of water; but he himself
washed his hands, and drew off the dark wine. Next, standing in the
middle of the area, he prayed, and offered a libation of wine, looking
up to heaven; nor did he escape the notice of thunder-rejoicing Jove:

"O king Jove, Dodonean, Pelasgian, dwelling afar off, presiding over
wintry Dodona; but around dwell thy priests, the Selli, with unwashed
feet, and sleeping upon the ground; certainly thou didst formerly hear
my voice when praying: thou hast honoured me, and hast greatly injured
the people of the Greeks; wherefore now also accomplish this additional
request for me; for I myself will remain in the assemblage[515] of
ships, but I am sending forth my companion with the numerous Myrmidons
to battle; along with him, do thou send forth glory, O far-sounding
Jove! embolden his heart within his breast, that even Hector may know
whether my attendant, even when alone, knows how to wage war, or [only]
when these invincible hands rage with him, when I likewise go forth to
the slaughter of Mars. But after he has repelled the contest and the
tumult from the ships, unscathed let him return to me, to the swift
barks, with all his armour and his close-fighting companions."

[Footnote 515: So [Greek: theion agona], vi. 298. The Scholiast
interprets it [Greek: en naustathmo].]

Thus he spoke, praying; and provident Jove heard him. One part indeed
the Sire granted him, but refused the other. He granted that he should
repel the conflict and tumult from the ships, but he refused that he
should return safe from the battle. He, on his part, having made a
libation and prayed to father Jove, again entered his tent, and replaced
the cup in the chest. Then coming out, he stood before the tent, for he
still wished in his mind to behold the grievous conflict of Trojans and
Greeks.

But those that were armed at the same time with magnanimous Patroclus,
marched orderly, till they rushed upon the Trojans, with high hopes.
Immediately they were poured out, like unto wasps dwelling by the
road-side, which silly boys are wont to irritate, incessantly harassing
them, possessing cells by the way-side; and cause a common evil to many.
And if by chance any traveller, passing by, unintentionally disturb
them, then they, possessing a valiant heart, all fly forth, and fight
for their young. The Myrmidons then, having the heart and courage of
these, poured out from the ships, and an inextinguishable tumult arose.
But Patr