HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XVII: ODYSSEUS GOES TO THE CITY

HOMER: "ODYSSEY": BOOK XVII: ODYSSEUS GOES TO THE CITY. 

Introduction:

Book XVII sees the commencement of the 38th day of action in the story of the Odyssey, when the three main protagonists, Odysseus, Telemachus and Penelope, first come together. Telemachus sets out from the farmstead to the city, followed by Eumaeus and Odysseus, once more disguised by Athene in the form of a beggar. Telemachus is welcomed home by his mother, to whom he gives an account of his journey to Pylos and Sparta. He brings Theoclymenus to the palace, and the latter prophesies that Odysseus has already reached Ithaca. While the suitors continue to entertain themselves in the palace, Eumaeus arrives in the city together with the disguised Odysseus, whom the goatherd Melanthius mocks and kicks. Eumaeus enters the palace, and Odysseus eventually follows him, and Telemachus encourages him to go among the suitors begging for food. Antinous, one of the leaders of the suitors, criticises Eumaeus for bringing a beggar with him into the city, and, when Odysseus presses him for alms, he flings a stool at him and hits him on the shoulder. Penelope then prays for Antinous' death. When she sends for Odysseus to see if he has any news of her husband, he postpones his meeting with her until the others have left. At the end of the Book, Eumaeus goes back to the farmstead.

A particularly moving incident, for which Book XVII is well-known, concerns the death of Odysseus' foxhound, Argus, after he has wagged his tail and dropped his ears when he recognises his master after an absence of twenty years (see ll. 290-327). It is important to remember at this point that no one else, apart from Telemachus, has managed to recognise Odysseus, but his dog does. No wonder Odysseus sheds a tear!   

Ll. 1-44. Telemachus goes to the palace. 

As soon as the early-born rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, then did Telemachus, the dear son of divine Odysseus, bind his fair sandals beneath his feet and take up his mighty spear that fitted (so well) in the palm of his hand, and, as he set out for the city, he said to his swineherd (i.e. Eumaeus): "Now, old boy, I am definitely going to the city, so that my mother shall see me; for I do not think that she will ever stop her terrible lamentation and her tearful wailing, until she sees me in the flesh; but to you I give these instructions. Take this unfortunate stranger to the city, so that he may beg for meals there; (anyone) who wants to will give him a loaf and a cup (of water); but as for me, in no way can I burden myself with (the needs of) all men, when I still have (so many) troubles on my mind; and, if the stranger is very annoyed by this, it will be the worse for him; for to me indeed (it is) important to tell the truth."    

Then, Odysseus, (that man) of many wiles, spoke to him in response: "My friend, let me tell you, I myself have no wish to be left behind; it is better for a beggar to beg for food in a city than in the countryside; there (he,) who wishes to, will give (it) to me. For I am no longer of an age to abide on a farmstead, so as to obey in every way the instructions of an overseer. But go your way; and this man, whom you have instructed, will bring me (along), just as soon as I have been made hot from the fire and the sun's warmth has arrived. For I am wearing these terribly thin garments; (and I am afraid) that the morning hoar-frost might overcome me; and you have said that the city is far away."  

So she spoke, and Telemachus went through the farmstead, moving rapidly on his feet, and planting evil (seeds) for the suitors. But, when he came to the stately house, he stood his spear (in its place), propping (it) against a tall pillar, and he himself went straight inside and stepped over the stone threshold. 

And the nurse Eurycleia (was) by far the first (to) see him, as she was spreading fleeces on the richly-wrought chairs, and then, bursting into tears, she came straight (towards him); and the other maids of stout-hearted Odysseus gathered round and kissed his head and shoulders with great affection.  

Then, from her bed-chamber came the wise Penelope, like Artemis or golden Aphrodite, and, bursting into tears, she flung her arms around her beloved son, and kissed his head and both his lovely eyes, and, as he wept, she spoke these winged words to (him): "You have come, Telemachus, sweet light (of my eyes). I thought I should never see you more, when you went secretly in that ship to Pylos, against my wishes, to hear about your dear father. But, come (now), tell me, whether you gained a sight of him." 

Ll. 45-83. Telemachus meets Piraeus and Theoclymenus.

Then, the thoughtful Telemachus said to her in reply: "Mother of mine, do not make me cry, nor arouse the heart in my breast, when I have just escaped utter destruction; but go to your room upstairs with your handmaidens, and bathe yourself and take clean raiment for your body, and vow to all the gods that you will offer (them) complete hecatombs (i.e. sacrifices of a hundred oxen), in the hope that Zeus would perform deeds of reckoning. But I will go to the place of assembly, so that I may summon a stranger, one that accompanied me from that place when I returned here (i.e. Theoclymenus). I sent him ahead (of me) with my godlike companions, and I bid Peiraeus to take him to his home and treat him with kindness and respect until I came."   

So he spoke, but in her case speech stayed unwinged (i.e. she made no response). Then, she bathed herself and took clean raiment for her body, and vowed to all the gods that she would offer (them) complete hecatombs, in the hope that Zeus would perform deeds of reckoning.  

Then, Telemachus strode out through the hall, holding his spear; and two swift-footed dogs followed after him. And Athene shed a wondrous grace upon him; and all people gazed at him as he went by. The haughty suitors gathered around him, speaking kind (words), but plotting evil (things) in the depths of their hearts. Now, he then avoided the dense throng of these (men), but went and sat down at the place where Mentor, and Antiphus, and Halitherses were sitting, those who were friends of his father from of old; then, Peiraeus, the famous spearman, came near, leading his guest (i.e. Theoclymenus) through the city to the place of assembly, and Telemachus did not turn away from his guest at all, but stood at his side. But Peiraeus (was) the first (to) speak, and said to him: "Telemachus, do send some women to my house straightaway, so that I may send you the gifts that Menelaus gave you."

Then, the cautious Telemachus said to him in reply: "(No,) Peiraeus, because we do not know what are those things that are going to happen. If the haughty suitors shall slay me secretly in my hall, and divide all my father's goods among themselves, I would wish that you yourself should keep and enjoy (them), rather than one of them; but, if, in their case, I shall sow the seeds of death and fate, then gladly bring (them) to my house, and I shall rejoice." 

Ll. 84-119. Telemachus tells his mother about his trip to Pylos and Sparta. 

So saying, he led his long-suffering guest to the house. Now, when they came to the stately palace, they put down their cloaks on the couches and chairs and stepped into the well-polished bath-tubs. And so, when the maidservants had bathed them and anointed (them) with oil, and they cast their fleecy cloaks and tunics around (them), they got out of the bath-tubs and sat on the couches. Then, a handmaid brought water in a fine golden jug and poured (it) out over a silver basin, so they could rinse their hands; and  she drew up a polished table beside (them). Then, the venerable housekeeper brought bread and set (it) before (them), and she put down much meat, giving freely of the stores she had available. And his mother sat opposite (them) by the door-post of the hall, reclining on a couch, while spinning the delicate wool on her distaff. And they put forth their hands (i.e. they helped themselves) to the well-prepared food lying in front of (them), and, when they had satisfied their desire for food and drink, wise Penelope began speaking to them: "Telemachus, I certainly am going upstairs and I shall lie on my bed, which has become for me a place of sorrow, ever wetted by my tears, from (the time) when Odysseus went to Ilium with the sons of Atreus; but you did not take it upon yourself, before the haughty suitors came into this house, to tell me plainly of your father's return, if perhaps you have heard of it." 

Then, thoughtful Telemachus said to her in reply: "Well then, mother, I shall tell you the (whole) truth. We went to Pylos and to Nestor, shepherd of the people; and he received me in his lofty house and welcomed (me) in a kindly manner, as if (he were) a father (and I were) his son, just now returned from another place after a long absence; so he took care of me in a kindly manner, together with his renowned sons (i.e. Thrasymedes and Peisistratus). But of stout-hearted Odysseus, (whether) alive or dead, he said nothing at all; but he sent me on my way to the famous spearman Menelaus, son of Atreus, with horses and a close-fitting chariot. There I saw Helen of Argos, for whose sake the Argives and the Trojans suffered (so) much by the will of the gods. 

Ll. 120-165. Theoclymenus prophesies Odysseus' presence.

And then all at once Menelaus, good at the war-cry, asked (me) for what reasons had I come to lovely Lacedaemon; so I told him the whole truth; and then in answer he spoke to me in these words: 'For shame, so they want to go to sleep in the brave man's bed, the cowards that they are. And, as when a deer has put to sleep her (two) newly-born milk-sucking fawns in the lair of a mighty lion, and has gone to examine the slopes and grassy dales for pasture, and then back he (i.e. the lion) comes to his bed, and a grisly fate will be inflicted on them both, so Odysseus will let loose a grisly fate on those (men). For, (O) Father Zeus, and Athene, and Apollo, would that he were such (a man) as once in well-built Lesbos stood up to Philomeleides in wrestling-match, and brought (him) down with a mighty throw, and all the Achaeans were delighted, would there be such a man (as) Odysseus to meet with the suitors; then there would be an early destruction and a bitter marriage for all (of them). But of those (things) which you ask and beseech of me, I shall not turn aside from these and speak of other (things), nor shall I deceive (you), but those (things) that the unerring old man of the sea said to me, I will not hide or conceal (one) word of these from you. He said that he had seen him on an island in great distress in the palace of the nymph Calypso, who keeps him (there) by force; and he cannot reach his own native-land. For (he has) no ships with oars and crewmen, who can escort him over the broad back of the sea.'  

"So spoke Menelaus, son of Atreus, the famous spearman. When I had brought this discussion to an end, I set out for home; and the immortals gave me a favourable wind and brought me quickly back to my beloved native-land." 

So he spoke, and stirred the heart in her breast. Then, the godlike Theoclymenus joined in their conversation: "O honoured wife of Laertes' son, Odysseus, he (i.e. Menelaus) certainly does not know the truth, but do you take heed of my words: for I will prophesy to you truthfully, nor will I conceal (anything); now let Zeus before all other gods, and this board of hospitality and the hearth of peerless Odysseus, to which I have come, be my witnesses that Odysseus (is) actually already (here) in his native-land, (either) sitting or on the move, and he is learning of these evil deeds and sowing the seeds of destruction for all the suitors. Such a bird of omen did I observe as I sat on our well-benched ship and proclaim to Telemachus." 

Then, wise Penelope said to him: "Stranger, may this word (of yours) be fulfilled; then you would soon become aware of many kindnesses and gifts from me, so that anyone who meets you would call you blessed."    

Ll. 166-203. Odysseus sets out for the city. 

So they spoke such (words) as these to one another, and the suitors were enjoying themselves throwing quoits and javelins on the levelled terrace in front of the palace of Odysseus, where they had previously displayed their arrogance. But, when it was the time for eating dinner, and the flocks came in from the fields on all sides, and those who (had) previously (done) so led (them in), then Medon spoke to them (thus); for of (all) the heralds he was most to their liking, and he was present at all their feasts: "Young men, since you have all been gladdened at heart by these sporting contests, come to the house, in order that we may prepare a feast; for (it is) no bad thing to take one's meal at the right time." 

So he spoke, and they arose and went their way, and they obeyed his words. And, when they came to the stately house, they put down their cloaks on the couches and chairs, and, in preparing for a banquet, they slaughtered some large rams and fat goats, and they slaughtered some fatted hogs and a heifer belonging to the herd. Now, Odysseus and the goodly swineherd were hastening to come from the country to the city. And the swineherd, that master of men, was the first to speak: "Stranger, since you are still eager to go to the city today, as my master (i.e. Telemachus) has commanded - (though) in truth I would rather have left you here to protect the farmstead; but him I respect and fear, lest he should scold me afterwards; for rebukes from one's master can be most painful - but come now, let us go; for the day is far gone, and in your case it will probably become colder towards evening."

Then, Odysseus, (that man) of many wiles, said to him in reply: "I understand, I agree; you are giving these instructions to someone who knows. But (come), let us go, and then you must lead all the way. But do give me a staff to lean on, if perhaps you have one cut, since you certainly said that the path was a very slippery (one)."  

So he spoke, and he threw his unseemly knapsack around his shoulders, closely-packed (and) ragged (it was); and it had a twisted strap; and then Eumaeus gave him a staff to his liking. The two (of them) set forth, and the dogs and the herdsmen stayed behind to guard the farmstead; and he led his master to the city in the likeness of a sad old beggar, leaning on a staff; and miserable (was) the raiment (that) he wore around his body. 

Ll. 204-246. Melanthius taunts Odysseus. 

But, when, as they walked along the rugged path, they were near to the city, and they came to a well-made fair-flowing fountain, from where the citizens drew their water, which Ithacus, and Neritus and Polyctor had made; and around (it) there was a grove of poplars, that grow by the waters, encircling (it) on all sides, and cold water flowed down from the rock above, and on top of (it) was built an altar to the nymphs, where all those going by made offerings; there Melanthius, son of Dolius, came upon them, as he was driving his she-goats, that were the best in all the herds, (to be) a meal for the suitors; and two herdsmen followed after (him). And, when he saw them, he spoke and addressed them, and he taunted them with rude and abusive words; and he stirred the heart of Odysseus:  

"So, now in very truth, the vile wholly leads the vile, (and,) as ever, heaven is bringing like to like (together). Where, then, are you leading this greedy pig, you wretched swineherd, this nauseating beggar who will bring trouble to our feasts? (He is the sort of man) who will stand and rub his shoulders on many doorposts, begging for scraps (of food), not swords or cauldrons (i.e. the sort of gifts that a respectable visitor might expect to  receive); if you would give him to me to be a guard of my farmstead, and to be a cleaner of the stables, and to carry shoots to the kids on a regular basis, then, (by) drinking whey, he might put big muscles on his thighs, But, since he has learned evil deeds, he does not wish to look for work, but he would rather (go) grovelling around the land begging for (something) to feed his gluttonous belly. But this I shall say to you, and it will also come to pass, that, if he comes to the palace of the divine Odysseus, a shower of footstools (shied) about his head from the hands of men will be broken on his ribs as he is pelted through the house."

So he (i.e. Melanthius) spoke, and, as he passed, in his folly he kicked him (i.e. Odysseus) on the hip with his foot; yet he did not drive him off the path, but he remained steadfast; and Odysseus pondered whether he should leap at (him) and take away his life with his staff, or lift (him) up by the middle and dash his head on the ground. But he managed to control himself, and he kept his instincts under check; but the swineherd (i.e. Eumaeus) looked him in the face, and, lifting up his hands, he prayed aloud: "(O) nymphs of the fountain, daughters of Zeus, if ever Odysseus burnt (as an offering) on your altar the thigh-bones of lambs or kid-goats, wrapped up in their rich fat, grant me this wish: that that man may come back, and that some god may guide him; then he would disperse all your vain practices, which, in your insolence, you have now picked up, ever since you have wandered around the town; meanwhile, incompetent herdsmen are destroying your flocks."

Ll. 247-289. Odysseus reaches the palace. 

Then, Melanthius the goatherd answered him: "For shame, how speaks the cur, full of mischief (as he is); one day I will take him on a well-benched ship far from Ithaca, so that he make make me much money. If only Apollo of the silver bow would smite Telemachus today in the halls, or he might be slain by the suitors, as surely as for Odysseus the day of his return from a far land has been lost."

Thus speaking, he left them there as they walked gently on, but he went on his way, and quite quickly came to the king's palace. At once, he went inside, and sat down amongst the suitors opposite Eurymachus; for he (i.e. Eurymachus) had quite a liking for him (i.e. Melanthius). (Those) who served placed a helping of meat beside him, and the trusty housekeeper brought some bread to eat and set it down before (him). As they drew near, Odysseus and the goodly swineherd came to a halt, and about them rang the sound of the hollow lyre; for Phemius was preparing to sing to them; then, taking the swineherd by the arm, he (i.e. Odysseus) said to (him): "Now in very truth, Eumaeus, this is the beautiful house of Odysseus; it is easy to recognise and to pick out among many (dwellings). One (building) leads to another, and the courtyard has been built with a wall and coping (stones), and its gates are well-protected; no one man could storm it. And I know that many men are preparing feasts within it, since the odour of meat mounts up, and the lyre sounds within (it), and the gods made it a companion of banquets."   

And to him, swineherd Eumaeus, did you say in reply: "You found (it) easily, since you are not without understanding of all these (things). But come now, let us consider how these deeds (of ours) will happen. Either you go into the stately palace first, and join the suitors, and I shall stay here; or, if you prefer, you wait here, and I will go in before (you); but do not linger for long, lest someone should see you from outside and throw (something at you) and drive (you) away; and I bid you think about this."

And then, the much-enduring godlike Odysseus answered him: "I understand, I agree; now indeed you are giving instructions to one who knows. But you go in first, while I shall remain here. For I am not at all unused to knocks and blows; staunch (is) my heart, since I have suffered many bad (things) on the waves and in war; let these (woes) also be added to those; for it is not possible to hide away a ravenous belly, a curse that brings many troubles upon men, and, on account of it too, well-benched ships are launched on the barren sea to bring evil (things) to their enemies."  

Ll. 290-335. The death of Argus. 

Thus did they speak these (things) to each other; and the hound raised his head and (pricked up) his ears; Argus (it was), belonging to stout-hearted Odysseus, whom he himself had once reared, nor did he cease to care for (him), before he went to holy Ilium. And in those days, young men used to take him to (hunt) wild goats, and deer, and hares. But now he lay, abandoned, his master having gone away, on the piles of dung from the mules and oxen which lay in front of his gates, (waiting) until Odysseus' servants should take (it) away (as) manure for his great estate. There lay the hound Argus, full of ticks. Yet even now, when he realised that Odysseus was (standing) nearby, he wagged his tail and dropped both his ears, but he no longer had the strength to come nearer to his master; then he (i.e. his master Odysseus) looked aside and wiped away a tear, easily escaping Eumaeus' notice, and, straightway, asked him this question: "(It is) certainly very strange, Eumaeus, that this hound should be lying in dung. His body is a fine (one), but this I do not clearly know, whether he had the speed to match this fine appearance, or whether (he was) of the kind that men's table dogs are; and their masters look after them on account of their handsome appearance."   

To him, swineherd Eumaeus, did you say in reply: "This (is) very much the hound of a man who died in a distant land. If he had the body and the vigour, such as he (had) when Odysseus left (him) to go to Troy, you would immediately be full of admiration, when you saw his speed and his strength. For no creature whichever (one) he chased, could ever escape (him) in the depths of a thick forest; for he also excelled in tracking (i.e. hunting by scent). But now he is in an evil plight, and his master has perished in a place other than his native-land, and the thoughtless women do not look after him. Now, servants, when their masters are no longer in a position to order (them) around, are thenceforth no longer minded to work properly; for far-seeing Zeus takes away half of a man's goodness, whenever the day of servitude takes hold of him."  

So saying, he (i.e. Eumaeus) entered the stately palace and made his way straight to the hall to join the illustrious suitors. But as for Argus, the fate of black death took hold of him, at the moment when he saw Odysseus after twenty years. 

Now, the godlike Telemachus was by far the first to see him, as the swineherd came through the chamber, and then he quickly called (him) to his (side) with a nod; then, having looked around (him), he (i.e. Eumaeus) picked up a stool that had been placed there, where the carver used to sit when he carved many (helpings) of meat for the suitors in the hall as they feasted; this he took and placed at Telemachus' table opposite (him), and there he sat down on (it) himself; then, a herald took a portion (of meat) and set it before (him), and served (him) bread from a basket.  

Ll. 336-379. In his disguise as an old beggar, Odysseus goes among the suitors.  

Odysseus went into the palace right after him, in the form of a woeful and aged beggar supported by a stick; and wretched was the raiment on his body. And he sat down on the ashen threshold inside the doorway, leaning on a pillar of cypress-wood, which a carpenter had once skilfully planed, and made straight by a plumb-line. Then, Telemachus called the swineherd to his (side) and taking a whole loaf  from the beautiful basket (of bread), and as much meat, as his hands in their encumbered (state) could hold, he said to (him): "Take this (food) and give (it) to the stranger, and bid (him) go to every single one of the suitors to beg; for (it is) not good for a needy man to be diffident."

So he spoke, and, when he heard these words, the swineherd went and came up close (to him) and spoke these winged words: "Telemachus gives you this (food), stranger, and tells you to go to everyone one of the suitors and beg; and he says it is not a good (thing) for a man (who is) asking for gifts (to be) diffident." 

And the quick-witted Odysseus said to him in response: "Lord Zeus, I pray that Telemachus may be blessed among men, and that all (the things) he desires in his heart may happen to him. So he spoke, and took the (food) in both (hands) and put (it) down on his shabby leather bag somewhere in front of his feet, and he ate (his meal) while the minstrel sang in the hall; when he had eaten (his meal), and the divine bard was coming to the end of his song, then the suitors caused an uproar in the hall. But Athene came up close to the side of Laertes' son Odysseus, (and) urged (him) to go among the suitors collecting food, and (so) he would learn which of them were decent and which (of them were) rotten; but this did not mean that she would save anyone of them from destruction. And he went his way from left to right, begging each man (as he went), stretching out his hands, as if he had long been a beggar. And they gave out of pity, and marvelled at the man, and they asked one another who he was and from where he came.  

Then, among them spoke Melanthius, the herder of goats: "Hear me, (you) wooers of our famous queen, with regard to this stranger; for I have certainly seen him before. In truth, (it was) the swineherd (who) led him here, but of (the man) himself I really do not know where he claims he was born."

So he spoke, and Antinous rebuked the swineherd in these words: "O (you) notorious swineherd, why did you bring this man into the city? Do we not have plenty of vagabonds and other troublesome beggars to mar our feasts? Surely you are (sufficiently) fed up (with the fact) that (men) gather here and devour your master's livelihood, without you also having invited this man in as well?"     

Ll. 380-423. Odysseus presses Antinous to be generous to him. 

To him, then, swineherd Eumaeus, did you say in reply: "You do not speak fair (words), Antinous, noble though you are; for who of his own accord ever approaches and calls upon some stranger from abroad, unless he is one of those public workers, a seer, or a healer of ills (i.e. a physician), or a builder in timber (i.e. a carpenter), or even a divine minstrel, who can give delight when he sings? For such men are welcomed all over the world; but, of all the suitors, you are always the most harsh to Odysseus' servants, and especially to me in particular; but I care not, so long as Penelope, thoughtful (as she is) to me, and godlike Telemachus are living in the palace."

Then, wise Telemachus said to him in response: "Be quiet, do not, I bid you, exchange many words with this (man); for Antinous is ever wont to rouse (men) to anger in an evil manner with harsh words, and he stirs up the others too." 

So then he also spoke these winged words to Antinous: "Antinous, truly did you care well for me, like a father for his son, when you ordered the stranger to be driven from the palace with forceful words; may the god never allow that to happen. Take and give him (something yourself); I do not grudge you (that); indeed I urge (you to do it); so do not fear offending my mother in that respect, or any other of the servants, who are in the household of divine Odysseus. But you have no such thought in your mind; for you are far more inclined to eat yourself than to give to another."

Then, Antinous said to him in reply: "Telemachus, (you) braggart, with an irrepressible spirit, what a (thing) you have said. If all the wooers would hand him as much (as I have), then this house would keep him at a distance for three months." 

So he spoke, and he seized the footstool, on which he extended his shiny feet as he feasted, and drew it from under the table where it lay; but the rest (of them) all gave (gifts) and filled the leather bag with bread and bits of meat; now Odysseus was just about to go back to the threshold and to have made trial of the Achaeans without cost; but he paused beside Antinous, and said these words to him: "Give (me something), my friend; you do not seem to me to be the basest of the Achaeans, but the best (of them), since you look like a king. Therefore, it is also meet that you should give a better (portion) of food than the others; and I shall make you famous throughout the boundless earth. For I too once lived in a house among men, a rich (man) in a wealthy (house), and I often used to give to a vagrant such as myself, whoever he might be, and with whatever needs he might come. And I had slaves past counting, and many other (things), on account of which (men) live well and are reputed (to be) wealthy.   

Ll. 424-461. Antinous becomes angry. 

"But Zeus, son of Cronos, ruined my life - for he surely willed (it) - for he made me go to Epypt together with roving pirates (on) a long journey, so that I might be destroyed. And in the river of Egypt (i.e. the Nile) I moored my ships with their banks of oars on both sides. Then, in truth, I ordered my trusty comrades to remain there by the ships, and defend the ships, and I sent scouts to go in search of watch-towers. But they, giving way to wanton violence, and led on by their own vigour, began almost at once to ravage the very beautiful fields of the men of Egypt, and they carried off the women and little children, and slew the men; and their cry came quickly to the city. And, when they heard the shouting, the (people) came forth at the same time as dawn appeared; then the whole plain was filled with foot-soldiers and chariots and the flashing of bronze; and Zeus, who delights in thunder, threw my comrades into abject headlong flight, and no one had the courage to stand his ground against the foe; for threats surrounded (us) on every side. Then, they slew many of us with sharp bronze, and some they led inland alive, to work for them by compulsion. But me they gave to a friend to take to Cyprus, (namely) Dmetor, son of Iasus, who ruled Cyprus by force; and from there I have now come here in this (state), suffering much distress." 

Then, Antinous addressed him once more in reply: "What god has brought this pest here to spoil our dinner? Stand there in the middle far away from my table, lest you soon come to a sad kind of Egypt and Cyprus; what a bold and shameless beggar you are! You pester all (of us) in turn; and they give you (food) without thought, for no one (has) any restraint or scruple what it comes to giving freely of another man's (substance), since beside each man (there is) plenty."

Then, Odysseus, (the man) of many wiles, drew back and said to him: "Oh dear, it does not seem that your brains match your looks; you would not even give (a pinch of) salt from your larder to a retainer of yours, (you) who now sits at another man's (table) and cannot bring yourself to take a piece of his bread and give (it) to me; and yet there is plenty of it."

So he spoke, and Antinous waxed with anger right heartily, and, glancing (at him) from beneath (his brow), he spoke these winged words to him: "Now I do not think that you will go back and forth through this hall any longer in one piece, when you speak so critically."

Ll. 462-504. Odysseus is struck on the shoulder by a stool flung by Antinous. 

So he spoke, and, seizing the footstool, he flung (it at him and struck him on) the right shoulder, very low down near the back; but he stood firm just like a rock, nor did Antinous' missile make him reel, but he shook his head in silence, pondering evil (thoughts) in the depths of his mind. Then, he went back to the threshold and sat down, and he put down his well-filled leather bag, and spoke among the suitors (as follows): "Listen to me, (you) suitors of the illustrious queen, so that I may say what the heart in my breast bids (me). Verily, there is no pain of heart nor any grief, when a man is smitten fighting for his own property, whether for his oxen or his white sheep: but Antinous struck me for the sake of my wretched belly, that accursed (thing) that brings many evils upon men. But, if perhaps there are gods and (avenging) Furies for beggars, may the event of death come upon Antinous before his marriage."

Then, Antinous, the son of Eupeithes, addressed him again: "Sit still and eat, stranger, or go elsewhere, lest the young men shall drag you through the house by hand or foot and tear all (your skin) to ribbons, (because) you say such (things)."

So he spoke, but they were all filled with deep indignation; and so spoke one of the proud young men: "Antinous, (you did) not (do) well to strike that wretched vagrant, (and) accursed you would (surely) be, if perhaps he is some heavenly god. And gods in the guise of strangers from a foreign land do come in all kinds (of shapes) and visit the cities, observing both the wanton violence and the good order of men."    

So the suitors addressed (him), but he paid no attention to their words. And Telemachus nursed great grief in his heart at the smiting, but no tears fell to the ground from his eyelids, but he shook his head in silence, pondering evil (thoughts) in the depths of his mind. 

And so, when the very thoughtful Penelope heard of him being smitten in the hall, she spoke among her handmaids (as follows): "Would that Apollo the famous archer would smite you in the same manner as (you struck) him!" And again the housekeeper Eurynome said these words to her: "If only fulfilment might follow our prayers; not one of these (men) would reach Dawn on her beautiful throne." 

Then, the very thoughtful Penelope spoke to her again: "Enemies (are they) all, (dear) nurse, since they are hatching evil (plots); but Antinous especially is like black fate. Some wretched stranger roams through the house, begging men for alms; for want compels (him); there all the others filled his bag and gave (him gifts), but he (flung) a stool (and) struck (him) at the bottom of his right shoulder."   

Ll. 505-559. Penelope summons the stranger. 

So she spoke among her maidservants while sitting in her chamber; and the godlike Odysseus ate his meal; then, she called the goodly swineherd to her, and said: "Go, goodly Eumaeus, and tell the stranger to come hither, so that I may in some way greet him warmly and ask (him) whether he has perhaps heard of stout-hearted Odysseus or has seen him with his eyes; for he seems like (a man) who has wandered far."

To her then, swineherd Eumaeus, did you say in answer: "If only, (O) queen, the Achaeans would keep their silence; such (stories) does he tell as (indeed) would charm your very heart. For I had him for three nights, and for three days I kept (him) in my hut; for he came to me first, when he had escaped from his ship; but he had not yet brought to an end (the tale of) the sufferings of which he was speaking. And, as when a minstrel looks at a man, who sings lovely words taught to mortals by the gods, and they ceaselessly yearn to hear him, whenever he should sing; thus did he charm me as he sat in my hall. And he says that he is an old family friend of Odysseus, and that he lives in Crete, where is the race of Minos. From there he now comes here on this (journey), (ever) suffering woes as he wanders on and on; and he insists that he has heard of Odysseus close at hand and alive in the rich land of the men of Thesprotia; and he is bringing countless treasures to his home."

Then, wise Penelope said to him: "Go (and) call (him) here, so that he himself may tell (me) to my face. But let these (men) amuse themselves as they sit in my doorway or here in my house, since their hearts (are) merry. For their own possessions lie untouched in their homes, bread and sweet wine (that is); now their servants eat these (things), and they wander about in our (house) every day, sacrificing our oxen, and sheep and fat goats, and they recklessly revel in, and drink, the sweet wine; and this abundance is being exhausted. For (there is) no man such as Odysseus set up to stave off ruin from the house. But, if Odysseus were to return and come to his native-land, straightway would he, together with his son, take their vengeance on these men for their violent deeds."

As she finished speaking, Telemachus let out a loud sneeze, and it reverberated fearfully around the house; and Penelope laughed and immediately said these winged words to Eumaeus: "Go and call the stranger to me here face to face. Did you not notice that my son sneezed over all my words? So may endless death come upon the wooers, absolutely all (of them), nor shall any (of them) escape death and the fates. And another (thing) will I tell you, and do you keep (it) in your heart: if I should find that he is speaking all things truthfully, I shall clad him in the fine raiment of a cloak and tunic."

So she spoke, and the swineherd went his way when he heard these words; and coming up close (to him), he spoke these winged words: "Dear friend, Telemachus' mother, wise Penelope, summons you; her heart bids her ask (you) some (questions) about her husband, stricken with sorrows as she is. And, if she should find that you speak all (things) truthfully, she will clothe you in a cloak and tunic, the things of which you are most in need; and, as for food, you will feed your belly (by) begging (for it) in the town; and whoever wishes (to do so) will give (it) to you."

Ll. 560-606. Odysseus postpones his meeting with Penelope.

Then, the much-enduring godlike Odysseus said to him: "Eumaeus, soon I shall tell all the truth to the daughter of Icarius, wise Penelope; for well do I know about this (man) and the common affliction we have borne. But I am afraid of this throng of harsh suitors, whose insolence and violence reach the iron sky. For even now, when, as I was going through the hall doing no one any harm, this man struck me and caused (me) pain, neither Telemachus nor anyone else was able to do anything to prevent it. So now ask Penelope, eager though (she is) to see me, to wait in the halls till sunset; and then let her ask me about the day of her husband's return, as she sits me closer to the fire; for, look, the raiment (that) I wear (is) mean; now, this you know yourself, since I previously approached you as a suppliant."

So he spoke, and the swineherd went back, when he heard these words. And, as he went over the threshold, Penelope said to him: "You do not bring (him), Eumaeus; what did the vagabond mean by this? Is he excessively afraid of someone, perhaps, or does he feel shame in the house for some other reason (than fear)? But  a bad (thing it is) for a vagabond (to be) shame-faced."  

To her, then, swineherd Eumaeus, did you say in reply: "He says quite rightly such (things) as any other (man) wishing to avoid the wanton violence of these most insolent men would think. But he bids you wait till the setting of the sun. For you yourself, O queen, it is so much better to speak to the stranger and to hear his words alone." Then, the wise Penelope answered him: "The stranger (is) not without wisdom; he foresees how it may turn out; for, in my view, (there are) no (other) mortal men who devise such evil (schemes) as these insolent men (do) here."

So she spoke, and the goodly swineherd went his way into the throng of the suitors, when he had told (her) everything. And at once he spoke these winged words to Telemachus, holding his head close (to his), so that the others might not hear (what they were saying): "O friend, I am going forth to guard the swine and the (things) that are there (on the farm), your livelihood and mine; but do you take charge of everything here. Keep yourself safe first of all, and beware lest some (ill) should befall (you); for many of the Achaeans are devising evil (schemes), and may Zeus utterly destroy them before any harm can come to us."

Then, wise Telemachus said to him in reply: "So shall it be, old boy; go your way when you have supped;  and come in the morning and bring some fine victims; but everything here is of concern to me and the immortals."

So he spoke, and the (swineherd) sat down again on the well-polished bench, and, when he had satisfied his desire for food and drink, he went on his way back to the pigs, and left the courts and the hall full of guests; and they were enjoying their dancing and singing, for the evening of the day had already come upon (them). 

  

  

 

 

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.