is brazen spear. Then
when all the Greeks were assembled, swift-footed Achilles, rising up
amongst them, said:

"Son of Atreus, this would surely have been somewhat better for both
thee and me,[621] when we two, grieved at heart, raged with
soul-devouring contention for the sake of a girl. Would that Diana had
slain her with an arrow in the ships on that day, when wasting, I took
Lyrnessus; then indeed so many Greeks had not seized the mighty ground
in their teeth under the hands of the enemy, I being continually
enraged. This however was better for Hector and the Trojans, but I think
the Greeks will long remember the contention of you and me. But let us
leave these things as passed, although grieved, subduing from necessity
the soul within our bosoms. And now I terminate my wrath, nor is it at
all fit that I always obstinately be enraged; but come quickly, incite
the long-haired Achaeans to battle, in order that still I may make trial
of the Trojans, going against them; if they wish to pass the night at
the ships; but of them I think that any will very gladly bend the knee,
whoever shall escape out of the destructive fight from my spear."

[Footnote 621: _I.e._ it would have been better for us to have
been friends, as we now are, than enemies. The construction is
interrupted, to suit the agitation of the speaker.]

Thus he spoke; but the well-greaved Greeks rejoiced, the magnanimous son
of Peleus renouncing his wrath. But them, the king of men, Agamemnon,
also addressed out of the same place, from his seat, nor advancing into
the midst:

"O friends! heroes of the Greeks, servants of Mars, it is becoming
indeed that ye should hearken to me, thus rising, nor is it convenient
that thou shouldst interrupt; for [it is] difficult, even for one being
skilled.[622] But in a great uproar of men, how can any one hear or
speak? but he is interrupted, although being a clear-toned orator. I
indeed will direct myself to the son of Peleus; but do ye, the other
Greeks, understand, and carefully learn my meaning. Often already have
the Greeks spoken this saying to me, and have rebuked me; but I am not
to blame,[623] but Jove, and Fate, and Erinnys, roaming amid the shades,
who, during the assembly, cast into my mind a sad injury, on that day,
when I myself took away the reward of Achilles. But what could I do? for
the deity accomplishes all things; pernicious Ate, the venerable
daughter of Jove, who injures all. Her feet a