The Cnidians worshipped her under the name of Venus Acraea, of Doris, and
of Euploca. In her temple of Euploca, at Cnidos, was the most admired of
her statues, being the most perfect piece of Praxiteles. It was formed of
white marble, and appeared so much like life, that, according to some
historians, a youth of the place secretly introduced himself into her
temple, to offer his vows of adoration before the lifeless image.
Hero, in pursuit of whom, Leander braved the Hellespont, and whose touching
story will be more minutely given hereafter, was one of the priestesses of
Venus, and it was in this occupation that Leander first saw and loved her:
a love which led to results so disastrous.
"Come hither, all sweet maidens, soberly,
Down looking, aye, and with a chastened light,
Hid in the fringes of your eye-lids white,
And meekly let your fair hands joined be,
As if so gentle that ye could not see
Untouched, a victim of your beauty bright,
Sinking away to his young spirit's night,
Sinking bewildered mid the dreary sea:
'Tis young Leander toiling to his death;
Nigh swooning, he doth purse his weary lips
For Hero's cheek, and smiles against her smile.
O horrid dream! see how his body dips,
Dead--heavy; arms and shoulders gleam awhile:
He's gone--up bubbles all his amorous breath."