Cloud-compeller, stood arrayed in arms For the stern tasks of war. Her shoulder bore The dreadful aegis with its shaggy brim Bordered with Terror. There was Strife, and there Was Fortitude, and there was fierce Pursuit, And there the Gorgon’s head, a ghastly sight, Deformed and dreadful, and a sign of woe When borne by Jupiter. Upon her head She placed a golden helmet with four crests And fair embossed, of strength that might withstand The armed battalions of a hundred towns; Then stepped into her shining car, and took Her massive spear in hand, heavy and huge, With which whole ranks of heroes are o’erthrown Before the daughter of the Mighty One Incensed against them. Juno swung the lash And swiftly urged the steeds. Before their way, On sounding hinges, of their own accord, Flew wide the gates of heaven, which evermore The Hours are watching—they who keep the mount Olympus and the mighty heaven, with power To open or to close their cloudy veil. Thus through the gates they drave the obedient steeds, And found Saturnius, where he sat apart From other gods, upon the loftiest height Of many-peaked Olympus. Juno there, The white-armed goddess, stayed her chariot-wheels, And, thus accosting Jove, she questioned him:—
“O Father Jupiter, does