Heaven-favor’d Menelaus! We have need, Thou and myself, of some device well-framed, Which both the Grecians and the fleet of Greece50 May rescue, for the mind of Jove hath changed, And Hector’s prayers alone now reach his ear. I never saw, nor by report have learn’d From any man, that ever single chief Such awful wonders in one day perform’d55 As he with ease against the Greeks, although Nor from a Goddess sprung nor from a God. Deeds he hath done, which, as I think, the Greeks Shall deep and long lament, such numerous ills Achaia’s host hath at his hands sustain’d.60 But haste, begone, and at their several ships Call Ajax and Idomeneus; I go To exhort the noble Nestor to arise, That he may visit, if he so incline, The chosen band who watch, and his advice65 Give them; for him most prompt they will obey, Whose son, together with Meriones, Friend of Idomeneus, controls them all, Entrusted by ourselves with that command. Him answer’d Menelaus bold in arms.70 Explain thy purpose. Wouldst thou that I wait Thy coming, there, or thy commands to both Given, that I incontinent return? To whom the Sovereign of the host replied. There stay; lest striking into different paths75 (For many passes intersect the camp) We miss each other; summon them aloud Where thou shalt come; enjoin them to arise; Call each by his hereditary name, Honoring all. Beware of manners proud,80 For we ourselves must labor, at our birth By Jove ordain’d to suffering and to toil. So saying, he his brother thence dismiss’d Instructed duly, and himself, his steps Turned to the tent of Nestor. Him he found85 Amid his sable galleys in his tent Reposing soft, his armor at his side, Shield, spears, bright helmet, and the broider’d belt Which, when the Senior arm’d led forth his host To fight, he wore; for he complied not yet90 With the encroachments of enfeebling age. He raised his head, and on his elbow propp’d, Questioning Agamemnon, thus began. But who art thou, who thus alone, the camp Roamest, amid the darkness of the night,95 While other mortals sleep? Comest thou abroad Seeking some friend or soldier of the guard? Speak—come not nearer mute. What is thy wish? To whom the son of Atreus, King of men. Oh Nestor, glory of the Grecian name,100 Offspring of Neleus! thou in me shalt know The son of Atreus, Agamemnon, doom’d By Jove to toil, while life shall yet inform These limbs, or I shall draw the vital air. I wander thus, because that on my lids105 Sweet sleep sits not, but war and the concerns Of the Achaians occupy my soul. Terrible are the fears which I endure For these my people; such as supersede All thought; my bosom can no longer hold110 My throbbing heart, and tremors shake my limbs. But if thy mind, more capable, project Aught that may profit us (for thee it seems Sleep also shuns) arise, and let us both Visit the watch, lest, haply, overtoil’d115 They yield to sleep, forgetful of their charge. The foe is posted near, and may intend