I will sing of stately Aphrodite, gold-crowned and beautiful,
There the moist breath of the western wind
wafted her over the waves of the loud-moaning sea in soft foam,
and there the gold-filleted Hours welcomed her joyously.
They clothed her with heavenly garments:
on her head they put a fine, well-wrought crown of gold,
and in her pierced ears they hung ornaments of orichalc and precious gold,
and adorned her with golden necklaces over her soft neck and snow-white breasts,
jewels which the gold-filleted Hours wear themselves
whenever they go to their father's house to join the lovely dances of the gods.
And when they had fully decked her, they brought her to the gods,
who welcomed her when they saw her, giving her their hands.
Each one of them prayed that he might lead her home to be his wedded wife,
so greatly were they amazed at the beauty of violet-crowned Cytherea.
Hail, sweetly-winning, coy-eyed goddess!
Grant that I may gain the victory in this contest, and order you my song.
And now I will remember you and another song also.
Hesiod (c. 8th century BC) Ancient Greece
This is attributed to Hesiod but there is no absolute proof of authorship
Translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White
Source: Hesiod. The Homeric Hymns and Homerica, Online Medieval and Classical Library Release #8
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