Dialogi deorum

Aphrodite Well, she is the daughter of Leda, the beautiful woman, you know, whom Zeus visited in the disguise of a swan.

Paris And what is she like?

Aphrodite She is fair, as might be expected from the swan, soft as down (she was hatched from an egg, you know), and such a lithe, graceful figure; and only think, she is so much admired, that there was a war because Theseus ran away with her; and she was a mere child then. And when she grew up, the very first men in Greece were suitors for her hand, and she was given to Menelaus, who is descended from Pelops.—Now, if you like, she shall be your wife.

Paris What, when she is married already?

Aphrodite Tut, child, you are a simpleton: I understand these things.

Paris I should like to understand them too,

Aphrodite

You will set out for Greece on a tour of inspection: and when you get to Sparta, Helen will see you; and for the rest—her falling in love, and going back with you—that will be my affair.

Paris But that is what I cannot believe,—that she will forsake her husband to cross the seas with a stranger, a barbarian.

Aphrodite Trust me for that. I have two beautiful children,

Paris How this will end, I know not. All I do know is, that I am in love with Helen already. I see her before me—I sail for Greece—I am in Sparta—I am on my homeward journey, with her at my side! Ah, why is none of it true?