Page 142 - the-iliad

‘Father, son of Saturn, king of kings, we all know that your
might is not to be gainsaid, but we are also sorry for the
Danaan warriors, who are perishing and coming to a bad
end. We will, however, since you so bid us, refrain from ac-
tual fighting, but we will make serviceable suggestions to
the Argives that they may not all of them perish in your
displeasure.’
Jove smiled at her and answered, ‘Take heart, my child,
Trito-born; I am not really in earnest, and I wish to be kind
to you.’
With this he yoked his fleet horses, with hoofs of bronze
and manes of glittering gold. He girded himself also with
gold about the body, seized his gold whip and took his seat
in his chariot. Thereon he lashed his horses and they flew
forward nothing loth midway twixt earth and starry heav-
en. After a while he reached many-fountained Ida, mother
of wild beasts, and Gargarus, where are his grove and fra-
grant altar. There the father of gods and men stayed his
horses, took them from the chariot, and hid them in a thick
cloud; then he took his seat all glorious upon the topmost
crests, looking down upon the city of Troy and the ships of
the Achaeans.
The Achaeans took their morning meal hastily at the
ships, and afterwards put on their armour. The Trojans on
the other hand likewise armed themselves throughout the
city, fewer in numbers but nevertheless eager perforce to do
battle for their wives and children. All the gates were flung
wide open, and horse and foot sallied forth with the tramp
as of a great multitude.

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