He spake; and all were silent for a space. Then Diomed, the great in battle, said:—
“Nestor, my resolute spirit urges me To explore the Trojan camp, that lies so near; Yet, were another warrior by my side, I should go forth with a far surer hope, And greater were my daring. For when two Join in the same adventure, one perceives Before the other how they ought to act; While one alone, however prompt, resolves More tardily and with a weaker will.”
He spake; and many a chief made suit to share The risk with Diomed. The ministers Of Mars, the chieftains Ajax, asked to go; Meriones desired it; Nestor’s son Greatly desired to join the enterprise; Atrides Menelaus, skilled to wield The spear, desired it; and that hardy chief, Ulysses, longed to explore the Trojan camp, For full of daring aims was the great soul Within his bosom. Agamemnon then, The king of men, took up the word and said:—
“Tydides Diomed, most dear of men, Choose from the many chiefs, who ask to bear A part with thee, the bravest. Be not moved By deference to take the worse and leave The abler warrior. Pay no heed to rank, Or race, or wide extent of kingly rule.”
Thus spake the king; for in his heart he feared For fair-haired Menelaus. Diomed, The great in battle, then addressed them all:—
“Ye bid me choose: how, then, can I o’erlook Godlike Ulysses, prudent in resolve, And firm in every danger, well beloved By Pallas. Give me him, and our return Is sure, though from consuming flames; for he Is wise to plan beyond all other men.”