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

“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 soul would sing of metamorphoses.But since, o gods, you were the source of thesebodies becoming other bodies, breatheyour breath into my book of changes: maythe song I sing be seamless as its wayweaves from the world's beginning to our day.”

“All things change; nothing perishes.”

“In our play we reveal what kind of people we are”

“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.”

“Eurydice, dying now a second time, uttered no complaint against her husband. What was there to complain of, but that she had been loved?”