The Seventh Battle
Contest for the body of Patroclus, which is guarded by Menelaus—Death of Euphorbus—Retreat of Menelaus, and his return with Ajax, after which Hector is obliged to give way—Hector reproved for this by Glaucus—He puts on the armor of Patroclus, and renews the contest, driving back the Greeks—Rally of the Greeks by Ajax—Bravery of Aeneas—Flight of Automedon with the horses and chariot of Patroclus—The defenders of the body of Patroclus involved in darkness, which is dispelled at the prayer of Ajax—A message sent to Achilles informing him of the death of Patroclus, whose body is rescued and borne off by Menelaus and Meriones.
The warlike Menelaus, Atreus’ son, Beheld Patroclus fall by Trojan hands, And came in glittering armor to the van To guard the body of the slain. As walks A heifer moaning round her new-born young, So fair-haired Menelaus stalked around The body of Patroclus, holding forth His spear and great round shield, intent to slay Whoever came against him. But the son Of Panthoüs, mighty spearman, not the less Intent to spoil the illustrious dead, drew near, And spake to warlike Menelaus thus:—
“Atrides Menelaus, reared by Jove, And leader of thy host, give way and leave The dead, and quit to me his bloody spoil; For none of our brave Trojans and allies Smote him in deadly combat with the spear, Before me. Leave me therefore to receive The glory due me from the sons of Troy, Else will I smite thee too, and thou wilt lose Thy precious life!” Indignant at the word, The fair-haired Menelaus answered him:—
“O Father Jove! Unseemly boasts are these! For not the panther’s nor the lion’s might, Nor that of the fierce forest-boar whose rage Is heightened