I will sing of stately Aphrodite, gold-crowned and beautiful, whose
dominion is the walled cities of all sea-set Cyprus. There the moist
breath of the western wind wafted her over the waves of the loud-moaning
sea in soft foam, and there the gold-filleted Hours welcomed her joyously.
They clothed her with heavenly garments: on her head they put a fine,
well-wrought crown of gold, and in her pierced ears they hung ornaments
of orichalc and precious gold, and adorned her with golden necklaces
over her soft neck and snow-white breasts, jewels which the gold-filleted
Hours wear themselves whenever they go to their father's house to join
the lovely dances of the gods. And when they had fully decked her, they
brought her to the gods, who welcomed her when they saw her, giving her
their hands. Each one of them prayed that he might lead her home to be
his wedded wife, so greatly were they amazed at the beauty of
violet-crowned Cytherea.
Hail, sweetly-winning, coy-eyed goddess! Grant that I may gain the
victory in this contest, and order you my song. And now I will remember
you and another song also.
-Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite
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