THE ARGUMENT

Paris, betwixt the hosts, to single fight,

Of all the Greeks, dares the most hardy knight.

King Menelaus doth accept his brave,

Conditioning that he again should have

Fair Helena, with all she brought to Troy,

If he subdu’d; else Paris should enjoy

Her, and her wealth, in peace. Conquest doth grant

Her dear wreath to the Grecian combatant;

But Venus to her champion’s life doth yield

Safe rescue, and conveys him from the field

Into his chamber, and for Helen sends,

Whom much her lover’s foul disgrace offends;

Yet Venus for him still makes good her charms,

And ends the second combat in his arms.

The Iliads of Homer Translated according to the Greek · 第 20 / 108 题