ATHENA May I address the mighty god whom Heaven reveres and who to my own sire is very nigh in blood, laying aside our former enmity?

POSEIDON Thou mayst; for o'er the soul the ties of kin exert no feeble spell, great queen Athena.

ATHENA For thy forgiving mood my thanks! Somewhat have I to impart affecting both thyself and me, O king.

POSEIDON Bringst thou fresh tidings from some god, from Zeus, or from some lesser power?

ATHENA From none of these; but on behalf of Troy, whose soil we tread, am I come to seek thy mighty aid, to make it one with mine.

POSEIDON What! hast thou laid thy former hate aside to take compassion on the town now that it is burnt to ashes?

ATHENA First go back to the former point; wilt thou make common cause with me in the scheme I purpose?

POSEIDON Ay