Meantime Andromache, busy preparing for her husband’s return, is so startled by loud cries that she rushes off to the ramparts to find out what has occurred.  Arriving there just in time to see her husband dragged away, she faints at the pitiful sight, and, on coming back to her senses, bewails her sad fate, foresees an unhappy fate for her infant son, and regrets not being able to bury her beloved husband.

Book XXIII. On reaching his tent with his victim, Achilles drags it around Patroclus’ remains, apostrophizing him and assuring him that twelve Trojans shall be executed on his pyre, while his slayer’s body shall be a prey to the dogs.  Then, having cast Hector’s corpse on the refuse heap, Achilles assembles the Greeks in his tent for a funeral repast, after which they retire, leaving him to mourn.  That night he is visited by Patroclus’ spirit, which warns him he will soon have to die, and bespeaks funeral rites.  This vision convinces Achilles that the human soul does not perish with the body, and impels him to rouse his companions at dawn to erect a huge pyre on the shore, where innumerable victims are to be sacrificed to satisfy his friend’s spirit.  Then he renews his promise that Hector’s body shall be a prey to the dogs, little suspecting that Venus has mounted guard over it, so that no harm may befall it.

In describing the building and lighting of the pyre, the poet relates how the flames were fanned by opposite winds, depicts the sacrifices offered, the funeral games celebrated, and explains how the ashes were finally placed in an urn, where those of Achilles were in time to mingle with those of his friend.

Book XXIV. Although most of the Greek warriors are resting after the strenuous pleasures of the day, Achilles weeps in his tent until daybreak, when he harnesses his horses to his chariot and again drags Hector’s body around Patroclus’ tomb, little suspecting how Venus and Apollo guard it from all harm.  It is only on the twelfth day after Patroclus’ death, that the gods interfere in behalf of the Trojans, by sending Iris to Priam to guide him to Achilles’ tent, where they assure him his prayers will obtain his son’s body.  The rainbow goddess not only serves as guide to the mourning father, but brings him unseen into Achilles’ tent, where, falling at the hero’s feet, the aged Priam sues in such touching terms that the Greek warrior’s heart melts and tears stream down his cheeks.  Not only does he grant Priam’s request, but assures him he is far happier than Peleus, since he still has several sons to cheer him although Hector has been slain.

  These words soft pity in the chief inspire,
  Touch’d with the dear remembrance of his sire. 
  Then with his hand (as prostrate still he lay)
  The old man’s cheek he gently turn’d away. 
  Now each by turns indulged the gush of woe;
  And now the mingled tides together flow: 
  This low on earth, that gently bending