Ocyrhoë

Woman into Horse

 

The centaur Chiron’s daughter Ocyrhoë angers the gods by predicting the future.

 

“Now seems my human shape to leave me. Now

The verdant grass a pleasing food appears.

Now am I urg'd along the plain to bound;

Chang'd to a mare: unto my sire ally'd

In form,—but why sole chang'd? my father bears

A two-form'd body;”—Wailing thus, her words

Confus'd and indistinct at length are heard.

Next sounds are utter'd partly human, more

A mare's resembling:—then she neighs aloud;

Treading with alter'd arms the ground: fast join'd

Her fingers now become: a slender hoof

Her toes connecting with continuous horn.

Her head enlarges; and her neck expands;

Her spreading garment floats a beauteous tail:

Her scatter'd tresses o'er her shoulders flung,

Form a thick mane to clothe her spacious neck:

Her voice is alter'd with her alter'd shape:

And change of name the wonderous deed attends.