Book 20
8
But here, where all are beautiful alike, I know not how a man may leave looking at one, to look upon another. Where my eyes fall, there they fasten,—for there is beauty: I move them, and whaf do I find? more loveliness! I am fixed again, yet distracted by neighbouring charms, I bathe in beauty: I am enthralled: ah, why am I not all eyes like Argus? Methinks it were a fair award, to give the apple to all three. Then again: one is the wife and sister of Zeus; the others are his daughters. Take it where you will, ’tis a hard matter to judge.
8
So it is, Paris. At the same time—Zeus’s orders! There is no way out of it.
9
Well, please point out to them, Hermes, that the losers must not be angry with me; the fault will be in my eyes only.
9
That is quite understood. And now to work.
9
I must do what I can; there is no help for it. But first let me ask,—am I just to look at them as they are, or must I go into the matter thoroughly?
9
That is for you to decide, in virtue of your office. You have only to give your orders; it is as you think best.
9
As I think best? Then I will be thorough.
9
Get ready, ladies. Now, Mr. Umpire.—I will look the other way.
10
I approve your decision, Paris. I will be the first to submit myself to your inspection. You shall see that I have more to boast of than white arms and large eyes: nought of me but is beautiful.
10
Aphrodite, will you also prepare?
10
Oh, Paris,—make her take off that girdle, first; there is magic in it; she will bewitch you. For that matter, she has no right to come thus tricked out and painted,—just like a courtesan! She ought to show herself unadorned.
10
They are right about the girdle, madam; it must go.
10
Oh, very well, Athene: then take off that helmet, and show your head bare, instead of trying to intimidate the judge with that waving plume. I suppose you are afraid the colour of your eyes may be noticed, without their formidable surroundings.
10
Oh, here is my helmet.
10
And here is my girdle,
10
Now then.
