With Achaean morale low, Agamemnon calls an assembly and tearfully says that Zeus has tricked him: They will never conquer Troy and should return home. After a moment of silence, Diomedes berates Agamemnon for cowardice and tells him to leave if he wants, but Diomedes will stay and fight until Troy falls. The Achaeans cheer. Nestor tells Diomedes that he is right but still young. It is time for the elders to take over. He provides instructions for securing the camp for the night and tells Agamemnon to host a feast for the leaders to hear the best advice.

At the feast Nestor reminds Agamemnon that he took Briseis against the Achaean leaders’ will. The time has come to convince Achilles to return to battle. Agamemnon agrees and gathers gifts, including tripods, gold, stallions, and seven women along with Briseis, promising more after the sack and plunder of Troy. Agamemnon also offers one of his daughters as a wife for Achilles, specifying that Achilles must “bow down” to “the greater man” (256). Nestor approves and sends an embassy with Phoenix, Ajax, and Odysseus.

The men find Achilles singing and playing the lyre. He welcomes the embassy warmly, and his companion Patroclus prepares them food and wine.