Iliad by Homer - Join iZDOT

Homer’s Iliad
BOOK XVII
Brave Menelaus son of Atreus now came to know that Patroclus
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 dauntless 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 meanest 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.”
Euphorbus would not listen, and said, “Now indeed, Menelaus,
shall you pay for the death of my brother over whom you vaunted,
and whose wife you widowed in her bridal chamber, while you
brought grief unspeakable on his parents. I shall comfort these
333