University of Virginia Library

This epistle is imitated from Ovid, but not literally translated.—Several passages have been here omitted which are in the original, and some additions made which it does not contain.—I mention this that I may not be supposed to have deviated from the latin through mistake, and that these verses may not be considered as a strict copy.

Paris the son of Priam, celebrated in fabulous history for his elegance and beauty; while he kept a stock in Ida's grove, fell in love with Oenone, and received her hand in marriage.—During his residence with her, he was made umpire between the rival goddesses, Venus, Juno and Minerva, to decide who excelled

in charms. He declared in favor of Venus, who promised him the hand of the most beautiful of women.—Soon after this he failed with a fleet to Greece, saw the celebrated Helen queen of Sparta, and neglectful of Oenone, prevailed upon her in her husband's absence, to espouse him and accompany him to Troy. Oenone still faithful to the cruel Paris, and unable to conquer her attachment for him, is represented writing this epistle in order to excite him to a return of his affection for her.