[147] Agnovi pressas noti mihi cespitis herbas. This whole passage, from the 123d line, is wrought up to the greatest perfection, and shines out with innumerable beauties. Critics have observed, that this Epistle seems to be the most finished of all Ovid's works; and I am inclined to consider this passage as a strong proof of in; for I very much question whether in all his writings we meet with any thing that equals it. What can be more happily painted than her fond behaviour to her lover in her nightly dreams? or how can imagination form a more interesting scene than that of her retiring to the caves and groves which they had formerly frequented together, and soothing her mind by the remembrance of past joys? Ovid has omitted no circumstance that might serve to heighten the description, or awaken the attention of the reader; and, if some parts should seem to be too highly colored, the empassioned character of Sappho will furnish an excuse for the poet.
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P. Ovidius Naso. The Epistles of Ovid, translated into English prose, as near the original as the different idioms of the Latin and English languages will allow; with the Latin text and order of construction on the same page; and critical, historical, geographical, and classical notes in English, from the very best commentators both ancient and modern; beside a very great number of notes entirely new. Anne Mahoney. edited for Perseus. London. J. Nunn, Great-Queen-Street; R. Priestly, 143, High-Holborn; R. Lea, Greek-Street, Soho; and J. Rodwell, New-Bond-Street. 1813.
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