Agamemnon replies that the message would be conveyed to ‘our lovers’, and that if any one of them had not had the capacity for feeling, they would have been left at home. He then says that if there were no one to meet Hector, then he himself would take him on.

Nestor addresses Aeneas and tells him to tell Hector or Nestor himself who was a man when HectorÂ’s own grandfather was an infant. Nestor concedes that he has grown old, and adds that if there was no Greek in the company who had a spark to answer for his love, then, he tells Aeneas to tell Nestor that he himself would hide his silver beard in his golden face guard. He would put his withered limbs in his defensive armor, meet him and tell him that his lady was fairer than his own grandmother, and very chaste. He adds that though Hector is in his prime, heÂ’d still tell the truth at the cost of his life.

Agamemnon says heÂ’ll lead Aeneas to the Greek pavilion. He tells him that word of HectorÂ’s intent would be passed onto Achilles and to every other Greek lord. He then invites Aeneas to feast with them before he left, and taste the welcome of a noble enemy. Everybody but Ulysses and Nestor exit.

Ulysses tells Nestor about his idea. He says that the seeds of pride that had grown to maturity in Achilles, has to be cropped or else they would breed a nursery of similar evil that would over-run the Greeks. He then tells him that HectorÂ’s challenge though ostensibly general, was aimed only at Achilles.

Nestor asks if anyone else can oppose Hector besides Achilles - he means it as a rhetorical question. He says that the best warrior of the Trojans would be pitted against theirs, and that their reputation would be evaluated in this trivial action. He continues that though the success might be limited, it would give a degree of good or bad to the general action. These were small pointers to their subsequent volumes. He says that it would be supposed that whoever met Hector issues from the choice of the Greek leadership, a choice that is based on merit. The chosen man would, therefore, be one distilled from all their courage and valor. He then says what would happen if the Greek champion were to fail. But his rhetorical question makes clear the consequence which would follow from the victory, which would follow from the victory which the Greeks would naturally desire. He implies that the strong opinion, which derives to the successful championÂ’s side will operate in the limbs of all in the same way the limbs in turn manage the weapons.

Ulysses says that it would be appropriate if Achilles did not meet Hector. ‘Let us like merchants/ First show foul wares’ he says, adding that perhaps they will sell. If they didn’t the luster or the shine of the better one would exceed. He then tells Hector not to agree to a meeting between Hector and Achilles as ‘both our honor and our shame in this/Are dogg’d with two strange followers.’ Nestor asks Ulysses to clarify.

Ulysses says that if only Achilles had not been so proud, all of them would share the glory that he shares with Hector. But he was already too insolent, and if he should defeat Hector, it would be better to parch in the African sun than in the pride and bitter scorn of his eyes. If, instead, he were defeated, then their general reputation would be destroyed because of the disgrace of their best man. Among themselves, they will acknowledge him as the better man - that will irritate Achilles, the great Myrmidon, who glows with loud applause, and that will deflate his pride. Ulysses continues that if the dull, brainless Ajax comes back safely theyÂ’ll make much of him.. If he fails, theyÂ’ll continue to maintain their belief that they have better men than the Trojans.

Nestor says that he begins to relish UlyssesÂ’ advice and that he would convey a taste of it to Agamemnon. He suggests that they go to the General at once. Referring to Achilles and Ajax, he says that the two dogs would tame each other. They exit.

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