BOOK XVI.

Such contest for that gallant bark they waged. Meantime Patroclus, standing at the side Of the illustrious Chief Achilles, wept Fast as a crystal fountain from the height Of some rude rock pours down its rapid[1] stream.5 Divine Achilles with compassion moved Mark’d him, and in wing’d accents thus began.[2] Who weeps Patroclus like an infant girl Who, running at her mother’s side, entreats To be uplifted in her arms? She grasps10 Her mantle, checks her haste, and looking up With tearful eyes, pleads earnest to be borne; So fall, Patroclus! thy unceasing tears. Bring’st thou to me or to my people aught Afflictive? Hast thou mournful tidings learn’d15 Prom Phthia, trusted to thy ear alone? Menœtius, son of Actor, as they say, Still lives; still lives his Myrmidons among Peleus Æacides; whom, were they dead, With cause sufficient we should both deplore.20 Or weep’st thou the Achaians at the ships Perishing, for their outrage done to me? Speak. Name thy trouble. I would learn the cause To whom, deep-sorrowing, thou didst reply, Patroclus! Oh Achilles, Peleus’ son!25 Noblest of all our host! bear with my grief, Since such distress hath on the Grecians fallen. The bravest of their ships disabled lie, Some wounded from afar, some hand to hand. Diomede, warlike son of Tydeus, bleeds,30 Gall’d by a shaft; Ulysses, glorious Chief, And Agamemnon suffer by the spear, And brave Eurypylus an arrow-point Bears in his thigh. These all, are now the care Of healing hands. Oh thou art pity-proof,35 Achilles! be my bosom ever free From anger such as harbor finds in thine, Scorning all limits! whom, of men unborn, Hereafter wilt thou save, from whom avert Disgrace, if not from the Achaians now?40 Ah ruthless! neither Peleus thee begat, Nor Thetis bore, but rugged rocks sublime, And roaring billows blue gave birth to thee, Who bear’st a mind that knows not to relent, But, if some prophecy alarm thy fears,45 If from thy Goddess-mother thou have aught Received, and with authority of Jove, Me send at least, me quickly, and with me The Myrmidons. A dawn of cheerful hope Shall thence, it may be, on the Greeks arise.50 Grant me thine armor also, that the foe Thyself supposing present, may abstain From battle, and the weary Greeks enjoy Short respite; it is all that war allows. We, fresh and vigorous, by our shouts alone55 May easily repulse an army spent With labor from the camp, and from the fleet, Such suit he made, alas! all unforewarn’d That his own death should be the bitter fruit, And thus Achilles, sorrowful, replied.60 Patroclus, noble friend! what hast thou spoken? Me neither prophesy that I have heard Holds in suspense, nor aught that I have learn’d From Thetis with authority of Jove! Hence springs, and hence alone, my grief of heart;65 If one, in nought superior to myself Save in his office only, should by force Amerce me of my well-earn’d recompense— How then? There lies the grief that stings my soul. The virgin chosen for me by the sons70 Of Greece, my just reward, by my own spear Obtain’d when I Eëtion’s city took, Her, Agamemnon, leader of the host From my possession wrung, as I had been Some alien wretch, unhonor’d and unknown.75 But let it pass; anger is not a flame To feed for ever; I affirm’d, indeed, Mine inextinguishable till the shout Of battle should invade my proper barks; But thou put on my glorious arms, lead forth80 My valiant Myrmidons, since such a cloud, So dark, of dire hostility surrounds The fleet, and the Achaians, by the waves Hemm’d in, are prison’d now in narrow space. Because the Trojans meet not in the field85 My dazzling helmet, therefore bolder grown All Ilium comes abroad; but had I found Kindness at royal Agamemnon’s hands, Soon had they fled, and with their bodies chok’d The streams, from whom ourselves now suffer siege90 For in the hands of Diomede his spear No longer rages rescuing from death The afflicted Danaï, nor hear I more The voice of Agamemnon issuing harsh From his detested throat, but all around95 The burst[3] of homicidal Hector’s cries, Calling his Trojans on; they loud insult The vanquish’d Greeks, and claim the field their own. Go therefore, my Patroclus; furious fall On these assailants, even now preserve100 From fire the only hope of our return. But hear the sum of all; mark well my word; So shalt thou glorify me in the eyes Of all the Danaï, and they shall yield Brisëis mine, with many a gift beside.105 The Trojans from the fleet expell’d, return. Should Juno’s awful spouse give thee to win Victory, be content; seek not to press The Trojans without me, for thou shalt add Still more to the disgrace already mine.[4]110 Much less, by martial ardor urged, conduct Thy slaughtering legions to the walls of Troy, Lest some immortal power on her behalf Descend, for much the Archer of the skies Loves Ilium. No—the fleet once saved, lead back115 Thy band, and leave the battle to themselves. For oh, by all the powers of heaven I would That not one Trojan might escape of all, Nor yet a Grecian, but that we, from death Ourselves escaping, might survive to spread120 Troy’s sacred bulwarks on the ground, alone. Thus they conferr’d. [5]But Ajax overwhelm’d Meantime with darts, no longer could endure, Quell’d both by Jupiter and by the spears Of many a noble Trojan; hideous rang125 His batter’d helmet bright, stroke after stroke Sustaining on all sides, and his left arm That had so long shifted from side to side His restless shield, now fail’d; yet could not all Displace him with united force, or move.130 Quick pantings heaved his chest, copious the sweat Trickled from all his limbs, nor found he time, However short, to breathe again, so close Evil on evil heap’d hemm’d him around. Olympian Muses! now declare, how first135 The fire was kindled in Achaia’s fleet? Hector the ashen lance of Ajax smote With his broad falchion, at the nether end, And lopp’d it sheer. The Telamonian Chief His mutilated beam brandish’d in vain,140 And the bright point shrill-sounding-fell remote. Then Ajax in his noble mind perceived, Shuddering with awe, the interposing power Of heaven, and that, propitious to the arms Of Troy, the Thunderer had ordain’d to mar145 And frustrate all the counsels of the Greeks. He left his stand; they fired the gallant bark; Through all her length the conflagration ran Incontinent, and wrapp’d her stern in flames. Achilles saw them, smote his thighs, and said,150 Patroclus, noble charioteer, arise! I see the rapid run of hostile fires Already in the fleet—lest all be lost, And our return impossible, arm, arm This moment; I will call, myself, the band.155 Then put Patroclus on his radiant arms. Around his legs his polish’d greaves he clasp’d, With argent studs secured; the hauberk rich Star-spangled to his breast he bound of swift Æacides; he slung his brazen sword160 With silver bright emboss’d, and his broad shield Ponderous; on his noble head his casque He settled elegant, whose lofty crest Waved dreadful o’er his brows, and last he seized Well fitted to his gripe two sturdy spears.165 Of all Achilles’ arms his spear alone He took not; that huge beam, of bulk and length Enormous, none, Æacides except, In all Achaia’s host had power to wield. It was that Pelian ash which from the top170 Of Pelion hewn that it might prove the death Of heroes, Chiron had to Peleus given. He bade Automedon his coursers bind Speedily to the yoke, for him he loved Next to Achilles most, as worthiest found175 Of trust, what time the battle loudest roar’d. Then led Automedon the fiery steeds Swift as wing’d tempests to the chariot-yoke, Xanthus and Balius. Them the harpy bore Podarge, while in meadows green she fed180 On Ocean’s side, to Zephyrus the wind. To these he added, at their side, a third, The noble Pedasus; him Peleus’ son, Eëtion’s city taken, thence had brought, Though mortal, yet a match for steeds divine.185 Meantime from every tent Achilles call’d And arm’d his Myrmidons. As wolves that gorge The prey yet panting, terrible in force, When on the mountains wild they have devour’d An antler’d stag new-slain, with bloody jaws190 Troop all at once to some clear fountain, there To lap with slender tongues the brimming wave; No fears have they, but at their ease eject From full maws flatulent the clotted gore; Such seem’d the Myrmidon heroic Chiefs195 Assembling fast around the valiant friend Of swift Æacides. Amid them stood Warlike Achilles, the well-shielded ranks Exhorting, and the steeds, to glorious war. The galleys by Achilles dear to Jove200 Commanded, when to Ilium’s coast he steer’d, Were fifty; fifty rowers sat in each, And five, in whom he trusted, o’er the rest He captains named, but ruled, himself, supreme. One band Menestheus swift in battle led,205 Offspring of Sperchius heaven-descended stream. Him Polydora, Peleus’ daughter, bore To ever-flowing Sperchius, compress’d, Although a mortal woman, by a God. But his reputed father was the son210 Of Perieres, Borus, who with dower Enrich’d, and made her openly his bride. Warlike Eudorus led the second band. Him Polymela, graceful in the dance, And daughter beautiful of Phylas, bore,215 A mother unsuspected of a child. Her worshiping the golden-shafted Queen Diana, in full choir, with song and dance, The valiant Argicide[6] beheld and loved. Ascending with her to an upper room,220 All-bounteous Mercury[7] clandestine there Embraced her, who a noble son produced Eudorus, swift to run, and bold in fight. No sooner Ilithya, arbitress Of pangs puerperal, had given him birth,225 And he beheld the beaming sun, than her Echechleus, Actor’s mighty son, enrich’d With countless dower, and led her to his home; While ancient Phylas, cherishing her boy With fond affection, reared him as his own.230 The third brave troop warlike Pisander led, Offspring of Maimalus; he far excell’d In spear-fight every Myrmidon, the friend Of Peleus’ dauntless son alone except. The hoary Phœnix of equestrian fame235 The fourth band led to battle, and the fifth Laërceus’ offspring, bold Alcimedon. Thus, all his bands beneath their proper Chiefs Marshall’d, Achilles gave them strict command— Myrmidons! all that vengeance now inflict,240 Which in this fleet ye ceased not to denounce Against the Trojans while my wrath endured. Me censuring, ye have proclaim’d me oft Obdurate. Oh Achilles! ye have said, Thee not with milk thy mother but with bile245 Suckled, who hold’st thy people here in camp Thus long imprison’d. Unrelenting Chief! Even let us hence in our sea-skimming barks To Phthia, since thou can’st not be appeased— Thus in full council have ye spoken oft.250 Now, therefore, since a day of glorious toil At last appears, such as ye have desired, There lies the field—go—give your courage proof. So them he roused, and they, their leader’s voice Hearing elate, to closest order drew.255 As when an architect some palace wall With shapely stones upbuilds, cementing close A barrier against all the winds of heaven, So wedged, the helmets and boss’d bucklers stood; Shield, helmet, man, press’d helmet, man, and shield,260 And every bright-arm’d warrior’s bushy crest Its fellow swept, so dense was their array. In front of all, two Chiefs their station took, Patroclus and Automedon; one mind In both prevail’d, to combat in the van265 Of all the Myrmidons. Achilles, then, Retiring to his tent, displaced the lid Of a capacious chest magnificent By silver-footed Thetis stow’d on board His bark, and fill’d with tunics, mantles warm,270 And gorgeous arras; there he also kept Secure a goblet exquisitely wrought, Which never lip touched save his own, and whence He offer’d only to the Sire of all. That cup producing from the chest, he first275 With sulphur fumed it, then with water rinsed Pellucid of the running stream, and, last (His hands clean laved) he charged it high with wine. And now, advancing to his middle court, He pour’d libation, and with eyes to heaven280 Uplifted pray’d,[8] of Jove not unobserved. Pelasgian, Dodonæan Jove supreme, Dwelling remote, who on Dodona’s heights Snow-clad reign’st Sovereign, by thy seers around Compass’d the Selli, prophets vow-constrain’d285 To unwash’d feet and slumbers on the ground! Plain I behold my former prayer perform’d, Myself exalted, and the Greeks abased. Now also grant me, Jove, this my desire! Here, in my fleet, I shall myself abide,290 But lo! with all these Myrmidons I send My friend to battle. Thunder-rolling Jove, Send glory with him, make his courage firm! That even Hector may himself be taught, If my companion have a valiant heart295 When he goes forth alone, or only then The noble frenzy feels that Mars inspires When I rush also to the glorious field. But when he shall have driven the battle-shout Once from the fleet, grant him with all his arms,300 None lost, himself unhurt, and my whole band Of dauntless warriors with him, safe return! Such prayer Achilles offer’d, and his suit Jove hearing, part confirm’d, and part refused; To chase the dreadful battle from the fleet305 He gave him, but vouchsafed him no return. Prayer and libation thus perform’d to Jove The Sire of all, Achilles to his tent Return’d, replaced the goblet in his chest, And anxious still that conflict to behold310 Between the hosts, stood forth before his tent. Then rush’d the bands by brave Patroclus led, Full on the Trojan host. As wasps forsake Their home by the way-side, provoked by boys Disturbing inconsiderate their abode,315 Not without nuisance sore to all who pass, For if, thenceforth, some traveller unaware Annoy them, issuing one and all they swarm Around him, fearless in their broods’ defence, So issued from their fleet the Myrmidons320 Undaunted; clamor infinite arose, And thus Patroclus loud his host address’d. Oh Myrmidons, attendants in the field On Peleus’ son, now be ye men, my friends! Call now to mind the fury of your might;325 That we, close-fighting servants of the Chief Most excellent in all the camp of Greece, May glory gain for him, and that the wide- Commanding Agamemnon, Atreus’ son, May learn his fault, that he dishonor’d foul330 The prince in whom Achaia glories most. So saying he fired their hearts, and on the van Of Troy at once they fell; loud shouted all The joyful Grecians, and the navy rang. Then, soon as Ilium’s host the valiant son335 Saw of Menœtius and his charioteer In dazzling armor clad, all courage lost, Their closest ranks gave way, believing sure That, wrath renounced, and terms of friendship chosen, Achilles’ self was there; thus thinking, each340 Look’d every way for refuge from his fate. Patroclus first, where thickest throng he saw Gather’d tumultuous around the bark Of brave Protesilaüs, hurl’d direct At the whole multitude his glittering spear.345 He smote Pyræchmes; he his horsemen band Pœonian led from Amydon, and from Broad-flowing Axius. In his shoulder stood The spear, and with loud groans supine he fell. At once fled all his followers, on all sides350 With consternation fill’d, seeing their Chief And their best warrior, by Patroclus slain. Forth from the fleet he drove them, quench’d the flames, And rescued half the ship. Then scatter’d fled With infinite uproar the host of Troy,355 While from between their ships the Danaï Pour’d after them, and hideous rout ensued. As when the king of lightnings, Jove, dispels From some huge eminence a gloomy cloud, The groves, the mountain-tops, the headland heights360 Shine all, illumined from the boundless heaven, So when the Danaï those hostile fires Had from their fleet expell’d, awhile they breathed, Yet found short respite, for the battle yet Ceased not, nor fled the Trojans in all parts365 Alike, but still resisted, from the ships Retiring through necessity alone. Then, in that scatter’d warfare, every Chief Slew one. While Areïlochus his back Turn’d on Patroclus, sudden with a lance370 His thigh he pierced, and urged the weapon through, Shivering the bone; he headlong smote the ground. The hero Menelaus, where he saw The breast of Thoas by his slanting shield Unguarded, struck and stretch’d him at his feet.375 Phylides,[9] meeting with preventive spear The furious onset of Amphiclus, gash’d His leg below the knee, where brawny most The muscles swell in man; disparted wide The tendons shrank, and darkness veil’d his eyes.380 The two Nestoridæ slew each a Chief. Of these, Antilochus Atymnius pierced Right through his flank, and at his feet he fell. With fierce resentment fired Maris beheld His brother’s fall, and guarding, spear in hand,385 The slain, impetuous on the conqueror flew; But godlike Thrasymedes[10] wounded first Maris, ere he Antilochus; he pierced His upper arm, and with the lance’s point Rent off and stript the muscles to the bone.390 Sounding he fell, and darkness veil’d his eyes. They thus, two brothers by two brothers slain, Went down to Erebus, associates both Of brave Sarpedon, and spear-practised sons Of Amisodarus; of him who fed395 Chimæra,[11] monster, by whom many died. Ajax the swift on Cleobulus sprang, Whom while he toil’d entangled in the crowd, He seized alive, but smote him where he stood With his huge-hafted sword full on the neck;400 The blood warm’d all his blade, and ruthless fate Benighted dark the dying warrior’s eyes. Peneleus into close contention rush’d And Lycon. Each had hurl’d his glittering spear, But each in vain, and now with swords they met.405 He smote Peneleus on the crested casque, But snapp’d his falchion; him Peneleus smote Beneath his ear; the whole blade entering sank Into his neck, and Lycon with his head Depending by the skin alone, expired.410 Meriones o’ertaking Acamas Ere yet he could ascend his chariot, thrust A lance into his shoulder; down he fell In dreary death’s eternal darkness whelm’d. Idomeneus his ruthless spear enforced415 Into the mouth of Erymas. The point Stay’d not, but gliding close beneath the brain, Transpierced his spine,[12] and started forth beyond. It wrench’d his teeth, and fill’d his eyes with blood; Blood also blowing through his open mouth420 And nostrils, to the realms of death he pass’d. Thus slew these Grecian leaders, each, a foe. Sudden as hungry wolves the kids purloin Or lambs, which haply some unheeding swain Hath left to roam at large the mountains wild;425 They, seeing, snatch them from beside the dams, And rend incontinent the feeble prey, So swift the Danaï the host assail’d Of Ilium; they, into tumultuous flight Together driven, all hope, all courage lost.430 Huge Ajax ceaseless sought his spear to cast At Hector brazen-mail’d, who, not untaught The warrior’s art, with bull-hide buckler stood Sheltering his ample shoulders, while he mark’d The hiss of flying shafts and crash of spears.435 Full sure he saw the shifting course of war Now turn’d, but scorning flight, bent all his thoughts To rescue yet the remnant of his friends. As when the Thunderer spreads a sable storm O’er ether, late serene, the cloud that wrapp’d440 Olympus’ head escapes into the skies, So fled the Trojans from the fleet of Greece Clamoring in their flight, nor pass’d the trench In fair array; the coursers fleet indeed Of Hector, him bore safe with all his arms445 Right through, but in the foss entangled foul He left his host, and struggling to escape. Then many a chariot-whirling steed, the pole Broken at its extremity, forsook His driver, while Patroclus with the shout450 Of battle calling his Achaians on, Destruction purposed to the powers of Troy. They, once dispersed, with clamor and with flight Fill’d all the ways, the dust beneath the clouds Hung like a tempest, and the steeds firm-hoof’d455 Whirl’d off at stretch the chariots to the town. He, wheresoe’er most troubled he perceived The routed host, loud-threatening thither drove, While under his own axle many a Chief Fell prone, and the o’ertumbled chariots rang.460 Right o’er the hollow foss the coursers leap’d Immortal, by the Gods to Peleus given, Impatient for the plain, nor less desire Felt he who drove to smite the Trojan Chief, But him his fiery steeds caught swift away.465 As when a tempest from autumnal skies Floats all the fields, what time Jove heaviest pours Impetuous rain, token of wrath divine Against perverters of the laws by force, Who drive forth justice, reckless of the Gods;470 The rivers and the torrents, where they dwell, Sweep many a green declivity away, And plunge at length, groaning, into the Deep From the hills headlong, leaving where they pass’d No traces of the pleasant works of man,475 So, in their flight, loud groan’d the steeds of Troy. And now, their foremost intercepted all, Patroclus back again toward the fleet Drove them precipitate, nor the ascent Permitted them to Troy for which they strove,480 But in the midway space between the ships The river and the lofty Trojan wall Pursued them ardent, slaughtering whom he reached, And vengeance took for many a Grecian slain. First then, with glittering spear the breast he pierced485 Of Pronöus, undefended by his shield, And stretch’d him dead; loud rang his batter’d arms. The son of Enops, Thestor next he smote. He on his chariot-seat magnificent Low-cowering sat, a fear-distracted form,490 And from his palsied grasp the reins had fallen. Then came Patroclus nigh, and through his cheek His teeth transpiercing, drew him by his lance Sheer o’er the chariot front. As when a man On some projecting rock seated, with line495 And splendid hook draws forth a sea-fish huge, So him wide-gaping from his seat he drew At his spear-point, then shook him to the ground Prone on his face, where gasping he expired. At Eryalus, next, advancing swift500 He hurl’d a rock; full on the middle front He smote him, and within the ponderous casque His whole head open’d into equal halves. With deadliest night surrounded, prone he fell. Epaltes, Erymas, Amphoterus,505 Echius, Tlepolemus Damastor’s son, Evippus, Ipheus, Pyres, Polymelus, All these he on the champain, corse on corse Promiscuous flung. Sarpedon, when he saw Such havoc made of his uncinctured[13] friends510 By Menœtiades, with sharp rebuke His band of godlike Lycians loud address’d. Shame on you, Lycians! whither would ye fly? Now are ye swift indeed! I will oppose Myself this conqueror, that I may learn515 Who thus afflicts the Trojan host, of life Bereaving numerous of their warriors bold. He said, and with his arms leap’d to the ground. On the other side, Patroclus at that sight Sprang from his chariot. As two vultures clash520 Bow-beak’d, crook-talon’d, on some lofty rock Clamoring both, so they together rush’d With clamors loud; whom when the son observed Of wily Saturn, with compassion moved His sister and his spouse he thus bespake.525 Alas, he falls! my most beloved of men Sarpedon, vanquished by Patroclus, falls! So will the Fates. Yet, doubtful, much I muse Whether to place him, snatch’d from furious fight In Lycia’s wealthy realm, or to permit530 His death by valiant Menœtiades. To whom his awful spouse, displeased, replied. How speaks the terrible Saturnian Jove! Wouldst thou again from pangs of death exempt A mortal man, destined long since to die?535 Do it. But small thy praise shall be in heaven, Mark thou my words, and in thy inmost breast Treasure them. If thou send Sarpedon safe To his own home, how many Gods _their_ sons May also send from battle? Weigh it well.540 For under yon great city fight no few Sprung from Immortals whom thou shalt provoke. But if thou love him, and thine heart his lot Commiserate, leave him by the hands to fall Of Menœtiades in conflict dire;545 But give command to Death and gentle Sleep That him of life bereft at once they bear To Lycia’s ample realm,[14] where, with due rites Funereal, his next kindred and his friends Shall honor him, a pillar and a tomb550 (The dead man’s portion) rearing to his name. She said, from whom the Sire of Gods and men Dissented not, but on the earth distill’d A sanguine shower in honor of a son Dear to him, whom Patroclus on the field555 Of fruitful Troy should slay, far from his home. Opposite now, small interval between, Those heroes stood. Patroclus at his waist Pierced Thrasymelus the illustrious friend Of King Sarpedon, and his charioteer.560 Spear’d through the lower bowels, dead he fell. Then hurl’d Sarpedon in his turn a lance, But miss’d Patroclus and the shoulder pierced Of Pedasus the horse; he groaning heaved His spirit forth, and fallen on the field565 In long loud moanings sorrowful expired. Wide started the immortal pair; the yoke Creak’d, and entanglement of reins ensued To both, their fellow slaughter’d at their side. That mischief soon Automedon redress’d.570 He rose, and from beside his sturdy thigh Drawing his falchion, with effectual stroke Cut loose the side-horse; then the pair reduced To order, in their traces stood composed, And the two heroes fierce engaged again.575 Again his radiant spear Sarpedon hurl’d, But miss’d Patroclus; the innocuous point, O’erflying his left shoulder, pass’d beyond. Then with bright lance Patroclus in his turn Assail’d Sarpedon, nor with erring course580 The weapon sped or vain, but pierced profound His chest, enclosure of the guarded heart. As falls an oak, poplar, or lofty pine With new-edged axes on the mountains hewn Right through, for structure of some gallant bark,585 So fell Sarpedon stretch’d his steeds before And gnash’d his teeth and clutch’d the bloody dust, And as a lion slays a tawny bull Leader magnanimous of all the herd; Beneath the lion’s jaws groaning he dies;590 So, leader of the shielded Lycians groan’d Indignant, by Patroclus slain, the bold Sarpedon, and his friend thus, sad, bespake. Glaucus, my friend, among these warring Chiefs Thyself a Chief illustrious! thou hast need595 Of all thy valor now; now strenuous fight, And, if thou bear within thee a brave mind, Now make the war’s calamities thy joy. First, marching through the host of Lycia, rouse Our Chiefs to combat for Sarpedon slain,600 Then haste, thyself, to battle for thy friend. For shame and foul dishonor which no time Shall e’er obliterate, I must prove to thee, Should the Achaians of my glorious arms Despoil me in full prospect[15] of the fleet.605 Fight, therefore, thou, and others urge to fight. He said, and cover’d by the night of death, Nor look’d nor breath’d again; for on his chest Implanting firm his heel, Patroclus drew The spear enfolded with his vitals forth,610 Weapon and life at once. Meantime his steeds Snorted, by Myrmidons detain’d, and, loosed From their own master’s chariot, foam’d to fly. Terrible was the grief by Glaucus felt, Hearing that charge, and troubled was his heart615 That all power fail’d him to protect the dead. Compressing his own arm he stood, with pain Extreme tormented which the shaft had caused Of Teucer, who while Glaucus climb’d the wall, Had pierced him from it, in the fleet’s defence.620 Then, thus, to Phœbus, King shaft-arm’d, he pray’d. Hear now, O King! For whether in the land Of wealthy Lycia dwelling, or in Troy, Thou hear’st in every place alike the prayer Of the afflicted heart, and such is mine;625 Behold my wound; it fills my useless hand With anguish, neither can my blood be stay’d, And all my shoulder suffers. I can grasp A spear, or rush to conflict with the Greeks No longer now; and we have also lost630 Our noblest Chief, Sarpedon, son of Jove, Who guards not his own son. But thou, O King! Heal me, assuage my anguish, give me strength, That I may animate the Lycian host To fight, and may, myself, defend the dead!635 Such prayer he offer’d, whom Apollo heard; He eased at once his pain, the sable blood Staunch’d, and his soul with vigor new inspired. Then Glaucus in his heart that prayer perceived Granted, and joyful for the sudden aid640 Vouchsafed to him by Phœbus, first the lines Of Lycia ranged, summoning every Chief To fight for slain Sarpedon; striding next With eager haste into the ranks of Troy, Renown’d Agenor and the son he call’d645 Of Panthus, brave Polydamas, with whom Æneas also, and approaching last To Hector brazen-mail’d him thus bespake. Now, Hector! now, thou hast indeed resign’d All care of thy allies, who, for thy sake,650 Lost both to friends and country, on these plains Perish, unaided and unmiss’d by thee. Sarpedon breathless lies, who led to fight Our shielded bands, and from whose just control And courage Lycia drew her chief defence.655 Him brazen Mars hath by the spear subdued Of Menœtiades. But stand ye firm! Let indignation fire you, O my friends! Lest, stripping him of his resplendent arms, The Myrmidons with foul dishonor shame660 His body, through resentment of the deaths Of numerous Grecians slain by spears of ours. He ceased; then sorrow every Trojan heart Seized insupportable and that disdain’d All bounds, for that, although a stranger born,665 Sarpedon ever had a bulwark proved To Troy, the leader of a numerous host, And of that host by none in fight excell’d. Right on toward the Danaï they moved Ardent for battle all, and at their head670 Enraged for slain Sarpedon, Hector came. Meantime, stout-hearted[16] Chief, Patroclus roused The Grecians, and exhorting first (themselves Already prompt) the Ajaces, thus began. Heroic pair! now make it all your joy675 To chase the Trojan host, and such to prove As erst, or even bolder, if ye may. The Chief lies breathless who ascended first Our wall, Sarpedon. Let us bear him hence, Strip and dishonor him, and in the blood680 Of his protectors drench the ruthless spear. So Menœtiades his warriors urged, Themselves courageous. Then the Lycian host And Trojan here, and there the Myrmidons With all the host of Greece, closing the ranks685 Rush’d into furious contest for the dead, Shouting tremendous; clang’d their brazen arms, And Jove with Night’s pernicious shades[17] o’erhung The bloody field, so to enhance the more Their toilsome strife for his own son. First then690 The Trojans from their place and order shock’d The bright-eyed Grecians, slaying not the least Nor worst among the Myrmidons, the brave Epigeus from renown’d Agacles sprung. He, erst, in populous Budeum ruled,695 But for a valiant kinsman of his own Whom there he slew, had thence to Peleus fled And to his silver-footed spouse divine, Who with Achilles, phalanx-breaker Chief, Sent him to fight beneath the walls of Troy.700 Him seizing fast the body, with a stone Illustrious Hector smote full on the front, And his whole skull within the ponderous casque Split sheer; he prostrate on the body fell In shades of soul-divorcing death involved.705 Patroclus, grieving for his slaughter’d friend, Rush’d through the foremost warriors. As the hawk Swift-wing’d before him starlings drives or daws, So thou, Patroclus, of equestrian fame! Full on the Lycian ranks and Trojan drov’st,710 Resentful of thy fellow-warrior’s fall. At Sthenelaüs a huge stone he cast, Son of Ithæmenes, whom on the neck He smote and burst the tendons; then the van Of Ilium’s host, with Hector, all retired.715 Far as the slender javelin cuts the air Hurl’d with collected force, or in the games, Or even in battle at a desperate foe, So far the Greeks repulsed the host of Troy. Then Glaucus first, Chief of the shielded bands720 Of Lycia, slew Bathycles, valiant son Of Calchon; Hellas was his home, and far He pass’d in riches all the Myrmidons. Him chasing Glaucus whom he now attain’d, The Lycian, turning sudden, with his lance725 Pierced through the breast, and, sounding, down he fell Grief fill’d Achaia’s sons for such a Chief So slain, but joy the Trojans; thick they throng’d The conqueror around, nor yet the Greeks Forgat their force, but resolute advanced.730 Then, by Meriones a Trojan died Of noble rank, Laogonus, the son Undaunted of Onetor great in Troy, Priest of Idæan Jove. The ear and jaw Between, he pierced him with a mortal force;735 Swift flew the life, and darkness veil’d his eyes. Æneas, in return, his brazen spear Hurl’d at Meriones with ardent hope To pierce him, while, with nimble[18] steps and short Behind his buckler made, he paced the field;740 But, warn’d of its approach, Meriones Bow’d low his head, shunning it, and the spear Behind him pierced the soil; there quivering stood The weapon, vain, though from a vigorous arm, Till spent by slow degrees its fury slept.745 * * * * * * * * * *[19] Indignant then Æneas thus exclaim’d.

Meriones! I sent thee such a spear As reaching thee, should have for ever marr’d750 Thy step, accomplish’d dancer as thou art. To whom Meriones spear-famed replied. Æneas! thou wilt find the labor hard How great soe’er thy might, to quell the force Of all opposers. Thou art also doom’d755 Thyself to die; and may but spear of mine Well-aim’d once strike thee full, what strength soe’er Or magnanimity be thine to boast, Thy glory in that moment thou resign’st To me, thy soul to Pluto steed-renown’d.760 He said, but him Patroclus sharp reproved. Why speaks Meriones, although in fight Approved, thus proudly? Nay, my gallant friend! The Trojans will not for reproach of ours Renounce the body. Blood must first be spilt.765 Tongues in debate, but hands in war decide; Deeds therefore now, not wordy vaunts, we need. So saying he led the way, whom follow’d close Godlike Meriones. As from the depth Of some lone wood that clothes the mountain’s side770 The fellers at their toil are heard remote, So, from the face of Ilium’s ample plain Reverberated, was the din of brass And of tough targets heard by falchions huge Hard-smitten, and by spears of double-edge.775 None then, no, not the quickest to discern, Had known divine Sarpedon, from his head To his foot-sole with mingled blood and dust Polluted, and o’erwhelm’d with weapons. They Around the body swarm’d. As hovel-flies780 In spring-time buzz around the brimming pails With milk bedew’d, so they around the dead. Nor Jove averted once his glorious eyes From that dread contest, but with watchful note Marked all, the future death in battle deep785 Pondering of Patroclus, whether him Hector should even now slay on divine Sarpedon, and despoil him of his arms, Or he should still that arduous strife prolong. This counsel gain’d as eligible most790 At length his preference: that the valiant friend Of Peleus’ son should yet again compel The Trojan host with Hector brazen-mail’d To Ilium, slaughtering numerous by the way. First then, with fears unmanly he possess’d795 The heart of Hector; mounting to his seat He turn’d to flight himself, and bade his host Fly also; for he knew Jove’s purpose[20] changed. Thenceforth, no longer even Lycia’s host Endured, but all fled scatter’d, seeing pierced800 Their sovereign through his heart, and heap’d with dead; For numerous, while Saturnian Jove the fight Held in suspense, had on his body fallen. At once the Grecians of his dazzling arms Despoil’d Sarpedon, which the Myrmidons805 By order of Menœtius’ valiant son Bore thence into the fleet. Meantime his will The Thunderer to Apollo thus express’d. Phœbus, my son, delay not; from beneath Yon hill of weapons drawn cleanse from his blood810 Sarpedon’s corse; then, bearing him remote, Lave him in waters of the running stream, With oils divine anoint, and in attire Immortal clothe him. Last, to Death and Sleep, Swift bearers both, twin-born, deliver him;815 For hence to Lycia’s opulent abodes They shall transport him quickly, where, with rites Funereal, his next kindred and his friends Shall honor him, a pillar and a tomb (The dead man’s portion) rearing to his name.820 He ceased; nor was Apollo slow to hear His father’s will, but, from the Idæan heights Descending swift into the dreadful field, Godlike Sarpedon’s body from beneath The hill of weapons drew, which, borne remote,825 He laved in waters of the running stream, With oils ambrosial bathed, and clothed in robes Immortal. Then to Death and gentle Sleep, Swift-bearers both, twin-born, he gave the charge, Who placed it soon in Lycia’s wealthy realm.830 Meantime Patroclus, calling to his steeds, And to Automedon, the Trojans chased And Lycians, on his own destruction bent Infatuate; heedless of his charge received From Peleus’ son, which, well perform’d, had saved835 The hero from his miserable doom. But Jove’s high purpose evermore prevails Against the thoughts of man; he turns to flight The bravest, and the victory takes with ease E’en from the Chief whom he impels himself840 To battle, as he now this Chief impell’d. Who, then, Patroclus! first, who last by thee Fell slain, what time thyself was call’d to die? Adrastus first, then Perimus he slew, Offspring of Megas, then Autonoüs,845 Echechlus, Melanippus, and Epistor, Pylartes, Mulius, Elasus. All these He slew, and from the field chased all beside. Then, doubtless, had Achaia’s sons prevail’d To take proud-gated Troy, such havoc made850 He with his spear, but that the son of Jove Apollo, on a tower’s conspicuous height Station’d, devoted him for Ilium’s sake. Thrice on a buttress of the lofty wall Patroclus mounted, and him thrice the God855 With hands immortal his resplendent shield Smiting, struck down again; but when he rush’d A fourth time, demon-like, to the assault, The King of radiant shafts him, stern, rebuked. Patroclus, warrior of renown, retire!860 The fates ordain not that imperial Troy Stoop to thy spear, nor to the spear itself Of Peleus’ son, though mightier far than thou. He said, and Menœtiades the wrath Of shaft-arm’d Phœbus shunning, far retired.865 But in the Scæan gate Hector his steeds Detain’d, uncertain whether thence to drive Amid the warring multitude again, Or, loud commandment issuing, to collect His host within the walls. Him musing long870 Apollo, clad in semblance of a Chief Youthful and valiant, join’d. Asius he seem’d Equestrian Hector’s uncle, brother born Of Hecuba the queen, and Dymas’ son, Who on the Sangar’s banks in Phrygia dwelt.875 Apollo, so disguised, him thus bespake. Why, Hector, hast thou left the fight? this sloth Not well befits thee. Oh that I as far Thee pass’d in force as thou transcendest me, Then, not unpunish’d long, should’st thou retire;880 But haste, and with thy coursers solid-hoof’d Seek out Patroclus, him perchance to slay, Should Phœbus have decreed that glory thine. So saying, Apollo join’d the host again. Then noble Hector bade his charioteer885 Valiant Cebriones his coursers lash Back into battle, while the God himself Entering the multitude confounded sore The Argives, victory conferring proud And glory on Hector and the host of Troy.890 But Hector, leaving all beside unslain, Furious impell’d his coursers solid-hoof’d Against Patroclus; on the other side Patroclus from his chariot to the ground Leap’d ardent; in his left a spear he bore,895 And in his right a marble fragment rough, Large as his grasp. With full collected might He hurl’d it; neither was the weapon slow To whom he had mark’d, or sent in vain. He smote the charioteer of Hector, bold900 Cebriones, King Priam’s spurious son, Full on the forehead, while he sway’d the reins. The bone that force withstood not, but the rock With ragged points beset dash’d both his brows In pieces, and his eyes fell at his feet.905 He diver-like, from his exalted stand Behind the steeds pitch’d headlong, and expired; O’er whom, Patroclus of equestrian fame! Thou didst exult with taunting speech severe. Ye Gods, with what agility he dives!910 Ah! it were well if in the fishy deep This man were occupied; he might no few With oysters satisfy, although the waves Were churlish, plunging headlong from his bark As easily as from his chariot here.915 So then—in Troy, it seems, are divers too! So saying, on bold Cebriones he sprang With all a lion’s force, who, while the folds He ravages, is wounded in the breast, And, victim of his own fierce courage, dies.920 So didst thou spring, Patroclus! to despoil Cebriones, and Hector opposite Leap’d also to the ground. Then contest such For dead Cebriones those two between Arose, as in the lofty mountain-tops925 Two lions wage, contending for a deer New-slain, both hunger-pinch’d and haughty both. So for Cebriones, alike in arms Expert, brave Hector and Patroclus strove To pierce each other with the ruthless spear.930 First, Hector seized his head, nor loosed his hold, Patroclus, next, his feet, while all beside Of either host in furious battle join’d. As when the East wind and the South contend To shake some deep wood on the mountain’s side,935 Or beech, or ash, or rugged cornel old. With stormy violence the mingled boughs Smite and snap short each other, crashing loud; So, Trojans and Achaians, mingling, slew Mutual, while neither felt a wish to fly.940 Around Cebriones stood many a spear, And many a shaft sent smartly from the nerve Implanted deep, and many a stone of grasp Enormous sounded on their batter’d shields Who fought to gain him. He, in eddies lost945 Of sable dust, with his huge trunk huge space O’erspread, nor steeds nor chariots heeded more. While yet the sun ascending climb’d the heavens, Their darts flew equal, and the people fell; But when he westward journey’d, by a change950 Surpassing hope the Grecians then prevail’d. They drew Cebriones the hero forth From all those weapons, and his armor stripp’d At leisure, distant from the battle’s roar. Then sprang Patroclus on the Trojan host;955 Thrice, like another Mars, he sprang with shouts Tremendous, and nine warriors thrice he slew. But when the fourth time, demon-like, he rush’d Against them, then, oh then, too manifest The consummation of thy days approach’d960 Patroclus! whom Apollo, terror-clad Met then in battle. He the coming God Through all that multitude knew not, such gloom Impenetrable him involved around. Behind him close he stood, and with his palms965 Expanded on the spine and shoulders broad Smote him; his eyes swam dizzy at the stroke. Then Phœbus from his head his helmet dash’d To earth; sonorous at the feet it roll’d Of many a prancing steed, and all the crest970 Defilement gather’d gross of dust and blood, Then first; till then, impossible; for how Should dust the tresses of that helmet shame With which Achilles fighting fenced his head Illustrious, and his graceful brows divine?975 But Jove now made it Hector’s; he awhile Bore it, himself to swift perdition doom’d His spear brass-mounted, ponderous, huge and long, Fell shiver’d from his grasp. His shield that swept His ancle, with its belt dropp’d from his arm,980 And Phœbus loosed the corselet from his breast. Confusion seized his brain; his noble limbs Quaked under him, and panic-stunn’d he stood. Then came a Dardan Chief, who from behind Enforced a pointed lance into his back985 Between the shoulders; Panthus’ son was he, Euphorbus, famous for equestrian skill, For spearmanship, and in the rapid race Past all of equal age. He twenty men (Although a learner yet of martial feats,990 And by his steeds then first to battle borne) Dismounted. He, Patroclus, mighty Chief! First threw a lance at thee, which yet life Quell’d not; then snatching hasty from the wound His ashen beam, he ran into the crowd,995 Nor dared confront in fight even the unarm’d Patroclus. But Patroclus, by the lance, And by the stroke of an immortal hand Subdued, fell back toward his ranks again. Then, soon as Hector the retreat perceived1000 Of brave Patroclus wounded, issuing forth From his own phalanx, he approach’d and drove A spear right through his body at the waist. Sounding he fell. Loud groan’d Achaia’s host. As when the lion and the sturdy boar1005 Contend in battle on the mountain-tops For some scant rivulet, thirst-parch’d alike, Ere long the lion quells the panting boar; So Priameian Hector, spear in hand, Slew Menœtiades the valiant slayer1010 Of multitudes, and thus in accents wing’d, With fierce delight exulted in his fall.

It was thy thought, Patroclus, to have laid Our city waste, and to have wafted hence Our wives and daughters to thy native land,1015 Their day of liberty for ever set. Fool! for their sakes the feet of Hector’s steeds Fly into battle, and myself excel, For their sakes, all our bravest of the spear, That I may turn from them that evil hour1020 Necessitous. But thou art vulture’s food, Unhappy youth! all valiant as he is, Achilles hath no succor given to thee, Who when he sent the forth whither himself Would not, thus doubtless gave thee oft in charge:1025 Ah, well beware, Patroclus, glorious Chief! That thou revisit not these ships again, Till first on hero-slaughterer Hector’s breast Thou cleave his bloody corselet. So he spake, And with vain words thee credulous beguiled.1030 To whom Patroclus, mighty Chief, with breath Drawn faintly, and dying, thou didst thus reply. Now, Hector, boast! now glory! for the son Of Saturn and Apollo, me with ease Vanquishing, whom they had themselves disarm’d,1035 Have made the victory thine; else, twenty such As thou, had fallen by my victorious spear. Me Phœbus and my ruthless fate combined To slay; these foremost; but of mortal men Euphorbus, and thy praise is only third.1040 I tell thee also, and within thy heart Repose it deep—thou shalt not long survive; But, even now, fate, and a violent death Attend thee by Achilles’ hands ordain’d To perish, by Æacides the brave.[21]1045 So saying, the shades of death him wrapp’d around. Down into Ades from his limbs dismiss’d, His spirit fled sorrowful, of youth’s prime And vigorous manhood suddenly bereft Then, him though dead, Hector again bespake.1050 Patroclus! these prophetic strains of death At hand, and fate, why hast thou sung to me? May not the son of Thetis azure-hair’d, Achilles, perish first by spear of mine? He said; then pressing with his heel the trunk1055 Supine, and backward thursting it, he drew His glittering weapon from the wound, nor stay’d, But lance in hand, the godlike charioteer Pursued of swift Æacides, on fire To smite Automedon; but him the steeds1060 Immortal, rapid, by the Gods conferr’d (A glorious gift) on Peleus, snatch’d away.