The goddess Discordia, who alone was not called to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, was moved to anger. She then gave the immortal king of the gods a golden apple, on which the were inscribed the letters: "For the Fairest." To whom ought this apple be given? To Juno to Venus or to Minerva? Even Jupiter feared to make the decision! Therefore, the the three goddesses come to Paris, the son of the king of Troy.
"Oh dear youth", they said, "which of us, in your opinion, is the fairest? He will supply the great gift to the goddess which you choose." Which will Paris choose? To whom will the gift disturb in the mind of a judge? Juno was able to make him king, Minerva was able to make a leader. Venus, however, was able to give Helen, the fairest if all women.
Paris's love has been conquered, and he gave Venus the golden apple. And also (if certain is the fame of that deed) Helen was captured, and she was led into a new location, Troy. Which war was waged because of this woman?
2 comments:
what is this translated from?
the judgement of paris, a latin story from wheelocks latin book chap 19.
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