The Judgement of the Goddesses (14)

APHRODITE In the first place, she is the daughter of that lovely Leda to whom Zeus flew down in the form of a swan.

PARIS What is her appearance?

APHRODITE She is white, as is natural in the daughter of a swan, and delicate, since she was nurtured in an eggshell, much given to exercise and athletics, and so very much sought for that a war actually broke out over her because Theseus carried her off while she was still a young girl. Moreover, when she came to maturity, all the noblest of the Achaeans assembled to woo her, and Menelaus, of the line of Pelops, was given the preferenee. If you like, I will arrange the marriage for you.

PARIS What do you mean? With a married woman?

APHRODITE You are young and countrified, but I know how such things are to be managed.

PARIS How? I too want to know.