the guards and just before the gates— For I appointed that the trysting-place.”
And Nestor, the Gerenian knight, replied:— “Then let no Greek condemn him, or refuse To heed and to obey when he shall speak.”
He spake, and drew his tunic o’er his breast, Laced the fair sandals to his shapely feet, And round him fastened, with a clasp, his cloak— A double web of purple, with full folds And flowing pile. He grasped a massive spear, Its blade of trenchant brass. And first he sought The galleys of the Achaians brazen-mailed. There shouted Nestor the Gerenian knight, To raise Ulysses, best of counsellors, Jove-like in wisdom; who perceived the voice, And issued from his tent in haste, and said:—
“What brings you forth to walk the camp at night, Beside the ships alone; what urgent cause?”
Then answered Nestor, the Gerenian knight:— “Son of Laertes, nobly born, and skilled In wise devices, be thou not displeased: A fearful woe impends above the Greeks: Come, then, and call the other chiefs, to give Their counsel whether we shall flee or fight.”