’The warriors began to die, and every day more perished by the plague than were killed by the spears and swords and arrows of the Trojans.  Now a council was summoned and the chiefs debated what was to be done to save the host.  At the council there was a soothsayer named Kalchas; he stood up and declared that he knew the cause of the plague, and he knew too how the remainder of the host might be saved from it.

’It was because of the anger of Apollo, Kalchas said; and that anger could only be averted by Agamemnon sending back to his father, the priest of Apollo, the maiden Chryseis.

’Then was Agamemnon wroth exceedingly.  “Thou seer of things evil,” said he to Kalchas, “never didst thou see aught of good for me or mine.  The maiden given to me, Chryseis, I greatly prize.  Yet rather than my folk should perish I shall let her be taken from me.  But this let you all of the council know:  some other prize must be given to me that the whole host may know that Agamemnon is not slighted."’

’Then said Achilles:  “Agamemnon, of all Kings you are the most covetous.  The best of us toil and battle that you may come and take what part of the spoil may please you.  Be covetous no more.  Let this maiden go back to her father and afterwards we will give you some other prize."’

’Said Agamemnon:  “The council here must bind itself to give me recompense."’

’"Still you speak of recompense, Agamemnon,” answered Achilles.  “No one gains more than you gain.  I had no quarrel with the men of Troy, and yet I have come here, and my hands bear the brunt of the war."’

’"You who are captains must give me a recompense,” said Agamemnon, “or else I shall go to the tent of Achilles and take away the maiden given to him, Briseis of the Fair Cheeks."’

’"I am wearied of making war for you,” answered Achilles.  “Though I am always in the strife but little of the spoil comes to my tent.  Now will I depart to my own land, to Phthia, for I am not minded to stay here and be dishonoured by you, O King."’

’"Go,” said Agamemnon, “if your soul be set upon fleeing, go.  But do not think that there are not captains and heroes here who can make war without you.  Go and lord it amongst your Myrmidons.  Never shall we seek your aid.  And that all may know I am greater than you, Achilles, I shall go to your tent and take away the maiden Briseis."’

‘When he heard Agamemnon’s speech the heart within Achilles’ breast was divided, and he knew not whether he should remain still and silent in his anger, or, thrusting the council aside, go up to Agamemnon and slay him with the sword.  His hand was upon the sword-hilt when an immortal appeared to him—­the goddess Athene.  No one in the company but Achilles was aware of her presence.  “Draw not the sword upon Agamemnon,” she said, “for equally dear to the gods are you both.”  Then Achilles drew back and thrust his heavy sword into its sheath again.