Chapter 27 27

In the Greek camp, the soldiers had not yet recovered from the horror of their flight.At this time Agamemnon quietly summoned the princes to hold a meeting.They sat together, looking dejected.Agamemnon, as the supreme commander of the allied forces, sighed and said: "Friends and warriors, Zeus was very harsh on me. He kindly gave me a good omen, indicating that I would conquer the Trojans and return home victorious, And now he has tricked me into returning in defeat, leaving so many brave soldiers on the field. Though we have taken many cities, and will take many more, it is not our destiny to conquer Troy. Let us, therefore, aboard our warships and return to our homeland!"

After hearing his discouraged words, the heroes were silent for a long time.Finally, Diomedes broke the silence and said: "My king, just now you laughed at me for lack of courage and courage in the presence of the Greeks! Now I feel that Zeus has given you power, but not courage. You Do you really think that the good men of Greece dare not fight as you say? Well, if you miss home in your heart, then go home! The way is open and your ship is ready. But we Others are willing to stay until the palace of Priam is destroyed. Even if you all go away, I will stay with my friend Stenelos, and we are convinced that we were drawn by the gods!"

The heroes applauded loudly at his words.Nestor said: "Though you are like my youngest son, you speak as if from the mouth of a sane man. Come, Agamemnon, you should invite us to a feast. Your tent is full of fine wine. Let the sentinels of the guard keep an eye on the movement by the earthen wall, while we clink glasses here, and you can hear our best suggestions. " So the princes feasted at Agamemnon's place, and their confidence grew gradually.After drinking, Nestor said again: "Agamemnon, that day you, contrary to our wishes, snatched the beautiful daughter of Bryces from the camp of humiliated Achilles. Surely you will not forget that day. Now is It is time to reconsider, and we must persuade this wronged man to reconcile with you." "You are right," Agamemnon replied, "I admit that this is my fault. I am willing to correct it, and I am willing to give Those who have been insulted will pay double. I am going to pay ten talents of gold, seven copper three-legged sacrificial tripods, twenty drinking tripods, twelve horses, and seven beautiful girls I snatched from Lesbo Island and return them Beautiful Brisaeus. I swear to the gods, I have never touched Brisaeus, I have always respected her. When we conquer Troy and distribute the spoils, I will fill his ships with bronze with my own hands. and gold, he can pick twenty of the most beautiful women in Troy, except Helen. When we get back to Argos, he can marry one of my daughters. I treat him as Ores, my only son As Tess. I will give him seven cities as a dowry for his daughter. If he will reconcile, I promise to do everything."

"Your promise to Achilles is not a meager gift," said Nestor, "and we will immediately select the most suitable person to meet him. Phonyx was at the head, followed by Ajax the Great, and Odysseus the Exalted, Hodios and Eurybates went with them. " After the ceremony was solemnly held, the princes nominated by Nestor left the venue and walked towards the fleet of the Myrmidonians.They saw Achilles playing a fine harp adorned with silver bridges.He was singing to the sound of the harp about the glorious deeds of the heroes of old, when Achilles stood up in astonishment when he saw them approaching.Patroclus, who had been silently sitting across from him and watched him play, also stood up.Two people stepped forward to meet them.Achilles held the hands of Phoenix and Odysseus and said loudly: "I am very happy that the guests are coming! I think you must have some difficulties to come to me, but I still love you, even if I love the Greeks. Annoyed, but you are still welcome!"

Patroclus hastily brought a large jug of wine.Achilles roasted a goat and a sheep's back and a fat pork leg on a spit.Then everyone drank freely, drunk and full.At this time, Ajax winked at Phoenix.But Odysseus beat him and said: "Long life, son of Peleus, your food is very rich. But we did not come here for rich enjoyment, we came because we met Great misfortune. Now we have come to the point where we shall be saved or destroyed, and it all depends on you to save us. The Trojans are approaching our walls and ships; Hector is fierce and unstoppable, relying on the trust of Zeus .At this last moment, the heavy responsibility of saving the Greeks has fallen on your shoulders. Please stop being proud. Please believe me, friendship is better than enmity. Your father Peleus also said this before you set out ’” Next, Odysseus enumerated the gifts that Agamemnon had promised him.

But Achilles replied: "My noble son of Laertes, I must answer your kind words with a straight no. I hate Agamemnon as much as I hate the gates of hell. Whatever Neither he nor the other Greeks could persuade me to change my mind and return to their ranks. When did they reward me for my service? I worked day and night, blood and sweat, just to win back a woman for that ungrateful man. All the booty I have taken is dedicated to the son of Atreus; he is greedy, he has most of it himself, and only a small amount is given to us; he even took away my most beloved woman. Therefore, tomorrow will be given to Zeus After offering sacrifices to the gods, we will sail on the seas of the Hellippon Bay. I hope to be back in Fuzia in three days. Agamemnon has deceived me once, and I will not do it a second time. I was deceived by him for the first time! Go back and tell the king what I mean. But I want Phoenix to stay. Would you like to go back with me to the place where my ancestors lived?"

Phoenix was his old friend and old teacher.However, no matter how much he persuaded, Achilles could not change his mind. At last Ajax stood up and said, "Odysseus, let us go! The friendship of friends cannot move Achilles, he is a man who cannot be reconciled!" Odysseus also stood up, and they first The god poured out the sacrifice, and then left Achilles' tent with the other messengers, except Phonyx.