Thus Thetis spoke; but Jove in silence held The sacred counsels of his breast conceal’d. Not so repulsed, the goddess closer press’d, Still grasp’d his knees, and urged the dear request. “O sire of gods and men! thy suppliant hear; Refuse, or grant; for what has Jove to fear? Or oh! declare, of all the powers above, Is wretched Thetis least the care of Jove?”