The changer of hearts

I see that April 1st the date when the Romans celebrated the Veneralia, a festival honoring Venus Verticordia (the changer of hearts).

A beautiful rendition, The Venus of Arles which was discovered in the Roman theatre of Arles in France.  It is from the end of the 1st century BC.

Click to enlarge.

I love that nickname, Changer of  Hearts.  From Wikipedia.  

Venus Verticordia ("the changer of hearts") was an epithet of the Roman goddess Venus, alluding to the goddess' ability to change hearts from lust to chastity.

In the year 114 BC, three Vestal Virgins were condemned to death for transgressing with Roman knights the rigid law against sexual intercourse. To atone for their misdeeds, a shrine was dedicated to Venus Verticordia in the hope that she would turn the hearts of women and girls against licentiousness and towards chastity. Hence her name Verticordia, which means 'turner of hearts'. Under this title she was especially worshipped by married women, and on 1 April the Veneralia festival was celebrated in her honor.

Venus Verticordia circa 1866 by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882).  

Click to enlarge.

Rossetti's lush-to-the-point-of-lusty painting brings to mind the prayer of St. Augustine of Hippo.

Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet.