Paphian Goddess

Thus the maiden transferred herself from the protection of one of the austere virgin goddesses, Artemis and Athena, to that of the gracious and seductive Paphian goddess; or the widow, who with the death of her husband had lost her means of subsistence, would renounce Hera, the goddess of wedded love, for the frivolous and light-minded Aphrodite.

Sobbing, he raised his pinions bright, And flew unto the isle of light, Where, in her beauty, myrtle-crowned, The Paphian goddess sat enthroned.

Would you worship the Paphian goddess, the groves of Cyprus are not more taciturn than those of the Temple.

That will be something gained, anyway, by the Paphian goddess, it will!

White-robed she waited day by day; alone   With the white temple's shrined concupiscence, The Paphian goddess on her obscene throne,   Binding all chastity to violence, All innocence to lust that feels no shame— Venus Mylitta born of filth and flame.