judge this matter, and give the apple to the one whom you may deem most
beautiful.'

"Then Hera began her plea at once: 'I know that I am fairest,' she
said, 'for I am queen, and mine it is to rule among gods and men. Give
me the prize, and you shall have wealth, and a kingdom, and great
glory; and men in aftertimes shall sing your praises.'

"And Paris was half tempted to give the apple, without further ado, to
Hera, the proud queen. But gray-eyed Athena spoke: 'There is that,
fair youth, which is better than riches or honor or great glory.
Listen to me, and I will give thee wisdom and a pure heart; and thy
life shall be crowned with peace, and sweetened with love, and made
strong by knowledge. And though men may not sing of thee in
after-times, thou shall find lasting happiness in the answer of a good
conscience towards all things."

"Then Oenone whispered from her place among the leaves, 'Give the prize
to Athena; she is the fairest.' And Paris would have placed the golden
apple in her hand, had not Aphrodite stepped quickly forward, and in
the sweetest, merriest tones, addressed him.

"'You may look at my face, and judge for yourself as to whether I am
fair,' said she laughing, and tossing her curls. 'All I shall say is
this: Give me the prize, and you shall have for your wife the most
beautiful woman in the world.'

"The heart of Oenone stood still as Paris placed the apple in
Aphrodite's hand; and a nameless dread came over her, as if the earth
were sinking beneath her feet. But the next moment the blood came back