poils; for not any
of the illustrious Trojans or allies smote Patroclus with the spear in
the violent conflict before me. Wherefore permit me to bear away the
great glory amongst the Trojans, lest I should strike thee, and take
away thy sweet life."

But him yellow-haired Menelaus, very indignant, addressed:

"Father Jove, certainly it is not fitting to boast inordinately. Not so
great is the might of a panther, nor a lion, nor of a destructive wild
boar, whose most mighty courage rages in his heart, violently in its
strength, as much as the sons of Panthus, of the good ashen spear,
breathe forth. Nor did the might of horse-breaking Hyperenor enjoy his
youth, when he reproached me, and withstood me; and said that I was the
most reproachful warrior amongst the Greeks; nor did he, I think,
returning upon his feet, gratify his dear wife and respected parents.
Thus certainly will I dissolve thy strength, if thou wilt stand against
me. But I advise thee, retiring, to go back into the crowd; nor do thou
stand against me, before thou suffer any harm: for it is a fool that
perceives a thing when it is done." [548]

[Footnote 548: Cf. Hesiod, Opp. 216: [Greek: Pathon de te nepios
egno]. Plato, Sympos. p. 336, A.: [Greek: All' apo ton emeteron
pathematon gnonta, eylabethenai, key me kata ten paroimian, oesper
nepion, pathonta gnonai]. AEsch. Ag. 177: [Greek: Ton mathei
mathos thenta kyrios echein--kai par' akontas elthe sophronein].
See Proclus on Hesiod, Opp. 89.]

Thus he spoke, but persuaded him not; but he answering, spoke:

"Now indeed, O Jove-nurtured Menelaus, shalt thou make atonement for my
brother, whom thou hast slain, and [over whom] thou speakest boastingly;
and thou hast widowed his wife in the recess of her new bridal chamber,
and caused accursed mourning and sorrow to his parents. Certainly I
should be some alleviation of woe to them wretched, if indeed, bearing
back thy head and armour, I should place them in the hands of Panthus
and noble Phrontis. Nor shall the labour of valour or flight be untried
or invincible any longer."

So saying, he smote [him] upon the shield equal on all sides, nor did
the brass break through, for the point was bent in the stout shield: and
Menelaus, the son of Atreus, next made the attack with his brazen spear,
having prayed to father Jove. He smote him upon the lowest part of the
gullet as he retired, and he himself forcibly impressed [the spear],
relying on