I bind the chain around the top of Olympus, and all these should
hang aloft. By so much do I surpass both gods and men." [268]

[Footnote 266: _I. e._ dii obsequtii sunt, ut convocati
convenirent.--Heyne.]

[Footnote 267: See the notes of Newton on Parad. Lost, i. 74.]

[Footnote 268: Referring to this address of Jove, Coleridge
remarks: "Although the supremacy of Jove comes far short of the
true conception of almighty power, the characteristic point which
seems to be fairly established is, that he is the active and
ruling power of the popular mythology, the supreme and despotic
chief of an aristocracy of weaker divinities, accustomed to
consult with them and liable to their opposition and even
violence, yet, upon the whole, substantially aristocratic, and
independent of any recognized permanent superior."--Classic
Poets, p. 159.]

Thus he said. But they all became mute in silence, wondering at his
speech; for he spoke very menacingly. But at length the azure-eyed
goddess Minerva thus spoke in the midst:

"O sire of ours! son of Saturn! most supreme of kings! well do we all
know that thy strength is irresistible: yet do we truly mourn for the
warlike Greeks, who are now perishing, fulfilling their evil fate. But
nevertheless, we will refrain from war, since thus thou commandest. Yet
will we suggest counsel to the Greeks, which will avail them, that they
may not all perish because thou art wrathful."

But her the cloud-impelling Jove smiling addressed: "Be of good cheer,
Tritonia, my dear daughter--I speak not with a serious intent; but I am
willing to be lenient towards thee."

Thus having said, under his chariot he yoked his brazen-footed,
swift-flying steeds, adorned with golden manes. He himself put on gold
about his person, and took his golden well-made whip, and ascended the
chariot; and lashed them on to proceed, and they, not unwilling, flew
midway between the earth and starry heaven. He came to spring-fed Ida,
the mother of wild beasts, to Gargarus, where he had a consecrated
enclosure, and a fragrant altar. There the father of gods and men
stopped his steeds, having loosed them from the chariot, and poured a
thick haze around. But he sat upon the summits, exulting in glory,
looking upon the city of the Trojans and the ships of the Greeks.

Meanwhile the long-haired Greeks were taking their repast in a hurried
manner through the tents, and after that they put on t