He spake, and drew his tunic o’er his breast, Laced the fair sandals to his shapely feet, And round him fastened, with a clasp, his cloak⁠— A double web of purple, with full folds And flowing pile. He grasped a massive spear, Its blade of trenchant brass. And first he sought The galleys of the Achaians brazen-mailed. There shouted Nestor the Gerenian knight, To raise Ulysses, best of counsellors, Jove-like in wisdom; who perceived the voice, And issued from his tent in haste, and said:⁠—

“What brings you forth to walk the camp at night, Beside the ships alone; what urgent cause?”

Then answered Nestor, the Gerenian knight:⁠— “Son of Laertes, nobly born, and skilled In wise devices, be thou not displeased: A fearful woe impends above the Greeks: Come, then, and call the other chiefs, to give Their counsel whether we shall flee or fight.”