Artistic Translation

The goddess of the forests, weary from hunting, often bathed her virgin body in this water.
After Diana approached, she hands her spear, quiver and unstrung bow to one of the nymphs.
Another places Diana’s robe over her arm, two others remove the sandals from her feet.
Then Crocale, the most skilled Theban, gathers the hair that is scattered throughout Diana’s neck into a knot, although her’s was loose.
Nephele, Hyale, Rhanis, Psecas and Phiale gather water, and pour from ample urns.
While Diana is being bathed in her bathing pool, Actaeon, having finished his work, walks by chance through the strange wood, and enters the sacred grove.
The fates decided it.
As he enters the damp cave, the naked nymphs see a man, strike their chests, and fill up the whole wood with shouting: crowding round to cover Diana with their bodies.
However, the Goddess is taller than them.
The color in clouds lit by the sun or the purple Aurora was in the face of the naked Diana.
Although the crowd of her companions is surrounding her, she stood sideways, face turned, and wished that she had her arrows ready.
She gathered up water and poured it into the Actaeon’s face.
As Diana was sprinkling his hair with avenging waves, she added words announcing his future death: "Now you are allowed to tell others about seeing me naked, if you will be able to!"
Without more threats, she gave the horns of an old stag to the sprinkled head, lengthened his neck, pointed his ears, changed his hands with feet, arms with long legs, and covered his body with a spotted hide.
She adds fear.
Actaeon flees, and is astonished at how fast he is.
As he sees his face and horns in the water, he is about to say "Oh wretched me!" But no voice comes out.
He groans, because that voice is his, and tears flow down the face that is no longer his.
Only his mind remains pristine.
What should he do?
Should he return home to the royal roofs, or hide in the woods?
Shame prevents one, fear prevents the other.