As Eryalus then came swiftly on, Patroclus flung a stone, and on the brow Smote him; the Trojan’s head, beneath the blow, Parted in two within the helm; he fell Headlong to earth, a prey to ghastly death. Then slew he Erymas, Amphoterus, Epaltes, Pyris, Ipheus, Echius, Tlepolemus, Damastor’s son, and next Euippus; nor was Polymelus spared, The son of Argias—smitten all, and thrown, Slain upon slain, along their mother earth.
And now Sarpedon, as he saw his friends, The unbelted Lycians, falling by the hand Of Menoetiades, exhorted thus The gallant Lycians: “Shame upon you all, My Lycians! Whither do you flee? Be bold! For I myself will meet this man, and learn Who walks the field in triumph thus, and makes Such havoc in our squadrons; for his hand Has laid full many a gallant warrior low.”
He spake, and from his car with all his arms Sprang to the ground, while on the other side Patroclus, as he saw him come, leaped down And left his chariot. As on some tall rock Two vultures, with curved talons and hooked beaks, Fight screaming, so these two with furious cries Advanced against each other. When the son Of crafty Saturn saw them meet, his heart Was touched with pity, and he thus bespake His spouse and sister Juno: “Woe is me! Sarpedon, most beloved of men, is doomed To die, o’ercome by Menoetiades. And now I halt between two purposes— Whether to bear him from this fatal fight, Alive and safe, to Lycia’s fertile fields, Or let him perish by his enemy’s hand.”
Imperial, large-eyed Juno answered thus:— “What words, dread son of Saturn, hast thou said! Wouldst thou deliver from the common lot Of death a mortal doomed long since by fate? Do as thou wilt, but be thou sure of this— The other gods will not approve. And bear In mind these words of mine. If thou shouldst send Sarpedon home to Lycia safe, reflect Some other god may claim the right, like thee, To rescue his beloved son from death In battle; for we know that in the war Round