What phrase did Ovid use to describe the reason for his exile?

Ovid's phrase "Carmen et error" translates to "Poetry and mistake," which succinctly encapsulates his explanation for the circumstances surrounding his exile. Ovid faced exile from Rome in 8 AD, and he attributed it to the combination of his poetic works, which often explored themes of love and myth, as well as a specific error or mistake that he made, though he never clearly defined what that mistake was. This phrase highlights the dual aspects of his life that contributed to his downfall: his literary pursuits and the misstep that led to his punishment.

In contrast, the other phrases do not accurately reflect Ovid's reasoning for his exile. "Artes et amor," meaning "Arts and love," suggests a focus on creative endeavors and romantic themes, but does not indicate the element of error that was pivotal to his situation. "Lux et Veritas," which means "Light and Truth," conveys a philosophical sentiment that lacks the context of personal consequence that Ovid expressed. "Poema et vita," translating to "Poetry and life," while relevant to Ovid's artistry, fails to mention the critical aspect of 'error' that he emphasized in explaining the reason for his banishment. Thus, "Carmen et error"