The Iliad 4.310–312

So was the old man urging them on, having knowledge of battles from of old. At sight of him lord Agamemnon waxed glad, and he spake, and addressed him with winged words: Old Sir, I would that even as is the spirit in thy breast, so thy limbs might obey, and thy strength be firm.But evil177.1 old age presseth hard upon thee; would that some other among the warriors had thy years, and that thou wert among the youths. To him then made answer the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia: Son of Atreus, verily I myself could wish that I were such a one as on the day when I slew goodly Ereuthalion.But in no wise do the gods grant to men all things at one time. As I was then a youth, so now doth old age attend me. Yet even so will I abide among the charioteers and urge them on by counsel and by words; for that is the office of elders. Spears shall the young men wieldwho are more youthful than I and have confidence in their strength. So spake he, and the son of Atreus passed on glad at heart. He found Menestheus, driver of horses, son of Peteos, as he stood, and about him were the Athenians, masters of the war-cry. And hard by stood Odysseus of many wiles,