The rite of erotic magic from Theocritus’ Second Idyll is analysed in this paper. In the context of sympathetic magic, cognitive love metaphors are broken down. These images, alluded to during the ritual, have their foundation in literature. This seems to be an example of intertextuality at work. Theocritus is ironically or humorously hinting at older Greek poems. These allusions are aimed at the main character.