lofty a height, the indignation of my heart would not be so violent.
I, the daughter of the Thunderer, mother of the love-inspiring god; I,
the sweetest yearning of heaven and earth, who received birth only to
charm; I, who have seen everything that hath breath utter so many vows
at my shrines, and by immortal rights have held the sovereign sway of
beauty in all ages; I, whose eyes have forced two mighty gods to yield
me the prize of beauty--I see my rights and my victory disputed by a
wretched mortal. Shall the ridiculous excess of foolish obstinacy go
so far as to oppose to me a little girl? Shall I constantly hear a
rash verdict on the beauty of her features and of mine, and from the
loftiest heaven where I shine shall I hear it said to the prejudiced
world, "She is fairer than Venus"?

AEGI. This is the way with mortals, this is the style of mankind; they
are impertinent in their comparisons.

PHA. In the century in which we live, they cannot praise without
insulting great names.

VEN. Ah! how well does the insolent rigour of these words avenge Juno
and Pallas, and comfort their hearts for the dazzling glory which the
famous apple has won me. I see them rejoicing at my sorrow, assuming
every moment a cruel smile, and with fixed gaze carefully seeking the
confusion that lurks in my eyes. Their triumphant joy, when this
affront is keenest felt, seems to tell me, "Boast, Venus, boast, the
charms of thy features; by the verdict of one man was the victory made
over us, but by the judgment of all, a mere mortal snatches it from
you." Ah! that blow is the direst; it pierces my heart, I cannot bear
its unequalled severity; the pleasure of my rivals is too great an
addition to my poignant grief. My son, if ever my feelings had any