Lucian, Dialogi Deorum VIII.
In Lucian's "Dialogues of the Gods" we find the following scene which gives an amusing account of the story in the words of Hephæstus and Zeus.
Hephæstus.—"What must I do, O Zeus? For I have come with my ax, the sharpest one, if it should be necessary to cleave stones at one blow."
Zeus.—"That is good, O Hephæstus, but bring it down and cleave my head in twain."
Heph.—"Are you trying me or are you insane? Tell me truly what you wish of me."
Zeus.—"This very thing, to cleave my head. If you disobey, not now for the first time will you make trial of my anger. You must strike with your whole heart and not delay for I am tortured by the pains which confuse my brain."
Heph.—"See to it, O Zeus, lest we do some harm, for the ax is sharp and not without bloodshed."
Zeus.—"Only strike quickly, Hephæstus, for I know the consequences."
Heph.—"I am unwilling, but still I shall strike, for what must I do when you bid? What is this? A maiden clad in armor! A great evil, O Zeus, did you have in your head! Naturally were you quick to anger, keeping such a maiden beneath the covering of your brain and armed too. I suppose it has escaped our notice that you had a camp and not a head. She leaps and dances, shakes her shield, brandishes her spear, and is in an ecstasy. And the greatest marvel, she is fair and vigorous—already in this short time. Quick-glancing eyes has she, and a helmet, too, adorns her. Therefore, oh Zeus, as my wages, promise her to me."
Zeus.—"You ask what is impossible, Hephæstus, for a maiden always it is her wish to remain. I, as far as I am concerned, do not gainsay it."