Ares and Aphrodite Freed

36Illustrious Hephaestus answered: “Do not lay,
Earthshaking Poseidon, this command on me,
Since little is the worth of pledges given
For worthless debtors. How could I demand
My right from you among the assembled gods,
If Ares, set free, escape from debt and chains?”

37Again the god who shakes the earth replied: —
“Hephaestus, though Ares deny the forfeit due,
And take to flight, it shall be paid by me.”

38Again illustrious Hephaestus said: “Your word
I ought not and I seek not to decline.”

39He spoke, and then the might of Hephaestus loosed
The net, and, freed from those strong fetters, both
The prisoners sprang away. Ares flew to Thrace,
And laughter-loving Aphrodite to the isle
Of Cyprus, where at Paphos stand her grove
And perfumed altar. Here the Graces gave
The bath, anointed with ambrosial oil
Her limbs —such oil as to the eternal gods
Lends a fresh beauty, and arrayed her last
In graceful robes, a marvel to behold.

40So sang the famous bard, while inly pleased
Odysseus heard, and pleased were all the rest,
Phaeacia’s sons, expert with oar and sail.