And Thetis answered, weeping as she spake:⁠— “Alas, my son, why did I rear thee, born To sorrow as thou wert? O would that thou Unwronged, and with no cause for tears, couldst dwell Beside thy ships, since thou must die so soon. I brought thee forth in an unhappy hour, Short-lived and wronged beyond all other men. Yet will I climb the Olympian height among Its snows and make my suit to Jupiter The Thunderer, if haply he may yield To my entreaties. Thou, meanwhile, abide By thy swift ships, incensed against the Greeks, And take no part in all their battles more. But yesterday did Jove depart to hold A banquet far in Ocean’s realm, among The blameless Ethiopians, and with him Went all the train of gods. Twelve days must pass Ere he return to heaven, and I will then Enter his brazen palace, clasp his knees, And hope to move his purpose by my prayers.”