Page:The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice (Buckley 1853).djvu/423

1—28.

to me, O Muse, the deeds of golden Cyprian Venus, who both has excited sweet love among the gods, and has subdued the tribes of mortal men, and the heaven-descended birds, and all beasts, as many indeed as the mainland, and as many as the sea cherish in great numbers. But to all of them the occupations of elegantly-crowned Cytherea are a care. But three minds she is unable to persuade or deceive, [namely] the daughter of Ægis-bearing Jove, dark-eyed Minerva; for her the occupations of golden Venus delight not, but wars and the deeds of Mars please her, and conflicts, and battles, and to practise renowned deeds. He first taught mortal workmen to make waggons and various chariots in brass, and she taught soft-fleshed virgins splendid works in their dwellings, setting them in the mind of each. Nor does smile-loving Venus overcome in dalliance resounding Artemis of the golden distaff. For to her the bow is pleasant, and to slay beasts o'er mountains, and lyres, and choirs, and piercing shouts, and shadowy woods, and a city of just men. Nor indeed do the occupations of Venus please the hallowed virgin, Vesta, to whom first wily Saturn gave birth, and last again,