I beheld you once, oh deceitful goddess, blessed passion’s blight
You were dancing, splendid Ishtar, whose wiles no man may evade
Who’s burning eyes, those entrancing pools of gold, can set men’s souls alight
At who’s dainty feet, to her uncouth delight, the blacken corpse is laid

And I, being no mighty atlas, was swayed by your intoxicating dance
I was caught and bound, to one whose beguiling eyes to me were as a snare
And though it was she, my mortal love, not you, who held me in a trance
I was you, oh Aphrodite, with your amorous charms, that lead me there!

Surely, you foul siren, whose voice does strand the sailor out at sea
Do not as well bring love and solace to some unhappy soul?
Tell me, who brings true love, Aphrodite?
Or are you two as faces on a coin, disparate yet together whole?