BOOK XVI.

ARGUMENT

THE SIXTH BATTLE, THE ACTS AND DEATH OF PATROCLUS

Patroclus (in pursuance of the request of Nestor in the eleventh book)

entreats Achilles to suffer him to go to the assistance of the Greeks with

Achilles' troops and armour. He agrees to it, but at the same time charges

him to content himself with rescuing the fleet, without further pursuit of

the enemy. The armour, horses, soldiers, and officers are described.

Achilles offers a libation for the success of his friend, after which

Patroclus leads the Myrmidons to battle. The Trojans, at the sight of

Patroclus in Achilles' armour, taking him for that hero, are cast into the

uttermost consternation; he beats them off from the vessels, Hector

himself flies, Sarpedon is killed, though Jupiter was averse to his fate.

Several other particulars of the battle are described; in the heat of

which, Patroclus, neglecting the orders of Achilles, pursues the foe to

the walls of Troy, where Apollo repulses and disarms him, Euphorbus wounds

him, and Hector kills him, which concludes the book.

So warr'd both armies on the ensanguined shore,

While the black vessels smoked with human gore.

Meantime Patroclus to Achilles flies;

The streaming tears fall copious from his eyes

580

The Iliad of Homer