As is the office of an embassy⁠— And bid them meditate some wiser plan To save their galleys and the host of Greeks Within the hollow barques. The plan which brought You hither cannot serve you while I keep My anger unappeased. Let Phoenix stay To pass the night with us, that he may sail Tomorrow, if it please him, to the land We love; I take him not against his will.”

He ceased; and silent were the ambassadors, Astonished at his passionate words. At last Phoenix, the aged knight, with many tears And sighs, took up the word, in grief and fear Lest Hector should destroy the Grecian fleet:⁠—