The Story of Troy | Page 8

cast upon the board, When all the full-faced presence of the
gods Ranged in the halls of Peleus; whereupon Rose feud, with
question unto whom 'twere due."
TENNYSON, Å’none.
At once all the goddesses began to claim the glittering prize of beauty.
Each contended that she was the "fairest," and therefore should have
the
"fruit of pure Hesperian gold That smelt ambrosially."
But soon the only competitors were Juno, Venus, and Minerva, the
other goddesses having withdrawn their claims. The contest then
became more bitter, and at last Jupiter was called upon to act as judge
in the dispute. This delicate task the king of heaven declined to
undertake. He knew that whatever way he might decide, he would be
sure to offend two of the three goddesses, and thereby destroy the peace
of his own household. It was necessary, however, that an umpire should
be chosen to put an end to the strife, and doubtless it was the decree of
the Fates that the lot should fall on the handsome young shepherd of
Mount Ida. His wisdom and prudence were well known to the gods,
and all seemed to agree that he was a fit person to decide so great a
contest.

Paris was therefore appointed umpire. By Jupiter's command the golden
apple was sent to him, to be given to that one of the three goddesses
whom he should judge to be the most beautiful. The goddesses
themselves were directed to appear before him on Mount Ida, so that,
beholding their charms, he might be able to give a just decision. The
English poet, Tennyson, in his poem "Å’none," gives a fine description
of the three contending deities standing in the presence of the Trojan
prince, each in her turn trying, by promise of great reward, to persuade
him to declare in her favor. Juno spoke first, and she offered to bestow
kingly power and immense wealth upon Paris, if he would award the
prize to her.
"She to Paris made Proffer of royal power, ample rule
Unquestion'd. . . . . . . . 'Honor,' she said, 'and homage, tax and toll,
From many an inland town and haven large.'"
Minerva next addressed the judge, and she promised him great wisdom
and knowledge, as well as success in war, if he would give the apple to
her.
Then Venus approached the young prince, who all the while held the
golden prize in his hand. She had but few words to say, for she was
confident in the power of her beauty and the tempting bribe she was
about to offer.
"She with a subtle smile in her mild eyes, The herald of her triumph,
drawing nigh Half-whisper'd in his ear, 'I promise thee The fairest and
most loving wife in Greece.' She spoke and laugh'd."
The subtle smile and the whispered promise won the heart of Paris.
Forgetful of Å’none, and disregarding the promises of the other
goddesses, he awarded the prize to Venus.
He consign'd To her soft hand the fruit of burnished rind; And
foam-born Venus grasp'd the graceful meed, Of war, of evil war, the
quickening seed.
COLUTHUS (Elton's tr.).

Such was the famous judgment of Paris. It was perhaps a just decision,
for it may be supposed that Venus, being the goddess of beauty, was
really the most beautiful of the three. But the story does not give us a
very high idea of the character of Paris, who now no longer took
pleasure in the company of Å’none. All his thoughts and affections
were turned away from her by the promise of Venus. He had grown
weary, too, of his simple and innocent life among his flocks and herds
on the mountain. He therefore wished much for some adventure that
would take him away from scenes which had become distasteful to
him.
[Illustration: PARIS.
Vatican, Rome.]
The opportunity soon came. A member of King Priam's family having
died, it was announced that the funeral would be celebrated by athletic
games, as was the custom in ancient times. Paris resolved to go down
to the city and take part in these games. Prizes were to be offered for
competition, and one of the prizes was to be the finest bull that could
be picked from the herds on Mount Ida. Now it happened that the bull
selected belonged to Paris himself, but it could not be taken without his
consent. He was willing, however, to give it for the games on condition
that he should be permitted to enter the list of competitors.
The condition was agreed to, and so the shepherd prince parted from
Å’none and went to the funeral games at Troy. He intended, perhaps, to
return sometime, but it was many years before he saw the fair nymph of
Mount Ida again,--not