The goddess descended from the shining heights of Olympus into the depths of the sea, while Jupiter arose and went to his palace. When the gods saw him coming they all left their places and went respectfully to meet him. He approached the throne and seated himself. But his jealous consort had noticed Thetis and began straightway to pick a quarrel with him. “Yes, I saw the silver-footed Thetis at thy knee, saw thy nod, and saw her depart content. Doubtless thou art about to honor Achilles once more, castigate the Achaians, and protect the insolent Trojans.” “Thou art continually spying upon me,” answered the ruler. “But it shall do thee no good—I do as I please. Therefore sit still and be silent, for shouldst thou arouse my anger, all the immortals together could not save thee from my powerful hands.” Thus spake the Thunderer, and Juno was frightened. All the gods were sorry for her, especially Hephæstus, the artist god of fire; for she was his mother, and he had already learned that Jove’s threats often received terrible fulfilment. He began in his mother’s behalf: “It is intolerable that thou shouldst quarrel over mortals. I admonish thee, mother, to bear thyself acceptably, that our father may be content and our feast be undisturbed.” He took his goblet, and handing it to his mother, said: “Be patient, dear mother, even though grieved at heart, that I may not have to look upon thy punishment. Once before when he struck thee and I attempted to restrain him, he took me by the heel and cast me down into the air, so that I fell for a whole day before I struck the earth, and I have limped ever since.” The mother smiled and took the cup, and Hephæstus filled the goblets of the other gods. Then Apollo with his muses broke forth in sweet song, and thus the day passed among the immortals in blissful contentment. When Helios had put out his flaming torch, each went to his dwelling to rest. Jove was the only one whom sleep fled. He meditated anxiously how he might favor Achilles by defeating the Greeks. He sent a deceptive dream to Agamemnon, telling him to prepare for battle and that it would be easy for him to conquer the city. As soon as he awoke, Agamemnon told the other princes of his dream. The assembly was called together. Agamemnon was uncertain whether he dared call upon the discontented army, and wishing first to feel his way, he began to talk of their return. “Here we have lain for ten years,” he said. “The ships are rotting, the anchor ropes are mouldering, and we have as yet accomplished nothing. Indeed the gods seem to be against us. Therefore my advice is that we quickly put to sea and sail for home before the Trojans do us a greater mischief. You all must see that we cannot take the city.”