The Iliad 2.79–83 — Nestor speaking to Leaders Of The Greeks (greek Soldiers) | The Lexicon

Nestor to Leaders Of The Greeks (greek Soldiers)

The Iliad 2.79–83

were it any other of the Achaeans that told us this dream we might deem it a false thing, and turn away therefrom the more; but now hath he seen it who declares himself to be far the mightiest of the Achaeans. Nay, come then, if in any wise we may arm the sons of the Achaeans.

ὦ φίλοι Ἀργείων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες εἰ μέν τις τὸν ὄνειρον Ἀχαιῶν ἄλλος ἔνισπε ψεῦδός κεν φαῖμεν καὶ νοσφιζοίμεθα μᾶλλον· νῦν δʼ ἴδεν ὃς μέγʼ ἄριστος Ἀχαιῶν εὔχεται εἶναι· ἀλλʼ ἄγετʼ αἴ κέν πως θωρήξομεν υἷας Ἀχαιῶν.

Lattimore commentary

Nestor’s seconding of the advice is ironic, since Dream took none other than his form (as Agamemnon’s most trusted advisor)—something Agamemnon has explicitly revealed (58). The old warrior takes the opportunity to flatter Agamemnon as “best of the Achaians” while tacitly affirming his own great worth.

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