_Nest._ With due observance of thy godlike seat,[1094] Great Agamemnon, Nestor shall apply[1095] Thy latest words. In the reproof of chance[1096] Lies the true proof of men: the sea being smooth, How many shallow bauble boats dare sail 35 Upon her patient breast, making their way[1097] With those of nobler bulk![1098] But let the ruffian Boreas once enrage The gentle Thetis, and anon behold The strong-ribb'd bark through liquid mountains cut,[1099] 40 Bounding between the two moist elements, Like Perseus' horse: where's then the saucy boat, Whose weak untimber'd sides but even now Co-rivall'd greatness? either to harbour fled, Or made a toast for Neptune. Even so[1100] 45 Doth valour's show and valour's worth divide In storms of fortune: for in her ray and brightness[1101] The herd hath more annoyance by the breese[1102] Than by the tiger; but when the splitting wind[1103] Makes flexible the knees of knotted oaks,[1103] 50 And flies fled under shade, why then the thing of courage[1104] As roused with rage with rage doth sympathize, And with an accent tuned in selfsame key[1105] Retorts to chiding fortune.[1106] _Ulyss._ Agamemnon, Thou great commander, nerve and bone of Greece,[1107] 55 Heart of our numbers, soul and only spirit,[1108] In whom the tempers and the minds of all Should be shut up, hear what Ulysses speaks. Besides the applause and approbation The which, [_To Agamemnon_] most mighty for thy place and sway,[1109] 60 [_To Nestor_] And thou most reverend for thy stretch'd-out life,[1110] I give to both your speeches, which were such As Agamemnon and the hand of Greece[1111] Should hold up high in brass, and such again As venerable Nestor, hatch'd in silver,[1112] 65 Should with a bond of air, strong as the axletree[1112] On which heaven rides, knit all the Greekish ears[1113] To his experienced tongue, yet let it please both,[1114] Thou great, and wise, to hear Ulysses speak.[1115] _Agam._ Speak, Prince of Ithaca; and be't of less expect[1116][1117] 70 That matter needless, of importless burthen,[1116] Divide thy lips, than we are confident,[1116][1118] When rank Thersites opes his mastic jaws,[1116][1119] We shall hear music, wit and oracle.[1116]