1. The Trojans are still under siege
As Hector the destroyer's face glows

2. Their ships have reached their docks
And their dead under the neglected arrows

3. Like a Hector spark intending
Hastily with that attacking troop

4. He bent thrice, grabbing his feet
Shouting, “O soldiers of Troy, charge!”

5. And thrice the determination of the miserable
Miserable determination of each miserable one pushed him back

6. But he did not desist from his determinations
Armored with the shields of battles once fought

7. Sometimes lying in wait, sometimes
Rushing into the dust at dawn

8. They did not reach the battle but he
Did not move from around that mound

9. Like a lion, the mountain range his prey
He waits alone to attack the neglected shepherds

10. And perhaps with his enterprises he would have returned triumphant
Had Iris not persisted, spearing from above

11. Achilles swore by the Olympus so she came
Like the wind warning of the coming affliction

12. Hera had taken her prisoner without
Xanthus or the lords of that council knowing

13. She said, “Achilles, you who stirs troubles
For the sake of Patroclus, wake and move quickly

14. Below the ships under the clustered trees
How many shields crash from the neglected

15. Between supporters fired up and opponents
Around the mound, attacking and burning Troy

16. And most vehement of them, Hector pushing him
To separate his neck where it meets the shoulder

17. Then he was subjected to humiliation at the mound
Will you hesitate from the struggle in isolation?

18.
Like Hector or Patroclus between the swords

19. In the battlefield where their bodies lie
So if she jousted, what dishonor

20. Would you estimate for the disgraced for eternity?
So Iris replied, “And who took you prisoner to tell me”

21. I said, “Zeus’ warrior with the tall summit”
Xanthus did not know of me and the rest of those who dwelt

22. In the Olympus mountains covered with ice
He said, “Oh! And how did I breach the fray

23. And cross its expanse with the ease of an outcast?
The enemy king made my number and my mother decided

24. That I remain here in waiting and perseverance
Until I see them come in troops

25. Polished by Hephaestus, the greatest polishing
First, which young man in troops do I see

26. My purpose is contrary to the assemblies of kings
And the assemblies around the dead warrior wandered

27. Stabbing on the first Thursday
She said, “We all know that, but

28. If you appear to the Trojans below the stronghold
They scattered and your companions, Menelaus, struggled against them

29. So lean on Procus where their heads depend
Their competition narrowed and in the house of revelation

30. Alas, can a hopeful find comfort?
They flew and he got up and put on his armor

31. Unfastening his flowing robe
And on his face, a mask of branches

32. She threw on him the flames of the ignited torch

33. So it was as if a land in the heart of an island
Surrounded by its rising smoke

34. Its youth went out to combat the enemy
And spent their day striking spears

35. Until night fell, their fires shone
Under the dark gloomy night

36. Hoping to see their neighbor thus supporting them
With buildings revealing the afflicted enemy

37. And so was Achilles, the flames of his determination ascended
To the horizon for the contemplating eye

38. Over the trench he stood without entering the fray
Since he did not neglect his mother’s speech

39. He shouted at the soldiers, “Put on your armor!”
So the enemies wavered, what a wavering

40. Like statues behind fences, the enemy blowing
Under siege, the loud voice appeared

41. They were deafened and the manes of the steeds flew
In panic, their horses bolted in havoc

42. Hastily they turned, fleeing with their feet
Terrified by that rising flame

43. Around his determination, Athena sparked
That blaze to frighten the observer’s eye

44. Over the trench his voice rose thrice
And thrice they wavered in confusion

45. So the Greeks deserted Patroclus and retreated
Far from the range of the languishing spears

46. They placed him on his deathbed and his
Comrades gathered crying from the horror of death

47. Achilles met them, mourning over
A friend whose relationship explored the edges of spear

48. He is the one who brought him to the war on his steeds
But alas he could not protect him