The god Alpheus, becoming enamoured of Arethusa, a follower of Diana, pursues her for a considerable distance, when the nymph, ready to sink under fatigue, implores the aid of her protectress, who changes her into a fountain, with whose streams the river Alpheus mingles.
Still were the purling waters, and the maid From the smooth surface raised her beauteous head, Wipes off the drops that from her tresses ran, And thus to tell Alpheus’ loves began.
“In Elis first I breathed the living air; The chase was all my pleasure, all my care: None loved like me the forest to explore, To pitch the toils, and drive the bristled boar. Of fair, though masculine, I had the name, But gladly would to that have quitted claim: It less my pride than indignation raised, To hear the beauty I neglected praised; Such compliments I loathed, such charms as these I scorn’d, and thought it infamy to please.