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Iliad by Homer - Join iZDOT

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<strong>Homer</strong>’s <strong>Iliad</strong><br />

BOOK XX<br />

Thus, then, did the Achaeans arm <strong>by</strong> their ships round you, O son<br />

of Peleus, who were hungering for battle; while the Trojans over<br />

against them armed upon the rise of the plain.<br />

Meanwhile Jove from the top of many-delled Olympus, bade<br />

Themis gather the gods in council, whereon she went about and<br />

called them to the house of Jove. There was not a river absent<br />

except Oceanus, nor a single one of the nymphs that haunt fair<br />

groves, or springs of rivers and meadows of green grass. When<br />

they reached the house of cloud-compelling Jove, they took their<br />

seats in the arcades of polished marble which Vulcan with his<br />

consummate skill had made for father Jove.<br />

In such wise, therefore, did they gather in the house of Jove.<br />

Neptune also, lord of the earthquake, obeyed the call of the<br />

goddess, and came up out of the sea to join them. There, sitting in<br />

the midst of them, he asked what Jove’s purpose might be. “Why,”<br />

said he, “wielder of the lightning, have you called the gods in<br />

council? Are you considering some matter that concerns the Trojans<br />

and Achaeans- for the blaze of battle is on the point of being<br />

kindled between them?”<br />

And Jove answered, “You know my purpose, shaker of earth, and<br />

wherefore I have called you hither. I take thought for them even in<br />

their destruction. For my own part I shall stay here seated on Mt.<br />

Olympus and look on in peace, but do you others go about among<br />

Trojans and Achaeans, and help either side as you may be severally<br />

391

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