Odysseus Did you not hear, Diomedes, the clash of arms or is it an idle noise that rings in my ears?
Diomedes No, it is the rattle of steel harness on the chariot rails; I, too, was afraid, till I perceived it was the clang of horses’ chains.
Odysseus Beware lest you stumble upon the guard in the darkness.
Diomedes I will take good care how I advance even in the gloom.
Odysseus If however you should rouse them, do you know their password?
Diomedes Yes, it is Phoebus; I heard Dolon use it.
Odysseus Ah! I see the enemy have left this bivouac.
Diomedes Yet Dolon surely said that here was Hector’s couch, against whom this sword of mine is drawn.
Odysseus What can it mean? Has his company withdrawn elsewhere?
Diomedes Perhaps to form some stratagem against us.
Odysseus Yes, for Hector is bold now, by reason of his victory, bold.
Diomedes What then are we to do, Odysseus? We have not found the man asleep; our hopes are dashed.
Odysseus Let us go to the fleet with what speed we may. Some god, whichever it be that gives him his good luck, is preserving him; against fate we must not strive.
Diomedes Then should we two not go against Aeneas or Paris, most hateful of Phrygians, and with our swords cut off their heads?
Odysseus Well, how in the darkness can you find them among a hostile army, and slay them without risk?
Diomedes Yet it would be shameful to go to the Argive ships if we have done the enemy no harm.
Odysseus What! no harm! Have we not slain Dolon who spied upon the anchored fleet, and have we not his spoils safe here? Or do you expect to sack the entire camp?
Diomedes I agree, let us return; and good luck go with us!
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