Page 180 - the-iliad

others who were with me can tell you the same story—Ajax
and the two heralds, men, both of them, who may be trust-
ed. The old man Phoenix stayed where he was to sleep, for
so Achilles would have it, that he might go home with him
in the morning if he so would; but he will not take him by
force.’
They all held their peace, sitting for a long time silent and
dejected, by reason of the sternness with which Achilles had
refused them, till presently Diomed said, ‘Most noble son of
Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon, you ought not to have
sued the son of Peleus nor offered him gifts. He is proud
enough as it is, and you have encouraged him in his pride
still further. Let him stay or go as he will. He will fight later
when he is in the humour, and heaven puts it in his mind
to do so. Now, therefore, let us all do as I say; we have eaten
and drunk our fill, let us then take our rest, for in rest there
is both strength and stay. But when fair rosy-fingered morn
appears, forthwith bring out your host and your horsemen
in front of the ships, urging them on, and yourself fighting
among the foremost.’
Thus he spoke, and the other chieftains approved his
words. They then made their drink-offerings and went ev-
ery man to his own tent, where they laid down to rest and
enjoyed the boon of sleep.

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