Achilles and Agamemnon Reconciled—Achilles Goes into Battle
Rosy-fingered Eos was mounting the eastern sky as Thetis arrived at her
son’s tent with the rich suit of armor. She found him still stretched
beside Patroclus’ body with the mourning women about him. Achilles
accepted Vulcan’s wonderful work joyfully, and the sight of the weapons
made his eyes flash with a dangerous light. When he had carefully
examined and admired the artistic embellishments he said to Thetis:
“Mother, these weapons are not the work of a mortal; some god has forged
them. Come, I will arm myself, that the Trojans may tremble at the
glorious sight.”
He then approached the tents and ships of the Achaians, calling to them
loudly to come forth. They rejoiced to hear the thunder of that voice,
which had been silent so long, and came hastening to the council place.
Diomedes was limping painfully and leaning on his lance. Even Agamemnon
and Ulysses, both weakened by painful wounds, came dragging themselves
along with staves. When they were all seated in their places, Achilles
took up the sceptre and spoke. “Son of Atreus, let us be reconciled, as
we have long wished to be. I had rather the gods had slain the rosy
maiden before ever a quarrel on her account had estranged us and my
anger sent so many noble Achaians down to Hades. But let us forget the
bitter past. I have moderated my anger, for a generous man should not be
implacable, however much he has been wronged. And now let us hasten to
lead our people to the combat, for the Trojans must not burn the ships
to-day.”
He was interrupted by a loud shout of exultation. The tidings that he
had relented and would join them in the battle was enough to fill all
hearts with joy. In their excitement they did not care to hear more, and
not until the thunderous tones of the heralds had commanded silence
could Agamemnon’s answer be heard. “Jupiter alone knows,” said he, “how
blind rage could have led me to commit such an injustice, from which my
heart now recoils and which I have long bitterly repented. Thou hast
already heard from Ulysses of the gifts which I offered thee in
reparation, and even now, that thou comest of thyself, I will take
nothing back. My servants shall deliver all to thee, if thou wilt but
save the Achaians.”
Smiling, the warlike Achilles answered him: “I care not whether thou
givest or retainest thy treasure. Let us think only of the war and lead
the battalions without delay against the enemy, for there is much work
to do and great deeds must be accomplished this day.”
Now Ulysses spoke up. “Not thus, excellent Achilles; we must not be
hasty. Let the soldiers partake of food, for the battle will not be of a
few hours’ duration only. Thou hast more endurance than all others, but
none but thee can hold out through the long day’s work without food or
drink. Let the people first break their fast, while Agamemnon sends for
the promised gifts, that we may all look upon them. Then he shall feast
thee in his tent, that thou mayest enjoy all the honor due thee; for
even a king should propitiate the man whom he hath wronged.”
“I gladly follow thy wise counsel,” answered Agamemnon, “and if thou
wilt, thou mayest go thyself to my ships, with six picked men, to fetch
the promised gifts.”
“Son of Atreus,” interrupted Achilles, “never mind the gifts. Let us
think only of the slain, who are calling to us to avenge them. And ye
talk of eating and drinking and of rest! If I were in command the people
should be led forth fasting and at night; after the day’s work they
should feast twice over. For my part, not a drop shall pass my lips
until I shall have avenged my friend. I have no thoughts, but of murder,
bloodshed, and the death rattle of falling men.”
“Great son of Peleus,” suggested Ulysses, “though thou art no doubt
stronger and braver than I, yet I think I can give thee good counsel,
for I have lived longer and seen much. Take my advice this once. Thou
canst conquer only with warriors who are rested, refreshed, and eager
for the fight; but the hungry and thirsty soldier will follow thee
half-heartedly and in the end be overcome by his own weakness.”
Without awaiting Achilles’ answer, the leaders gave the soldiers the
signal to break their fast. Ulysses quickly selected six good comrades
and went to fetch the presents from Agamemnon’s ships and tents. He
selected the basins, ewers, the horses and women, weighed out ten pounds
of gold, and then summoned the fair Briseïs to follow him. On their
return to the council place Agamemnon sent the gifts immediately to
Achilles’ encampment.
In vain the noble Achaian heroes surrounded Achilles and begged him to
join them at the banquet. He shook his head, saying: “Kind friends, do
not trouble me, for I am very sorrowful and I shall fast until the sun
sets.” The princes retired sadly to their tents to partake of food. Only
Atreus’ sons and the noble Ulysses, Nestor, Idomeneus, and the gigantic
Phœnix remained with him, trying to comfort the mourner. He sat brooding
over his sorrow. “Dear, unhappy friend,” he said, “how oft hast thou
brought me my breakfast and tended me while the others went forth to
battle, and now thou liest here dead; but neither food nor drink can
refresh me while I mourn for thee. I had always hoped that I alone
should die in the Trojan land and that thou shouldst return to Phthia,
to bring up my son, dear Neoptolemus. And now thou art gone before me.”
Thus he lamented, and all his friends mourned with him. Even Jupiter was
touched by his deep sorrow and sent his daughter Athena down secretly to
strengthen his heart with heavenly nectar, and thus the hero was able to
appear in all his glory when the warriors gathered together. The lust of
battle had dried the tears upon his eyelids.