Then did Achilles, swift of foot, reply:⁠— “O ancient Phoenix, father, loved of Jove, Such honor need I not; for the decree Of Jove, I deem, already honors me, And will detain me by my beakèd ships While breath is in my lungs, and I have power To move these knees. Yet one thing I would say⁠— And bear it thou in mind⁠—vex not my soul With weeping and lamenting for the sake Of Agamemnon; it becomes thee not⁠— Thou who art loved by me⁠—to yield thy love To him, unless thou wouldst incur my hate. And thou shouldst be the enemy of him Who wrongs me. Reign thou equally with me, And share my honors. These will carry back My answer. Thou remain, and, softly couched, Sleep here: with early morn will we consult Whether to leave this region or remain.”

He spake, and, nodding to Patroclus, gave A signal to prepare an ample couch For Phoenix, while the other chiefs prepared To leave the tent. Then Ajax Telamon, The godlike chief, addressed his comrades thus:⁠—