The Reconciliation of Achilles and Agamemnon
Thetis brings to Achilles the armor forged by Vulcan—The body of Patroclus preserved by the gods from corruption—An assembly of all the army, before whom Agamemnon and Achilles make speeches, and renounce their enmity—Briseis restored to Achilles, and the presents of Agamemnon accepted by him—Lament of Briseis over Patroclus—Sorrow of Achilles—He arms himself for the war—His speech to the horses of Patroclus whom he upbraids for having suffered their master to be slain—The answer of one of them named Xanthus, warning Achilles of his approaching death.
In saffron-colored mantle from the tides Of Ocean rose the Morning to bring light To gods and men, when Thetis reached the fleet, Bringing the gift of Vulcan. There she found Her son, who, bending o’er Patroclus, wept Aloud, and all around a troop of friends Lamented bitterly. Beside him stood The glorious goddess, took his hand, and said:—
“Leave we the dead, my son, since it hath pleased The gods that he should fall; and now receive This sumptuous armor, forged by Vulcan’s hand, Beautiful, such as no man ever wore.”
The goddess spake, and laid the armor down Before Achilles; as they touched the earth, The well-wrought pieces clanked, and terror seized The Myrmidons. No one among them all Dared fix his gaze upon them; all shrank back. Achilles only, as he saw them, felt His spirit roused within him. In his eyes A terrible brightness flashed, as if of fire. He lifted up the god’s magnificent gift Rejoicing, and, when long his eyes had dwelt Delighted on the marvellous workmanship, Thus to his mother said, in wingèd words:—