Book XV - Page 2

always to support me when we sit in council of the gods, Neptune,

like it or no, would soon come round to your and my way of

thinking. If, then, you are speaking the truth and mean what you

say, go among the rank and file of the gods, and tell Iris and

Apollo lord of the bow, that I want them--Iris, that she may go

to the Achaean host and tell Neptune to leave off fighting and go

home, and Apollo, that he may send Hector again into battle and

give him fresh strength; he will thus forget his present

sufferings, and drive the Achaeans back in confusion till they

fall among the ships of Achilles son of Peleus. Achilles will

then send his comrade Patroclus into battle, and Hector will kill

him in front of Ilius after he has slain many warriors, and among

them my own noble son Sarpedon. Achilles will kill Hector to

avenge Patroclus, and from that time I will bring it about that

the Achaeans shall persistently drive the Trojans back till they

fulfil the counsels of Minerva and take Ilius. But I will not

stay my anger, nor permit any god to help the Danaans till I have

accomplished the desire of the son of Peleus, according to the

promise I made by bowing my head on the day when Thetis touched

my knees and besought me to give him honour."

Juno heeded his words and went from the heights of Ida to great

Olympus. Swift as the thought of one whose fancy carries him over

vast continents, and he says to himself, "Now I will be here, or

there," and he would have all manner of things--even so swiftly

did Juno wing her way till she came to high Olympus and went in

among the gods who were gathered in the house of Jove. When they

saw her they all of them came up to her, and held out their cups

to her by way of greeting. She let the others be, but took the

cup offered her by lovely Themis, who was first to come running

up to her. "Juno," said she, "why are you here? And you seem

troubled--has your husband the son of Saturn been frightening

you?"

And Juno answered, "Themis, do not ask me about it. You know what

a proud and cruel disposition my husband has. Lead the gods to

table, where you and all the immortals can hear the wicked

designs which he has avowed. Many a one, mortal and immortal,

will be angered by them, however peaceably he may be feasting

now."

On this Juno sat down, and the gods were troubled throughout the

house of Jove. Laughter sat on her lips but her brow was furrowed

with care, and she spoke up in a rage. "Fools that we are," she

cried, "to be thus madly angry with Jove; we keep on wanting to