ght, beside their crooked ships; and the Trojans, on the other side,
on the acclivity[640] of the plain. But Jove ordered Themis to summon
the gods to an assembly, from the top of many-valleyed Olympus, and she,
going round, ordered them to proceed to the palace of Jove. Nor was any
one of the rivers absent, save Oceanus, nor of the nymphs who inhabit
the pleasant groves and springs of rivers, and the grassy meads. Then,
coming to the habitation of cloud-compelling Jove, they sat down upon
shining polished benches, which Vulcan with cunning skill had made for
father Jove. Thus were they assembled within the palace of Jove: nor did
Neptune disobey the goddess, but he came to them from the sea. Then he
sat in the midst, and inquired the design of Jove:

[Footnote 640: See x. 160; xi. 56.]

"Why again, O hurler of the glowing lightning, hast thou summoned the
gods to an assembly? Dost thou deliberate anything respecting the
Trojans and Greeks? For now their combat and the battle are on the point
of being kindled."

But him cloud-compelling Jove answering, addressed:

"Thou knowest, O earth-shaker, my design within my breast, [and] for
whose sake I have assembled you; for though about to perish, they are a
care to me. I will, however, remain sitting on the top of Olympus,
whence looking, I shall delight my soul; but depart the rest of you,
that ye may go to the Trojans and Greeks. Give aid to both, according as
is the inclination of each. For if Achilles alone shall fight against
the Trojans, they will not even for a little sustain the swift-footed
son of Peleus. Formerly even beholding him, they fled terrified; but now
when he is grievously enraged in his mind on account of his companion, I
fear lest he overthrow the wall, even contrary to fate."

Thus spoke Saturnian Jove, and he stirred up the unyielding[641]
contest; and the gods hastened to proceed to the battle, having
discordant minds. Juno, indeed, and Pallas Minerva [went] to the
assemblage of the ships, as well as earth-shaking Neptune, and useful
Mercury, who excelled in a prudent mind, with whom went Vulcan, looking
savage in his might, limping, and under him his weak limbs moved with
all their force. But to the Trojans [went] crest-tossing Mars, and with
him unshorn Phoebus,[642] and Diana, delighting in archery, Latona,
Xanthus, and laughter-loving Venus. As long as the gods were apart from
mortal men, so long the Greeks were greatly elated, because Ach