Summary

In Chapter 11, Briseis discovers increasingly more rat corpses around the Greek camp despite Myron’s dedicated efforts to dispose of them. Soon, dogs and mules begin dying as well. When a rat dies in the dining hall one evening, Myron blames Briseis, provoking her to later intone yet another prayer to Apollo. The next day, rotting rats litter the entire camp, impeding human movement throughout. At dinner that night, Myron bars the hall doors, conveying his frustration with the rat infestation. Within ten minutes, Myron enters a fir during which he tears at the collar, armpits, and groin of his tunic while mumbling incoherently about rats. After Achilles transports Myron to his hut, Patroclus pours wine for the remaining guests and implores them to toast Myron’s good health.

In Chapter 12, Briseis nurses Myron in the hospital hut following his collapse the previous evening...