I would not wish to spoil your merriment by airing my grievances. It is best that we take pleasure in drink and thus cleanse our hearts of cares.

[Which he shall do now by taking another generous swig of the punch. Down his throat it burns and his chest feels warmer for it.]

Indeed your time would be well used in leaning these arts, that you may better meet the perils of the far-flung lands to which we are sent at the behest of the house of Alastair. Among the Achaeans, only sons learn to carry spear and shield, while daughters learn the feminine arts of spinning and weaving from their mothers - but among this crew stand many women blessed by Pallas Athena, whose hearts too beat with the war drums. There is no reason why you ought not join them.

[This is fully meant as an encouragement, you see.]