Who says the following and why Myself I'd rather sail through years of trouble and labor home and see that blessed day than hurry home to die at my own hearth like Agamemnon?

The quote is spoken by the character Odysseus in Homer's "The Odyssey." He expresses a preference for enduring hardships and challenges during his journey home rather than facing a premature death at home, similar to Agamemnon, who was killed upon his return. Odysseus values the struggle and the journey itself, highlighting his resilience and desire for a meaningful return rather than a tragic end. This reflects his character's depth and the themes of heroism and fate in the epic.