Verse
Metamorphoses
Book 10, Line 11 by Henry T. Riley (English)
Such a grove of trees had the bard attracted round him , and he sat in the midst of an assembly of wild beasts, and of a multitude of birds. When he had sufficiently tried the strings struck with his thumb, and perceived that the various tones, though they gave different sounds, still harmonize, in this song he raised his voice: “Begin, my parent Muse, my song from Jove, all things submit to the sway of Jove. By me, often before has the power of Jove been sung. In loftier strains have I sung of the Giants, and the victorious thunderbolts scattered over the Phlegræan plains. Now is there occasion for a softer lyre; and let us sing of youths beloved by the Gods above, and of girls surprised by unlawful flames, who, by their wanton desires, have been deserving of punishment.
MetamorphosesOvidHenry T. RileyEnglishVerse permalinkRead in Book 10
Book 10, Line 11ProseID metamorphoses-riley-en-prose-10-11