Assembling there, between the trench and gates, Near the night-guards, our chosen council waits." "Then none (said Nestor) shall his rule withstand, For great examples justify command." With that, the venerable warrior rose; The shining greaves his manly legs enclose; His purple mantle golden buckles join'd, Warm with the softest wool, and doubly lined. Then rushing from his tent, he snatch'd in haste His steely lance, that lighten'd as he pass'd. The camp he traversed through the sleeping crowd, Stopp'd at Ulysses' tent, and call'd aloud. Ulysses, sudden as the voice was sent, Awakes, starts up, and issues from his tent. "What new distress, what sudden cause of fright, Thus leads you wandering in the silent night?" "O prudent chief! (the Pylian sage replied) Wise as thou art, be now thy wisdom tried: Whatever means of safety can be sought, Whatever counsels can inspire our thought, Whatever methods, or to fly or fight; All, all depend on this important night!" He heard, return'd, and took his painted shield; Then join'd the chiefs, and follow'd through the field. Without his tent, bold Diomed they found, All sheathed in arms, his brave companions round: Each sunk in sleep, extended on the field, His head reclining on his bossy shield. A wood of spears stood by, that, fix'd upright, Shot from their flashing points a quivering light. A bull's black hide composed the hero's bed; A splendid carpet roll'd beneath his head. Then, with his foot, old Nestor gently shakes The slumbering chief, and in these words awakes: "Rise, son of Tydeus! to the brave and strong Rest seems inglorious, and the night too long. But sleep'st thou now, when from yon hill the foe Hangs o'er the fleet, and shades our walls below?" At this, soft slumber from his eyelids fled; The warrior saw the hoary chief, and said: "Wondrous old man! whose soul no respite knows, Though years and honours bid thee seek repos