 Section 15, Book the 15th of the Iliad of Homer. This liverbox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Stephen Carney. The Iliad of Homer by Homer, translated by Theodore Alois Buckley. Section 15, Book the 15th. Argument. Jove, Awaking and Finding the Trojans Routed, Menaces Juno. He then sends Irish to desire Neptune to relinquish the battle, and Apollo to restore Hector to health. Armed with the ages, Apollo puts the Greeks to flight, who are pursued home to their fleet, while Telamonian Ajax slays twelve Trojans who were bringing fire to burn it. But after the fugitives had crossed both the ramparts and the trench, and many were subdued by the hands of the Greeks, the rest were at length detained, waiting beside their chariots, pallid with beer, and terrified. But Jove arose on a summits of Ida from beside Golden Throne Juno, and starting up he stood and beheld the Trojans and Greeks, those indeed in confusion, and the Greeks throwing them into confusion in the rear, and amongst them King Neptune. Hector he beheld lying upon the plain, and his companion sat round him, but he was afflicted with grievous difficulty of respiration and devoid of his senses vomiting blood, for it was not the weakest of the Greeks who had wounded him. The father of men and gods, seeing, pitied him, and sternly regarding Juno, severely addressed her, O Juno of evil art impracticable, thy stratagem has made noble Hector cease from battle and put his troops to flight. Indeed I know not whether again thou mayest not be the first to reap the fruits of thy pernicious machinations, and I may chastise thee with stripes. Does thou not remember when thou ditched swing from on high, and I hung two anvils from thy feet, and bound the golden chain around thy hands that could not be broken? And thou ditched hang in the air and clouds, and the gods commiserated thee throughout lofty Olympus, but standing around they were not able to release thee, but whomsoever I caught seizing, I hurled from the threshold of heaven till he reached the earth hardly breathing, nor even dusted my vehement anger through grief for divine Hercules leave me, whom thou prevailing upon the storms with the north wind did send over the unfruitful sea, designing evils, and afterwards bore him out of his course to well-inhabited cause. I liberated him indeed, and brought him back thence to steed nourishing Argus, although having accomplished many toils. These things, well, I again recall to thy memory that thou mayest cease from deceits. In order that thou mayest know whether the intercourse and a couch will avail thee in which thou was mingled, coming apart from the gods, and having deceived me. Thus he spoke, but venerable large-eyed Juno shuddered, and addressing him spoke winged words, be witness now, earth, and boundless heaven above, and the water of sticks gliding beneath, which is the greatest and most dreaded oath amongst the blessed gods, likewise thy sacred head and our own nuptial couch, by which I would not rashly swear at any time that it is not by my instigation that earth-shaking Neptune harasses the Trojans and Hector, and aids the other side, but certainly his own mind incites and orders him for beholding the Greeks oppressed at the ships he took compassion on them, and even him would I advise to go there, where thou will cloud collector mayest command. Thus she spoke, but the father of men and gods, smiled, and answering her, spoke winged words, if indeed thou from henceforth, o venerable large-eyed Juno, wouldst sit amongst the mortals, being of the same mind with me, then truly would Neptune, even although he very much wishes otherwise, immediately change his mind to the same point, to thy wish and mine, but if indeed thou speakest in sincerity, and truly, go now to the assemblies of the gods, and call Iris to come hither, and Apollo, renowned in archery, that she may go to the people of the brazen male the Greeks, and tell King Neptune, ceasing from battle, to repair to his own palaces, but let Phoebus Apollo excite Hector to battle, and breathe strength into him again, and make him forgetful of the pains which now afflict him in his mind, but let him again put the Greeks to flight, exciting, un-war-like panic amongst them, and, flying, let them fall back upon the many-benched ships of Achilles, the son of Peleus. Then shall he stimulate his companion, Patroclus, whom illustrious Hector shall slay with his spear before Ilium, Patroclus having slain many other youths, and with them my son, Noble Sarbadan, but Noble Achilles shall slay Hector. From this time forward will I always continually effect for thee, that there shall be a retreat of the Trojans from the ships, until the Greeks, by the Council of Minerva, shall take lofty Ilium. However, I shall not abate my anger, nor will I here permit any of the immortals to assist the Greeks, before that the request of the son of Peleus be completed. As first I promise to him, and not a descent with my head, on that day, when the goddess Thetis touched my knees, beseeching me, that I would honour Achilles, the destroyer of cities. Thus he spoke, nor did the white-armed goddess Juno disobey, but went down from the Aedayan mountains to lofty Olympus, and as when the mind of a man flashes swiftly and thought, who having traversed over many a land, thinks within his prudent heart, I was here, I was there, and deliberates much, thus quickly hastening, up-sprung venerable Juno. But she reached lofty Olympus, and came in upon the immortal god, assembled in the house of Jove, but they beholding her all rose up and welcomed her with their cups. The rest, however, she neglected, but received a goblet from fair-cheeked Themis, where she first running came to meet her, and addressing her spoke winged words, Why, O Juno, hast thou come hither, and art like unto one incesternation? Has then the son of Saturn, who is thy husband, greatly terrified thee? But her the white-armed goddess Juno then answered, Do not, O goddess Themis, ask me these things, even thou thyself knowest how overbearing and cruel a spirit is his, but do thou preside over the equal feast in the palaces of the gods, and thou shalt hear these things along with all the immortals, what evil deeds Jove denounces, nor do I at all think that the mind will equally rejoice to all, neither to mortals nor to the gods, although some one even yet be feasting pleasantly, thus having spoken, venerable Juno sat down, but the gods were grieved throughout the palace of Jove, but she laughed with her lips only, nor was her forehead above her dark brows exhilarated, and indignant, she spoke amongst them all, senseless we who are thus foolishly enraged with Father Jove, of a truth we still desire to restrain him, approaching near, either by persuasion or by force, whilst he sitting apart does not regard nor is mood, for he says he is decidedly the most mighty in strength and power among the immortal gods, wherefore endure whatever evil he may please to send upon each of you, for now already I think Miss Fortune has been inflicted upon Mars, since his son has perished in the fight the dearest of mortals, a scalphalus whom impetuous Mars calls his own. Thus she spake, but Mars smote his brawny thighs with his dropped hands, and sorrowing addressed them. But now blame me, he who possessed the Olympic mansions, repairing to the ships of the Greeks to avenge the slaughter of my son, even although it should be my fate, smitten with the thunderbolt of Jove, to lie together with the dead bodies in blood and dust. Thus he spake, and he commanded fear and flight to yoke his deeds, but he himself girded on his shining armor. Then indeed some other greater and more grievous wrath and indignation had fallen upon the immortals from Jove, and had not Minerva, greatly fearing for all the gods, leaped forth from the vestibule and left the throne where she sat. From his head she snatched the helmet and the shield from his shoulders, and taking the brazen spear out of his strong hand, she placed it upright and rebuked impetuous Mars with these words. Infuriated one, infatuated in mind, thou art undone. Are thy ears indeed useless for hearing, and have thy sense and shame perished? Thus thou not hear what the white armed goddess Juno says, and she has just now come from Olympian Jove. Thus thou thyself wish, having fulfilled many misfortunes, to return to Olympus very much grieved and by compulsion, and also to create a great evil to all the rest? For he will immediately leave the Trojans and Magnanimous Greeks and will come against us about to disturb us in Olympus, and will seize us one after the other, whoever is culpable and who is not. Wherefore I exhort thee now to lay aside thy wrath on account of thy son, for already someone even superior to him in strength and in hands either is slain or will be hereafter, for it would be a difficult task to liberate from death the race and offspring of all men. So saying, she seated impetuous Mars upon his throne, but Juno called Apollo outside the house, and Iris, who is the messenger among the immortal god, and addressing them spoke winged words. Jove orders you, Twain, to repair with all haste to Aida, but when ye arrive and look upon the countenance of Jove, do whatsoever he may urge and command. Then indeed, having thus spoken, Venerable Juno retired and sat down upon her throne. But they, hastening, flew and arrived at Aida of many rills, the mother of wild beasts. They found the far-seeing son of Saturn sitting upon lofty gargoyles and an odiferous cloud encircled him around. But coming before cloud-compelling Jove, they stood, nor was he enraged in his mind, beholding them, because they quickly obeyed the commands of his dear wife, and first to Iris he addressed winged words, haste, be gone, fleet Iris, tell all these things to King Neptune, nor be thou a false messenger. Order him, having ceased from the battle and the war, to repair to the assemblies of the gods or to the vast sea. If, however, he will not obey my words but shall despise them, let him then, consider in his mind and soul, lest how powerful he may be, he may not be able to withstand me coming against him, for I say that I am superior to him in strength and elder in birth, but his heart fears riots to assert himself equal to me, whom even the others dread. Thus he spoke, nor was wind-footed swift Iris disobedient, but he ascended from the Adenian mountains to Sacred Ilium, and as when snow drifts from the clouds or cold hail by the impulse of cloud-dispelling Boreus, so quickly swift Iris with eagerness flew along, and standing near, illustrious Neptune, she addressed him, O azure-haired Earthshaker, I have come hither, bringing a certain message to thee from agesbearing Jove. He has commanded thee, having ceased from the battle and the war, to repair either to the assemblies of the gods or to the vast sea, but if thou wilt not obey his words but shall despise them, he threatens that he will come hither himself to fight against thee, and advises thee to avoid his hands because he asserts that he is greatly superior to thee in strength and elder in birth, but thy heart does not fear to profess that thou art equal to him, whom even the others dread. But her illustrious Neptune, greatly indignant, then addressed, Gods, powerful though he be, he surely has spoken proudly. If he will by force restrain me and willing, who am of equal honour. For we are three brothers descended from Saturn, whom Rhea brought forth, Jupiter and I and Pluto, governing the infernal regions, the third. All things were divided into three parts, and each was allotted his dignity. I in the first place, the lots being shaken, was allotted to inhabit forever the hoary sea, and Pluto next obtained the pitchy darkness, but Jove in the third place had allotted to him the wide heaven in the air and in the clouds. Nevertheless, the earth is still common property of all and lofty Olympus, so not live according to the will of Jove, but although being very powerful, let him remain quiet in his third part, and let him by no means terrify me as a coward with his hands, for it would be better for him to insult with terrific language the daughters and sons whom he have begotten, who will also, through necessity, attend to him, exhorting them. But him the fleet wind-footed Iris then answered, Oh, is your haired earthshaker, shall I really thus bear back from thee to Jove this relentless and violent reply, or wilt thou change it at all? The minds of the prudent indeed are flexible, thou knowest that the furies are ever attendant on the elders. But her again, earth-shaking Neptune, in turn, addressed, goddess Iris, very rightly, has thou delivered this opinion, moreover it is good when a messenger knows fitting things, but on this account severe indignation comes upon my heart and soul because he wishes to chide with angry words, me, equal to him by lot, and doomed to an equal destiny. Nevertheless, at present, although being indignant, I will give way. But another thing will I tell thee, and I will threaten this from my soul, if indeed without me and pray-hunting Minerva, Juno, Mercury, and King Vulcan, he shall spare Lofty Ilium, nor shall wish to destroy it, and give great glory to the Greeks. Let him know this, that endless animosity shall arise between us. So saying, the earth-shaker quitted the Grecian army, and proceeding, he plunged into the deep, but the Grecian heroes longed for him, and then, cloud-compelling Jov, addressed Apollo, Go now, dear Phoebus, to brazen helmed Hector, for already hath earth and circling Neptune departed to the vast sea, avoiding our dreadful anger, for otherwise the rest who are infernal gods being around Saturn would surely have heard our quarrel. This, however, is much better for me as well as for him that he hath first yielded to my hands, accounting himself worthy of blame, because a matter would not have been accomplished without sweat. But do thou take the fringed Aegis in thy hands, with which, by violently shaking it, do thou greatly terrify the Grecian heroes? Do thyself, however, O far-darking Apollo, let illustrious Hector be a care. So long then arouse his great might unto him, until the Greeks in flight reach the ships and the helispont. Thenceforth I shall myself deliberate, indeed, and word, how the Greeks also may revive from labour. Thus he spoke, nor did Apollo disobey his sire, but he descended from the Idean mountains like unto a swift hawk, the dove destroyer, the swiftest of birds. He found the son of warlike Priam, noble Hector, sitting, for he no longer lay on the ground, but had just collected his senses, recognizing his friends around him. But the panting and perspiration had ceased, since a will of Aegisbearing Jove had aroused him. Then, far-darking Apollo, standing near, addressed him, Hector, son of Priam, why sitest thou apart from the rest, failing in strength? Has any grief invaded thee? But him, then, crest-tossing Hector, languidly addressed, And who art thou, best of the gods, who inquires face to face? Has thou not heard that Ajax, brave in the dinner battle, smote me with a stone upon the breast, and caused me to cease from Impetuous Valor, when slaying his companions at the sterns of the Grecian Gyps? And truly, I thought that I should this day behold the dead and the mansion of Fluto, since I was on the point of breathing out my dear life. But him, far-darking King Apollo, addressed in turn, Be of good courage now, so great an assistant has a son of Saturn sent forth from Aida to stand up and help thee, Thebus Apollo of the Golden Sword, who am accustomed to defend at the same time thyself and the lofty city. But come, encourage now thy numerous cavalry to drive their fleet steeds towards the hollow ships. But I, going before, will level the whole way for the horses, and I will turn to flight the Grecian heroes. Thus speaking, he inspired great strength into the shepherd of the people, as when some stalled horse, fed on barley at the manger, having snapped his halter, runs over the plain, striking the earth with his feet, accustomed to bathe in the smooth flowing river, exulting, he holds his head on high, and around his shoulders his mane is dishevelled, and trusting to his beauty, his knees easily bear him to the accustomed places and pasture of the mares. So Hector swiftly moved his feet and knees, encouraging the horsemen, after he had heard the voice of the god. But they, as dogs and rustic men, rush against either a horned stag or wild goat, whichever a lofty rock and shady forest protect, nor is it distant for them to catch it. But at their clamor, a bushy-bearded lion appears in the way, and turns them all back, although ardently pursuing. Thus the Greeks hitherto indeed ever kept following in troops, striking with their swords and double-edged spears. But when they beheld Hector entering the ranks of heroes, they were troubled, and the courage of all fell at their feet. Then Thoas, the son of Andremon, addressed them by far the bravest of the Aetolians, skilled in the use of the javelin, and brave in the standing fight. Few also of the Greeks excelled him in the council when the youths contended in eloquence, who wisely counseling harangued them, and said, Oh gods, surely I behold with mine eyes this mighty miracle, since Hector has thus risen again, having escaped death. Certainly the mind of each was in great hopes that he had died by the hands of Telemonian Ajax. But some one of the gods has again liberated and preserved Hector, who hath already relaxed the knees of many Greeks, as I think is about to occur now also, for not without far-sounding Job does he stand in the van, thus earnest. Come, let us all obey as I shall desire. Let us order the multitude to retreat towards the ships, but let us as many as boast ourselves to be the best in the army take a stand if indeed opposing we may at the outset interrupt him, upraising our spears, and I think that he, although raging, will dread in mind to enter the bands of the Greeks. Tho' she spoke, but all heard him attentively and obeyed, those around the Ajaxes and King Dominus, Tausser, Marionus and Mages equal to Mars, calling the chiefs together, marshaled their lines against Hector and the Trojans, whilst the multitude in the rear retreated to the ships of the Greeks. But the Trojans in closer ray pressed forward and Hector taking long strides led the way, but before him walked Phoebus Apollo clad as to his shoulders with the cloud and he held the mighty dreadful fringe dazzling ages which the artist Vulcan had given to Job to be born along for the outing of men. Holding this in his hands he led on the people, but the Greeks remained in closer ray and the shrill shout arose on both sides. Many arrows bounded from the strings and many spears from gallant hands, some were fixed in the bodies of warlike youths, but many halfway before they had touched the fair body stuck in the earth longing to satiate themselves with flesh. As long as Phoebus Apollo held the ages unmoved in his hands, so long did the weapons reach both sides and the people fell. But when, looking full in the faces of the swift-horst Greeks, he shook it and he himself besides shouted very loudly, then he checked the courage in their breasts and they became forgetful of impetuous valour. But they as when two wild beasts in the depth of the dark night disturbed a drove of oxen or a great flock of sheep, coming suddenly upon them, the keeper not being present. So the enfeebled Greeks were routed, for amongst them people sent terror and gave glory to the Trojans and to Hector, that indeed man slew man when the battle gave way. Hector slew Stygius and Arquisileus, the one the leader of the brazen male Boetians, but the other the faithful companion of the magnanimous Menaceus. But Aenius slew Maedon and Aesus. Maedon indeed was the illegitimate son of godlike Oelius and brother of Ajax, and he dwelt in Phylasy, away from his fatherland having slain a man, the brother of his stepmother Aeropis, whom Oelius had betrothed. Aesus, however, was appointed leader of the Athenians, and was called the son of Spellus, the son of Bucolus. But Polydema slew Mesistus and Polytis, Achaeus in the van, and noble Agenor slew Clonius. Pyrrhus also wounded Aecois, in the extremity of the shoulder from behind, whilst he was flying amongst the foremost combatants, and drove the brass quite through. Whilst they were boiling these of their armour, the Greeks in the meantime, falling into the dug trench and stakes, fled here and there, and from necessity entered within the rampart. But Hector, shouting aloud, exhorted the Trojans to rush upon the ships and to let go the bloody spoils. And whatever person shall perceive apart from the ships anywhere, there will I cause his death, nor indeed shall his male and female relatives make him, when dead partaker of a funeral pile, but let him before our city. So saying with a lash upon the shoulder, he drove on his horses against the ranks, cheering on the Trojans, but they all shouting along with him, directed their car drawing steed with a mighty clamour. But Phoebus Apollo, in front of them, easily overthrowing the banks of the deep ditch with his feet, cast them into the middle, and bridged a causeway long and wide, as far as a cast of a spear reaches when a man making trial of his strength hurls it. In that way, they board onward by troops, and Apollo went before them, holding the highly prized ages. But he overthrew the wall of the Greeks very easily, as when any boy does the sand from the shore, who, when amusing himself in childishness, he has made playthings, again destroys them with his feet and hands. Thus so, Archer Phoebus, didst thou destroy the great labour and toil of the Greeks, and didst excite flight amongst themselves. In this manner indeed remaining, they end up at the ships, animating each other, and raising up their hands to all the gods, they each loudly offered vows. But the guardian of the Greeks, Gerenian Nestor, most particularly preyed, stretching forth his hands to the starry heaven. O Father Job, if ever anyone in fruitful argust to thee burning the fat thighs of either oxen or sheep, supplicated that he might return and thou didst promise and dissent be mindful of these things, O Olympian, and avert the cruel day, nor thus permit the Greeks to be subdued by the Trojans. Thus he spoke, praying, but Providence Job loudly thundered, hearing the prayers of the Nilean old man. But the Trojans, when they understood the will of a despairing Job, rushed them more against the Greeks, and were mindful of battle. And as a mighty wave of the wide flowing ocean dashes over the sides of a ship, when the force of the wind impells it, for that most ball increases waves. So the Trojans with a mighty shout, mounted over the wall. And having driven in their horses, they fought at the sterns hand to hand with two edged spears, the one party from the chariots, but the other on high from their black ships, having ascended them with long poles which lay in their vessels, for fighting by sea well glued and clad on the tip with brass. But patroclus, as long indeed as the Greeks and Trojans fought round the wall, without the ships, so long he sat in a tent of valor-loving Euripolis, and delighted him with his disclosure. And to the severe wound he applied medicines, assuages of dark pains. But when he perceived that the Trojans had burst within the walls and moreover that the clamour and flight of the Greeks had risen, then indeed he groaned, and smote both his thighs with his downward bent hands, and the lamenting spoke. O Euripolis, I cannot any longer remain here with thee, although needing much, for now has a mighty contest arisen, but let thy attendant entertain thee, and I will hasten to Achilles that I may encourage him to fight. And who knows whether with God's assistance persuading I may move his soul? For the admonition of a companion is effectual. But him, his feet then boring away, thus speaking, meanwhile the Greeks firmly withstood the Trojans rushing on, nor were they able to repel them from the ships, although being fewer. Nor could the Trojans breaking through the phalanxes of the Greeks be mingled with the tents or ships. But as a plumb line in the hands of a skillful shipwright, who knows well the whole art by the precepts of Minerva, correctly adjusts the naval plank, so was the battle and war equally extended. Some indeed supported the conflict round one ship, and others round another. But Hector advanced against glorious Ajax. Thus these two undertook the task round one ship, nor were they able, the one to drive the other away and to burn the ship with fire, nor the one to repulse him, since a divinity had brought him near. Then illustrious Ajax smote upon the breast with his spear Calator, son of Cliteus, bearing fire against the ship. And falling he resounded, and the torch fell from his hand. But when Hector proceeded with his eyes, his cousin fallen in a dust before the black ship, he cheered on the Trojans and Lycians loudly exclaiming, Trojans and Lycians, and close fighting Dardanians. Do not now retire from the fight in this narrow path, but preserve the son of Cliteus, lest the Greeks to spoil him of his armor, having fallen in the contest at the ships. Thus having spoken, he took aim with his shining spear at Ajax, whom he missed. But he smote like Afron, the son of Mastor, the servant of Ajax, a Scythian who dwelt with him since he had killed a man amongst the celebrated Scythians. He struck him on the head over the ear with a sharp brass whilst he was standing near Ajax, but he fell supine to the ground from the stern of the ship in the dust, and his limbs were relaxed. Then Ajax shuddered and accosted his brother. Dear Teyusur, now is our faithful companion, the son of Mastor, whom being domesticated in a Scythera, we honored equally with our beloved parents in our palaces, but him magnanimous Hector has slain. Where now are thy death-bearing arrows and bow, which Phoebus Apollo gave thee? Thus he spoke, but he understood, and running, he stood near him, holding in his hand his bent bow and arrow-bearing quiver, and very quickly he shot his arrows against the Trojans. He struck Klytus, the illustrious son of Piscinor, the companion of Polydamus, the renowned son of Panthus, holding the reins in his hands. He indeed was employed in guiding the horses, for he directed them there, where the most numerous Helanxes were thrown in confusion, gratifying Hector and the Trojans. But soon came evil upon him, which no one averted from him, although eager. For the bitter shout fell upon his neck from behind, and he fell from the chariot whilst his horses started back, rattling the empty car. But the king Polydamus very quickly perceived it, and first came to meet his horses. Then he entrusted to Astonus, son of Proetion, and exhorted him much to keep the horses near him within sight. But he himself returning was mingled with more and more combatants. The usur however drew another arrow against brazen armed Hector, and would have made him cease from battle at the ships of the Greeks, as striking him while bravely fighting, he had taken away his life. But it did not escape the prudent mind of Jove, who protected Hector, and deprived to usur the son of Telemon of Glory, and who Jove broke the well-twisted string in his blameless bow as he was drawing against Hector. But the brass-laden arrow was turned off and the bow fell from his hand. Then Teusur shuddered and addressed his brother. He gods, a deity without doubt cuts short the plans of our battle, who has shaken the bow from my hand, and has snapped asunder the newly-twisted string which I tied to it this morning, that it might sustain the shafts, frequently bounding from it. But him, the mighty Telemonian Ajax then answered, Oh my friend, permit then thy bow and numerous arrows to lie aside, since a god has confounded them, envying the Greeks. But taking a long spear in thy hands and a shield upon thy shoulder, fight against the Trojans and encourage the other forces, nor let them take the well-benched ships without labour at least, although having subdued us. But let us be mindful of the fight. Thus he spoke, and he placed his bow within the tents. Then around his shoulders he hung a fourfold shield, and upon his brave head fixed a well-made helmet, crescent with horsehair, and the plume knotted dreadfully from above. And he tipped a stout spear, tipped with sharp brass, and hastened to advance, and running very quickly stood beside Ajax. But when Hector perceived the arrows of Payser frustrated he encouraged the Trojans and Lycians calling aloud, E.Trojans Lycians and close fighting Dardanians Be men, my friends, and be mindful of unpetuous valor at the hollow ships, for I have beheld with my eyes the arrows of their chief warrior rendered vain by Jove. Easily recognizable amongst men is the power of Jove, as well among those into whose hands he has delivered superior glory, as those whom he deteriorates and does not wish to defend, as now he diminishes the might of the Greeks and aids us. But fight in close array at the ships, and whichever of you wounded or stricken shall draw on his death and fate let him die. It is not inglorious to him to die fighting for his country, but his wife shall be safe, and his children left the patrimony unimpaired, if indeed the Greeks depart with their ships to their dear fatherland. So saying, he kindled the strength and spirit of each, and Ajax again on the other side, animated his companions. Shame, O Argives! Now is the moment for us either to perish, or to be preserved and to repel destruction from the ships. Do ye expect that if Crest tossing Hector capture the ships, he will reach on foot each his native land? Do ye not hear Hector, who now rages to fire the ships inciting all his people? Nor indeed does he invite them to come to a dance, but to a battle. But for us there is no opinion or design better than this, to join in close fight our hands and strength, better either to perish at once, or live rather than uselessly to be wasted away for a length of time and dire contention at the ships by inferior men. So saying, he aroused the strength and courage of each, then Hector indeed slew Skadius, son of Pyrimides, prince of the Fokians, and Ajax Suley Odemus, leader of the infantry, the illustrious son of Antinor. Polydemus slew Selenian Otis, the companion of the son of Phileus, chief of the magnanimous Appians. Mages rushed upon him perceiving it, but Polydemus stooped obliquely, and he missed him, for Apollo did not suffer the son of Panthus to be subdued among the foremost warriors. But he wounded Corvessimus in the middle of the breast with his spear, but falling he resounded, and he stripped the arms from his shoulders. In the meantime, Dolops, the descendant of Lampus, well-skilled in the spear, leaped upon him, he whom Lampus, son of Leomedon, the best of men, begat, skilled in impetuous fight, who then, attacking him in close fight, struck the middle of Mages' shield with his spear. But the thick coarselet defended him, which he wore, compact in his cavities. This Phileus formally brought from a fire from the river Phileus, for his host Euphetes, king of men, had given it to him to bear into the battle as a defense against the enemy, and which then warded off destruction from the body of his son. But Mages, with his sharp spear, smote the base of the highest cone of his brazen horse-haired helmet, and struck off his horse-haired crest, and the hole fell on the ground in the dust, lately shining with purple. While so one Mages' standing firm fought with the other, Dolops, and still expected victory, meanwhile warlike Menelaus came as an assistant to Mages, and stood at his side with his spear, escaping notice, and wounded him from behind, in the shoulder. But the spear, driven with violence, passed through his breast, proceeding farther, and he fell on his face. Both then rushed on about to tear the brazen armor from his shoulders, but Hector strenuously exhorted all his relations, and rebuked the gallant Menelippus first, the son of Hekeitan. He till then had fed his curved-footed oxen at Parchoti, the enemy being yet at a distance. But when the equally plied barks of the Greeks had arrived, he came back to Troy, and was distinguished amongst the Trojans, and he dwelt near Priam, and he honored him equally with his sons, but Hector rebuked him, and spoke and addressed him. Shall we be thus remiss, O Menelippus? Is not thy heart moved, thy kinsmen being slain? Thus thou not receive how busy they are about the arms of Dolops? But follow, for it is no longer justifiable to fight at a distance with the Greeks, before that either we slay them, or that they tear lofty Ilium from its summit and slay its citizens. So saying, he led on, and the godlike hero followed with him, but many telemonian Ajax aroused the Greeks, O my friends, be men, and set honor in your hearts, and have reverence for each other during the vehement conflicts, for of those men who reverence each other are saved than slain. But of the fugitives, neither glory arises nor any defense. Thus he spoke, but they too were eager to repel the enemy, and they fixed his advice in their mind, and enclosed the ships with a brazen fence. But Jove urged on the Trojans, and Menelaus brave in the did of battle incited Antelokus, O Antelokus, no other of the Greeks is younger than thou, nor swifter of foot, nor strong as thou art to fight, would that attacking some hero of the Trojans thou couldst wound him. So saying, he on his part withdrew again, and he aroused him, but Antelokus leaped forth from amongst the foremost warriors, and took aim with his shining spear gazing around him, but the Trojans retired, the hero hurling, but he did not cast his weapon in vain, for he struck Magnanimus Menelippus, the son of Hikateon in the breast, near the pap, advancing to the battle, and falling he made a crash, his arms rang upon him, but Antelokus sprang upon him as a dog that rushes on a wounded fawn, which the huntsman aiming at has wounded, leaping from its lair, and relaxed its limbs under it. Thus, Menelippus did war like Antelokus spring on thee, about to despoil thee of thy armor, but he did not escape noble Hector who came against him running through the battle, but Antelokus did not await him, though being an expert warrior, but he fled, like unto a wild beast that has done some mischief, having slain a dog or herdsman in charge of oxen flies before a crowd of men is assembled, so fled the son of Nestor, but the Trojans and Hector with great clamor poured for their deadly weapons, yet when he reached a band of his own companions being turned around he stood, but the Trojans like raw devouring lions rushed upon the ships and were fulfilling the commands of Job, who ever kept exciting their great strength and innervated the courage of the Greeks and took away their glory, but encouraged those. For his mind wished to bestow glory on Hector the son of Priam that he might cast a dreadfully burning, indefatigable fire upon the crooked barks and accomplish all the unseasonable prayer of Thetis. For this did provident Job await till he should behold with his eyes the flame of a burning vessel, for from that time he was about to make a retreat of the Trojans from the ships and to afford glory to the Greeks. Designing these things he aroused Hector the son of Priam against the hollow ships for Job himself very eager, but he raged as when Mars rages brandishing his spear or when a destructive fire rages in the mountains in the thickets of a deep wood and foam arose about his mouth and his eyes flashed from beneath his grim eyebrows and the helm was shaken awfully upon the temples of Hector fighting, for Job himself from the ether was an assistant to him and honored and glorified him alone amongst many men, because he was destined to be short-lived, for he already impelled him towards a fatal day by the might of the son of Pelias and he wished to break the ranks of heroes trying them wheresoever he beheld the greatest crowd in the best arms, but not thus was he able to break through them, although very eager, for they compact in squares sustained his attack as a lofty huge cliff being near the Hori Deep which abides the impetuous inroads of the shrill winds and the swollen billows which are dashed against it. Though the Greeks neither the Trojans nor fled, but he gleaming with fire on all sides rushed upon the crowd and fell upon them as when an impetuous wave winds nurtured from the clouds dashes against a swift ship and the ship is wholly enveloped with the spray and a dreadful blast of wind roars within the sail, but the sailors tremble in mind, fearing because they are born but a little way from death. Thus was the mind of the Greeks divided in their breasts he however like a destructive lion coming upon oxen which feed in myriads in the moist ground of a spacious marsh, and amongst them a keeper not very skillful in fighting with a wild beast for the slaughter of a crooked horned ox. He indeed always accompanies a foremost or hindmost cattle, whilst the lion springing into the mist devours an ox and all the rest fly in terror. Thus then were the Greeks wondrously put to flight by Hector and Father Job, but Hector slew only Mycenae and Perithites the dear son of Coprias who went with a messenger of King Eurystheus to mighty Hercules. From this far inferior father sprung a son superior in all kinds of accomplishments, as well in the race as in the combat, and who in prudence was among the first of the Mycenaeans who at that time gave into the hands of Hector superior glory. For turning backwards he trod upon the rim of his shield which he bore a fence against javelins which reached to his feet. By this incommodation he fell upon his back and the helmet terribly sounded round the temples of him fallen, but Hector quickly perceived and running stood near him and fixed his spear in his breast and slew him near his beloved companions, nor indeed were they able, although greed for their comrade to avail him, for they themselves greatly feared noble Hector, but they retreated within the line of their ships and the extreme ships enclosed them which were first drawn up and the others then the archives therefore from necessity retreated from the foremost vessels and remained there at their tents in close array and were not dispersed through the camp, for shame and fear restrained them, and the unceasingly exhorted one another with shouting, more particularly the geranium nester, the guardian of the Greeks, adjured them by their parents, earnestly supplicating each man. Oh my friends, be men and place a sense of reverence of other men in your minds, call your children, wives, property and parents, as well he to whom they survive as he to whom they are dead, for by those not present I here supplicate you to stand bravely, nor be ye turned to flight, so saying he arouse the might and spirit of each, but for them Manerva removed the heaven sent cloud of darkness from their eyes, and abundant light arose to them on both sides both towards the ships and towards the equally destructive battle, then they observed Hector brave in the dinner battle, and his companions as well whatever of them stood behind and did not fight as those who fought the battle at the swift ships, nor was it longer pleasing to the mind of great-hearted Ajax to stand there where the other sons of the Greeks stood together, but he went about upon the decks of the vessels, taking long strides and wielding in his hands a great sea fighting pole studded with iron nails 22 cubits long, and as when a man well-skilled and vaulting upon steeds who after he has selected four horses out of a greater number, driving them from the plain urges them towards a mighty city along the public way, and him many men and women behold with admiration, but he always leaping up firmly and safely changes alternately from one to the other whilst they are flying along, so went Ajax along many decks of swift ships shouting loudly, and his voice reached to the sky, and always barely shouting, he ordered the Greeks to defend their ships and tents, nor indeed did Hector remain among the crowd of well-course-listed Trojans, but as the tawny eagle pounces upon a flock of winged birds feeding on a river's bank, either geese or cranes or long-necked swans, so did Hector direct his course towards an azure-proud vessel rushing against it, but Jove with a very mighty hand impelled him from behind and animated his forces along with him, again was a sharp contest waged at the ships, you would have said that unwirried and indefectigable they met each other in battle so furiously they fought, and to them fighting this was the opinion, the Greeks indeed thought that they could not escape from destruction, but must perish, but the souls of each within his breast to the Trojans hoped to burn the ships and slay the Grecian heroes, they thinking these things opposed one another, but Hector seized the stern of a sea piercing bark, beautiful, swift, which had carried Partisaleas to Troy, but did not bear him back again to his fatherland, round his ship, the Greeks and Trojans were now slaying one another in close combat, nor did they indeed at a distance await the attacks of arrows and of Javelins, but standing near, having one mind, they fought with sharp battle axes and hatchets, with large swords and two-edged spears, and many fierce swords, black hilted with massive handles, fell to the ground, some indeed from the hands and others from the shoulders of the contending heroes, and the dark earth streamed with gore, but Hector, after he had seized the vessel by the stern, did not let go, holding the furthest edge with his hands, and he teared on the Trojans, bring fire, and at the same time do yourselves together excite the battle, now hath Joel vouchsafed us a day worth all to take the ships which coming hither against the will of the gods was upon us through the cowardice of our elders, who kept me back when desirous myself to fight at the sterns of the ships, and restrained the people, but if indeed our sounding jove then injured our minds, he now impels and orders us. Thus he spoke, but they rushed them more against the Greeks, even Ajax no longer sustained them for he was overwhelmed with many darts, but thinking he should fall, retired back a short space to the seven feet bench, and deserted the deck of his equal ship. There he stood watching, and with his spear continually repulsed the Trojans from the ships, whoever might bring the indivisible fire, and always shouting dreadfully he animated the Greeks. Oh my friends, Grecian heroes, servants of Mars, be men my friends, and be mindful of impetuous strength. Whether do we think that we have any assistance in the rear, or any stronger rampart which may avert destruction from the men, indeed there is not any other city near fortified with towers where we may be defended having a reinforcing army, but bordering on the sea we sit on the plain of the well-armed Trojans far away from our native land, therefore safety is in our exertions, not in remission of battle. He said, and furious, charged with his sharp spear, whoever the Trojans was born towards the hollow ships with burning fire, for the sake of Hector who incited them. Him Ajax wounded, receiving him with his spear, and he slew twelve in close fight before the ships. End of Book the 15th Read by Stephen Carney Section 16, Book the 16th of the Iliad of Homer This Librivox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Stephen Carney The Iliad of Homer by Homer translated by Theodore Alois Buckley Section 16, Book the 16th Argument Patroclus at length obtains permission from Achilles and enters the fight on condition that he should return after liberating the Greeks from their immediate peril. He comes opportunally to the assistance of Ajax, routes the Trojans and kills Sarpedon, whose body but without the armor, is rescued by Hector and Glaucus. Forgetful of his promise to Achilles, Patroclus pursues the Trojans to their very walls. He is driven back by Apollo but slays a charioteer of Hector Sebreonus. He is suddenly afflicted with stupor by Apollo and dies by the hand of Hector, whose death he fortells. Hector pursues with a chariot of Achilles towards the ships. Thus then, they were fighting for the well-benched ship. But Patroclus stood beside Achilles, the shepherd of the people, shedding warm tears as a blackwater fountain which pours its sable tide down from a lofty rock. But swift-footed noble Achilles seeing pitied him and addressed him spoke winged words. Why weepest thou, O Patroclus, as an infant girl, who running along with her mother importunes to be taken up, catching her by the robe, and detains her hastening, and weeping looks at her mother till she is taken up? Like unto her, O Patroclus, dost thou shed the tender tear? Does thou bear any tidings to the Mermidons or to me myself? O hast thou alone heard any news from Pythia? They say that indeed, Menuitius, the son of Hector, still lives and that Palaeus, the son of Achilles, lives amongst the Mermidons. For deeply should we lament for either anything, or dost thou mourn for the Greeks because they thus perish at their hollow ships, on account of their injustice? Speak out, nor conceal it in thy mind, that we both may know. But deeply sighing, O Knight Patroclus, him thou ditched address. O Achilles, son of Palaeus, by far the bravest of the Greeks, be not indignant, since a grief so heavy does oppress the Greeks, for now all they, as many as reformally most valiant, lie in the ships, wounded or stricken. Brave Diomedia indeed, the son of Palaeus is wounded and spear-renowned Ulysses is stricken, as also Agamemnon and Eurypolis is also wounded in a thigh with an arrow. About these, indeed, physicians skilled in many remedies are employed, healing their wounds. But thou, O Achilles, art inexorable. Never may such anger seize me, at least, as thee, O cruelly brave dost preserve. What other afterborn man will be defended by thee if thou will not avert unworthy ruin from the Greeks, merciless one. Certainly the night Palaeus was not thy father, nor thee to thy mother, but the gray ocean produced thee, and the lofty rocks, for thy mind is cruel. But if thou wouldst avoid any oracle in thy mind, and thy venerable mother has told any to thee from Job, at least send me quickly and at the same time give me the rest of the army of the Mermidans, if perchance I may become any aid to the Greeks. Grant me also to be armed on my shoulders with thy armor, if perchance the Trojans, likening me may cease from battle, and the war like sons of the Greeks now fatigued breathe again, and there be a short respite from war. But we who are fresh can easily repulse men worn out with battle from our ships and tense towards the city. Thus he spoke, supplicating, very rash, for assuredly he was about to supplicate for himself evil death and fate, whom deeply sighing, swift footed Achilles addressed, Alas, most noble patroclus, what has thou said? I neither regard any oracle which I have heard, nor has my venerable mother told anything to me from Job, but this bitter grief comes upon my heart, when a man who excels in power wishes to deprive his equal of his portion, and to take back his reward because he excels in power. This to me is a bitter grief, since I have suffered sorrows in my mind, the maid whom the sons of the Greeks selected as a reward for me, and whom I want by my spear having sacked a well fortified city, her has King Agamemnon, son of Austria, taken back out of my hands, as from some dishonored alien, but we shall allow these things to be among the things that were, nor is it right indeed to be continually enraged in one's mind. Certainly I affirm that I would not put a stop to my wrath before that clamor and war should reach my ships, but do thou put on thy shoulders my famous armor, and lead on the war-living mermidons to battle, since now a black cloud of Trojans have strongly surrounded the ships, and the Greeks are welcomed in by the shore of the sea, possessing now but a small portion of land, and the whole city of the Trojans has rushed on, confident because they behold not the front of my helmet gleaming near. Certainly quickly flying will they have filled the trenches with their bodies, if King Agamemnon had known mildness to me, but now they are fighting around the army, for the spear does not rage in the hands of Diomedes, the son of Tideas, to avert destruction from the Greeks, nor do I at all hear the voice of Mesodia's head, but the voice of manslaughtering Hector animating the Trojans resounds, while say with a shout possess the whole plain, conquering the Greeks in battle, yet even thus patroclus do thou fall on them bravely, warding off destruction from the ships, nor let them consume the vessels with blazing fire, and cut off thy own return, but obey as I shall lay the sum of my advice and my mind, in order that thou mayest obtain for me great honor and glory from all the Greeks, and they may send back me the beautiful maid, and afford me besides rich presence, having repulsed the enemy from the ships, return back, and if indeed the loud thundering husband of Junal permit thee to obtain glory, do not be desirous of fighting with the warlike Trojans apart from me, for thou wouldst render me more dishonored, nor exulting in the battle and havoc lead on as far as Ilium, slaughtering the Trojans lest some of the immortal gods come down from Olympus against thee, for far darting Apollo greatly from the ship, but return after thou hast given safety to the ships, and allow the others to contend through the plane, for would that all father Jov, Minerva, and Apollo not one of the Trojans as many as there are may escape death nor any of the Greeks, whilst to us too it may be granted to avoid destruction that we alone might overthrow the sacred bulwarks of Troy. Thus they indeed discuss these matters with each other, but Ajax no longer remained firm, for he was pressed until of Jov overpowered him, and the fierce Trojans hurling, and a dreadful clang did his glittering helmet round his temples emit, being struck, and he was constantly smitten upon the well-made studs of his cask. He was fatigued in the left shoulder by always firmly holding his movable shield, nor could they pressing him all around with their weapons drive him from his place. Unceasingly afflicted was he with severe panting, and everywhere from his limbs poured copious perspiration, nor was he there, for everywhere evil was heaped upon evil. The Clair now to me, he muses, possessing Olympic habitation, how first the fire fell upon the ships of the Greeks. Hector standing near struck the ashen spear of Ajax with his great sword at the socket of the blade behind, and cut it quite off. Telamonian Ajax indeed vainly brandished the mutilated spear in his hand, but the brazen blade rang, falling upon the earth at a distance from him. Then Ajax knew in his blameless soul and shuddered at the deeds of the gods, because a lofty thundering jove cut off his plans of war, and willed the victory to the Trojans. Wherefore he retired out of the reach of the weapons, and they hurled the indefatigable fire at the swift ships, the inextinguishable flame of which was immediately diffused around. Thus indeed the flames surrounded the stern, but Achilles smiting his thighs addressed Patroclus, haste, almost noble steed directing Patroclus, I perceive indeed the fury of the hostile fire at the ships, I say now take the vessels, and there be not an opportunity of flying. Put on my armor very quickly, and I shall assemble the forces. Thus he spoke, but Patroclus armed himself in glittering brass, first indeed he put the beautiful greaves around his legs, fitted with clasps. Next he placed the coarsely to the swift-footed descendant of Achis upon his breast, variegated and studded with stars, and suspended from his shoulders his silver studded sword, brazen, and then the great and his gallant head he placed a well-made helmet, crested with horsehair, and dreadfully the plume knotted from above. He took besides two strong spears which well fitted his hands, but the spear alone of blameless achedies ponderous, large, and strong he did not take, which indeed no other of the Greeks could brandish, but Achilles alone knew how to wield it. A paleon ash which Chiron had given to his sire, cut from the tops of paleon, about to be death to heroes. He also commanded Thamadan quickly to yoke the steeds, whom next to rank-breaking Achilles he most honoured, because he was most faithful to him in battle, to stand the charge, wherefor Thamadan yoke the fleet horses, Xanthus and Baleus, which kept pace with the winds. Them the harpy pudarge bore to Zephyrus the wind, while feeding in the meadows by the stream of oceanus, and in the outer harness he fastened illustrious pedasses, whom Achilles led away long since, having sacked the city on, and which steed, though being mortal, accompanied immortal steeds. But Achilles, going about, armed all the myrmidons through the tents with their armour, but they, like carnivorous wolves in whose hearts is immense strength, and which, having slain a great horned stag in the mountains, tearing devour it, but the jaws of all are red with blood, and then they rush in a pack lapping with slender tongues the surface of the dark water from a blackwater fountain, vomiting fourth blood, but the courage in their breasts is dauntless, and their stomach is distended, so rush the leaders and chiefs of the myrmidons around the brave attendants of swift-footed Achilles, and amongst them stood war like Achilles, animating both the steeds and the shield-bearing warriors. Fifty were the swift galleys which Achilles, dear to Jove, led to Troy, and in each were fifty men, companions at the benches, but he had appointed five leaders in whom he put trust to command and he himself being very powerful-governed. One troop indeed menestheist with flexible courselet commanded the son of Spurchius, a Jove-descendant river, whom the daughter of Pileus, Fair Polydora bore to indefictigable Spurchius, a woman having been embraced by a god, although according to report Toborus, son of Perierus, who openly espoused her giving infinite marriage gifts, but war like Eudoras commanded another company, clandestinely begotten, whom Polly Mela, the daughter of Pileus, graceful in the dance, bore. Her, the powerful slayer of Argus loved, beholding her with his eyes among the dancers at a choir of Goldenbow Diana, huntress-made, and immediately ascending to an upper-changer, Pacific Mercury secretly lay with her, once she bore to him a son, Eudoras, swift to run and also a warrior, but after that, birth-presiding Elythia had brought him into light, and he beheld the splendor of the son, the mighty strength of Achilles, son of actor, led her to his house where he had given innumerable marriage gifts, whilst aged, philis, carefully nurtured, and educated him, tenderly loving him as if being his own son. The third, war like Pizander led, the son of Mamelis, who, after the companion of the son of Pileus, surpassed all the Mermidons in fighting with the spear. The fourth, the aged knight, Phoenix commanded, and Alchimidon, the illustrious son of Lyrcius, the fifth. But when Achilles, marshalling them well, had placed all with their leaders, he enjoined this strict command. Ye Mermidons, let none of you be forgetful of the threats with which at the swift ships ye did threaten the Trojans during all my indignation, and blamed me, each of you, in this manner. O cruel son of Pileus, surely thy mother nurtured thee in wrath, relentless thou, who at the ships detainest thy companions against their will, let us at least return home again in our sea traversing barks, since pernicious wrath has thus fallen upon thy mind. These things ye frequently said to me when assembled, and now the great task of war appears, of which ye were hitherto desirous, let each one here having a valiant heart fight against the Trojans. Thus speaking, he aroused the might and spirit of each, and their ranks were condensed to more when they heard the king, as when a man constructs the wall of a lofty mansion with closely joined stones, guarding against the violence of the winds, so closely were their helmets and bost shields linked. Then shield pressed upon shield, helmet upon helmet, and a man upon man, and their horsehair crests upon the shining cones of their helmets nodding touched each other, so close they stood to each other, before all were armed two warriors, patroclus and automadon having one mind, to fight in the front of the mermadons, but Achilles hastened to go into his tent, and he opened the lid of a chest, beautiful, variously adorned, with silver foot at thee displaced to be carried in the well with garments, and wind-resisting cloaks, and napped tapestry. And in it was a cup curiously wrought, nor did any other of men drink dark wine from it, nor did he pour out from it libations to any of the gods except a father jove. This then, taking from the coffer, he first purified with sulfur, and then washed in a crystal rivulet of water, but he himself washed his hands and drew off the dark wine, next standing in the middle of the area he prayed and offered a libation of wine looking out to heaven, nor did he escape the notice of thunder rejoicing jove. O King Jove, Dodonian, Belazgian, dwelling afar off, presiding over wintry Dodona, but around dwell thy priests, the selly, with unwashed feet, and sleeping upon the ground, certainly thou didst formally hear my voice when praying, thou hast honored me, and has greatly injured the people of the Greeks, wherefore now also, accomplish this additional request for me, for I myself will remain in the assemblage of ships, but I am sending forth my companion with the numerous mermidans to battle, along with him do thou send forth gloria, far-sounding jove, emboldened his heart within his breast, that even Hector may know whether my attendant, even when alone, knows how to wage war, or only when these invincible hands rage with him, when I likewise go forth to the slaughter of Mars, but after he has repelled the contest and the tumult from the ships, unscathed and returned to me, to the swift barks, with all his armour and his close-fighting companions. Thus he spoke, praying, and the provident jove heard him, one part indeed the sire granted him, but refused the other. He granted that he should repel the conflict and tumult from the ships, but he refused that he should return safe from the battle. He on his part, having made a libation and prayed to father jove, again entered his tent and replaced the cup in the chest. Then coming out he still wished in his mind to behold the grievous conflict of Trojans and Greeks, but those that were armed at the same time with magnanimous patroclus marched orderly till they rushed upon the Trojans with high hopes. Immediately they report out, like unto wasps dwelling by the roadside, which silly boys are wont to irritate, incessantly harassing them, possessing cells by the wayside, and cause a common evil to many, and if by chance any traveller passing by unintentionally disturb them, then their hearts all fly forth and fight for their young. The mermidans then having the heart and courage of these poured out from the ships, and an inextinguishable tumult arose, but patroclus cheered on his companions loudly shouting, ye mermidans, companions of Achilles, the son of Peleus, be men, my friends, and be mindful of impetuous valor, that we, his close fighting servants may honor the son of Peleus, who is by far the bravest of the Greeks at the ships, and that the son of Peleus, by the wayside, ruling Agamemnon may know his fault, that he nothing honored the bravest of the Greeks. Thus speaking, he aroused the might and spirits of each, and in dense array they fell upon the Trojans, but the ships re-echoed dreadfully round from the Greeks shouting, but the Trojans, when they beheld the brave son of Manuetius, himself and his attendant glittering in arms, the mind to all of them was disturbed, and the phalanxes were deranged, deeming that the swift-footed son resumed friendship. Then each one gazed about where he might escape utter destruction, but Patroclus first took aim with his shining spear from the opposite side right into the midst, where they were huddled together in greatest numbers at the stern of the ship of Magnanimus Protestlius, and wounded Pyriacmus, who led the Paeonian equestrian warriors from Amadan, from the wide-flowing Axeus. Him he smelt upon the right shoulder, and he fell on his back in the dust groaning, but the Trojans were put to flight around him, for Patroclus caused fear to them all, having slain their leader, who was very brave to fight, and he drove them from the ships, and extinguished the blazing fire, but the ship was left there half-burnt, whilst the Trojans were routed with a prodigious tumult, and the Greeks report forth amongst the hollow ships, and mighty confusion was created, and as wind from the lofty summit of a great mountain, lightning-driving jove dislodges a dense cloud, and all the bridges and glens appear, whilst the boundless ether is burst open throughout the heaven, so the Greeks respired for a little, having repelled the hostile fire from their vessels, but of battle there was no cessation, for the Trojans were by no means yet totally routed from the black ships by the war-like Greeks, but still resisted and retreated from the ships from necessity, then of the generals Mansluman, the fight being scattered, and first the brave son of Manoetius, forthwith, with his sharp spear, smote the thigh of T'Locus when turned about, and drove the brass quite through, but the spear broke the bone, and he fell prone upon the earth, but more like Manoetius then wounded Thoas in the breast, exposing near the shield, and relaxed his limbs, but Phylides, perceiving Ampiclus rushing against him, anticipated him, taking aim at the extremity of his leg, where the calf of a man is thickest, the tenons were severed all round by the point of the spear, and darkness overshadowed his eyes, then the sons of Manoetius, one Antelocus struck atypneus with his sharp spear, and drove the brazen lance through his flank, and he fell before him, but Marys, standing before the carcass, rushed upon Antelocus hand to hand with his spear, enraged on account of his brother, but godlike Thursimides, taking aim, anticipated him before he had wounded Antelocus, nor did he miss him, but wounded him immediately near the shoulder, and the point of the spear cut off the extremity of the arm from the blade of bone, falling he made a crash, and darkness veiled his eyes. Thus to Erebus went these two, subdued by two brothers, the brave companions of Sarpadon, the spear renowned sons of Emissodaris, who nourished the invincible Kimera, a destruction to many men, but Ajax, the son of Oileus, rushed upon Cleobulus, took him alive, impeded in the crowd, and there relaxed his strength, striking him upon the neck with his hilted sword, and the whole sword was warmed over with blood, and purple death and stern fate possessed his eyes. Then Penelius and Lycon engaged in close combat, for they had missed each other with their spears, and both had hurled in vain, therefore they ran on again with their swords. Then Lycon on his part struck the cone of the horse-haired crested helmet, and the sword was broken at the hilt. But Penelius smote him in the neck below the ear, and the whole sword entered, and the skin alone retained it, the head hung down, and his limbs were relaxed. Arionus also overtaking him with rabid feet wounded Achimus in the right shoulder as he was about to ascend his chariot, and he fell from his chariot, and darkness was poured over his eyes. But Edomeneus struck Arimus in the mouth with the pitiless brass, and the brazen weapon passed right through from the opposite side down under the brain, and then cleft the white bones, and his teeth were dashed out, and both eyes were filled with gore, which gaping he forced out from his nostrils, and the black cloud of death enveloped him. Thus these leaders of the Greeks slew each a man, and as destructive wolves impetuously rush on lambs or kids, snatching them from the flocks, which are dispersed upon the mountains by the negligence of the shepherd, but they, perceiving them, immediately tear in pieces, them having an unmoor like heart. So did the Greeks rush upon the Trojans, but they were mindful of dire-sounding flight, and forgot Resolute Valor. But mighty Ajax longed to aim his javelin at brazen armed hector, but he from his skill in war, covering himself as to his broad-shouldered with a bull's hide shield, watched the hissing of the arrows and the whizzing of the javelins. Already indeed, he knew the victory of battle was inclining to the other side, yet even thus he remained, and saved his beloved companions. And as when from Olympus comes a cloud into heaven, after a clear sky, when Jove stretches forth a whirlwind, thus was the clamor and rout of those flying on the ships. Nor did they repass the trench in seemly plight, but his fleet-footed steeds bore away hector with his arms, and he deserted the Trojan people, whom against their will the deep trench detained, and many fleet-car-drawing steeds left in the Fos, the chariots of their masters broken at the extremity of the pole, but patroclus pursued vehemently cheering on the Greeks, and devising destruction for the Trojans. But they, with clamor and rout, filled all the ways after they were dispersed, a storm of dust was tossed up beneath the clouds, and the solid hooved horses pressed back towards the city from the ships and tins. But patroclus, wherever he perceived the army in greatest confusion, thither directed his steeds, exclaiming in a threatening manner, whilst beneath his axels men fell prone from their chariots, and the chariots were overturned. Then from the opposite side, the fleet-immortal steeds which the gods had given as splendid presence to Pileus, eagerly pressing them, bounded quite across a trench, for his mind urged him against Hector, for he longed to strike him, but his swift horses kept bearing him away. And as beneath a whirlwind, the whole dark earth is oppressed on an autumnal day, when Jove pours forth his most violent stream, one forsooth enraged gives vent to his wrath against men, who by violence decree perverse judgments in the assembly, and drive out justice, not regarding the vengeance of the gods, and all rivers are flooded as they flow, and the torrents sever asunder many mountains, and flowing headlong into the dark sea roar mightily, and husbandry works of men are diminished, so loudly moaned the Trojan mayors running along, but Petroclus, when he had cut off the first phalanxies, drove them back again towards the ships, and did not permit them desiring it to ascend towards the city, but pressing on he slew them between the ships and the river, and the lofty wall, and he exacted revenge for many, then indeed he smote with his shining spear, pronus first, buried as to his breast beside the shield, and relaxed his limbs, and falling he gave a crash, but next attacking Tester, son of Enops who indeed sat huddled in his well polished chariot, where he was panic struck in his mind, and the reins had then dropped from his hands, he standing near, smote him with his spear on the right cheek, and drove it through his teeth, then catching the spear he dragged him over the rim of the chariot, as when a man sitting upon a jutting rock draws with a line, and shining brass a large fish entirely out of the sea, so he dragged from his chariot with his shining spear, him gaping, then he hurled him upon his mouth, and life left him as he fell, then next he struck with a stone on the middle of the head, Aerialis, rushing against him, and it was totally split asunder into two parts in his strong helmet, he therefore fell prone upon the earth, and fatal death was diffused around him, afterwards Aerigamus and Amphoteris, Epaultes, and Telepolemus, son of the master, Achaeus and Pyrus, Achaeus, Aeuipus, and Polymalus, son of Arceus, all one over the other he heaped upon the fertile earth, but when Sarpadon perceived his loose gurt companions subdued by the hands of Petrochus, the son of Manoetius exhorting, he shouted to the godlike Lyceans, oh shame Lyceans, where do ye fly? now be strenuous, for I will lose this man that I may know who he is, who is victorious, and certainly he has done many evils to the Trojans, since he has relaxed the limbs of many and brave men, he spoke, and leaped from his chariot with his armor to the ground, but Petrochus on the other side, when he beheld him, sprang from his car, then they, as bent taloned, crook-beaked, vultures loudly screaming, fight upon a lofty rock, so they, shouting, rust against each other, but the son of Wily Saturn beholding them felt compassion, and addressed Juno, his sister, and wife, oh what was me, because it is fated that Sarpadon, most dear to me of men, shall be subdued by Petrochus, the son of Manoetius, but to me, revolving it in my mind, my heart is impelled with a two-fold anxiety, either that having snatched him alive from the mournful battle, I may place him among the rich people of Lycea, or now subdue him beneath the hands of the son Petrochus, then the large-eyed venerable Juno answered, most dread son of Saturn, what a word hast thou spoken, whether thus thou wish to liberate from sad death a mortal man long since doomed to fate, do so, but all weed the other gods will not ascend to it, but another thing I will tell thee, and do thou revolve it in my mind, if indeed thou sendest this Sarpadon safe home, reflect whether some other of the gods may not also wish to ascend safe home from the violent conflict, for many sons of immortals fight round the great city of Priem, upon whom thou wilt bring heavy wrath, if however he be dear to thee and thy heart pities him, let him indeed be subdued in the violent conflict beneath the hands of Petrochus, the son of Manoetius, but when his spirit and life shall have left him, send death and sweet sleep to bear him until they reach the people of expanse of Lycea, there will his brethren and friends inform his obsequies with a tilme and a pillar, for this is the honor of the dead. Thus she spoke, nor did the father of gods and men disobey, but he poured down upon the earth bloody dewdrops, honoring his beloved son, whom Petrochus was about to slay in fertile soiled Troy, far away from his native land, but when advancing they were now near each other, then indeed Petrochus struck illustrious Thrasymelis, who was the brave companion of the king, and he then started to bow to the belly and relaxed his limbs, then Sarbatan attacking second missed him with his splendid javelin, but he wounded his horse Padasus with his spear in the right shoulder, but he groaned, breathing out his life, and fell in the dust moaning, and his spirit fled from him, but the two other steeds leaped us under and yoke crashed, and the reins were tangled about them when the side horse lay in the dust, but the robust thigh, rising he cut away the farther horse, nor did he act slothfully, and the two remaining horses were set to right, and were directed by the reins, and the men again engaged in life devouring combat. Then again Sarbatan missed him with his shining spear, and the point of the weapon passed over the left shoulder of Petrochus, nor did it wound him, but Petrochus rushed on with his javelin, and the weapon did not end, and the midriff encloses a compact heart, as when falls some oak, or poplar, or lofty pine, which the workmen fell in the mountains with newly sharpened axes to be a naval timber, so he lay stretched out before his horses and chariot, gnashing with his teeth, grasping the bloody dust, as a lion slays a bull, coming among a herd, tawny, noble spirited, among the stamping oxen, and he perishes, bellowing beneath the jaws of the lion, so the friend, being slain by Petrochus, and addressed his dear companion by name. Glaucus, dear friend, warrior amongst heroes, now it greatly behooves thee to be a hero and a bold warrior, now of thou art impetuous, let destructive battle be thy desire, first indeed going in every direction exhort the leaders of the Lyceans to fight around Sarbatan, and do thou thyself also fight for me with thy spear, for I will hereafter be a cause of shame and disgrace all thy days, throughout, if indeed the Greeks to spoil me of my armor falling in the conflict at the ships, but persevere and animate all the army. Whilst it was thus speaking, the end of death covered him as to his eyes and nostrils, but Petrochus, trampling with his heel upon his breast, drew out the spear from his body, and the mid-rif followed with it, and he drew out at the same time his life and the point of the weapon, but the mermadons there held his panting steeds eager to fly along since they had quitted the chariot of their lords. Then bitter grief arose to Glaucus hearing the voice of his friend, and his heart was grieved because he could not aid him, but grasping his own arm in his hand, he compressed it, for grievously the wound pained him which Teucer with an arrow had inflicted upon him as he was rushing against the lofty wall, warding off the battle from his companions. Wherefore praying, he addressed far darting Apollo, Here, oh king, thou who art somewhere in the rich state of Lycea, or in Troy, for thou canst everywhere here a man afflicted, as sorrow now comes upon me, for I indeed have this grievous wound, and my hand is penetrated on every side with acute pains, nor can the blood be stanched, but my shoulder is oppressed with it, for neither can I firmly hold my spear, nor advancing fight with the enemy, moreover a very brave hero has fallen, Sarpidon, the son of Jove, but he aids not even his own son, but heal for me this severe wound, oh king, assuage my pains and grant me strength that cheering on my companions, the Lyceans, I may urge them to fight, and may myself fight for the dead body. Thus he spoke, praying, but he was Apollo heard him, immediately he laid the pains and dried the black gore from the grievous wound, and instilled strength into his soul, but Glaucas knew in his mind and rejoiced because a mighty god had quickly heard him praying, for then going about the directions he aroused the heroes, leaders of the Lyceans to fight for Sarpidon, and then he went to the Trojans advancing with long strides to Polydamus, son of Penthys, and noble Agenor, he also went after Aeneas, and brazen armed Hector, and standing near addressed to him winged words, oh Hector, now hast thou altogether neglected thine allies who are losing their lies for thy sake, far away from their friends and fatherland, but thou dost not wish to aid them. There is low the leader of the shield-bearing Lyceans who protected Lycea by his justice and his valor. Him hath brazen Mars subdued with a spear at the hands of Petroclus, but stand near, my friends, and be indignant in your minds, lest the Mermadon spoil his armor and unworthy treat the body enraged on account of the Greeks, as many as have perished whom we have slain with our spears at the ships. Thus he spoke, but intolerable, unyielding grief wholly possessed the Trojans, for been a pillar of their city, though being a foreigner. For many forces followed along with him, among whom he himself was the most valiant in battle. They therefore advanced eagerly straight against the Greeks, ardent with desire, but Hector led the way, enraged on account of Sarbadan. But the valiant heart of Petroclus, son of Minuitius, aroused the Greeks. First he addressed the adjacent, though they themselves were also eager. Oh, JC's, now let it be a delightful thing to you both to repel the foe. Be ye such as of old, ye were amongst heroes, or even braver. Sarbadan lies low, the man who first broke through the wall of the Greeks. But oh, that taking him, we could treat him with indignity, and spoil the armor from his shoulders, and subdue with the cruel brass some one of his companions keeping us off from him. Thus he spoke, but they also themselves were ready to repel the foe. But when they had strengthened their phalanxes on both sides, the Trojans and Lysians, as well as Mermadans and Achaeans, they closed to fight round the dead body, shouting dreadfully, and loudly rattled the arms of men. But Jove stretched pernicious night over the violent contest, that there might be a destructive toil of battle around his dear son. The Trojans first drove back the rolling-eyed Greeks, for a man was smitten, by no means of most inferior among the Mermadans. Noble Epigeus, son of Magnanimus Ajaecles, who formerly ruled in well-inhabited Budium. But then, having slain a noble kinsman, he came as a suppliant to Peleus and silver-footed Thedas. They sent him to follow with the rank-breaker Achilles, to steed-renowned Ilium, that he might fight with the Trojans. Him then, while seizing the body, illustrious Hector struck upon the head with a stone, and it was entirely split in two in his strong helmet, and he fell prone upon the corpse, and sole-destroying death was diffused around him. And the patroclus griefer rose on account of his companion slain, and he rushed right through the foremost warriors, like unto a swift hawk, which has put to flight Jackdaw's or Starling's. So a equestrian patroclus didst thou rush right against the Lysians and the Trojans, for thou wert enraged in thine heart for thy companion. And he struck Suthenelaus, the beloved son of Ithamanius, on the neck with a stone, and broke his tendons, and the foremost warriors and illustrious Hector gave back. And as far as is a cast of a long javelin, which a man may have sent forth, striving either in the game or even in war, on account of life-destroying enemies, so far did the Trojans retire, and the Greeks repelled them. But Glaucus, the leader of the shield-bearing Lysians, first turned and slew magnanimous Betheklis, the beloved son of Chalcon, who, inhabiting dwellings in Hellas, was conspicuous among the Myrmidons for his riches and wealth. Him then Glaucus turning suddenly round, wounded in the middle of the breast with his spear, when pursuing he had overtaken him. But he made a crash as he fell, and deep grief possessed the Greeks, because a brave warrior had thus fallen. But the Trojans greatly rejoiced, and advancing in crowds stood round him, nor were the Greeks forgetful of Valor, but they directed their strength straight against them. Then again Myrionus slew a hero of the Trojans, the warrior Leogonus, the gallant son of Oneter, who was a priest of Edaean Jove, who was honoured like a god by the people. He smote him under the jaw and ear, and his soul immediately departed from his limbs, and dreadful darkness overshadowed him. But Aeneas hurled a brazen spear at Myrionus, for he hoped to hit him, advancing under protection of his shield. He, however, observing it in front, avoided the brazen spear, for he stooped forward, and the long javelin was fixed in the ground behind him, and the nether point of the spear was shaken. Then the rabid weapon spent its force. Also javelin of Aeneas, quivering, entered the earth, for he had fled in vain from his strong hand. Then Aeneas was enraged in his mind, and said, Myrionus, quickly indeed, although being a dancer, would my spear have made thee cease forever, if I had struck thee. But him then, in turn, spear-renowned Myrionus answered, Aeneas, it were difficult for thee, although being brave, to extinguish the valour of all men, whosoever may come against thee about repulsing, for thou too art mortal, and if I take a name should strike thee in the middle with my sharp spear, although being brave and confiding in thy might, thou wouldst give glory to me, but thy soul to steed-famed Pluto. Thus he spoke, but him, the brave son of Manuetius rebuked, Myrionus, why dost thou, although being brave, harang thus? O my friend, the Trojans will not retire from the course by approbrious words. First will the earth possess some of them, for the emergency of battle is placed in the hands, but of council and words, wherefore it is by no means necessary to multiply words, but to fight. So saying, he on his part led the way, and along with him the godlike hero followed, and as the crash of wood-cutting men arises in the dwells of a mountain, and the sound is heard from afar, so the noise of these, smitten with swords and two-edged spears, arose from the wide extended plain, from brass, from leather, and from well-prepared bull's-hide shields. Nor would a man, although very discerning, have recognized Noble Sarbadan since he was totally involved from his head to the soles of his feet with weapons and blood and dust. But they still crowded round the course, as when flies in the stall hum around the pails full of milk, during the spring season, when the milk makes moist the vessel. So they still crowded round the body, nor did Jove ever turn his right eyes from the violent conflict, but he ever beheld them, and meditated many evil things in his mind concerning the death of Petroclus, anxiously deliberating whether now illustrious Hector should kill him with his spear in the brave battle, over God-like Sarbadan, and spoil the armor from his shoulders, or whether he should still increase the severe labor to the multitude. To him, thus reflecting, it appeared better that the brave servant of Achilles, the son of Pelius, should repulse the Trojans and brazen-armed Hector towards the city, and take away the life of many. Into Hector, therefore, first of all, he sent on war-like flight, and, ascending his chariot, he turned himself to flight, and advised the other Trojans to fly, for he recognized the sacred scales of Jove. Then not even the brave Lyceans remained, but were all turned in flight, when they beheld their king wounded to the heart, lying in the heap of the dead. Many had fallen over him, whilst the son of Saturn stretched on the violent strife, but after they had taken from the shoulders of Sarbadan the brazen and glittering armor, the gallant son of Manuetius gave them to his companions to carry to the hollow ships, and then cloud-compelling Jove addressed Apollo, Come now, dear Phoebus, going, cleanse Sarbadan, withdrawn from among the heaps of weapons of Sablegor, and, afterwards, bearing him far away, lave him in the stream of the river, and anoint him with ambrosia, and put around him immortal garment, then give him in charge to the twin brothers, sleep and death, swift conductors to be borne away, who will quickly place him in the rich state of wide Lycea, there will his brethren and kindred performance of sequies with a tomb, and a pillar, for this is the honor of the dead. Thus he spoke, nor was Apollo unattentive to his father, but he descended from the Adenian mountains to the grievous conflict, immediately removing noble Sarbadan out of the reach of weapons, and bearing him far away, he laved him in the stream of the river, anointed him with ambrosia, and placed around him immortal garments, then gave him in charge to the twin brothers, sleep and death, swift conductors to be borne away with them, who accordingly quickly placed him in the rich state of wide Lycea. In the meantime, Petroklos, cheering on his deeds, an automadon followed upon the Trojans and Lyceans, and came to great harm, infatuated one, but if he had observed the direction of the son of Peleus, he had certainly escaped the evil fate of black death, but the council of Job is ever better than that of men, who puts to fight even the valiant man, and easily deprives him of victory, even when he himself has impelled him to fight, who then also excited courage in his breast. In whom first, and whom last, didst thou slay, O Petroklos, when the gods now called thee on to death? A drastis indeed first, a taunus, and a cakeless, and a paramus, son of Mages, an epistor, and a menelippus, but then Elasus and Muleus and Pilartes. These he slew, but the others were, each of them mindful of flight. Then indeed had the sons of the Greeks taken lofty-gated Troy by the hands of Petroklos, for he raged greatly beyond others with his spear, had not feavus Apollo stood upon a well-built tower, meditating destructive things to him, and assisting the Trojans. Thrice indeed Petroklos mounted to a buttress of the lofty wall, and Thrice did Apollo repel him with violence, striking his glittering shield with his immortal hands, but when now, Godlike, he rushed on the fourth time, forecasting Apollo, threatening fearfully, addressed him. Retire, thou Job sprung Petroklos! By no means is it destined that the city of the magnanimous Trojans should be destroyed by thy spear, nor by Achilles, who is much better than thou. Thus he spoke, but Petroklos retired far back, avoiding the rather far-darting Apollo, but Hector detained his siege at the Skaen gates, for he doubted whether, having driven again into the crowd, he should fight, or should loudly command the people to be collected within the walls. To him then, meditating these things, Beavus Apollo stood near, having assimilated himself to a hero youthful and brave, to Achilles, who is a maternal uncle of horse-breaking Hector, own brother of Hecuba, and the son of Dymus, who dwelt in Phrygia by the streams of the Sangarius. To him, Beavus Apollo, assimilating himself, spoke, Hector, why dost thou cease from battle? Nor does it at all become thee, o that I were much superior to thee as I am inferior, than indeed which thou quickly have retired from the battle to thy loss. But come, direct thy solid hooved steeds against Petroklos, if perchance thou mayest slay him, and Apollo may give thee glory. So saying, the God on his part went again through the labor of men, but illustrious Hector on his part commanded warlike Zebrionus to lash on his steeds to the battle, whilst Apollo, proceeding, entered the throng, and sent an evil tumult among the Greeks, but gave glory to the Trojans and Hector. Then indeed did Hector neglect the other Greeks, nor slew them, but directed his solid hooved steeds against Petroklos. But Petroklos on the other side, moved from his chariot to the ground, in his left hand holding his spear, but in the other he seized a stone, white, rugged, which his hand embraced around. Putting his force to it, he hurled it, nor did it air far from the man, nor was the weapon hurled in vain, for in the forehead with a sharp stone, he smote the charioteer of Hector, Zebrionus, the illegitimate son of illustrious Priam, whilst holding the reins of the horses. But the stone crushed both his eyebrows, nor did the bone sustain it, and his eyes fell amid the dust upon the ground before his feet. But he then, like unto a diver, fell from the well-formed chariot seat, and life left his bones. But him insulting, thou ditched to dress, O Equestrian Petroklos. O gods, truly he is a very active man! How nimbly he dives! If indeed he were anywhere in the fishy sea, this man, groping for oysters, might have satisfied many, plunging from his ship, although it might be stormy. So easily now in the plain does he dive from his feet. Without doubt there are divers among the Trojans. So saying, he advanced against the hero Zebrionus, having the force of a lion, which ravaging the folds is wounded in the breast, and his own courage destroys him. Thus, so Petroklos, ardent this thou, spring upon Zebrionus, whilst Hector on the other side leaped from his chariot to the ground. These two as lions fought for Zebrionus, when both being hungry fight with utmost courage for a slaughtered stag and mountaintops. So for Zebrionus, these two masters of the fight, Petroklos, Son of Benoetius, and illustrious Hector, wished to rend each other's body with the pitiless brass. Hector indeed, after he seized him by the head, did not let him go, but Petroklos on the other side held him by the foot, and now the rest of the Trojans and Greeks engaged in the violent conflict. And as the east and south winds strive with each other, in the delves of a mountain, to shake a deep wood, beach, ash, and rugged cornel, but they strike with their long extended bows against each other with an immense sound, and a crash of them breaking the rises, thus the Trojans and Greeks leaping upon each other slaughtered, but neither were mindful of pernicious flight, and many sharp spears were fixed round Zebrionus and winged arrows bounding from the string, and many huge stones smote the shields of those fighting round him, but he, mighty over mighty space, lay in a whirlwind of dust, forgetful of his equestrian skill. As long indeed as the sun was ascending the middle heaven, so long did the weapons reach both sides effectually, and the people kept falling, but when the sun had passed over towards the west, then indeed the Greeks were superior, contrary to fate. They drew the heroes Zebrionus from the weapons out of the tumult of Trojans and took the armor from his shoulders, but Petroklos devising evils against the Trojans rushed on, thrice then he charged, equal to swift Mars, shouting horribly, and thrice he slew nine heroes, but when, like unto a god, he made a attack for the fourth time, then indeed Petroklos was the end of thy life manifest, for Phoebus, terrible in a dire battle, met thee. He did not indeed perceive him coming through the crowd, for he advanced against him covered with much darkness, but he stood behind and smote him with his flat hand upon the back and broad shoulders, and his eyes were seized with giddiness. And from his head Phoebus Apollus struck the helmet, and the oblong helmet rattled, rolling under the horses' feet, and the crest was defiled with blood and dust, although before this it was not permitted that this helmet, crested with horse hair, should be contaminated by the dust, for it protected the head of a god-like hero, even the venerable forehead of Achilles, but Job then gave it to Hector to wear upon his head, but his destruction was near, but the long-shadowed spear, great, sturdy, pointed with brass, was utterly shattered in his hands, whilst the shield which reached to his heels with its belt fell to the ground, and King Apollus, the son of Job, unbound his coarselet, but stupor seized his brain, and his fair limbs were relaxed under him, and he stood astounded. But a Trojan hero, Euphorbus, the son of Panthus, who excelled those of his own age in the spear, in horsemanship and in swiftness of foot, smote him close at hand with his sharp spear in the back between the shoulders, for even before this he had hurled twenty men from their horses, at first coming with his chariot, learning the art of war. He it was who first hurled a weapon at the, oh knight, Patroclus, nor did he subdue thee, where he ran back and was mingled with the crowd, having plucked the ashen spear out of thy body, nor did he await Patroclus, though being unarmed in the fight. Patroclus, however, subdued by the blow of the god and by the spear, retired into the crowd of his companions, avoiding death. But Hector, when he perceived magnanimous Patroclus' retiring, wounded with a sharp spear, went through the ranks near him, and smote him with his javelin in the lowest part of the groin, and drove the brass quite through. Following he gave a crash, and greatly grieved the people of the Greeks, as when a lion presses on an unwearyed boar in fight, and they twain high spear did contend upon the mountaintops for a small rill, for they both desired to drink, but the lion subdued him by force, panting much. So Hector, the son of Priam, in close fight with his spear, deprived the gallant son of Anoetius of life, having slain many, and boasting over him spoke winged words. Patroclus, doubtless thou disthink to waste our city, and to carry off in thy ships the Trojan women to thy dear fatherland, having taken away their day of freedom, infatuated one, but in defense of these the fleet steed of Hector hastened with their feet to war, and I myself who avert the day of slavery from them, am conspicuous amongst the war-loving Trojans in the use of the spear, but the vultures shall devour thee here on the happy man, nor indeed did Achilles although being brave aid thee, who remaining behind doubtless, and joined many things to thee going forth. Do not return to me, O equestrian Patroclus, to the hollow barks, before thou rendest the blood-stained garment around the breast of man-slaughtering Hector, thus doubtless he addressed thee, and persuaded the mind of foolish thee, but him, all night Patroclus, breathing faintly, thou didst address, even now Hector, vaunt greatly for Jove, the son of Saturn, and Apollo have given thee the victory, who subdued me easily, for they stripped the armor from my shoulders, but even if twenty such as thou had opposed me, they had all perished here, subdued by my spear, but destructive fate, and the son of Latona have slain me, and of men euphorbrous, whilst thou the third does despoil me slain. Another thing will I tell thee, and do thou pondered in thy soul. Not long indeed shall thou thyself advance in life, but death and violent fate already stand near thee, subdued by the hands of Achilles, the blameless descendant of Achilles. Him then, having thus spoken, the end of death then overshadowed, but his soul flying from his members departed to Hades, bewailing its lot, relinquishing manliness and youth, but him, dead illustrious Hector, addressed, Why now, Patroclus, does thou prophesy cruel destruction to me? Who knows whether Achilles, the son of Fairherdy, districkened by my spear, may not be the first to lose his life. Thus having spoken, he extracted the brazen spear from the wound, pressing on him with his heel, and thrust him prostrate from the spear. Then immediately with the spear he went against Automadan, the god-like servant of swift-footed Achilles, for he was anxious to strike him, but the fleet immortal steeds which the gods bestowed upon Pellius splendid gifts bore him away. End of book the 16th, read by Stephen Carney.