Page 342 - the-iliad

BOOK XVII

RAVE Menelaus son of Atreus now came to know that
BPatroclus had fallen, and made his way through the
front ranks clad in full armour to bestride him. As a cow
stands lowing over her first calf, even so did yellow-haired
Menelaus bestride Patroclus. He held his round shield and
his spear in front of him, resolute to kill any who should
dare face him. But the son of Panthous had also noted the
body, and came up to Menelaus saying, ‘Menelaus, son of
Atreus, draw back, leave the body, and let the bloodstained
spoils be. I was first of the Trojans and their brave allies to
drive my spear into Patroclus, let me, therefore, have my
full glory among the Trojans, or I will take aim and kill
you.’
To this Menelaus answered in great anger ‘By father Jove,
boasting is an ill thing. The pard is not more bold, nor the
lion nor savage wild-boar, which is fiercest and most daunt-
less of all creatures, than are the proud sons of Panthous.
Yet Hyperenor did not see out the days of his youth when he
made light of me and withstood me, deeming me the mean-
est soldier among the Danaans. His own feet never bore
him back to gladden his wife and parents. Even so shall I
make an end of you too, if you withstand me; get you back
into the crowd and do not face me, or it shall be worse for
you. Even a fool may be wise after the event.’

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