ChorusLove, the unconquered in battle, Love, you who descend
upon riches, and watch the night through on a girl’s soft cheek, you roam over
the sea and among the homes of men in the wilds. Neither can any
immortal escape you, nor any man
whose life lasts for a day. He who has known you is driven to
madness.
ChorusYou seize the minds of just men
and drag them to injustice, to their ruin. You it is who have incited
this conflict of men whose flesh and blood are one. But victory belongs to radiant Desire swelling
from the eyes of the sweet-bedded bride. Desire sits enthroned in power
beside the mighty laws. For in all
this divine Aphrodite plays her irresistible game.