Iliad by Homer - Join iZDOT

Homer’s Iliad
wrapped in such radiant 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 granting 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 Podes, 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 Menelaus son of Atreus drew
off his body from the Trojans into the ranks of his own people.
Apollo then went up to Hector and spurred him on to fight, in the
likeness of Phaenops son of Asius who lived in Abydos and was
the most favoured of all Hector’s guests. In his likeness Apollo
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