His companions last,730 The most esteem’d and dearest of his friends, The same suit urged, yet he persisted still Relentless, nor could even they prevail. But when the battle shook his chamber-doors And the Curetes climbing the high towers735 Had fired the spacious city, then with tears The beauteous Cleopatra, and with prayers Assail’d him; in his view she set the woes Numberless of a city storm’d—the men Slaughter’d, the city burnt to dust, the chaste740 Matrons with all their children dragg’d away. That dread recital roused him, and at length Issuing, he put his radiant armor on. Thus Meleager, gratifying first His own resentment from a fatal day745 Saved the Ætolians, who the promised gift Refused him, and his toils found no reward. But thou, my son, be wiser; follow thou No demon who would tempt thee to a course Like his; occasion more propitious far750 Smiles on thee now, than if the fleet were fired. Come, while by gifts invited, and receive From all the host, the honors of a God; For shouldst thou, by no gifts induced, at last Enter the bloody field, although thou chase755 The Trojans hence, yet less shall be thy praise. Then thus Achilles, matchless in the race. Phœnix, my guide, wise, noble and revered! I covet no such glory! the renown Ordain’d by Jove for me, is to resist760 All importunity to quit my ships While I have power to move, or breath to draw. Hear now, and mark me well. Cease thou from tears. Confound me not, pleading with sighs and sobs In Agamemnon’s cause; O love not him,765 Lest I renounce thee, who am now thy friend. Assist me rather, as thy duty bids, Him to afflict, who hath afflicted me, So shalt thou share my glory and my power. These shall report as they have heard, but here770 Rest thou this night, and with the rising morn We will decide, to stay or to depart. He ceased, and silent, by a nod enjoin’d Patroclus to prepare an easy couch For Phœnix, anxious to dismiss the rest775 Incontinent; when Ajax, godlike son Of Telamon, arising, thus began. Laertes’ noble son, for wiles renown’d: Depart we now; for I perceive that end Or fruit of all our reasonings shall be none.780 It is expedient also that we bear Our answer back (unwelcome as it is) With all dispatch, for the assembled Greeks Expect us. Brave Achilles shuts a fire Within his breast; the kindness of his friends,785 And the respect peculiar by ourselves Shown to him, on his heart work no effect. Inexorable man! others accept Even for a brother slain, or for a son Due compensation;[18] the delinquent dwells790 Secure at home, and the receiver, soothed And pacified, represses his revenge. But thou, resentful of the loss of one, One virgin (such obduracy of heart The Gods have given thee) can’st not be appeased795 Yet we assign thee seven in her stead, The most distinguish’d of their sex, and add Large gifts beside. Ah then, at last relent! Respect thy roof; we are thy guests; we come Chosen from the multitude of all the Greeks,800