The Iliads of Homer / Translated according to the Greek

by Homer

THE END OF THE SEVENTEENTH BOOK.

[1] This Euphorbus was he that, in Ovid, Pythagoras saith he was in the wars of Troy.

[2] Note the manly and wise discourse of Menelaus with himself seeing Hector advancing towards him.

[3] An inimitable simile.

[4] In the Greek always this phrase is used, not in the hands, but ἐν γούνασι κεὶται, in the knees of the Gods lies our help, etc.

THE EIGHTEENTH BOOK OF HOMER’S ILIADS

THE ARGUMENT

Achilles mourns, told of Patroclus’ end;
When Thetis doth from forth the sea ascend
And comfort him, advising to abstain
From any fight till her request could gain
Fit arms of Vulcan. Juno yet commands
To show himself. And at the dike he stands
In sight of th’ enemy, who with his sight
Flies; and a number perish in the flight.
Patroclus’ person (safe brought from the wars)
His soldiers wash. Vulcan the arms prepares.

ANOTHER ARGUMENT

Sigma continues the alarms,
And fashions the renownéd arms.