And then the valiant Diomed replied:⁠— “I know thee, goddess, daughter of great Jove The Aegis-bearer; therefore will I speak Freely and keep back nothing. No base fear Unmans me, nor desire of ease; but well I bear in mind the mandate thou hast given. Thou didst forbid me to contend with gods, Except that if Jove’s daughter, Venus, joined The battle, I might wound her with my spear. But now I have withdrawn, and given command That all the Greeks come hither; for I see That Mars is in the field and leads the war.”