If Achilles fights the Trojans - unopposed by us - not for a moment will they hold his breakneck force. Even before now they'd shake to see him coming. Now, with his rage inflamed for his friend's death, I fear he'll raze the walls against the will of fate.

If Achilles fights the Trojans – unopposed by us –
not for a moment will they hold his breakneck force.
Even before now they’d shake to see him coming.
Now, with his rage inflamed for his friend’s death,
I fear he’ll raze the walls against the will of fate.

– Homer

The Iliad, Book 20, lines 32-36. Zeus replies to Poseidon, who queries Zeus on why he is calling the gods to council on Olympus once again. Zeus is concerned that Achilles, if left unchecked by the gods, will raze the walls of Troy against the will of fate. Achilles is inflamed with rage over Patroclus’s death, Zeus says.

Homer Quotes