Ah me! Love can not be cured by herbs

Ah me! Love can not be cured by herbs

In the context of Ovid's works, particularly his famous collection of poems, "Metamorphoses," the line "Ah me! Love can not be cured by herbs" holds a significant meaning. Ovid was a Roman poet who lived during the reign of Emperor Augustus, and his works often explore themes of love, desire, and transformation. In "Metamorphoses," Ovid tells the stories of various mythological figures who undergo dramatic changes, both physical and emotional, as a result of their passions and desires.

The line "Ah me! Love can not be cured by herbs" appears in Book VII of "Metamorphoses," in the story of Medea and Jason. In this tale, Medea, a powerful sorceress, falls in love with Jason, a hero who has come to claim the Golden Fleece. Medea uses her magical powers to help Jason succeed in his quest, but in doing so, she becomes deeply entangled in a web of love and betrayal. When Jason decides to marry another woman, Medea is consumed by jealousy and rage, leading her to commit unspeakable acts of violence.

The line "Ah me! Love can not be cured by herbs" reflects the idea that love is a powerful force that cannot be easily controlled or manipulated. In the case of Medea, her love for Jason drives her to commit heinous acts that ultimately lead to her own downfall. Despite her knowledge of magic and potions, Medea is unable to cure herself of the overwhelming emotions that consume her.

Ovid's portrayal of love in "Metamorphoses" is complex and often tragic. The stories he tells are filled with passion, desire, and betrayal, highlighting the destructive power of love when it is not tempered by reason or restraint. The line "Ah me! Love can not be cured by herbs" serves as a reminder of the uncontrollable nature of love and the consequences that can arise when it is allowed to run unchecked.