Ne. Hath he such dread strength to make him bold?
Od. Shafts inevitable, and winged with death.
Ne. None may dare, then, e'en to approach that foe?
Od. No, unless thou take him by guile, as I say.
Ne. Thou thinkest it no shame, then, to speak falsehoods?
Od. No, if the falsehood brings deliverance.
Ne. And how shall one have the face to speak those words?110
Od. When thy deed promises gain, 'tis unmeet to shrink.
Ne. And what gain is it for me, that he should come to Troy?
Od. With these shafts alone can Troy be taken.
Ne. Then I am not to be the conqueror, as ye said?
Od. Neither thou apart from these, nor these from thee.
Ne. 'Twould seem that we must try to win them, if it stands thus.
Od. Know that, if thou dost this thing, two prizes are thine.
Ne. What are they? Tell me, and I will not refuse the deed.
Od. Thou wilt be called at once wise and valiant.
Ne. Come what may, I'll do it, and cast off all shame.120
Od. Art thou mindful, then, of the counsels that I gave?
