“I got nervous at bulls and eagles,Trying to figure what shape Zeus might take for sexWhen it could be your turn next. But now I don't care any longer,I've come to my senses, your profile leaves me cold.Why am I different? you ask. I'll tell you. Because you keep naggingFor presents. That's what turns me off.”

“My purpose is to tell of bodies that have been changed into shapes of different kinds.”

“The god of Delos, proud in victory,Saw Cupid draw his bow's taut arc, and said:'Mischievous boy, what are a brave man's armsTo you? That gear becomes my shoulders best.My aim is sure; I wound my enemies,I wound wild beasts; my countless arrows slewBut now the bloated Python, whose vast coilsAcross so many acres spread their blight.You and your loves! You have your torch to light them!Let that content you; never claim my fame!'And Venus' son replied: 'Your bow, Apollo,May vanquish all, but mine shall vanquish you.As every creature yields to power divine,So likewise shall your glory yield to mine.”

“Thus I am not able to exist either with you or without you; and I seem not to know my own wishes.”

“I am the poet of the poor, because I was poor when I loved; since I could not give gifts, I gave words.”

“O gods, \ If any gods will listen, I deserve \ Punishment surely, I do not refuse it, \ But lest, in living, I offend the living, Offend the dead in death, drive me away \ From either realm, change me somehow, refuse me \ Both life and death! -- Myrrha, before being transformed into a tree”

“I am dragged along by a strange new force. Desire and reason are pulling in different directions. I see the right way and approve it, but follow the wrong.”