The Abduction of Helen

Ovid: Heroides
From the Letter of Helen to Paris

You claim to act out the promise of Venus,
that somewhere in the wilds of Ida
three goddesses appeared naked before you:
that the first offered a kingly throne,
the second material triumphs, and the third said,
'Tyndareus' daughter will be your bride!'
It is quite hard to believe that heaven's own
would submit their beauty to your eyes,
but if true, then for sure the rest of your tale
is a made-up thing, when I am said
to be the reward given you for your choice.
I do not consider my beauty
so great that I should ever be the finest
gift a grateful goddess could bestow.
I am content with knowing that my beauty
is well thought of in the eyes of men;
if my beauty were to be praised by Venus
I fear it would occasion envy.
But I will make no denial, I am pleased
to hear the compliments you convey.
Why should these words that I write to you deny
what is desired by my mind and heart?
Be not hurt that I am slow to believe you,
faith should lag in things so important.
I am pleased if my beauty has been noticed
by Venus and pleased too that you thought
me the greatest prize and also that you placed
first neither the honours of Juno
nor those of Pallas after you had been told
about the great beauty of Helen.
I am courage then, I am a famous throne.
If I did not love a heart like yours,
I would be made of iron; but iron I am not,
believe me, though I resist loving
one I have decided can hardly be mine.