Page 225 - the-iliad

busy cutting up the heifer, and at that moment we stood at
the gates, whereon Achilles sprang to his feet, led us by the
hand into the house, placed us at table, and set before us
such hospitable entertainment as guests expect. When we
had satisfied ourselves with meat and drink, I said my say
and urged both of you to join us. You were ready enough to
do so, and the two old men charged you much and straitly.
Old Peleus bade his son Achilles fight ever among the fore-
most and outvie his peers, while Menoetius the son of Actor
spoke thus to you: ‘My son,’ said he, ‘Achilles is of nobler
birth than you are, but you are older than he, though he is
far the better man of the two. Counsel him wisely, guide
him in the right way, and he will follow you to his own prof-
it.’ Thus did your father charge you, but you have forgotten;
nevertheless, even now, say all this to Achilles if he will lis-
ten to you. Who knows but with heaven’s help you may talk
him over, for it is good to take a friend’s advice. If, however,
he is fearful about some oracle, or if his mother has told him
something from Jove, then let him send you, and let the rest
of the Myrmidons follow with you, if perchance you may
bring light and saving to the Danaans. And let him send
you into battle clad in his own armour, that the Trojans may
mistake you for him and leave off fighting; the sons of the
Achaeans may thus have time to get their breath, for they
are hard pressed and there is little breathing time in battle.
You, who are fresh, might easily drive a tired enemy back to
his walls and away from the tents and ships.’
With these words he moved the heart of Patroclus, who
set off running by the line of the ships to Achilles, descen-

The Iliad