Honour deny not to him whom I bore to mortality fore-doom'd Earliest far of mankind; for the Sov'reign of men, Agamemnon, Basely dishonours my son, and has seiz'd and possesses his guerdon. Lift him to honour thyself, O Zeus, All-wise of Olympus! Strengthen the hand of the Trojans for victory, till the Achaians Honour the worth of my son, and exalt him with worshipful increase." So did she speak: nor to her did the high Cloud-gatherer answer. Long in his silence he sat; but as first by his knees she had held him, So did she earnestly cling, and repeated anew her petition:-- "Grant me the pledge of thy word, and confirm with the nod of acceptance, Else let refusal be spoken, (for fear cannot dwell with the Highest,)-- Give me to know of a truth that with thee I am last of the Godheads." Vex'd was the spirit of Zeus, as at last he made answer to Thetis:-- "Plagueful indeed is the hour which to strife and contention with Hera Sees me committed by thee, and her words of reproach are a torment; Ever, when cause there is none, she upbraids me before the Immortals, Saying I favour the Trojans, and succour the press of their battle. Quickly depart from me now, lest thy coming be noted of Hera; Go, and the care be with me henceforth till it all is accomplish'd. See now, here will I nod with my head, to complete thy reliance,-- Since in the circle of Gods Everlasting, whenever I yield it, This is the mightiest sign; for a clear irrepealable purpose Waits an accomplishment sure, when the nod of my head is the token." So did he speak, and, at pausing, he sign'd with his shadowy eyebrows, And the ambrosial curls from the Head Everlasting were shaken, And at the nod of the King deep-trembled the lofty Olympus. They from their communing parted; and she, on the instant descending, Plung'd to the depth of the sea from the height of resplendent Olympus. Zeus to his mansion return'd; and the company all of the Godheads Rose at their Father's approach from their seats, nor did any adventure Sitting his aspect to meet, but they all stood up at his coming. Thus on his throne did he seat him; but not unobservant had Hera Been, while in secret he spake with the child of the Ancient of Ocean; Now with the words of reproach she was ready, and turn'd to Kronion:-- "Crafty and close! what God has been with thee in privacy plotting? Ever it pleases thee well to be working apart and in darkness, Willingly never to me has a word of thy counsel been open'd." Instantly thus by the Father of Gods and of Men was she answer'd:-- "Hera, indulge not the hope to be partner in each of my counsels; Wife as thou art, there are some it can never be thine to discover. That which is fit for thine ear of the things I have settled in purpose, None or of Gods or of Men shall in that be partaker before thee; But whensoever my will is apart from the Gods to determine,