Book XX

BOOK XX

THUS, then, did the Achaeans arm by their ships round you, O son

of Peleus, who were hungering for battle; while the Trojans over

against them armed upon the rise of the plain.

Meanwhile Jove from the top of many-delled Olympus, bade Themis

gather the gods in council, whereon she went about and called

them to the house of Jove. There was not a river absent except

Oceanus, nor a single one of the nymphs that haunt fair groves,

or springs of rivers and meadows of green grass. When they

reached the house of cloud-compelling Jove, they took their seats

in the arcades of polished marble which Vulcan with his

consummate skill had made for father Jove.

In such wise, therefore, did they gather in the house of Jove.

Neptune also, lord of the earthquake, obeyed the call of the

goddess, and came up out of the sea to join them. There, sitting

in the midst of them, he asked what Jove's purpose might be.

"Why," said he, "wielder of the lightning, have you called the

gods in council? Are you considering some matter that concerns

the Trojans and Achaeans--for the blaze of battle is on the point

of being kindled between them?"

And Jove answered, "You know my purpose, shaker of earth, and

wherefore I have called you hither. I take thought for them even

in their destruction. For my own part I shall stay here seated on

Mt. Olympus and look on in peace, but do you others go about

among Trojans and Achaeans, and help either side as you may be

severally disposed. If Achilles fights the Trojans without

hindrance they will make no stand against him; they have ever

trembled at the sight of him, and now that he is roused to such

fury about his comrade, he will override fate itself and storm

their city."

Thus spoke Jove and gave the word for war, whereon the gods took

their several sides and went into battle. Juno, Pallas Minerva,

earth-encircling Neptune, Mercury bringer of good luck and

excellent in all cunning--all these joined the host that came

from the ships; with them also came Vulcan in all his glory,

limping, but yet with his thin legs plying lustily under him.

Mars of gleaming helmet joined the Trojans, and with him Apollo

of locks unshorn, and the archer goddess Diana, Leto, Xanthus,

and laughter-loving Venus.

So long as the gods held themselves aloof from mortal warriors

the Achaeans were triumphant, for Achilles who had long refused

to fight was now with them. There was not a Trojan but his limbs

failed him for fear as he beheld the fleet son of Peleus all

glorious in his armour, and