Now when they came among the assembled guard, Its leaders were not slumbering; every man Sat watchful and in arms. As dogs that guard Flocks in a sheepfold hear some savage beast That comes through thickets down the mountainside; Loud is the clamor of the dogs and men, And sleep is frightened thence⁠—so gentle sleep Fled from the eyes of those who watched, that night, Sadly, with eyes turned ever toward the plain, Intently listening for the foe’s approach. The aged Nestor saw them, and rejoiced, And thus encouraged them with wingèd words:⁠—

“Watch thus, dear youths, let no one yield to sleep, Lest we become the mockery of the foe.”