The Grief of Achilles for the Death of Patroclus
Lamentation of Achilles over Patroclus—A visit of condolence from Thetis and her nymphs—Appearance of Achilles on the entrenchments, and consequent alarm of the Trojans—A council of war held by the Trojan Chiefs—Advice of Polydamas to withdraw from the field into Troy opposed by Hector, and rejected—Vulcan, engaged by Thetis to forge a new suit of armor for Achilles.
As thus they fought with all the rage of fire, Antilochus, the nimble-footed, came With tidings to Achilles. Him he found Before his lofty galleys, deep in thought Of what he knew had happened. With a sigh The hero to his mighty spirit said:—
“Ah me! Why should the Grecians thus be driven In utter disarray across the plain? I tremble lest the gods should bring to pass What most I dread. My mother told me once That the most valiant of the Myrmidons, While yet I live, cut off by Trojan hands, Shall see the sun no more. It must be so: The brave son of Menoetius has been slain. Unhappy! ’Twas my bidding that, when once The enemy with his firebrands was repulsed, He should not think to combat gallantly With Hector, but should hasten to the fleet.”
As thus he mused, illustrious Nestor’s son Drew near Achilles, and with eyes that shed Warm tears he gave his sorrowful message thus:—
“Son of the warlike Peleus, woe is me! For bitter are the tidings thou must hear Of what should not have been. Patroclus lies A naked corpse, and over it the hosts Are fighting; crested Hector hath his arms.”