d on the angle of the wall, and thrice Apollo
himself drove him back, pushing his shining shield. But the fourth time
the god said, "Go thou back, Patroclus. It is not for thee to take the
city of Troy; no, nor for Achilles, who is far better than thou art."

So Patroclus went back, fearing the wrath of the archer god. Then Apollo
stirred up the spirit of Hector, that he should go against Patroclus.
Therefore he went, with his brother Cebriones for driver of his chariot.
But when they came near, Patroclus cast a great stone which he had in his
hand, and smote Cebriones on the forehead, crushing it in, so that he fell
headlong from the chariot. And Patroclus mocked him, saying,--

"How nimble is this man! how lightly he dives! What spoil he would take of
oysters, diving from a ship, even in a stormy sea! Who would have thought
that there were such skillful divers in Troy!"

Then again the battle waxed hot about the body of Cebriones, and this too,
at the last, the Greeks drew unto themselves, and spoiled it of the arms.
And this being accomplished, Patroclus rushed against the men of Troy.
Thrice he rushed, and each time he slew nine chiefs of fame. But the
fourth time Apollo stood behind him and struck him on the head and
shoulders, so that his eyes were darkened. And the helmet fell from off
his head, so that the horse-hair plumes were soiled with dust. Never
before had it touched the ground, for it was the helmet of Achilles. And
also the god brake the spear in his hand, and struck the shield from his
arms, and loosed his corselet. All amazed he stood, and then Euphorbus,
son of Panthous, smote him on the back with his spear, but slew him not.
Then Patroclus sought to flee to the ranks of his comrades. But Hector saw
him, and thrust at him with his spear, smiting him in the groin, so that
he fell. And when the Greeks saw him fall, they sent up a terrible cry.
Then Hector stood over him and cried,--

"Didst thou think to spoil our city, Patroclus, and to carry away our
wives and daughters in the ships? But lo! I have slain thee, and the fowls
of the air shall eat thy flesh; nor shall the great Achilles help thee at
all,--Achilles, who bade thee, I trow, strip the tunic from my breast, and
thou thoughtest in thy folly to do it."

But Patroclus answered, "Thou boasteth much, Hector. Yet _thou_ didst not
slay me, but Apollo, who took from me my arms, for had twenty such as thou
met me, I had slain them all. And mark th