The Trojans still kept the field, though with far other feelings than
when they lit their camp-fires, only the night before. Before ever
they thought of supper the chiefs met in council, and stood about in
anxious groups, waiting until some recognised leader should advise them
in their present strait. Then Polydamas, who was esteemed the wisest
head among them, came forward and commanded silence; and all listened
attentive to hear what he should say. "Friends," he began, "ye had
best take heed what ye do; as for me, I have but one thing to
advise--back to the city, and let not to-morrow's dawn find us here!
We have all had our hopes, and I among the rest; but all those hopes
are fled now that Achilles has arisen again; and if we abide his coming
we shall learn too late what it means to face him in the open field.
Here, where we stand, dogs and vultures will hold their foul revel, and
batten on our flesh, at the going-down of the sun. Therefore, I say
again, back to the city, and put a stout bulwark of stone and oak
between yourselves and this terrible man. To-morrow we will man the
walls, and laugh at his fury if he seeks to assail us there. Yea, his
steeds shall weary with drawing his car, and he himself shall sicken of
the vain attempt, for he knows well that Troy is not destined to fall
by his hands."
So ran the counsels of prudence; but another spirit was there also--the
spirit of rash confidence and unauthorised ambition--and it found
passionate utterance in the voice of Hector, who was the next to speak.
"I like not thy words, Polydamas," said he, with an angry look; "I like
not the cowardly counsel which bids us skulk behind our walls. Who is
not sick of our long confinement in that pinfold there? We have
drained our treasury, and scattered abroad the wealth for which Troy
was once famed throughout the world, wherever human speech is heard.
But now that we have been vouchsafed the glorious promise of carrying
the war into the enemy's camp, and driving these hounds of war out of
our land--now, I say, unlock no more the thoughts of thy base soul, to
damp our courage, and quench the bright flame of hope which has been
kindled in our breasts. Now hear what I advise: to-night we will hold
our camp here, and keep watch in turn; and to-morrow at first peep of
day we will put on our armour and march against the Grecian stronghold.
Achilles is arisen, sayest thou? The worse for him: I will not fly
before him, but will meet him face to face, and slay him, or be slain."
The fiery eloquence of Hector carried his hearers with him, and they
resolved with one accord to remain where they were, and abide the issue.