Iliad

by Homer

Polydamas was the first to speak, prudent {363} Son of Panthous, the only Trojan who looked Both ahead and behind. This man was born The same night as Hector, and was his comrade, [270] As good with words as Hector was with a spear. He had their best interests at heart when he spoke: “Take a good look around, my friends. My advice Is to return to the city and not wait for daylight On the plain by the ships. We are far from our wall. As long as this man raged against Agamemnon, The Greeks were easier to fight against. I too was glad when I spent the night by the ships, Hoping we would capture their upswept hulls. That hope has given way to a terrible fear [280] Of Peleus’ swift son. He is a violent man And will not be content to fight on the plain Where Greeks and Trojans engage in combat. It is for our city he will fight, and our wives. We must go back. Trust me, this is how it will be: Night is holding him back now, immortal night. But if he finds us here tomorrow When he comes out in his armor in daylight, Then you will know what Achilles is, And you will be glad to be back in sacred Ilion— [290] If you make it back, and are not one Of the many Trojans the dogs and vultures Will feast upon. I hope I’m not within earshot. But if we trust my words, as much as it may gall, We will camp tonight in the marketplace, where The city is protected by its towers, walls, And high gates closed with bolted, polished doors. At dawn we take our positions on the wall In full armor, an...