“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 call this council. Though so soon to die, They are my care. Yet will I keep my place, Seated upon the Olympian mount, and look Calmly upon the conflict. All of you Depart, and aid the Trojans or the Greeks, As it may list you. For should Peleus’ son Alone do battle with the men of Troy, Their squadrons could not stand before the assault Of the swift-footed warrior for an hour. Beforetime, at the sight of him they fled, O’ercome with fear, and now, when he is roused To rage by his companion’s death, I fear Lest, though it be against the will of fate, He level with the ground the walls of Troy.”