Book 20
15
Trust me for that. I have two beautiful children, Love and Desire. They shall be your guides. Love will assail her in all his might, and compel her to love you: Desire will encompass you about, and make you desirable and lovely as himself; and I will be there to help. I can get the Graces to come too, and between us we shall prevail.
15
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?
16
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.
16
But perhaps after the award you will forget all about me?
16
Shall I swear?
16
No; but promise once more.
16
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.
16
And bring Love, and Desire, and the Graces?
16
Assuredly; and Passion and Hymen as well.
16
Take the apple: it is yours.
