[16]
APHRODITE
Do not fall in love, Paris, until you have requited me, your match-maker and maid of honour, with the decision. It would be only fitting that when I am there with you, I too should be triumphant, and that we should celebrate at the same time your marriage and my victory. It is in your power to buy everything—her love, her beauty, and her hand—at the price of this apple.PARIS
I am afraid you may dismiss me from your mind after the decision.APHRODITE
Do you want me to take an oath?PARIS
Not at all; but promise once again.APHRODITE
I do promise that I will give you Helen to wife, and that she shall follow you and come to your © people in Troy; and I myself will be there and help in arranging it all.PARIS
And shall you bring Love and Desire and the Graces?APHRODITE
Have no fear; I shall take with me Longing and Wedlock as well.PARIS
Then on these conditions I award you the apple: take it on these conditions.Dearum judicium. Lucian of Samosata. Austin Morris Harmon (Translator). United States. Perseus 5.0.
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