A Tale Told by Atheneus (Venus Callipygus)

Two sisters of ancient Greece both laid claim To the finest, fairest rear of their time. Which tail forged ahead? Which bottom’s true fame Topped? Which back was in front, which terce most prime? A judge chose the elder girl’s back matter; Her finish was more fine and far matter. She got the prize, and his heart; soon they wed. “But the younger’s sitter’s not a smatter Less meet; I’ll marry her,” his brother said. It went so well, their joys were so perfected, That after them a temple was erected In honor of  Venus Callipygus. No other church — though I don’t know its rite — Could so, from head to epididymis, Move me with deep devotion to its site. Translated from the French of  Jean de La Fontaine, Contes , Part I, 6.