“Ye are heartily welcome, old friends,” began Achilles, “for I am not angry with you. Sit on these cushions and, Patroclus, bring a tankard and mix the wine, for we have honored guests here.”
After they had eaten and poured out a libation to the gods, Ulysses took the goblet and drank to Achilles with a hearty handclasp. “Greeting to thee, Pelide,” he began. “It is not food and drink we crave. But we are troubled that thou art not on the battlefield. The Trojans have pushed forward to the ships and nothing stops them. Jupiter has sent fiery tokens to encourage them and the invincible Hector is hard upon us with murder in his eye. Already he has threatened to burn the ships. Even at night he does not retire, but encamps on the open field and the whole plain is illumined by his campfires. No doubt he is now eagerly awaiting daybreak to destroy us, for he fears neither gods nor men.
“Hear what Agamemnon offers thee—gifts so costly that they would suffice to make any man rich and powerful. Ten pounds of gold will he give thee, and seven new tripods, with twenty polished basins, besides twelve magnificent horses and seven Lesbian slave women accompanying Briseïs’ daughter. And when we shall have conquered Priam’s city, thou shalt heap thy ship with gold and bronze and take twenty of Troy’s fairest women for thyself. And when we return to blessed Argos thou shalt be his son-in-law and he will honor thee as his own son. But if thy hatred of Atreus’ son is so great that thou canst not forgive him, then consider the dire need of the Achaian people, who are ready to pay thee honor like a god. Truly thou shalt earn great glory.”
Achilles answered him: “Noble son of Laërtes, let me open my heart to thee frankly. Neither Agamemnon nor any other Greek can move me to fight again for this ungrateful people. The coward and the hero enjoy equal reputation among you. Why should I risk my life for others? As the swallow feeds its young with the morsels which it denies itself, thus I have spent my sweat and blood these many days for the ungrateful Achaian people; have watched through many a restless night, fought brave men, burning their houses and stealing away their women and children. I have destroyed twelve populous cities in Troy by sea and eleven by land and always delivered the spoils up to Agamemnon. He remained quietly at the ships and took my plunder gladly, keeping always the greater part for himself. Although each chieftain received a princely gift, he took mine from me—the lovely woman who was dear to me as a spouse.
“Why did we accompany him hither? Was it not for the sake of beauteous Helen? Do we not love our women even as he? Let him leave me in peace and take counsel with thee, Ulysses, and with the other chieftains. For Hector shall never again meet me in battle. To-morrow I shall launch my ships, make offerings to the gods, and if thou wilt take notice, friend, thou shalt see my ships at dawn, floating upon the Hellespont. If Neptune favors me I may reach my native Phthia on the third day. There I have riches enough, so that I shall not need the gifts of the haughty king. No, should he offer me twenty times as much, and even a city like unto the Egyptian Thebes, which, it is said, has one hundred gates out of each of which issue two hundred men with horses and chariots in time of war, even then he could not persuade me until he had atoned for his insult.
“Let him find another husband, who is nobler and more powerful than I, for his daughter. Should I reach home safely, my father will choose me a noble consort, for there are many beautiful Achaian maidens who are not wanting in rich dowries. I long for Phthia and already I foretaste the joys of reigning over my father’s good subjects and enjoying a life of plentiful ease by the side of a gentle spouse. Life is worth more than all Agamemnon’s treasures, and once lost can never be regained.
“Dost know what fate my goddess mother hath revealed to me? Either I die young upon the battlefield and my name shall be imperishable upon earth, or I shall live to a great age without renown. Let it be as I have said, and if ye would have a word of advice from me, it is this: ‘Sail away before Hector burns your ships, for ye will never conquer Troy.’ Go, friends, and take this message to the Greeks. But, Phœnix, stay and return with me to our native land, if so it pleaseth thee; for I would not compel thee.”
They were all silent until the gray-haired Phœnix began to speak. “If thou hast determined to return, noble Achilles, how can I part from thee, my son, for thy father confided thee to my care? Thy splendid deeds have made me proud and happy; but now, forgive me, godlike Achilles, now thy obstinate and unreasonable behavior grieves me. Calm thy rage. A gentle disposition well becomes the hero, and even the anger of the gods can be placated. How often have we seen them appeased by sacrifices and penitential prayers. Yea, woe unto him who listens not to repentant supplication and who hardens his heart against the enemy who is ready to make atonement. Behold what gifts Agamemnon offers to win thee. What is the wrong thou hast suffered in comparison with this great honor? The ancient heroes of whom our fathers tell certainly were subject to fits of anger, but they also allowed themselves to be conciliated.”
“Phœnix, honored sire,” answered Achilles, “do not disturb my soul with lamentations; rather as my friend shouldst thou hate him who hath wronged me. But now repose thyself. As soon as dawn appears we will take counsel whether to go or stay.” With a secret sign he bade Patroclus prepare a soft couch for Phœnix.
Hastily Ajax arose, saying: “Let us be going, for we can scarce expect to persuade this hard-hearted man, and our friends are awaiting us anxiously. Cruel man, to cause all thy friends to suffer for one. How oft have anger and revenge for a murdered brother been forgotten when the murderer has offered gifts and tokens of repentance. But thou hast a stony and implacable heart in thy bosom, and all this on account of a girl. Oh be persuaded! We have come here as thy old friends.”