Venus. The goddess of beauty, and mother of love. She is said to have sprung from the foam of the sea, and was immediately carried to the abode of the gods on Olympus, where they were all charmed with her extreme beauty. According to other legends she was the daughter of Jupiter and Dione. She bore as many names as there are aspects of love, and finally they were regarded as the names of different deities. Sparrows and doves were customarily yoked to her chariot; her girdle inspired all hearts with passion for the wearer; and her son, Cupid, was her attendant and minister. The myrtle was sacred to her. Her favorite residence was at Cyprus.
