The Argives were driven back from the first row of ships, but they made a stand by their tents without being broken up and scattered; shame and fear restrained them.

They kept shouting incessantly to one another, and Nestor of Gerene, tower of strength to the Achaeans, was loudest in imploring every man by his parents, and beseeching him to stand firm.
"Be men, my friends," he cried, "and respect one another's good opinion.

Think, all of you, on your children, your wives, your property, and your parents whether these be alive or dead.

On their behalf though they are not here, I implore you to stand firm, and not to turn in flight." With these words he put heart and soul into them all.

Minerva lifted the thick veil of darkness from their eyes, and much light fell upon them, alike on the side of the ships and on that where the fight was raging.