Book XIV. In the midst of the gloom caused by a new irruption of the Trojans in the Greek camp, Nestor hastens to the spot where the wounded Agamemnon, Ulysses, and Diomedes are watching the fight.  But, although Agamemnon renews his former suggestion that they depart, Diomedes and Ulysses, scorning it, prepare to return to the fray, in spite of their wounds.  This renewal of Greek courage pleases Juno, who, fearing Jupiter will again interfere in behalf of the Trojans, proceeds by coquettish wiles and with the aid of the God of Sleep to lull him into a state of forgetfulness.  This feat accomplished, Juno sends Sleep to urge the Greeks to make the most of this respite, and, thus stimulated, they fight on, until Ajax hurls a rock which lays Hector low.  But, before he and his companions can secure this victim, Hector is rescued by his men, who speedily convey him to the river, where plentiful bathing soon restores his senses.

Book XV. Thus temporarily deprived of a leader, the Trojans fall back to the place where they left their chariots.  They are just mounting in confusion, in order to flee, when Jupiter, rousing from his nap, and realizing how he has been tricked, discharges his wrath upon Juno’s head.  Hearing her attribute the blame to Neptune, Jupiter wrathfully orders his brother back to his realm and despatches Apollo to cure Hector.  Then he reiterates that the Greeks shall be worsted until Patroclus, wearing Achilles’ armor, takes part in the fray.  He adds that, after slaying his son Sarpedon, this hero will succumb beneath Hector’s sword, and that, to avenge Patroclus’ death, Achilles will slay Hector and thus insure the fall of Troy.

Once more the Trojans drive back the Greeks, who would have given up in despair had not Jupiter encouraged them by a clap of thunder.  Hearing the Trojans again burst into camp, Patroclus rushes out of Achilles’ tent and sees Teucer winging one deadly arrow after another among the foe.  But, in spite of his skill, and although Ajax fights like a lion at bay, Hector and the Trojans press fiercely forward, torch in hand, to fire the Greek ships.

Book XVI. Appalled by this sight, Patroclus rushes back to Achilles, and, after vainly urging him to fight, persuades him to lend him his armor, chariot, and men.  But, even while furthering his friend’s departure, Achilles charges him neither to slay Hector nor take Troy, as he wishes to reserve that double honor for himself.  It is just as the first vessels are enveloped in flames that Patroclus rushes to the rescue of his countrymen.  At the sight of a warrior whom they mistake for Achilles, and at this influx of fresh troops, the Trojans beat a retreat, and the Greeks, fired with new courage, pursue them across the plain and to the very gates of Troy.  Such is Patroclus’ ardor that, forgetting Achilles’ injunctions, he is about to attack Hector, when Sarpedon challenges him to a duel.  Knowing this fight will prove fatal to