“O thou unconquerable goddess, born To Jove the Aegis-bearer! What is this? It was an idle promise that we made To Menelaus, that he should behold Troy, with its strong defences, overthrown, And reach his home again, if thus we leave Mars the destroyer to his ravages. Come, let us bring our friends effectual aid.”

So spake she, and her bidding was obeyed By blue-eyed Pallas. Juno the august, Daughter of mighty Saturn, laid in haste The harness, with its ornaments of gold, Upon the horses. Hebe rolled the wheels, Each with eight spokes, and joined them to the ends Of the steel axle⁠—fellies wrought of gold, Bound with a brazen rim to last for aye⁠— A wonder to behold. The hollow naves Were silver, and on gold and silver cords Was slung the chariot’s seat; in silver hooks Rested the reins, and silver was the pole Where the fair yoke and poitrels, all of gold, Were fastened. Juno, eager for the strife, Led the swift-footed steeds beneath the yoke.