sing and laugh a silly laugh And dance, and often to the lips it brings Words that were better left unsaid. But since I have begun to prattle, I will not Keep back my thought. I would I were as young And in the same full strength as when I formed Part of an ambush near the walls of Troy. The leaders were Ulysses, and the son Of Atreus, Menelaus, with myself The third, for they desired it. When we reached The city and the lofty walls we lay Couched in a marshy spot among the reeds And thick-grown shrubs, with all our armor on. ’Twas an inclement night, and the north-wind Blew bitter chill, the cold snow fell and lay White like hoar frost; ice gathered on our shields. The rest had cloaks and tunics, and they slept At ease, their shoulders covered with their shields. I only, when I joined the squadron, left My cloak unwisely, for I had not thought Of such fierce cold. I went but with my shield And my embroidered girdle. When the night Was in its later watches, and the stars Were turning toward their set, I thus bespake Ulysses near me, thrusting in his side My elbow, and he listened readily:—
“ ‘Son of Laertes, nobly born and wise! Ulysses, I shall not