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Home , Acamas, Actor (mythology), Asius (mythology), Atymnius, Automedon, Chalcon

f/S-44/ BOOK 16: FIGHTS AND DIE 41 BOOK SIXTEEN and . ' son, lives on among his ­ if both our fathers had died. we'd have some cause for grief. Or weeping over the Argives, are you? Seeing them die against the hollow ships, repaid for their offenses?

Out with it now! Don't harbor it deep inside you. 20 We must share it all." With a wrenching groan you answered your friend, Patroclus 0 my rider: ", son of Peleus. greatest of the . spare me your anger, please-- such heavy blows have overwhelmed the troops. Our former champions. all laid up in the ships, all are hit by arrows or run through by spears. There's powerful brought down by an archer, wounded, and too, the famous spearman.

and Eurypylus took an arrow-shot in the thigh . .. 30 Healers are working over them, using all their drugs, Patroclus trying to bind the wounds- But you are intractable, Achilles! Fights and Dies Pray god such anger never seizes me. such rage you nurse. Cursed in your own courage! What good will a man, even one in the next generation. get from you _unless you defend the Argives from disaster? S o they fought to the death around that benched beaked ship You heart of iron! He was not your father. as Patroclus reached Achilles, his great commander, the horseman Peleus- was not your mother. and wept warm tears like a dark spring running down Never. The salt gray sunless ocean gave you birth some desolate rock face, its shaded currents flowing. and the towering blank rocks-your temper's so relentless. 40 And the brilliant runner Achilles saw him coming, But still, if down deep some makes you balk, filled with pity and spoke out' winging words: some doom your noble mother revealed to you from , "Why in tears, Patroclus? well and good: at least send me into battle. quickly. Like a girl. a baby running after her mother. Let the whole army follow my command- begging to be picked up, and she tugs her skirts, 1 inight bring some light of victory to our Argives! h.olding her back as she tries to hurry off-all tears. 10 And give me your own fine armor to buckle on my back. fawning up at her. tin she takes her in her arms ... so the Trojans might take ·me for you, Achilles. yes, That's how you look, Patroclus. streaming live tears. hold off from attack, and Achaea's fighting sons But why? Some news for the Myrmidons. news for me? get second wind, exhausted as they are .. Some message from Phtbia that you alone have heard? Breathing r.oom in war is all too brief. 50 They tell me . 's son, is still alive, We're fresh, unbroken. The enemy's ba~le - wt;ary-

41 2 414 : THE [44 -76/ rn- 104! BOOK 16: PATROCLU S FI G HTS AND DJJ 4 we could roll ·those broken Trojans back to . break from his hated skull. But it's man-killing dear of the ships and shelters!" calling his Trojans on. his war cries crashing round me. So he pleaded. savage cries of his Trojans sweeping the whole plain. 90 lost in his own great innocence ... victors bringing the Argive armies to their knees. condemned to beg for his ow.p death and brutal doom. Even so. Patrodus. fight disaster off the ships. And moved now to his depths. the famous runner cried. fling yourself at the Trojans full force- "No. no. my prince, Patroclus. what are you saying? before they gut our hulls With leaping fire ? None that touch me. None I know of. and tear away the beloved day of our return. No doom my noble mother revealed to me from Zeus. But take this command to heart-obey it to the end. · just this terrible pain that wounds me to the quick- 60 So you can win great honor. great g_lory for me . when one man attempts to plunder a man his equal. in the eyes.of all the Argive ranks, and they, to commandeer a prize. exulting so in his own power. they'll send her back. my lithe and lovely girl. That's the pain that wounds me. suffering such humiliation. ~d top it off with troves of glitteling gifts. 100 That girl-the sons of Achaea picked her as my prize. Once you have whipped the enemy from the fleet and I'd sacked a walled dty. won her with my spear you must come back, Patrodus. Even if Zeus but right from my grasp he tears her. mighty Agamemnon. the thundering lord of lets you seize your glory. that son of Atreus! Treating me like some vagabond. you must not bum for war against these Trojans, some outcast stripped of all my rights ... madmen lusting for battle-not without me- Enough. you will only make my glory that much less .. . Let bygones be bygones now. Done is done. You must not, lost in the flush and fire of triumph, How on earth can a man rage on forever? 70 slaughtering Trojans outright, drive your troops to Troy­ Still. by god. I said I would not relax my anger. what if one of the gods who never die comes down not till the cries and carnage reached my own ships. in from Olympus heights to intervene battle? 110 So you. you strap my splendid armor on your back. The deaclly Archer loves his Trojans dearly. you lead our battle-hungry Myrmidons into actionl­ No, you must tum back- if now. in fact, the black cloud of the Trojans soon as you bring the light of victory to the shi1 blasts down on the ships with full gale force. Let the rest of them cut themselves to pieces on the plain! our backs to the breaking surf but clinging still Oh would to god-Father Zeus. and lord ­ to a cramped strip of land-the Argives. lost. not one of all these Trojans could flee his death, not one, The whole city of Troy comes trampling down on us. no Argive either. but we could stride from the slaughter daring. wild-why? They cannot see the brow of my helmet 80 so we could bring Troy's hallowed crown of towers flash before their eyes-Oh they'd soon run for their lives toppling down around us-you and I alone!" and choke the torrent-beds of the field with all their corpses if only the mighty Agamemnon met me with respect: And so the comrades roused each other now. 120 now. as it is. they're fighting round our campi But Ajax could hold his post on the decks no longer. No spear rages now in the hand of Diomedes. He was overwhelmed by the latest salvos. driven back keen to save the Argives from disaster . . . by the will of Zeus and the fearless Trojan spearmen I can't even hear the battle cry of Agamemnon hurling blows nonstop-a terrific din at. his temples. 416 HOMER : THE ILIAD {104-33/ {134 - 64/ BOOK 16 : PATROCLUS FIGHTS AND DIES 4 17 his shining helmet dashing under repeated blows, blazoned with stars-swift Achilles' own- 160 relentless blows beating his forged cheek-irons. then over his shoulder Patroclus slung the sword, And the joint of his left shoulder ached with labor, the fine bronze blade with its silver-studded hilt, forever bracing his huge burnished shield rock-steady, and then the shield-sLrap and the sturdy, massive shield but they could not wrench it loose from round his body and over his powerful head he set the well-forged helmet, for all their pelting weapons. Again and again 130 the horsehair crest atop it tossing, bristling terror. he fought for breath, gasping, bathed in sweat and he took two rugged spears that fit his grip. rivering down hi-s body, his limbs soaked and sleek ... And Achilles' only weapon Patroclus did not take where could he find some breathing room in battle? was the great man's spear, weighted, heavy, tough. Wherev.er he looked, pains heaped on pains. No other Achaean fighter could heft that shaft, Sing to me now, only Achilles had the skill to wield it well: 170 you , you who hold Olympus' vaulting halls, Pelian ash it was, a gift to his father Peleus how fire was first pitched on Achaea's ships! presented by once, hewn on Pelion's crest to be the death of heroes. Hector lunged at Ajax toe-to-toe, Now the war-team. hacked his ash-wood pike with a heavy sword Patrodus ordered to yoke them quickly­ and striking the socket just behind the point a man he honored next w Achilles breaker of men, he slashed the head dean off, leaving the shaft, 140 always firmest in battle, nerved to wait the call. the lopped stump dangling in Ajax' fist, useless, So at his command Automedon yoked the horses, bronze head bounding away, clanging along the ground. 'the rapid stallions Roan Beauty and Dapple, And deep in his hean brave Ajax knew and shuddered­ the team that raced the gales, magnificent team here was work of the gods, thundering Zeus on high, the storm-wind filly Lightfoot foaled for the West Wind, 180 cutting him off from battle, dashing all his plans, grazing the lush green grass along the Ocean's tides. Zeus, determined to grant the Trojans triumph now. And into the traces he ran the purebred Bold Dancer­ So Ajax drew back, out of range, and then- Achilles seized him once when he stormed Eetion's city, they flung their tireless fire at a fast trim ship. a mona! war-horse pacing immortal horses now. She was up in flames at once, engulfed in quenchless fire, in a flash the blaze went swirling round the stem 150 Prince Achilles, ranging his ranks of Myrmidons and Achilles slapped his thighs and urged Patrodus; arrayed them along the shelters, all in armor. "To arms-Patroclus, prince and master horseman! Hungry as wolves that rend and bolt raw flesh, I can see the blaze go roaring up the ships. hearts filled with battle-frenzy that never dies- They must not destroy them. No escape-route then. off on the cliffs, ripping apart some big antlered stag Quick, strap on my gear-1'11 rouse the troops·:: they gorge on the kill till all their jaws drip red with blood, 190 That was all, then down in a pack they lope to a pooling, dark spring, and Patroclus armed himself in Achilles' gleaming bronze. their lean sharp tongues lappi.ng the water's surface, First he wrapped his legs with the well-made greaves, belching bloody meat, but the fury, never shaken, fastened behind the heels with silver ankle-clasps, builds inside their chests though their glutted bellies burst­ next he strapped the breastplate round his chest, so wild the Myrmidon captains, Myrmidon field commanders 420 HOMER : THE IliAD /227-57/ {258- 87/ BOOK 16: PATROCLUS FIGHTS A N D DI E S 421 nor would Achilles pour the wine to any other god. moving out now, the fury bursting inside them, none but Father Zeus. Lifting it from the chest suddenly charged the Trojans- he purified it with sulphur crystals first 210 they swarmed forth like wasps from a roadside nest then rinsed it out with water running dear. when boys have made it their spon to set them seething, washed his hands and filled it bright with wine. day after day tormenting them round their wayside hive­ And then. taking a stand before his lodge. he prayed. ·idiot boys! they make a menace for every man in sight. pouring the wine to earth and scanning the high skies Any innocent traveler passing them on that road 310 and the god who loves the lightning never missed a word: can stir them accidentally-up in arms in a nash, "King Zeus- Pelasgian Zeus. lord of 's holy shrine. all in a swarm come pouring. each one raging down dwelling far away. brooding over Dodona's bitter winters! to fight for home and children- Your prophets dwelling round you, Zeus. the Selli Such frenzy seized their heans. sleeping along the ground with unwashed feet ... Mymtidons pouring out of the ships, ceaseless shouts rising If you honored me last- time and heard my 280 and over them all Patroclus' war cries rousing comrades: and rained destruction down on all Achaea's ranks, "Myrmidons! Brothers-in-arms of Peleus' son Achilles! now. once more. I beg you, bring my prayer LO pass! Fight like men. my friends. call up your battle-fury! 1 myself hold out on shore with the beached ships here Now we must win high honor for Peleus' royal son. but 1 send my comrade fonh to war with troops of Mymtidons­ far the greatest fighter among the Argive fleet, La unch glory along with him. high lord of thunder. Zeus! and we who fight beside him the bravest troops­ 320 Fill his hean with courage-so even Hector learns so even mighty Atrides can see how mad he was if Patroclus has the skill to fight his wars alone, to disgrace Achilles, the best of the Achaeans!" my friend-in-arms. or his hands can rage unvanquished only when I go wading in and face the grind of battle. He dosed with a shout and fired each fighter's hean But once he repels the roaring onslaught from the ships 290 and down in a mass they launched against the Trojans. let him come back to me and our fast fleet- unharmed- ships, around them echoing back their shattering cries. with all my armor round him, all our comrades fighti ng round my friend! " The Trojans, soon as they saw M~noe ti us ' gallant son, So Achilles prayed himself and his loyal driver flare in brazen gear- and Zeus in all his wisdom heard those . all their courage quaked, their columns buckled, One prayer the Father granted, the other he denied: thinking swift Achilles had tossed to the winds Patroclus would drive the onslaught off the ships­ his hard rage that held him back by the ships HO that much Zeus granted, true, and chosen friendship toward the Argives now. but denied him safe and sound return from battle. Each Trojan soldier glancing left and right- Once Achilles had poured the wine and prayed to Zeus. how could he run from sudden, plunging death? he returned to his shelter. stowed the cup in the chest 300 then took his stand outside, his spirit yearning still Patroclus was first to hurl his glinting spear, to watch Achaeans and Trojans struggle to the death. - right at the center mass-the fighters milling Myrmidons, round the stern of ' blazing ship- battalions ranged in armor with greathearted Patroclus, and hit . firebrand who led the Paeonians, 422 HOMER : THE ILIAD {287-)14/ {J/4-45/ BOOK 16: . PATROCLUS FIGHTS ANI> DIES 423

the master riders from Amydon, from Aldus' b~oad currents. the spot where a man's muscle bunches thickest: Patroclus slashed his right shoulder and down he went, the tough sinews shredded around the weapon's point his back slamming the dust with a jolting groan 340 as the dark swirled down his eyes- as companions panicked round him-brave Paeonians- 's sons on attack! Patroclus whipped the terror in all their hearts struck hard with a whetted spear. when he killed the chief who topped them all in battle. the bronze ripping into his flank and clean through­ He rode them off the ships. he quenched the leaping fire, he crashed at his feet- leaving Protesilaus' hulk half-burnt but upright still But Maris charged Antilochus, and the Trojans scattered baclc with high. shriU cries. sweeping in wi th his lance, enraged for his brother. The Argives poured against them, back by the hollow hulls. planted himself before his corpse but . the din of battle incessant- quick as a· god, beat him to it-he stabb~d 380 an Argive breakthrough- before Maris stabbed-no miss! right in ·the shoulder, bright as the moment Zeus the lord of lightning moves the Argive's spearpoint cracked through the bony socket, from a craggy mountain ridge a storm cloud massing dense 350 shearing away the tendons, wrenched the whole arm out and all the lookout peaks stand out and the jutting cliffs and down he thundered. darkness blanked his eyes. and the steep ravines and down from the high heavens bursts So these two brothers. laid low by the two brothers, · the boundless bright air ... So now the Argives dropped to the world of night: Sarpedon's stalwart cohorts, drove the ravening fire clear of the warships, spearmen sons of Amisodarus-he who bred the Chimaera, winning a little breathing room, not much, the grim monster that se~t so many men to death. no real halt to the buck-and-rush of battle. Ther~quick Oilean Ajax rushed Cleobulus, For despite the surge of the Argives primed for war took him alive, stumbling blind in the rout 39 the Trojans were still not wheeling round in headlong rout but took his life at once, snapped his strength away from the black hulls. Forced back from them. true, with a sword that hewed his neckbon~up to the hilt they braced for battle still. and made a stand. so the whole blade ran hot with blood. and red death Deadlock: 360 came flooding down his eyes, and the strong force of fate. there man killed man in the pell-mell dash of battle, And now in a breakneck charge dosed with ­ captains going at captains. Brave Patrodus first­ they'd missed each other with spears, two wasted casts, just as Areilycus swerved in sudden flight so now both clashed with swords. Lycon. flailing, he gored him in the hip with a slashing spear chopped the hom of Peneleos' horsehair-crested helmet and the bronze lancehead hammered through his flesh, but round the socket the sword-blade smashed to bits- the shaft splintering bone as he pitched face-first. just as Peneleos hacked his neck below the ear 400 pounding the ground- and the blade sank clean through, nothing held And veteran wounded , but a flap of skin. the head swung loose to the side raking his chest where the shield-rim left it bare, as Lycon slumped down to the ground ... Ther~ and loosed his limbs- at a dead run ran down , Acamas And Amphiclus went for mounting behind his team, and gouged his right shoulder­ but Meges saw him coming and got in first by far, }70 he pitched from the car and the mist whirled down his eyes. spearing him up. the thigh where it joins the body. Idomeneus skewered Erymas straight through the mouth, [J4S-75J [J75-40JJ 424 HOMER: THE ILIAD BOOK 16: PATROCLUS FIGHTS AND DIES 425 the merciless brazen spearpoint raking through, broke into stride again and galloped back to Troy, up under the brain to split his glistening skull­ leaving ships and shelters in their wake. Patroclus­ teeth shattered out, both eyes brimmed to the lids 410 wherever he saw the biggest masses dashing before him, with a gush of blood and both nostrils spurting, there he steered, plowing ahead with savage cries mouth gaping, blowing convulsive sprays of blood and fighters tumbled out of their chariots headfirst, and death's dark cloud closed down around his corpse. crushed under their axles, war-cars crashing over, yes, . but straight across the trench went his own careering team

So in a rush each Argive captain killed his man. at a superhuman bound. Magnificent racing stallions, 450 As ravenous wolves come swooping down on lambs or kids gifts of the gods tO Peleus, shining immonal gifts. to snatch them away from right amidst their flock- all lost straining breakneck on as Patroclus' high courage when a careless shepherd leaves them straggling down the hills urged him against Prince Hector. keen for the kill and quickly spoiling a chance the wolf pack picks them off, but Hector's veering horses swept him clear. no heart for the fight-so the Achaeans mauled the Trojans. And all in an onrush dark as autumn days Shrieking flight the one thing on the Trojans' minds, 420 when the whole eanh flanens black beneath a gale, they forgot their fighting-fury ... when Zeus flings down his pelting, punishing rains­ up in arms, furious, storming against those men Great Ajax now-forever aiming at Hector, who brawl in the courts and render crooked judgments, trying to strike his helmet flashing bronze men who throw all rights to the winds with no regard 460 but Hector was far too seasoned, combat-tested. for the vengeful eyes of the gods-so all their rivers broad shoulders hunching under his bull's-hide shield. crest into flood spate, ravines overflowing cut the hilltops his eyes peeled for a whistling shaft or thudding spear. off into lonely islands, the roaring flood tide rolling down Hector knew full well the tide of battle had turned to the storm-torn , headlong down from the foothills but still stood firm, defending die-hard comrades. washes away the good plowed work of men- Rampaging so. Wild as a storm cloud moving off Olympus into heaven the gasping -teams hurtled on. out of a clear blue sky when Zeus brings cyclones on- 430 Patroclus­ so wild the rout, the cries that came from the ships soon as the fighter cut their front battalions off as back through the trench they ran, formations wrecked. he swerved back to pin them against the warships, And Hector? Hector's speeding horses swept him away, never letting the Trojans stream back up to Troy

armor and aiL leaving his men to face their fate, as they struggled madly on-but there mid-field 4 70 Trojans trapped but struggling on in the deep trench. between the ships, the river and beetling wall Hundreds of plunging war-teams dragging chariots down, Patroclus kept on sweeping in, hacking them down, snapping the yoke-poles, ditched their masters' cars making them pay the price for Argives slaughtered. and Patroclus charged them, heart afire for the kill, There, Pronous first to fail-a glint of the spear shouting his Argives forward-"Slaughter Trojans!" and Patroclus tore his chest left bare by the shield-rim, Cries of terror breaking as Trojans choked all roads. 440 loosed his knees and the man went crashing down. their Jines ripped to pieces, up from under the hoofs And next he went for Thestor the son of Enops a dust storm swirling into the clouds as rearing horses cowering, crouched in his fine polished chariot, [432-6/j 426 HOMER : THE ILIAD [403-31} BOOK 16 : PATROCLUS FIGHTS AND DIES 427 crazed with fear, and the reins flew from his grip­ said to Hera, his sister and his wit , "My cruel fate ... Patroclus rising beside him stabbed his right jawbone, 480 my Sarpedon, the man· I love the most, my own son­ ramming the spearhead square between his teeth so hard doomed to die at the hands of Menoetius' son Patrodus. he hooked him by that spearhead over the chariot-rail, My heart is tom in two as I try to weigh aU this. hoisted, dragged the Trojan out as an angler perched ShaH I pluck him up, now, while he's still alive on a jutting rock ledge drags some fish from the sea, and set him down in the rich green land of Lyda, far from the war at Troy and all its tears? some noble catch, with line and glittering bronze hook. 520 So with the spear Patrodus gaffed him off his car, Or beat him down at Patroclus' hands at last?" his mouth gaping round the glittering point and flipped him down facefirst, But Queen Hera, her eyes wide, protested strongly: dead as he fell, his life breath blown away. "Dread majesty, son of -what are you saying? ·And next he caught Erylaus closing, lunging in­ 490 A man, a mere morral, his dpom sealed ·long ago? he flung a rock and it struck between his eyes You'd set him free from all the pains of death? and the man's whole skull split in his heavy helmet, Do as you please, Zeus ... down the Trojan slammed on the ground, .head-down but none of the deathless gods will ever praise you .. and courage-shattering Death engulfed his corpse. ~nd I tell you this- take it to heart, I urge you- Then in a blur of kills, Amphoterus. Eryrnas. Epaltes. If you send Sarpedon home, living stilL beware! T~en surely some other god .will want to sweep son of Damastor. and Echius and Pyris. 530 lpheus and Euippus and Polymelus the son of Argeas- h1s own son clear of the heavy fighting too. he crowded corpse on corpse on the earth that rears us alL Look down. Many who battle round King 's mighty walls are sons of the deathless godS:- you will inspire lethal anger in them all. But now Sarpedon, watching his comrades drop and die, · No, war-shirts. billowing free as Patrodus killed them, 500 dear as he is to you. and your heart grieves for him, dressed his godlike Lycians down with a harsh shout: leave Sarpedon there tq die in the brutal onslaught, "Lycians, where's your pride? Where are you running? beaten down at the hands of Menoetius' son Patroclus Now be fast to attack! I'll take him on myself, But once his soul and the life force have left him, see who he is who routs us, wreaking havoc against us­ send Death to carry him home, send soothing Sleep, cutting the legs from under squads of good brave men." all the way till they reach the broad land of Lyda. 540 T~ere his brothers and countrymen will bury the prince With that he leapt from his chariot fully armed With full royal rites, with mounded tomb and pillar. and hit the ground and Patroclus straight across, These are the solemn honors owed the dead." as soon as he saw him, leapt from his car too. So she pressed As a pair of crook-clawed, hook-beaked vultures and Zeus the father of men and gods complied at once. swoop to fight. screaming above some jagged rock- 510 But he showered tears of blood that drenched the earth so with their battle cries they rushed each other there. showers in praise of him, his own dear son, ' And Zeus the son of Cronus with Cronus' twisting ways. the man Patrodus was just about to kill filling with pity now to see the two great fighters. on Troy's fertile soil, fat from his fatherland. 428 HOMER: THE ILIAD /462-94} {495 - 516/ BOOK 16: PATROCLUS FIGHTS AND DIES 429

Now as the two came closing on each other First find 's captains, range the ranks, Pa troclus suddenly picked off Thrasymelus sso spur them to fi ght and shield Sarpedon's body. the famous driver, the aide who flanked Sarpedon- Then you, , you fight. for me with bronze! he speared him down the guts and loosed his limbs. You'll hang your head in shame--every day of your life­ But Sarpedon hurled next with a flashing lance if the Argives strip my armor here at the anchored ships and missed his man but he hit the horse Bold Dancer, where I have gone down fighting. Hold on, full force-­ 590 stabbing his right shoulder and down the stallion went, spur all our men to battle!" screaming his life out, shrieking down in the dust Death cut him shon. as his life breath winged away. And the paired horses The end closed in around him, swirling down his eyes, reared apan-a raspy creak of the yoke, the reins flying , choking off his breath. Patroclus planted a heel fouled as the trace horse thrashed the dust in death-throes. · against his chest, wrenched the spear from his wound But the fine spearman Automedon found a cure for that- 560 and the midriff came out with it-so he dragged out both drawing his long sharp sword from his sturdy thigh the man's life breath and the weapon's point together. he leapt with a stroke to cut the trace horse free-- Close by, the Myrmidons clung to the panting stallions it worked. The team righted, pulled at the reins straining to bolt away, free of their masters' chariot. and again both fighters closed with savage frenzy, dueling now to the death. But grief came over Glaucus, hearing his comrade's call.

Again Sarpedon missed­ His hean was racing-what could he do to help him? 600 over Patroclus' left shoulder his spearhead streaked, Wounded himself. he gripped his right arm hard, it never touched his body. Patroclus hurled next, aching where 's arrow had hit him squarely, the· bronze launched from his hand-no miss, a monal hit. assaulting the Argive wall, when Teucer saved his men. He struck him right where the midriff packs the pounding hean Glaucus cried a prayer to the distant deadly Archer: and down Sa rpedon fell as an oak or white poplar falls 570 " Hear me, Lord Apollo! Wherever you are now­ or towering pine that shipwrights up on a mountain in Lyda's rich green country or here in Troy, hew down with whetted axes for sturdy ship timber- wherever on earth, you can hear a man in pain, so he stretched in front of his team and chariot, you have that power, and pain comes on me now. sprawled and roaring, clawing the bloody dust. · Look at this ugly wound-

As the bull a marauding lion cuts from the herd, my whole arm rings with the stabbing pangs, 610 tawny and greatheaned among the shambling cattle, the blood won't clot, my shoulder's a dead weight. dies bellowing under the lion's killing jaws- I can't take up my spear, can't hold it steady- so now Sarpedon, captain of Lycia's shi eldsmen, no wading into enemy ranks to fight it out ... died at Patroclus' hands and died raging stilL and our bravest man is dead, Sarpedon, Zeus's son­ crying out his beloved comrade's name: "Glaucus- sso did Zeus stand by him? Not even his own son! oh dear friend, dear fighter, soldier's soldier! I beg you, Apollo, heal this throbbing wound, Now is the time to prove yourself a spearman, lull the pain now, lend me power in battle- a daring man of war- now, if you are brave, so I can rally our Lycians, drive them into war make grueling battle your one consuming passion. and fight to save my comrade's corpse myself." 430 HOMER: THE ILIAD (517-61/ {561-9Jf BOOK 16: PATROCLUS FIGHTS AND DIES 431

So Glaucus prayed and Apollo heard his prayer. 620 bring that enemy down with ruthless bronze!" He stopped the pains at once, stanched the dark blood Urging so in his throbbing wound and filled his hean with courage. but his men already burned to drive the Trojans off. And Glaucus sensed it all and the man glowed with joy And both armies now, pulling their lines tighter, that the mighty god had heard his prayer so quickly. Trojans and Lydans. Myrmidons and Achaeans First he hurried to spur his Lydan captains on. closed around the corpse to lunge in battJe- ranging his own ranks, to fight around Sarpedon. terrible war cries, stark clashing of armored men. then he ran for the Trojan lines with long strides. And across the onslaught Zeus swept murderous night He found , · son. and Prince Agenor to make the pltched battle over his own dear son and reaching and Heaor helmed in bronze, a brutal, blinding struggle. shoulder-to-shoulder let his challenge fly: 630 Here at the first assault " Heaor, you've wiped your allies from your mind! the Trojans shouJdered back the fiery-eyed Achaean.s­ And all for you, Heaor, far from their loved ones, a Myrmidon had been hit, and not their least man, far from native land they bleed their lives away. dauntJess Agades' son. renowned Epigeus ... But you won't lift a hand to fight beside them. He ruled Budion's fonress town in the old days There lies Sarpedon, lord of Lycia's shieldsmen, but then. having killed some highborn cousin, fled 670 who defended his realm with just decrees and power­ to Peleus and glistening Thetis, begged for his own life has cut him down with Patrodus' brazen spear. and they sent him off with Achilles. breaker of men, Quick, my friends. stand by him! Cringe with shame east to stallion-country to fight and die in Troy. at the thought they'll strip his gear and maim his corpse­ He had just grasped the corpse these Myrmidons. seething for all the Argive troops we killed. 640 when shining Heaor smashed his head with a rock we speared to death against their fast trim ships!" and his whole skull split in his massive helmet­ down he slammed on Sarpedon's body. facefirst Hard grief came sweeping over the Trojans' heads­ and courage-shattering Death engulfed his corpse: unbearable, irrepressible. He was their dry's bastion. Grief for his dead companion seized Patroclus now. always, even though he came from foreign pans, he tore through frontline fighters swift as a hawk and a mass of allies marched at his command diving to scatter crows and fear-struck starlings-­ but he excelled them all in battle. always. straight at the Lydans, Patroclus 0 my rider. So now they went at the Argives. out for blood, straight at the pressing Trojan ranks you swooped. and furious for Sarpedon Hector swung them round. enraged at your comrade's death! and struck Sthenelaus. But the Argives surged to Patroclus' savage spirit­ Ithaemenes' favorite son-a big rock to the neck he spurred the Aeantes first. both ablaze for battle: snapped the tendons strung to the skuU's base. "Ajax, Ajax! Come-now thrill to fight as before. So the front gave ground and flashing Hector too, brave among the brave, but now be braver still! though only as far as a long slim spear can fly Their captain's down. the first to storm our wall. when a man tests his hurling strength in the games the great Sarpedon. If only we could seize his body, or in war when enemy fighters close to crush his life­ 690 mutilate him, shame him, tear his gear from his back so far the Trojans gave as the Argives drove them back. and any comrade of his who tries to shield his corpse- ·But Glaucus was first. lord of Lyda's shieldsmen now, 432 HOMER: THE ILIAD {593- 627) {628-58( BOOK 16: PATROC LUS FIGHTS AND DIES 433 the first to tum and he killed the gallant Bathycles, Trust me, my friend, you'll never force "the Trojans

Chalcon's prize son who had made his home in Hellas, back from this corpse with a few stinging taunts­ 730 excelling the Myrmidons aU in wealth and fortune. Earth will bury many a man before that. Come­ Now, just as the man was about to catch Glaucus the proof of battle is action, proof of words, debate. Glaucus suddenly spun and struck, he stabbed his chest. No time for speeches now, it's time to fight." ripped him down with a crash. A heavy blow to the Argives, one of the brave ones down. A great joy to the Trojans, Breaking off, he led the way as Meriones followed, massing packs of them swarming round the corpse 700 staunch as a god. And loud as the roar goes up but Achaean forces never slacked their drive, when men cut timber deep in the mountain glades their juggernaut fury bore them breakneck on. and the pounding din of axes echoes miles away­ And there-Meriones kiJled a Trojan captain, so the pound and thud of blows came rising up Laogonus, daring son of Onetor, priest of Zeus, from the broad earth, from the trampled paths of war

Idaean Zeus. and his land revered him like a god­ and the bronze shields and tough plied hides struck hard 740 Meriones gouged him under the jaw.and ear, his spirit as the swords and two-edged spearheads stabbed against them. flew from his limbs and the hateful darkness gripped him. Not even a hawk-eyed scout could still make out Sarpedon, Just then Aeneas hurled his brazen spear at Meriones, the man's magnificent body covered over head to toe, hoping to hit the man as he charged behind his shield buried under a mass of weapons, blood and dust. But he eyed Aeneas straight on, he dodged the bronze, 710 But they still kept swarming round and round the corpse ducking down with a quick lunge, and behind his back like flies in a sheepfold buzzing over the brimming pails the heavy ·spearshaft plunged and stuck in the earth, in the first spring days when the buckets flood with milk. the butt end quivering into the air tilJ suddenly So veteran troops kept swarming round that corpse, rugged Ares snuffed its fury out. dead still. never pausing-nor did mighty Zeus for a moment

The weapon shaking, planted fast in the ground, turn his shining eyes from the clash of battle. 750 his whole arm's power poured in a wasted shot, He kept them fixed on the struggling mass forever, Aeneas flared in anger, shouting out, " Meriones­ the Father's spirit churning, thrashing out the ways, great dancer as you are, my spear would have stopped the numberless ways to cause Patrodus' slaughter ... your dancing days for good if only 1 had hit you!" To kill him too In this present bloody rampage over Sarpedon's splendid body? Hector in glory The hardy spearman Meriones shot back, "Aeneas­ 720 cutting Patroclus down with hacking bronze great man of war as you are, you'll fi.~d it hard then tearing the handsome war-gear off his back? to quench the fire of every man who fights you. ·Or let him take still more, piling up his kills? You too are made of mortal stuff, I'd say. And I. As Zeus turned things over, that way seemed the best: if I'd lanced your guts with bronze-strong as you are the valiant friend-in-arms of Peleus' son Achilles 760 and cocksure of your hands-you'd give me glory now, would drive the Trojans and Hector helmed in bronze you'd give your life to the famous horseman Death!" back to Troy once more, kilJing them by platoons- and Zeus began with Hector, he made the man a coward. But Patroclus nerved for battle dressed him down: Hector leaping back in his chariot, swerving to fly, " Meriones, brave as you are, why bluster on this way? shouted out fresh orders-"Retreat, Trojans, now!" {658- .85/ 434 HOMER: THE ILIAD {685-714/ BOOK 16: PATROC LUS FIGHTS AND DIES 435

He knew that Ze.us had tipped the scales against him. blind in his fatal frenzy:-luckless soldier. A rout-not even the die-har<;l Lycians stood their ground. If only he had obeyed Achilles' strict command they all scauered in panic, down to the last man he might have escaped his doom, the stark night of death. when they saw their royal king speared in the heart, But the will of Zeus will always overpower the will of men, Sarpedon sprawled there in the muster: of the dead, 770 Zeus who strikes fear in even the bravest man of war for men by the squad had dropped across his corpse and tears away his triumph, all in a lightning flash, once zeus stretched tight the lethal line of battle. and at other times he will spur a man to battle, So then the Achaeans ripped the armor off his back, just as he urged Patroclus' fury now. Sarpedon's gleaming bronze that Menoetius' son Patroclus- the brave Patroclus flung in the arms of cohorts who was the first you slaughtered, who the last 810 poised to speed those trophies back to the beaked ships. when the gre.at gods called you down to death? And storming Zeus was stirring up Apollo: "On with it now­ First Adrestus, then Autonous, then Echedus, sweep Sarpedon clear of the weapons, Phoebus my friend, then Perimus, Megas' son, Epistor and , and once you wipe the dark blood from his body, then in a flurry Elasus, Mulius and Pylartes- bear him far from the fighting, off and away, 780 he killed them all but the rest were bent on flight. and bathe him well in a river's running tides and anoint him with deathless oils ... And then and there the Achaeans might have taken Troy, dress his body in deathless, ambrosial robes. her towering gates toppling under Patroclus' power Then send him on his way with the wind-swift escorts, heading the vanguard, storming on with his spear. twin brothers Sleep and Death, who with all good speed But Apollo took his stand on the massive rampart, will set him down in the broad green land of Lycia. his mind blazing with death for him but help for Troy. 820 There his brothers and countrymen will bury the prince Three times Patroclus charged the jut of the high wall, with full royal rites, with mounded tomb and pillar. three times Apollo battered the man and hurled him back, These are the solemn honors owed the dead." So he decreed the god's immortal hands beating down on the gleaming shield. Then at Patroclus' fourth assault like something superhuman, and Phoebus did not neglect the Father's strong desires. 790 the god shrieked down his winging words of terror: "Back­ Down from 's slopes he dove to the bloody field Patrodus, Prince, go back! It is not the will of fate and lifting Prince Sarpedon clear of the weapons, that the proud Trojans' citadel fall before your spear, bore him f~ r from the fighting, off and away, not even before Achilles-far greater man than you!" and bathed him well in a river's running tides and anointed him with deathless oils . ., . . dressed his body in deathless, ambrosial robes And Patroclus gave ground, backing a good way off, then sent him on his way wjth the wind-swift escorts, clear of the deadly Archer's wrath. twin brothers Sleep and Death, who with all good speed But now Hector, 830 set him down in Lycia's broad green land. reining his high-strung team at the Scaean Gates, But Patroclus, debated a moment, waiting ... giving a cry to Automedon whipping on his team, 800 should he drive back to the rout and soldier on? Patrodus went for Troy's and Lycia's lines, Or call his armies now to rally within the ramparts? [715-48/ 436 HOMER : THE I L IAD [749-80/ BOOK 16: PAT ROCLUS FIGHTS AND DIES 437

As he turned things over. Apollo stood beside him, just as he dives to ground from his war-car now. taking the shape of that lusty rugged fighter Even these Trojans have their tumblers-what a leap!" , an uncle of stallion-breaking Hector. a blood brother of . son of Dymas And he leapt himself at the fighting driver's corpse who Jived in near ' rapids. with the rushing lunge of a lion struck in the chest Like him, Apollo the son of Zeus incited Hector: 840 as he Jays waste pens of cattle- "Hector. why stop fighting? Neglecting your duty! his own lordly courage about to be his dealh. If only I outfought you as you can outfight me, So you sprang at , full fury, Patroclus, I'd soon teach you to shirk your work in war- as Hector sprang down from his chariot just across you'd pay the price, I swear. Up with you-fast! and the two went tussling over lhe corpse as lions 880 Lash those pounding stallions straight at Patroclus­ up on the mountain ridges over a fresh-killed stag- you might kill him still-Apollo might give you glory!" both ravenous, proud and savage-fight it out to the death So over the driver here and both claw-mad for battle, And back Apollo strode. a god in lhe wars of men Patroclus son of Menoetius, Hector ablaze for glory while glorious Hector ordered skilled Cebriones. strained to slash each other with ruthless bronze. "Flog the team to battle!'' Apollo pressed on, Hector seized the corpse's head, would not let go- wading into the ruck. hurling Argives back in 850 Patroclus clung to a foot and other fighters clashed, and handing glory to Hector and all the Trojan forces. Trojans. Argives, all in a grueling, maiming onset. But Hector ignored the Argive masses. killing none. he lashed his pounding staUions straight at Patrotlus. As the East and South Winds fight in killer-squalls Patroclus. over against him. leapt down from his car deep in a mountain valley thrashing stands of timber. 890 and hil the ground. his left hand shaking a spear oak and ash and comel with bark stretched taut and hard and seized with his right a jagged. glittering stone and they whip their long sharp branches against each other. his hand could just cover-Patroclus flung it hard. a deafening roar goes up. lhe splintered timber crashing- leaning into the heave. not backing away from Hector. so Achaeans and Trojans crashed, no. and no wasted shot. But he hit his driver- hacking into each other. and neither side now a bastard son of famed , Cebriones 860 had a thought of flight that would have meant disaster. yanking the reins back taut-right between the eyes. Showers of whetted s'pears stuck fast around Cebriones. The sharp stone crushed bolh brows. the skulJ caved in bristling winged arrows whipped from the bowstrings, and both eyes burst from their sockets, dropping down huge rocks by the salvo battering shields on shields in the dust before his feet as the reinsman vaulted, as they struggled round the corpse. And there he lay 900 plunging off his weB-wrought car like a diver­ in the whirling dust. overpowered in all his power Cebriones' life breath left his bones behind and wiped from memory all his horseman's skills. and you taunted his corpse. Patroclus 0 my rider: "Look what a springy man. a nimble. flashy tumbler! So till the sun bestrode the sky at high noon Just think what he'd do at sea where lhe fish swarm­ the weapons hurtled side-to-side and men kept faJJing. why, the man could glut a fleet, diving for oysters! 870 But once the sun wheeled past the hour for unyoking oxen. Plunging overboard. even in choppy. heaving , then the Argives mounted a fiercer new attack, 438 HOMER : THE ILIAD [780- 8/IJ [812-JBj BOOK 16: PATROCLUS FIGHTS AND DIES 439

_!}ghting beyond their fares ... He was the fi.rst to launch a spear against you. They dragged the hero Cebriones out from under Patrodus 0 my rider, but did not bring you down the pelting shafts and Trojans' .Piercing cries Yanking out his ashen shaft from your body. and they tore the handsome war-gear off his back 910 back he dashed and lost himself in the crowds­ and Patroclus charged the enemy, fired for the kill. the man would not stand up to Patrodus here Three times he charged with the headlong speed of Ares, in mortal combat, stripped, defenseless as he was. screaming his savage cry. three times he killed nine men. Patroclus stunned by the spear and the god's crushing blow Then at the fourth assault Patroclus like something superhuman­ was weaving back to his own thronging comrades, 950 then, Patroclus, the end of life came blazing up before you, trying to escape death ... yes, the lord Apollo met you there in the heart of battle, Hector waiting, watching the god. the terror! Patroclus never saw him coming, the greathearted Patroclus trying to stagger free, moving across the deadly rout. shrouded in thick mist seeing him wounded there with the shcup bronze and on he came against him and looming up behind him now- came ~shing into him right across the lines slammed his broad shoulders and back with Lhe g9d's flat hand 920 and rammed his spearshaft home. and his eyes spun as Apollo knocked the helmet off his head stabbing deep in the bowels. and the brazen point and under his horses' hoofs it tumbled. clattering on went jutting straight out through Patroclus' back. with its four forged horns and its hollow blank eyes Down he crashed-horror gripped the Achaean armies. and its plumes were all smeared in the bloody dust. As when some lion overpowers a tireless wild. boar Forbidden before this to defile its crest in dust, up on a mountain summit, battling in all Lhei.r fury 960 it guarded the head and handsome brow of a god, over a little spring of water, both beasts craving a man like a god. Achilles. But now the Father to slake their thirst, but the lion beats him down gave it over to Hector to gua.rd his head in war with sheer brute force as the boar fights for breath- since Hector's death was closing on him quickly. so now with a close Lhrust Hector the son of Priam Patroclus though-the spear in his grip was shattered, 930 tore the life from the fighting son of Menoetius, the whole of its rugged bronze-shod shadow-casting length from Patroclus who had killed so many men in war, and his shield wilh straps and tassels dropped from his shoulders, and gloried over him, wild winging words: "Patroclus­ flung down on the ground-and lord Apollo the son of Zeus surely you must have thought you'd storm my city down. wrenched his breastplate off. Disaster seized him- you'd wrest from the wives of Troy their day of freedom, his fine legs buckling- drag them off in ships to your own dear fatherland- 970 .he stood there, senseless- you fool! Rearing in their defense my war-team. And now. Hector's horses were charging out to battle, right at his back. close-up. a Dardan fighter specu:ed him gallopii:J.,g, full stretch. And I with my spear, squarely between the shoulder blades with a sharp lance. Hector, shining among my combat-loving comrades, Panthous' son , the best of his own age I fight away from them the fatal day-but you. at spears and a horseman's skill and speed of foot. the vultu.res will eat your body raw! and even in this, his first attack in chariots- 940 Poor, doomed ... just learning the arts of war- not for all his power could Achilles save you now- he'd brought down twenty drivers off their cars. and how he must have filled your ears with orders HOMER: THE ILIAD {8J8-6JJ 67/ 44 B?O K 16: PATROCLUS FIGHTS AND D I ES 441 as you went marching out and the hero stayed behind: nee he went for Automedon with that spear­ 'Now don't come back to the hollow ships. you hear?­ 980 < as a god, the aide of swift Achilles- Patroclus. master horseman- to cut him down but his veering horses . not till you've slashed the shin around his chest •t him well away-magnificent racing stallions; and soaked it red in the blood of man-killing Hector!' of the gods to Peleus, snining immonal gifts. s o he must have commanded-you maniac, you obeyed."

Struggling for breath, you answered, Patroclus 0 my rider, "Hector! Now is your time to glory to the skies ... now the victory is yours. A gift of the son of Cronus, Zeus-Apollo too­ they brought me down with all their deathless ease. they are the ones who tore the armor off my back. 990 Even if twenty Hectors had charged against me­ they'd all have died here, laid low by my spear. No, deadly fate in league with Apollo killed me. From the ranks of men, Euphorbus. You came third, and all you could do was finish off my life ... One more thing-take it to heart, I urge you- you too, you won't live long yourself, I swear. Already I see them looming up beside you~eath and the strong force of fate, to bring you down at the hands of Aeacus' great royal son ... Achilles!" 1000

Death cut him short. The end closed' in around him. Flying free of his limbs his soul went winging down to the House of Death, wailing his fate. leaving his manhood far behind, his young and supple strength. But glorious Hector taunted Patrodus' body, dead as he was, "Why, Patroclus­ why prophesy my doom, my sudden death? Who knows?­ Achilles the son of sleek-haired Thetis may outrace me­ struck by my spear first-and gasp away his life! "

With that he planted a heel against Patroclus' chest, 1010 wrenched his brazen spear from the wound, Jc!cked him over, flat on his back, free and dear of the weapon. H 0 MER

The

PE NGU I N B OOKS

TRANSLA T ED BY Robert Fagles

IN TRODUCTION AND NOTES BY BERNARD KNOX