And thou hast all things ready, and a host Of menials. Then, when many throng the board, Thou shalt defer to him who counsels thee Most wisely; for the Greeks have urgent need Of prudent counsels, when the foe so close Beside our galleys lights his multitude Of watch-fires. Who that sees them can rejoice? This night will rescue or destroy our host.”

He spake. They listened all, and willingly Obeyed him. Forth in armor went the guards, Led by the chieftain Thrasymedes, son Of Nestor, by Ascalaphus, who claimed His birth from Mars, and by Ialmenus His brother, and Deipyrus, with whom There followed Aphareus, Meriones, And Lycomedes, Creon’s noble son. Seven were the leaders of the guards; with each A hundred youths in warlike order marched, Bearing long spears; and when they reached the space Between the trench and wall they sat them down, And kindled fires and made their evening meal.