Let him keep his bragging talk for his own sons and daughters, who must perforce obey him." Iris fleet as the wind then answered, "Am I really, Neptune, to take this daring and unyielding message to Jove, or will you reconsider your answer?
Sensible people are open to argument, and you know that the Erinyes always range themselves on the side of the older person." Neptune answered, "Goddess Iris, your words have been spoken in season.
It is well when a messenger shows so much discretion.

Nevertheless it cuts me to the very heart that any one should rebuke so angrily another who is his own peer, and of like empire with himself.

Now, however, I will give way in spite of my displeasure; furthermore let me tell you, and I mean what I say--if contrary to the desire of myself, Minerva driver of the spoil, Juno, Mercury, and King Vulcan, Jove spares steep Ilius, and will not let the Achaeans have the great triumph of sacking it, let him understand that he will incur our implacable resentment." Neptune now left the field to go down under the sea, and sorely did the Achaeans miss him.

Then Jove said to Apollo, "Go, dear Phoebus, to Hector, for Neptune who holds the earth in his embrace has now gone down under the sea to avoid the severity of my displeasure.

Had he not done so those gods who are below with Saturn would have come to hear of the fight between us.