That will rely on his bold mind, and view the camp, alone, Of the proud Trojans, to approve if any straggling mate He can surprise near th’ utmost tents, or learn the brief estate Of their intentions for the time, and mix like one of them With their outguards, expiscating if the renown’d extreme They force on us will serve their turns, with glory to retire, Or still encamp thus far from Troy? This may he well inquire, And make a brave retreat untouch’d; and this would win him fame Of all men canopied with heav’n, and ev’ry man of name, In all this host shall honour him with an enriching meed, A black ewe and her sucking lamb (rewards that now exceed All other best possessions, in all men’s choice requests) And still be bidden by our kings to kind and royal feasts.” All rev’renc’d one another’s worth; and none would silence break, Lest worst should take best place of speech; at last did Diomed speak: “Nestor, thou ask’st if no man here have heart so well inclin’d To work this stratagem on Troy? Yes, I have such a mind. Yet, if some other prince would join, more probable will be The strengthen’d hope of our exploit. Two may together see (One going before another still) sly danger ev’ry way; One spirit upon another works, and takes with firmer stay The benefit of all his pow’rs; for though one knew his course, Yet might he well distrust himself, which the other might enforce.” This offer ev’ry man assum’d, all would with Diomed go; The two Ajaces, Merion, and Menelaus too; But Nestor’s son enforc’d it much; and hardy Ithacus, Who had to ev’ry vent’rous deed a mind as venturous. Amongst all these thus spake the king: “Tydides, most belov’d, Choose thy associate worthily; a man the most approv’d For use and strength in these extremes. Many thou seest stand forth; But choose not thou by height of place, but by regard of worth, Lest with thy nice respect of right to any man’s degree, Thou wrong’st thy venture, choosing one least fit to join with thee, Although perhaps a greater king.” This spake he with suspect That Diomed, for honour’s sake, his brother would select. Then said Tydides: “Since thou giv’st my judgment leave to choose, How can it so much truth forget Ulysses to refuse, That bears a mind so most exempt, and vig’rous in th’ effect Of all high labours, and a man Pallas doth most respect? We shall return through burning fire, if I with him combine, He sets strength in so true a course, with counsels so divine.” Ulysses, loth to be esteem’d a lover of his praise, With such exceptions humbled him as did him higher raise, And said: “Tydides, praise me not more than free truth will bear, Nor yet impair me; they are Greeks that give judicial ear. But come, the morning hastes, the stars are forward in their course, Two parts of night are past, the third is left t’ employ our force.” Now borrow’d they for haste some arms. Bold Thrasymedes lent Advent’rous Diomed his sword (his own was at his tent),