Patroclus, Prince, go back! It is not the will of fate
that the proud Trojans’ citadel fall before your spear,
not even before Achilles – far greater man than you!
– Homer
The Iliad, Book 16, lines 826-828. After Patroclus pursues the fleeing Trojans up to the gates of their city and is repulsed by Apollo, the god says this to Patroclus. He warns that it is not fate that the city should fall before the spear of Patroclus or Achilles.