Ovid, Metamorphoses IV 94 – Parthenius, Ἐρωτικὰ Παθήματα 32. 1-2 : a Moral Interpretation

The problem of Ovid’s Greek sources remains complex and very extensive. For the famous Pyramus and Thisbe episode, J. Lightfoot suggests that the Greek author, Parthenius of Nicaea, inspired, in part, the Latin poet. This note aims to bring a new argument in favour of this hypothesis by analysing deeply and precisely the line, Metamorphoses IV 94, in comparison with the 32nd story in Ἐρωτικὰ Παθήματα, a “note-book” collecting thirty-six love-stories.