re that the request of the son of
Peleus be completed; as first I promised to him, and nodded assent with
my head, on that day when the goddess Thetis touched my knees,
beseeching me that I would honour Achilles, the destroyer of cities."

Thus he spoke, nor did the white-armed goddess Juno disobey, but went
down from the Idaean mountains to lofty Olympus. And as when the mind of
a man flashes swiftly [in thought], who, having traversed over many a
land, thinks within his prudent heart, "I was here, I was there," and
deliberates much: thus quickly hastening, up sprung venerable Juno. But
she reached lofty Olympus, and came in upon the immortal gods, assembled
in the house of Jove but they beholding her, all rose up and welcomed
her with their cups. The rest, however, she neglected, but received a
goblet from fair-cheeked Themis; for she first running, came to meet
her, and addressing her, spoke winged words:

"Why, O Juno, hast thou come [hither], and art like unto one in
consternation? Has then the son of Saturn, who is thy husband, greatly
terrified thee?"

But her the white-armed goddess Juno then answered: "Do not, O goddess
Themis, ask me these things; even thou thyself knowest how overbearing
and cruel a spirit is his. But do thou preside over the equal feast, in
the palaces of the gods, and thou shalt hear these things along with all
the immortals, what evil deeds Jove denounces. Nor do I at all think
that the mind will equally rejoice to all, neither to mortals nor to the
gods, although some one even yet be feasting pleasantly."

Thus having spoken, venerable Juno sat down; but the gods were grieved
throughout the palace of Jove. But she laughed with her lips [only], nor
was her forehead above her dark brows exhilarated;[485] and, indignant,
she spoke amongst them all:

"Senseless we, who are thus foolishly enraged with father Jove! Of a
truth we still desire to restrain him, approaching near, either by
persuasion or by force; whilst he, sitting apart, does not regard, nor
is moved, for he says he is decidedly the most mighty in strength and
power among the immortal gods. Wherefore endure whatever evil he may
please to send upon each of you; for now already, I think, misfortune
hath been inflicted upon Mars, since his son has perished in the fight,
the dearest of mortals, Ascalaphus, whom impetuous Mars calls his own."

[Footnote 485: Compare Virg. AEn. i. 211: "Spem vultu simulat,
premit altum corde