Dialogi deorum
Lucian of Samosata
The Works of Lucian of Samosata, complete, with exceptions specified in thepreface, Vol. 1. Fowler, H. W. and Fowlere, F.G., translators. Oxford at the Clarendon Press, 1905.
Aphrodite Wait. Do not fall in love yet. You have first to secure my interest with the bride, by your award. The union must be graced with my victorious presence: your marriagefeast shall be my feast of victory. Love, beauty, wedlock; all these you may purchase at the price of yonder apple.
Paris But perhaps after the award you will forget all about me?
Aphrodite Shall I swear?
Paris No; but promise once more.
Aphrodite I promise that you shall have Helen to wife; that she shall follow you, and make Troy her home; and I will be present with you, and help you in all.
Paris And bring Love, and Desire, and the Graces?
Aphrodite Assuredly; and Passion and Hymen as well.
Paris Take the apple: it is yours.
Ares Did you hear Zeus’s threat, Hermes? most complimentary, wasn’t it, and most practicable? ‘If I choose,’ says he ‘I could let down a cord from Heaven, and all of you might hang on to it and do your very best to pull me down; it would be waste labour; you would never move me. On the other