The Modern VenusThe golden apple Paris gaveTo the most beautiful,To the fairest Aphrodite fell,Although she had no pull.She did not need to plead her cause,Nor canvass, sue or beg;She did not run her rivals down,Nor pull her best friend’s leg.She stood in beauteous youthfulness,Incarnate rose of love;When Paris held the apple forthShe did not scrouge or shove.Alas! our modern VenusesFar different methods useTo gain the palm of lovelinessWhenever one we choose.Towns, churches and societiesNow offer prizes rareTo one among the pretty girlsWho is adjudged most fair.Our modern Venus hustles forthAnd campaigns all the town,And begs men to buy votes for her;Smith, Johnson, Jones and Brown.’Twas not thus Venus Victrix gainedThe gift of Priam’s son.By beauty, not by begging, wasThe golden apple won.(Houston Daily Post, Sunday morning, May 3, 1896.)
The golden apple Paris gaveTo the most beautiful,To the fairest Aphrodite fell,Although she had no pull.
She did not need to plead her cause,Nor canvass, sue or beg;She did not run her rivals down,Nor pull her best friend’s leg.
She stood in beauteous youthfulness,Incarnate rose of love;When Paris held the apple forthShe did not scrouge or shove.
Alas! our modern VenusesFar different methods useTo gain the palm of lovelinessWhenever one we choose.
Towns, churches and societiesNow offer prizes rareTo one among the pretty girlsWho is adjudged most fair.
Our modern Venus hustles forthAnd campaigns all the town,And begs men to buy votes for her;Smith, Johnson, Jones and Brown.
’Twas not thus Venus Victrix gainedThe gift of Priam’s son.By beauty, not by begging, wasThe golden apple won.
(Houston Daily Post, Sunday morning, May 3, 1896.)