Hearing some wild beast in the woods,[5] which hounds
And hunters with tumultuous clamor drive 220
Down from the mountain-top, all sleep forego;
So, sat not on their eyelids gentle sleep
That dreadful night, but constant to the plain
At every sound of Trojan feet they turn’d. 
The old Chief joyful at the sight, in terms 225
Of kind encouragement them thus address’d. 

    So watch, my children! and beware that sleep

Invade none here, lest all become a prey. 

    So saying, he traversed with quick pace the trench

By every Chief whom they had thither call’d 230
Attended, with whom Nestor’s noble son
Went, and Meriones, invited both
To join their consultation.  From the foss
Emerging, in a vacant space they sat,
Unstrew’d with bodies of the slain, the spot, 235
Whence furious Hector, after slaughter made
Of numerous Greeks, night falling, had return’d. 
There seated, mutual converse close they held,
And Nestor, brave Gerenian, thus began. 

    Oh friends! hath no Achaian here such trust 240

In his own prowess, as to venture forth
Among yon haughty Trojans?  He, perchance,
Might on the borders of their host surprise
Some wandering adversary, or might learn
Their consultations, whether they propose 245
Here to abide in prospect of the fleet,
Or, satiate with success against the Greeks
So signal, meditate retreat to Troy. 
These tidings gain’d, should he at last return
Secure, his recompense will be renown 250
Extensive as the heavens, and fair reward. 
From every leader of the fleet, his gift
Shall be a sable[6] ewe, and sucking lamb,
Rare acquisition! and at every board
And sumptuous banquet, he shall be a guest. 255

    He ceased, and all sat silent, when at length

The mighty son of Tydeus thus replied. 

    Me, Nestor, my courageous heart incites

To penetrate into the neighbor host
Of enemies; but went some other Chief 260
With me, far greater would my comfort prove,
And I should dare the more.  Two going forth,
One quicker sees than other, and suggests
Prudent advice; but he who single goes,
Mark whatsoe’er he may, the occasion less 265
Improves, and his expedients soon exhausts. 

    He ended, and no few willing arose

To go with Diomede.  Servants of Mars
Each Ajax willing stood; willing as they
Meriones; most willing Nestor’s son; 270
Willing the brother of the Chief of all,
Nor willing less Ulysses to explore
The host of Troy, for he possess’d a heart
Delighted ever with some bold exploit. 

    Then Agamemnon, King of men, began. 275