The news of the death of Patroclus is brought to Achilles by
Antilochus. Thetis, hearing his lamentations, comes with all her sea-
nymphs to comfort him. The speeches of the mother and son on this
occasion. Iris appears to Achilles by the command of Juno, and orders
him to show himself at the head of the intrenchments. The sight of him
turns the fortunes of the day, and the body of Patroclus is carried off
by the Greeks. The Trojans call a council, where Hector and Polydamas
disagree in their opinions: but the advice of the former prevails, to
remain encamped in the field. The grief of Achilles over the body of
Patroclus. Thetis goes to the palace of Vulcan to obtain new arms for
her son. The description of the wonderful works of Vulcan: and, lastly,
that noble one of the shield of Achilles.
The latter part of the nine-and-twentieth day, and the night ensuing,
take up this book: the scene is at Achilles' tent on the sea-shore,
from whence it changes to the palace of Vulcan.