Well, how many of us can read Latin these days?

I have read Ovid, and love it (though admittedly I read it in English translation). And love its influence on Shakespeare as well.

StillStackinAfterAllTheseYears

? It was Shakespeare's favorite book. He references it multiple times throughout his plays; in one comedy (

) the heroine stays up late studying it - which is so hilarious and cute, Shakespeare writes a heroine who studies his favorite author.

Anyway, the story of Philomel is the origin of Lavinia's tragedy. Philomel specifically was often mentioned by Shakespeare; the story, like, plagued him.

BooksAndArticles

Shakespeare I've loved on stage and screen

Have you ever read Ovid's *Metamorphoses*? It was Shakespeare's favorite book. He references it multiple times throughout his plays; in one comedy (*Cymbeline*) the heroine stays up late studying it - which is so hilarious and cute, Shakespeare writes a heroine who studies his favorite author.

Anyway, the story of Philomel is the origin of Lavinia's tragedy. Philomel specifically was often mentioned by Shakespeare; the story, like, plagued him. 