Cupid and Psyche - Key Twenty Marker Quotations - English Section

Apuleius’ description of the seagull which speaks to Venus:

“garrulous and meddlesome bird”

The degradation of Cupid’s actions by the seagull:

“He has withdrawn to whoring in the mountains”

How Venus describes Psyche in her proclamation in the presence of the seagull:

“my rival in beauty”

Venus’ description of what Cupid’s actions signify:

“His insolence to me”

How Venus left her conversation with Cupid:

“in a fury of truly Venerean anger”

Ceres and Juno point out Venus’ hypocritical attitude towards her son:

“Aren’t you condemning your fair son your own arts and pleasures”

How Ceres found Psyche organising her temple:

“Diligently and busily engaged on this task”

Ceres’ reasoning for not helping Psyche:

“I cannot offend my kinswoman”

Psyche's actions in Juno’s temple:

“kneeling and embracing the yet warm altar”

Psyche ends her search for Cupid:

“She gave up all hope of salvation”

Psyche reflects on Ceres’ and Juno not helping her:

“not even the goddesses’ influence can help”

Psyche decides to give herself up to Venus:

“appease her violence by submission”

Cupid hastily rushes to Psyche’s aid:

“he flew off at great speed to the side of his Psyche”

Cupid reflecting on the reason why Psyche fell into sleep:

“Yet again curiosity had been your undoing”

Description of Cupid in reference to his love for Psyche:

“Eaten up with love”

Cupid’s actions to try preserve his marriage with Psyche:

“Pleaded his cause as a suppliant with great Jupiter”

Jupiter’s request in exchange for confirming the marriage of Cupid to Psyche:

“Any pre-eminently lovely girl on earth”

Jupiter addressing Venus’ surface-level concerns with the union of Cupid and Psyche:

“do not be downcast or fear for your great lineage or social standing”