Page:The Story of the Iliad.djvu/139

Rh But Zeus saw them from Ida, and said to Iris of the golden wings: "Go now, swift Iris, bid these two not come face to face with me, for our meeting would be ill for them. Verily I will hough their horses, and cast them from their chariot, and break the chariot in pieces. Not for ten years would they recover of their wounds should the lightning smite them."

So Iris hasted on her way, and gave the two goddesses the Father's message.

Then spake Hera to Athené: "No more do I counsel that we two should do battle with Zeus for the sake of mortal men. Let this one perish and that live, as it may befall, and Zeus dispense his judgments, as is meet and fit."

So they two went back to Olympus, and sat down in their chairs of gold, among the other gods, right heavy of heart.

Zeus also hastened from Ida to Olympus, and came into the assembly of the gods; but Hera and Athené sat apart, and spake not, and asked no question.

Then said Zeus: "Why are ye so cast down? Surely ye are not wearied with the war, with slaying the Trojans whom ye hate so sore. All