learn some report among the Trojans, what they deliberate
among themselves; whether they intend to remain here by the ships at a
distance, or are about to return to the city, since they have subdued
the Greeks? Could he but hear all this, and come back to us unscathed,
great glory would be his under heaven amongst all men, and he shall have
a good reward. For as many chiefs as command the vessels, of all these
each will give a black sheep, a ewe, having a lamb at its udders; to
which indeed no possession will be like; and he will ever be present at
our banquets and feasts."

Thus he spoke; and they were all mute in silence; but to them Diomede,
valiant in the din of battle, said:

"Nestor, my heart and gallant spirit urge me to enter the camp of the
hostile Trojans, which is near; but if some other man were to go along
with me, there would be more pleasure, and it would be more encouraging.
For when two go together, the one perceives before the other how the
advantage may be. But if one being alone should observe anything, his
perception is nevertheless more tardy, and his judgment weak."

Thus he spoke: and the greater number wished to follow Diomede. The two
Ajaces wished it, servants of Mars; Meriones wished it; the son of
Nestor very earnestly desired it; the spear-renowned son of Atreus,
Menelaus, desired it; and hardy Ulysses was eager to penetrate the crowd
of the Trojans; for ever daring was his mind within his breast. Among
them, however, Agamemnon, the king of men, spoke:

"Diomede, son of Tydeus, most dear to my soul, select the companion whom
thou desirest, the bravest of those who present themselves, since many
are ready. Nor do thou, paying deference in thy mind, leave indeed the
better, and select as follower the worse, through respect [for rank];
looking neither to family, nor whether one is more the king."

Thus he spake, for he feared for yellow-haired Menelaus; but amongst
them Diomede, brave in the din of battle, again spoke:

"If then ye now order me to select a companion myself, how can I now
forget godlike Ulysses, whose heart is prudent, and spirit gallant in
all labours; and whom Pallas Minerva loves. He following, we should both
return even from burning fire, for he is skilled in planning beyond [all
others]."

But him much-enduring, noble Ulysses in turn addressed: "Son of Tydeus,
neither praise me beyond measure, nor at all blame, for thou speakest
these things amongst Argives, who are