ward from me the stroke Of weapons, then would I stand by and guard Patroclus, for his death hath filled my heart With grief. But Hector’s rage is like the rage Of fire; he ceases not to slay; for Jove Gives to his spear the glory of the day.”
He spake, and well was blue-eyed Pallas pleased That first to her of all the deities He prayed; and therefore did she nerve his chest And knees with strength, and put into his heart The daring of the fly, that, often driven From man, returns and bites, and finds how sweet Is human blood. Such resolute zeal she woke In his stern soul, as quickly he approached Patroclus, and sent forth his shining spear. Among the Trojans was Eëtion’s son, Podes, the rich and brave, whom Hector held In highest honor, choosing him to be Companion of his feasts. Him in the waist The fair-haired Menelaus, as he fled, Smote, driving home the weapon. With a clash He fell to earth, and Menelaus drew The slain away among the Grecian ranks. Then came Apollo, putting on the form Of Phaenops, son of Asius, whose abode Was in Abydos, and whom Hector most Esteemed of all his guests. The archer-god Drew near to Hector, and bespake him thus:—