HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XVI: THE DEATH OF PATROCLUS

HOMER: "ILIAD": BOOK XVI: THE DEATH OF PATROCLUS.

Introduction: 

Book XVI is one of the longest books in the "Iliad" - indeed only three books are longer. The action in it is still that of the long third day of fighting which began in Book XI. Book XVI provides the turning point, or the hinge, of the saga of the "Iliad", both in relation to the combatants, because the Trojans are driven back from the ships by Patroclus and never advance so far against the Achaeans again, and in relation to the pivotal Anger of Achilles, as the death of his beloved friend Patroclus is the direct result of that anger and the cause of his transferring his hatred from Agamemnon to Hector.     

The Book begins with a very emotional scene (ll. 1-100), in which Achilles is persuaded by a desperately distressed Patroclus to allow him to lead the Myrmidons against the Trojans, who are now wreaking havoc among the Achaeans' ships, wearing his armour, so that the Trojans will think Achilles himself has returned to the fray. Patroclus succeeds in driving the Trojans back from the ships, but then disregards his leader's instructions that he should return, and leads the Myrmidons in a vigorous attack that drives the Trojans back to their city, and many of them and their allies are slain by the heroic Patroclus, including Sarpedon, the leader of the Lycians and a son of Zeus, the most significant person to  die in the "Iliad" up to this point. Eventually, however, Patroclus has his armour knocked off him by the god Apollo, who is still enabled by Zeus to assist the Trojans, and is then finished off by Hector.  

Ll. 1-45. Patroclus asks to fight in Achilles' armour. 

So they fought on around the well-benched ship (i.e. the ship of Protesilaus); and Patroclus came up to Achilles, shepherd of the host, shedding hot tears like a fountain of dark water which pours its murky stream down a sheer rock-face. And, when he saw him, swift-footed godlike Achilles took pity (on him), and, speaking to him, he addressed (him) with these winged words: "Why, pray, are you weeping, Patroclus, like a little girl, who, running along beside her mother, bids (her) lift (her) up, and, clutching at her dress, she holds her up as she hurries on, and she looks up at her tearfully, until she picks (her) up? (You look) like her, Patroclus, as you let these soft tears drop down. Have you some (news) to give to the Myrmidons, or to myself, or have you alone received some message from Phthia? Now, they say that Menoetius, Actor's son (i.e. Patroclus' father), is till living, and that Aeacus' son, Peleus, (i.e. Achilles' father), is alive among his Myrmidons; we would sorely grieve for both of these if they are dead. Or are you lamenting the Argives, as they are being slain by their hollow ships on account of their own overconfidence? Speak out, do not keep it hidden in your mind, so that we both may know (it)." 

Then, horseman Patroclus, you answered him, groaning heavily: "O Achilles, son of Peleus, by far the best of the Achaeans, do not be angry; for such great misery has overwhelmed the Achaeans. For all of those who were once our bravest (men), are lying in their ships, smitten and wounded (by spear-thrusts). The son of Tydeus, mighty Diomedes, has been struck, and Odysseus, the famous spearman, has been stabbed, and (so has) Agamemnon, and Eurypylus too has been hit in the thigh by an arrow. The physicians with their many medicines are busy taking care of them by curing their wounds; what benefit will another (man) derive from you, even (one) of a future generation, if you do not save the Argives from shameful ruin? So, pitiless (one), the horseman Peleus was not your father, nor (was) Thetis your mother; but the grey sea and the precipitous rocks spawned you, since your heart is (so) hard. But, if you are avoiding some prophecy (known) in your heart, and your queenly mother has relayed to you some (word) from Zeus, then at least send me out quickly and let the rest of the Myrmidons follow after (me), so that I may prove the light (of deliverance) to the Danaans. And give me that armour of yours to buckle on my shoulders, so that the Trojans may take me for you and desist from battle, and the warlike sons of the Achaeans, tired (as they are), may take a breath; for in battle any respite is brief. Then, easily might we (that are) fresh drive men (who are) exhausted from battle back to the city from the ships and the huts." 

Ll. 46-73. Achilles agrees that Patroclus should lead the Myrmidons into battle. 

So he spoke in prayer, great fool (that he was); for, in truth, he was destined to pray for death and an evil fate for himself. Then, swift-footed Achilles, greatly vexed at heart, answered him: "Woe is me, Zeus-born Patroclus, at what you have said; I am not taking heed of any prophecy of which I am aware, nor has my queenly mother relayed to me any (word) from Zeus; but this grievous pain comes upon my heart and soul, when a man, who surpasses (me) in power, is minded to rob his equal and take back (from him) his prize of honour. The girl (i.e. Briseis) that the sons of the Achaeans gave to me as a prize when I sacked a well-walled city (i.e. Lyrnessus), lord Agamemnon, son of Atreus, has taken her back from out of my arms, as if I were some despised alien. But we should let these (matters) be over and done with; for, it seems, it is not possible in any way (for me) to be unceasingly angry in my heart; yet I surely thought I should put a stop to my anger no sooner than when the cry of battle should come to my own ships. But do you put upon your shoulders my glorious armour, and lead the war-loving Myrmidons into battle, if indeed the dark cloud of the Trojans has settled around the ships in force, and the whole city of the Trojans has come against (us) full of confidence; for they do not see the face of my helmet blazing near to (them); they would soon fill the river-beds with corpses in their flight, if lord Agamemnon were well-disposed towards me; but now they are fighting all around the camp." 

Ll. 74-111. Achilles urges Patroclus to take the fight to the Trojans, as Ajax is driven back. 

"For the spear does not rage in the hands of Diomedes, son of Tydeus, to ward off destruction from the Danaans; nor yet have I heard the voice of the son of Atreus (i.e. Agamemnon), as he shouts from his hateful throat; but (no, it is) the voice of man-slaying Hector, urging on the Trojans, (that) breaks around (me), and they fill the whole plain with the shout of victory, as they conquer the Achaeans in battle. But even so, Patroclus, in order to ward off destruction from the ships, do you fall upon (them) with all your strength, lest they set the ships alight with blazing fire, and take away from us our desired home-coming. But listen, so I may put this verbal instruction in your mind, so that you can win great honour and glory for me from all the Danaans, and they bring that very beautiful girl back (to me), and, in addition, they offer (me) splendid gifts. When you have driven (them) back from the ships, come back; and, if the loud-thundering husband of Hera should give you the chance to win glory once more, do you not thirst to fight the warlike Trojans without me; for you would make me less honoured, (if you did); as you exult in war and the strife of battle, and slay the Trojans, do not lead the way towards Ilium, lest one of the ever-living gods from Olympus may enter the fray; for Apollo the far-shooter loves them (i.e. the Trojans) very much; but turn back, when you have set a light (of deliverance) around the ships, and yet allow the rest of them (i.e. the rest of the Greeks and the Trojans) to battle over the plain. For, (O) father Zeus and Athene and Apollo, would that none of the Trojans, as many of them (as there are), should be allowed to escape death, and none of the Argives (either), but that the two of us could survive destruction, so that we alone could unloose the sacred head-dress of Troy (i.e. a metaphorical description of the walls of the citadel of Pergamon, on the top of which sat the gods)." 

So they spoke such (words) to each other, but Ajax could no longer hold his ground; for he was beset with missiles; the will of Zeus and the noble Trojans hurling (their darts) were overcoming (him); the bright helmet around his temples gave out a fearful clatter as it was being struck, and its well-made cheek-pieces were being constantly smitten; he was exhausted, with his left shoulder firmly holding his shining shield at all times; but they could not dislodge (it) from him, although they pressed (him) hard with darts. And he was continually gripped with laboured breathing, and abundant sweat streamed down from his limbs all over his body; and all around (him) evil was heaped upon evil.   

Ll. 112-154.  As the ships burn, Patroclus arms.

Tell me now, (you) Muses who have dwellings on Olympus, how fire first fell upon the ships of the Achaeans.

Hector came close and struck Ajax's ashen spear with his mighty sword behind the spear-head at the end of the shaft, and sheared (it) clean off; Telamonian Ajax brandished the docked spear vainly in his hand, and some distance from him the bronze spear-head fell to the ground with a thud. Ajax shuddered at the doings of the gods, but he knew in his noble heart that Zeus, who thunders on high, was thwarting entirely his plans for battle, and was willing a victory for the Trojans. Then, he fell back out of range of the darts. Then, let me tell you, did they cast tireless fire on the swift ship; and an inextinguishable flame streamed over her forthwith. So the fire engulfed the stern (of the ship); but, striking his thighs, Achilles spoke to Patroclus: "Up now, Zeus-born Patroclus, driver of horses; now I can see by the ships the flare of consuming fire; may they not seize the ships, and no longer make it possible (for us) to escape; don my armour with all haste, and I shall gather the host."  

So he spoke, and Patroclus arrayed himself in gleaming bronze. First, he placed greaves around his legs, beautiful (they were) with silver ankle-clasps; next he fitted around his chest the colourful and star-spangled breastplate of the swift-footed grandson of Aeacus (i.e. Achilles). And about his shoulders he cast a silver-studded sword of bronze, and then a great and sturdy shield; and on his mighty head he placed a well-made helmet with a horse-hair crest; and fearfully did this crest nod from above. And he took two stout spears that were well fitted to his grasp. Only the spear of the peerless grandson of Aeacus he did not take, very heavy and strong (that it was); no other (man) of the Achaeans could wield it, but Achilles alone was authorised to wield it, (it being the spear) of Pelian ash from the summit of Pelion, which Chiron had given to his father for the purpose of killing men in battle. And he bade Automedon (i.e. third in order of precedence among the Myrmidons, he now became Patroclus' charioteer) speedily yoke the horses, (the man) whom he honoured most after Achilles, the breaker of the ranks of warriors, and by him he was most trusted to await his call in battle. So, Automedon led beneath the yoke the swift-footed pair Xanthus and Balius, who flew as swift as the winds, whom Podarge the Harpy (i.e. a personified storm-wind) bore to the West Wind Zephyrus, as she grazed in a meadow beside the stream of Ocean. And in the side-traces (i.e. the reins by which a spare horse was fastened to the two horses yoked to a chariot) he put the excellent Pedasus, that Achilles had brought back at the time when he took the city of Eëtion (i.e. the father of Hector's wife Andromache, and the the ruler of Thebe in Mysia, until he was killed by Achilles), and, though he was mortal, he could keep up with the immortal steeds (i.e. Xanthus and Balius).

Ll. 155-199. Achilles marshals the Myrmidons. 

But Achilles went on through all the huts and presented the Myrmidons with armour. And they (were) like carnivorous wolves, in whose hearts there is exceeding great strength, (and) who have slain a great horned stag; and their jaws (are) all red with blood; and they go in a pack, lapping from a spring of black water the dark water on its surface with their slender tongues, (and) belching forth the blood of slaughter; and the hearts in their breasts are unflinching, although their bellies are crammed full; such (were) the leaders and rulers of the Myrmidons, as they surged forward around the valiant squire (i.e. Patroclus) of the swift footed grandson of Aeacus; and among them stood the warlike (figure of) Achilles, urging on both horses and men bearing shields.   

There were fifty swift ships, which Achilles, beloved of Zeus, had led to Troy; and in each (one) there were fifty men, his comrades at the rowing benches; he made five (men) leaders, whom he trusted to command; and he himself, in his great might, was their lord. Menestheus of the gleaming breast-plate, son of Spercheius, the heaven-fed river, was the leader of the first contingent; Polydora, fair daughter of Peleus, bore him to untiring Spercheius, (when as) a woman she lay with a god, but nominally (she bore him) to Borus, son of Perieres, who openly wed (her), after giving countless wedding gifts. The warlike Eudorus was the leader of the second (company); (he was) the son of an unwed mother, (and) Polymela,  beautiful in the dance, the daughter of Phylas, bore him; the strong Slayer of Argus (i.e. Hermes) fell in love with her when he caught sight of her with his eyes amid the chorus girls on the dancing-floor of Artemis, that bearer of golden arrows (and) noisy huntress. At once, the gracious Hermes went up to an upper room and lay with her secretly, and she gave him a splendid son, Eudorus, outstanding (as) a fast runner and (as) a warrior. But, when Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth, brought him forth into the light and he saw the rays of the sun, then did the strong and mighty Echecles, son of Actor, lead her to his home, after he had given countless wedding gifts, and the old man Phylas (i.e. his grandfather) nurtured and cherished him tenderly, loving (him) dearly, as if he were his own son. Now, the warlike Peisander, son of Maemalus, led the third (company), (he) who was pre-eminent among all of the Myrmidons in fighting with the spear after the companion of the son of Peleus (i.e. Patroclus). The old horseman Phoenix led the fourth (company), and Alcimedon, the peerless son of Laerces, the fifth. But then, when Achilles had marshalled them all in proper order and stationed them beside their leaders, he gave (them) these stern instructions: 

Ll. 200-248. Achilles prays to Zeus.

(O) Myrmidons, let no one, I pray you, be forgetful of the threats which you kept making against the Trojans by the swift ships during the whole (period of) my anger, and each one of you censured me (thus): "Hardhearted son of Peleus, so then your mother reared you on bile, (you) pitiless (one), who holds back your comrades beside the ships against their wishes; so let us go home again with our sea-faring ships, since an evil wrath has fallen upon your heart. You would often come together and say such (words) to me; but now there is a great task of battle, which you have long been yearning for. Therefore, let each man fight the Trojans with a stout heart." 

So saying, he aroused the strength and spirit of every man. And the ranks became more tightly packed when they heard their king's (words). And, as when a man builds a wall for a high house with close-fitting stones to avoid the force of the winds, so their helmets and their bossed shields locked closely together. Shield then pressed upon shield, helmet upon helmet, man upon man; as (the warriors) bent forward, their helmets decked with horse-hair touched (each other) with their splendid plumes, as they stood beside one another in close array. And in front of (them) all, two men put on their armour, (namely) Patroclus and Automedon, being of one mind to fight at the head of the Myrmidons. But Achilles went on his way to his hut, and opened the lid of a fair (and) curiously wrought chest, which silver-footed Thetis had put aboard his ship (for him) to take, and (which she had) completely filled with  tunics and cloaks and woollen blankets to protect (them) from the wind. And inside it there was a well-wrought cup, and no other man could draw flaming wine from it, nor could he make a drink offering to any of the gods except father Zeus. This he then took from the chest, and cleansed (it) first with sulphur, and then he washed (it) in fair streams of water, and he himself washed his hands and drew some flaming wine. Then he prayed, standing in the middle of the courtyard, and, looking up to heaven, he poured the wine; and he did not escape the notice of Zeus, who delights in thunder: "(O) Zeus, king, Dodonian, Pelasgian, (you) who live far away and rule over wintry Dodonia, and your priests, the Helloi live around you and sleep on the ground with unwashed feet, and, as you once heard my words, when I prayed, and did honour me and bring great hardship upon the host of the Achaeans, so now do you grant this further desire of mine; for I, myself, shall say in the ships' place of assembly, but I am sending my comrade (i.e. Patroclus) with numerous Myrmidons to fight; send him forth with glory, (O) far-seeing Zeus, and embolden the heart in his chest, so that Hector can see whether my squire will be able to fight on his own, or whether his hands will then (only) rage invincibly, when I enter into the tussle of battle. But, when he has driven the fighting and the clamour of battle away from the ships, then let him come back to me at the swift ships unscathed, and with all his armour and his comrades who fight in close combat."  

Ll. 249-283. Patroclus encourages the Myrmidons to go into battle.

So he (i.e. Achilles) spoke in prayer and Zeus the counsellor heard him. And the Father granted him part (of it), and a part he denied; he granted that war and fighting should be thrust away from the ships by him (i.e. Patroclus), but he denied that he should return safe from battle. Now when he had poured a drink offering, and made a prayer to Father Zeus, he went back again into his hut, and stowed the goblet away in the chest. Then, he came out and stood before the hut, for in his heart he still wished to watch the grim combat of the Trojans and the Achaeans. 

Then, his (men) marched out in armour with great-hearted Patroclus, until they charged in high spirits on the Trojans. Straightway, they swarmed like wasps by the side of the road, whom boys are wont to provoke, always tormenting (those) that have their nests by the road, foolish (as they are); and they create a common nuisance for many (others). And if some man going past disturbs them unwittingly, they all fly forth with valorous hearts and defend their young ones. Then, having a heart and spirit like theirs, the Myrmidons poured forth from the ships; and an inextinguishable cry went up. But Patroclus called out to his comrades with a loud shout: "(O) Myrmidons, (you) comrades of Achilles, son of Peleus, be you men, my friends, and be mindful of your fighting spirit, so that we may bring honour to the son of Peleus, who (is) by far the best of the Achaeans by the ships, and his squires who fight in close combat (are by far the best) as well; and may wide-ruling Agamemnon, son of Atreus, become aware of his folly, in that he has not honoured the best of the Achaeans in any way."

So speaking, he roused the strength and spirit of every (man), and they fell on the Trojans in a throng, and round about (them) the ships echoed fearfully beneath the shouts of the Achaeans.

But, when the Trojans saw the valiant son of Menoetius (i.e. Patroclus), himself and his squire (i.e. Automedon), shining in their armour, the heart in each one (of them) was shaken, and the battalions were disturbed, believing (as they did), that beside the ships the swift-footed son of Peleus had cast aside his wrath and had chosen friendship; and each (man) gazed about (him to see) where he might escape utter destruction.

Ll. 284-305. Patroclus takes the field.

Patroclus was the first to hurl his bright javelin right into the midst, where a throng of men was milling around beside the stern of the ship of great-hearted Protesilaus, and he smote Pyraechmes, who led the Paeonian charioteers out of Amydon from the wide-flowing Axius. He smote him on the right shoulder; and he fell on his back in the dust with a groan, and all around him his Paeonian  comrades were put to flight; for Patroclus had put fear into all of them, having killed their leader, who was their best man in battle. Then, he drove (them) out of the ships, and he quenched the blazing fire. But the Trojans fled with a wondrous noise; and the Danaans poured in among the hollow ships and an unceasing din went up. And, as when Zeus, the collector of lightning, shifts a dense cloud from the high crest of a great mountain, and there shine forth all the look-out spots, and jutting headlands and glens, and the infinite air breaks forth from heaven beneath (the clouds), so the Danaans, when they had thrust back the ravaging fire, won a short breathing-space, but there was no respite from the battle; for the Trojans were not yet put to headlong flight from the black ships by the Achaeans, but, though they were forced to  withdraw from the ships, they still stood to face (them).     

Ll. 306-350. The Achaean leaders perform feats of valour. 

Then, among the leaders, man killed man, when the battle-front broke up. First, the valiant son of Menoetius (i.e. Patroclus) struck Areilycus (on) the thigh with his sharp spear, just at the moment when he turned (to flee), and he drove the bronze right through; and the spear shattered the bone, and he fell on his face on the ground; and warlike Menelaus (i.e. King of Sparta and husband of Helen) hit Thoas where he was exposed on the chest beside his shield, and loosed his limbs. Then, the son of Phyleus (i.e. Meges, the leader of the warriors from the island of Dulichium) was too quick for Amphiclus, as he watched (him) charging at (him), and he struck the top of his leg (i.e. the thigh) where a man's muscle is thickest; and around the spear-point the sinews were rent apart; and darkness shrouded his eyes. Then, Antilochus, one of the sons of Nestor, stabbed Atymnius with his sharp spear, and drove the sharp spear(-point) through his flank; and he fell prostrate. But Maris rushed at Antilochus with his spear in close combat, full of fury on account of his brother (i.e. Atymnius) and stood in front of the corpse; but godlike Thrasymedes (i.e. another son of Nestor) anticipated him, and struck (him) at once on the shoulder before he could stab (him), nor did he miss; and the point of the spear tore the ligaments at the top of his arm, and utterly smashed the bone; and he fell with a crash and darkness shrouded his eyes. So these twain, overpowered by two brothers, went to Erebus (i.e. the Underworld), noble comrades of Sarpedon (i.e. a Lycian prince and a son of Zeus) (that they were) and spearmen sons of Amisodarus, (the man) who reared the monstrous Chimaera, the bane of many men. Ajax, son of Oïleus, (i.e. the leader of the Locrians) leapt upon Cleobolus, and caught (him) alive but impeded by the turmoil; but there and then he loosed his strength, hitting (him on) the neck with his hilted sword; and the surge of death and mighty fate came over his eyes. Then, the whole blade grew warm with his blood; and the surge of death and mighty fate came over his eyes. Then, Peneleos (i.e. the co-commander of the Boeotian contingent) and Lycon ran up against each other; for they had missed each other with their spears, and both of them had cast (their shafts) in vain; so now they ran at each other with their swords. Then, Lycon swung at the peak of his horse-hair crested helmet, but his sword was shattered at the hilt; and Peneleos smote (him on) the neck beneath the ear, and the whole blade sank in, and only the skin held fast, and his head hung to one side and his limbs were loosed. Now, Meriones (i.e. second-in-command of the Cretan contingent) overtook Acamas with his swift strides and stabbed (him) in the right shoulder, just as he was mounting his chariot, and he fell from his carriage and a mist spread over his eyes. Then, Idomeneus (i.e. King of Crete and the leader of the Cretan contingent) stabbed Erymas in the mouth with his pitiless bronze, and the bronze spear passed right through up under his brain and smashed the white bones; and his teeth were knocked out and both his eyes were full of blood; and he spurted the (blood) from his mouth and through his nostrils as he gaped; and a black cloud of death enfolded (him).   

Ll. 351-393. Patroclus pursues the fleeing Trojans.

And, as ravenous wolves attack lambs or kids, snatching (them) from beneath the sheep that are scattered among the mountains through the folly of their shepherds, and, when they see (them), they at once carry off as plunder (those beasts) with feeble hearts, so the Danaans attack the Trojans; and they think of heart-rending flight and forget their fighting spirit. 

And the great Ajax (i.e. the son of Telamon) was always aiming to cast his javelin at bronze-armoured Hector; but he, with his knowledge of war, covered his broad shoulders with a bull's-hide shield, and was aware of the whirring of arrows and the thud of javelins. In truth, he already knew that (the tide of) victory in battle (was) turning to the other side; but even so he stayed and tried to save his trusty comrades.

And, as when a cloud goes from Olympus into the sky out of the bright air, and when Zeus whips up a storm, so from the ships came the noise of their flight, nor did they cross (the ditch) again in an orderly fashion. And his swift-footed horses carried off Hector together with his battle-gear, and he left the Trojan host, whom the ditch (they had) dug held back against their will. And in the trench many (pairs of) swift chariot-drawing horses left their masters' chariots, broken off at the end (of the pole), but Patroclus followed, urging on the Danaans in a loud voice, and envisaging evil (things) for the Trojans; and they filled all the pathways with the clamour of flight, now that (their ranks) were parted asunder; and a storm of dust spreads high beneath the clouds, and the single-hoofed horses galloped back towards the city from the ships and the huts. Patroclus, wherever he saw the greatest (number of) men fleeing in confusion, thither he directed his course with a shout; and men fell headlong from their cars beneath his chariot-wheels, and their chariots bounced around (i.e. because they were empty). Straight over the trench leapt the swift horses, urging him onwards, those immortal (horses) which the gods had given (as) glorious gifts to Peleus (i.e. Xanthus and Balius), and his heart called him against Hector; for he was eager to strike at (him); but his swift horses had carried him off. As the whole black earth is oppressed beneath a storm on an autumn day when Zeus pours forth the most violent rain, and when, in his malice, he deals harshly with men, who with violence give crooked judgments in the assembly, and drive out justice without heeding the vengeance of the gods; and all their rivers swell as they flow, and the torrents then drive deep furrows in the many hill-sides, and roar loudly as they rush headlong from the mountains into the dark sea, and the works of men are somewhat ruined; so did the Trojan mares bleat loudly as they ran. 

Ll. 394-438. Patroclus routs the Trojans. 

But, when Patroclus had thus cut off the foremost battalions, he pushed (them) back again towards the ships, nor, despite their eagerness, would he allow (them) to make their way to the city, but in the space between the ships and the river and the high wall he rushed upon (them) and slew (them), and exacted a price for (the death) of many. There, indeed, he first smote Pronous with his shining spear on the breast, (where it had been) exposed beside his shield, and loosed his limbs; and he fell with a thud; and next he sprang at Thestor, son of Enops; he was sitting huddled in his polished chariot; for he was struck in his mind with terror, and the reins slipped from his hands; then, he drew near and stabbed (him) with his spear on the right (side of) his jaw, and drove (it) through his teeth, and then he tugged at the spear and dragged (him) over the rail of his chariot, like when a man, sitting upon a jutting rock, hauls a sturdy fish out of the sea with his line and his glittering bronze (hook); thus did he drag (him) agape from his chariot on his bright spear and thrust (him) down upon his face; and his life left him as he fell. Then as Erylaus rushed at (him), he struck him right on the head with a rock; and his (head) was wholly split asunder inside his heavy helmet; and he fell headlong upon the ground, and life-destroying death was shed (all)  around him. So then Erymas, and Amphoterus, and Epaltes, and and Damastor's son Tlepolemus, and Echius, and Pyris, and Ipheus, and Euippus, and Argeas' son Polymelus, all (of them) one after another, he brought down to the much-nourishing earth. 

But then, when Sarpedon saw his comrades, who wore no girdle with their coat of mail, laid low beneath the hands of Patroclus, son of Menoetius, he called out in appeal to the godlike Lycians: "Shame on you, O Lycians, whither do you flee? Now be you quick (to fight); for I shall meet with this man, so that I may know who this man is that holds the field (here) and has done the Trojans much harm; seeing that he has loosed the knees of many brave (men)."

So he spoke, and he leapt to the ground with (all) his armour. And from the other side Patroclus sprung from his chariot when he saw (him). And, as vultures with their crooked talons and their hooked beaks fight upon a high rock with loud shouts, so they rushed, one against the other, with piercing cries. And the son of crooked-thinking Cronos took pity on (them) when he saw them, and said to Hera, his sister and his wife: "Ah, woe is me, for it is fated that Sarpedon, the dearest of men to me should be slain by Patroclus, son of Menoetius. My heart longs with a twofold wish as I ponder in my mind, whether I should snatch him up while he is living and set (him) apart from this tearful war in the rich land of Lycia, or whether I shall now allow (him) to be slain at the hands of the son of Menoetius."  

Ll. 439-476. Zeus allows Patroclus and Sarpedon to fight each other. 

Then, ox-eyed queenly Hera anwered him (thus): "Most dread son of Cronos, what are these words you have said! A man who is mortal and long ago doomed by fate, do you (really) wish to set (him) free from hateful death? Do (it then); but all of us other gods do not commend you. And I will tell you something else, and do you keep it in your mind: if you should send Sarpedon living to his home, do you not think that some other god may then also wish to send his own dear son away from this mighty conflict? For many (of those) fighting around the great city of Priam (are) sons of the immortals, (and) in them you will implant a bitter anger. But, if he is dear to you, and your heart is grieved, then indeed you should allow him to be slain in the mighty conflict at the hands of Patroclus, son of Menoetius; but, when his life and soul have left him, then send death and sweet sleep to bear him away, until they come to the land of broad Lycia, (and) there his brothers and his kinsmen will bury him in a tomb of stone; for this is the privilege of the dead." 

So she spoke, and the father of men and gods did not gainsay (her); but he shed drops of blood on the ground in honour of his dear son, whom Patroclus was about to slay in very fertile Troy far from his native-land. 

Now, when they were at close range, as they advanced one against the other, then indeed did Patroclus strike the renowned Thrasymelus, the (man) who was the brave squire of lord Sarpedon, in the lower (part of the) belly, and loosed his limbs. Then, Sarpedon, attacking next, missed the (man) with his shining spear, but he did hit the horse Pedasus with his spear in the right shoulder; and he shrieked as he breathed forth his life, and down he fell in the dust with a scream, and his spirit flew from (him). And the (other) two (horses) (i.e. Xanthus and Balius) shied apart, and the yoke creaked and their reins became entangled, since the trace-horse (i.e. Pedasus) was lying in the dust. Automedon, the famous spearman, found a remedy for that: drawing his long-pointed sword from his sturdy thigh, he sprang forward and cut the trace-horse loose without delay; and the (other) two (horses) were straightened and guided by the reins; and the two (warriors) (i.e. Patroclus and Sarpedon) came together again in heart-eating strife.  

Ll. 477-507. The death of Sarpedon.

Then, Sarpedon missed again with his bright spear, and the point of his spear went over Patroclus' left shoulder; but Patroclus in turn rushed upon (him) with his bronze (weapon); and the shaft did not fly from his hand in vain, but hit (him) just where the midriff is locked around the beating heart, And he fell, as when an oak-tree falls, or a poplar or a tall pine, which the joiner-men cut down in the mountains with their newly whetted axes to be a ship's timber; so he lay outstretched before his horses and his chariot, moaning and clutching at the bloody dust, As when a lion comes into the middle of a herd and slays a bull, gleaming and courageous (as it is), among the shambling cattle, and it dies with a groan beneath the jaws of the lion, so did the leader of the Lycian shieldmen rage with fury as he dies at the hands of Patroclus, and he called out to his dear comrade by name: "Glaucus, my friend, a warrior among men, now above all (is the time when) you must (show yourself) to be a spearman and a valiant fighter; now, if you are quick, let grievous war be your heart's desire. First, do you go everywhere and urge the leading men of the Lycians to fight for Sarpedon; but then you yourself must also fight with your weapon on my behalf. For I shall then be (a cause of) dejection and reproach to you every day without fail, if the Achaeans shall strip me of my armour, now that I have fallen by the gathering of the ships. But hold your ground valiantly, and spur on all the host."      

Even as he spoke, the end of death came over his eyes and his nostrils: and he (i.e. Patroclus) stood with his foot on his chest and drew the spear from his flesh, and his midriff came with it; and he drew forth his soul and the spear-point together. And there the Myrmidons took charge of the snorting horses that were trying to bolt, since they had left their masters' (i.e. Sarpedon's and Thrasymelus') chariot.  

Ll. 508-547. Glaucus rouses the Lycians and the Trojans. 

Dread grief came upon Glaucus, as he heard his voice; and his heart was stirred, as he could not come to his assistance. And he gripped and squeezed his arm with his hand; for his wound distressed him, (the one) which Teucer, while warding off disaster from his comrades, had dealt him with an arrow as he charged at the high wall. Then he said in prayer to Apollo the far-shooter: "Hear me, lord, (you) who may perhaps be in the rich land of Lycia or in Troy; but, wherever you are, you can hear a man in sorrow, even as sorrow now comes upon me. For I have this grievous wound, and my arm is riven right through with sharp pangs, nor can my blood be staunched, and my shoulder feels heavy with it; and I cannot grasp my spear firmly, nor go to fight with my foes. And the best of men, Zeus' son Sarpedon, is dead; he does not even protect his own child. But even so, do you, lord, heal this grievous wound of mine, and lull my pains, and give me strength, that I may call upon my Lycian comrades and urge (them) to fight, and myself do battle around the body of (him) that is fallen in death."  

So he spoke in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Instantly, he put a stop to the pains and staunched the black blood (flowing) from his grievous wound, and put strength into his heart. And Glaucus knew in his heart and rejoiced that the great god had quickly heard his prayer.  

Ll. 548-568. Patroclus spurs on the Achaeans. 

So he spoke, and impenetrable grief utterly took hold of the Trojans, (and) unbearable (it was), since he was the prop of their city, even though he was a stranger (to their land); for many people followed with him, and among them he himself was preeminent in battle; and they went straight for the Danaans, striving eagerly; and Hector led them, angry as he was about Sarpedon. But the shaggy heart of Patroclus, son of Menoetius, urged on the Achaeans; firstly, he addressed the two Aiantes, both full of eagerness themselves: "Now, (you) two Aiantes, let it be pleasing to you to ward off (the foe), being of such (valour) among men as indeed you were before, or even braver. There lies Sarpedon, the man who was the first to scale the wall of the Achaeans; but come let us try to take him and do damage (to his body), and let us strip the armour from his shoulders, and slay with pitiless bronze anyone of his companions who seek to defend him."

So he spoke, and they themselves were both willing and eager to ward off (the foe). And, when the (men) from both sides had strengthened their contingents, the Trojans and the Lycians, and the Myrmidons and the Achaeans, they joined together in battle around the body of (him who had) fallen in death, shouting terribly; and the armour of the men clashed loudly. And Zeus shed deadly darkness over the mighty conflict, so that the deadly toil of battle might be around his dear son. 

Ll. 569-618. They fight over the body of Sarpedon.   

And at first the Trojans drove back the sharp-eyed Achaeans; for smitten was a man by no means the worst among the Myrmidons, (namely) godlike Epeigeus, son of Agacles, who had once been lord in well-settled Boudeum; but then, having killed a noble cousin, he came as a suppliant to Peleus and to silver-footed Thetis; and they sent (him) to follow Achilles, breaker of the ranks of men, to Ilium, renowned for horses, to fight against the Trojans. There, as he was laying hold of the corpse, glorious Hector smote him (on) the head with a stone; and it was wholly split asunder inside his heavy helmet, and he fell headlong over the dead body, and life-destroying death streamed around him. Then, grief came over Patroclus for his slain comrade, and he charged right through the foremost fighters, like a fleet falcon that puts jackdaws and starlings to flight; so straight for the Lycians and the Trojans did you charge, Patroclus, driver of horses, and your heart was full of anger for your comrade. And he smote Sthenelaus, the dear son of Ithaemenes, (on) the neck with a stone, and it tore the tendons in his (neck). And the foremost fighters and glorious Hector gave ground. As far as the cast of an outstretched javelin reaches, when a man discharges (it) as a trial (of his strength) either in a contest or in battle under pressure from his murderous enemies, so far did the Trojans draw back, and the Achaeans drive (them back). And Glaucus, the leader of the Lycian shieldmen, was the first to turn, and he slew the great-hearted Bathycles, the dear son of Chalcon, who lived in a house in Hellas (i.e. a district of Phthia), and in wealth and happiness he stood out among the Myrmidons. Now, Glaucus stabbed him (in) the middle of his chest with his spear, turning (on him) suddenly, when he was catching up with him in pursuit; and he fell with a crash; and deep sorrow came over the Achaeans that a man (so) worthy had fallen, and they came and took their stand in throngs around him (i.e. Glaucus); nor did the Achaeans forget their fighting spirit, but they bore their might straight towards their (foes). Then, Meriones slew a fully armoured warrior of the Trojans, (namely) Laogonos, the valiant son of Onetor, (the man) who had been made a priest of Idaean Zeus, and honoured by the people like a god. He struck him beneath the jaw and the ear; and his spirit speedily departed from his limbs, and so hateful darkness took hold of him. Then, Meriones cast his bronze spear at Aeneas; for he hoped he would hit (him) as he was going forward under the cover of his shield. But he, looking at (him) face to face, avoided the bronze spear; for he stooped forward, and the long spear stuck in the ground behind (him), and the butt of the spear quivered over (it), and there (and) then did mighty Ares take away its force. And the lance of Aeneas sank down quivering in the earth, since it sped in vain from his sturdy hand. Then, Aeneas was angry at heart, and said: "Meriones, even though you are a nimble dancer, my spear would have put a stop to you forever, if I had but struck you."  

Ll. 619-658. As the battle continues around the body of Sarpedon, Zeus ponders the fate of Patroclus. 

And Meriones, the famous spearman, said to him in reply, "Aeneas, stout (man) though (you are), it would be hard for you to exhaust the strength of every man who may come against you to defend himself; and then you too are mortal: and if I were to aim at you and hit (you) in the midst with my sharp bronze (spear), though you are strong and trusting in your hands, you would soon give me the victory, and your life to Hades, famous for his steeds." 

So he spoke, and the valiant son of Menoetius  rebuked him (thus): "Meriones, why do you, who are (a man so) brave, say such (things)? Oh, my friend, (it is) not, let me tell you, because of reproachful words that the Trojans will give ground from the corpse; before that the earth will hold fast many a man (i.e. many men will die). For the end of war is in our hands, and (the end) of words in the council-chamber; therefore, it is not at all necessary (for us) to increase (the volume of) our words, but to fight."    

So saying, he (i.e. Patroclus) led the way, and the other godlike man (i.e. Meriones) followed him. And just as the noise arises from those men (who are) wood-cutters in the glen of a mountain, and the sound can be heard from afar, so from them arose a din from the broad-wayed earth of bronze and of leather, and of well-made shields, as they thrust at each other with swords and double-pointed spears. Nor would a man, even though he be knowledgeable, have recognised godlike Sarpedon, since he was totally covered with missiles, and blood, and dust from his head to the soles of his feet. And they swarmed around the corpse the whole time, as when flies buzz in a sheepfold around pails brimming with milk, at springtime when milk is in need of buckets; thus did they throng around the corpse, nor did Zeus then turn his bright eyes away from the mighty conflict, but he looked down on them constantly and pondered in his mind, in his very great anxiety about the slaying of Patroclus, whether, during the fierce fighting, glorious Hector should now also cut him down with his bronze (sword) over (the body of) godlike Sarpedon, and strip the armour from his shoulders, or whether he should now expand the stark toil (of war to cover) yet more men (i.e. allow Patroclus to kill more Trojans first). And, as he pondered thus, it seemed to be the better (thing) that the valiant squire of Peleus' son, Achilles, should thrust the Trojans and bronze-armoured Hector once more toward the city, and take away the lives of many. Then, in the first place, he implanted a cowardly spirit in Hector; and he leapt into his chariot and turned to flight, and he called upon the other Trojans to flee; for he recognised the (turning of) the sacred scales of Zeus.   

Ll. 659-697. Apollo arranges a suitable burial of Sarpedon's body.

Then, the sturdy Lycians did not stand their ground, but they were all put to flight, when they saw their king struck to the heart, and lying in a pile of corpses; for many (others) had fallen on him, when the son of Cronos made the fierce conflict more intense. Then, they (i.e. Patroclus and his companions) took the gleaming bronze armour from Sarpedon's shoulders, and the valiant son of Menoetius gave it to his companions to carry back to the hollow ships. And then Zeus the cloud-gatherer spoke to Apollo (thus): "Come on now, dear Phoebus, cleanse the dark blood from Sarpedon, when you have gone out of (the range of) the missiles, and then bear him far away from (there) and bathe (him) in the currents of the river and anoint (him) with ambrosia, and put immortal raiment around (him); then, send him to be carried off along with those swift escorts, Sleep and Death, twin brothers (that they are), and they will quickly set him down in the rich land of broad Lycia, (and) there his brothers and his kinsmen will bury him in a tomb of stone; for this is the privilege of the dead."

So he spoke, and Apollo had no wish to disobey his father. And down he went from the mountains of Ida into the dread din of battle, and immediately he lifted up godlike Sarpedon from out of (the range of) the missiles, and, when he had borne him far away from (there), he bathed (him) in the currents of the river, and anointed (him) with ambrosia, and put immortal raiment around (him); then, he sent him to be carried off along with those swift escorts, the twin brothers Sleep and Death, and they quickly set him down in the rich land of broad Lycia. 

But Patroclus, after urging on the horses and Automedon, went in pursuit of the Trojans and the Lycians, and (by so doing) he made a fatal mistake; for, if he had observed the command of the son of Peleus, he most certainly would have escaped the evil fate of black death. But the resolve of Zeus (is) always stronger than (that) of men; for he drives even a valiant man to flight and easily denies (him) victory, and then at another time, he himself urges (a man) to fight; and then he (it was who) put fury in his (i.e. Patroclus') breast. 

Then, whom first and whom last did you slay, Patroclus, when the gods then called you to your death? The first (were) Adrastus, and Autonous, and Echeclus, and Perimus, the son of Meges, and Epistor and Melanippus, and then, Elasus, and Mulius, and Pylartes; these he slew; and each one of the others turned his mind to flight. 

Ll. 698-725. Apollo directs the fight before the city. 

Then would the sons of the Achaeans have taken high-gated Troy by the hands of Patroclus, for he was raging with his spear before and around (him), if Phoebus Apollo had not taken his stand on the well-built tower, having deadly thoughts about him (i.e. Patroclus), but desiring to bring aid to the Trojans. Three times did Patroclus put his foot on a bend of the lofty wall, and three times did Apollo knock him back, thrusting at his shining shield with his immortal hands. But when he rushed in like a god for the fourth time, he spoke these winged words, shouting terribly: "Draw back, Zeus-born Patroclus; (it is) in no way your destiny that the city of the lordly Trojans will be laid waste by your spear, nor by (that) of Achilles, who (is) indeed much better than you."

So he spoke, and Patroclus retired a long way back, avoiding the wrath of Apollo the far-shooter. 

Meanwhile, Hector had reined in his single-hoofed horses at the Scaean Gate; for he was uncertain whether he should drive (them) back into the conflict again, or order his men to gather within the wall. So then, while he pondered these (things), Phoebus Apollo drew near (to him) in the likeness of Asius, a man vigorous and strong, who was the uncle of horse-taming Hector, own brother of Hecabe (i.e. the wife of Priam) and the son of Dymas, who dwelt in Phrygia by the stream of Sangarius; in his likeness, Apollo, the son of Zeus, spoke to him: "Why then, Hector, do you cease from battle? It does not become you at all. Would that I was as much your superior, as I am (now) your inferior; then, you would soon withdraw from battle to your regret. But come, drive your strong-hoofed horses at Patroclus, (to see) if you can perhaps kill him, and Apollo grant you the glory."

Ll. 726-750. Patroclus kills Cebriones. 

So speaking, he (i.e. Apollo) went back again, a god among the toil of men, and glorious Hector ordered bold Cebriones to whip the horses into battle. Then, Apollo went and plunged into the throng, and sent panic into the body of the Argives, and brought glory to Hector. But Hector left the other Danaans alone, nor did he seek to slay (them); but he drove his strong-hoofed horses at Patroclus. And, on the other side, Patroclus jumped to the ground from his chariot, holding his spear in his left hand; and in his other hand he grasped a stone, gleaming and jagged, which his hand encompassed, and, having taken a firm stance, he flung (it), nor did he hold back from his man (i.e. Hector) for any length of time, nor was his missile wasted, but he hit Hector's charioteer, Cebriones, a bastard son of famous Priam, on the forehead with the sharp stone as he was holding the reins of the horses. And the stone smashed together both his brows, nor did his bone hold together, but he fell to the ground in the dust, in front of his feet; and like a tumbler he fell from his well-made chariot, and his spirit left his bones. Then, horseman Patroclus, you spoke of him in mockery: "Oh, yes, he really is a very agile man, (and) how easily he tumbles. If he were located somewhere in the teeming deep, this man could satisfy (the hunger of) many, (by) searching for oysters when jumping from his ship, even if (the sea) were rough and stormy, (seeing) that now he tumbles readily from his chariot on to the plain. Oh, yes, there are acrobats among the Trojans too!"    

Ll. 751-776. They fight over Cebriones' body. 

Thus speaking, he went for the warrior Cebriones with the spring of a lion, who has been smitten on the breast while ravaging a farmstead, and his own strength brings about his ruin; thus, Patroclus, did you jump eagerly upon Cebriones. Then, Hector from the other side leapt to the ground from his chariot. The two (of them) fought over Cebriones like two lions that fight on the peaks of a mountain for a slain hind, both (of them) hungry and high-spirited; so for Cebriones the two masters of the war-cry, Patroclus, son of Menoetius, and glorious Hector, were longing to cleave the flesh of the other with the pitiless bronze. Once Hector had seized hold of (Cebriones) by the head, he would not let (him) go; and Patroclus on the other side took hold of a foot; and now the rest of the Trojans and the Danaans joined together in furious battle.    

And, as the East Wind and the South Wind strive with each other to shake a deep wood in the glades of a mountain, oak and ash and cornel with its extended bark, and they dash their long boughs against one another with a wondrous noise, and (there is) a crash of broken (branches), so did the Trojans and the Achaeans leap upon one another for the purpose of slaughter, and neither side had a thought of ruinous flight. And round about Cebriones many sharp spears broke loose and (many) winged arrows leapt from the bow-string, and many large stones struck shields hard, as (men) fought around him; and he lay in a whirl of dust, mighty in his mightiness, forgetful of his horsemanship.  

Ll. 777-817. Patroclus is struck by Apollo and by Euphorbus.  

Now, as long as the sun went across the middle of the sky, so the weapons (thrown) by both sides reached their mark, and men kept falling; but when the sun had arrived at the time of unyoking oxen (i.e. evening), then the Achaeans were the stronger, beyond what was fated. For they dragged (the body of) the warrior Cebriones from out of (the range) of missiles and from the Trojans' din (of battle), and they stripped the armour from his shoulders, and Patroclus leapt upon the Trojans with the intention of slaughter. Then, three times did he leap upon (them) like swift Ares, shouting fearfully, and three times did he kill nine men. But, when he rushed at (them) for the fourth time like a god, then to you, Patroclus, was the end of your life revealed; for the dread Phoebus met you in the mighty conflict; and he (i.e. Patroclus) did not notice him (i.e. Apollo), as he went through the press of battle, for he (i.e. Apollo) met (him) while he was hidden in a thick mist; and he stood behind (him) and struck his back and his broad shoulders with the flat of his hand, and his eyes spun around. Then, Phoebus Apollo knocked the helmet from his head. And the plumed helmet gave out a ringing sound as it rolled beneath the feet of the horses and the horse-hairs were stained with blood and dust; before that, however, it was not considered acceptable for a helmet decked with horse-hair to be sullied with dust, but ever did it guard the head and comely brow of that godlike man Achilles; but then Zeus gave (it) to Hector to wear on his head; and yet in his case destruction was close at hand. And the far-reaching spear in his (i.e. Patroclus') hands was wholly broken, heavy and huge and strong (it was) and tipped with bronze; and from his shoulders the tasselled shield with its leather strap fell to the ground. And lord Apollo, son of Zeus, loosened his breastplate. Then confusion took hold of his mind, and his splendid limbs were loosed beneath him, and he stood in a daze; then, from behind (him), from close at hand, a Dardanian man struck (him) on the back between his shoulders with a sharp spear, Euphorbus, son of Panthoüs, (it was), and he excelled all men of his age in (casting) the spear, and in horsemanship, and in speed of foot; for he had already forced twenty men from their carriages, when he first came with his chariot to learn about war; (he it was) who first hurled his spear at you, horseman Patroclus, yet he did not overcome (you); but once he had drawn forth the ashen spear from your flesh, he ran back again and mingled with the throng, and he would not face Patroclus in the fray, unarmed though he was. But Patroclus, overwhelmed by the blow of the god and by the spear, drew back again into the mass of his comrades to avoid death.   

Ll. 818-867. Patroclus is killed.

But, when Hector saw great-hearted Patroclus, drawing back wounded by the sharp spear, he came near to him down through the ranks and stabbed (him) with his spear in the base of his stomach, and drove the bronze (point) right through; and he fell with a crash, and this greatly distressed the host of the Achaeans; and, as when a lion overcomes a tireless boar in battle, when they fight on the peaks of a mountain beside a small spring (of water), and they both wish to drink (from it), and, (though he is) panting hard, the lion overcomes (him) by force, even so did Hector, son of Priam, (standing) nearby, take away with his spear the life of the valiant son of Menoetius, after he had slain many, and, exulting over him, he spoke these winged words: "Patroclus, you thought indeed that you would somehow sack our city, and take away the day of freedom from the women of Troy and carry (them) in your ships to your dear native-land; and, in their defence, Hector's swift horses went at full stride to the fight; but I, myself, am pre-eminent among the war-loving Trojans with the spear, (I) who ward off from them the day of bondage; but vultures shall devour you here. Ah, (you) poor wretch, not even Achilles, despite his valour, could protect you, (he) who, while staying behind, surely gave you very many instructions as you went on your way; 'Do not come back, I tell you, Patroclus, master of horses, to the hollow ships, until you have ripped man-slaying Hector's bloody tunic all around his chest.' So I believe he spoke to you (n.b. Hector could not have been more wrong; Achilles's advice was quite the opposite) and swayed your foolish heart."    

Then, despite being low on strength, did you say to him, horseman Patroclus: "Now make your boasts at this time, great Hector; for to you have great Zeus, the son of Cronos, and Apollo have given the victory, they (it was who) overpowered me easily; for they themselves took the armour from my shoulders. But if twenty (men) such as (you) had come against me, they would all have died where they stood, slain by my spear. But (it was) baneful fate and the son of Leto (i.e. Apollo) (that) slew me, and Euphorbus, (the son) of men; you are the third to slay me in the fighting. And I will tell you something else, and do you keep it in your mind: surely not even you yourself shall live for long, but even now death and mighty fate are standing close beside you. so as to bring (you) down at the hands of the peerless grandson of Aeacus (i.e. Achilles)."  

Then, even as he thus spoke, the end of death enfolded him; and his spirit flitted from his limbs and went on its way to Hades, bewailing its lot (and) the manhood and youth (it was) leaving. Then, glorious Hector addressed him, even though he was dead: "Patroclus, why now, in my case, do you prophesy utter destruction? Who knows if Achilles, son of Thetis of the fair tresses, may first be smitten by my spear, so as to lose his life?"    

So saying, he drew the bronze spear from the wound, and setting his foot on his back, he pushed him back from the spear. And at once he went with his spear after Automedon, the godlike squire of the swift-footed grandson of Aeacus; for he was eager to smite (him); but the swift horses bore him away, those immortal horses (i.e. Xanthus and Balius) which the gods gave (as) glorious gifts to Peleus.