In the course of Trojan War, Achilles takes Briseis, a princess,  captive after killing all members of the royal family and brings her with him as a trophy of war.  Although a slave, she is liked by Achilles who treats her well. However quite unexpectedly, Agamemnon who commands the entire Greek forces takes Briseis forcibly away from Achilles.  Hurt Achilles rebels against Agamemnon for depriving him of his right to have Briseis with him and reproaches him in strongest terms. In anger, he refuses to join the battle with Agamemnon and returns to his tent making the Greek forces weaker by his absence. I have rendered my version of Achilles' speech in this poem Go all by thyself to war And be the leading star, I shall abide in my tent Until Briseis back to me is sent. Briseis is by right mine Whom thou hast claimed as thine, Hast thou forgotten the laws of war Which such deeds as thine do bar? Thou hast shamed the warrior race And fallen into eternal disgrace, O! Agamemnon, the warrior great Thee thine own race will hate. Think of thy forebears of fame Upon whom thou hast brought shame, Think deep once more of thy deed Which will draw scorn indeed. I shall not into the battle march with thee For deep thou hast wounded me, It’s not a wound of merit Unlike the one I hunger to inherit. Canst thou hold thy head high And for fame and glory vie? Valour hath fled from thee, Alas! Thou art a coward to me. Hark! It’s meet for thee to return Briseis and respect from me earn, Shoulder to shoulder we shall then fight, Winning Troy by our combined might. If thou yield not to my right, Thou wilt ride alone and fight, I shall abide in my battle tent Till Briseis back to me is sent. Raghav R 9.10.2025