Hom. Il. 9.186 So the twain
went their way along the shore of the loud-resounding sea, with many an
instant prayer to the god that holdeth the earth and shaketh it, that
they might easily persuade the great heart of the son of Aeacus. [185]
And they came to the huts and the ships of the Myrmidons,
and found him
delighting his soul with a clear-toned lyre, fair and richly wrought,
whereon was a bridge of silver; this had he taken from the spoil
when
he laid waste the city of Eëtion.
Therewith was he delighting his soul,
and he
sang of the glorious deeds of warriors; [190] and Patroclus
alone sat over against him in silence, waiting until Aeacus' son should
cease from singing. But the twain came forward and goodly Odysseus led
the way, and they took their stand before his face;
and Achilles leapt
up in amazement with the lyre in his hand,
and left the seat whereon he
sat; [195] and in like manner Patroclus
when he beheld the men uprose.
Then swift-footed Achilles greeted the two and spake, saying: “Welcome,
verily ye be friends that are come—sore must the need be
— ye that even in mine anger are to me the dearest of the Achaeans.”
So saying, goodly Achilles led them in
[200] and made them sit on
couches and rugs of purple;
and forthwith he spake to Patroclus, that
was near:“
Set forth a larger bowl, thou son of Menoetius; mingle
stronger drink,
and prepare each man a cup, for these be men most dear,
that are beneath my roof.”
