Pal.gr.64

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Why does he proceed as if prefacing a poem? Because first, he invokes the Muse, as he could not otherwise complete the work unless she cooperates. Likewise, he sets forth the cause of the wrath, as Achilles did not rage without cause, but because of Agamemnon's hubris. And that Apollo also raged...

Sing, Goddess, of the wrath of Peleus' son, Achilles,
A deadly wrath that brought countless sorrows upon the Achaeans.
The poet speaks of Achilles, saying that from his anger many evils befell the Greeks.

It sent many brave souls of heroes down to Hades the Underworld,
And made them prey for dogs
And all manner of birds; and the will of Zeus was being fulfilled.
From the time when they first stood divided in strife,
The son of Atreus, king of men, and godlike Achilles.
He tells the cause of the strife, that Agamemnon insulted Achilles.

Which of the gods then set them to fight in contention?
The son of Leto and Zeus; for he, being enraged at the king,
Aroused an evil plague throughout the army, and the people were dying,
Because the son of Atreus had dishonored the priest Chryses;
For he had come to the swift ships of the Achaeans
To ransom his daughter and bringing endless ransom gifts,
Holding in his hands the ribbons of Apollo the Far-Darter
Upon a golden staff, and he was entreating all the Achaeans,
But especially the two sons of Atreus, the commanders of the people.
"Sons of Atreus and other well-greaved Achaeans,
May the gods who hold Olympian halls grant you
To sack the city of Priam, and to arrive well at home;
But set free my dear child for me, and receive the ransom,
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Reverencing the son of Zeus, the Far-Darter Apollo."
Then all the other Achaeans shouted their assent
To honor the priest and accept the splendid ransom;
But it did not please the heart of Agamemnon, son of Atreus,
But he drove him away harshly, and issued a stern command.

He speaks of Apollo, saying that the plague came from his anger.

He speaks of Chryses, saying that he came to ransom his daughter.

He speaks of Agamemnon, saying that he did not accept the ransom.

He speaks of Agamemnon, saying that he insulted the priest.

He speaks of Agamemnon, saying that he cast out the priest.

He speaks of Apollo, saying that he listened to the priest.

He speaks of Agamemnon, saying that he repented.

He speaks of Achilles, saying that he called the assembly.

He speaks of Calchas, saying that he told the cause of the disease.

He speaks of Agamemnon, saying that he was angry with Calchas.

He speaks of Achilles, saying that he answered Agamemnon.

He speaks of Agamemnon, saying that he threatened Achilles.

He speaks of Achilles, saying that he withdrew in anger.

He speaks of Agamemnon, saying that he took Briseis.

He speaks of Achilles, saying that he called his mother.

He speaks of Thetis, saying that she came to Achilles.

He speaks of Achilles, saying that he begged his mother.

He speaks of Thetis, saying that she went to Zeus.

He speaks of Zeus, saying that he listened to Thetis.

He speaks of Hera, saying that she envied Zeus.

He speaks of Hephaestus, saying that he calmed Hera.

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