The embassy walked along the loud-roaring sea and prayed to the earth-shaking god that they might easily persuade the great heart of Achilles. They came to the Myrmidon shelters and found him delighting his spirit with a clear lyre, beautifully worked, taken from Eetion's city. He sang the famous deeds of men, and Patroclus sat across from him in silence, waiting for him to finish.
Achilles sprang up with the lyre still in his hand when he saw them, and Patroclus rose too. Achilles welcomed them: dear friends had come, men most beloved to him among the Achaeans even in his anger. He told Patroclus to set out a larger mixing bowl and make the wine stronger, for his closest friends were under his roof.
Patroclus obeyed. Achilles set out a great chopping block, laid on sheep, goat, and a fat hog's chine, and Automedon held them while Achilles carved. He skewered the meat and roasted it carefully over the fire. When it was ready, Patroclus served bread, Achilles portioned the meat, and they ate until no one lacked a share.
When they had put away hunger and thirst, Aias nodded to Phoenix. Odysseus saw and filled his cup. He drank to Achilles and began: they had no lack of feast here, but fear was on them. The Trojans had camped close to the ships, lighting many fires, and said nothing would hold them back. Zeus showed signs for them, and Hector raged in strength, trusting the god.
Odysseus begged Achilles to rise before it was too late. He repeated Peleus's warning from the day Achilles left Phthia: Athena and Hera would give strength if they wished, but Achilles must check the proud spirit in his chest; gentleness is better. Peleus had told him to avoid deadly strife, so Argives young and old would honor him more.
Then Odysseus recited Agamemnon's gifts: tripods, gold, cauldrons, horses, Lesbian women, Briseis untouched, spoil from Troy, a daughter in marriage, and seven rich cities by the sea. If Agamemnon was hateful, Achilles should pity the Achaean army and win glory by killing Hector, who thought no Danaan was his equal.