The Funeral of Patroclus
Preparations for the funeral of Patroclus hastened by his appearance to Achilles in a dream—Wood brought from the forest for the funeral pile—A funeral procession, with offerings of hair shorn from the heads of the chiefs and laid on the dead—Sacrifice offered, and the twelve Trojan youths slain, and the pile kindled—The funeral games, at which Achilles presides.
So mourned they in the city; but the Greeks, When they had reached the fleet and Hellespont, Dispersed, repairing each one to his ship, Save that Achilles suffered not his band Of Myrmidons to part in disarray. And thus the chief enjoined his warrior friends:—
“Myrmidons, gallant knights, my cherished friends! Let us not yet unyoke our firm-paced steeds, But bring them with the chariots, and bewail Patroclus with the honors due the dead, And, when we have indulged in grief, release Our steeds and take our evening banquet here.”
He spake, and led by him the host broke forth In lamentation. Thrice around the dead, Weeping, they drave their steeds with stately manes, While Thetis in their hearts awoke the sense Of hopeless loss; their tears bedewed the sands, And dropped upon their arms, so brave was he For whom they sorrowed. Peleus’ son began The mourning; on the breast of his dead friend He placed his homicidal hands, and said:—
“Hail thou, Patroclus, even amid the shades! For now shall I perform what once I vowed: That, dragging Hector hither, I will give His corse to dogs, and they shall rend his flesh; And at thy funeral pile there shall be slain Twelve noble Trojan youths, to avenge thy death.”