmoreoverofTeucer，Meriones，andMegespeerofMarscalledalltheirbestmenaboutthemandsustainedthefightagainstHectorandtheTrojans，butthemainbodyfellbackupontheshipsoftheAchaeans。

TheTrojanspressedforwardinadensebody，withHectorstridingonattheirhead。BeforehimwentPhoebusApolloshroudedincloudabouthisshoulders。Heborealofttheterribleaegiswithitsshaggyfringe，whichVulcanthesmithhadgivenJovetostriketerrorintotheheartsofmen。WiththisinhishandheledontheTrojans。

TheArgivesheldtogetherandstoodtheirground。Thecryofbattlerosehighfromeitherside，andthearrowsflewfromthebowstrings。Manyaspearspedfromstronghandsandfastenedinthebodiesofmanyavaliantwarrior，whileothersfelltoearthmidway，beforetheycouldtasteofman’sfairfleshandglutthemselveswithblood。SolongasPhoebusApolloheldhisaegisquietlyandwithoutshakingit，theweaponsoneithersidetookeffectandthepeoplefell，butwhenheshookitstraightinthefaceoftheDanaansandraisedhismightybattle-crytheirheartsfaintedwithinthemandtheyforgottheirformerprowess。Aswhentwowildbeastsspringinthedeadofnightonaherdofcattleoralargeflockofsheepwhentheherdsmanisnotthere-evensoweretheDanaansstruckhelpless，forApollofilledthemwithpanicandgavevictorytoHectorandtheTrojans。

Thefightthenbecamemorescatteredandtheykilledoneanotherwheretheybestcould。HectorkilledStichiusandArcesilaus，theone，leaderoftheBoeotians，andtheother，friendandcomradeofMenestheus。AeneaskilledMedonandIasus。ThefirstwasbastardsontoOileus，andbrothertoAjax，buthelivedinPhylaceawayfromhisowncountry，forhehadkilledaman，akinsmanofhisstepmotherEriopiswhomOileushadmarried。IasushadbecomealeaderoftheAthenians，andwassonofSphelusthesonofBoucolos。

PolydamaskilledMecisteus，andPolitesEchius，inthefrontofthebattle，whileAgenorslewClonius。ParisstruckDeiochusfrombehindinthelowerpartoftheshoulder，ashewasflyingamongtheforemost，andthepointofthespearwentcleanthroughhim。

Whiletheywerespoilingtheseheroesoftheirarmour，theAchaeanswereflyingpellmelltothetrenchandthesetstakes，andwereforcedbackwithintheirwall。HectorthencriedouttotheTrojans，"Forwardtotheships，andletthespoilsbe。IfIseeanymankeepingbackontheothersidethewallawayfromtheshipsIwillhavehimkilled:hiskinsmenandkinswomenshallnotgivehimhisduesoffire，butdogsshalltearhiminpiecesinfrontofourcity。"

Ashespokehelaidhiswhipabouthishorses’shouldersandcalledtotheTrojansthroughouttheirranks；theTrojansshoutedwithacrythatrenttheair，andkepttheirhorsesneckandneckwithhisown。PhoebusApollowentbefore，andkickeddownthebanksofthedeeptrenchintoitsmiddlesoastomakeagreatbroadbridge，asbroadasthethrowofaspearwhenamanistryinghisstrength。TheTrojanbattalionspouredoverthebridge，andApollowithhisredoubtableaegisledtheway。HekickeddownthewalloftheAchaeansaseasilyasachildwhoplayingonthesea-shorehasbuiltahouseofsandandthenkicksitdownagainanddestroysit-evensodidyou，OApollo，shedtoilandtroubleupontheArgives，fillingthemwithpanicandconfusion。

ThusthenweretheAchaeanshemmedinattheirships，callingouttooneanotherandraisingtheirhandswithloudcrieseverymantoheaven。NestorofGerene，towerofstrengthtotheAchaeans，lifteduphishandstothestarryfirmamentofheaven，andprayedmoreferventlythananyofthem。"FatherJove，"saidhe，"ifeveranyoneinwheat-growingArgosburnedyoufatthigh-bonesofsheeporheiferandprayedthathemightreturnsafelyhome，whereonyoubowedyourheadtohiminassent，bearitinmindnow，andsuffernottheTrojanstotriumphthusovertheAchaeans。"

AllcounsellingJovethunderedloudlyinanswertodieprayeroftheagedsonofNeleus。WhentheheardJovethundertheyflungthemselvesyetmorefiercelyontheAchaeans。Asawavebreakingoverthebulwarksofashipwhenthesearunshighbeforeagale-

foritistheforceofthewindthatmakesthewavessogreat-evensodidtheTrojansspringoverthewallwithashout，anddrivetheirchariotsonwards。Thetwosidesfoughtwiththeirdouble-pointedspearsinhand-to-handencounter-theTrojansfromtheirchariots，andtheAchaeansclimbingupintotheirshipsandwieldingthelongpikesthatwerelyingonthedecksreadyforuseinasea-fight，jointedandshodwithbronze。

NowPatroclus，solongastheAchaeansandTrojanswerefightingaboutthewall，butwerenotyetwithinitandattheships，remainedsittinginthetentofgoodEurypylus，entertaininghimwithhisconversationandspreadingherbsoverhiswoundtoeasehispain。When，however，hesawtheTrojansswarmingthroughthebreachinthewall，whiletheAchaeanswereclamouringandstruckwithpanic，hecriedaloud，andsmotehistwothighswiththeflatofhishands。

"Eurypylus，"saidheinhisdismay，"Iknowyouwantmebadly，butI

cannotstaywithyouanylonger，forthereishardfightinggoingon；aservantshalltakecareofyounow，forImustmakeallspeedtoAchilles，andinducehimtofightifIcan；whoknowsbutwithheaven’shelpImaypersuadehim。Amandoeswelltolistentotheadviceofafriend。"

Whenhehadthusspokenhewenthisway。TheAchaeansstoodfirmandresistedtheattackoftheTrojans，yetthoughthesewerefewerinnumber，theycouldnotdrivethembackfromtheships，neithercouldtheTrojansbreaktheAchaeanranksandmaketheirwayinamongthetentsandships。Asacarpenter’slinegivesatrueedgetoapieceofship’stimber，inthehandofsomeskilledworkmanwhomMinervahasinstructedinallkindsofusefularts-evensolevelwastheissueofthefightbetweenthetwosides，astheyfoughtsomeroundoneandsomeroundanother。

HectormadestraightforAjax，andthetwofoughtfiercelyaboutthesameship。HectorcouldnotforceAjaxbackandfiretheship，noryetcouldAjaxdriveHectorfromthespottowhichheavenhadbroughthim。

ThenAjaxstruckCaletorsonofClytiusinthechestwithaspearashewasbringingfiretowardstheship。Hefellheavilytothegroundandthetorchdroppedfromhishand。WhenHectorsawhiscousinfalleninfrontoftheshipheshoutedtotheTrojansandLycianssaying，"Trojans，Lycians，andDardaniansgoodinclosefight，batenotajot，butrescuethesonofClytiuslesttheAchaeansstriphimofhisarmournowthathehasfallen。"

HethenaimedaspearatAjax，andmissedhim，buthehitLycophronafollowerofAjax，whocamefromCythera，butwaslivingwithAjaxinasmuchashehadkilledamanamongtheCythereans。

Hector’sspearstruckhimontheheadbelowtheear，andhefellheadlongfromtheship’sprowontothegroundwithnolifeleftinhim。Ajaxshookwithrageandsaidtohisbrother，"Teucer，mygoodfellow，ourtrustycomradethesonofMastorhasfallen，hecametolivewithusfromCytheraandwhomwehonouredasmuchasourownparents。Hectorhasjustkilledhim；fetchyourdeadlyarrowsatonceandthebowwhichPhoebusApollogaveyou。"

Teucerheardhimandhastenedtowardshimwithhisbowandquiverinhishands。ForthwithheshoweredhisarrowsontheTrojans，andhitCleitusthesonofPisenor，comradeofPolydamasthenoblesonofPanthous，withthereinsinhishandsashewasattendingtohishorses；hewasinthemiddleoftheverythickestpartofthefight，doinggoodservicetoHectorandtheTrojans，butevilhadnowcomeuponhim，andnotoneofthosewhowerefaintodosocouldavertit，forthearrowstruckhimonthebackoftheneck。Hefellfromhischariotandhishorsesshooktheemptycarastheyswervedaside。KingPolydamassawwhathadhappened，andwasthefirsttocomeuptothehorses；hegavetheminchargetoAstynoussonofProtiaon，andorderedhimtolookon，andtokeepthehorsesnearathand。Hethenwentbackandtookhisplaceinthefrontranks。

TeucerthenaimedanotherarrowatHector，andtherewouldhavebeennomorefightingattheshipsifhehadhithimandkilledhimthenandthere:Jove，however，whokeptwatchoverHector，hadhiseyesonTeucer，anddeprivedhimofhistriumph，bybreakinghisbowstringforhimjustashewasdrawingitandabouttotakehisaim；

onthisthearrowwentastrayandthebowfellfromhishands。

Teucershookwithangerandsaidtohisbrother，"Alas，seehowheaventhwartsusinallwedo；ithasbrokenmybowstringandsnatchedthebowfrommyhand，thoughIstrungitthisselfsamemorningthatitmightservemeformanyanarrow。"

AjaxsonofTelamonanswered，"Mygoodfellow，letyourbowandyourarrowsbe，forJovehasmadethemuselessinordertospitetheDanaans。Takeyourspear，layyourshielduponyourshoulder，andbothfighttheTrojansyourselfandurgeotherstodoso。Theymaybesuccessfulforthemomentbutifwefightasweoughttheywillfinditahardmattertotaketheships。"

Teucerthentookhisbowandputitbyinhistent。Hehungashieldfourhidesthickabouthisshoulders，andonhiscomelyheadhesethishelmetwellwroughtwithacrestofhorse-hairthatnoddedmenacinglyaboveit；hegraspedhisredoubtablebronze-shodspear，andforthwithhewasbythesideofAjax。

WhenHectorsawthatTeucer’sbowwasofnomoreusetohim，heshoutedouttotheTrojansandLycians，"Trojans，Lycians，andDardaniansgoodinclosefight，bemen，myfriends，andshowyourmettlehereattheships，forIseetheweaponofoneoftheirchieftainsmadeuselessbythehandofJove。ItiseasytoseewhenJoveishelpingpeopleandmeanstohelpthemstillfurther，oragainwhenheisbringingthemdownandwilldonothingforthem；heisnowonourside，andisgoingagainsttheArgives。Thereforeswarmroundtheshipsandfight。Ifanyofyouisstruckbyspearorswordandloseshislife，lethimdie；hedieswithhonourwhodiesfightingforhiscountry；andhewillleavehiswifeandchildrensafebehindhim，withhishouseandallotmentunplunderedifonlytheAchaeanscanbedrivenbacktotheirownland，theyandtheirships。"

Withthesewordsheputheartandsoulintothemall。Ajaxontheothersideexhortedhiscomradessaying，"ShameonyouArgives，wearenowutterlyundone，unlesswecansaveourselvesbydrivingtheenemyfromourships。Doyouthink，ifHectortakesthem，thatyouwillbeabletogethomebyland？Canyounothearhimcheeringonhiswholehosttofireourfleet，andbiddingthemrememberthattheyarenotatadancebutinbattle？Ouronlycourseistofightthemwithmightandmain；wehadbetterchanceit，lifeordeath，onceforall，thanfightlongandwithoutissuehemmedinatourshipsbyworsementhanourselves。"

Withthesewordsheputlifeandsoulintothemall。HectorthenkilledSchediussonofPerimedes，leaderofthePhoceans，andAjaxkilledLaodamascaptainoffootsoldiersandsontoAntenor。PolydamaskilledOtusofCylleneacomradeofthesonofPhyleusandchiefoftheproudEpeans。WhenMegessawthishespranguponhim，butPolydamascroucheddown，andhemissedhim，forApollowouldnotsufferthesonofPanthoustofallinbattle；butthespearhitCroesmusinthemiddleofhischest，whereonhefellheavilytotheground，andMegesstrippedhimofhisarmour。AtthatmomentthevaliantsoldierDolopssonofLampusspranguponLampuswassonofLaomedonandforhisvalour，whilehissonDolopswasversedinallthewaysofwar。HethenstruckthemiddleofthesonofPhyleus’

shieldwithhisspear，settingonhimatclosequarters，buthisgoodcorsletmadewithplatesofmetalsavedhim；PhyleushadbroughtitfromEphyraandtheriverSelleis，wherehishost，KingEuphetes，hadgivenithimtowearinbattleandprotecthim。Itnowservedtosavethelifeofhisson。ThenMegesstruckthetopmostcrestofDolops’sbronzehelmetwithhisspearandtoreawayitsplumeofhorse-hair，sothatallnewlydyedwithscarletasitwasittumbleddownintothedust。Whilehewasstillfightingandconfidentofvictory，MenelauscameuptohelpMeges，andgotbythesideofDolopsunperceived；hethenspearedhimintheshoulder，frombehind，andthepoint，drivensofuriously，wentthroughintohischest，whereonhefellheadlong。Thetwothenmadetowardshimtostriphimofhisarmour，butHectorcalledonallhisbrothersforhelp，andheespeciallyupbraidedbraveMelanippussonofHiketaon，whoerewhileusedtopasturehisherdsofcattleinPercotebeforethewarbrokeout；butwhentheshipsoftheDanaanscame，hewentbacktoIlius，wherehewaseminentamongtheTrojans，andlivednearPriamwhotreatedhimasoneofhisownsons。Hectornowrebukedhimandsaid，"Why，Melanippus，arewethusremiss？doyoutakenonoteofthedeathofyourkinsman，anddoyounotseehowtheyaretryingtotakeDolops’sarmour？Followme；theremustbenofightingtheArgivesfromadistancenow，butwemustdosoinclosecombattilleitherwekillthemortheytakethehighwallofIliusandslayherpeople。"

Heledonashespoke，andtheheroMelanippusfollowedafter。

MeanwhileAjaxsonofTelamonwascheeringontheArgives。"Myfriends，"hecried，"bemen，andfeardishonour；quityourselvesinbattlesoastowinrespectfromoneanother。Menwhorespecteachother’sgoodopinionarelesslikelytobekilledthanthosewhodonot，butinflightthereisneithergainnorglory。"

ThusdidheexhortmenwhowerealreadybentupondrivingbacktheTrojans。Theylaidhiswordstoheartandhedgedtheshipsaswithawallofbronze，whileJoveurgedontheTrojans。Menelausoftheloudbattle-cryurgedAntilochuson。"Antilochus，"saidhe，"youareyoungandthereisnoneoftheAchaeansmorefleetoffootormorevaliantthanyouare。SeeifyoucannotspringuponsomeTrojanandkillhim。"

HehurriedawaywhenhehadthusspurredAntilochus，whoatoncedartedoutfromthefrontranksandaimedaspear，afterlookingcarefullyroundhim。TheTrojansfellbackashethrew，andthedartdidnotspeedfromhishandwithouteffect，foritstruckMelanippustheproudsonofHiketaoninthebreastbythenippleashewascomingforward，andhisarmourrangrattlingroundhimashefellheavilytotheground。Antilochusspranguponhimasadogspringsonafawnwhichahunterhashitasitwasbreakingawayfromitscovert，andkilledit。Evenso，OMelanippus，didstalwartAntilochusspringuponyoutostripyouofyourarmour；butnobleHectormarkedhim，andcamerunninguptohimthroughthethickofthebattle。Antilochus，bravesoldierthoughhewas，wouldnotstaytofacehim，butfledlikesomesavagecreaturewhichknowsithasdonewrong，andflies，whenithaskilledadogoramanwhoisherdinghiscattle，beforeabodyofmencanbegatheredtoattackit。EvensodidthesonofNestorfly，andtheTrojansandHectorwithacrythatrenttheairshoweredtheirweaponsafterhim；nordidheturnroundandstayhisflighttillhehadreachedhiscomrades。

TheTrojans，fierceaslions，werestillrushingontowardstheshipsinfulfilmentofthebehestsofJovewhokeptspurringthemontonewdeedsofdaring，whilehedeadenedthecourageoftheArgivesanddefeatedthembyencouragingtheTrojans。ForhemeantgivingglorytoHectorsonofPriam，andlettinghimthrowfireupontheships，tillhehadfulfilledtheunrighteousprayerthatThetishadmadehim；Jove，therefore，bidedhistimetillheshouldseetheglareofablazingship。FromthathourhewasaboutsotoorderthattheTrojansshouldbedrivenbackfromtheshipsandtovouchsafeglorytotheAchaeans。WiththispurposeheinspiredHectorsonofPriam，whowascagerenoughalready，toassailtheships。HisfurywasasthatofMars，oraswhenafireisraginginthegladesofsomedenseforestuponthemountains；hefoamedatthemouth，hiseyesglaredunderhisterribleeye-brows，andhishelmetquiveredonhistemplesbyreasonofthefurywithwhichhefought。Jovefromheavenwaswithhim，andthoughhewasbutoneagainstmany，vouchsafedhimvictoryandglory；forhewasdoomedtoanearlydeath，andalreadyPallasMinervawashurryingonthehourofhisdestructionatthehandsofthesonofPeleus。Now，however，hekepttryingtobreaktheranksoftheenemywhereverhecouldseethemthickest，andinthegoodliestarmour；butdowhathemighthecouldnotbreakthroughthem，fortheystoodasatowerfoursquare，orassomehighcliffrisingfromthegreyseathatbravestheangerofthegale，andofthewavesthatthunderupagainstit。Hefelluponthemlikeflamesoffirefromeveryquarter。Aswhenawave，raisedmountainhighbywindandstorm，breaksoverashipandcoversitdeepinfoam，thefiercewindsroaragainstthemast，theheartsofthesailorsfailthemforfear，andtheyaresavedbutbyaverylittlefromdestruction-evensoweretheheartsoftheAchaeansfaintingwithinthem。Orasasavagelionattackingaherdofcowswhiletheyarefeedingbythousandsinthelow-lyingmeadowsbysomewide-wateredshore-theherdsmanisathiswit’sendhowtoprotecthisherdandkeepsgoingaboutnowinthevanandnowintherearofhiscattle，whilethelionspringsintothethickofthemandfastensonacowsothattheyalltrembleforfear-evensoweretheAchaeansutterlypanic-strickenbyHectorandfatherJove。NeverthelessHectoronlykilledPeriphetesofMycenae；hewassonofCopreuswhowaswonttotaketheordersofKingEurystheustomightyHercules，butthesonwasafarbettermanthanthefatherineveryway；hewasfleetoffoot，avaliantwarrior，andinunderstandingrankedamongtheforemostmenofMycenae。HeitwaswhothenaffordedHectoratriumph，forashewasturningbackhestumbledagainsttherimofhisshieldwhichreachedhisfeet，andservedtokeepthejavelinsoffhim。Hetrippedagainstthisandfellfaceupward，hishelmetringingloudlyabouthisheadashedidso。Hectorsawhimfallandranuptohim；hethenthrustaspearintohischest，andkilledhimclosetohisowncomrades。These，foralltheirsorrow，couldnothelphimfortheywerethemselvesterriblyafraidofHector。

Theyhadnowreachedtheshipsandtheprowsofthosethathadbeendrawnupfirstwereoneverysideofthem，buttheTrojanscamepouringafterthem。TheArgivesweredrivenbackfromthefirstrowofships，buttheymadeastandbytheirtentswithoutbeingbrokenupandscattered；shameandfearrestrainedthem。Theykeptshoutingincessantlytooneanother，andNestorofGerene，towerofstrengthtotheAchaeans，wasloudestinimploringeverymanbyhisparents，andbeseechinghimtostandfirm。

"Bemen，myfriends，"hecried，"andrespectoneanother’sgoodopinion。Think，allofyou，onyourchildren，yourwives，yourproperty，andyourparentswhetherthesebealiveordead。Ontheirbehalfthoughtheyarenothere，Iimploreyoutostandfirm，andnottoturninflight。"

Withthesewordsheputheartandsoulintothemall。Minervaliftedthethickveilofdarknessfromtheireyes，andmuchlightfelluponthem，alikeonthesideoftheshipsandonthatwherethefightwasraging。TheycouldseeHectorandallhismen，boththoseintherearwhoweretakingnopartinthebattle，andthosewhowerefightingbytheships。

Ajaxcouldnotbringhimselftoretreatalongwiththerest，butstrodefromdecktodeckwithagreatsea-pikeinhishandstwelvecubitslongandjointedwithrings。Asamanskilledinfeatsofhorsemanshipcouplesfourhorsestogetherandcomestearingfullspeedalongthepublicwayfromthecountryintosomelargetown-manybothmenandwomenmarvelastheyseehimforhekeepsallthetimechanginghishorse，springingfromonetoanotherwithoutevermissinghisfeetwhilethehorsesareatagallop-evensodidAjaxgostridingfromoneship’sdecktoanother，andhisvoicewentupintotheheavens。HekeptonshoutinghisorderstotheDanaansandexhortingthemtodefendtheirshipsandtents；neitherdidHectorremainwithinthemainbodyoftheTrojanwarriors，butasaduneagleswoopsdownuponaflockofwild-fowlfeedingnearariver-geese，itmaybe，orcranes，orlong-neckedswans-evensodidHectormakestraightforadark-prowedship，rushingrighttowardsit；forJovewithhismightyhandimpelledhimforward，androusedhispeopletofollowhim。

Andnowthebattleagainragedfuriouslyattheships。Youwouldhavethoughtthemenwerecomingonfreshandunwearied，sofiercelydidtheyfight；andthiswasthemindinwhichtheywere-theAchaeansdidnotbelievetheyshouldescapedestructionbutthoughtthemselvesdoomed，whiletherewasnotaTrojanbuthisheartbeathighwiththehopeoffiringtheshipsandputtingtheAchaeanheroestothesword。

Thuswerethetwosidesminded。ThenHectorseizedthesternofthegoodshipthathadbroughtProtesilaustoTroy，butneverborehimbacktohisnativeland。Roundthisshipthereragedaclosehand-to-handfightbetweenDanaansandTrojans。Theydidnotfightatadistancewithbowsandjavelins，butwithonemindhackedatoneanotherinclosecombatwiththeirmightyswordsandspearspointedatbothends；theyfoughtmoreoverwithkeenbattle-axesandwithhatchets。Manyagoodstoutbladehiltedandscabbardedwithiron，fellfromhandorshoulderastheyfought，andtheearthranredwithblood。Hector，whenhehadseizedtheship，wouldnotloosehisholdbutheldontoitscurvedsternandshoutedtotheTrojans，"Bringfire，andraisethebattle-cryallofyouwithasinglevoice。NowhasJovevouchsafedusadaythatwillpayusforalltherest；thisdayweshalltaketheshipswhichcamehitheragainstheaven’swill，andwhichhavecausedussuchinfinitesufferingthroughthecowardiceofourcouncillors，whowhenIwouldhavedonebattleattheshipsheldmebackandforbadethehosttofollowme；ifJovedidthenindeedwarpourjudgements，himselfnowcommandsmeandcheersmeon。"

AshespokethustheTrojanssprangyetmorefiercelyontheAchaeans，andAjaxnolongerheldhisground，forhewasovercomebythedartsthatwereflungathim，andmadesurethathewasdoomed。

Thereforehelefttheraiseddeckatthestern，andsteppedbackontotheseven-footbenchoftheoarsmen。Herehestoodonthelook-out，andwithhisspearheldbackTrojanwhomhesawbringingfiretotheships。AllthetimehekeptonshoutingatthetopofhisvoiceandexhortingtheDanaans。"Myfriends，"hecried，"Danaanheroes，servantsofMars，bemenmyfriends，andfightwithmightandwithmain。Canwehopetofindhelpershereafter，orawalltoshieldusmoresurelythantheonewehave？Thereisnostrongcitywithinreach，whencewemaydrawfreshforcestoturnthescalesinourfavour。WeareontheplainofthearmedTrojanswiththeseabehindus，andfarfromourowncountry。Oursalvation，therefore，isinthemightofourhandsandinhardfighting。"

Ashespokehewieldedhisspearwithstillgreaterfury，andwhenanyTrojanmadetowardstheshipswithfireatHector’sbidding，hewouldbeonthelook-outforhim，anddriveathimwithhislongspear。Twelvemendidhethuskillinhand-to-handfightbeforetheships。

BOOKXVI

THUSdidtheyfightabouttheshipofProtesilaus。ThenPatroclusdrewneartoAchilleswithtearswellingfromhiseyes，asfromsomespringwhosecrystalstreamfallsovertheledgesofahighprecipice。

WhenAchillessawhimthusweepinghewassorryforhimandsaid，"Why，Patroclus，doyoustandthereweepinglikesomesillychildthatcomesrunningtohermother，andbegstobetakenupandcarried-

shecatchesholdofhermother’sdresstostayherthoughsheisinahurry，andlookstearfullyupuntilhermothercarriesher-evensuchtears，Patroclus，areyounowshedding。HaveyouanythingtosaytotheMyrmidonsortomyself？orhaveyouhadnewsfromPhthiawhichyoualoneknow？TheytellmeMenoetiussonofActorisstillalive，asalsoPeleussonofAeacus，amongtheMyrmidons-menwhoselosswetwoshouldbitterlydeplore；orareyougrievingabouttheArgivesandthewayinwhichtheyarebeingkilledattheships，throutheirownhigh-handeddoings？Donothideanythingfrommebuttellmethatbothofusmayknowaboutit。"

Then，OknightPatroclus，withadeepsighyouanswered，"Achilles，sonofPeleus，foremostchampionoftheAchaeans，donotbeangry，butIweepforthedisasterthathasnowbefallentheArgives。Allthosewhohavebeentheirchampionssofararelyingattheships，woundedbyswordorspear。BraveDiomedsonofTydeushasbeenhitwithaspear，whilefamedUlyssesandAgamemnonhavereceivedsword-wounds；Eurypylusagainhasbeenstruckwithanarrowinthethigh；skilledapothecariesareattendingtotheseheroes，andhealingthemoftheirwounds；areyoustill，OAchilles，soinexorable？Mayitneverbemylottonursesuchapassionasyouhavedone，tothebaningofyourowngoodname。WhoinfuturestorywillspeakwellofyouunlessyounowsavetheArgivesfromruin？Youknownopity；

knightPeleuswasnotyourfathernorThetisyourmother，butthegreyseaboreyouandthesheercliffsbegotyou，socruelandremorselessareyou。Ifhoweveryouarekeptbackthroughknowledgeofsomeoracle，orifyourmotherThetishastoldyousomethingfromthemouthofJove，atleastsendmeandtheMyrmidonswithme，ifI

maybringdeliverancetotheDanaans。Letmemoreoverwearyourarmour；theTrojansmaythusmistakemeforyouandquitthefield，sothatthehard-pressedsonsoftheAchaeansmayhavebreathingtime-

whichwhiletheyarefightingmayhardlybe。Wewhoarefreshmightsoondrivetiredmenbackfromourshipsandtentstotheirowncity。"

Heknewnotwhathewasasking，northathewassuingforhisowndestruction。Achilleswasdeeplymovedandanswered，"What，noblePatroclus，areyousaying？IknownoprophesyingswhichIamheeding，norhasmymothertoldmeanythingfromthemouthofJove，butIamcuttotheveryheartthatoneofmyownrankshoulddaretorobmebecauseheismorepowerfulthanIam。This，afterallthatIhavegonethrough，ismorethanIcanendure。ThegirlwhomthesonsoftheAchaeanschoseforme，whomIwonasthefruitofmyspearonhavingsackedacity-herhasKingAgamemnontakenfrommeasthoughIweresomecommonvagrant。Still，letbygonesbebygones:nomanmaykeephisangerforever；IsaidIwouldnotrelenttillbattleandthecryofwarhadreachedmyownships；nevertheless，nowgirdmyarmouraboutyourshoulders，andleadtheMyrmidonstobattle，forthedarkcloudofTrojanshasburstfuriouslyoverourfleet；theArgivesaredrivenbackontothebeach，coopedwithinanarrowspace，andthewholepeopleofTroyhastakenhearttosallyoutagainstthem，becausetheyseenotthevisorofmyhelmetgleamingnearthem。Hadtheyseenthis，therewouldnothavebeenacreeknorgripthathadnotbeenfilledwiththeirdeadastheyfledbackagain。

Andsoitwouldhavebeen，ifonlyKingAgamemnonhaddealtfairlybyme。AsitistheTrojanshavebesetourhost。DiomedsonofTydeusnolongerwieldshisspeartodefendtheDanaans，neitherhaveIheardthevoiceofthesonofAtreuscomingfromhishatedhead，whereasthatofmurderousHectorringsinmycarsashegivesorderstotheTrojans，whotriumphovertheAchaeansandfillthewholeplainwiththeircryofbattle。Butevenso，Patroclus，falluponthemandsavethefleet，lesttheTrojansfireitandpreventusfrombeingabletoreturn。Do，however，asInowbidyou，thatyoumaywinmegreathonourfromalltheDanaans，andthattheymayrestorethegirltomeagainandgivemerichgiftsintothebargain。WhenyouhavedriventheTrojansfromtheships，comebackagain。ThoughJuno’sthunderinghusbandshouldputtriumphwithinyourreach，donotfighttheTrojansfurtherinmyabsence，oryouwillrobmeofglorythatshouldbemine。AnddonotforlustofbattlegoonkillingtheTrojansnorleadtheAchaeansontoIlius，lestoneoftheever-livinggodsfromOlympusattackyou-forPhoebusApollolovesthemwell:returnwhenyouhavefreedtheshipsfromperil，andletotherswagewarupontheplain。Would，byfatherJove，Minerva，andApollo，thatnotasinglemanofalltheTrojansmightbeleftalive，noryetoftheArgives，butthatwetwomightbealonelefttotearasidethemantlethatveilsthebrowofTroy。"

Thusdidtheyconverse。ButAjaxcouldnolongerholdhisgroundfortheshowerofdartsthatraineduponhim；thewillofJoveandthejavelinsoftheTrojansweretoomuchforhim；thehelmetthatgleamedabouthistemplesrangwiththecontinuousclatterofthemissilesthatkeptpouringontoitandontothecheek-piecesthatprotectedhisface。Moreoverhisleftshoulderwastiredwithhavingheldhisshieldsolong，yetforallthis，letflyathimastheywould，theycouldnotmakehimgiveground。Hecouldhardlydrawhisbreath，thesweatrainedfromeveryporeofhisbody，hehadnotamoment’srespite，andonallsideshewasbesetbydangerupondanger。

Andnow，tellme，OMusesthatholdyourmansionsonOlympus，howfirewasthrownupontheshipsoftheAchaeans。HectorcamecloseupandletdrivewithhisgreatswordattheashenspearofAjax。Hecutitcleanintwojustbehindwherethepointwasfastenedontotheshaftofthespear。Ajax，therefore，hadnownothingbutaheadlessspear，whilethebronzepointflewsomewayoffandcameringingdownontotheground。Ajaxknewthehandofheaveninthis，andwasdismayedatseeingthatJovehadnowlefthimutterlydefencelessandwaswillingvictoryfortheTrojans。Thereforehedrewback，andtheTrojansflungfireupontheshipwhichwasatoncewrappedinflame。

Thefirewasnowflaringabouttheship’sstern，whereonAchillessmotehistwothighsandsaidtoPatroclus，"Up，nobleknight，forI

seetheglareofhostilefireatourfleet；up，lesttheydestroyourships，andtherebenowaybywhichwemayretreat。GirdonyourarmouratoncewhileIcallourpeopletogether。"

AshespokePatroclusputonhisarmour。Firsthegreavedhislegswithgreavesofgoodmake，andfittedwithancle-claspsofsilver；

afterthishedonnedthecuirassofthesonofAeacus，richlyinlaidandstudded。Hehunghissilver-studdedswordofbronzeabouthisshoulders，andthenhismightyshield。Onhiscomelyheadhesethishelmet，wellwrought，withacrestofhorse-hairthatnoddedmenacinglyaboveit。Hegraspedtworedoubtablespearsthatsuitedhishands，buthedidnottakethespearofnobleAchilles，sostoutandstrong，fornoneotheroftheAchaeanscouldwieldit，thoughAchillescoulddosoeasily。ThiswastheashenspearfromMountPelion，whichChironhadcutuponamountaintopandhadgiventoPeleus，wherewithtodealoutdeathamongheroes。HebadeAutomedonyokehishorseswithallspeed，forhewasthemanwhomheheldinhonournextafterAchilles，andonwhosesupportinbattlehecouldrelymostfirmly。AutomedonthereforeyokedthefleethorsesXanthusandBalius，steedsthatcouldflylikethewind:theseweretheywhomtheharpyPodargeboretothewestwind，asshewasgrazinginameadowbythewatersoftheriverOceanus。InthesidetraceshesetthenoblehorsePedasus，whomAchilleshadbroughtawaywithhimwhenhesackedthecityofEetion，andwho，mortalsteedthoughhewas，couldtakehisplacealongwiththosethatwereimmortal。

MeanwhileAchilleswentabouteverywhereamongthetents，andbadehisMyrmidonsputontheirarmour。Evenasfierceraveningwolvesthatarefeastinguponahomedstagwhichtheyhavekilleduponthemountains，andtheirjawsareredwithblood-theygoinapacktolapwaterfromtheclearspringwiththeirlongthintongues；andtheyreekofbloodandslaughter；theyknownotwhatfearis，foritishungerdrivesthem-evensodidtheleadersandcounsellorsoftheMyrmidonsgatherroundthegoodsquireofthefleetdescendantofAeacus，andamongthemstoodAchilleshimselfcheeringonbothmenandhorses。

FiftyshipshadnobleAchillesbroughttoTroy，andineachtherewasacrewoffiftyoarsmen。Overthesehesetfivecaptainswhomhecouldtrust，whilehewashimselfcommanderoverthemall。

Menesthiusofthegleamingcorslet，sontotheriverSpercheiusthatstreamsfromheaven，wascaptainofthefirstcompany。FairPolydoradaughterofPeleusborehimtoever-flowingSpercheius-awomanmatedwithagod-buthewascalledsonofBorussonofPerieres，withwhomhismotherwaslivingashisweddedwife，andwhogavegreatwealthtogainher。ThesecondcompanywasledbynobleEudorus，sontoanunweddedwoman。Polymele，daughterofPhylasthegracefuldancer，borehim；themightyslayerofArgoswasenamouredofherashesawheramongthesingingwomenatadanceheldinhonourofDianatherushinghuntressofthegoldenarrows；hetherefore-

Mercury，giverofallgood-wentwithherintoanupperchamber，andlaywithherinsecret，whereonsheborehimanoblesonEudorus，singularlyfleetoffootandinfightvaliant。WhenIlithuiagoddessofthepainsofchild-birthbroughthimtothelightofday，andhesawthefaceofthesun，mightyEcheclessonofActortookthemothertowife，andgavegreatwealthtogainher，butherfatherPhylasbroughtthechildup，andtookcareofhim，dotingasfondlyuponhimasthoughhewerehisownson。ThethirdcompanywasledbyPisandersonofMaemalus，thefinestspearmanamongalltheMyrmidonsnexttoAchilles’owncomradePatroclus。TheoldknightPhoenixwascaptainofthefourthcompany，andAlcimedon，noblesonofLaerceusofthefifth。

WhenAchilleshadchosenhismenandhadstationedthemallwiththeircaptains，hechargedthemstraitlysaying，"Myrmidons，rememberyourthreatsagainsttheTrojanswhileyouwereattheshipsinthetimeofmyanger，andyouwereallcomplainingofme。

’CruelsonofPeleus，’youwouldsay，’yourmothermusthavesuckledyouongall，soruthlessareyou。Youkeepushereattheshipsagainstourwill；ifyouaresorelentlessitwerebetterwewenthomeoverthesea。’Oftenhaveyougatheredandthuschidedwithme。Thehourisnowcomeforthosehighfeatsofarmsthatyouhavesolongbeenpiningfor，thereforekeephighheartseachoneofyoutodobattlewiththeTrojans。"

Withthesewordsheputheartandsoulintothemall，andtheyserriedtheircompaniesyetmorecloselywhentheyheardtheoftheirking。Asthestoneswhichabuildersetsinthewallofsomehighhousewhichistogiveshelterfromthewinds-evensocloselywerethehelmetsandbossedshieldssetagainstoneanother。Shieldpressedonshield，helmonhelm，andmanonman；socloseweretheythatthehorse-hairplumesonthegleamingridgesoftheirhelmetstouchedeachotherastheybenttheirheads。

Infrontofthemalltwomenputontheirarmour-PatroclusandAutomedon-twomen，withbutonemindtoleadtheMyrmidons。ThenAchilleswentinsidehistentandopenedthelidofthestrongchestwhichsilver-footedThetishadgivenhimtotakeonboardship，andwhichshehadfilledwithshirts，cloakstokeepoutthecold，andgoodthickrugs。Inthischesthehadacupofrareworkmanship，fromwhichnomanbuthimselfmightdrink，norwouldhemakeofferingfromittoanyothergodsaveonlytofatherJove。Hetookthecupfromthechestandcleanseditwithsulphur；thisdoneherinseditcleanwater，andafterhehadwashedhishandshedrewwine。

Thenhestoodinthemiddleofthecourtandprayed，lookingtowardsheaven，andmakinghisdrink-offeringofwine；norwasheunseenofJovewhosejoyisinthunder。"KingJove，"hecried，"lordofDodona，godofthePelasgi，whodwellestafar，youwhoholdwintryDodonainyoursway，whereyourprophetstheSellidwellaroundyouwiththeirfeetunwashedandtheircouchesmadeupontheground-ifyouheardmewhenIprayedtoyouaforetime，anddidmehonourwhileyousentdisasterontheAchaeans，vouchsafemenowthefulfilmentofyetthisfurtherprayer。Ishallstayherewheremyshipsarelying，butIshallsendmycomradeintobattleattheheadofmanyMyrmidons。Grant，Oall-seeingJove，thatvictorymaygowithhim；putyourcourageintohisheartthatHectormaylearnwhethermysquireismanenoughtofightalone，orwhetherhismightisonlythensoindomitablewhenImyselfentertheturmoilofwar。Afterwardswhenhehaschasedthefightandthecryofbattlefromtheships，grantthathemayreturnunharmed，withhisarmourandhiscomrades，fightersinclosecombat。"

Thusdidhepray，andall-counsellingJoveheardhisprayer。Partofithedidindeedvouchsafehim-butnotthewhole。HegrantedthatPatroclusshouldthrustbackwarandbattlefromtheships，butrefusedtolethimcomesafelyoutofthefight。

Whenhehadmadehisdrink-offeringandhadthusprayed，Achilleswentinsidehistentandputbackthecupintohischest。

Thenheagaincameout，forhestilllovedtolookuponthefiercefightthatragedbetweentheTrojansandAchaeans。

MeanwhilethearmedbandthatwasaboutPatroclusmarchedontilltheyspranghighinhopeupontheTrojans。Theycameswarmingoutlikewaspswhosenestsarebytheroadside，andwhomsillychildrenlovetotease，whereonanyonewhohappenstobepassingmaygetstung-oragain，ifawayfarergoingalongtheroadvexesthembyaccident，everywaspwillcomeflyingoutinafurytodefendhislittleones-

evenwithsuchrageandcouragedidtheMyrmidonsswarmfromtheirships，andtheircryofbattleroseheavenwards。Patrocluscalledouttohismenatthetopofhisvoice，"Myrmidons，followersofAchillessonofPeleus，bemenmyfriends，fightwithmightandwithmain，thatwemaywingloryforthesonofPeleus，whoisfartheforemostmanattheshipsoftheArgives-he，andhisclosefightingfollowers。ThesonofAtreusKingAgamemnonwillthuslearnhisfollyinshowingnorespecttothebravestoftheAchaeans。"

Withthesewordsheputheartandsoulintothemall，andtheyfellinabodyupontheTrojans。TheshipsrangagainwiththecrywhichtheAchaeansraised，andwhentheTrojanssawthebravesonofMenoetiusandhissquireallgleamingintheirarmour，theyweredauntedandtheirbattalionswerethrownintoconfusion，fortheythoughtthefleetsonofPeleusmustnowhaveputasidehisanger，andhavebeenreconciledtoAgamemnon；everyone，therefore，lookedroundabouttoseewhitherhemightflyforsafety。

Patroclusfirstaimedaspearintothemiddleofthepresswheremenwerepackedmostclosely，bythesternoftheshipofProtesilaus。

HehitPyraechmeswhohadledhisPaeonianhorsemenfromtheAmydonandthebroadwatersoftheriverAxius；thespearstruckhimontherightshoulder，andwithagroanhefellbackwardsinthedust；onthishismenwerethrownintoconfusion，forbykillingtheirleader，whowasthefinestsoldieramongthem，Patroclusstruckpanicintothemall。Hethusdrovethemfromtheshipandquenchedthefirethatwasthenblazing-leavingthehalf-burntshiptoliewhereitwas。TheTrojanswerenowdrivenbackwithashoutthatrenttheskies，whiletheDanaanspouredafterthemfromtheirships，shoutingalsowithoutceasing。AswhenJove，gathererofthethunder-cloud，spreadsadensecanopyonthetopofsomeloftymountain，andallthepeaks，thejuttingheadlands，andforestgladesshowoutinthegreatlightthatflashesfromtheburstingheavens，evensowhentheDanaanshadnowdrivenbackthefirefromtheirships，theytookbreathforalittlewhile；butthefuryofthefightwasnotyetover，fortheTrojanswerenotdrivenbackinutterrout，butstillgavebattle，andwereoustedfromtheirgroundonlybysheerfighting。

Thefightthenbecamemorescattered，andthechieftainskilledoneanotherwhenandhowtheycould。ThevaliantsonofMenoetiusfirstdrovehisspearintothethighofAreilycusjustashewasturninground；thepointwentcleanthrough，andbrokethebonesothathefellforward。MeanwhileMenelausstruckThoasinthechest，whereitwasexposedneartherimofhisshield，andhefelldead。ThesonofPhyleussawAmphiclusabouttoattackhim，anderehecoulddosotookaimattheupperpartofhisthigh，wherethemusclesarethickerthaninanyotherpart；thespeartorethroughallthesinewsoftheleg，andhiseyeswereclosedindarkness。OfthesonsofNestorone，Antilochus，spearedAtymnius，drivingthepointofthespearthroughhisthroat，anddownhefell。MaristhensprangonAntilochusinhand-to-handfighttoavengehisbrother，andbestrodethebodyspearinhand；butvaliantThrasymedeswastooquickforhim，andinamomenthadstruckhimintheshouldererehecoulddealhisblow；hisaimwastrue，andthespearseveredallthemusclesattherootofhisarm，andtorethemrightdowntothebone，sohefellheavilytothegroundandhiseyeswereclosedindarkness。ThusdidthesetwonoblecomradesofSarpedongodowntoErebusslainbythetwosonsofNestor；theywerethewarriorsonsofAmisodorus，whohadrearedtheinvincibleChimaera，tothebaneofmany。AjaxsonofOileussprangonCleobulusandtookhimaliveashewasentangledinthecrush；buthekilledhimthenandtherebyasword-blowontheneck。Theswordreekedwithhisblood，whiledarkdeathandthestronghandoffategrippedhimandclosedhiseyes。

PeneleosandLyconnowmetinclosefight，fortheyhadmissedeachotherwiththeirspears。Theyhadboththrownwithouteffect，sonowtheydrewtheirswords。LyconstrucktheplumedcrestofPeneleos’helmetbuthisswordbrokeatthehilt，whilePeneleossmoteLyconontheneckundertheear。Thebladesanksodeepthattheheadwasheldonbynothingbuttheskin，andtherewasnomorelifeleftinhim。MerionesgavechasetoAcamasonfootandcaughthimupjustashewasabouttomounthischariot；hedroveaspearthroughhisrightshouldersothathefellheadlongfromthecar，andhiseyeswereclosedindarkness。IdomeneusspearedErymasinthemouth；thebronzepointofthespearwentcleanthroughitbeneaththebrain，crashinginamongthewhitebonesandsmashingthemup。Histeethwereallofthemknockedoutandthebloodcamegushinginastreamfrombothhiseyes；italsocamegurglingupfromhismouthandnostrils，andthedarknessofdeathenfoldedhimroundabout。

ThusdidthesechieftainsoftheDanaanseachofthemkillhisman。Asraveningwolvesseizeonkidsorlambs，fasteningonthemwhentheyarealoneonthehillsidesandhavestrayedfromthemainflockthroughthecarelessnessoftheshepherd-andwhenthewolvesseethistheypounceuponthematoncebecausetheycannotdefendthemselves-

evensodidtheDanaansnowfallontheTrojans，whofledwithill-omenedcriesintheirpanicandhadnomorefightleftinthem。

MeanwhilegreatAjaxkeptontryingtodriveaspearintoHector，butHectorwassoskilfulthatheheldhisbroadshoulderswellundercoverofhisox-hideshield，everonthelook-outforthewhizzingofthearrowsandtheheavythudofthespears。Hewellknewthatthefortunesofthedayhadchanged，butstillstoodhisgroundandtriedtoprotecthiscomrades。

AswhenacloudgoesupintoheavenfromOlympus，risingoutofaclearskywhenJoveisbrewingagale-evenwithsuchpanicstrickenroutdidtheTrojansnowfly，andtherewasnoorderintheirgoing。

Hector’sfleethorsesborehimandhisarmouroutofthefight，andhelefttheTrojanhostpennedinbythedeeptrenchagainsttheirwill。Manyayokeofhorsessnappedthepoleoftheirchariotsinthetrenchandlefttheirmaster’scarbehindthem。Patroclusgavechase，callingimpetuouslyontheDanaansandfulloffuryagainsttheTrojans，who，beingnownolongerinabody，filledallthewayswiththeircriesofpanicandrout；theairwasdarkenedwiththecloudsofdusttheyraised，andthehorsesstrainedeverynerveintheirflightfromthetentsandshipstowardsthecity。

Patrocluskeptonheadinghishorseswhereverhesawmostmenflyinginconfusion，cheeringonhismenthewhile。Chariotswerebeingsmashedinalldirections，andmanyamancametumblingdownfromhisowncartofallbeneaththewheelsofthatofPatroclus，whoseimmortalsteeds，givenbythegodstoPeleus，sprangoverthetrenchataboundastheyspedonward。HewasintentontryingtogetnearHector，forhehadsethisheartonspearinghim，butHector’shorseswerenowhurryinghimaway。AsthewholedarkearthbowsbeforesometempestonanautumndaywhenJoverainshishardesttopunishmenforgivingcrookedjudgementintheircourts，andarrivingjusticetherefromwithoutheedtothedecreesofheaven-alltheriversrunfullandthetorrentstearmanyanewchannelastheyroarheadlongfromthemountainstothedarksea，anditfaresillwiththeworksofmen-evensuchwasthestressandstrainoftheTrojanhorsesintheirflight。

Patroclusnowcutoffthebattalionsthatwerenearesttohimanddrovethembacktotheships。Theyweredoingtheirbesttoreachthecity，buthewouldnotYetthem，andboredownonthembetweentheriverandtheshipsandwall。Manyafallencomradedidhethenavenge。FirsthehitPronouswithaspearonthechestwhereitwasexposedneartherimofhisshield，andhefellheavilytotheground。

NexthesprangonThestorsonofEnops，whowassittingallhuddledupinhischariot，forhehadlosthisheadandthereinshadbeentornoutofhishands。Patrocluswentuptohimanddroveaspearintohisrightjaw；hethushookedhimbytheteethandthespearpulledhimovertherimofhiscar，asonewhositsattheendofsomejuttingrockanddrawsastrongfishoutoftheseawithahookandaline-evensowithhisspeardidhepullThestorallgapingfromhischariot；hethenthrewhimdownonhisfaceandhediedwhilefalling。

Onthis，asErylauswasontoattackhim，hestruckhimfullontheheadwithastone，andhisbrainswereallbatteredinsidehishelmet，whereonhefellheadlongtothegroundandthepangsofdeathtookholduponhim。Thenhelaidlow，oneaftertheother，Erymas，Amphoterus，Epaltes，Tlepolemus，EchiussonofDamastor，Pyris，lpheus，EuippusandPolymelussonofArgeas。

NowwhenSarpedonsawhiscomrades，menwhoworeungirdledtunics，beingovercomebyPatroclussonofMenoetius，herebukedtheLycianssaying。"Shameonyou，whereareyouflyingto？Showyourmettle；I

willmyselfmeetthismaninfightandlearnwhoitisthatissomasterful；hehasdoneusmuchhurt，andhasstretchedmanyabravemanupontheground。"

Hesprangfromhischariotashespoke，andPatroclus，whenhesawthis，leapedontothegroundalso。Thetwothenrushedatoneanotherwithloudcrieslikeeagle-beakedcrook-talonedvulturesthatscreamandtearatoneanotherinsomehighmountainfastness。

ThesonofschemingSaturnlookeddownupontheminpityandsaidtoJunowhowashiswifeandsister，"Alas，thatitshouldbethelotofSarpedonwhomIlovesodearlytoperishbythehandofPatroclus。IamintwomindswhethertocatchhimupoutofthefightandsethimdownsafeandsoundinthefertilelandofLycia，ortolethimnowfallbythehandofthesonofMenoetius。"

AndJunoanswered，"MostdreadsonofSaturn，whatisthisthatyouaresaying？Wouldyousnatchamortalman，whosedoomhaslongbeenfated，outofthejawsofdeath？Doasyouwill，butweshallnotallofusbeofyourmind。Isayfurther，andlaymysayingtoyourheart，thatifyousendSarpedonsafelytohisownhome，someotherofthegodswillbealsowantingtoescorthissonoutofbattle，fortherearemanysonsofgodsfightingroundthecityofTroy，andyouwillmakeeveryonejealous。If，however，youarefondofhimandpityhim，lethimindeedfallbythehandofPatroclus，butassoonasthelifeisgoneoutofhim，sendDeathandsweetSleeptobearhimoffthefieldandtakehimtothebroadlandsofLycia，wherehisbrothersandhiskinsmenwillburyhimwithmoundandpillar，induehonourtothedead。"

Thesireofgodsandmenassented，butheshedarainofbloodupontheearthinhonourofhissonwhomPatrocluswasabouttokillontherichplainofTroyfarfromhishome。

WhentheywerenowcomeclosetooneanotherPatroclusstruckThrasydemus，thebravesquireofSarpedon，inthelowerpartofthebelly，andkilledhim。SarpedonthenaimedaspearatPatroclusandmissedhim，buthestruckthehorsePedasusintherightshoulder，anditscreamedaloudasitlay，groaninginthedustuntilthelifewentoutofit。Theothertwohorsesbegantoplunge；thepoleofthechariotcrackedandtheygotentangledinthereinsthroughthefallofthehorsethatwasyokedalongwiththem；butAutomedonknewwhattodo；withoutthelossofamomenthedrewthekeenbladethathungbyhissturdythighandcutthethirdhorseadrift；whereontheothertworightedthemselves，andpullinghardatthereinsagainwenttogetherintobattle。

SarpedonnowtookasecondaimatPatroclus，andagainmissedhim，thepointofthespearpassedoverhisleftshoulderwithouthittinghim。Patroclusthenaimedinhisturn，andthespearspednotfromhishandinvain，forhehitSarpedonjustwherethemidriffsurroundstheever-beatingheart。Hefelllikesomeoakorsilverpoplarortallpinetowhichwoodmenhavelaidtheiraxesuponthemountainstomaketimberforship-building-evensodidheliestretchedatfulllengthinfrontofhischariotandhorses，moaningandclutchingattheblood-staineddust。Aswhenalionspringswithabounduponaherdofcattleandfastensonagreatblackbullwhichdiesbellowinginitsclutches-evensodidtheleaderoftheLycianwarriorsstruggleindeathashefellbythehandofPatroclus。Hecalledonhistrustycomradeandsaid，"Glaucus，mybrother，heroamongheroes，putforthallyourstrength，fightwithmightandmain，nowifeverquityourselflikeavaliantsoldier。FirstgoaboutamongtheLyciancaptainsandbidthemfightforSarpedon；thenyourselfalsodobattletosavemyarmourfrombeingtaken。MynamewillhauntyouhenceforthandforeveriftheAchaeansrobmeofmyarmournowthatIhavefallenattheirships。Doyourveryutmostandcallallmypeopletogether。"

Deathclosedhiseyesashespoke。Patroclusplantedhisheelonhisbreastanddrewthespearfromhisbody，whereonhissensescameoutalongwithit，andhedrewoutbothspear-pointandSarpedon’ssoulatthesametime。HardbytheMyrmidonsheldhissnortingsteeds，whowerewildwithpanicatfindingthemselvesdesertedbytheirlords。

GlaucuswasovercomewithgriefwhenheheardwhatSarpedonsaid，forhecouldnothelphim。Hehadtosupporthisarmwithhisotherhand，beingingreatpainthroughthewoundwhichTeucer’sarrowhadgivenhimwhenTeucerwasdefendingthewallashe，Glaucus，wasassailingit。Thereforeheprayedtofar-dartingApollosaying，"HearmeOkingfromyourseat，maybeintherichlandofLycia，ormaybeinTroy，forinallplacesyoucanheartheprayerofonewhoisindistress，asInowam。Ihaveagrievouswound；myhandisachingwithpain，thereisnostaunchingtheblood，andmywholearmdragsbyreasonofmyhurt，sothatIcannotgraspmyswordnorgoamongmyfoesandfightthem，thouourprince，Jove’ssonSarpedon，isslain。Jovedefendednothisson，doyou，therefore，Oking，healmeofmywound，easemypainandgrantmestrengthbothtocheerontheLyciansandtofightalongwiththemroundthebodyofhimwhohasfallen。"

Thusdidhepray，andApolloheardhisprayer。Heeasedhispain，staunchedtheblackbloodfromthewound，andgavehimnewstrength。

Glaucusperceivedthis，andwasthankfulthatthemightygodhadansweredhisprayer；forthwith，therefore，hewentamongtheLyciancaptains，andbadethemcometofightaboutthebodyofSarpedon。FromthesehestrodeonamongtheTrojanstoPolydamassonofPanthousandAgenor；hethenwentinsearchofAeneasandHector，andwhenhehadfoundthemhesaid，"Hector，youhaveutterlyforgottenyourallies，wholanguishhereforyoursakefarfromfriendsandhomewhileyoudonothingtosupportthem。SarpedonleaderoftheLycianwarriorshasfallen-hewhowasatoncetherightandmightofLycia；MarshaslaidhimlowbythespearofPatroclus。Standbyhim，myfriends，andsuffernottheMyrmidonstostriphimofhisarmour，nortotreathisbodywithcontumelyinrevengeforalltheDanaanswhomwehavespearedattheships。"

AshespoketheTrojanswereplungedinextremeandungovernablegrief；forSarpedon，alienthoughhewas，hadbeenoneofthemainstaysoftheircity，bothashavingmuchpeoplewithhim，andhimselftheforemostamongthemall。LedbyHector，whowasinfuriatedbythefallofSarpedon，theymadeinstantlyfortheDanaanswithalltheirmight，whiletheundauntedspiritofPatroclussonofMenoetiuscheeredontheAchaeans。FirsthespoketothetwoAjaxes，menwhoneedednobidding。"Ajaxes，"saidhe，"mayitnowpleaseyoutoshowyouselvesthemenyouhavealwaysbeen，orevenbetter-

Sarpedonisfallen-hewhowasfirsttooverleapthewalloftheAchaeans；letustakethebodyandoutrageit；letusstripthearmourfromhisshoulders，andkillhiscomradesiftheytrytorescuehisbody。"

Hespoketomenwhoofthemselveswerefulleager；bothsides，therefore，theTrojansandLyciansontheonehand，andtheMyrmidonsandAchaeansontheother，strengthenedtheirbattalions，andfoughtdesperatelyaboutthebodyofSarpedon，shoutingfiercelythewhile。Mightywasthedinoftheirarmourastheycametogether，andJoveshedathickdarknessoverthefight，toincreasetheofthebattleoverthebodyofhisson。

AtfirsttheTrojansmadesomeheadwayagainsttheAchaeans，foroneofthebestmenamongtheMyrmidonswaskilled，Epeigeus，sonofnobleAgacleswhohaderewhilebeenkinginthegoodcityofBudeum；butpresently，havingkilledavaliantkinsmanofhisown，hetookrefugewithPeleusandThetis，whosenthimtoIliusthelandofnoblesteedstofighttheTrojansunderAchilles。Hectornowstruckhimontheheadwithastonejustashehadcaughtholdofthebody，andhisbrainsinsidehishelmetwereallbatteredin，sothathefellfaceforemostuponthebodyofSarpedon，andtheredied。Patrocluswasenragedbythedeathofhiscomrade，andspedthroughthefrontranksasswiftlyasahawkthatswoopsdownonaflockofdawsorstarlings。Evensoswiftly，OnobleknightPatroclus，didyoumakestraightfortheLyciansandTrojanstoavengeyourcomrade。ForthwithhestruckSthenelausthesonofIthaemenesontheneckwithastone，andbrokethetendonsthatjoinittotheheadandspine。OnthisHectorandthefrontrankofhismengaveground。Asfarasamancanthrowajavelinwhencompetingforsomeprize，oreveninbattle-sofardidtheTrojansnowretreatbeforetheAchaeans。

Glaucus，captainoftheLycians，wasthefirsttorallythem，bykillingBathyclessonofChalconwholivedinHellasandwastherichestmanamongtheMyrmidons。Glaucusturnedroundsuddenly，justasBathycleswhowaspursuinghimwasabouttolayholdofhim，anddrovehisspearrightintothemiddleofhischest，whereonhefellheavilytotheground，andthefallofsogoodamanfilledtheAchaeanswithdismay，whiletheTrojanswereexultant，andcameupinabodyroundthecorpse。NeverthelesstheAchaeans，mindfuloftheirprowess，borestraightdownuponthem。

MerionesthenkilledahelmedwarrioroftheTrojans，LaogonussonofOnetor，whowaspriestofJoveofMt。Ida，andwashonouredbythepeopleasthoughhewereagod。Merionesstruckhimunderthejawandear，sothatlifewentoutofhimandthedarknessofdeathlaidholduponhim。AeneasthenaimedaspearatMeriones，hopingtohithimundertheshieldashewasadvancing，butMerionessawitcomingandstoopedforwardtoavoidit，whereonthespearflewpasthimandthepointstuckintheground，whilethebutt-endwentonquiveringtillMarsrobbeditofitsforce。Thespear，therefore，spedfromAeneas’shandinvainandfellquiveringtotheground。Aeneaswasangryandsaid，"Meriones，youareagooddancer，butifIhadhityoumyspearwouldsoonhavemadeanendofyou。"

AndMerionesanswered，"Aeneas，forallyourbravery，youwillnotbeabletomakeanendofeveryonewhocomesagainstyou。Youareonlyamortallikemyself，andifIweretohityouinthemiddleofyourshieldwithmyspear，howeverstrongandself-confidentyoumaybe，Ishouldsoonvanquishyou，andyouwouldyieldyourlifetoHadesofthenoblesteeds。"

OnthisthesonofMenoetiusrebukedhimandsaid，"Meriones，herothoughyoube，youshouldnotspeakthus；tauntingspeeches，mygoodfriend，willnotmaketheTrojansdrawawayfromthedeadbody；someofthemmustgoundergroundfirst；blowsforbattle，andwordsforcouncil；fight，therefore，andsaynothing。"

Heledthewayashespokeandtheherowentforwardwithhim。Asthesoundofwoodcuttersinsomeforestgladeuponthemountains-

andthethudoftheiraxesisheardafar-evensuchadinnowrosefromearth-clashofbronzearmourandofgoodox-hideshields，asmensmoteeachotherwiththeirswordsandspearspointedatbothends。AmanhadneedofgoodeyesightnowtoknowSarpedon，socoveredwashefromheadtofootwithspearsandbloodanddust。Menswarmedaboutthebody，asfliesthatbuzzroundthefullmilk-pailsinspringwhentheyarebrimmingwithmilk-evensodidtheygatherroundSarpedon；nordidJoveturnhiskeeneyesawayforonemomentfromthefight，butkeptlookingatitallthetime，forhewassettlinghowbesttokillPatroclus，andconsideringwhetherHectorshouldbeallowedtoendhimnowinthefightroundthebodyofSarpedon，andstriphimofhisarmour，orwhetherheshouldlethimgiveyetfurthertroubletotheTrojans。Intheend，hedeemeditbestthatthebravesquireofAchillessonofPeleusshoulddriveHectorandtheTrojansbacktowardsthecityandtakethelivesofmany。First，therefore，hemadeHectorturnfainthearted，whereonhemountedhischariotandfled，biddingtheotherTrojansflyalso，forhesawthatthescalesofJovehadturnedagainsthim。NeitherwouldthebraveLyciansstandfirm；theyweredismayedwhentheysawtheirkinglyingstrucktotheheartamidaheapofcorpses-forwhenthesonofSaturnmadethefightwaxhotmanyhadfallenabovehim。TheAchaeans，thereforestrippedthegleamingarmourfromhisshouldersandthebravesonofMenoetiusgaveittohismentotaketotheships。ThenJovelordofthestorm-cloudsaidtoApollo，"DearPhoebus，go，Iprayyou，andtakeSarpedonoutofrangeoftheweapons；cleansetheblackbloodfromoffhim，andthenbearhimalongwayoffwhereyoumaywashhimintheriver，anointhimwithambrosia，andclothehiminimmortalraiment；thisdone，commithimtothearmsofthetwofleetmessengers，Death，andSleep，whowillcarryhimstraightwaytotherichlandofLycia，wherehisbrothersandkinsmenwillinterhim，andwillraisebothmoundandpillartohismemory，induehonourtothedead。"

Thushespoke。Apolloobeyedhisfather’ssaying，andcamedownfromtheheightsofIdaintothethickofthefight；forthwithhetookSarpedonoutofrangeoftheweapons，andthenborehimalongwayoff，wherehewashedhimintheriver，anointedhimwithambrosiaandclothedhiminimmortalraiment；thisdone，hecommittedhimtothearmsofthetwofleetmessengers，Death，andSleep，whopresentlysethimdownintherichlandofLycia。

MeanwhilePatroclus，withmanyashouttohishorsesandtoAutomedon，pursuedtheTrojansandLyciansintheprideandfoolishnessofhisheart。HadhebutobeyedthebiddingofthesonofPeleus，hewouldhave，escapeddeathandhavebeenscatheless；

butthecounselsofJovepassman’sunderstanding；hewillputevenabravemantoflightandsnatchvictoryfromhisgrasp，oragainhewillsethimontofight，ashenowdidwhenheputahighspiritintotheheartofPatroclus。

Whothenfirst，andwholast，wasslainbyyou，OPatroclus，whenthegodshadnowcalledyoutomeetyourdoom？FirstAdrestus，Autonous，Echeclus，PerimusthesonofMegas，EpistorandMelanippus；afterthesehekilledElasus，Mulius，andPylartes。

Theseheslew，buttherestsavedthemselvesbyflight。

ThesonsoftheAchaeanswouldnowhavetakenTroybythehandsofPatroclus，forhisspearflewinalldirections，hadnotPhoebusApollotakenhisstanduponthewalltodefeathispurposeandtoaidtheTrojans。ThricedidPatrocluschargeatanangleofthehighwall，andthricedidApollobeathimback，strikinghisshieldwithhisownimmortalhands。WhenPatrocluswascomingonlikeagodforyetafourthtime，Apolloshoutedtohimwithanawfulvoiceandsaid，"Drawback，noblePatroclus，itisnotyourlottosackthecityoftheTrojanchieftains，noryetwillitbethatofAchilleswhoisafarbettermanthanyouare。"Onhearingthis，PatrocluswithdrewtosomedistanceandavoidedtheangerofApollo。

MeanwhileHectorwaswaitingwithhishorsesinsidetheScaeangates，indoubtwhethertodriveoutagainandgoonfighting，ortocallthearmyinsidethegates。AshewasthusdoubtingPhoebusApollodrewnearhiminthelikenessofayoungandlustywarriorAsius，whowasHector’suncle，beingownbrothertoHecuba，andsonofDymaswholivedinPhrygiabythewatersoftheriverSangarius；inhislikenessJove’ssonApollonowspoketoHectorsaying，"Hector，whyhaveyouleftofffighting？Itisilldoneofyou。IfIwereasmuchbetteramanthanyou，asIamworse，youshouldsoonrueyourslackness。DrivestraighttowardsPatroclus，ifsobethatApollomaygrantyouatriumphoverhim，andyoumayrullhim。"

Withthisthegodwentbackintothehurly-burly，andHectorbadeCebrionesdriveagainintothefight。Apollopassedinamongthem，andstruckpanicintotheArgives，whilehegavetriumphtoHectorandtheTrojans。HectorlettheotherDanaansaloneandkillednoman，butdrovestraightatPatroclus。Patroclusthensprangfromhischariottotheground，withaspearinhislefthand，andinhisrightajaggedstoneaslargeashishandcouldhold。Hestoodstillandthrewit，nordiditgofarwithouthittingsomeone；thecastwasnotinvain，forthestonestruckCebriones，Hector’scharioteer，abastardsonofPriam，asheheldthereinsinhishands。Thestonehithimontheforeheadanddrovehisbrowsintohisheadforthebonewassmashed，andhiseyesfelltothegroundathisfeet。Hedroppeddeadfromhischariotasthoughhewerediving，andtherewasnomorelifeleftinhim。Overhimdidyouthenvaunt，OknightPatroclus，saying，"Blessmyheart，howactiveheis，andhowwellhedives。Ifwehadbeenatseathisfellowwouldhavedivedfromtheship’ssideandbroughtupasmanyoystersasthewholecrewcouldstomach，eveninroughwater，forhehasdivedbeautifullyoffhischariotontotheground。Itseems，then，thattherearediversalsoamongtheTrojans。"

AshespokeheflunghimselfonCebrioneswiththespring，asitwere，ofalionthatwhileattackingastockyardishimselfstruckinthechest，andhiscourageishisownbane-evensofuriously，O

Patroclus，didyouthenspringuponCebriones。Hectorsprangalsofromhischariottotheground。ThepairthenfoughtoverthebodyofCebriones。Astwolionsfightfiercelyonsomehighmountainoverthebodyofastagthattheyhavekilled，evensodidthesetwomightywarriors，PatroclussonofMenoetiusandbraveHector，hackandhewatoneanotheroverthecorpseofCebriones。Hectorwouldnotlethimgowhenhehadoncegothimbythehead，whilePatrocluskeptfastholdofhisfeet，andafiercefightragedbetweentheotherDanaansandTrojans。Astheeastandsouthwindbuffetoneanotherwhentheybeatuponsomedenseforestonthemountains-thereisbeechandashandspreadingcornel；thetoofthetreesroarastheybeatononeanother，andonecanheartheboughscrackingandbreaking-evensodidtheTrojansandAchaeansspringupononeanotherandlayabouteachother，andneithersidewouldgiveway。Manyapointedspearfelltogroundandmanyawingedarrowspedfromitsbow-stringaboutthebodyofCebriones；manyagreatstone，moreover，beatonmanyashieldastheyfoughtaroundhisbody，buttherehelayinthewhirlingcloudsofdust，allhugeandhugely，heedlessofhisdrivingnow。

Solongasthesunwasstillhighinmid-heaventheweaponsofeithersidewerealikedeadly，andthepeoplefell；butwhenhewentdowntowardsthetimewhenmenloosetheiroxen，theAchaeansprovedtobebeyondallforecaststronger，sothattheydrewCebrionesoutofrangeofthedartsandtumultoftheTrojans，andstrippedthearmourfromhisshoulders。ThenPatroclusspranglikeMarswithfierceintentandaterrificshoutupontheTrojans，andthricedidhekillninemen；butashewascomingonlikeagodforatime，then，O

Patroclus，wasthehourofyourendapproaching，forPhoebusfoughtyouinfellearnest。Patroclusdidnotseehimashemovedaboutinthecrush，forhewasenshroudedinthickdarkness，andthegodstruckhimfrombehindonhisbackandhisbroadshoulderswiththeflatofhishand，sothathiseyesturneddizzy。PhoebusApollobeatthehelmetfromoffhishead，anditrolledrattlingoffunderthehorses’

feet，whereitshorse-hairplumeswereallbegrimedwithdustandblood。Neverindeedhadthathelmetfaredsobefore，forithadservedtoprotecttheheadandcomelyforeheadofthegodlikeheroAchilles。Now，however，ZeusdelivereditovertobewornbyHector。

NeverthelesstheendofHectoralsowasnear。Thebronze-shodspear，sogreatandsostrong，wasbrokeninthehandofPatroclus，whilehisshieldthatcoveredhimfromheadtofootfelltothegroundasdidalsothebandthatheldit，andApolloundidthefasteningsofhiscorslet。

Onthishismindbecameclouded；hislimbsfailedhim，andhestoodasonedazed；whereonEuphorbussonofPanthousaDardanian，thebestspearmanofhistime，asalsothefinesthorsemanandfleetestrunner，camebehindhimandstruckhiminthebackwithaspear，midwaybetweentheshoulders。Thismanassoonaseverhehadcomeupwithhischariothaddismountedtwentymen，soproficientwasheinalltheartsofwar-heitwas，OknightPatroclus，thatfirstdroveaweaponintoyou，buthedidnotquiteoverpoweryou。Euphorbusthenranbackintothecrowd，afterdrawinghisashenspearoutofthewound；hewouldnotstandfirmandwaitforPatroclus，unarmedthoughhenowwas，toattackhim；butPatroclusunnerved，alikebytheblowthegodhadgivenhimandbythespear-wound，drewbackundercoverofhismeninfearforhislife。Hectoronthis，seeinghimtobewoundedandgivingground，forcedhiswaythroughtheranks，andwhencloseupwithhimstruckhiminthelowerpartofthebellywithaspear，drivingthebronzepointrightthroughit，sothathefellheavilytothegroundtothegreatoftheAchaeans。Aswhenalionhasfoughtsomefiercewild-boarandworstedhim-thetwofightfuriouslyuponthemountainsoversomelittlefountainatwhichtheywouldbothdrink，andthelionhasbeatentheboartillhecanhardlybreathe-evensodidHectorsonofPriamtakethelifeofthebravesonofMenoetiuswhohadkilledsomany，strikinghimfromcloseathand，andvauntingoverhimthewhile。"Patroclus，"saidhe，"youdeemedthatyoushouldsackourcity，robourTrojanwomenoftheirfreedom，andcarrythemoffinyourshipstoyourowncountry。Fool；

Hectorandhisfleethorseswereeverstrainingtheirutmosttodefendthem。IamforemostofalltheTrojanwarriorstostavethedayofbondagefromoffthem；asforyou，vulturesshalldevouryouhere。

Poorwretch，Achilleswithallhisbraveryavailedyounothing；andyetIweenwhenyoulefthimhechargedyoustraitlysaying，’Comenotbacktotheships，knightPatroclus，tillyouhaverentthebloodstainedshirtofmurderousHectorabouthisbody。ThusIweendidhechargeyou，andyourfool’sheartansweredhim’yea’withinyou。"

Then，asthelifeebbedoutofyou，youanswered，OknightPatroclus:"Hector，vauntasyouwill，forJovethesonofSaturnandApollohavevouchsafedyouvictory；itistheywhohavevanquishedmesoeasily，andtheywhohavestrippedthearmourfrommyshoulders；

hadtwentysuchmenasyouattackedme，allofthemwouldhavefallenbeforemyspear。FateandthesonofLetohaveoverpoweredme，andamongmortalmenEuphorbus；youareyourselfthirdonlyinthekillingofme。Isayfurther，andlaymysayingtoyourheart，youtooshalllivebutforalittleseason；deathandthedayofyourdoomarecloseuponyou，andtheywilllayyoulowbythehandofAchillessonofAeacus。"

Whenhehadthusspokenhiseyeswereclosedindeath，hissoullefthisbodyandflitteddowntothehouseofHades，mourningitssadfateandbiddingfarewelltotheyouthandvigorofitsmanhood。Deadthoughhewas，Hectorstillspoketohimsaying，"Patroclus，whyshouldyouthusforetellmydoom？WhoknowsbutAchilles，sonoflovelyThetis，maybesmittenbymyspearanddiebeforeme？"

Ashespokehedrewthebronzespearfromthewound，plantinghisfootuponthebody，whichhethrustoffandletlieonitsback。HethenwentspearinhandafterAutomedon，squireofthefleetdescendantofAeacus，forhelongedtolayhimlow，buttheimmortalsteedswhichthegodshadgivenasarichgifttoPeleusborehimswiftlyfromthefield。