Beautiful Eros, ever-young, ever-fair,
your eyes, so dark, so ancient, pierce the soul
as your golden darts pierce the heart. Light-hearted god,
teacher of harsh lessons, giver of precious gifts,
through you do we find our best selves, through you do we show
our worst faces; if ever we are good and decent,
if ever we are greedy and cruel, it will be
for the sake of love and desire. In your realm,
sharp-shafted Eros, do we show ourselves true.
Before you, O Eros, we are all weak, and all strong.