So spake the wounded warrior; while his friends Rallied around him, with their shields inclined Against their shoulders, and with lifted spears. And Ajax came and joined them; then he turned, And firmly faced the foe. The Greeks renewed The combat with a rage like that of fire.

Now meantime the Neleian coursers, steeped In sweat, were bearing Nestor and the prince Machaon from the battle. On the prow Of his great ship, Achilles, swift of foot, Looked forth, and, gazing on the hard-fought fray And the sad rout, beheld them. Then he called His friend Patroclus, shouting from the ship. Patroclus heard, within the tent, and came, Glorious as Mars;⁠—yet with that day began His woes. The gallant Menoetiades Made answer thus: “Why callest thou my name, Achilles, and what needest thou of me?”