The Death of Hector
Refusal of Hector to enter the city, though entreated by Priam and Hecuba—His resolve to meet Achilles, and his flight when Achilles approaches—Descent of Minerva to aid Achilles—Deceit practised by her on Hector, when, assuming the form of his brother Deïphobus, she induces him to encounter Achilles—His death—His body dragged at the chariot-wheels of the victor—Lament of Priam and Hecuba—The news brought to Andromache while engaged at the loom—Her sorrow and lamentation.
Thus were they driven within the city walls Like frighted fawns, and there dispersing cooled Their sweaty limbs, and quenched their eager thirst, And rested on the battlements. The Greeks, Bearing their shields upon their shoulders, came Close to the ramparts. Hector’s adverse fate Detained him still without the walls of Troy, And near the Scaean gates. Meantime the god Apollo to the son of Peleus said:—
“O son of Peleus! Why pursue me thus With thy swift feet—a mortal man in chase Of an immortal? That I am a god Thou seest not yet, but turnest all thy rage On me, and, having put the host of Troy To rout, dost think of them no more. They find A refuge in their town, while far astray Thou wanderest hither. Thou hast not the power To slay me; I am not of mortal birth.”
The swift Achilles angrily replied: “O archer-god, thou most unjust of all The immortals! Thou hast wronged me, luring me Aside; since many a warrior I had forced To bite the dust before they reached the gates Of Ilium but for thee, who from my grasp Hast snatched the glory and hast rescued them. Thou didst not fear my vengeance; yet if power Were given me, I would punish thee for this.”