sire obey'd--" She spake, and veil'd her head in sable shade, Which, flowing long, her graceful person clad; And forth she paced, majestically sad. Then through the world of waters they repair (The way fair Iris led) to upper air. The deeps dividing, o'er the coast they rise, And touch with momentary flight the skies. There in the lightning's blaze the sire they found, And all the gods in shining synod round. Thetis approach'd with anguish in her face, (Minerva rising, gave the mourner place,) Even Juno sought her sorrows to console, And offer'd from her hand the nectar-bowl: She tasted, and resign'd it: then began The sacred sire of gods and mortal man: "Thou comest, fair Thetis, but with grief o'ercast; Maternal sorrows; long, ah, long to last! Suffice, we know and we partake thy cares; But yield to fate, and hear what Jove declares Nine days are past since all the court above In Hector's cause have moved the ear of Jove; 'Twas voted, Hermes from his godlike foe By stealth should bear him, but we will'd not so: We will, thy son himself the corse restore, And to his conquest add this glory more. Then hie thee to him, and our mandate bear: Tell him he tempts the wrath of heaven too far; Nor let him more (our anger if he dread) Vent his mad vengeance on the sacred dead; But yield to ransom and the father's prayer; The mournful father, Iris shall prepare With gifts to sue; and offer to his hands Whate'er his honour asks, or heart demands." His word the silver-footed queen attends, And from Olympus' snowy tops descends. Arrived, she heard the voice of loud lament, And echoing groans that shook the lofty tent: His friends prepare the victim, and dispose Repast unheeded, while he vents his woes; The goddess seats her by her pensive son, She press'd his hand, and tender thus begun: "How long, unhappy! shall thy sorrows flow, And thy heart waste with life-consuming woe: Mindless of