esti kai en to kata ton thanaton chorizesthai ton somaton]." He
then refers to the similar example of Hector prophesying the
death of Achilles, xxiii. 358, sqq.]

Him then, having thus spoken, the end of death then overshadowed. But
his soul flying from his members, departed to Hades, bewailing its
lot,[547] relinquishing manliness and youth. But him dead illustrious
Hector addressed:

"Why now, Patroclus, dost thou prophesy cruel destruction to me? Who
knows whether Achilles, the son of fair-haired Thetis, stricken by my
spear, may not be the first to lose his life?"

[Footnote 547: See my note on [Greek: proiapsen], II. i. 3. and
Heyne.]

Thus having spoken, he extracted the brazen spear from the wound,
pressing on him with his heel; and thrust him prostrate from the spear.
Then immediately, with the spear, he went against Automedon, the godlike
servant of swift-footed AEacides, for he was anxious to strike him. But
the fleet immortal steeds, which the gods bestowed on Peleus, splendid
gifts, bore him away.

BOOK THE SEVENTEENTH.

ARGUMENT.

Euphorbus, attempting to despoil Patroclus of his armour, is slain by
Menelaus. It falls to the lot of Hector, but he retires on the approach
of Ajax. Being rebuked by Glaucus, he returns, and a fierce contest is
renewed over the body of Patroclus. The chariot of Achilles is bravely
defended by Automedon, but the Greeks at last begin to give way, even
Ajax being seized with consternation. Meriones and Menelaus, however,
succeed in carrying off the body of Patroclus, although the Greeks are
completely routed.

Nor did Patroclus, subdued in fight by the Trojans, escape the notice of
the son of Atreus, Mars-beloved Menelaus; but he advanced through the
foremost warriors, armed in glittering brass. And round him he walked,
like a dam around its calf, having brought forth for the first time,
moaning, not being before conscious of parturition: thus did
yellow-haired Menelaus walk around Patroclus. But before him he extended
his spear, and his shield on all sides equal, anxious to slay him,
whoever indeed should come against him. Nor was the son of Panthus, of
the good ashen spear, neglectful of blameless Patroclus, fallen; but he
stood near him, and addressed warlike Menelaus:

"O Menelaus! son of Atreus, Jove-nurtured one, leader of the people,
retire, and leave the body, and let alone the bloody s