’"Even to-day did great Hector turn back our battalions that were led by Agamemnon and Aias and Diomedes, driving us to the wall that we have built around our ships.  Behind that wall we halted and called one to the other to find out who had escaped and who had fallen in the onslaught Hector made.  Only when he had driven us behind our wall did Hector turn back his chariot and draw off his men."’

’"But Hector has not gone through the gates of the City.  Look now, Achilles!  His chariots remain on the plain.  Lo now, his watch-fires!  A thousand fires thou canst see and beside each sits fifty warriors with their horses loose beside their chariots champing barley.  Eagerly they wait for the light of the dawn when they will come against us again, hoping this time to overthrow the wall we have builded, and come to our ships and burn them with fire, and so destroy all hope of our return."’

’"We are all stricken with grief and fear.  Even Agamemnon weeps.  We have seen him standing before us like unto a dark fountain breaking from some beetling cliff.  How else could he but weep tears?  To-morrow it may be he shall have to bid the host draw the ships to the water and depart from the coast of Troy.  Then will his name forever be dishonoured because of defeat and the loss of so many warriors."’

’"Deem’st thou I grieve for Agamemnon’s griefs, Odysseus?” said Achilles.  “But although thou dost speak of Agamemnon thou art welcome, thou and thy companions.  Even in my wrath you three are dear to me."’

’He brought them within the hut and bade a feast be prepared for them.  To Odysseus, Aias and Phoinix wine cups were handed.  And when they had feasted and drunk wine, Odysseus turned to where Achilles sat on his bench in the light of the fire, and said: 

’"Know, Achilles, that we three are here as envoys from King Agamemnon.  He would make a friendship with thee again.  He has injured and he has offended thee, but all that a man can do he will do to make amends.  The maiden Briseis he will let go back.  Many gifts will he give thee too, Achilles.  He will give thee seven tripods, and twenty cauldrons, and ten talents of gold.  Yes, and besides, twelve royal horses, each one of which has triumphed in some race.  He who possesses these horses will never lack for wealth as long as prizes are to be won by swiftness.  And harken to what more Agamemnon bade us say to thee.  If we win Troy he will let thee load your ship with spoil of the city—­with gold and bronze and precious stuffs.  And thereafter, if we win to our homes he will treat thee as his own royal son and will give thee seven cities to rule over.  And if thou wilt wed there are three daughters in his hall—­three of the fairest maidens of the Greeks—­and the one thou wilt choose he will give thee for thy wife, Chrysothemis, or Laodike, or Iphianassa."’

’So Odysseus spoke and then Aias said, “Think, Achilles, and abandon now thy wrath.  If Agamemnon be hateful to thee and if thou despiseth his gifts, think upon thy friends and thy companions and have pity upon them.  Even for our sakes, Achilles, arise now and go into battle and stay the onslaught of the terrible Hector."’