Page 359 - the-iliad

Jove bends his bright bow in heaven in token to mankind
either of war or of the chill storms that stay men from their
labour and plague the flocks—even so, wrapped in such ra-
diant raiment, did Minerva go in among the host and speak
man by man to each. First she took the form and voice of
Phoenix and spoke to Menelaus son of Atreus, who was
standing near her. ‘Menelaus,’ said she, ‘it will be shame
and dishonour to you, if dogs tear the noble comrade of
Achilles under the walls of Troy. Therefore be staunch, and
urge your men to be so also.’
Menelaus answered, ‘Phoenix, my good old friend, may
Minerva vouchsafe me strength and keep the darts from
off me, for so shall I stand by Patroclus and defend him; his
death has gone to my heart, but Hector is as a raging fire
and deals his blows without ceasing, for Jove is now grant-
ing him a time of triumph.’
Minerva was pleased at his having named herself before
any of the other gods. Therefore she put strength into his
knees and shoulders, and made him as bold as a fly, which,
though driven off will yet come again and bite if it can, so
dearly does it love man’s blood—even so bold as this did
she make him as he stood over Patroclus and threw his
spear. Now there was among the Trojans a man named Po-
des, son of Eetion, who was both rich and valiant. Hector
held him in the highest honour for he was his comrade and
boon companion; the spear of Menelaus struck this man
in the girdle just as he had turned in flight, and went right
through him. Whereon he fell heavily forward, and Mene-
laus son of Atreus drew off his body from the Trojans into

The Iliad