en better alike for both you and me,
when we two were in such high anger about Briseis, surely it would have
been better, had Diana's arrow slain her at the ships on the day when I
took her after having sacked Lyrnessus. For so, many an Achaean the
less would have bitten dust before the foe in the days of my anger. It
has been well for Hector and the Trojans, but the Achaeans will long
indeed remember our quarrel. Now, however, let it be, for it is over.
If we have been angry, necessity has schooled our anger. I put it from
me: I dare not nurse it for ever; therefore, bid the Achaeans arm
forthwith that I may go out against the Trojans, and learn whether they
will be in a mind to sleep by the ships or no. Glad, I ween, will he be
to rest his knees who may fly my spear when I wield it."

Thus did he speak, and the Achaeans rejoiced in that he had put away
his anger.

Then Agamemnon spoke, rising in his place, and not going into the
middle of the assembly. "Danaan heroes," said he, "servants of Mars, it
is well to listen when a man stands up to speak, and it is not seemly
to interrupt him, or it will go hard even with a practised speaker. Who
can either hear or speak in an uproar? Even the finest orator will be
disconcerted by it. I will expound to the son of Peleus, and do you
other Achaeans heed me and mark me well. Often have the Achaeans spoken
to me of this matter and upbraided me, but it was not I that did it:
Jove, and Fate, and Erinys that walks in darkness struck me mad when we
were assembled on the day that I took from Achilles the meed that had
been awarded to him. What could I do? All things are in the hand of
heaven, and Folly, eldest of Jove's daughters, shuts men's eyes to
their destruction. She walks delicately, not on the solid earth, but
hovers over the heads of men to make them stumble or to ensnare them.

"Time was when she fooled Jove himself, who they say is greatest
whether of gods or men; for Juno, woman though she was, beguiled him on
the day when Alcmena was to bring forth mighty Hercules in the fair
city of Thebes. He told it out among the gods saying, 'Hear me, all
gods and goddesses, that I may speak even as I am minded; this day
shall an Ilithuia, helper of women who are in labour, bring a man child
into the world who shall be lord over all that dwell about him who are
of my blood and lineage.' Then said Juno all crafty and full of guile,
'You will play false, and will not hold to your word