According to the Act of Congress, in the year 1837, by In the Clerk's Office of the Southern District of PREFACE. A SELECTION of Mythological Fables from the Metamorphoses of Ovid and other authors, is here presented to the public, in such a form, as will, it is thought, render it a desirable acquisition to the Library of Youth. In making this selection it has been found necessary frequently to alter expressions, and to omit passages which were exceptionable, the ancient authors allowing themselves a latitude which is rejected by the purer taste of modern writers. The study of Mythology constitutes an indispensable part of a liberal education, without a knowledge of which it is impossible to appreciate, or scarcely even to understand the works of many ancient authors, and particularly the poets, who have drawn from this fountain their copious supply of beautiful imagery and fanciful allusions. Painting and Scalpture are equally indebted to this source for the greater par tion of their subjects, and to one unimbued in its classic lore, the finest works of art are seldom interesting, and never understood. The Geographical and Mythological notes it is thought will be found useful, and have been frequently repeated in the course of the different fables, in order to impress them on the mind of the youthful reader. |