The warlike Menelaus, Atreus’ son, Beheld Patroclus fall by Trojan hands, And came in glittering armor to the van To guard the body of the slain. As walks A heifer moaning round her new-born young, So fair-haired Menelaus stalked around The body of Patroclus, holding forth His spear and great round shield, intent to slay Whoever came against him. But the son Of Panthoüs, mighty spearman, not the less Intent to spoil the illustrious dead, drew near, And spake to warlike Menelaus thus:⁠—

“Atrides Menelaus, reared by Jove, And leader of thy host, give way and leave The dead, and quit to me his bloody spoil; For none of our brave Trojans and allies Smote him in deadly combat with the spear, Before me. Leave me therefore to receive The glory due me from the sons of Troy, Else will I smite thee too, and thou wilt lose Thy precious life!” Indignant at the word, The fair-haired Menelaus answered him:⁠—