She spake, and turned away her glorious eyes. Jove’s daughter, Venus, took the hand of Mars, And led him groaning thence, while hardly yet His strength came back. The white-armed Juno saw, And spake to Pallas thus, with wingèd words:⁠—

“See, daughter of the Aegis-bearer, Jove, Unconquerable maid! That shameless one, Through all the tumult, from the thick of fight, Leads hence the murderous Mars; but follow her.”

She spake, and Pallas gladly hastened forth, And, overtaking Venus, dealt at her A mighty buffet on the breast; her heart Fainted, her knees gave way; and, as she lay Prostrate with Mars upon the fruitful earth, Exulting Pallas spake these wingèd words:⁠—