But the counsel of the baneful goddess Cypris was working out its accomplishment, who brought upon them soul destroying infatuation.

For they hated their lawful wives, and, yielding to their own mad folly, drove them from their homes; and they took to their beds the captives of their spear, cruel ones.

Long in truth we endured it, if haply again, though late, they might change their purpose, but ever the bitter woe grew, twofold.

And the lawful children were being dishonoured in their halls, and a bastard race was rising.

And thus unmarried maidens and widowed mothers too wandered uncared for through the city; no father heeded his daughter ever so little even though he should see her done to death before his eyes at the hands of an insolent step-dame, nor did sons, as before, defend their mother against unseemly outrage; nor did brothers care at heart for their sister.