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168 Meleager, and recounted all the disasters, as many as happen to men whose city may be taken. In the first place, they slay the men, while fire reduces the city to ashes; and others carry off the children and deep-zoned women. Then was his soul disturbed when he heard of evil deeds, and he hasted to go and gird the all-glittering armor around his body. Thus he repelled the evil day from the Ætolians, yielding to his own inclination; but they did not make good to him the many and pleasing gifts; but he nevertheless warded off evil. But revolve not such things within thy mind, O my friends, nor let the deity thus turn thee, since it would be more dishonorable to assist the ships [when already] set on fire. Rather come for the gifts, for the Greeks will honor thee equally with a god. If again without gifts thou enter the man-destroying battle, thou wilt not receive equal honor, although warding off the war."

But him swift-footed Achilles, answering, addressed: "Phoenix, respected father, old man, Jove-nurtured, to me there is no need of this honor, for I conceive that I have been honored by the behest of Jove, which will detain me at the crooked ships while breath remains in my bosom, and my knees have the power of motion. But I will tell thee something else, and do thou revolve it in thy mind. Disturb not my soul, weeping and lamenting, gratifying the hero Atrides; it is not at all necessary that thou love him, that thou mayest not be hated by me, who love thee. It is proper for thee with me to give annoyance to him who hath annoyed me. Rule equally with me, and receive my honor in half. These will bear back my message: but do thou, remaining here, recline upon a soft bed, and with morn appearing let us consult whether we shall return to our native land or remain."

He said, and in silence nodded to Patroclus from beneath