Epeisodion 3
ODYSSEUS.
We cannot force Fortune against her will.
DIOMEDE.
Could we not find Aeneas? Or the bed
585
Of Paris the accurst, and have his head?
ODYSSEUS.
Go by night searching through these lines of men
For chiefs to kill? ’Twere death and death again.
DIOMEDE.
But to go empty back—what shame ’twill be!—
And not one blow struck home at the enemy!
590
ODYSSEUS.
How not one blow? Did we not baulk and kill
Dolon, their spy, and bear his tokens still?
Dost think the whole camp should be thine to quell?
DIOMEDE.
Good. Now for home! And may the end be well!
ATHENA.
What make ye, from these sleepers thus to part
595
Desponding and with sorrow-wounded heart
If Hector be not granted you to slay
Nor Paris? Little know ye what great stay
Of help is found for Troy. This very night
Rhesus is come; who, if he see the light
600
Of morning, not Achilles nor the rack
Of Ajax’ spear hath power to hold him back,
Ere wall and gate be shattered and inside
