[The Iliad by Homer]@TWC D-Link book
The Iliad

BOOK VIII
2/22

Try me and find out for yourselves.
Hangs me a golden chain from heaven, and lay hold of it all of you, gods and goddesses together--tug as you will, you will not drag Jove the supreme counsellor from heaven to earth; but were I to pull at it myself I should draw you up with earth and sea into the bargain, then would I bind the chain about some pinnacle of Olympus and leave you all dangling in the mid firmament.

So far am I above all others either of gods or men." They were frightened and all of them of held their peace, for he had spoken masterfully; but at last Minerva answered, "Father, son of Saturn, king of kings, we all know that your might is not to be gainsaid, but we are also sorry for the Danaan warriors, who are perishing and coming to a bad end.

We will, however, since you so bid us, refrain from actual fighting, but we will make serviceable suggestions to the Argives that they may not all of them perish in your displeasure." Jove smiled at her and answered, "Take heart, my child, Trito-born; I am not really in earnest, and I wish to be kind to you." With this he yoked his fleet horses, with hoofs of bronze and manes of glittering gold.

He girded himself also with gold about the body, seized his gold whip and took his seat in his chariot.

Thereon he lashed his horses and they flew forward nothing loth midway twixt earth and starry heaven.


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