Let the heralds summon the people to gather at their several ships; we will then go about among the host, that we may begin fighting at once." Thus did he speak, and Agamemnon heeded his words.

He at once sent the criers round to call the people in assembly.

So they called them, and the people gathered thereon.

The chiefs about the son of Atreus chose their men and marshalled them, while Minerva went among them holding her priceless aegis that knows neither age nor death.

From it there waved a hundred tassels of pure gold, all deftly woven, and each one of them worth a hundred oxen.