The ARGUMENT........... The grief of Achilles, and new armour made him by Vulcan. THE HE news of the death of Patroclus is brought to Achilles by Antilochus, Thetis hearing his lamentations, comes with all her fea-nymphs to comfort him. The fpeeches of the mother and fon on this occafion. Iris appears to Achilles by the command of Juno, and orders him to fhew himself at the head of the intrenchments. The fight of him turns the fortune of the day, and the body of Patroclus is carried off by the Greeks. The Trojans call a council, where Hector and Polydamas difagree in their opinions; but the advice of the former prevails, to remain encamp'd 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 fon. The defcription of the wonderful works of Vulcan; and lastly, that noble one of the fhield of Achilles. The latter part of the nine and twentieth day, and the night enfuing, take up this book. The fcene is at Achilles's tent on the fea-fhore, from whence it changes to the palace of Vulcan. THE Achilles having the news of Patroclus's Death grievously lamenting him, is comforted by Thetis who exhorts him not to Fight, till she brings him New Armour. B. 18. EKirkall fem THE EIGHTEENTH BOOK OF THE ILIA D T HUS like the rage of fire the combat burns, Stood Neftor's fon, the meffenger of woe: V. 1. Thus like the rage of fire, &c. This phrafe is ufual in our author, to fignify a fharp battel fought with heat and fu ry on both parts; fuch an engagement, like a flame, preying upon all fides, and dying the fooner, the fiercer it burns. Eu fathius. There |