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Nestor the old driver gave them marching orders -
a sharp glance at each, Odysseus most of all:
"Try hard now, bring him round - invincible Achilles!"
So Ajax and Odysseus made their way at once
where the battle line of breakers crash and drag,
praying hard to the god who moves and shakes the earth
that they might bring the proud heart of Achilles
round with speed and ease.
Reaching the Myrmidon shelters and their ships,
they found him there, delighting his heart now,
plucking strong and clear on the fine lyre -
beautifully carved, its silver bridge set firm -
he won from the spoils when he razed Eetion's city.
Achilles was lifting his spirits with it now,
singing the famous deeds of fighting heroes...
Acrss from him Patroclus sat alone, in silence,
waiting for Aeacus' son to finish with his song.
And on they came, with good Odysseus in the lead,
and the envoys stood before him. Achilles, startled,
sprang to his feet, the lyre still in his hands,
leaving the seat where he had sat in peace.
And seeing the men, Patroclus rose up too
as the famous runner called and waved them on:
"Welcome! Look, dear friends have come our way -
I must be sorely needed now - my dearest friends
in all the Achaean armies, even in my anger."
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