Iliad by Homer - Join iZDOT

Homer’s Iliad
reign over the Trojans, he and his children’s children that shall be
born hereafter.”
Then answered Juno, “Earth-shaker, look to this matter yourself,
and consider concerning Aeneas, whether you will save him, or
suffer him, brave though he be, to fall by the hand of Achilles son
of Peleus. For of a truth we two, I and Pallas Minerva, have sworn
full many a time before all the immortals, that never would we
shield Trojans from destruction, not even when all Troy is burning
in the flames that the Achaeans shall kindle.”
When earth-encircling Neptune heard this he went into the battle
amid the clash of spears, and came to the place where Achilles and
Aeneas were. Forthwith he shed a darkness before the eyes of the
son of Peleus, drew the bronze-headed ashen spear from the shield
of Aeneas, and laid it at the feet of Achilles. Then he lifted Aeneas
on high from off the earth and hurried him away. Over the heads of
many a band of warriors both horse and foot did he soar as the
god’s hand sped him, till he came to the very fringe of the battle
where the Cauconians were arming themselves for fight. Neptune,
shaker of the earth, then came near to him and said, Aeneas, what
god has egged you on to this folly in fighting the son of Peleus,
who is both a mightier man of valour and more beloved of heaven
than you are? Give way before him whensoever you meet him, lest
you go down to the house of Hades even though fate would have it
otherwise. When Achilles is dead you may then fight among the
foremost undaunted, for none other of the Achaeans shall slay
you.”
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