Verse
Metamorphoses
Book 1, Line 40 by Henry T. Riley (English)
The daughter of Peneus flies from him, about to say still more, with timid step, and together with him she leaves his unfinished address. Then, too, she appeared lovely; the winds exposed her form to view, and the gusts meeting her fluttered about her garments, as they came in contact, and the light breeze spread behind her her careless locks; and thus , by her flight, was her beauty increased. But the youthful God has not patience any longer to waste his blandishments; and as love urges him on, he follows her steps with hastening pace. As when the greyhound has seen the hare in the open field, and the one by the speed of his legs pursues his prey, the other seeks her safety; the one is like as if just about to fasten on the other , and now, even now, hopes to catch her, and with nose outstretched plies upon the footsteps of the hare . The other is in doubt whether she is caught already , and is delivered from his very bite, and leaves behind the mouth just touching her. And so is the God, and so is the virgin; he swift with hopes, she with fear.
MetamorphosesOvidHenry T. RileyEnglishVerse permalinkRead in Book 1
Book 1, Line 40ProseID metamorphoses-riley-en-prose-1-40