He spake; and all were silent, all amazed At what they heard, for these were bitter words. Long sat the sons of Greece in silent thought, Till Diomed, the great in battle, spake:— “Atrides Agamemnon, glorious king Of men! I would thou hadst not deigned to ask The illustrious son of Peleus for his aid, With offer of large gifts; for arrogant He is at all times: thou hast made him now More insolent. Now leave him to himself, To go or to remain: he yet will fight When his mood changes, or some god within Shall move him. Let us do what I advise:— Betake we all ourselves to rest, but first Refresh ourselves with food and wine; in them Is strength and spirit. When the rosy morn Shall shine, command thou that the foot and horse Be speedily drawn up before the fleet, And thou encourage them with cheerful words, And fight among them in the foremost rank.”
He spake. The kings assented, and admired The words of the horse-tamer Diomed; And, pouring out libations, to their tents They all departed, and lay down to rest, And took into their souls the balm of sleep.