The Battle of the Gods
Permission given by Jupiter to the gods to take part in the war—The combat renewed with great violence and tumult—Aeneas, encountering Achilles, to which he is encouraged by Apollo, is only preserved from death by the interposition of Neptune—Slaughter of the Trojans by Achilles—Hector, when in danger of being slain, snatched from the presence of Achilles by Phoebus in a cloud—Havoc made by Achilles in the Trojan army.
Thus, O Pelides, did the sons of Greece, Impatient for the battle, arm themselves, By their beaked ships, around thee. Opposite, Upon a height that rose amidst the plain, The Trojans waited. Meantime Jupiter Sent Themis from the Olympian summit, ploughed With dells, to summon all the immortal ones To council. Forth she went from place to place, Bidding them to the palace halls of Jove. Then none of all the Rivers failed to join The assembly, save Oceanus, and none Of all the Nymphs were absent whose abode Is in the pleasant groves and river-founts And grassy meadows. When they reached the halls Of cloud-compelling Jove they sat them down On shining thrones, divided each from each By polished columns, wrought for Father Jove By Vulcan’s skill. Thus all to Jove’s abode Were gathered. Neptune had not disobeyed The call. He left the sea, and took his seat Among them, and inquired the will of Jove.
“Why, wielder of the lightning, dost thou call The gods again to council? Do thy plans Concern the Greeks and Trojans? For the war Between their hosts will be rekindled soon.”
And thus the Cloud-compeller Jove replied: “Thou who dost shake the shores, thou knowest well The purpose of my mind, and for whose sake I