BOOK XXIV
THE ARGUMENT
THE REDEMPTION OF THE BODY OF HECTOR
The time of twelve days is employed in this book, while the body of Hector lies in the tent of Achilles. And as many
more are spent in the truce allowed for his interment. The scene is partly in Achilles's camp, and partly in Troy.Now from the finished games the Grecian band
Seek their black ships, and clear the crowded strand:
All stretched at ease the genial banquet share,
And pleasing slumbers quiet all their care.
Not so Achilles: he, to grief resigned,
His friend's dear image present to his mind,
Takes his sad couch, more unobserved to weep,
Nor tastes the gifts of all-composing sleep;
Restless he rolled around his weary bed,
And all his soul on his Patroclus fed:
The form so pleasing, and the heart so kind,
That youthful vigour, and that manly mind,
What toils they shared, what martial works they wrought,
What seas they measured, and what fields they fought;
All passed before him in remembrance dear,
Thought follows thought, and tear succeeds to tear.
And now supine, now prone, the hero lay,
Now shifts his side, impatient for the day;
Then starting up, disconsolate he goes
Wide on the lonely beach to vent his woes,
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