So pleaded Juno: the immortals all On this and that side murmured their assent, As new-born gales, that tell the coming squall, Caught in the woods, their mingled moanings vent.
Then thus began the Sire omnipotent, Who rules the universe, and as he rose, Hush'd was the hall; Earth shook; the firmament Was silent; whist was every wind that blows, And o'er the calm deep spread the stillness of repose.
XVI.

"Now hearken all, and to my words give heed.
Since naught avails this discord to allay, And peace is hopeless, let the war proceed.
Trojans, Rutulians--each alike this day Must carve his hopes and fortune as he may.
Fate, blindness, crooked counsels--whatso'er Holds Troy in leaguer, equally I weigh The chance of all, nor would Rutulians spare.
For each must toil and try, till Fate the doom declare." XVII.

He spake, and straightway, to confirm his word, Invoked his brother, and the Stygian flood, The pitchy whirlpool, and the banks abhorr'd, Then bent his brow, and with his awful nod Made all Olympus tremble at the god.
So ceased the council.

From his throne of state, All golden, he arose, and slowly trod The courts of Heaven.

The powers celestial wait Around their sovereign Lord, and lead him to the gate.
XVIII.