s. Thus passed the days
away in a swift dream of joy, for Oenone thought not of the change
that was coming.

There was feasting and mirth among the gods and men, for the brave
Peleus had won Thetis, the maiden of the sea, for his bride; and she
rose from the depths of her coral caves to go to his home in Phthia.
The banquet was spread in his ancient hall, and the goblets sparkled
with the dark wine, for all the gods had come down from Olympus to
share the feast in the house of Peleus. Only Eris was not bidden, for
she was the child of War and Hatred, and they feared to see her face
in the hours of laughter and mirth; but her evil heart rested not till
she found a way to avenge herself for the wrong which they had done to
her.

The gods were listening to the song of Phoebus Apollo as he made sweet
music on the strings of his harp, when a golden apple was cast upon
the table before them. They knew not whence it came, only they saw
that it was to be a gift for the fairest in that great throng, for so
was it written on the apple. Then the joy of the feast was gone, and
the music of the song ceased, for there was a strife which should have
the golden prize; and Here, the Queen, said, "The gods themselves do
obeisance to me when I enter the halls of Olympus, and men sing of the
glory of my majesty; therefore must the gift be mine." But Athene
answered, and said, "Knowledge and goodness are better things than
power; mine is the worthier title." Then the fair Aphrodite lifted her
white arm, and a smile of triumph passed over her face as she said, "I
am the child of love and beauty, and the stars danced in the heaven
for joy as I sprang from the sea foam; I dread not the contest, for to
me alone must the golden gift be given."

So the strife waxed hot in the banquet hall, till Zeus spake with a
loud voice, and said, "It needs not to strive now. Amid the pine
forest of Ida dwells Paris, the fairest of the sons of men; let him
be judge, and the apple shall be hers to whom he shall give it." Then
Hermes rose and led them quickly over land and sea, to go to the rough
hillside where Paris wooed and won Oenone.

Presently the messenger of Zeus stood before Paris, and said, "Fairest
of the sons of men, there is strife among the undying gods, for Here
and Aphrodite and Athene seek each to have the golden apple which must
be given to her who is most fair. Judge thou, therefore, between them
when they come, and give peace again to th