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.
