Some there are who say that the fairest thing seen 

on the black earth is an array of horsemen;

some, men marching; some would say ships; but I say

          she whom one loves best



is the loveliest. Light were the work to make this 

plain to all, since she, who surpassed in beauty

all mortality, Helen, once forsaking

          her lordly husband,



fled away to Troy--land across the water. 

Not the thought of child nor beloved parents 

was remembered, after the Queen of Cyprus

          won her at first sight.



Since young brides have hearts that can be persuaded 

easily, light things, palpitant to passion

as am I, remembering Anaktória

          who has gone from me



and whose lovely walk and the shining pallor

of her face I would rather see before my 

eyes than Lydia's chariots in all their glory

          armored for battle.