Iö

Woman into Cow (and back again)

 

Jove is trying to get with the nymph Iö when suddenly his wife, Juno, shows up.

 

Prepar'd already, Jove the nymph had chang'd,

And in a lovely heifer's form she stood.

A shape so beauteous fair,—though sore chagrin'd,

Unwilling Juno prais'd; and whence she came,

And who her owner asks; and of what herd?

Her prying art, as witless of the truth,

To baffle, from the earth he feigns her sprung;

And straight Saturnia begs the beauteous gift.

 

Poor Iö is stuck as Juno’s property for some time, but eventually the goddess gives up and lets her husband return the nymph to her human form.

 

Appeas'd the goddess, Iö straight resumes

Her wonted shape, as lovely as before.

The rough hair flies; the crooked horns are shed;

Her visual orbits narrow; and her mouth

In size contracts; her arms and hands return;

Parted in five small nails her hoofs are lost:

Nought of the lovely heifer now remains,

Save the bright splendor. On her feet erect

With two now only furnish'd, stands the maid.

To speak she fears, lest bellowing sounds should break,

And timid tries her long-forgotten words.