With which thou overcomest gods and men. I go to the far end of this green earth, To visit Ocean, father of the gods, And Mother Tethys, who, receiving me From Rhea, cherished me, and brought me up In their abodes, when Jove the Thunderer Cast Saturn down to lie beneath the earth And barren sea. I go to visit them, And end their hateful quarrel. For too long Have they been strangers to the marriage-bed. But if my words persuade them, and bring back Their hearts to their old love, my name will be Honored by them, and dear throughout all time.”
And laughter-loving Venus answered thus:— “What thou desirest should not be denied, And shall not, for thou sleepest in the arms Of Jupiter, the mightiest of the gods.”
She spake, and from her bosom drew the zone, Embroidered, many-colored, and instinct With every winning charm—with love, desire, Dalliance, and gentle speech—that stealthily O’ercomes the purpose of the wisest mind, And, placing it in Juno’s hands, she said:—