Priam bade me inquire further if you will cease fighting till we burn our dead; hereafter we will fight anew, till heaven decide between us and give victory to one or to the other." They all held their peace, but presently Diomed of the loud war-cry spoke, saying, "Let there be no taking, neither treasure, nor yet Helen, for even a child may see that the doom of the Trojans is at hand." The sons of the Achaeans shouted applause at the words that Diomed had spoken, and thereon King Agamemnon said to Idaeus, "Idaeus, you have heard the answer the Achaeans make you-and I with them.

But as concerning the dead, I give you leave to burn them, for when men are once dead there should be no grudging them the rites of fire.

Let Jove the mighty husband of Juno be witness to this covenant." As he spoke he upheld his sceptre in the sight of all the gods, and Idaeus went back to the strong city of Ilius.

The Trojans and Dardanians were gathered in council waiting his return; when he came, he stood in their midst and delivered his message.

As soon as they heard it they set about their twofold labour, some to gather the corpses, and others to bring in wood.