Ovid
Latin · Poetry · Satire Poem · Letter Poem; Poetry · Elegy
8 works · 34,595 aligned sentences
Militat omnis amans, et habet sua castra Cupido.
Every lover is a soldier, and Cupid has his own camp.
Amores 1.9.1
Ibis
This work is an elegiac invective poem in which the exiled poet unleashes a torrent of curses against a persistent enemy who continues to persecute him. Addressing his anonymous adversary by the pseudonym "Ibis," the poet abandons his former peaceful style and summons the gods and Furies to witness his vow of relentless vengeance. The core of the poem consists of a dizzying catalog of mythological and historical precedents of tragic deaths, betrayals, and disasters. Drawing on figures such as Socrates, Laocoon, and Procrustes, the poet prays that every imaginable calamity befall his enemy both in life and after death. Finally, the poet concludes by warning that this poem is merely a preliminary threat, promising a more formal accusation in the future where the enemy's real name will be revealed.
Poetry8 chunks · §1-82–§566-644899 aligned sentencesRead →Letters from the Black Sea
This work is a collection of epistolary poems in elegiac couplets sent by the exiled poet Ovid from Tomis, a harsh frontier on the Black Sea, to his wife, friends, and influential patrons in Rome. Throughout the letters, he vividly depicts the miserable reality of his exile—characterized by freezing temperatures, constant threats from hostile tribes, and physical decline—while expressing an agonizing nostalgia for his beloved homeland. The poet repeatedly begs his correspondents to intercede with Emperor Augustus and his family, pleading not for a full pardon, but at least for a transfer to a safer and less hostile location. As the books progress, however, the deaths of his key patrons and the demise of the emperor shatter his hopes of return, leading him gradually toward a state of resignation and acceptance of his fate. Ultimately, the collection closes with a poignant self-defense against "Envy," as the poet recalls his past literary glory while declaring that, through his exile, he has already been spiritually destroyed.
Poetry52 chunks · §1.1.1-1.1.80–§4.16.1-4.16.525,933 aligned sentencesRead →Sorrows
"Sorrows" (Tristia) is a collection of elegiac poems in five books, written by the Roman poet Ovid after his sudden banishment by Emperor Augustus to Tomis, a remote outpost on the Black Sea. The work opens with the poet personifying his book of poetry and sending it back to Rome, followed by vivid descriptions of his painful final night in the city and the perilous storms endured during his journey. Throughout the collection, Ovid pleads his case to Augustus, arguing that his downfall was due to an unintentional "error" (error) rather than a crime, and begs for a milder place of exile. He movingly praises the devotion of his faithful wife left behind in Rome, expresses deep gratitude to loyal friends, and warns those who betrayed him. Despite the harsh climate of Tomis, the threat of hostile barbarians, and his fear of losing his grasp of the Latin language, Ovid continues to write as his sole consolation. Ultimately, the work stands as a poignant testament to a poet who, even in the depths of despair, found salvation and the promise of immortality through his craft.
Poetry60 chunks · §1.1.1-1.1.64–§5.14.1-5.14.466,246 aligned sentencesRead →The Art of Love
This work is a practical didactic poem in elegiac couplets written by Ovid, guiding readers on how to find and retain love. Consisting of three books, the first two address a male audience, while the final book is directed toward women. In Book 1, the poet introduces suitable venues in Rome, such as theaters and circuses, and details the initial steps of courtship, utilizing various mythological examples. Book 2 advises men on how to preserve their hard-won love through attentiveness, submission, and bedroom intimacy. The focus shifts to women in Book 3, which offers concrete advice on personal grooming, social accomplishments like music and poetry, and the strategic use of jealousy and secrecy. Throughout the work, practical instruction is interwoven with myths, and the poem concludes with the author triumphantly proclaiming himself as the ultimate "teacher of love."
Poetry30 chunks · §1.1-1.76–§3.734-3.8125,021 aligned sentencesRead →The Cure of Love
This didactic poem offers practical "cures" to rescue those suffering from the destructive passion of love and to heal their emotional wounds. The poet acts as a physician of love, obtaining the consent of Amor and the patronage of Apollo to deliver various precepts to young men and women. In the first half, he emphasizes the importance of addressing the sickness of love early, advising readers to avoid idleness by immersing themselves in activities like agriculture, military service, or travel. As the work progresses, he suggests more specific physical and psychological tactics, such as consciously focusing on the lover's flaws, loving multiple partners, or feigning indifference. In the latter part, the poet counsels readers to avoid loneliness by spending time with friends and to distance themselves from triggers like keepsakes and romantic poetry. Ultimately, through multifaceted advice that extends to overcoming jealousy and controlling diet, the work guides readers to cool their passions gently and regain peace of mind.
Poetry11 chunks · §1-75–§740-8141,785 aligned sentencesRead →The Heroines
This work is a collection of elegiac epistolary poems written from the perspective of famous mythological and historical heroines (and a few heroes) addressed to their absent or unfaithful lovers. The writers include Penelope anxiously awaiting her husband's return, Dido contemplating suicide after being abandoned, Medea burning with vengeful wrath, and the poet Sappho pleading for her unrequited love. While the first part consists of single letters of desperate appeal from women, the second part features exchanges of letters between pairs of lovers, such as Paris and Helen, and Leander and Hero. Each letter captures a moment of intense crisis, conveying the depths of isolation, betrayal, and the tragic resolve to face death or seek vengeance. Beneath the grand canvas of myth, the collection vividly portrays the turbulent psychology and fragile passion of those consumed by love.
Poetry54 chunks · §1.1-1.59–§21.165-21.2488,869 aligned sentencesRead →The Loves
This work is a collection of love elegies in three books by the ancient Roman poet Ovid, focusing on the theme of love. Opening with a humorous prologue where the poet explains that the collection was condensed from five books to three, it begins with Ovid's attempt to write an epic, only to be redirected into love poetry by the god Cupid. At the heart of the collection is his passionate, turbulent, and often humorous relationship with his beautiful and haughty mistress, Corinna. Throughout the poems, the narrator vividly depicts the various joys and anxieties of love, including secret signals under her husband's nose, intense jealousy, betrayals, and even her dangerous abortion. As the collection progresses, it touches upon deeply personal and witty subjects, such as an unexpected bout of sexual impotence, rivalry with wealthy suitors, and reflections on the power of poetry itself. Finally, after contemplating a shift to tragedy, the poet bids farewell to the elegiac muse and the god of love, preparing to embark on grander literary endeavors.
Poetry53 chunks · §1.ep.1-1.ep.4–§3.15.1-3.15.205,633 aligned sentencesRead →Women's Facial Cosmetics
This poetic work by Ovid focuses on women's beauty and skincare. In the first half, the poet uses examples such as agriculture, architecture, and dyeing to argue for the importance of cultivation (cultus) and care over raw nature, while also emphasizing that inner moral beauty is what truly endures. The second half shifts to highly practical advice, detailing specific recipes and precise measurements for facial creams using natural ingredients like barley, daffodil bulbs, honey, and myrrh. Combining poetic elegance with genuine cosmetic instructions, the work functions as a practical beauty guide. Ultimately, it presents a unique blend of moral virtue and cosmetic art as the key to female beauty.
Poetry1 chunks · §1-100209 aligned sentencesRead →