llustration by Frederico Righi
Publius Ovidius Naso 43 BC – c. 17 AD
Why enumerate every female meeting place fit for the hunter?
The grains of sand give way before the number.
Why speak of Baiae, its shore splendid with sails,
where the waters steam with sulphurous heat?
Here one returning, his heart wounded, said:
‘That water’s not as healthy as they claim.’
Behold the suburban woodland temple of Diana,
and the kingdom murder rules with guilty hand.
She, who is virgin, who hates Cupid’s darts,
gives people many wounds, has many to give.
Translated by A. S. Kline – Poetry in Translation 14/12/2025
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