sat opposite to noble Ulysses, against the other wall, and ordered
Patroclus, his companion, to sacrifice to the gods; and he accordingly
cast the first morsels[300] into the fire. And they stretched forth
their hands to the prepared viands which lay before them. But when they
had dismissed the desire of eating and drinking, Ajax nodded to Phoenix,
but noble Ulysses observed it, and having filled his goblet with wine,
he pledged Achilles:

[Footnote 300: Hesych. and Phrynicus (for their glosses should
probably be joined), [Greek: Thnelas' aparchas ton tethymenon].]

"Health, Achilles. We are not wanting of a complete feast, either in the
tent of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, or even here also, for many
strength-recruiting dainties are here; but the business of an agreeable
feast is not our care. We, O thou Jove-nurtured one, contemplating it,
rather dread a very great disaster, as it is matter of doubt whether the
well-benched ships be saved or destroyed, unless thou puttest on thy
might. For near the ships and the wall the high-minded Trojans and their
far-summoned allies have pitched their camp, kindling many fires
throughout the host; and they say that they will no longer restrain
themselves, but that they will fall upon our black vessels.[301] And
Saturnian Jove exhibiting to them propitious signs, darts his lightning;
and Hector, looking fiercely round in valour, rages terribly, trusting
in Jove, nor reverences at all either men or gods, but great madness
hath come upon him. He prays that divine morn may speedily come. For he
declares that he will cut off the poop-ends[302] of the ships, and burn
[the ships] themselves with ravaging fire, and slaughter the Greeks
beside them, discomforted by the smoke. Wherefore do I greatly fear in
my mind lest the gods may fulfil his threats, and it be destined for us
to perish in Troy, far from steed-nourishing Argos. Rise then, if thou
hast the intention, although late, to defend the harassed sons of the
Greeks from the violent onslaught of the Trojans. To thyself it will
hereafter be a cause of sorrow, nor is it possible in any manner to
discover a remedy for a disaster when received; wherefore reflect much
beforehand, how thou mayest avert the evil day from the Greeks. O my
friend, surely thy father Peleus charged thee, on that day when he sent
thee from Phthia to Agamemnon, 'My son, Minerva and Juno will bestow
valour, if they choose; but restrain thy great-hearted soul w