The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the Forces
A treacherous dream sent by Jupiter to Agamemnon, who assembles the army in the hope to take Troy—Debate of the chiefs in council—Agamemnon pretends a desire to return to Greece, in order to try the disposition of the army—Insolent speech of Thersites, and his punishment by Ulysses—Advice of Nestor to review the troops—Catalogue of the troops and ships—Enumeration of the Trojan forces.
All other deities, all mortal men, Tamers of war-steeds, slept the whole night through; But no sweet slumber came to Jove; his thoughts Were ever busy with the anxious care To crown with honor Peleus’ son, and cause Myriads to perish at the Grecian fleet. At last, this counsel seemed the best—to send A treacherous dream to Agamemnon, son Of Atreus. Then he called a Dream, and thus Addressing it with wingèd words, he said:—
“Go, fatal Vision, to the Grecian fleet, And, entering Agamemnon’s tent, declare Faithfully what I bid thee. Give command That now he arm, with all the array of war, The long-haired Greeks, for lo, the hour is come That gives into his hands the city of Troy With all its spacious streets. The powers who dwell In the celestial mansions are no more At variance; Juno’s prayers have moved them all, And o’er the Trojans hangs a fearful doom.”
So spake the God; the Vision heard, and went At once to where the Grecian barques were moored, And entered Agamemnon’s tent and found The king reposing, with the balm of sleep Poured all around him. At his head the Dream Took station in the form of Neleus’ son, Nestor, whom Agamemnon honored most Of all the aged men. In such a shape The heaven-sent Dream to Agamemnon spake:—