“Tydides Diomed, most dear of men, Choose from the many chiefs, who ask to bear A part with thee, the bravest. Be not moved By deference to take the worse and leave The abler warrior. Pay no heed to rank, Or race, or wide extent of kingly rule.”

Thus spake the king; for in his heart he feared For fair-haired Menelaus. Diomed, The great in battle, then addressed them all:⁠—

“Ye bid me choose: how, then, can I o’erlook Godlike Ulysses, prudent in resolve, And firm in every danger, well beloved By Pallas. Give me him, and our return Is sure, though from consuming flames; for he Is wise to plan beyond all other men.”