Hymn 5 to Aphrodite
Hugh G. Evelyn-White, Ed.

[75] But she herself came to the neat-built shelters, and him she found left quite alone in the homestead —the hero Anchises who was comely as the gods. All the others were following the herds over the grassy pastures, and he, left quite alone in the homestead, [80] was roaming hither and thither and playing thrillingly upon the lyre. And Aphrodite, the daughter of Zeus stood before him, being like a pure maiden in height and mien, that he should not be frightened when he took heed of her with his eyes. Now when Anchises saw her, he marked her well and wondered at [85] her mien and height and shining garments. For she was clad in a robe out-shining the brightness of fire, [89] a splendid robe of gold, enriched with all manner of needlework, which shimmered like the moon [90] over her tender breasts, a marvel to see. Also she wore twisted brooches and shining earrings in the form of flowers; [87] and round her soft throat were lovely necklaces. [88]

And Anchises was seized with love, and said to her: [91] “Hail, lady, whoever of the blessed ones you are that are come to this house, whether Artemis, or Leto, or golden Aphrodite, or high-born Themis, or bright-eyed Athena. [95] Or, maybe, you are one of the Graces come hither, who bear the gods company and are called immortal, or else one of the Nymphs who haunt the pleasant woods, or of those who inhabit this lovely mountain and the springs of rivers and grassy meads. [100] I will make you an altar upon a high peak in a far seen place, and will sacrifice rich offerings to you at all seasons. And do you feel kindly towards me and grant that I may become a man very eminent among the Trojans, and give me strong offspring for the time to come. As for my own self, [105] let me live long and happily, seeing the light of the sun, and come to the threshold of old age, a man prosperous among the people.”