unworthy tasks. So I, while crested Hector in his might Made havoc at our fleet among the Greeks Even by their prows, remembered well my fault. And now since I have borne the penalty, And Jupiter it was who took away My reason, I would gladly make amends With liberal gifts. But rise and join the war; Inflame the courage of the rest; the gifts Will I supply—all that were promised thee When nobly born Ulysses yesterday Went to thy tents. Or, if it please thee, wait, Though armed for battle, and my train shall bring The treasures from my ship, that thou mayst see My presents are peace-offerings indeed.”
The swift of foot, Achilles, answered thus: “Most glorious son of Atreus, king of men! Whether, O Agamemnon, thou wilt give Gifts, as is meet, or keep them, rests with thee. Now let us think of war; it is not well To waste the hour in talking, and put off The mighty work that we have yet to do. Let every Greek among you, as he sees Achilles fighting in the foremost ranks, And slaughtering the Trojan phalanxes, Take heart and boldly combat with his man.”
And then Ulysses, wise in council, spake, Answering Achilles: “Nay, thou shouldst not thus, Brave as thou art, lead on the sons of Greece, Yet fasting, to the conflict with the men Of Troy beside their city. No brief space The struggle will endure when once the foes Rush on each other, and a god inspires Both hosts with fury. Bid the Achaians take In their swift galleys food and wine; in these Are force and vigor. No man can endure To combat all the day till set of sun, Save with the aid of food, however great The promptings of his valor; for his limbs Grow heavy, thirst and hunger weaken him, And his knees fail him as he walks. Not so The warrior well supplied with food and wine: He fights the foe all day; a resolute heart Is in his bosom; nor does weariness O’ertake him till all others leave the field. Now let the people be dismissed awhile, And a repast be ordered. Let the king, Atrides, bring to the assembly here His gifts, that all the Greeks may look on them, And thou rejoice to see them. Let him rise Among the Greeks, and take a solemn oath That he has ne’er