_Book XIX._ Aurora has barely risen from the bosom of the sea, when
Thetis enters her son's tent, bearing these wonderful weapons. Finding
him still weeping over his friend's remains, Thetis urges him to rouse
himself and fight. At the sight of the armor she brings, Achilles'
ardor is so kindled that he proclaims he will avenge his friend.
Pleased to think the Greeks will have the help of this champion,
Agamemnon humbly apologizes for the past, proffering gifts and a
feast, which latter Achilles refuses to attend as long as Patroclus is
unavenged. Before entering into battle, however, our hero implores his
divine steeds to do their best, only to be warned by one of them that,
although they will save him to-day, the time is fast coming when he
too will fall victim to the anger of the gods. Undaunted by this
prophecy, Achilles jumps into his chariot and sets out for the fray,
uttering his blood-curdling war-cry.

With unabated rage--"So let it be!
Portents and prodigies are lost on me.
I know my fate: to die, to see no more
My much-loved parents and my native shore--
Enough--when heaven ordains, I sink in night:
Now perish Troy!" He said, and rush'd to fight.

_Book XX._ The gods, assembled on Mount Olympus, are told by Jupiter
that, whereas he intends merely to witness the fight, they may all
take part in it, provided they remember Achilles is to reap the main
honors of the day. Hearing this, the gods dart off to side with Troy
and Greece, as their inclinations prompt, and thus take an active part
in the battle, for which Jupiter gives the signal by launching a
thunder-bolt. Not only do the gods fight against each other on this
day, but use all their efforts to second their favorites in every way.