Iliad by Homer - Join iZDOT

Homer’s Iliad
Ulysses answered, “Most noble son of Atreus, king of men,
Agamemnon, Achilles will not be calmed, but is more fiercely
angry than ever, and spurns both you and your gifts. He bids you
take counsel with the Achaeans to save the ships and host as you
best may; as for himself, he said that at daybreak he should draw
his ships into the water. He said further that he should advise
every one to sail home likewise, for that you will not reach the goal
of Ilius. ‘Jove,’ he said, ‘has laid his hand over the city to protect it,
and the people have taken heart.’ This is what he said, and the
others who were with me can tell you the same story- Ajax and the
two heralds, men, both of them, who may be trusted. The old man
Phoenix stayed where he was to sleep, for so Achilles would have
it, that he might go home with him in the morning if he so would;
but he will not take him by force.”
They all held their peace, sitting for a long time silent and dejected, by
reason of the sternness with which Achilles had refused them, till
presently Diomed said, “Most noble son of Atreus, king of men,
Agamemnon, you ought not to have sued the son of Peleus nor
offered him gifts. He is proud enough as it is, and you have
encouraged him in his pride am further. Let him stay or go as he will.
He will fight later when he is in the humour, and heaven puts it in his
mind to do so. Now, therefore, let us all do as I say; we have eaten and
drunk our fill, let us then take our rest, for in rest there is both strength
and stay. But when fair rosy-fingered morn appears, forthwith bring
out your host and your horsemen in front of the ships, urging them
on, and yourself fighting among the foremost.”
Thus he spoke, and the other chieftains approved his words. They
then made their drink-offerings and went every man to his own
tent, where they laid down to rest and enjoyed the boon of sleep.
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