He spake, and took his way, departing thence Among the tribes of men. These words inflamed The god’s desire to aid the Greeks; he sprang Far on among the foremost, and exclaimed:⁠—

“O Greeks! Do ye again submit to yield The victory to Hector, Priam’s son. That he may seize our fleet and bear away The glory of the day? This is his hope, And this his boast, since now Achilles lies Inactive at his ships, in sullen wrath. Yet little should we need him, if the rest Stood bravely by each other. Hear me now, And do what I advise. Let all of us, The best and bravest, bearing shields, and capped With glittering helms, and wielding in our hands The longest spears, advance, and I will lead The charge; nor do I think that Hector, son Of Priam, daring as he seems, will yet Abide our onset. Who so has the heart To make a stand with me, and yet who bears A narrow shield, let it be given to one Less warlike, and a broader shield be found.”