36 The original says, “the ox-eyed goddess,” which furnishes Coleridge
   with one of the hints on which he proceeds in historically
   identifying the Argive Juno with Io and Isis, &c.  There is real wit
   in Homer’s making her say to Jupiter, “I never search thy
   thoughts,” &c.  The principle of conservatism asks nothing of the
   intellectual power, but blindly contends, reposing upon the
   instinct of a common sense, which leads her always to surmise that
   something is intended by the intellectual power that she shall not
   like.—­E.P.P.

37.  This refers to an old fable of Jupiter’s hanging up Juno and
   whipping her.  Homer introduces it without reference to its meaning,
   which was undoubtedly some physical truth connected with the ether
   and the atmosphere.—­E.P.P.

38. [The reader, in order that he may partake with the gods in the
   drollery of this scene, should observe that the crippled and
   distorted Vulcan had thrust himself into an office at all other
   times administered either by Hebe or Ganymede.—­TR.]

39.  As Minerva or Wisdom was among the company, the poet’s making
   Vulcan act the part of peace-maker, would appear to have been from
   choice, knowing that a mirthful person may often stop a quarrel, by
   making himself the subject of merriment.

Footnotes for Book II: 
1.  The poem now becomes more exciting; the language more animated; the
   descriptions more lively and figurative.  Homer seems to kindle with
   his subject, and to press all the phenomena of nature into his
   service for the purpose of illustration and adornment.  Jupiter
   prepares to keep his promise of avenging Achilles, by drawing
   Agamemnon into a deceitful expectation of taking the city.  The
   forces are arranged for battle, which gives occasion for the
   celebrated catalogue.—­FELTON.

2.  The whole action of the Dream is natural.  It takes the figure of
   one much beloved by Agamemnon, as the object that is most in our
   thoughts when awake, is the one that oftenest appears to us in our
   dreams, and just at the instant of its vanishing, leaves so strong
   an impression, that the voice seems still sounding in his ear.

   The Dream also repeats the words of Jupiter without variation,
   which is considered as a great propriety in delivering a message
   from the father of gods and men.

3.  King of Pylus, an ancient city of Elis.

4. [Agamemnon seems to entertain some doubts lest the army should so
   resent his treatment of their favorite Achilles, as to be
   indisposed to serve him.—­TR.]

5. [Mercury.]

6. [Argus.]

7.  Homer, in a happy and poetical manner, acquaints us with the high
   descent of Agamemnon, and traces the origin of his power to the
   highest source, by saying, that the sceptre had descended to him
   from the hand of Jupiter.