Iliad by Homer - Join iZDOT

Homer’s Iliad
Sarpedon now took a second aim at Patroclus, and again missed
him, the point of the spear passed over his left shoulder without
hitting him. Patroclus then aimed in his turn, and the spear sped
not from his hand in vain, for he hit Sarpedon just where the
midriff surrounds the ever-beating heart. He fell like some oak or
silver poplar or tall pine to which woodmen have laid their axes
upon the mountains to make timber for ship-building- even so did
he lie stretched at full length in front of his chariot and horses,
moaning and clutching at the blood-stained dust. As when a lion
springs with a bound upon a herd of cattle and fastens on a great
black bull which dies bellowing in its clutches- even so did the
leader of the Lycian warriors struggle in death as he fell by the
hand of Patroclus. He called on his trusty comrade and said,
“Glaucus, my brother, hero among heroes, put forth all your
strength, fight with might and main, now if ever quit yourself like a
valiant soldier. First go about among the Lycian captains and bid
them fight for Sarpedon; then yourself also do battle to save my
armour from being taken. My name will haunt you henceforth and
for ever if the Achaeans rob me of my armour now that I have fallen
at their ships. Do your very utmost and call all my people
together.”
Death closed his eyes as he spoke. Patroclus planted his heel on his
breast and drew the spear from his body, whereon his senses came
out along with it, and he drew out both spear-point and Sarpedon’s
soul at the same time. Hard by the Myrmidons held his snorting
steeds, who were wild with panic at finding themselves deserted
by their lords.
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