Patroclus, while the Greeks and Trojans fought Around the wall, at distance from the fleet Sat with the brave Eurypylus in his tent, Amusing him with pleasant talk, and dressed His wound with balms that calmed the bitter pain. But when he saw the Trojans bursting in Over the wall, and heard the din, and saw The Achaians put to rout, he gave a cry Of sudden grief, and with his open hands Smote both his thighs, and sorrowfully said:⁠—

“Eurypylus, I cannot stay with thee, Much as thou needest me, for desperate grows The struggle. Now let thine attendant take The charge of thee. I hasten to persuade Achilles to the field. Who knows but I, With Jove’s good help, may change his purpose yet? For potent are the counsels of a friend.”