9–11
Hermes
Get ready, ladies. Now, Mr. Umpire.—I will look the other way.
Hera
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.
Paris
Aphrodite, will you also prepare?
Athene
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.
Paris
They are right about the girdle, madam; it must go.
Aphrodite
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.
5
Athene
Oh, here is my helmet.
Aphrodite
And here is my girdle,
Paris
God of wonders! What loveliness is here! Oh, rapture! How exquisite these maiden charms! How dazzling the majesty of Heaven’s true queen! And oh, how sweet, how enthralling is Aphrodite’s smile! 'Tis too much, too much of happiness.—But perhaps it would be well for me to view each in detail; for as yet I doubt, and know not where to look; my eyes are drawn all ways at once.
Aphrodite
Yes, that will be best.
Paris
Withdraw then, you and Athene; and let Hera remain,
