_Book XVIII._ No sooner is the death of Patroclus known in Achilles'
tent than the female captives wail, while the hero groans so loudly
that Thetis hears him. Rising from the depths of the sea, she hurries
to his side, regretting his brief life should be marred by so much
sorrow. Then, hearing him swear to avenge his friend, she entreats him
to wait until the morrow, so she can procure him armor from Vulcan.
Having obtained this promise, she hastens off to visit the god and
bespeak his aid in behalf of her son.

Meanwhile the Greeks, who are trying to bear away Patroclus' remains,
are so hard pressed by the Trojans that Juno sends word Achilles must
interfere. Hampered by a lack of armor and by the promise to his
mother, the hero ventures only as far as the trench, where, however,
he utters so threatening a war-cry that the Trojans flee, and the
Greeks are thus able to bring Patroclus' body safely into camp, just
as the sun sets and the day's fighting ends.

Having unharnessed their steeds, the Trojans assemble to consider
whether it will not be best to retreat within their walls, for they
know Achilles will appear on the morrow to avenge Patroclus. But
Hector so vehemently insists that they maintain the advantage gained,
that they camp on the plain, where Jupiter predicts his wife's wish
will be granted and her favorite Achilles win great glory. It is in
the course of that night that Thetis visits Vulcan's forge and in the
attitude of a suppliant implores the divine blacksmith to make an
armor for her son. Not only does Vulcan consent, but hurries off to
his anvil, where he and Cyclops labor to such good purpose that a
superb suit of armor is ready by dawn.