Book IX

Thus Watch the Trojans kept. But at the Fleet
Distracted was with fear the Argive Host,
And their Commanders; as when two Winds meet,
The Sea between them into heaps is tost.
And Agamemnon grieved at the heart,
Bad th'Heralds forthwith to th'Assembly call
The prime Commanders ev'ry one apart,
And not make proclamation once for all;
And some of them himself he summoned.
When met were all the Leaders of the Greeks,
They sat them down with hearts discouraged,
And tears ran down on Agamemnon's Cheeks.
As Springs of Water issue from a Rock,
So fell the tears from Agamemnon's eyes.
And to th'Assembly thus he weeping spoke.
My friends what help can any man devise?
Jove told me I should conquer Ilium,
And unto Argos safe return agen,
And now deceiv'd me has, and sends me home
With shame when I have lost so many men.
And thus he loves to do to shew his might.
Therefore my Counsel Argives all obey:
Let's hoise our Sails and save our selves by flight;
For we shall never take the Town of Troy.
This said, the Princes long time silent sit.
At last Tydides rising thus reply'd,
King Agamemnon so far as 'tis fit
In such a publick place I must you chide.
Take it not ill, because not long ago
You me with want of courage did upbraid
Before the Greeks, as old and young well know.
Jove giv'n you has the Right to be obey'd,
And grac'd you with the title of our King,
But has deny'd you a couragious Spirit,
Which now is the most necessary thing.
You think too meanly of your peoples merit;
As for your self, if you will needs away,
Go. That's your way. Your Ships there ready lye
That from Mycene brought you unto Troy,
But leave the rest their fortune here to try.
If none else stay, yet Sthenelus and I
Will not give over fighting till we know
To what side Jove will give the Victory.
The Gods (I'm sure) will favour to us show.
This Speech the Lords commended very much.
Then Nestor rose and to Tydides said,
There is not of your age another such,
For Counsel wise, in Battle not affraid.
None will deny but what you say is right;
But you have not said all you could have done;
And no great wonder, since for age you might
(So young you are) have been my youngest Son.
Yet the advice you given have is best;
I that am elder what wants will supply,
Adding thereto what you have not exprest,
To take from Agamemnon all reply.
For none but such as have no Law, nor Kin,
Nor House, in civil discord can delight.
But let us first our chiefest work begin,
And make the Youngmen keep good watch all Night.
And let them all from you (Atrides) take
Their Orders. For you are our General.
And for the Princes a good Supper make,
And all the eldest Captains to it call.
It best becomes you that can do it best.
For in your Tents of Wine you have good store,
And eas[…]ier provided than the rest,
So many Ships you have to bring in more.
Hear their advice, and do what you think fit.
Good Counsel now we need the most of all,
Since our insulting Foes so near us sit.
By this nights Counsel we must stand or fall.
Thus Nestor said, and 'twas agreed upon.
The Captains of the Watch then streight went forth;
First Thrasymedes that was Nestor's Son;
And after him six Captains more of worth,
Ascalaphus, and then Ialmenus,
Then Aphyres, and then M[…]riones,
And Lycomedes, and Deipyrus:
The seven Captains of the Watch were these.
And with each one an hundred Spearmen went
Betwixt the Pale and Wall, and supped there.
And the old Leaders t'Agamemnon's Tent,
And by him nobly entertained were.
But when they had an end made of the Feast,
Nestor his Counsel further open laid,
Which formerly had alwaies been the best;
And looking t'Agamemnon thus he said
King Agamemnon I'll with you begin,
And with you end, since you the Scepter bear,
And in your care it lies to lose or win.
You chiefly should good Counsel give and hear.
Hear then what now is my opinion,
Than which a better I think you'll not find,
Nor is it now the first time thought upon.
But heretofore I was of the same mind,
When from Achilles you Briseis took,
And I advised you to let her stay,
Though my good Counsel then you could not brook,
But to your own great heart too much gave way,
Dishonouring the man of greatest might
In all the Army, and most honoured
By all the Gods, and contrary to Right
Taking the Prize which he had purchased.
So that the bus'ness we have now to do
Is how to reconcile him if we can,
What Gifts to give him, who shall with them go,
And with sweet language pacifie the man.
This said, Atrides penitent reply'd,
O Nestor, all you charge me with is true,
And for Achilles sake ('tis not deny'd)
Jove does th'Achaean Army now subdue.
He whom Jove loves worth a whole Army is.
But since I made Achilles discontent,
I'll make amends for what I did amiss,
And send a noble Present to his Tent.
I'll name the Gifts I'll give him one by one.
Seven fire-new Trevets. Talents ten of Gold.
Twenty black Cauldrons. Twelve Steeds that have won
Each one their Prizes, and yet are not old.
A man that hath so many and so fleet
I think not poor, but Gold may quickly win,
When I consider with their nimble feet
How many Prizes they have brought me in.
And Women seven, the best of women kind
For Beauty and for works of Houswifery.
And unto these Briseis shall be joyn'd,
And I'll be sworn she goes untoucht from me.
And all this shall be sent him presently.
Hereafter, if we win the Town of Troy,
Let him before the prey divided be,
Come in and carry to his Ship away
As much as it can bear of Gold and Brass.
And twenty Trojan women which he please,
Helen except. But if it come to pass
That safe to Argos we repass the Seas,
My Son in Law he shall be if he will,
And as my Son Orestes honour'd be;
Within my house three Daughters I have still,
Iphianassa and Laodice,
And fair Chrysothemis, take which he list
And to his Fathers house convey. For I
On setling of estate will not insist,
But of my own do that sufficiently.
Seven Cities he shall have: Pherae divine,
Enope, Ire, and Cardamyle,
And Pedasus that fertile is of Wine,
Anth[…]ia, Aepia, all on the Sea
Of sandy Pyle; and rich in Sheep and Kine
The people are, and will his Laws obey,
And Tribute pay as to a Pow'r divine.
All this I'll give his anger to allay.
And this content him may if any thing.
Inexorable none but Pluto is,
But hated for't. I am the greater King,
And elder man; he should consider this.
Thus Agamemnon. And then Nestor said,
The Gifts, O King, no man can reprehend.
The next thing to be thought upon and weigh'd,
Is whom we shall unto Achilles send.
I think that Phoenix ought to lead the way,
Then Ajax and Ulysses, and with these
The publick Heralds two, Eurybates
And Odius, and here no longer stay
Than to bring water for our hands, that we
May first send up our Prayers unto Jove,
That our Embassage may successful be.
This said by Nestor all the rest approve.
When water was brought in they wash'd and pray'd;
The Youngmen fill'd the Temperers with Wine;
And round about the full Cups were convey'd,
And offer'd up unto the Powers divine.
When they had offer'd, and drunk what they would,
And parting were from Agamemnon's Tent,
Old Nestor to instruct them how they should
Achilles best persuade, out with them went.
And one by one advis'd them what to say,
Especially Ulysses. Then they went
Saying their Pray'rs to Neptune all the way
Until they came unto Achilles Tent.
Who sitting, in his hand had a Guitarre
To pass the time, and sung unto the same
The noble Acts that had been done in Warre
By th'ancient Heroes men of greatest fame.
Patroclus sat before him looking when
He should have done. Ulysses then led in
Ajax and Phoenix. And Achilles then
Leapt up as one that had surprized been.
And them receiving kindly to them said,
Welcome my friends, what ere your bus'ness be.
To see you I am not a little joy'd,
Although th'Achaeans have provoked me.
And to his friend Patroclus order gave.
A larger Temperer (said he) set up,
For these the dearest friends are that I have.
Pure be the Wine, and give each man a Cup.
Patroclus did so. And sets on a Pot
Upon the flaming fire, and puts into't
A good Sheeps Chine, another of a Goat,
Besides the Chine of a fat Bore to boot.
The Blood boyl'd out Automedon it takes
And holds it to Achilles to divide,
Who of it many equal portions makes.
Patroclus makes a fire of wood well dry'd;
And when the flame was spent, the Coals he rakes
Till they lay even; Then the meat he spits
And rostes; and when 'twas roasted up it takes,
And on clean Dresser-boards the same he sets;
And brought (in Baskets) to the Table Bread;
And by Achilles was set on the Meat.
Who when he saw the Table furnished
Over against Ulysses took his Seat.
And bad Patroclus sacrifice, who then
The first cut took and threw into the fire,
And freely to their meat then […]ell the men.
But when of food they had no more desire,
Then Ajax Phoenix jog'd, which was the signe
When to begin, for which Ulysses staid.
Ulysses then fill'd up his Cup with Wine,
And speaking to Achilles, thus he said.
All health t'Achilles. Noble is your fare,
And by Atrides treated well we were.
Your Tables plentifully furnisht are.
But that's not it for which we now are here.
Our Ships in danger are to be destroy'd;
The Trojans are encamped near our Wall.
Unless you condescend to give us aid,
By Hector they are like to perish all
Who threatens he will set them all on fire,
And is encourag'd to't by Signs from Jove.
To see the morning rise is his desire,
And feareth neither Men nor Pow'rs above.
And like a Dog enrag'd, and looking grim,
Assures the Trojans he our Ships will burn,
And either put us for our lives to swim,
Or never to Achaea to return.
I am affraid the Gods perform it will,
And so to perish here will be our fate.
Rise then; if but a little you sit still,
All you can do for us will come too late.
And then I am assured you will grieve
(When remedy there can be none) in vain:
Therefore, while yet you can, the Greeks relieve;
Your Fathers Counsel call to mind again.
My Son, said he, (when you took leave for Troy)
May Juno and Athena strengthen you.
But this one Lesson take from me. I pray
Remember still your Anger to subdue.
Decline all contestation of the Tongue,
And let your Conversation gentle be.
So shall you win the hearts of old and young
In the Achaean Host. Thus counsell'd he.
Though you have this forgot, yet now be friends,
And since he sorry is, forget th'offence
And take the Gifts he offers for amends,
Which we esteem a worthy recompence.
I'll name the Gifts he offers one by one.
Seven fire-new Trevets. Talents ten of Gold.
Twenty black Cauldrons. Twelve Steeds that have won
Their sev'ral Prizes, and yet are not old.
A man that has so many and so fleet
I think not poor, but Gold will quickly win,
When I consider with their nimble feet
What Prizes to Atrides they brought in.
And seven fair Women best of all the kind
For Beauty and for works of Housewifery,
And unto these Briseis shall be joyn'd;
And swear he will, she is from blemish free.
And all this shall be sent you presently.
Hereafter if we take the Town of Troy,
You may before the Prey divided be
Come in and carry to your Ship away
As much as it can bear of Gold and Brass;
And twenty Trojan Women which you please,
Helen except. But if it come to pass
That safe to Argos we get ore the Seas,
His Son-in Law you shall be if you will,
And as his Son Orestes honour'd be.
Within his house three Daughters he hath still
Iphianassa, and Laodice,
And fair Chrysothemis, take which you list,
And to your Fathers house convey her; he
On setling of estate will not insist,
But of his own do that sufficiently.
Seven Cities you shall have. Phaerae divine,
Enope, Ire, and Cardamyle,
And Pedasus that fertile is of Wine,
Antheia, Aepia. All on the Sea
Of sandy Pyle; and rich in Sheep and Kine
The people are, and will your Laws obey,
And Tribute pay as to a Pow'r Divine.
All this he'll give your Anger to allay.
And though Atrides and his Gifts you hate,
Honour'd you are by th'other Argives all,
And should have pity of their sad estate,
Who in such numbers before Hector fall.
Whom you may have the honour now to kill;
For now he will your Spear no longer shun,
But stand you in the open field he will;
For 'mongst the Greeks he thinks there's like him none.
To this Achilles answer'd, and thus said,
Ulysses I perceive I must be plain.
For if I be not so, I am affraid
I shall be put to speak my mind again.
But to prevent more importunity,
What once I say I'll do. Those men I hate
Whose Tongues and Hearts I find to disagree,
As much as I abominate Hell-gate.
I will no more perswaded be to fight
By Agamemnon or by any Greek,
Since they my labour do so ill requite,
And they that fight, and fight not fare alike.
For good and bad are equal when they die.
Then for my pain and danger in the Wars,
What more than any other man have I?
With me as with a Bird i'th' field it fares,
That to her unfledg'd young ones bringeth meat.
She has it in her mouth and hungry is,
Yet she forbears and gives it them to eat.
With the Atrides twain my case is this.
In blood by day I lead a weary life,
And sleepless am the great'st part of the night.
And why? That Menelaus may win his Wife
Achilles must against the Trojans fight.
I did so; and from Troy twelve Cities won
Upon the Shore i'th' Land eleven more,
And all the Prey I sent to Atreus Son,
Wherein of precious treasure was great store.
A small part he divided 'mongst the Host.
Somewhat he gave for honour to the best;
But to himself made sure to keep the most.
And firm is whatsoere he gave the rest.
From none but me his gift he takes away.
I am content, and let him keep her still.
And her enjoy. But why then came to Troy
Atrides with such strength? What was his will?
Was it not only for fair Helens sake?
What then must no man love his Wife but they?
Yes, all men of their own Wives much should make,
If they have either wit or honesty.
And I love mine as well as he loves his,
Although she be my Captive. But since she
By Agamemnon from me taken is,
Ne'er think (Ulysses) to prevail with me.
He shall not twice deceive me. But provide
(Ulysses) that your Ships not burned be.
I know a Wall, a Ditch pal'd, deep and wide
Is made by Agamemnon without me.
But all this will not Hector long keep out.
But with the Greeks when I went to the fight
He never durst to show his face without
The Scaean gate, save once. And then by flight
He scap'd. And since I am no more his so,
To morrow to the Gods I'll sacrifice,
And lanch and lade my Ships, and homewards go.
And you shall see me ere the Sun shall rise
Upon the Hell[…]spont if you think fit.
And how my lusty Myrmidons can row.
And so (if Neptune please) the Wind may fit,
As in three days we may to Phthia go,
Where Treasure plenty I behind me left:
And now shall carry thither Gold and Brass,
Iron and Women fair, although bereft
Of her that giv'n me by Atrides was.
Tell him all this, and speak it openly,
Lest other Greeks put up the like disgrace.
As for my self, though impudent he be,
He dares no more to look me in the face.
I will no more in Battle or Advice
With Agamemnon joyn. Let him be glad
He could deceive me once. He shall not twice.
There let him rest. The Gods have made him mad.
I hate his Gifts. And him I value not.
Though he would twenty times as much bring forth
As now he has, or to him shall be brought,
Or all that's at Orchomenus is worth,
Or Thebae that Aegyptian Town that can
Send twenty thousand Charrets to the field,
And all provided well with Horse and Man,
Yet so I will not t'Agamemnon yield;
No, nor for Gold as much as here is sand,
Till he has smarted for this injury,
Nor any Wife will I take at his hand
Though she should fairer much than Venus be.
Nor though she could like Pallas work, or better,
I'll not his Daughter take. Bid h[…]m bestow her
Upon some Prince he thinks more worthy. Let her
For Husband have a King of greater power.
For if the Gods to Hellas bring me home,
Peleus will there provide me of a Wife.
Kings Daughters not a few there are; of whom
I shall chuse one, and with her lead my life,
And with my Father live contentedly.
For all the wealth of stately Ilium,
Which they enjoyed in tranquillity
When yet the Argives were not hither come,
And all Apollo's sacred Treasury
Laid up at Pytho is not price enough
The Life of any man though poor to buy.
Horses, and Kine, and Sheep, and Houshold-stuff
May be recover'd, but mans Life can not.
My Mother Thetis told me has my end,
That if I fight 'gainst Troy 'twill be my lot
To dye there, but that Fame would me commend.
But on the other side assured me,
That if 'gainst Ilium I warred not,
But back to Phthia went, my Fate would be
Long time to live, and after be forgot.
And I advise you and the rest to sail
Assoon as may be to your native Land;
For you will not at Ilium prevail,
Since Jupiter protects it with his hand.
And now go tell the Princes what I say,
That they may better counsel take to save
Their Ships and Men by Sea, because the way
Which now they take no good effect will have.
Let Phoenix, if he will (not else) stay here.
This said, th'Ambassadors were mute, and sorry
They from him could no better answer bear
Than a denial flat and peremptory.
At last unto Achilles Phoenix spake;
If you, said he, resolv'd are to be gone
And leave the War for Agamemnon's sake,
In what estate shall I be here alone?
When you to Agamemnon first were sent,
You were a Child and understood not War,
Unable to say clearly what you meant,
Which the first principles of Honour are.
And by your Father I was with you sent
To show you how you were to speak and do.
So that if you to go be fully bent,
You need not doubt but I shall be so too,
And should be though I were as young as when
I Hellas left, and from my Father fled
Amyntor Son of Orminus, who then
A Concubine had taken to his bed.
My Mother, to the end to make her hate
In such a way the old mans company,
Was with me oftentimes importunate
To court her, and I did thereto agree,
And got her love. Which when my Father knew,
He fell into a mighty passion,
And many bitter curses on me threw,
And pray'd the Gods I ne'er might have a Son.
His Pray'r by Pluto and by Proserpine
Was heard, and I no longer would abide
At home; but cross'd a while was my designe,
By Friends and Nephews that my purpose spy'd,
Who pray'd me and retain'd me with good chear;
Many good Kine they kill'd and lusty Sheep,
And many Swine were dayly sindged there,
And much Wine spent, and nightly watch they keep
By turns nine Nights together; and fires twain,
One in the Court against my Chamber-door,
Another in the Porch they kept in vain.
For on the tenth the Court-wall I leapt ore,
And undiscerned to King Peleus fled
Who us'd me as a Father would his Son,
His only Son far off begot and bred;
Enrich'd and gave me the Dominion
Of the Dolopians, who are a part
Of Peleus Realm. Now no man like you is,
Divine Achilles, whom I love at th'heart,
And joy that I have brought you up to this,
Though painful to me were your Infancie,
Who not at Feast nor in the House would eat,
If first I did not set you on my Knee,
And into little pieces cut your meat.
And often on my Breast you puk't your Wine.
But since I knew my Line with me would end,
To take you for my Heir was my design
Who in my feeble age might me defend.
Master your heart Achilles. For you know
The Gods, though stronger and more fear'd than you,
With Incense and with Pray'rs are made to bow,
Although from men they not receive their due.
For Prayers of high Jove the Daughters are;
Though lame their feet, and squinting be their eyes;
And follow wrath (though she runs faster far)
And to the hurt it does, give remedies,
And cure all those that show them due respect.
But when an angry man they cannot move
That reconcilement alwaies will reject,
They call for Judgment from the[…]r Father Jove.
Therefore, Achilles, give respect unto
These Goddesses the Daughters of high Jove,
As other mighty men and Princes do.
Had not Atrides to redeem your love
Offer'd you Presents great, and promis'd more,
I never had advis'd you to agree
To save their Ships from burning on the Shore.
Till that were done you could not blamed be.
But since he does so amply make amends,
And chosen has good men to intercede,
Who are of all the Greeks your greatest friends,
Refuse them not the grace for which they plead.
Such was the Heroes custom heretofore,
When one had done another injury,
The damage they had done first to restore,
And then with Gifts and Pray'rs buy Amity,
But I will tell you how it came to pass
At Calydon long since, not yesterday.
War 'twixt the Curets and th' Aetolians was,
These to defend, the other to destroy.
For Oeneus having got his Harvest in,
To all the Gods made a great Sacrifice
Only Diana had no part therein,
Forgot she was; he did not her despise.
But she in anger sent a great wild Bore,
That wasted and made havock of his field,
And up by th'roots his goodly Fruit-trees tore.
This Bore Meleager Son of O[…]neus k[…]ll'd,
Assisted by the Youth of many a State
That to the Chase with Men and Hounds came in.
Between them then Diana rais'd debate
About who was to have the Head and Skin.
While Meleager with them went to War,
The Curets never durst approach the Wall,
Although they were the greater number far.
But when with Choler swelled was his Gall,
(Which often happens to a man though wise)
He kept his Chamber and abstain'd from fight,
Offended with his Mothers injuries,
And of all company eschew'd the sight,
But Cleopatra Con[…]ort of his Bed,
Child of Marpissa, who (by stealth) was Bride
Of Idas, who at that time carried
For Strength the reputation far and wide.
This Idas Child was Meleager's wife.
But Idas rashly for his dear wife's sake
Against Apollo did engage his life,
And him at Bow and Arrows undertake.
But Cleopatra then surnamed was
Halcyone, that was not so, before
Her Father with Apollo sought, because
She did her Mother's death so much deplore.
With her now grieving Meleager lay,
And angry at the Curses of his Mother;
Who to the Gods continually did pray
Against his life for killing of her Brother;
And from her eyes the tears ran down her Breast,
And often with her hand the ground she smote,
Making to Pluto and his Queen request
To kill her Son; which they rejected not.
Mean while the uproar heard was at the Gates,
And thumping of the Towr's of Calydon.
To Meleag[…]r then came Priests and States
Intreating him his Armour to put on,
And save the Town, and offer'd for his pain,
As much good Land (to take it where he would,
One half for Wine, the other half for grain)
As fifty able Oxen labour could.
Then came his Father ratling at his door,
His Brothers, and his angry Mother too:
But he persisted in his will the more;
His dearest friends could with him nothing do.
But when the cry and danger now was nigher,
And on the Tow'rs the Curets mounted were,
And ready now to set the Town on fire,
Then Cleopatra to her Husband dear
Shew'd th'Image of a Town won by the Foe
How butcher'd are the men, the houses burned,
Their Wives and Children drag'd away; and so
Her Husband's heart again to pity turned.
Then went he and repell'd the Enemies,
Though what they promis'd him they never gave.
But that's not it to which I you advise;
But first the ships, and then the Greeks to save;
But not without these gifts to go to War:
For more unto your honour it will be
To give them aid when satisfi'd you are,
By Agamemnon for the injury.
Thus Phoenix said. Achilles then repli'd,
Such honour I seek none. Jove honours me,
Since by his will I at my ships abide,
And will do till I dead or strengthless be.
No more molest me for Atrides sake,
But stay with me, and equal to me reign,
And such as are my friends for your friends take,
And do not loose my friendship his to gain.
Stay then this night, and take your lodging here;
My answer t'Agamemnon these will carry;
Assoon as morning shall again appear
We'll talk of whether we shall go or tarry.
And as he spake those words, he winkt upon
Patroclus to give order for his bed,
That he himself prepare might to be gone.
Amongst them then great Ajax spake and said,
Ulysses come, our labour here is lost;
Let's carry back his answer, such as 't[…]s
To Agamemnon and the Argive Hoast,
Who us expect; since obstinate he is,
And can a thought so savage entertain,
Unkind and unregardful of his friends,
When others for a Son or Brother slain
Can be contented to receive amends,
And let the man that slew him live in rest,
Assoon as they have paid for their misdeed.
But you Achilles harbour in your breast
An everlasting anger without need,
And hurtful to your friends no less than Foes,
For 'tis but for one maid he took away;
And for her now he seven on you bestows,
And much beside your anger to allay.
Regard your house. We your domesticks are,
Nearer than any of the Greeks beside,
And in your honour more concern'd by far.
Thus Ajax said. Achilles then repli'd,
O Ajax, noble Son of Telamon,
I not deny but all you say is well,
But always when that man you mention,
My choler rising makes my heart to swell.
He made me has to th'Argives despicable,
As if I were a Fool or Inmate who
Of honour in a Town is incapable,
And with the Publick nothing has to do.
Go therefore let Atrides know my mind.
I will no more against the Trojans fight,
Till Hector at my Tents and Ships I find,
And th'Argive Fleet be flaming in my sight.
But if he come unto my Ships, I think,
Keen as he is I shall his fury stay.
This said, unto the Gods above they drink,
And then they with his answer went away.
Patroclus then gave order for a bed
With woolly Cov'rings soft and Linnen fine
For Phoenix, where he lay ti[…]l day was spread.
But with Achilles slept a Concubine,
Fair Diomeda whom he brought away
From Lesbos when he had that City sackt,
And in another part Patroclus lay.
Nor he a beautiful Bed-fellow lackt
Fair Iphis whom Achilles gave him when
He newly rifled had the Town of Scyros,
And now th'Ambassadors were come agen,
And to them store of people flock'd, desirous
To hear the news, and Wine unto them brought.
But Agamemnon first inquir'd and said,
Ulysses, will he save the Fleet or not,
Or is his choler not to be allay'd?
And he Achilles answer then related.
The man, said he, retains his anger still.
And now 'tis greater rather than abated,
And says, to morrow put to Sea he will.
And your Alliance and your Gifts rejects,
And says he would advise us to go home.
Since Jupiter himself the Town protects,
He says in vain we stay at Ilium.
And bids you order take to save the Fleet.
Thus said he, as these know as well as I,
Ajax and both the Heralds men discreet,
Who all the while he spake were standing by,
And Phoenix too. But he lies there all night,
That ore the Sea together they may go,
If Phoenix will, assoon as it is light;
But forc't is not whether he will or no.
When thus Ulysses ended had his story,
All silent were a while and much dismai'd
With his denial flat and peremptory.
At last Tydides to them spake and said,
O King Atrides, we have done amiss
With Gifts and Prayers thus to seek his aid,
That proud before, by this made prouder is.
Let him go when he will. Be not afraid,
But let's refresh our selves to night with Bread
And Wine. For that gives men both strength & heart,
And see your men i'th' morn imbattelled,
And at the head of them do you your part.
This said, the Princes of the Hoast admir'd
The gallant Speech of valiant Diomed:
And every one unto his Tent retir'd,
With a good will to sleep, and went to bed.