And vengeance took for many a Grecian slain. First then, with glittering spear the breast he pierced485 Of Pronöus, undefended by his shield, And stretch’d him dead; loud rang his batter’d arms. The son of Enops, Thestor next he smote. He on his chariot-seat magnificent Low-cowering sat, a fear-distracted form,490 And from his palsied grasp the reins had fallen. Then came Patroclus nigh, and through his cheek His teeth transpiercing, drew him by his lance Sheer o’er the chariot front. As when a man On some projecting rock seated, with line495 And splendid hook draws forth a sea-fish huge, So him wide-gaping from his seat he drew At his spear-point, then shook him to the ground Prone on his face, where gasping he expired. At Eryalus, next, advancing swift500 He hurl’d a rock; full on the middle front He smote him, and within the ponderous casque His whole head open’d into equal halves. With deadliest night surrounded, prone he fell. Epaltes, Erymas, Amphoterus,505 Echius, Tlepolemus Damastor’s son, Evippus, Ipheus, Pyres, Polymelus, All these he on the champain, corse on corse Promiscuous flung. Sarpedon, when he saw Such havoc made of his uncinctured[13] friends510 By Menœtiades, with sharp rebuke His band of godlike Lycians loud address’d. Shame on you, Lycians! whither would ye fly? Now are ye swift indeed! I will oppose Myself this conqueror, that I may learn515 Who thus afflicts the Trojan host, of life Bereaving numerous of their warriors bold. He said, and with his arms leap’d to the ground. On the other side, Patroclus at that sight Sprang from his chariot. As two vultures clash520 Bow-beak’d, crook-talon’d, on some lofty rock Clamoring both, so they together rush’d With clamors loud; whom when the son observed Of wily Saturn, with compassion moved His sister and his spouse he thus bespake.525 Alas, he falls! my most beloved of men Sarpedon, vanquished by Patroclus, falls! So will the Fates. Yet, doubtful, much I muse Whether to place him, snatch’d from furious fight In Lycia’s wealthy realm, or to permit530 His death by valiant Menœtiades. To whom his awful spouse, displeased, replied. How speaks the terrible Saturnian Jove! Wouldst thou again from pangs of death exempt A mortal man, destined long since to die?535 Do it. But small thy praise shall be in heaven, Mark thou my words, and in thy inmost breast Treasure them. If thou send Sarpedon safe To his own home, how many Gods _their_ sons May also send from battle? Weigh it well.540 For under yon great city fight no few Sprung from Immortals whom thou shalt provoke. But if thou love him, and thine heart his lot Commiserate, leave him by the hands to fall Of Menœtiades in conflict dire;545 But give command to Death and gentle Sleep That him of life bereft at once they bear To Lycia’s ample realm,[14] where, with due rites Funereal, his next kindred and his friends Shall honor him, a pillar and a tomb550 (The dead man’s portion) rearing to his name.