"Why," said he, "wielder of the lightning, have you called the gods in council?
Are you considering some matter that concerns the Trojans and Achaeans--for the blaze of battle is on the point of being kindled between them ?" And Jove answered, "You know my purpose, shaker of earth, and wherefore I have called you hither.

I take thought for them even in their destruction.

For my own part I shall stay here seated on Mt.

Olympus and look on in peace, but do you others go about among Trojans and Achaeans, and help either side as you may be severally disposed.

If Achilles fights the Trojans without hindrance they will make no stand against him; they have ever trembled at the sight of him, and now that he is roused to such fury about his comrade, he will override fate itself and storm their city." Thus spoke Jove and gave the word for war, whereon the gods took their several sides and went into battle.