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the gods sat in council in the hall of Zeus; and fair Hebe poured out for them the nectar, and they pledged each other in cups of gold, looking down upon the city of Troy. Then spake Zeus, seeking to provoke Hera with taunting words:—

"Two helpers hath Menelaüs among the goddesses, even Hera and Athené. But now they sit still and take their pleasure, while Aphrodité walketh beside Paris, and delivereth him from instant death. Yet, seeing that Menelaüs hath prevailed, let us consider what shall next be done. Shall we stir up war again, or make peace between the hosts? If it please you to make peace, then let Menelaüs take Helen to his home again, and let Priam's city continue."

So he spake. But Hera and Athené sat wrathful side by side, meditating evil in their