Clad in Achilles’ magnificent armor he immediately assembled his men with loud battle cries. Calling all the princes together, he spoke to them. “Friends and allies, not to be in the midst of many men have I called ye to Troy, but that ye might aid me in time of danger to protect our wives and children. It is for this that our poor people are laboring to feed and sustain ye with their flocks and the fruits of their fields, and for this I am striving with sword and speech to encourage ye and spur ye on to the combat. Then let us fight to the death! And to him who bears the body of Patroclus into Troy I promise a rich recompense.” All followed him, shouting, to the spot where Menelaus and Ajax stood shielding the body of Patroclus. Their hearts beat wildly when they saw the little band bearing down on them, and Menelaus ran as fast as he could to procure more help. “Come friends,” he cried, “there lies Patroclus, whom the Trojans would seize and carry away to become food for Trojan dogs. Do ye not feel the shame of it?” The younger Ajax was the first to hear and respond; then came Idomeneus and Meriones, each with a band of followers. They arrived beside the corpse just as Hector and his men came up, and the shock of meeting was like the ocean tide at the mouth of some mighty river which empties into the sea, so terrible was the crash of shields and lances. Then Automedon with Achilles’ steeds came dashing along, resolved himself to contend for the corpse. Hector saw him coming and cried, rejoicing, to Æneas: “There come Achilles’ splendid horses! Come, if thou wilt aid me, let us take them!” They ran toward the chariot, but Automedon, springing to the ground, called Ajax and Menelaus to his aid. Chromeus and Aretus joined Hector and Æneas and a fresh contest raged about the chariot. Hector aimed well and cast with mighty power, but Automedon dashed quickly aside and the spear flew far over him into the earth, where it quivered for a long time. Automedon was more fortunate, and although Hector dodged the blow, it struck Aretus, who stood behind him. Meanwhile evening was descending and Ajax was anxious to secure the body before night came on. But it was all the Achaians could do to hold back the enemy. Then Ajax said to Menelaus: “If only some good youth would hasten to the ships and take to Achilles the tidings of his friend’s death perhaps he would come himself to rescue the body from the enemy’s hands. Dost thou see Antilochus, Nestor’s son? I think he could reach camp quickest.” Menelaus hastened away to seek the youth, where he was fighting at the other side of the battlefield. He was horrified to learn of the hero’s death and tears filled his eyes; but he did not tarry and hurried away to Achilles. Menelaus returned straightway to Ajax, saying: “I have sent him, but I doubt whether Achilles will come without his armor. So let us try once more to secure the body.”