PARIS. (Vatican, Rome.)
In obedience to these instructions, Paris ruthlessly abandoned the fair and faithful Œnone, and, joining a band of youthful shepherds, went to Troy, under pretext of witnessing a solemn [!-- original location of Paris illustration --] festival. There he took part in the athletic games, distinguished himself, and attracted the attention of his sister Cassandra.
Paris’ return to Troy.
This princess was noted for her beauty, and it is said had even been wooed by Apollo, who, hoping to win her favor, bestowed upon her the gift of prophecy. For some reason the god’s suit had not prospered; and, as he could not take back the power conferred, he annulled it by making her hearers refuse to credit her words.
Cassandra immediately called her parents’ attention to the extraordinary likeness Paris bore to her other brothers; and then, breaking out into a prophetic strain, she foretold that he would bring destruction upon his native city. Priam and Hecuba, scorning her prophecy, joyfully received their long-lost son, lovingly compelled him to take up his abode in their palace, and promised to atone for their past neglect by granting his every wish.
Paris sails for Greece.
Still advised by Venus, Paris soon expressed a desire to sail for Greece, under the pretext of rescuing Hesione, his father’s sister, whom Hercules had carried off, after besieging Troy. He was promptly provided with several well-manned galleys, and soon after appeared at the court of Menelaus, King of Sparta, whose young wife, Helen, was the most beautiful woman of her time, if we are to believe the testimony of her contemporaries.
“Full threescore girls, in sportive flight we stray’d,
Like youths anointing, where along the glade
The baths of cool Eurotas limpid play’d.
But none, of all, with Helen might compare,
Nor one seem’d faultless of the fairest fair.
As morn, with vermeil visage, looks from high,
When solemn night has vanish’d suddenly;
When winter melts, and frees the frozen hours,
And spring’s green bough is gemm’d with silvery flowers:
So bloom’d the virgin Helen in our eyes,
With full voluptuous limbs, and towering size:
In shape, in height, in stately presence fair,
Straight as a furrow gliding from the share;
A cypress of the gardens, spiring high,
A courser in the cars of Thessaly.
So rose-complexion’d Helen charm’d the sight;
Our Sparta’s grace, our glory, and delight.”
Theocritus (Elton’s tr.).
Helen’s suitors.
A daughter of Jupiter and Leda (whom Jove had courted in the guise of a snow-white swan), Helen had many suitors who ardently strove to win her favor. The noblest, bravest, and best came to woo and hoped to win; but all were left in suspense, as the maiden did not show any preference, and refused to make known her choice.