Kitap 17
Brave Menelaos son of Atreus now came to know that Patroklos had fallen, and made his way through the front ranks clad in full armor to bestride him. As a cow stands lowing over her first calf, even so did yellow-haired Menelaos bestride Patroklos. He held his round shield and his spear in front of him, resolute to kill any who should dare face him. But the son of Panthoos had also noted the body, and came up to Menelaos saying, "Menelaos, son of Atreus, draw back, leave the body, and let the bloodstained spoils be. I was first of the Trojans and their brave allies to drive my spear into Patroklos, let me, therefore, have my full glory [kleos] among the Trojans, or I will take aim and kill you."
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To this Menelaos answered in great anger "By father Zeus, boasting is an ill thing. The pard is not more bold, nor the lion nor savage wild-boar, which is fiercest and most dauntless of all creatures, than are the proud sons of Panthoos. Yet Hyperenor did not see out the days of his youth when he made light of me and withstood me, deeming me the meanest warrior among the Danaans. His own feet never bore him back to gladden his wife and parents. Even so shall I make an end of you too, if you withstand me; get you back into the crowd and do not face me, or it shall be worse for you. Even a fool may be wise after the event."
Euphorbos would not listen, and said, "Now indeed, Menelaos, shall you pay for the death of my brother over whom you vaunted, and whose wife you widowed in her bridal chamber, while you brought grief [penthos] unspeakable on his parents. I shall comfort these poor people if I bring your head and armor and place them in the hands of Panthoos and noble Phrontis. The time is come when this matter shall be fought out in a struggle [ponos] and settled, for me or against me."
