Problem:
First, identify the passage below (name of text and author if known), as well as the speaker. In a paragraph or two, explain the context for the quote and what it presents about the ancient pagan world's concept of death and how it might relate to the Homeric Greek concept of areté
"'Say not a word,' he answered, 'in death's favor; I would rather be a paid servant in a poor man's house and be above ground than king of kings among the dead.