Note (return) — BOOK THE ELEVENTH.

“No seat [for me], O Jove-nurtured sage, nor wilt thou persuade me. Revered and irascible 383 is he who sent me forth to inquire who this man is whom thou leadest wounded; but even I myself know, for I perceive Machaon, the shepherd of the people. Now, however, in order to deliver my message, I will return again an ambassador to Achilles; for well dost thou know, O Jove-nurtured sage, what a terrible man he is; soon would he blame even the blameless.”