Troy, where Iris has flown to warn the Trojans of their approach.

As on some mountain, through the lofty grove
The crackling flames ascend and blaze above;
The fires expanding, as the winds arise,
Shoot their long beams and kindle half the skies:
So from the polish'd arms and brazen shields
A gleamy splendor flash'd along the fields.

It is in the form of one of Priam's sons that this divinity enters the
palace, where, as soon as Hector hears the news, he musters his
warriors, most conspicuous among whom are his brother Paris, and
Aeneas, son of Venus and Anchises.

_Book III._ Both armies now advance toward each other, the Trojans
uttering shrill cries like migratory cranes, while the Greeks maintain
an impressive silence. When near enough to recognize his wife's
seducer, Menelaus rushes forward to attack Paris, who, terrified,
takes refuge in the ranks of the Trojan host. So cowardly a retreat,
however, causes Hector to express the bitter wish that his brother had
died before bringing disgrace upon Troy. Although conscious of
deserving reproof, Paris, after reminding his brother all men are not
constituted alike, offers to redeem his honor by fighting Menelaus,
provided Helen and her treasures are awarded to the victor. This
proposal proves so welcome, that Hector checks the advance of his men
and proposes this duel to the Greeks, who accept his terms, provided
Priam will swear in person to the treaty.

Meanwhile Iris, in guise of a princess, has entered the Trojan palace
and bidden Helen hasten to the ramparts to see the two armies--instead