1. When night fell cold, the Trojans took up arms,
Changing, though wearied from their constant march.

2. Before their tents they gathered, armor shining bright,
Not sitting idly, though their limbs were taxed and tired.

3. Seeing Achilles' son take up the fight
Dismayed them - he returned with fury fired

4. To meet them. Wise Polydamas, Panthous' son
Stepped forth to speak, discerning the path to shun.

5. With knowledge of past deeds and insight keen
A lord to Hektor's kin, though not their head.

6. That night a hero rose, though yet unseen -
In wisdom soon he far outstripped his breed.

7. "My friends," he said, "heed now my grave advice -
Retreat at once to Ilios' walls apace.

8. No place of rest I see - their ranks encase
Our walls. More easy far Argos to take

9. Than Ajax and his bitter lingering hate.
How Lilybaea's shore my heart did ache

10. When by her side - though together, apart.
But well I know his fury will not slake

11. Through our ranks he will tear, and in his rage
Seize our high walls, our people, kin and cage.

12. True counsel this - then let us slip away
While clothed is yet the sky in blackest night.

13. But if dawn breaks, and he takes up the fray
A matchless warrior you will know the knight.

14. Safe in Ilios let joyed soldiers hail
He who from ruin snatches, will prevail.

15. When this news filled my ears, though it appalled,
My knowledge says - e'en if it irks you sore -

16. Gather your forces, make defense in all
Ilios' towers, prepare for blood and gore.

17. Our northern flank, southeastern corner man
With troops - our envoys steadily began.

18. As morning glows, our full array stands tall
Atop our fortress, forces unified.

19. In vain shall Ajax, strive though he may, call
To breach our walls, however hard he tried.

20. His weary horses shall in terror flee
Back to his ships, if the day grants them free.

21. The dogs shall rend them, ere the day is done,
Or work upon them all their will and lust.

22. At Ajax, Hektor yelled, our battle won
Thanks to your wisdom Polydamas, we must

23. Attend the camp - disband not, hold the line
Let each watch close, the time and place assign.

24. Whoso fears for his gold, arise, combine
And gather it here, to feed the men we trust.

25. Better to spend it all, than let it shine
In our foes' hands, whose hate is quite unjust.

26. If morning lights our battle lines with fire
Before the plain, in square formation dire

27. Should Ajax come unto the field of blood
A wondrous sight, ere blows begin to fly -

28. I will go forth and meet him where I stood
Both lionhearted and of courage high

29. For every hero is in battle bred
And many a champion stays the foe's dread tread.

30. In shouts of folly Troy did greet his speech
Not knowing Athena herself led their path astray.

31. But Hektor left, their wisdom out of reach,
Thanks to Polydamas, they went their way.

32. In orderly array the whole night long
Between those lines no soldier broke the throng.

33. Meanwhile, the Greek men mourned amid their grief
For great Patroclus, brooding on his doom.

34. Among them, moaned Akhilleus for his chief
Lying, a giant in eternal gloom.

35. His hands on his fallen comrade's chest he laid
Like a great lion, roaring at the blade.

36. As if among the mountain cubs alone
The lion returns, maddened for the kill.

37. On the trail he springs with pitilessly hone
To ravage them with indefatigable will.

38. "Alas!" he cried. "Menoitius' pride misplaced!
I pledged when you left - my promise goes disgraced.

39. At home I told your father when the tide
Has turned, and Hector conquered, I would bring

40. Your body back, and raze Ilios' side.
But vainly now, since Zeus let Hector sting.

41. By Hector's hands, the fates decree that I
And all my Myrmidons are doomed to die.

42. Old Phthia's king will not receive me, riven,
Nor Thetis, my mother, given this vile quell.

43. Now you, Patroclus, my closest kin in heaven,
After you here, I am destined to fell.

44. No solace have I, 'til Hector pays the price,
Your cold murderer - his head shall pay suffice

45. And at your pyre it will kindle bright
As sacrifice, twelve Trojan heads for you.

46. Those youths of Troy whom we catch in the fight
My blade will drink their blood, this promise true.

47. 'Til I fulfill my oath - my words presume
Then many a Trojan, Dardan maid shall weep

48. Held captive in our homes, which we will reign
They will bow above you now, nightlong and deep

49. Beating their chests and necks in ceaseless pain."
Akettle then was placed upon the flame

50. To wash the body of the fallen brave.
With care they cleaned it, reverent in their aim,

51. Washing away the blood his flesh that gave.
They anointed him with fragrant, softened oils

52. And rubbed it on his skin to ease his toils.
On every wound the healers poured in balms

53. Aged nine years - their curative art showed.
Lifting him on the deathbed strewn with palms,

54. They covered him in a dress of whitest snow.
They keened for him, while Achilles grieved

55. All night, his dear companion heaved.
To white-armed Hera then spoke Zeus's son:

56. "Ha! Now Achilles may be broken inside.
No doubt the Greeks have made their plan and gone

57. To you - their guide against me you provide."
She snapped "Brute! Mock me as you may!

58. But humankind helps humankind today.
They have not reached our everlasting reign.

59. No immortality like ours they know.
Though lofty goddess I, to none the same

60. Except my brother, whose great works I show.
I did not give the Trojans life in fear

61. Nor Argives sleep while enemies appear."