BOOK X.

ARGUMENT.

THE NIGHT-ADVENTURE OF DIOMED AND ULYSSES.

Upon the refusal of Achilles to return to the army, the distress of

Agamemnon is described in the most lively manner. He takes no rest that

night, but passes through the camp, awaking the leaders, and contriving

all possible methods for the public safety. Menelaus, Nestor, Ulysses, and

Diomed are employed in raising the rest of the captains. They call a

council of war, and determine to send scouts into the enemies' camp, to

learn their posture, and discover their intentions. Diomed undertakes this

hazardous enterprise, and makes choice of Ulysses for his companion. In

their passage they surprise Dolon, whom Hector had sent on a like design

to the camp of the Grecians. From him they are informed of the situation

of the Trojan and auxiliary forces, and particularly of Rhesus, and the

Thracians who were lately arrived. They pass on with success; kill Rhesus,

with several of his officers, and seize the famous horses of that prince,

with which they return in triumph to the camp.

The same night continues; the scene lies in the two camps.

All night the chiefs before their vessels lay,

And lost in sleep the labours of the day:

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The Iliad of Homer