Now the crowd and the father (of Atalanta) called for the accustomed (running of the race), when the descendant of Neptune stirred me (Venus) with voice, Hippomenes called and said: ‘Cytherea, I pray you might give heed to my favorable endeavor and bestow fires which may help (me)”. The not envious breeze brought to me this flattering prayer: I (Venus) confess, I was moved, nor was there any long delay to give aid.

There is a field, natives call it by the name Tamasis, the best part of the Cyprian land, this field the elders of many years ago consecrated to me and decreed the land to be added as a gift for my sanctuary. In the middle of the field, a tree flourishes, with yellow-golden leaves, and with branches rustling with gold. I coming hence by chance, was bringing in my hand three golden apples having been plucked off (the tree) and with no one seeing except myself, I came to Hippomenes and I instructed (him) what the use of those (was).

The trumpets had given the signal (of the start of the race), when both of them at once leaning over forward from the starting line darts forth and skims the surface of the sand with swift feet: you might think them to be able to graze (across) the seas with dry steps and to run along ears of the white cornfield (still standing) upright.

They threw spirits to youth and the shouts and the applause and the words (all) saying “Now! Now (is) the time to speed onwards! Hippomenes, hurry! Now use all vigor! Expel delay: You will be victorious!

(It is) uncertain whether the hero of Megareus (Hippomenes) or the virgin of Schaeneus (Atalanta) delighted more at these sayings. Oh how many times when she might have passed by, she lingered, and then reluctantly left behind the face having been gazed at for a long time!

Dry breathing was coming out from (his) weary mouth, and the end was (yet still) far off: then at last the descendant of Neptune sent off one of the three fruits of the tree. The virgin awe-struck and with desire for the glittering fruit turned aside (her) course and took up the rolling gold (object).

Hippomenes goes past (her). The theaters resound with applause. She amended the delay and her lost time by means of (a burst of) quick running, and once more left the youth behind: and having been setback by the throwing of the second apple she pursued after and passed by the man.

The final part of the race still remained. “Now” he said “Oh goddess, giver of (this) gift, be near me! And onto the side of the field, whereby that woman would return tardy, he youthfully hurled the shining gold (apple) sidelong.

The virgin seemed to doubt whether to retrieve (the apple): I compelled (her) to take it up and I added weight to the having been picked up  apple and I hindered both by the heaviness of the load and by delaying (her),

And lest my story be longer than the race itself, the virgin is outrun: the victor led off his rewards.