The proof of battle is action, proof of words, debate. No time for speeches now, it's time to fight.

For a friend with an understanding heart is worth no less than a brother

And his good wife will tear her cheeks in grief, his sons are orphans and he, soaking the soil red with his own blood, he rots away himself-more birds than women flocking round his body!

There is no greater fame for a man than that which he wins with his footwork or the skill of his hands.

Wine sets even a thoughtful man to singing, or sets him into softly laughing, sets him to dancing. Sometimes it tosses out a word that was better unspoken.

Come, weave us a scheme so I can pay them back! Stand beside me, Athena, fire me with daring, fierce as the day we ripped Troy's glittering crown of towers down. Stand by me - furious now as then, my bright-eyed one - and I would fight three hundred men, great goddess, with you to brace me, comrade-in-arms in battle!

There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep.