Acquiring adaptation rights

How would one go about acquiring adaptation rights for this version of Eros & Psyche?

Probably safe to assume the story is more or less in public domain as it was written a few 1000 years ago, but if a particular translation, such as this example by Thomas Bulfinch, stands out, could it be "borrowed" as research material and the dialogue lines altered enough to make the new version completely unique?

Is something written in 1855 public domain? Or will the descendants of Mr. Bulfinch own his version until the sun dies out?
 
Would it be alright to borrow a few dialogue/narration lines from the 1867 version?

I don't have any more understanding of public domain laws than the
link posted and other web searches. It seems to me that the 1867
version reverted to the public domain in 1987. At least that's how
I read that link.
 
It's always good to check the net for such things but when actually going for it make sure you check with a lawyer.
 
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