Hera came to Gargaros, and Zeus saw her. Desire wrapped his mind as strongly as when they first lay together in secret from their parents. He asked why she had come from Olympus without horses and chariot. Hera repeated her story about Ocean and Tethys and said she had come to tell him before going on.
Zeus told her that journey could wait; he wanted to lie with her now. Never had such desire overcome him, not for the wife of Ixion, or Danae, or Europa, or Semele, or Alkmene, or Demeter, or Leto, or even Hera herself as now. Hera pretended shame and asked how they could lie openly on Ida where any god might see them.
Zeus promised to cover them with a golden cloud so thick even Helios could not see through it. He took his wife in his arms, and beneath them the divine earth made fresh grass, dewy clover, crocus, and hyacinth grow soft and thick. A beautiful golden cloud covered them, and shining drops fell from it. There Zeus slept, conquered by love and sleep, holding Hera in his arms.
Sleep ran to the ships and told Poseidon that Zeus was sleeping on Ida, overcome beside Hera. Now was the time to help the Danaans. Poseidon rejoiced, strode along the front, and shouted to the Argives: would they again give Hector victory and let him take the ships? He urged them to choose the best shields and helmets and go in close formation while he led.
The wounded kings moved through the ranks and arranged the men. The best fighters exchanged gear with weaker men where needed, so the bold stood in the front in fine armor and the fainthearted behind them. When all were ordered, Poseidon went first, holding a terrible sword like lightning, and no mortal could stand against him.
Hector on the Trojan side drew up his men. Poseidon and Hector tightened the harshest fight, one helping Argives, the other Trojans. The sea roared up to the ships and shelters, and the armies crashed together with a cry louder than surf, fire, wind in oaks, or mountain storm.