PENGUIN
(Q)
CLASSICS
THE COMPLETE POEMS AND TRANSLATIONS OF CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE (b. 1564) was the eldest son of Canterbury shoemaker John Marlowe, and his wife, Katherine. He was elected to the King~s School Canterbury at the age of fourteen, and within two years had secured a scholarship that took him to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he was supposedly destined for a career in the Anglican Church. He successfully completed his BA examinations in 1584, and continued his studies as a candidate for the MA. During this period his absences from Cambridge stirred rumors that he was about to flee to the Catholic seminary at Rheims in France. In 1587 the Privy Council took the unusual step of persuading the University authorities to grant Marlowe his MA since he had been employed "in matters touching the benefit of his country"; this has fuelled speculation that he was working as a government agent. Marlowe probably began his writing career at Cambridge, composing translations of Ovid's Amores, and Lucan's Pharsalia, as well as producing Dido Queen of Carthage fot the Children of the Chapel in 1586 (possibly cowritten with Thomas Nashe). In I 587-88 he acquired his reputation as one of the leading new talents on the London stage with Tamburlaine the Great. This was followed by The Jew of Malta (c. I590), Edward the Second, and The Massacre at Paris (both c. 1592). His best known play, Doctor Faustus, was written in I592. The erotic epyllion Hero and Leander was probably written in 1592-93 when the plague forced the theaters to close. Throughout this period, Marlowe was frequently in trouble with the authorities, though for his actions and not his playwriting. He and the poet Thomas Watson were briefly imprisoned in September 1589 for their involvement in the death of William Bradley; in 1592 Marlowe was deported from Flushing, Holland, having been implicated in a counterfeiting scheme. He acquired a dangerous reputation as an atheist, and the following year he was summoned to appear before the Privy Council on charges of blasphemy, arising from evidence provided by Thomas Kyd, the author of the hugely popular play The Spanish Tragedy. Several days later, on May 30, 1593, Christopher Marlowe was fatally stabbed in Deptford.
STEPHEN ORGEL is the Jackson Eli Reynolds Professor in Humanities at Stanford and general editor of the Cambridge Studies in Renaissance Literature and Culture. The most recent of his many books are Imagining Shakespeare (2.003) and The Authentic Shakespeare (2.002.). He has edited editions of Shakespeare's plays for Oxford, as well as works by Jonson, Marlowe, Milton, Trollope, and Edith Wharton. He is the general editor of the Pelican Shakespeare series and edited the individual Pelican editions of King Lear, The Taming of the Shrew, Pericles, Macbeth, and The Sonnets.
CHRISTOPHEI{ MARLOWE
The COll1plete PoelTIS and Translations Edited with an Introduction by STEPHEN ORGEL
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Published by the Penguin Group Pengnin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street, New York, N~w York IOOI4. U.S.A. Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Egiinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4 P "-Y3 (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.) Penguin Books Lcd, 80 Strand, London WC2,R oRL, England Penguin Ireland, :1.5 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2., ireland (a division of Penguin Books Ltd) Penguin Group (Australia), 250 Camberwell Road, Camberwel!. Vicmria 312.4, Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) Penguin Books India l'vt l.td, I I Community Centre, Panchshccl Park, New Delhi - I J.O 017. India Penguin Group (NZ), 67 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, North Shore 0745. Anckland, New Zealand (a division ot Pearson New Zealand Ltd.) Penguin Books (South Africa) (l'ty) Ltd, 24 Srurdce Avenue, Rosehank, Johanacsburg l.I96, South Atrica Penguin Book~ Ltd, Registered Otfices:
Bo Scrand, London WC2R oRt, England Fim published in Penguin BOl)ks (U.K.) 1971 Published in Penguin Books (U.S.A.) 1:980 This edition with a new introduction and notes by Stephen Orgel published
2.007
lO9876S432.I
Introduction copyright © Stephen Orgel, 2.0°7 NQ[cs copyright © Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 2007 All :ights reserved ISBN 978-0-r4"31049S-7 ClP dara available l'rinted in the United States of America Set ill Adobe Saban Excepc in the United Srates of America, this book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lenr, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the puhlisher's prior consent in any form of binding or cover ocher than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the suhsequent purchaser. The scanning, uploading and distriburioll of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punhhable by law. l)iease purchase only authorized elcctronic editions, and do nor participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted maccriais. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated,
Contents
Introduction by Stephen Orgel A Note on the Text Table of Dates
Vll XXlll XXVll
THE COMPLETE POEMS AND TRANSLATIONS
Hero and Leander George Chapman Continuation of Hero and Leander Henry Petowe The Second Part of Hero and Leander, Containing Their Further Fortunes All
Ovid~s
Elegies
I
29 77
99
Lucan's First Book
179
From The Passionate Pilgrim The Passionate Shepherd to His Love Sir Walter Ralegh (attrib.) The Nymph's Reply Anonymous Another of the Same Nature, Made Since John Donne The Bait J. Paulin Love's Contentment
205
On the Death of Sir Roger Manwood
217
Notes Dictionary of Classical Names
219
v
207 209 21 I 213 21 5
263
Introduction
Christopher Marlowe was christened in the church of St. George the Martyr in Canterbury on February 26, 1564. He was the son of a shoemaker in the town. We know nothing of his chiJdhood, but at the age of fourteen he was granted a scholarship to the King's School in Canterbury. His education there would have been heavily classical, and he clearly emerged as a superlative Latinist-since his tenure at the school was little over a year, he lnust already have been very proficient when he entered. In 158 I he obtained a scholarship to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he remained for seven years, earning a BA in 1584 and an MA in 1587. During this time he apparently had other employment, as an agent of the Privy Council-a government spy, providing intelligence about recusants and expatriate Roman Catholics. The conferral of his own degree was delayed because of suspicions about his loyalty and was only awarded after an assurance was obtained from the Council that he had done good service to the crown. After his college years, we know little about his life until the end of it. He was killed in a tavern brawl-or perhaps assassinated in what was represented as a tavern brawl-in 1593, when he was not yet thirty years old. In those six years, whatever else he was doing, Marlowe revolutionized English drama and gave a new voice to Elizabethan poetry. Most of what we must use to construct a biography is gossip or invective, for the most part posthumous. In 1588 he was accused by Robert Greene of atheism, or at least of promoting atheism in Tamburlaine. After his death Thomas Kyd, who had shared lodgings with Marlowe, testified to his "rashness in attempting sudden Yll
Vlll
INTRODUCTION
privy injuries to men"-Marlowe had in fact been charged in connection with a street brawl in I 589 in which a man was killed. Kyd also pursued the theme of atheism, recalling his companion's "vile heretical conceits denying the divinity of Jesus.~) William Baines, a paid informer, provided much more detailed and lurid testimony to Marlowe's dangerous opinions. Among these, according to Baines, were that Moses was a juggler and that Thomas Harriot, Sir Walter Ralegh's servant, "can do more than he"-this has always been taken as an invidious comparison between Harriot and Moses, but it may include something even more subversive, a claim that Ralegh's servant was a better man than Ralegh, too. Marlowe also believed, Baines said, that "the first beginning of religion was only to keep men in awe," that Christ was a bastard, his mother a whore, his father a carpenter, and the crucifixion justified; that Catholicism was a good religion and "all Protestants are hypocritical asses"; that the woman of Samaria and her sister were whores and Christ knew them "dishonestly"; that Christ was the" bedfellow" of John the Evangelist and "used him as the sinners of Sodom"; that all those who love not tobacco and boys were fools, and that he had as much right to issue currency as the queen of England, and intended "to coin French crowns, pistolets, and English shillings. " I This looks like a jumble, and is certainly rife with contradictory assumptions; but in its historical context the charges have a basic consistency, defining a world in which heresy, scurrility, love, sodomy, counterfeiting, and most of all social mobility and the drive toward success are all aspects of the same dangerous set of desires. Since Baines was being paid to provide damaging testimony, it would have been in his interest to make Marlowe seem as disreputable as possible. Still, there is much in the poetry and drama to support the picture of Marlowe as a seductively persuasive radical. Did this result in the proscription of his work? Not, certainly, of his drama: both during his lifetime and long after, his plays were among the most popular in the repertory. As for the poems, his Ovid translations were called in, banned, and burned by episcopal order, six years after his death; but it is not clear in this case that the proscription was aimed at 1tlarlowe. The book
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was a collection of satirical epigralns by John Davies followed by ten of Marlowe's translations from the Amores-'~Davyes Epigrams, with Marlowes Elegys" is the way the order puts it. The offensive material may well have been Davies's, and the of~ fense thus libel, not incitement to lechery. As the book is constituted, Marlowe is at most guilty by association: all six early editions of the Ovid translations include Davies's epigrams, though those with the complete elegies put Marlowe first, and all are published either abroad, at Middleburgh, in Holland, or surreptiously in Scotland with a false Middleburgh imprint. If Davies was the probleln, why not publish Marlowe's Ovid by itself? Or was it the scurrilous Davies that sold the erotic Marlowe? Would a Marlowe untainted by libel not have been marketable?
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES Marlowe's translation of Amores, All Ovids Elegies, was unpublished during Marlowe's lifetime. After his death, the manuscript would have recommended itself to publishers not merely as the work of Marlowe the erotic classicist, cashing in on the success of Hero and Leander (also unpublished but circulated in manuscript), but equally as the first translation of the Amores not only into English but into any modern language. The Amores was the least well known of Ovid's works in the Renaissance, untouched by the allegorizing and moralizing commentaries that had safely contextualized Ovid's other work for Christian readers. Marlowe's interest in these poems would have been as much in their urbanity of tone as in their world of erotic possibilities-the social Ovid is fully complementary to the mythological Ovid of the Metamorphoses and the Fasti. But Marlowe's Ovidian elegies are more than translations. They undertake, with remarkable energy and ingenuity, the adaptation of a quintessentially classical mode to the uses of English poetry. In a sense, this is Marlowe's sonnet sequence, the psychic drama of a poet-lover whose love is both his creation and his ultimate monomania, frustration, and despair. The excitement
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INTRODUCTION
Marlowe brought to these poems is obvious, as much in the vividness and wit of the language as in the evident haste and occasional carelessness of the composition. The six early editions, and the heavy hand of the ecclesiastical censor, testify to the excitement readers got out of the work. But licentiousness is not the Elegies primary claim on our attention-indeed, by current standards they are barely warm. Their rhetoric, however, brings a new tone and a new range of possibilities into English verse. Donne's elegies are full of a sense of Marlowe's language, which looks forward, too, to Carew and Marvell, and even to Pope. Nevertheless, All OvidJs Elegies is a strange book. It reads like a promising first draft, occasionally felicitous but often routine, with moments of real brilliance and also moments of striking ineptitude. Time after time, the only way to understand Marlowe's English is to use the Latin as a ·crib. "So, chaste Minerva, did Cassandra fall/Deflowered except, within thy temple wall" (I.7)-the Latin says that the only chastity left to Cassandra was the fact that she was raped in Minerva's temple; it's difficult to see how one would get this out of the English. "Hector to arms went from his wife's embraces,IAnd on Andromache his helmet laces" (I.9)-only the Latin will reveal that it is Andromache who is lacing the helmet on Hector, not the other way around. "0 bject thou then what she may well excuse,/To stain in faith all truth, by all crimes use" (2.2)-the Latin says "accuse her only of what she can explain away; a false charge undermines the credibility of a true one": is there any way of eliciting this from Marlowe? "Wilt thou her fault learn, she may make thee tremble; IFear to be guilty, then thou mayst dissemble" (2.2)-even the Latin will not help to explain this. Often the gibberish is undeniably beautiful, the work of a poet with a superb ear working too fast for meaning: "What day was that which, all sad haps to bring I White birds to lovers did not always sing" (3.II)-Ovid says, this is the day when, as a permanent bad omen, love birds stopped singing; but Marlowe's version is all connotation with no denotation. Nevertheless, the translation is an impressive achievement, especially if, as appears to be the case, it is the work of Marlowe's J
INTRODUCTION
Xl
undergraduate years; and its completeness is not the least of its virtues. It remained unique in English until an anonymous translation appeared in i683, followed by Dryden. As for its occasional impenetrability, the Elizabethans had a higher tolerance for obscurity than we have, and though there is evidence that Ben Jonson was involved in the preparation of at least one of the early surreptitious editions, his concern was obviously not with revision or clarification. What Marlowe undertook was the domestication of the erotic Ovid in the wake of the many previous generations' mythographic Ovid. And after Marlowe's sensational death, the' combination of Ovid, Marlowe, and English would probably have been sufficient to warrant publication surreptitiously, even if John Davies's scurrilous epigrams had not been included. But since the erotic Marlowe looms so large in the modern construction of the poet, it is worth pausing over the sexuality of All OvidJs Elegies. How erotically transgressive is it? Transgressive enough, certainly: it is a chronicle not merely of lechery, but of adultery, pandering, promiscuity, faithlessness, irreverence. It is even, on occasion, explicit and smutty where Ovid is merely metonymic: "The whore stands to be bought for each man's money,IAnd seeks vile wealth by selling of her coney" (1.10.21-2), where the Latin specifies only "corpore," her body. Ovid's urbane cynicism in English, moreover, translates directly into Marlowe's alleged atheism: "God is a name, no substance, feared in vain,IAnd doth the world in fond belief detain" (3.3.23-4). Reason enough to publish the book surreptitiously. Still, it is the nature of the eroticism we should pause over. Since Marlowe's homosexual interests figure so significantly in both Baines's and Kyd's charges against him, and are certainly manifest in Edward II, the openings of Dido Queen of Carthage and Hero and Leander, and are especially prominent in the construction of the modern Marlowe, it is worth observing that the erotics of All OvidJs Elegies are exclusively heterosexual-not even Cupid in Elegy LID (15-17), a beautiful naked youth selling himself, without so much as a pocket to put his money in, raises Marlowe's rhetorical eyebrow. Ovid himself observes that his sexual interests are primarily in women: he says in the Ars
xii
INTRODUCTION
Amatoria that the sex he likes is the kind that gives equal plea ~ sure to both partners, and therefore sex with boys doesn't interest him much (2.683-4)-the "therefore" made sense to Roman readers because the boy, as the passive partner in the buggery, was supposed not to enjoy the sex, a prophylactic fiction designed to license the practice of pederasty while simultaneously preserving the youth of the realm from any suspicion of real depravity.2. If Marlowe's erotic imagination was essentially homosexual, and sex was the point, Catullus, Martial, Horace, or even the Virgil of the Eclogues would surely have been more likely texts for domestication. Was it then something other than the sex that attracted him to the Amores? Perhaps so: a case can be made for the young Marlowe's translation of the Amores as part of a grand design, the first step in the creation of a poetic career consciously modeled on Ovid, an anti-Virgilian, and anti-Spenserian, model) This may be correct; nevertheless, the sex may well have been a factor after all: perhaps the whole question is anachronistic, the issue construed too narrowly. Perhaps, in short, homosexuality is our problem, not Marlowe's. The first published account of the murder, Thomas Beard's in The Theatre of God's Judgments" I 597, cites only "epicurism" and atheism as Marlowe's mortal sins. In the next year, Francis Meres cites Beard, and adds the information, derived from no known source, that Marlowe "was stabbed to death by a bawdy serving man, a rival of his in his lewd love"4-is this perhaps merely an expansion of the implications of "epicurism"? Recently Charles Nicholl has elaborated the account still further by suggesting that "this serving-man was, like Marlowe, a homosexual, and that the cause of the fight, the object of their 'lewd love,' was another nlan. "5 Marlowe's sexual preferences are not really in question, but this surely confuses the issue. To begin with, there is no reason to assume that Meres has a love triangle in mind; "rival" can mean simply "partner" (as Bernardo calls Horatio and Marcellus "the rivals of my watch" at the opening of Hamlet), and if we want Marlowes "lewd love)) to be homosexual, its object may simply be the bawdy serving man. But it is surely to
INTRODUCTION
xiii
the point that the object is unspecified, the crime "epicurism," the pursuit of pleasure. The sin is precisely the subject of the Amores!J "lewd love/~ illicit sexuality, of whatever kind-if homosexuality had been a worse kind of "lewd love," Marlowe would have been guilty of it. A century later Antony a Wood elaborated Meres's account for his age as revealingly as Nicholl has done for ours: "For so it fell out that he being deeply in love with a certain woman ... had for his· rival a· bawdy servingman, one rather fit to be a pimp than an ingenious amoretto as Marlowe conceived himself to be."6 In fact, homosexuality in the charges against Marlowe is primarily an aspect of his blasphemy and atheism-Baines and Kyd do not assert that Marlowe was a sodomite, but that he said Christ and St. John were: this is apparently worse than being a sodomite oneself. The link between the love of boys and the love of tobacco is an intriguing one, but it is not part of a claim that Marlowe systematically debauched the youth of London, as it might well have been. Though his own works could easily have been used as evidence against him, the charge of sodomy appears almost marginal. Commentators have undertaken to connect tobacco to the charge of atheism, hoting its source in the pagan New World, but this seems to me misguided. The point is the same one Jonson makes when, in Every Man Out of His Humour, the·· rustic would-be gentleman Sogliardo is discovered at a London tavern with "his villainous Ganymede ... droning a tobacco pipe there ever since yesterday noon" (4.3~83-5). Sogliardo here is certainly assumed to be guilty of the abominable crime against nature, but this is not the issue. Pederasty and smoking are generic vices, not specific ones: Sogliardo practices them because they are the marks of the London sophisticate. His lust is, like Marlowe's, all for upward mobility, for class. The more intriguing conjunction in Baines's document is that of tobacco and Thomas Harriot. It leads us to Sir Walter Ralegh, Harriot's patron and. en1ployer, the major advocate of tobacco in Elizabethan England, investigated in 1594 on a charge of freethinking; imprisoned, however, not for atheism but for impregnating and secretly marrying,
INTRODUCTION
XIV
probably in that order; one of Elizabeth's maids of honor-for sexual offenses that were construed as treasonable. Thomas Kyd's charges against Marlowe explicitly associate him with the Ralegh circle, which included not only Harriot but also John Dee and Henry Petc:y, the "Wizard Earl" of Northumberland (of whom the DNB says he was "passionately addicted to tobacco smoking"). With Rategb we are back to atheism and sex, but with HarrieJt, Dee, and Northumberland we have arrived at conjuring and science, the world of Marlowe's most famous play, Doctor Faustus. .
HERO AND LEANDER Marlowe~s
greatest achievement as a poet is certainly Hero and Leander, a passionate, tragic; comic fragment of an erotic epic. The poem is an adaptation of a late classical work by Musaeus; and its divided life is exemplified iIi its scholarly history. The earliest printed edition came from the press of Aldus Manutius, in Venice, in 1494, which included the Greek text with a Latin translation-its printed history begins luediated through translation. The manuscript Aldus was working from identified the poem simply as the work of Musaeus, and Aldus therefore ascribed it to the legendary poet of that nanle, a pupil of Orpheus, and assumed it to be the most ancient classical poetry to survive-poetry, thus, in its purest, original form. And though throughout the next century there were n1any doubters concerning its antiquity., it was widely praised and often translated, again into Latin, and it1to various vernaculars (though not English). Julius Caesar Scaliget, in his early sixteenth-century Poetics, notoriously pretetred it to "Homer, and maintained that if Musaeus had written the JUdd and Odyssey, they would have been better poems. But atter the great scholar Isaac Casa ubon, late in the century, demonstrated that stylistically the poem could not, in fact, be eady, but was clearly a work of the fifth century A.D. (its poet is apprbprtately called, in a number of other early manuscripts, not Musaeus but Musaeus the Grammarian) interest in it gradually subsided. The character of the
INTRODUCTION
xv
poem thus went from radical innocence to oversophistication in a very few decades. It is customary to praise Marlowe's scholarly achievement in Hero and Leander by observing how accurately it captures the high rhetorical flashiness of Musaeus's style, though the style of the original is far more artificial and literary. There is no match in Musaeus for Marlowe's enthusiasm. Marlowe's excitement may be the expression of his sense of the adolescence of poetry itself; but clearly this is a classic he is having a great deal of fun with} and there surely cannot have been many other young poets in Elizabethan England to whom Greek was this much fun. Certainly when, after Marlowe's death, George Chapman undertook to complete Marlowe's fragment, it became much more senous. " Hero and Leander is very daring, in many of the ways that Doctor Faustus is. Like Faustus~ it tempts the Renaissance reader with his deepest desires-the reader is in this case surely assumed to be male. If Faustus condemns blasphemy, the play nevertheless realizes or embodies it} represents blasphemy on the stage. Hero and Leander is a secular version of that Faustian presumptuousness, and all the blasphemy is sexual. The hero and heroine are incredibly, miraculously, outrageously beautiful, constantly being compared to the most perfect things imaginable: gods and goddesses; jewels; works of art; and coming out ahead. The god Apollo courted Hero ("for her hair"); Cupid himself pined for her, and mistook her for Venus; Leander was more beautiful than Endymion or Ganymede, his hair was more wonderful than the Golden Fleece, and so forth. A whole world of allusion and poetic elaboration is invoked just to adorn these two; the poem, the style, the rhetoric impose on the lovers a dangerous case of hubris; and none of this comes from Musaeus. One of the most striking 'aspects of the poem is its overt sexuality. There are Italian poems like this, but almost none in English until the seventeenth century; it is emotionally very daring. It is also very open about its sexual interests-the tradition that says that Marlowe was gay gets a good deal of support from Hero and Leander. Both lovers are described as infinitely desirable; but the praise of Leander is much more frankly sexual
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INTRODUCTION
than that of Hero, and specifically homosexuaL Gods and men pine away for Hero, but the measure of Leander's beauty is not that women desire him, but that men do: "Jove might have sipped out nectar from his hand"-he is as desirable as Ganymede; had Hippolytus seen him he would have abandoned his chastity; "The barbarous Thracian soldier, moved with naught,/Was moved with him, and for his favor sought" -rough trade solicits him. Again, none of this comes from Musaeus, where Leander is not described-Hero is beautiful; Leander is all desire, the validation of her beauty. Marlowe is certainly daring, though less so in a Renaissance context than he seems now-for adult men to be attracted to good-looking youths was quite conventional. Still, there is no way of arguing that it's merely conventional, that Marlowe doesn't really mean it, or doesn't mean it the way it sounds. The first sestiad includes a teasing description of how beautiful Leander's body isI could tell ye How smooth his breast was, and how white his belly, And whose immortal fingers did imprint That heavenly path, with many a curious dint, That runs along his back ...
and the second sestiad has an extraordinary passage about Neptune making passes at Leander as he swims the Hellespont. He clapped his plump cheeks) with his tresses played, And smiling wantonly, his love bewrayed. He watched his arms, and as they opened wide At every stroke, betwixt them would he slide And steal a kiss, and then run out and dance, And as he turned, cast many a lustful glance, And threw him gaudy toys to please his eye, And dive into the water, and there pry Upon his breast, his thighs, and every limb, And up again, and close beside him swim, And talk of love.
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There is no indication that Marlowe feels, or expects his readers to feel, any anxiety over the enthusiastic depiction of a man making love to another man. Marlowe gets away with this partly because the subject is classical-"Greek" love-but partly, too, because sexuality in the period is simply much more undifferentiated than it is now. Neptune's lust for Leander in this context is neither abnormal nor shocking, though it is certainly comic. Leander's reaction-"You are deceived, I am no woman, J" -is an indication of his sexual naivete, not of his straightness. Marlowe's poem is the best expression of the Ovidian world view in English. It is hyperbolic in much the same way Renais sance tragedy is; its heroes are braver or more beautiful than we are, and they are capable of more suffering; more is lost when they die, and indeed, they provide us with the exemplary instances of passion against which ours are to be measured. The other side of the enthusiasm and overt sexuality is the sense of foreboding that also fiUs the poem, a sense that these heroes are too good for their world, that the gods are jealous, that nothing this beautiful is ever allowed to get away with it. The undercurrent of tragedy is always there, but Marlowe handles the moral issues in a characteristically subversive way. The tragedy we know is coming never qualifies the sensuality-the point is not that Hero and Leander ought not to be behaving this way. Quite the contrary: the point is that' our world is simply not good enough for its heroes. Marlowe deals with the necessary tragic conclusion by, omitting it, not finishing the poem. This is a work designed to be a fragment-another thing about it that is "classical." w
CHAPMAN'S CONTINUATION The most subversive of Marlowe's subjects is how you get away with pleasure, and omitting the conclusion, the punishment for the lovers'-and the readers'-extraordinary enjoyment is a neat way of cheating the moralists. Ironis wit She argues> and approveth it.
New light gives new directions, fortunes new, To fashion our endeavors that ensue; More harsh (at least more hard) more grave and high Our subject runs, and our stern muse must fly; Love~s is taken off, and that light flame, Those thoughts, joys, longings, that before became High unexperienced blood, and maids' sharp plights, Must now grow staid, and censure the delights, That being enjoyed ask judgment; now we praise, As having parted: evenings crown the days.
IO
Ie
GEORGE CHAPMAN
And now ye wanton loves and young desires, Pied vanity, the mint of strange attires, Ye lisping flatteries and obsequious glances, Relentful musics and attractive dances, And you detested charms constraining love, Shun love's stol'n sports by that these lovers prove.
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By this the sovereign of heaven's golden fires, And young Leander, lord of his desires, Together from their lovers' arms arose: Leander into Hellespontus throws His Hero-handled body, whose delight Made hin1 disdain each other epithet. And as amidst th' enamored waves he swims, The god of gold of purpose gilt his limbs, He calls Phoebus That this word gilt including double sense, ~7:c~~te otr~:::!f The double guilt of his incontinence his beams creates it Might be expressed, that had no t' employ The treasure which the love-god let hilTI joy In his dear Hero, with such sacred thrift As had beseemed so sanctified a But like a greedy vulgar prodigal Would on the stock dispend, and rudely fall Before his time, to that unblessed blessing, Which for lust's plague doth perish with possessing. Joy graven in sense~ like snow in water, wastes; Without preserve of virtue nothing lasts. What man is he that with a wealthy eye Enjoys a beauty richer than the sky, Through whose white skin, softer than soundest sleep, With damask eyes the ruby blood doth peep, And runs in branches through her azure veins, Whose mixture and first fire his love attains; Whose both hands limit both love's deities, And sweeten hUlTIan thoughts like paradise; Whose disposition silken is and kind, Directed with an earth-exempted mindWho thinks not heaven with such a love is given?
HERO AND LEANDER
• SESTIAD III
And who like earth would spend that dower of heaven, With rank desire to joy it all at first? What simply kills our hunger, quencheth thirst, Clothes but our nakedness, and makes us live, Praise doth not any of her favors give: But what doth plentifully minister Beauteous apparel and delicious cheer, So ordered that it still excites desire, And still gives pleasure freeness to aspire, The palm of bounty ever moist preserving: To love's sweet life this is the courtly carving. Thus Time, and all-states-ordering Ceremony Had banished all offense: Time's golden thigh Upholds the flowery body of the earth In sacred harmony, and every birth Of men and actions makes legitimate, Being used aright. The use of time is Fate. Yet did the gentle flood transfer once more This prize of love home to his father's shore, Where he unlades himself of that false wealth That makes few rich, treasures composed by stealth; And to his sister, kind Hermione (Who on the shore kneeled, praying to the sea For his return), he all love's goods did show, In Hero seised for him, in him for Hero. His most kind sister all his secrets knew, And to her singing like a shower he flew, Sprinkling the earth, that to their tombs took in Streams dead for love to leave his ivory skin, Which yet a snowy foam did leave above, As soul to dead water that did love; And from thence did the first white roses spring (For love is sweet and fair in every thing) And all the sweetened shore as he did go, Was crowned with od'rous roses white as snow. Love-blest Leander was with love so filled, That love to all that touched him instilled.
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And as the colors of all things we see To Ollr sight's powers communicated be, So to all objects that in compass came Of any sense he had, his senses' flame Flowed frOln his parts with force so virtual, It fired with sense things mere insensual. Now (with warm baths and odors comforted) When he lay down he kindly kissed his bed, As consecrating it to Hero's right~ And vowed thereafter that whatever sight Put him in mind of Hero, or her bliss~ Should be her altar to prefer a kiss.
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Then laid he forth his late enriched arms~ In whose white circle Love writ all his charms, And made his characters sweet Hero's limbs, When on his breast's warm sea she sidling swims. And as those arms (held up in circle) met, He said: "See, sister, Hero's carcanet, Which she had rather wear about her neck, Than all the jewels that doth Juno deck." But as he shook with passionate desire To put in flaIne his other secret fire, A music so divine did pierce his ear, As never yet his ravished sense did hear: When suddenly a light of twenty hues Brake through the roof, and like the rainbow views Amazed Leander; in whose beams came down The goddess Ceremony,with a crown Of all the stars, and heaven with her descended; Her flaming hair to her bright feet extended, By which hung all the bench of deities, And in a chain, compact of ears and eyes, She led Religion. All her body was Clear and transparent as the purest glass: For she was all presented to the sense;
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Devotion, Order, State, and Reverence Her shadows were; Society, Memory; All which her sight made live, her absence die. A rich disparent pentacle she wears, Drawn full of circles and strange characters; Her face was changeable to every eye, One way looked ill, another graciously; Which while men viewed, they cheerful were and holy, But looking off, vicious and melancholy. The snaky paths to each observed law Did Policy in her broad bosom draw; One hand a mathematic crystal sways, Which gathering in one line a thousand rays From her bright eyes, Confusion burns to death, And all estates of men distinguisheth. By it Morality and Comeliness Themselves in all their sightly figures dress. Her other hand a laurel rod applies, To beat back Barbarism and Avarice That followed, eating earth and excrement And human limbs, and would make proud ascent To seats of gods, were Ceremony slain. The Hours and Graces bore her glorious train, And all the sweets of our society Were sphered and treasured in her bounteous eye. Thus she appeared, and sharply did reprove Leander's bluntness in his violent love; Told him how poor was substance without rites, Like bills unsigned, desires without delights; Like Ineats unseasoned; like rank corn that grows On cottages, that none or reaps or sows; Not being with civil forms confirmed and bounded, For human dignities and comforts founded, But loose and secret, all their glories hide; Fear fills the chamber, darkness decks the bride. She vanished, leaving pierced Leander's heart With sense of his unceremonious part,
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In which with plain neglect of nuptial rites~ He close and flatly felJ to his delights; And instantly he vowed to celebrate All rites pertaining to his married state. So up he gets, and to his father goes, To whose glad ears he doth his vows disclose. The nuptials are resolved with utmost power, And he at night would swim to Hero's tower, From whence he meant to Sestos' forked bay To bring her covertly~ where ships must stay, Sent by his father, throughly rigged and manned, To waft her safely to Abydos' strand. There leave we him, and with fresh wing pursue Astonished Hero, whose most wished view I thus long have forborne~ because I left her So out of count'nance, and her spirits bereft her. To look on one abashed is impudence, When of slight faults he hath too deep a sense. Her blushing het her chamber; she looked out, And all the air she purpled round about; And after it a foul black day befell, Which ever since a red morn doth foretell, And still renews our woes for Hero's woe. And foul it proved, because it figured so The next night's horror, which prepare to hear: I fail, if it profane your daintiest ear. Then thou most strangely-intellectual fire, That proper to my soul hast power t' inspire Her burning faculties, and with the wings Of thy unsphered flame visit'st the springs Of spirits immortal; now (as swift as Time Doth foHow Motion) find th' eternal clime Of his free soul, whose living subject stood Up to the chin in the Pierian flood, And drunk to me half this Musaean story, Inscribing it to deathless memory:
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Confer with it, and make my pledge as deep, That neither's draught be consecrate to sleep. Tell it how much his late desires I tender (If yet it know not), and to light surrender My soul's dark offspring, willing it should die To loves, to passions, and society. Sweet Hero left upon her bed alone, Her maidenhead, her vows, Leander gone, 2.00 And nothing with her but a violent crew Of new come thoughts that yet she never knew, Even to herself a stranger, was much like Th' Iberian city that war's hand did strike By English force in princely Essex' guide, When peace assured her tow'rs had fortified, And golden-fingered India had bestowed Such wealth on her, that strength and empire flowed Into her turrets, and her virgin waist 2IO The wealthy girdle of the sea embraced; Till our Leander, that made Mars his Cupid, For soft love-suits, with iron thunders chid, Swum to her towers, dissolved her virgin zone, Led in his power, and made Confusion Run through her streets amazed, that she supposed She had not been in her own walls enclosed, But rapt by wonder to some foreign state, Seeing all her issue so disconsolate, And all her peaceful mansions possessed 22.0 With war's just spoil, and many a foreign guest From every corner driving an enjoyer, Supplying it with power of a destroyer. So fared fair Hero in th' expugned fort Of her chaste bosom, and of every sort Strange thoughts possessed her, ransacking her breast For that that was not there~ her wonted rest. She was a mother straight, and bore with pain Thoughts that spake straight, and wished their mother slain;
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She hates their lives~ and they their own and hers: Such strife still grows where sin the race prefers. Love is a golden bubble full of dreams., That waking breaks;, and fills us with extremes. She mused how she could look upon her sire, And not show that without, that was intire. For as a glass is an inanimate eye, And outward forms embraceth inwardly, So is the eye an animate glass that shows In-forms without us. And as Phoebus throws His beams abroad though he in clouds be closed, Still glancing by them till he find opposed A loose and rorid vapor that is fit T' event his searching beams, and useth it To form a tender twenty-colored eye, Cast in a circle round about the sky: So when our fiery soul, our body's star (That ever is in motion circular), Conceives a form, in seeking to display it Through all our cloudy parts, it doth convey it Forth at the eye, as the most pregnant place, And that reflects it round about the face. And this event uncourtly Hero thought Her inward guilt would in her looks have wrought; For yet the world's stale cunning she resisted, To bear foul thoughts, yet forge what looks she listed, And held it for a very silly sleight, To make a perfect metal counterfeit: Glad to disclaim herself proud of an art That makes the a pander to the heart. Those be the painted moons, whose lights profane Beauty's true heaven, at full still in their wane. Those be the lapwing faces that still cry, "Here 'tis," when that they vow is nothing nigh. Base fools, when every moorish fowl can teach That which men think the height of human reach. But custom that the apoplexy is Of bedrid nature and lives led amiss,
HERO AND LEANDER
• SESTIAD III
And takes away all feeling of offense, Yet brazed not Hero's brow with impudence; And this she thought most hard to bring to pass, To seein in count'nance other than she was, As if she had two souls, one for the face, One for the heart, and that they shifted place As either list to utter or conceal What they conceived; or as one soul did deal With both affairs at once, keeps and ejects Both at an instant contrary effects; Retention and ejection in her powers Being acts alike; for this one vice of ours, That forms the thought, and sways the countenance, Rules both our motion and our utterance. These and more grave conceits toiled Hero's spirits; For though the light of her discursive wits Perhaps might find some little hole to pass Through all these worldly cinctures, yet (alas) There was a heavenly flame encompassed her, Her goddess, in whose fane she did prefer Her virgin vows; from whose impulsive sight She knew the black shield of the darkest night Could not defend her, nor wit's subtlest art: This was the point pierced Hero to the heart. Who heavy to the death, with a deep sigh And hand that languished, took a robe was nigh, Exceeding large, and of black cypress made, In which she sat, hid from the day in shade, Even over head and face down to her feet; Her left hand made it at her bosom meet; Her right hand leaned on her heart-bowing knee, Wrapped in unshapeful folds 'twas death to see; Her knee stayed that, and that her falling face, Each limb helped other to put on disgrace. No form was seen, where form held all her sight; But like an embryon that saw never light, Or like a scorched statue made a coal
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With three-winged lightning, or a wretched soul Muffled with endless darkness she did sit: The night had never such a heavy spirit. Yet might an imitating eye well see How fast her clear tears melted on her knee Through her black veil, and turned as black as it, Mourning to be her tears. Then wrought her wit With her broke vow, her goddess' wrath, her fame, All tools that enginous despair could frame; Which made her strew the floor with her torn hair, And spread her mantle piecemeal in the air. Like Jove's son's club, strong passion strook her down, And with a piteous shriek enforced her swoon. Her shriek made with another shriek ascend The frighted matron that on her did tend; And as with her own cry her sense was slain, So with the other it was called again. She rose, and to her bed made forced way, And laid her down even where Leander lay; And all this while the red sea of her blood Ebbed with Leander; but now turned the flood, And all her fleet of sprites came swelling in, With child of sail, and did hot fight begin With those severe conceits she too much marked, And here Leander's beauties were embarked. He came in swimlning painted all with joys, Such as might sweeten hell; his thought destroys All her destroying thoughts; she thought she felt His heart in hers with her contentions melt, And chid her soul that it could so much err, To check the true joys he deserved in her. Her fresh heat blood cast figures in her eyes, And she supposed she saw in Neptune~s skies How her star wandered, washed in smarting brine For her love's sake, that with immortal wine Should be embathed, and swim in more heart's-ease Than there was water in the Sestian seas.
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• SESTJAD III
Then said her Cupid-prompted spirit: "Shall I Sing moans to such delightsome harmony? Shall slick-tongued Fame~ patched up with voices rude, The drunken bastard of the multitude (Begot when father Judgment is away, And, gossip-like, says because others say, Takes news as if it were too hot to eat, And spits it slavering forth for dog-fees meat), Make me, for forging a fantastic vow, Presume to bear what makes grave matrons bow? Good vows are never broken with good deeds, For then good deeds were bad; vows are but seeds, And good deeds fruits; even those good deeds that grow From other stocks than from th' observed vow, That is a good deed that prevents a bad: Had I not yielded, slain myself I had. Hero Leander is, Leander Hero: Such virtue love hath to make one of two. lf then Leander did my maidenhead get, Leander being myself I still tetain it. We break chaste vows when we live loosely ever; But bound as we are, we live loosely never. Two constant lovers being joined in one, Yielding to one another, yield to none. We know not how to vow, till love unblind us, And vows made ignorantly never bind us. Too true it is that when 'tis gone men hate The joys as vain they took in love's estate; But that's since they have lost the heavenly light Should show them way to judge of all things right. When life is gone, death must implant his terror; As death is foe to life, so love to error. Before we love, how range we through this sphere, Searching the sundry fancies hunted here: Now with desire of wealth transported quite Beyond our free humanitis delight; Now with ambition climbing falling towers, Whose hope to scale our fear to fall devours;
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Now rapt with pastimes, pomp, all joys impure: In things without us no delight is sure. But love, with all joys crowned, within doth sit: o goddess, pity love, and pardon it!" This spake she weeping, but her goddess' ear Burned with too stern a heat, and would not hear. Aye me, hath heaven's strait fingers no more graces For such as Hero, than for homeliest faces? Yet she hoped well, and in her sweet conceit Weighing her arguments, she thought them weight, And that the logic of Leander's beauty, And them together, would bring proofs of duty. And if her soul, that was a skillful glance Of heaven's great essence, found such imperance In her love's beauties, she had confidence Jove loved him too, and pardoned her offense. Beauty in heaven and earth this grace doth win, It supples rigor, and it lessens sin. Thus her sharp wit, her love, her secrecy, Trooping together, made her wonder why She should not leave her bed, and to the temple. Her health said she must live; her sex, dissemble. She viewed Leander's place, and wished he were Turned to his place, so his place were Leander. "Aye me," said she, "that love's sweet life and sense Should do it harm! my love had not gone hence Had he been like his place. 0 blessed place, Image of constancy! Thus my love's grace Parts nowhere, but it leaves something behind Worth 0 bservation: he renowns his kind. His motion is like heaven's, orbicular, For where he once is, he is ever there. This place was mine; Leander, now 'tis thine; Thou being myself, then it is double mine, Mine, and Leander's mine, Leander's mine. o see what wealth it yields me, nay yields him! For I am in it, he for me doth swim.
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Rich) fruitful love) that, doubling self-estates, Elixir-like contracts, though separates. Dear place, I kiss thee, and do welcome thee, As from Leander ever sent to me." The end of the third Sestiad
THE ARGUMENT OF THE FOURTH SESTIAD Hero, in sacred habit decked, Doth private sacrifice effect; Her scarfs description, wrought by Fate; Ostents that threaten her estate; The strange yet physical events, Leander's counterfeit presents; In thunder Cyprides descends, Presaging both the lovers' ends. Ecte the goddess of remorse With vocal and articulate force 10 Inspires Leucote, Venus' swan, T'excuse the beauteous Sestian; Venus, to wreak her rites' abuses, Eronusis, Dissimulation Creates the monster Eronusis, Inflaming Hero's sacrifice With lightning darted from her eyes; And thereof springs the painted beast, That ever since taints every breast. J
Now from Leander's place she rose, and found Her hair and rent robe scattered on the ground; Which taking up, she every piece did lay Upon an altar, where in youth of day She used t' exhibit private sacrifice. Those would she offer to the deities Of her fair goddess and her powerful son,
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As relics of her late-felt passion; And in that holy sort she vowed to end them, In hope her violent fancies that did rend them Would as quite fade in her love's holy fire, As they should in the flames she meant t' inspire. Then put she on all her religious weeds, That decked her in her secret sacred deeds: A crown of icicles, that sun nor fire Could ever melt, and figured chaste desire; A golden star shined in her naked breast, In honor of the queen-light of the east; In her right hand she held a silver wand, On whose bright top Peristera did stand, Who was a nymph, but now transformed a dove, And in her life was dear in Venus' love; And for her sake she ever since that time Choosed doves to draw her coach through heaven's blue clime. Her plenteous hair in cur led billows swims On her bright shoulder; her harmonious limbs Sustained no more but a most subtle veil That hung on them, as it durst not ,assail Their different concord; for the weakest air Could raise it swelling from her beauties fair; Nor did it cover, but adumbrate only Her most heart-piercing parts, that a blest eye Might see (as it did shadow) fearfully All that all-lave-deserving paradise. It was as blue as the most freezing skies, Near the sea's hue, for thence her goddess came. On it a scarf she wore of wondrous frame, In midst whereof she wrought a virgin's face, From whose each cheek a fiery blush did chase Two crimson flames, that did two ways extend, Spreading the ample scarf to either end, Which figured the division of her mind, Whiles yet she rested bashfully inclined, And stood not resolute to wed Leander.
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This served her white neck for a purple sphere, And cast itself at full breadth down her back. There (since the first breath that begun the wrack Of her quiet from Leander's lips) She wrought a sea in one flame full of ships; But that one ship where all her wealth did pass (Like simple merchants' goods) Leander was; For in that sea she naked figured him; Her diving needle taught him how to swim, And to each thread did such resemblance give, For joy to be so like him it did live. Things senseless live by art, and rational die By rude contempt of art and industry. Scarce could she work but in her strength of thought She feared she pricked Leander as she wrought, And oft would shriek so, that her guardian, frighted, Would staring haste, as with some mischief cited. They double life that dead things' griefs sustain; They kill that feel not their friends' living pain. Sometimes she feared he sought her infamy, And then as she was working of his eye, She thought to prick it out to quench her ill; But as she pricked, it grew more perfect stilL Trifling attempts no serious acts advance; The fire of love is blown by dalliance. In working his fair neck she did so grace it, She still was working her own arms embrace it; That, and his shoulders, and his hands were seen Above the stream, and with a pure sea green She did so quaintly shadow every limb, All might be seen beneath the waves to swim.
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In this conceited scarf she wrought beside A moon in change, and shooting stars did glide In number after her with bloody beams, Which figured her affects in their extremes, Pursuing Nature in her Cynthian body, And did her thoughts running on change imply;
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For maids take more delights when they prepare And think of wives' states, than when wives they are. Beneath all these she wrought a fisherman, Drawing his nets from forth that ocean, Who drew so hard, ye might discover well The toughened sinews in his neck did swell; His inward strains drave out his bloodshot eyes, And springs of sweat did in his forehead rise; Yet was of nought but of a serpent sped, That in his bosom flew and stung him dead. And this by fate into her mind was sent, Not wrought by mere instinct of her intent. At the scarf's other end her hand did frame, Near the forked point of the divided flame, A country virgin keeping of a vine, Who did of hollow bulrushes combine Snares for the stubble-loving grasshopper, And by her lay her scrip that nourished her. Within a myrtle shade she sat and sung, And tufts of waving reeds about her sprung, Where lurked two faxes, that while she applied Her trifling snares, their thieveries did divide: One to the vine, another to her scrip, That she did negligently overslip; By which her fruitful vine and wholesome fare She suffered spoiled, to make a childish snare. These ominous fancies did her soul express, And every finger made a prophetess, To show what death was hid in love's disguise, And make her judgment conquer destinies. o what sweet forms fair ladies' souls do shroud, Were they made seen and forced through their blood; If through their beauties, like rich work through lawn, They would set forth their minds with virtues drawn, In letting graces frOin their fingers fly, To still their eyas thoughts with industry; That their plied wits in numbered silks might sing Passion's huge conquest, and their needles leading
HERO AND LEANDER
• SESTIAD IV
Affection prisoner through their own-built cities, Pinioned with stories and Arachnean ditties. Proceed we now with Hero's sacrifice: She odors burned, and from their smoke did rise Unsavory fumes~ that air with plagues inspired, And then the consecrated sticks she fired, On whose pale flame an angry spirit flew, And beat it down still as it upward grew. The virgin tapers that on th) altar stood, When she inflamed them burned as red as blood: AU sad ostents of that too-near success~ That made such moving beauties Inotionless. Then Hero wept; but her affrighted eyes She quickly wrested from the sacrifice, Shut them, and inwards for Leander looked, Searched her soft bosom, and from thence she plucked His lovely picture~ which when she had viewed~ Her beauties were with alllove)s joys renewed. The odors sweetened, and the fires burned clear, Leander's form left no ill object there. Such was his beauty that the force of light, Whose knowledge teacheth wonders infinite, The strength of number and proportion~ Nature had placed in it to make it known Art was her daughter~ and what human wits For study lost, entombed in drossy spirits. After this accident (which for her glory Hero could not but make a history) Th' inhabitants of Sestos and Abydos Did every year with feasts propitious To fair Leander's picture sacrifice; And they were persons of especial prize That were allowed it, as an ornament T' enrich their houses, for the continent Of the strange virtues all approved it held; For even the very look of it repelled All blastings, witchcrafts; and the strifes of nature
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In those diseases that no herbs could cure. The woHy sting of Avarice it would pull, And make the rankest miser bountiful. It killed the fear of thunder and of death; The discords that conceits engendereth 'Twixt man and wife it for the time would cease; The flames of love it quenched, and would increase; Held in a prince's hand it would put out The dreadfulist comet; it would ease all doubt Of threatened mischiefs; it would bring asleep Such as were mad; it would enforce to weep Most barbarous eyes; and many more effects This picture wrought~ and sprung Leandrian sects, Of which was Hero first, for he whose form (Held in her hand) cleared such a fatal storm, From hell she thought his person would defend her, Which night and Hellespont would quickly send her. With this confirmed, she vowed to banish quite All thought of any check to her delight; And in contempt of silly bashfulness, She would the faith of her desires profess: Where her religion should be policy~ To follow love with zeal her piety; Her chamber her cathedral church should be, And her Leander her chief deity. For in her love these did the gods forego; And though her knowledge did not teach her so, Yet did it teach her this, that what her heart Did greatest hold in her self greatest part, That she did make her god; and 'twas less naught To leave gods in profession and in thought, Than in her love and life; for therein lies Most of her duties and their digniti.es; And rail the brain-bald world at what it will, That's the grand atheism that reigns in it still. Yet singularity she would use no more, For she was singular too much before: But she would please the world with fair pretext;
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• SESTIAD IV
Love would not leave her conscience perplexed. Great Inen that will have less do for them, still Must bear them out, though th' acts be ne'er so ill; Meanness must pander be to excellence; Pleasure atones falsehood and conscience. Dissembling was the worst (thought Hero then) And that was best~ now she must live with men. o virtuous love~ that taught her to do best When she did worst, and when she thought it least. Thus would she still proceed in works divine, And in sacred state of priesthood shine, Handling the holy rites with hands as bold As if therein did Jove's thunder hold, And need not fear those menaces of error, Which she at others threw with greatest terror. o lovely Hero~ nothing is thy sin, Weighed with those foul faults other priests are in, That having neither faiths, nor works, nor beauties, T' engender any seuse for slubbered duties, With as much eount'nanee fill their holy chairs, And sweat denouncements 'gainst profane affairs, As if their lives were cut out by their places, And they the only fathers of the Graces. Now as with settled mind she did repair Her thoughts to sacrifice her ravished hair And her torn robe, which on the altar lay, And only for religion's fire did stay, She heard a thunder by the Cyclops beaten, In such a volley as the world did threaten, Given Venus as she parted th' airy sphere~ Descending now to chide with Hero here. When suddenly the goddess' waggoners, The swans and turtles that in coupled feres Through all worlds' bosoms draw her influence, Lighted in Herds window, and from thence To her fair shoulders flew the gentle doves, Graceful Aedone that sweet pleasure loves,
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And ruff-foot Chreste with the tufted crown; Both which did kiss her~ though their goddess frown. The swans did in the solid flood, her glass~ Proin their fair plumes; of which the fairest was Jove-loved Leucote, that pure brightness is, The other bounty-loving Dapsilis. All were in heaven, now they with Hero were, But Venus' looks brought wrath, and urged fear. Her robe was scarlet, black her head's attire,' And through her naked breast shined streams of fire, As when the rarefied air is driven In flashing streams, and opes the darkened heaven. In her white hand a wreath of yew she bore, And breaking th' icy wreath sweet Hero wore, She forced about her brows her wreath of yew, And said, "Now, minion, to thy fate be true, Though not to me; endure what this portends; Begin where lightness will, in shame it ends. Love makes thee cunning; thou art current now By being counterfeit: thy broken vow Deceit with her pied garters must rejoin, And with her stamp thou count'nances must coin: Coyness, and pure deceits, for purities, And still a maid wilt seem in cozened eyes, And have an antic face to laugh within, While thy smooth looks make men digest thy sin. But since thy lips (lest thought forsworn) forswore, Be never virgin's vow worth trusting more." When Beauty's dearest did her goddess hear Breathe such rebukes 'gainst that she could not clear, Dumb sorrow spake aloud in tears and blood That from her grief-burst veins in piteous flood From the sweet conduits of her favor felL The gentle turtles did with moans make swell Their shining gorges; the white black-eyed swans Did sing as woeful epicedians,
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• SESTIAD IV
As they would straightways die: when pity's queen, The goddess Ecte, that had ever been 2.70 Hid in a wat'ry cloud near Hero's cries, Since the first instant of her broken eyes, Gave bright Leucote voise, and made her speak To ease her anguish, wh~se swol'n breast did break With anger at her goddess, that did touch Hero so near for that she used so much. And thrusting her white neck at Venus, said: "Why may not amorous Hero seem a maid, Though she be none, as well as you suppress In modest cheeks your inward wantonness? 280 How often have we drawn you from above, T' exchange with tnortals rites for rites in love? Why in your priest then call you that offense That shines in you, and is your influence?" With this the Furies stopped Leucote's lips, Enjoined by Venus, who with rosy whips Beat the kind bird. Fierce lightning from her eyes Did set on fire fair Hero's sacrifice, Which was her torn robe, and enforced hair; And the bright flame became a maid most fair For her aspect: her tresses were of wire, Descriptir:n 290 . . fi and creattOn of Kmt lIke a net, where hearts all set on re Dissimulation Struggled in pants and could not get released; Her arms were all with golden pincers drest, And twenty-fashioned knots, pulleys, and brakes, And all her body girdled with painted snakes. Her down parts in a scorpion's tail combined, Freckled with twenty colors; pied wings shined Out of her shoulders; cloth had never dye, Nor sweeter colors never viewed eye, 300 In scorching Turkey, Cares, Tartary, Than shined about this spirit notorious; Nor was Arachne's web so glorious. Of lightning and of shreds she was begot; More hold in base dissemblers is there not. Her name was Eronusis. Venus flew
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From Hero's sight, and at her chariot drew This wondrous creature to so steep a height That all the world she might command with sleight Of her gay wings; and then she bade her haste, Since Hero had dissembled, and disgraced Her rites so much, and every breast infect With her deceits; she made her architect Of all dissimulation, and since then Never was any trust in maids nor men.
o it spited Fair Venus' heart to see her most delighted, And one she choosed, for temper her mind, To be the only ruler of her kind, So soon to let her virgin race be ended; Not simply for fault a whit offended, But that in strife for chasteness with the Inoon, Spiteful Diana bade her show but one That was her servant vowed, and lived a maid. And now she thought to answer that upbraid, Hero had lost her answer; who knows not Venus would seem as far from any spot Of light demeanor as the very skin 'Twixt Cynthia's brows? Sin is ashamed of sin. Up Venus flew, and scarce durst up for fear Of Phoebe's laughter, when she passed her sphere; And so most ugly clouded was the light, That day was hid in day, night came ere night, And Venus could not through the thick air pierce, Till the day's king, god of undaunted verse, Because she was so plentiful a theme To such as wore his laurel anademe, Like to a fiery bullet made descent, And from her passage those fat vapors rent, That being not throughly rarefied to rain, Melted like pitch as blue as any vein; And scalding tempests made the earth to shrink Under their fervor, and the world did think
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In every drop a torturing spirit flew, It pierced so deeply, and it burned so blue. Betwixt all this and Hero, Hero held Leander's picture, as a Persean shield; And she was free from fear of worst success. The more ill threats us, we suspect the less; As we grow hapless, violence subtle grows, Dumb, deaf, and blind, and comes when no man knows.
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THE ARGUMENT OF THE FIFTH SESTIAD Day doubles her accustomed date, As loth the night, incensed by Fate!J Should wrack our lovers; Hero's plight Longs for Leander and the night; Which ere her thirsty wish recovers, She sends for two betrothed lovers, And marries them, that (with their crew, Their sports and ceremonies due) She covertly might celebrate With secret joy her own estate; She makes a feast, at which appears The wild nymph Teras, that still bears An ivory lute, tells ominous tales, And sings at solemn festivals. Now was bright Hero weary of the day, Thought an Olympiad in Leander's stay. Sol and the soft-foot Hours hung on his arms, And would not let him swim, foreseeing his harms: That day Aurora double grace obtained
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Of her love Phoebus; she his horses reined, Set on his golden knee, and as she list She pulled him back; and as she pulled, she kissed, To have him turn to bed; he loved her more, To see the love Leander Hero bore. Examples profit much; ten times in one, In persons full of note, good deeds are done. Day was so long, men walking fell asleep; The heavy humors that their eyes did steep Made them fear mischiefs. The hard streets were beds For covetous churls, and for ambitious heads, That spite of nature would their business ply. All thought they had the falling epilepsy, Men groveled so upon the smothered ground, And pity did the heart of heaven confound. The gods, the Graces, and the Muses came Down to the Destinies, to stay the frame Of the true lovers' deaths, and all world's tears: But Death before had stopped their cruel ears. AU the celestials parted mourning then, Pierced with our human miseries more than men. Ah, nothing doth the world with mischief fill, But want of feeling one another's ilL With their descent the day grew something fair, And cast a brighter robe upon the air. Hero, to shorten time with merriment, For young Alcmane and bright Mya sent, Two lovers that had long craved marriage dues At Hero's hands; but she did still refuse, For lovely Mya was her consort vowed In her maid's state, and therefore not allowed To amorous nuptials, yet fair Hero now Intended to dispense with her cold vow, Since hers was broken, and to marry her. The rites would pleasing matter minister To her conceits, and shorten tedious day.
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• SESTIAD V
They came; sweet Music ushered th' odorous way, And wanton Air in twenty sweet forms danced After her fingers; Beauty and Love advanced Their ensigns in the downless rosy faces Of youths and maids, led after by the Graces. For all these Hero made a friendly feast, Welcomed them kindly, did much love protest, Winning their hearts with all the lueans she might, That when her fault should chance l' abide the light, Their loves tuight cover or extenuate it, And high in her worst fate make pity sit. She married them, and in the banquet came, Borne by the virgins; Hero strived to frame Her thoughts to mirth. Aye me, but hard it is To imitate a false and forced bliss. III maya sad mind forge a merry face, Nor hath constrained laughter any grace. Then laid she wine on cares to make them sink; Who fears the threats of Fortune let him drink. j
To these quick nuptials entered suddenly Admired Teras with the ebon thigh, A nymph that haunted the green Sestian groves, And would consort soft virgins in their loves, At gaysome triumphs and on solemn days, Singing prophetic elegies and lays, And fing'ring of a silver lute she tied With black and purple scarfs by her left side. Apollo gave it, and her skill withal, And she was termed his dwarf, she was so smalL Yet great in virtue, for his beams enclosed His virtues in her; never was proposed Riddle to her, or augury, strange or new, But she resolved it; never slight tale flew From her charmed lips without important sense, Shown in some grave succeeding consequence.
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This little sylvan with her songs and tales Gave such estate to feasts and nuptials, That though oft times she forewent tragedies, Yet for her strangeness still she pleased their eyes, And for her smallness they admired her so, They thought her perfect born, and could not grow. All eyes were on her: Hero did command An altar decked with sacred state should stand At the feast's upper end, close by the bride, On which the pretty nymph might sit espied. Then all were silent; everyone so hears, As all their senses climbed into their ears; And first this amorous tale that fitted well Fair Hero and the nuptials she did tell. The Tale of Teras HYlnen, that now is god of nuptial rites, And crowns with honor love and his delights, Of Athens was a youth so sweet of face, That many thought him of the female race; Such quick'ning brightness did his clear eyes dart, Warm went their beams to his beholder's heart. In such pure leagues his beauties were combined, That there your nuptial contracts first were signed. For as proportion, white and crimson, meet In beautis mixture, all right clear and sweet, The eye responsible, the golden hair, And none is held without the other fair, All spring together, all together fade: Such intermixed affections should invade Two perfect lovers, which being yet unseen, Their virtues and their comforts copied been In beauty's concord, subject to the eye; And that, in Hymen, pleased so lnatchlessly, That lovers were esteemed in their full grace Like form and color mixed in Hymen's face; And such sweet concord was thought worthy then
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Of torches, music, feasts, and greatest men. So Hymen looked, that even the chastest mind He moved to join in joys of sacred kind; For only now his chin's first down consorted His head's rich fleece, in golden curls contorted; And as he was so loved, he loved so too, So should best beauties, bound by nuptials, do. Bright Eucharis, who was by all men said The noblest, fairest, and the richest maid Of all th' Athenian damsels, Hymen loved With such transmission, that his heart removed From his white breast to hers, but her estate In passing his was so interminate For wealth and honor, that his love durst feed On nought but sight and hearing, nor could breed Hope of requital, the grand prize of love; N or could he hear or see, but he must prove How his rare beauty's music would agree With maids in consort; therefore robbed he His chin of those same few first fruits it bore, And, clad in such attire as virgins wore, He kept them company, and might right well, For he did all but Eucharis excel In all the fair of beauty; yet he wanted Virtue to make his own desires implanted In his dear Eucharis, for women never Love beauty in their sex, but envy ever. His judgment yet (that durst not suit address, Nor past due means presume of due success) Reason gat Fortune in the end to speed To his best prayers: but strange it seemed indeed That Fortune should a chaste affection bless; Preferment seldom graceth bashfulness. Nor graced it Hymen yet; but many a dart And many an amorous thought enthralled his heart Ere he obtained her; and he sick became, Forced to abstain her sight, and then the flame
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Raged in his bosom."O what grief did fill him: Sight made him sick, and want of sight did kill him. The virgins wondered where Diaetia stayed, For so did Hymen term himself a maid. At length with sickly looks he greeted them: 'Tis strange to see 'gainst what an extreme stream A lover strives; poor Hymen looked so ill, That as in merit he increased still By suff'ring much, so he in grace decreased. Women are most won when men merit least: If merit look not well, love bids stand by; Love's special lesson is to please the eye. And Hymen soon recovering all he lost, Deceiving still these maids, but himself most, His love and he with many virgin dames, Noble by birth, noble by beauty's flames, Lea ving the town with songs and hallowed lights, To do great Ceres Eleusina rites Of zealous sacrifice, were made a prey To barbarous rovers that in ambush lay, And with rude hands enforced their shining spoil, Far from the darkened city, tired with toil. And when the yellow issue of the sky Came trooping forth, jealous of cruelty To their bright fellows of this under-heaven, Into a double night they saw them driven, A horrid cave, the thieves' black mansion, Where weary of the journey they had gone, Their last night's watch, and drunk with their' sweet gains, Dull Morpheus entered, laden with silken chains, Stronger than iron, and bound the swelling veins And tired senses of these lawless swains. But when the virgin lights thus dimly burned, o what a hell was heaven in! how they mourned And wrung their hands) and wound their gentle forms Into the shapes of sorrow! Golden storms Fell from their eyes; as when the sun appears,
HERO AND LEANDER
• SESTIAD V
And yet it rains, so showed their eyes their tears. And as when funeral dames watch a dead corse, Weeping about it, telling with remorse What pains he felt, how long in pain he lay, How little food he ate, what he would say; And then mix mournful tales of others' deaths, Slnothering themselves in clouds of their own breaths; At length, one cheering other, call for wine, The golden bowl drinks tears out of their eyne, As they drink wine from it; and round it goes, Each helping other to relieve their woes: So cast these virgins beauty's mutual rays, One lights another, face the face displays; Lips by reflection kissed, and hands hands shook, Even by the whiteness each of other toolc But Hymen now used friendly Morpheus' aid, Slew every thief, and rescued every maid. And now did his enamored passion take Heart from his hearty deed, whose worth did make His hope of bounteous Eucharis more strong; And now came Love with Proteus, who had long Ingled the little god with prayers and gifts, Ran through all shapes, and varied all his shifts, To win Love's stay with him, and make him love him; And when he saw no strength of sleight could move hitn To make him love, or stay, he nimbly turned Into Love's self, he so extremely burned. And thus came Love with Proteus and his pow'r, T' encounter Eucharis: first like the flow'r That Juno's milk did spring, the silver lily, He fell on Hymen'S hand, who straight did spy The bounteous godhead, and with wondrous joy Offered it Eucharis. She, wondrous coy, Drew back her hand: the subtle flow'r did woo it, And drawing it near, mixed so you could not know it.
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As two clear tapers mix in one their light, So did the lily and the hand their white. She viewed it, and her view the form bestows Amongst her spirits: for as color flows From superficies of each thing we see, Even so with colors forms emitted be, And where Love's form is, Love is; Love is form. He entered at the eye, his sacred storm Rose from hand, Love's sweetest instrument; It stirred her blood's sea so, that high it went, And beat in bashful waves 'gainst the white shore Of her divided cheeks; it raged the more, Because the tide went 'gainst the haughty wind Of her estate and birth. And as we find In fainting ebbs the flow'ry Zephyr hurls The green-haired Hellespont, broke in silver curls 'Gainst Hero's tower, but in his blast's retreat, The waves obeying him, they after beat, Leaving the chalky shore a great way pale, Then moist it freshly with another gale: So ebbed and flowed the blood in Eucharis' face, Coyness and Love strived which had greatest grace. Virginity did fight on Coyness' side, Fear of her parents' frowns, and female pride Loathing the lower place more than" it loves The high contents desert and virtue moves. With Love fought Hymen's beauty and his valor, Which scarce could so much favor yet allure To come to strike, but fameless, idle stood: Action is fiery valor's sovereign good. But Love once entered, wished no greater aid Than he could find within; thought thought betrayed; The bribed, but incorrupted garrison Sung "10 Hymen." There those songs begun, And Love was grown so rich with such a gain, And wanton with the ease of his free reign, That he would turn into her roughest frowns To turn them out; and thus he Hymen crowns
HERO AND LEANDER
• SESTIAD V
King of his thoughts, man's greatest empery: This was his first brave step to deity.
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Home to the mourning city they repair, With news· as wholesome as the morning air To the sad parents of each saved maid; But Hymen and his Eucharis had laid This plot, to make the flame of their delight Round as the moon at full, and full as bright. Because the parents of chaste Eucharis Exceeding Hymen's so, might cross their bliss, And as the world rewards deserts, that law Cannot assist with force, so when they saw Their daughter safe, take vantage of their own, Praise Hymen's valor much, nothing bestown, Hymen must leave the virgins in a grove Far off from Athens, and go first to prove, If to restore them all with fame and life, He should enjoy his dearest as his wife. This told to a11 the maids, the most agree: The riper sort, knowing what 'tis to be The first mouth of a news so far derived, And that to hear and bear news brave folks lived, As being a carriage special hard to bear Occurrents, these occurrents being so dear, They did with grace protest they were content T' accost their friends with all their complement For Hymen's good; but to incur their harm, There he must pardon them. This wit went warm To Adolesche's brain, a nymph born high, Made all of voice and fire, that upwards fly: Her heart and all her forces' nether train Climbed to her tongue, and thither fell her brain, Since it could go no higher, and it must go; All powers she had, even her tongue, did so. In spirit and quickness she much joy did take, And loved her tongue, only for quickness' sake;
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And she would haste and tell. The rest all stay; Hymen goes one, the nymph another way, And what became of her I'll tell at last. Yet take her visage now: moist-lipped, long-faced, Thin like an iron wedge, so sharp and tart As 'twere of purpose made to cleave Love's heart; Well were this lovely beauty rid of her. And Hymen did at Athens now prefer His welcome suit, which he with joy aspired: A hundred princely youths with him retired To fetch the nymphs; chariots and music went, And home they came: heaven with applauses rent. The nuptials straight proceed, whiles all the town Fresh in their joys might do them most renown. First gold-locked Hymen did to church repair, Like a quick off'ring burned in flames of hair; And after, with a virgin firmament, The godhead-proving bride attended went Before them all; she looked in her command, As if form-giving Cyprias' silver hand Gripped all their beauties, and crushed out one flame; She blushed to see how beauty overcame The thoughts of all men. Next before her went Five lovely children decked with ornament Of her sweet colors, bearing torches by, For light was held a happy augury Of generation, whose efficient right Is nothing else but to produce to light. The odd disparent number they did choose, To show the union married loves should use, Since in two equal parts it will not sever, But the midst holds one to rejoin it ever, As common to both parts: men therefore deem That equal number gods do not esteem, Being authors of sweet peace and unity, But pleasing to th' infernal empery Under whose ensigns wars and discords fight, Since an even number you may disunite
HERO AND LEANDER
• SESTIAD V
In two parts equal, nought in middle left To reunite each part from other reft; And five they hold in most especial prize, Since ~tis the first odd number that doth rise From the two foremost numbers' unity, That odd and even are: which are two and three, For one no number is, but thence doth flow The powerful race of number. Next did go A noble matron that did spinning bear A housewife's rock and spindle, and did wear A wether's skin, with all the snowy fleece, To intimate that even the daintiest piece And noblest~born dame should industrious be; That which does good disgraceth no degree. And now to Juno's temple they are come, Where her grave priest stood in the nlarriage room. On his right arm did hang a scarlet veil, And from his shoulders to the ground did trail, On either side, ribbons of white and blue; With the red veil he hid the bashful hue Of the chaste bride, to show the modest shame, In coupling with a man, should grace a dame. Then took he the dis parent silks, and tied The lovers by the waists, and side to side, In token that thereafter they must bind In one self sacred knot each other's Inind. Before them on an altar he presented Both fire and water, which was first invented, Since to ingenerate every human creature, And every other birth produced by Nature, Moisture and heat must mix: so man and wife For human race must join in nuptial life. Then one of Juno's birds, the painted jay, He sacrificed, and took the gall away; All which he did behind the altar throw, In sign no bitterness of hate should grow 'Twixt married loves, nor any least disdain.
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Nothing they spake, for 'twas esteemed too plain For the most silken mildness of a maid To let a public audience hear it said She boldly took the man; and so respected Was bashfulness in Athens, it erected To chaste Agneia, which is shamefastness, A sacred temple, holding her a goddess. And now to feasts, masques, and triumphant shows The shining troops returned, even till earth's throes Brought forth with joy the thickest part of night, When the sweet nuptial song, that used to cite All to their rest, was by Phemonoe sung, First Delphian prophetess, whose graces sprung Out of the Muses' well: she sung before The bride into her chamber, at which door A matron and a torch-bearer did stand; A painted box of comfits in her hand The matron held, and so did other some That compassed round the honored nuptial room. The custom was that every maid did wear, During her maidenhead, a silken sphere About her waist, above her inmost weed, Knit with Minerva's knot, and that was freed By the fair bridegroom on the marriage night, With many ceremonies of delight. And yet eternized Hymen's tender bride To suffer it dissolved so sweetly cried. The maids that heard so loved and did adore her, They wished with all their hearts to suffer for her. So had the matrons, that with comfits stood About the chamber, such affectionate blood, And so true feeling of her harmless pains, That everyone a shower of comfits rains, For which the bride-youths scrambling on the ground, In noise of that sweet hail her cries were drowned. And thus blest Hymen joyed his gracious bride, And for his joy was after deified.
HERO AND LEANDER
• SESTIAD V
The saffron mirror by which Phoebus' love, Green Tellus, decks her, now he held above The cloudy mountains, and the noble maid, Sharp-visaged Adolesche, that was strayed Out of her way, in hasting with her news, Not till this hour th' Athenian turrets views; And now brought home by guides, she heard by all That her long kept occurrents would be stale, And how fair Hymen's honors did excel For those rare news, which she came short to tell. To hear her dear tongue robbed of such a joy Made the well-spoken nymph take such a toy, That down she sunk; when lightning from above Shrunk her lean body, and for mere free love, Turned her into the pied-plumed Psittacus, That now the parrot is surnamed by us, Who still with counterfeit confusion prates Nought but news common to the common'st mates. This told, strange Teras touched her lute, and sung This ditty that the torchy evening sprung. Epithalamion Teratos Come, come, dear Night, Love's mart of kisses, Sweet close of his ambitious line, The fruitful summer of his blisses, Love's glory doth in darkness shine. o COIne, soft rest of cares, come Night, COlne naked Virtue's only tire, The reaped harvest of the light, Bound up in sheaves of sacred fire. Love calls to war, Sighs his alarms, Lips his swords are, The field his arms. Come, Night, and lay thy velvet hand On glorious Dais outfacing face, And all thy crowned flames command
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For torches to our nuptial grace. Love calls to war, Sighs his alarms, Lips his swords are, The field his arms. No need have we of factious Day, To cast in envy of thy peace' Her balls of discord in thy way: Here Beauty's day doth never cease; Day is abstracted here, And varied in a triple sphere. Hero, Alcmane, Mya so outshine thee, Ere thou come here let Thetis thrice refine thee. Love calls to war, Sighs his alarms, Lips his swords are, The field his arms. The evening star I see: Rise, youths, the evening star Helps Love to summon war; Both now embracing be. Rise, youths, Love's right claims nl0re than banquets, rise. Now the bright marigolds that deck the skies, Phoebus' celestial flowers, that (contrary To his flowers here) ope when he shuts his eye, And shut when he doth open, crown your sports. Now Love in Night, and Night in Love exhorts Courtship and dances. All your parts employ, And suit Night's rich expansure with your joy. Love paints his longings in sweet virgins' eyes: Rise, youths, Love's right claims more than banquets, rise. Rise, virgins, let fair nuptial loves enfold Your fruitless breasts: the maidenheads ye hold Are not your own alone, but parted are; Part in disposing them your parents share, And that a third part is, so must ye save
HERO AND LEANDER
• SESTIAD VI
Your loves a third, and you your thirds must have. Love paints his longings in sweet virgins' eyes: Rise, youths, Love's right claims more than banquets, rise. Herewith the amorous spirit that was so kind To Teras' hair, and combed it down with wind, Still as it comet-like brake from her brain, Would needs have Teras gone, and did refrain To blow it down: which staring up dismayed The timorous feast, and she no longer stayed, But bowing to the bridegroom and the bride, Did like a shooting exhalation glide Out of their sights; the turning of her back Made them all shriek} it looked so ghastly black. o hapless Hero, that most hapless cloud Thy soon-succeeding tragedy foreshowed. Thus all the nuptial crew to joys depart, But much-wronged Hero stood hell's blackest dart; Whose wound because I grieve so to display, I use digressions thus l' increase the day.
The end of the fifth Sestiad
THE ARGUMENT OF THE SIXTH SESTIAD Leucote flies to all the winds, And from the Fates their outrage binds, That Hero and her love may meet. Leander (with Love's complete fleet Manned in himself), puts forth to seas, When straight the ruthless Destinies With Ate stir the winds to war Upon the Hellespont; their jar Drowns poor Leander; Hero's eyes,
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Wet witnesses of his surprise~ Her torch blown out, grief casts her down Upon her love~ and both doth drown; In whose just ruth the god of seas Transforms them to th' Acanthides. No longer could the Day nor Destinies Delay the Night, who now did frowning rise Into her throne; and at her humorous breasts Visions and Dreams lay sucking: all men's rests Fell like the mists of death upon theif eyes, Day's too-long darts so killed their faculties. The winds yet, like the £low'rs, to cease began, FOf bright Leucote, Venus' whitest swan, That held sweet Hero dear, spread her fair wings, Like to a field of snow, and message brings From Venus to the Fates, t' entreat them lay Their charge upon the winds their rage to stay, That the stern battle of the seas might cease, And guard Leander to his love in peace. The Fates consent (aye me, dissembling Fates), They showed their favors to conceal their hates, And draw Leander on, lest seas too high Should stay his too obsequious Destiny; Who like a fleering slavish parasite, In warping profit or a traitorous sleight, Hoops round his rotten body with devotes, And pricks his descant face full of false notes, Praising with open throat, and oaths as foul As his false heart, the beauty of an owl; Kissing his skipping hand with charmed skips, That cannot leave, but leaps upon his lips Like a cock-sparrow, or a shameless quean Sharp at a red-lipped youth, and nought doth mean Of all his antic shows but doth repair More tender fawns, and takes a scattered hair From his tame subject's shoulder; whips, and calls For every thing he lacks; creeps 'gainst the walls
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HERO AND LEANDER • SESTIAD VI
With backward humbless, to give needless way: Thus his false fate did with Leander play. First to black Eurus flies the white Leucote, Born 'mongst the negroes in the Levant sea, On whose curled head the glowing sun doth rise, And shows the sovereign will of Destinies, To have him cease his blasts, and down he lies. Next, to the fenny Notus course she holds, And found him leaning with his arms in folds Upon a rock, his white hair full of show'rs, And him she chargeth by the fatal pow'rs To hold in his wet cheeks his cloudy voice. To Zephyr then that doth in flow'rs rejoice; To snake-foot Boreas next she did remove, And found him tossing of his ravished love, To heat his frosty bosom hid in snow, Who with Leucote's sight did cease to blow. Thus all were still to Hero's heart's desire, Who with all speed did consecrate a fire Of flaming gums and comfortable spice, To light her torch, which in such curious price She held, being object to Leander's sight, That nought but fires perfumed must give it light. She loved it so, she grieved to see it burn, Since it would waste and soon to ashes turn; Yet if it burned not, 'twere not worth her eyes, What made it nothing gave it all the prize. Sweet torch, true glass of our society: What man does good, but he consumes thereby? But thou wert loved for good, held high, given show; Poor virtue loathed for good, obscured, held low. Do good, be pined; be deedless good, disgraced: Unless we feed on men, we let theln fast. Yet Hero with these thoughts her torch did spend: When bees makes wax, Nature doth not intend It shall be made a torch, but we that know The proper virtue of it make it so,
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And when 'tis Inade we light it; nor did Nature Propose one life to maids, but each such creature Makes by her soul the best of her free state, Which without love is rude, disconsolate, And wants love's fire to make it mild and bright, Till when, maids are but torches wanting light. Thus 'gainst our grief, not cause of grief we fight; The right of nought is gleaned, but the delight. Up went she, but to tell how she descended, Would God she were not dead, or my verse ended! She was the rule of wishes, sum and end, For all the parts that did on love depend. Yet cast the torch his brightness further forth; But what shines nearest best, holds truest worth. Leander did not through such tempests swim To kiss the torch, although it lighted him; But all his pow'rs in her desires awaked, Her love and virtues clothed him richly naked.· Men kiss but fire that only shows pursue; Her torch and Hero figure show and virtue. Now at opposed Abydos nought was heard But bleating flocks, and many a bellowing herd Slain for the nuptials, cracks of falling woods, Blows of broad axes, pourings out of floods. The guilty Hellespont was nlixed and stained With bloody torrents that the shambles rained; Not arguments of feast, but shows that bled, Foretelling that red night that followed. More blood was spilt, more honors were addressed, Than could have graced any happy feast. Rich banquets, triumphs, every pomp employs His sumptuous hand: no miser's nuptial joys. Air felt continual thunder with the noise, Made in the general marriage violence; And no man knew the cause of this expense, But the two hapless lords, Leander's sire, And poor Leander, poorest where the fire
HERO AND LEANDER
• SESTlAD VI
Of credulous love made him most rich surmised. As short was he of that himself he prized As is an empty gallant full of form, That thinks each look an act, each drop a storm, That falls from his brave breathings; most brought up In our metropolis, and hath his cup Brought after him to feasts; and much palm bears For his rare judgment in th' attire he wears; Hath seen the hot Low Countries, not their heat, Observes their rampires and their buildings yet; And for your sweet discourse with mouths is heard Giving instructions with his very beard; Hath gone with an ambassador, and been A great man's mate in traveling, even to Rhene; And then puts all his worth in such a face As he saw brave men make, and strives for grace To his news forth. As when you descry A ship with all her sail contends to fly Out of the narrow Thames with winds unapt, Now crosseth here, then there, then this way rapt, And then hath one point reached; then alters all, And to another crooked reach doth fall Of half a bird-baIt's shoot, keeping more coil Than if she danced upon the ocean's toil: So serious is his trifling cOlnpany, In all his swelling ship of vacantry. And so short of himself in his high thought Was our Leander in his fortunes brought, And in his fort of love that he thought won, But otherwise he scorns comparison.
o sweet Leander, thy large worth I hide In a short grave; ill-favored storms must chide Thy sacred favor: I in floods of ink Must drown thy graces, which white papers drink, Even as thy beauties did the foul black seas. I must describe the hell of thy dis-ease, That heaven did merit; yet I needs must see
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Our painted fools and cockhorse peasantry Still, still usurp, with long lives, loves, and lust, The seats of Virtue, cutting short as dust Her dear-bought issue. III to worse converts, And tramples in the blood of all deserts.
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Night close and silent now goes fast before The captains and their soldiers to the shore, On whom attended the appointed fleet At Sestos' bay, that should Leander meet, Who feigned he in another ship would pass; Which must not be, for no one mean there was To get his love horne, but the course he took. Forth did his beauty for his beauty look, And saw her through her torch, as you behold Sometimes within the sun a face of gold, Formed in strong thoughts by that tradition's force That says a god sits there and guides his course. His sister was with him, to whom he showed His guide by sea, and said, "Oft have you viewed In one heaven many stars, but never yet In one star many heavens till now were met. See, lovely sister, see, now Hero shines~ No heaven but her appears; each star repines, And all are dad in clouds, as if they mourned To be by influence of earth outburned. Yet doth she shine, and teacheth virtue's train, Still to be constant in hell's blackest reign, Though even the gods themselves do so entreat thein As they did hate, and Earth as she would eat them." Off went his silken robe, and in he leapt, Whom the kind waves so licorously dept, Thick'ning for haste one in another so, To kiss his skin, that he might almost go To Hero's tow'r, had that kind minute lasted. But now the cruel Fates with Ate hasted
HERO AND LEANDER
• SESTIAD VI
To all the winds, and made them battle fight Upon the Hellespont, for either's right Pretended to the windy monarchy. And forth they brake, the seas mixed with the sky, And tossed distressed L~ander, being in hell, As high as heaven; bliss not in height doth dwell. The Destinies sat dancing on the waves, To see the glorious winds with lTIutual braves Consume each other: 0 true glass, to see How ruinous ambitious statists be To their own glories! Poor Leander cried For help to sea-born Venus; she denied; To Boreas, that for his Atthaea's sake, He would some pity on his Hero take, And for his own love's sake, on his desires; But Glory never blows cold Pity's fires. Then called he Neptune, who through all the noise Knew with affright his wracked Leander's voice, And up he rose; for haste his forehead hit 'Gainst heaven's hard crystal; his proud waves he smit With his forked scepter, that could not obey; Much greater powers than Neptune's gave them sway. They loved Leander so, in groans they brake When they came near him; and such space did take 'Twixt one another, loth to issue on, That in their shallow furrows earth was shown, And the poor lover took a little breath; But the curst Fates sat spinning of his death On every wave, and with the servile winds Tumbled them on him. And now Hero finds, By that she felt, her dear Leander's state. She wept, and prayed for him to every Fate, And every wind that whipped her with her hair About the face, she kissed and spake it fair, Kneeled to it, gave it drink out of her eyes To quench his thirst; but still their cruelties Even her poor torch envied, and rudely beat
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The bating flame from that dear food it eat; Dear, for it nourished her Leander's life, Which with her robe she rescued from their strife. But silk too soft was such hard hearts to break, And she, dear soul, even as her silk, faint, weak, Could not preserve it; out, 0 out it went. Leander still called Neptune, that now rent His brackish curls, and tore his wrinkled face Where tears in billows did each other chase, And (burst with ruth) he hurled his marble mace At the stern Fates; it wounded Lachesis That drew Leander's thread, and could not miss The thread itself, as it her hand did hit, But smote it full and quite did sunder it. The more kind Neptune raged, the more he rased His love's life's fort, and killed as he embraced. Anger doth still his own mishap increase; If any comfort live, it is in peace. o thievish Fates, to let blood, flesh, and sense Build two fair temples for their excellence, To rob it with a poisoned influence. Though soul's gifts starve, the body's are held dear In ugliest things; sense-sport preserves a bear. But here nought serves our turns: 0 heaven and earth, How most most wretched is our human birth! And now did all the tyrannous crew depart, Knowing there was a storm in Hero's heart Greater than they could make, and scorned their Sinart. She bowed herself so low out of her tow'r, That wonder 'twas she fell not ere her hour With searching the lamenting waves for him; Like a poor snail, her gentle supple limb Hung on her turret's top so most downright, As she would'dive beneath the darkness quite To find her jewel; jewel-her Leander, A nalne of all earth's jewels pleased not her Like his dear name: "Leander, still my choice,
HERO AND LEANDER
• SESTI!\.D VI
Come nought but my Leander; 0 my voice, Turn to Leander: henceforth be all sounds, Accents, and phrases that show all grief's wounds, Analyzed in Leander. 0 black change! Trumpets do you with thunder of your clange, Drive out this change's horror, my voice faints: Where all joy was, now shriek out all complaints." Thus cried she, for her mixed soul could tell Her love was dead. And when the Morning fell Prostrate upon the weeping Earth for woe, Blushes that bled out of her cheeks did show Leander brought by Neptune, bruised and torn With cities' ruins he to rocks had worn, To filthy usuring rocks, that would have blood, Though they could get of him no other good. She saw him, and the sight was much much more Than might have served to kill her: should her store Of giant sorrows speak? Burst, die, bleed, 'And leave poor plaints to us that shall succeed. She fell on her love's bosom, hugged it fast, And with Leander's name she breathed her last. Neptune for pity in his arms did take them, Flung them into the air, and did awake them Like two sweet birds, surnamed th' Acanthides, Which we call thistle-warps, that near no seas Dare ever come, but still in couples fly, And feed on thistle-tops, to testify The hardness of their first life in their last: The first in thorns of love, and sorrows past; And so most beautiful their colors show, As none (so little) like them: her sad brow A sable velvet feather covers quite, Even like the forehead-cloths that in the night, Or when they sorrow, ladies use to wear; Their wings, blue, red, and yellow mixed appear; Colors that, as we construe colors, paint
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Their states to life; the yellow shows their saint, The devil Venus, them; blue, their truth; The red and black, ensigns of death and ruth. And this true honor from their love-deaths sprung, They were first that ever poet sung.
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HENRY PETOWE
The Second Part of Hero and Leander, Containing their Further Fortunes
TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL SIR HENRY GUILFORD, KNIGHT, H. P. WISHETH ALL INCREASE OF WORSHIP, AND ENDLESS FELICITY.
Right worshipful: although presumption luerit penance in dedicating such rude and unpolished lines to the protection of so worthy a personage, yet I hope your wonted favor and clemency will privilege me from blame, and accept of the giver, as one who would hazard life to move your worship the least jot of content. If it be thought a point of wisdom in that impoverished soul that by taking sanctuary doth ftee himself from many dangers, then impute no blame unto myself, that seek for safeguard, being round beset with many enemies. No sooner had report made known my harmless muse's first progress, how she intended to make trial of her unfledged plumes, but (myself being present where that babbling dame was prating) I heard injurious Envy reply to this effect: Dares she presume to fly that cannot go? We'll cut her plUlues, said they; it shall be so. Then with a snarl or two these ever meddling carpers betook them to their cabins. At the next rousing I expect no other favor than Envy's extremest fury, which to withstand, 77
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if I may purchase your worship's safe protection, no better guard will my fearful soul desire. To make the cause manifest unto your worthiness why Envy thus barketh at me, I entreat your wisdom to consider the sequel. This history of Hero and Leander, penned by that admired poet Marlowe, but not finished (being prevented by sudden death), and the same (though not abruptly, yet contrary to an men's expectation) resting like a head separated from the body, with this harsh sentence, Desunt nonnulla; I being enriched by a gentleman, a friend of mine, with the true Italian discourse of those lovers' further fortunes, have presumed to finish the history, though not so well as divers riper wits doubtless would have done: but as it is rude and not praiseworthy, so neither do I expect praise nor commendations. This therefore is the cause of their sudden enmity, that I being but a fly dare presume to soar with the eagle. But however they dislike it, may your worthiness but grace this my first labor with your kind acceptance, my heart shall enjoy the depth of his desire. And your worship shall continually bind me in all serviceable duty to rest unto your worship always devoted. Your worship's most humbly to command, HENRY PET OWE
TO THE QUICK-SIGHTED READER.
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Kind gentlemen, what I would I cannot, but what I could with that little skill I had, I have presumed to present to your favorable views: I am not ashamed to beg your kind favors, because I find myself altogether insufficient to perform that which my good will hath taken in hand; yet with my soul I wish my labors may merit your kind favors: if not for the toil herein taken, which I confess have no way de- . served the least jot of favor, yet for the subject's sake, for Hero and Leander's sake. If neither of these purchase favor, the frowning brows of sad discontent will banish my poor harmless muse into the vast wilderness of eternal oblivion.
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I am assured, gentlemen, you will marvel what folly or rather fury enforced me to undertake such a weighty matter, I being but a slender Atlas to uphold or undergo such a massy burden; yet I hope you will rather assist, and further Ine with the wings of your sweet favors, than to hinder my forward endeavors with your dislikings~ esteeming it as the first fruits of an unripe wit, done at certain vacant hours. In which hope I rest captivated till I be freed by your liberal and kind censures. Yours still, if mine ever, HENRY PETOWE
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When young Apollo, heaven's sacred beauty, Gan on his silver harp with reverent duty To blazon forth the fair of Tellus' wonder, Whose fair all other fairs brought subject under, Heaven gan to frown at earth's fragility, Made proud with such adored majesty. Hero the fair, so do I name this fair, With whom immortal fairs might not compare, Such was her beauty framed in heaven's scorn, Her spotless fair caused other fairs to mourn; Heaven frowned, Earth shamed, that none so fair as she, Base-born of earth, in heaven might equal be. Fell moody Venus pale with fretting ire; "Aye me," quoth she, for want of her desire, "Earth's basest mold, framed of the baser dust, Strumpet to filth, bawd to loathed lust, Worse than Medea's charms are thy enticements, Worse than the mermaids' songs are thy allurements, Worse than the snaky hag Tisiphone To mortal souls is thy inveigling beauty!" Thus she exclaims 'gainst harmless Hero's fair, And, would the gods consent, her dangling hair, Wherewith the busy air doth often play (As wanton birds upon a sunshine day) Should be transformed to snakes all ugly black, To· be a means of her eternal wrack. But wanton Jove, sweet beauty's favorite, Demands of Beauty beauty's worthy merit:
HERO AND LEANDER
"If beauty's guerdon merit pain," quoth he, "Your fair deserves no less as fair as she." Then moody Juno frowning gan reply, "I'll want my will, but strumpet she shall die!" "Juno," quoth he, "we ought not tyrannize." "On such," said she, "as you do wantonize! But since our continent, the scope of heaven, Contains her not unless from earth beriven, I'll make a transformation of her hue, And force the haughty mother Earth to rue That her base WOlnb dare yield such bastard fairs That Jove must seek on earth immortal heirs. I'll cause a second desperate Phaethon To rule the fiery chariot of the sun, That topsy-turvey heaven and earth may turn, That heaven, earth, sea and hell may endless burn." '~Stay, headstrong goddess," Jove to Juno said, "Can you do this without your husband's aid?" With that she gan entreat it might be so, But Jove would not sweet beauty overthrow; But this he granted Juno, that Apollo Should never more extol the fair of Hero. His censure past, the ireful queen doth hie To set a period to his harmony. From forth his yielding arms she soon bereaves ApoHo's lute, whom cOlnfortless she leaves, Making a thousand parts of two gold strings; Into Oblivion's cell the same she flings. Quick-sighted spirits, this supposed Apollo, Conceit no other but th'admired Marlowe; Marlowe admired, whose honey-flowing vein No English writer can as yet attain; Whose name in Fame's immortal treasury Truth shall record to endless memory; Marlowe late mortal, now framed all divine, What soul more happy than that soul of thine? Live still in heaven thy soul, thy fame on earth
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(Thou dead) of Marlowe's Hero finds a dearth. Weep aged Tellus, all earth on earth complain, Thy chief-born fair hath lost her fair again: Her fair in this is lost, that Marlowe's want Enforceth Hero's fair be wondrous scant. o had that king of poets breathed longer, Then had fair beauty's fort been much more stronger; His golden pen had closed her so about, No bastard eaglet's quill the world throughout Had been of force to mar what he had made, For why they were not expert in that trade: What mortal soul with Marlowe might contend, That could 'gainst reason force him stoop or bend? Whose silver charming tongue moved such delight That men would shun their sleep in still dark night To meditate upon his golden lines, His rare conceits and sweet according rhymes. But Marlowe, still admired Marlowe's gone, To live with Beauty in Elysium, I1nmortal Beauty, who desires to hear His sacred poesies sweet in every ear: Marlowe lnust frame to Orpheus' melody Hymns all divine to make heaven harmony. There ever live the prince of poetry, Live with the living in eternity! Apollo's lute bereaved of silver string, Fond Mercury doth harshly gin to sing, A counterfeit unto his honey note; But I do fear he'll chatter it by rote. Yet if his ill-according voice be such That, hearing part, you think you hear too much, Bear with his rashness and he will amend; His folly blame, but his good will commend. Yet rather discommend what I entreat; For if you like it, some will storm and fret; And then insulting eagles soaring high Will prey upon the silly harmless fly-
HERO AND LEANDER
Nil refert; for I'll pawn my better part, Ere sweet-faced Beauty lose her due desert. Avaunt base steel where shrill-tongued silver rings; The chatt'ring pie may range when blackbirds sings: Birds black as jet with sweet according voices, Like to Elysium's saints with heavenly noises. Why should harsh Mercury recount again What sweet Apollo, living~ did maintain? Which was of Hero her all-pleasing fair, Her pretty brows, her lip, her amber hair, Her roseate cheek, her lily fingers white, Her sparkling eyes that lend the day his light: What should I say? Her all in all he praised, Wherewith the spacious world was much amazed. Leander's love and lovers' sweetest pleasure He wrought a full discourse of beauty's treasure~ And left nle nothing pleasing to recite, But of unconstant Chance and Fortune's spite. Then in this glass view beauty's frailty, Fair Hero and Leander's misery. The virgin princess of the western isle, Fair Cambarina of the golden soilAnd yet not fair, but of a swarthy hue, For by her gold her beauty did renew: Renew as thus~ that having gold to spare, Men held it duty to protest and swear Her fair was such as all the world admired it, Her blushing beauty such, all men desired it. The scornful queen nlade proud with fained praises, Her black-framed soul to a higher rate she raises, That men bewitched with her gold, not beauty, A thousand knights as homage proffer duty. If such a base deformed lump of clay, In whom no sweet content had any stay, No pleasure residence, no sweet delight, Shelter from heat of day or cold of night;
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If such a she so many suitors had, Hero, whose angry frowns made heaven sad, Hero, whose gaze gracing dark Pluto's cell, Pluto would deem Phoebus came there to dwell, Hero, whose eyes heaven's fiery tapers stain, Hero, whose beauty makes night day again, How much more love merits so sweet a queen, Whose like no outworn world hath ever seen. Of sweet Leander's love to Hero's beauty, Heaven, Earth, and Hell, and all the world is guilty; Of Hero's kindness to her trusty fere, By lost Apollo's tale it doth appear, Recorded in the register of Fame: The works of Marlowe do express the saIne. But ere he gan of ,fickle Chance to tdl, How bad Chance 'gainst the better did rebel, When love in love's sweet garden newly planted, Remorseful Hero to Leander granted Free liberty to yield the world increase; Unconstant Fortune, foe to harmless peace, Played such unruly pranks in love's despite That love was forced from his true love's sight. Duke Archilaiis, cruel, void of pity, Where Hero dwelt was regent of that city: Woe worth that town where bloody homicides And tyrants are elected city's guides; Woe worth that country where unlawful lust Sits in a regal throne: of force it must Down to the low-laid bowels of the earth, Like to a stillborn child's untimely birth. Duke Archilaiis loved, but whom loved he? He courted Hero, but it would not be. Why should he plant where other knights have sown? The land is his, therefore the fruit his own. Must it be thus? Alas, it is not so; Lust may not force true lovers' overthrow. Lust hath no limits, lust will have his will,
HERO AND LEANDER
Like to a ravening wolf that's bent to kill, The duke affecting her that was beloved (Hero, whose firm-fixed love Leander proved) Gave onset to the still-resisting fort; But fearful hate set period to his sport. Lust egged him on to further his desire, But fell disdain enforced him to retire. When Archilaiis saw that thundering threats Could not prevail, he mildly then entreats. But all in vain; the doe had chose her make, And whom she took she never would forsake. The doe's sweet deer this hunter seeks to chase, Harmless Leander, whose all-smiling face Graced with unspotted fair to all men's sight Would force the hounds retire, and not to bite: Which when the duke perceived, another cur Was forced from his den, that made much stir, And Treason he was named, which held so fast That fear's swift wings did lend some aid at last. For force perforce Leander must depart From Sestos, yet behind he left his heart. His heart in Hero's breast Leander left; Leander's absence Hero's joys bereft; Leander's want the cruel duke thought sure Some ease to discontent would soon procure. Leander having heard his woeful doom, Towards his weeping lady he doth come, Dewing her cheeks with his distilling tears, Which Hero dryeth with her dangling hairs; They weeping greet each other with sweet kisses, Kindly embracing, thus they gan their wishes: "0 that these folding arms might ne'er undo!" As she desired, so wished Leander too; Then with her hand she touched his sacred breast, Where in his bosom she desires to rest. Like to a snake she clung unto him fast, And wound about him, which, snatched up in haste By the prince of birds, borne lightly up aloft,
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Doth writhe herself about his neck, and oft About his wings displayed in the wind; Or like as ivy on trees cling 'bout the rind; Or as the crab-fish having caught in seas His enemies, doth clasp him with his cleas. So joined in one these two together stood, Even as Hermaphroditus in the flood, Until the duke did banish him away; Then gan Leander to his Hero say. "Let me go where the sun doth parch the green In telTIperate heat, where he is felt and seen; Or where his beaITIs do not dissolve the ice; In presence pressed ,of people mad or wise; Set me in high, or else in low degree, In clearest sky, or where clouds thickest be, In longest night, or in the shortest day, In lusty youth, or when my hairs be gray; Go I to heaven, to earth, or else to hell, Thrall or at large, alive whereso I dwell, On hill or dale, or on the foaming flood, Sick or in health, in evil fame or good, Thine will I be, and only with this thought: Content thyself, although my chance be naught." Thus parted these two lovers full of woes; She stays behind, on pilgrimage he goes. Leave we awhile Leander, wandering knight, To Delphos taking all his speedy flight, That by the oracle of Apollo His further fortunes he may truly know. True love quite banished, lust began to plead To Hero, like a scholar deeply read: "The flaming sighs that boil within my breast, Fair love," quoth he, "are cause of my unrest. Unrest I entertain for thy sweet sake, And in ITIy tent choose sorrow for my make. Why dost thou frown?" quoth he, and then she turned;
HERO AND LEANDER
"0 cool the fainting soul that flaming, burned, Forced by desire to touch thy matchless beauty, To whom thy servant vows all reverent duty," With that her ireful brows clouded with frowns; His soul already drenched in woe's sea drowns. But floating on the waves, thus he gan say: "Flint-hearted lady, canst thou be so coy? Can pity take no place, is kind remorse Quite banished, quite fled?" Then gan he to be hoarse, Unable to exclaim against her longer, Whose woe lament made Hero's heart more stronger, Hero that gave no ear to her commander, But ever weeps for her exiled Leander; And weeping sore amongst her liquid tears, These words she spake, wherewith her sorrow wears: "The pillar perished is whereto I leant, To my unhap, for lust away hath sent Of all my joy the very bark and rind, The strongest stay of my unquiet mind; And I alas am forced without consent Daily to mourn, till death do it relent. o my Leander, he is banished, From his sweet Hero's sight he is exiled! o ye just heavens, if that heaven be just, Rein the unbridled head of haughty lust; Make him to stoop that forceth others bend, Bereave his joys that reft me of my friend. I want myself, for Hero wants her love, And where Leander is my self doth move. What can I lllore but have a woeful heart, My mind in woe, my body full of smart, And I myself myself always to hate, Till dreadful death do ease my doleful state." The angry duke lay listening to her words, And till she ends no speech at all affords, Until at length exclaiming 'gainst her kind, Thus he breathed forth the venom of his mind:
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"0 timorous taunters that delights in toys, Jangling jesters, deprivers of sweet joys, Tumbling cock-boats tottering to and fro, Growned of the graft whence all my grief doth grow; Sullen serpents environed with despite, That ill for good at all times doth requite; As cypress tree that rent is by the root, As well-sown seed for drought that cannot sprout, As branch or slip bitter from whence it grows, As gaping ground that rainless cannot close; As filth on land to whom no water flows, As flowers do fade when Phoebus rarest shows, As salamandra repulsed from the fire, Wanting my wish, I die for my desire." Speaking those words, Death seized him for his own, Wherewith she thought her woes were overthrown; Hero so thought, but yet she thought amiss: Before she was beloved, now finds no bliss. Duke Archilaiis being sudden dead, Young Euristippus ruled in his stead, The next succeeding heir to what was his: Then Hero's woes increased, and fled all bliss. Look how the silly harmless bleating lamb, Bereft from his kind make the gentle dam, Left as a prey to butcher's cruelty, In whom she finds not any drop of mercy; Or like a warrior whom his soldiers flies At his shrill echo of his foes' dread He all unable to withstand so many, Not having wherewith to combat, nor any Assured friend that dares to comfort him, Nor any way for fear dares succor hitn; But as a prey he yields to him he would not If he had help, but, helpless, strive he could not. So fared it with the meek distressed Hero, That sweet Leander banished her fro, She had no Hercules to defend her cause,
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She had no Brandamour disdaining laws To combat for her safety; this sweet 10 Had no kind Jove to keep her from her foe; This Psyches had no Cupid, love was banished, And love frOln love exiled, love needs must famish. Wood Euristippus for his brother's death, Like as a toiled huntsman wanting breath Stormeth that bad chance in the game's pursuit Should cause hinl panting rest as dead and mute; Or like sad Orphey for Euridice, Whom Cerberus bereft so hastily; Like to the thundering threats of Hercules, The world's admired prince, the great Alcides, When Nessus got the height of his desire By ravishing his fairest Deianire; Such was his ire, and more if more may be, Which he 'gainst Hero breathed spitefully. "Thou damned hag-" thus gan he to exclaim, "Thou base-born strumpet, one of Circe~s train, Durst thou presume, poor silly simple fly, With venom's force to force an eagle die? What though my brother Leander banished, Must he by thee therefore be poisoned? Die, cursed wretch!" With that he cast her from him, And would not suffer her to look upon him. The still amazed lady musing stood, Admiring why the duke should be so wood. Humbly she prostrates her at Anger's feet, And with down-dropping tears like liquid sleet She watereth the summer-thirsty ground, Weeping so long she fell into a sound. Again revived by the standers by, She doth entreat them to resolve her why Duke Euristippus wrongeth her so much As to dishonor her with such a touch. "Well know the gods my guiltless soul," quoth she; "Was Archilaus poisoned by me? If so, just heavens and immortal powers,
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Rain vengeance down in all-consuming showers; And cause that Hero that was counted fair Like a mad hellish fury to despair." The more she weeps, the more the heavens smile, Scorning that beauty should take any soil, Juno commanded Argus to defend her, But Jupiter would not so much befriend her. Argus stark dead, sweet Hero might not live, For of her life the duke will her deprive. Her doom was thus: ere three months' date took end, If she found none that would her cause defend, Untimely death should seize her as a prey, And unresisting should death obey. Meantime within a rock-framed strong She was imprisoned traitors vile among, Where discontented when she should have rested, Her food bad with sighs and tears she feasted; And when the breathless horses of the sun Had made their stay, and Luna had begun With cheerful smiling brows to grace dark night, Clad in black sable weeds for want of light, This all alone sad lady gan to play, Fralning sweet music to her welladay, Th'effect whereof this sonnet plainly shows, The fountain whence springs Hero's heavy woes.
Lamentation in Prison Night'S mourning black and misty veiling hue Shadows the blessed comfort of the sun, At whose bright gaze I wonted to renew My lifeless life when life was almost done. Done is my life, and all my pleasure done, For he is gone in whom my life begun: Unhappy I, poor I, and none as I; But pilgrim he, poor he, that should be by.
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My love exiled, and I in prison fast, Out-streaming tears break into weeping rain;
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He too soon banished, I in dungeon cast, He for me mourneth, I for him complain. He's banished, yet lives at liberty, And I exiled, yet live in misery: He weeps me far off, I for him here; I would I were with him, and he more near. But this imprisoning cave, this woeful cell, This house of sorrow and increasing woe~ Grief's teary chamber where sad care doth dwell, Where liquid tears like top-fiHed seas do flow, Beating their waves 'gainst still relentless stone, Still still they smile on me, and I still moa'n: I weep to stone, and stone of stone I find; Cold stone cold comfort yields, 0 most unkind.
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Oft have I read that stone relents at rain, And I implete their barren womb with store; Tears strealning down, they wet and wet again, Yet pitiless they harden all the more; And when my longing soul looks they should sunder, I touch the flinty stone and they seem stronger. They strong, I weak; alas, what hope have I? Hero wants comfort, Hero needs must die. When the n1elodious shrill-tongued nightingale With heavy cheer had warbled this sad tale, Night's drowsy god an ivory canopy Curtains before the windows of fair beauty. Drowned thus in sleep, she spent the weary night; There leave I Hero in a heavy plight. Now to the woeful pilgrim I return, Whose passions force the gentle birds to mourn; They see Leander weep, with heavy note They faintly sing, as when they sing by rote: While he gan descant on his misery, The pretty fowls do make him melody.
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LeanderJs Complaint of his Restless Estate Bright heaven's immortal moving spheres, and Phoebus all divine, Rue on low Earth's unfained tears that issue frOin Earth's eyne. Eyes were these no-eyes, whilst eye's eyesight lasted, But these dark eyes' clear sight sad sorrow wasted.
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What creature living lives in grief that breathes on Tellus' soil, But heavens pity with relief, save me, a slave to spoil? Spoil do his worst, spoil cannot spoil me more; Spoil never spoiled so true a love before. The stricken deer stands not in awe of black grim ireful Death, For finds herbs that can withdraw the shaft, to save his breath. The chased deer hath soil to cool his heat, The toiled steed is up in stable set.
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The silly owls lurk in the leaves, shine sun or night's queen weather; The sparrow shrowds her in the eaves from stOrIns of huffing weather. Fowls cOinfort find, Leander finds no friend; Then comfortless, Leander's life must end. By this it pleased the smiling brows of heaven, Whose deadly frowns him erst of joy beriven, To set a period to Leander's toil. Having enjoyed that long desired soil, When he had viewed the stately territories, And Delphos' sacred high erected towers, Unto Apollo's oracle he goes, In hope to find relief for many woes;
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He craves long looked-for rest., or else to die, To whom the oracle gan thus reply: The Oracle He loveth thine that loves not thee, His love to thine shall fatal be. Upon suspect she shall be slain Unless thou do return again. These harsh according rhymes to mickle pain Did but renew Leander's woes again; Yet as he might, with Fortune's sweet consent, He gins return all dangers to prevent. Within short time at Sestos he arriveth; On love's light wings desire Leander driveth, Desire that longs to view a blessed end Of Love and Fortune that so long contend. This back-retired pilgrim lived secure, And in unknown disguise he did endure Full two months space, until the time drew nigh To free fair Hero, or enforce her die. The date outworn of the prefixed day When combatants their valor should display, All things prepared, as blazing fame reported, 'Twere wonder to behold how men resorted; Knights neighboring by, and ladies all divine, Darting day's splendor from their sunlike eyne: Spectatum veniunt veniunt spectentur ut ipsae, But wanting fair, they come to gaze on beauty, Beauty, fair heaven's beauty, world's wonder, Hero, whose beauty keeps all beauty under. This fair-faced beauty from a foul-faced cell, A loathsome dungeon like to night's dark hell, At the fell duke's command in open view, Was sent for, on whose never~spotted hue Earth's mortal souls do feed and gaze upon her; So long they gaze that they do surfeit on her. For when this earth's admired immortal sun
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HENRY PETOWE .
To peep from under sable hold begun, Like as the piercing eye of doudy heaven, Whose sight the black thick douds have quite beriven, But by the huffing winds being overblown, And all their black expelled and overthrown, The day doth gin be jocund, secure, playing, The fair of heaven his beauty so displaying: So when the fairest Hero did begin (Whilom ydad in darkness' black-tanned skin) To pass the noisome portal of the prison, Like to the gorgeous Phoebus newly risen, She doth illuminate the morning day, Clad in a sable mantle of black say, Which Hero's eyes transformed to fair white, Making the low'ring morn dark pure light. As many mortal eyes beheld her eyes As there are fiery tapers in the skies; As luany eyes gazed on fair Hero's beauty As there be eyes that offer heaven duty; As many servitors attended on her As Venus' servants had to wait upon her. Though by the stern duke she was dishonored, Yet of the people she was honored; Mongst whom exiled Leander all unseen And all unknown attended on his queen. When to the near-adjoining palace gate, The place appointed for the princely combat, They did approach, there might all eyes behold The duke in armor of pure beaten gold, Mounted upon a steed as white as snow, The proud Duke Euristippus, Hero's foe; Hero being seated in rich majesty, A servile handmaid to captivity, From whence she might behold that gentle knight That for her sake durst hazard life in fight; For this was all the comfort Hero had, So many eyes shed tears to see her sad. Her handmaid Hope persuaded her some one
HERO AND LEANDER
Undaunted knight would be her champion. Yet since her lord Leander was not nigh, She was resolved either to live or die; But her Leander, careful of love, Intending love's firm constancy to prove (If to his lot the honor did befall) Withdrew himself into the palace hall, Where he was armed to his soul's content, And privily conducted to a tent, From whence he issued forth at trumpet's sound, Who, at the first encounter, on the ground Forced the mazed duke sore panting lie, Drowned in the river of sad ecstasy. At length reviving he doth mount again, Whom young Leander in short time had slain. The duke quite dead, this ali unknown young knight Was forthwith made the heir of Sestos right, The Princess Hero set at liberty, Kept by the late dead duke in misery, Whose constancy Leander gan to prove, And now anew begins to court his love. "To walk on ground where danger is unseen Doth make men doubt, where they have never been. As blind men fear what footing they shall find, So doth the wise mistrust the stranger's mind. I to you, and you unknown to me, Yet lnay not love twixt us two grafted be? What I have done for Hero's love was done; Say then you love, and end as I begun. I hazard life to free thy beauty's fair From tyrant's force and hellish soul despair: Then, sacred fair, balance my good desert; Enrich my soul with thy affecting heart. " Hero replied: "To rue on all false tears And forged tales, wherein craft oft appears, To trust each feigned face and forcing charm
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HENRY PETOWE
Betrays simple soul that thinks no harm. Not every tear doth argue inward pain, Not every sigh warrants men do not feign, Not every smoke doth prove a present fire, Not all that golden souls desire, Not every word is drawn out of the deep, For men slnile when they do seem to weep: Oft malice makes the mind to pour forth brine, And envy leaks the conduits of the eyne. doth cause men make a seeming show woes where grief did never grow. not those that wisely can beware shun dissimulation's dreadful snare. Blame not the stopped ears 'gainst sirens' song, Blame not the mind not moved with falsehood tongue; But rest content and satisfied with this: Whilst true Leander lives, true Hero's his. U
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"And thy Leander lives, sweet soul," said he, "Praising thy all-admired chastity. Though thus disguised, I am that banished knight That for affecting thee was put to flight. Hero, I am Leander, thy true fere, As true to thee as life to me is dear." When Hero all amazed gan revive, And she that then seemed dead was now alive, With kind embracements kissing at each strain, She welcomes him, and kisses him again. "By thee my joys have shaken off despair; All storms be past, and weather waxeth fair; By thy return Hero receives more joy Than Paris did when Helen was in Troy. By my heavy doubts and thoughts are fled, And now nly wits with pleasant thoughts are fed." sacred saint, on nectar all divine, While these Iny eyes," quoth he, "gaze on thy eyne. And ever after may these eyes beware
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HERO AND LEANDER
That they on strangers' beauty never stare: My wits I charm henceforth they take such They frame no toys my fancies new to feed. Deaf be my ears to hear another voice, To force me smile, or make my soul rejoice; Lame be my feet when they presume to move To force Leander seek another love. And when thy fair, sweet fair, I gin disgrace, Heaven to my soul afford no resting place." What he to her, she vowed the like to him, All sorrows fled, their joys anew begin. Full many years those lovers lived in fame, That all the world did much admire the same. Their lives' spent date, and unresisted death At hand to set a period to their breath, They were transformed by all divine decrees Into the form and shape of two pine trees, Whose nature's such, the female pine will die Unless the male be ever planted by: A Inap for all succeeding times to come To view true love, which in their loves begun. Finis Qualis
vita~
finis ita
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ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
P. Ovidii Nasonis Amorum" Liber Primus
ELEGIA I
Quemadmodum a Cupidine pro bellis amoris scrihere coactus sit We which were Ovid's five books now are three, For these before the rest preferreth he; If reading five thou plain'st of tediousness, Two ta'en away, thy labor will be less. With Muse prepared I meant to sing of arms, Choosing a subject fit for fierce alarms. Both verses were alike till Love (men say) Began to smile and took one foot away. Rash boy, who gave thee power to change a line? We are the Muses' prophets, none of thine. What if thy mother take Diana's bow? Shall Dian fan when love begins to glow? In woody groves is 't meet that Ceres reign, And quiver-bearing Dian till the plain? Who'll set the fair-tressed Sun in battle ray, While Mars doth take the Aonian harp to play? Great are thy kingdoms, over-strong and large, Ambitious imp, why seek'st thou further charge? Are all things thine? the Muses' Tempe thine? Then scarce can Phoebus say, "This harp is mine." When in this work's first verse I trod aloft, lor
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ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK I
Love slacked my muse, and made my numbers soft. I have no mistress nor no favorite,
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Being fittest matter for a wanton wit. Thus I complained, but Love unlocked his quiver, Took out the shaft, ordained my heart to shiver, And bent his sinewy bow upon his knee, Saying, "Poet, here's a work beseeming thee." o woe is me! he never shoots but hits; I burn, Love in my idle bosom sits. Let my first verse be six, my last five feet; Farewell stern war, for blunter poets meet. Elegian muse, that warblest amorous lays, Girt my shine brow with sea-bank myrtle sprays.
ELEGIA II
Quod primo amore correptus in triumphum dud se a Cupidine patiatur j
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What makes my bed seem hard seeing it is soft? Or why slips down the coverlet so oft? Although the nights be long, I sleep not tho, My sides are sore with tumbling to and fro. Were Love the cause, it's like I should descry him, Or lies he close, and shoots where none can spy him? 'Twas so, he struck me with a slender dart, 'Tis cruel Love turmoils my captive heart. Yielding or struggling do we give him might; Let's yield, a burden easily borne is light. I saw a brandished fire increase in strength, Which being not shaked, I saw it die at length. Young oxen newly yoked are beaten more Than oxen which have drawn the plough before; And rough jades' mouths with stubborn bits are torn. But managed horses' heads are lightly borne. Unwilling lovers love doth more torment
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK I
Than such as in their bondage feel content. Lo, I confess, I am thy captive, I, And hold Iny conquered hands for thee to tie. What need'st thou war? I sue to thee for grace; With arms to conquer armless men is base. Yoke Venus' doves, put myrtle on thy hair, Vulcan will give thee chariots rich and fair; The people thee applauding, thou shalt stand, Guiding the harmless pigeons with thy hand; Young men and women shalt thou lead as thrall, So will thy triumph seem magnifical. I, lately caught, will have a new,.made wound, And captive-like be manacled and bound; Good Meaning, Shame, and such as seek love~s wrack Shall follow thee, their hands tied at their back. Thee all shall fear, and worship as a king, 10 triumphing shall thy people sing. Smooth Speeches, Fear and Rage shall by thee ride, Which troops have always been on Cupid's side; Thou with these soldiers conquerest gods and men, Take these away, where is thine honor then? Thy mother shall from heaven applaud this show, And on their faces heaps of roses strow. With beauty of thy wings, thy fair hair gilded, Ride, golden Love, in chariots richly builded. Unless I err, full many shalt thou burn, And give wounds infinite at every turn. In spite of thee, forth will thine arrows fly, A scorching flame burns all the standers by. So, having conquered Ind, was Bacchus' hue; Thee pompous birds, and him two tigers drew. Then seeing I grace thy show in following thee, Forbear to hurt thyself in spoiling me. Behold thy kinsman's Caesar's prosperous bands, Who guards the conquered with his conquering hands.
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ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK I
ELEGIA III Ad amicam
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I ask but right: let her that caught me late Either love, or cause that I may never hate. I ask too much: would she but let me love her; Love knows with such like prayers I daily move her. Accept him that will serve thee all his youth, Accept him that will love with spotless truth. If lofty titles canri6t make me thine, That am descended but of knightly lineSoon may you plough the little land I have; I gladly grant my parents given to saveApollo, Bacchus and the Muses may, And Cupid, who hath marked me for thy prey, My spotless life, which but to gods gives place, Naked simplicity, and modest grace. I love but one, and her I love change never, If men have faith, I'll live with thee for ever. The years that fatal destiny shall give I'll live with thee, and die, ere thou shalt grieve. Be thou the happy subject of my books, That I may write things worthy thy fair looks. By verses horned 10 got her name, And she to whom in shape of swan Jove came, And she that on a feigned bull swam to land, Gripping his false horns with her virgin hand. So likewise we will through the world be rung, And with my name shall thine be always sung.
,ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK I
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ELEGIA IV
Amicam, qua arte, quibusve nutibus in caena, presente viro uti debeat, admonet Thy husband to a banquet goes with me, Pray God it may his latest supper be. Shall I sit gazing as a bashful guest, While others touch the damsel I love best? Wilt lying under him, his bosom clip? About thy neck shall he at pleasure skip? Marvel not, though the fair bride did incite The drunken Centaurs to a sudden fight; I am no half-horse, nor in woods I dwell, Yet scarce my hands from thee contain I well. But how thou shouldst behave thyself now know!} Nor let the winds away my warnings blow. Before thy husband come, though I not see What may be done, yet there before him be. Lie with him gently, when his litnbs he spread Upon the bed, but on my foot first tread. View me, my becks and speaking countenance; Take and receive each secret amorous glance. Words without voice shall on my eyebrows sit, Lines thou shalt read in wine by my hand writ. When our lascivious toys come in thy mind, Thy rosy cheeks be to thy thumb inclined. If aught of me thou speak'st in inward thought, Let thy soft finger to thy ear be brought. When I (my light) do or say aught that please thee, Turn round thy gold ring, as it were to ease thee. Strike on the board like them that pray for evil, When thou dost wish thy husband at the deviL What wine he fills thee, wisely will him drink; Ask thou the boy what thou enough dost think. When thou hast tasted, I will take the cup,
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ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK I
And where thou drink'st, on that part I will sup. If he gives thee what first himself did taste, Even in his face his offered gobbets cast. Let not thy neck by his vile arms be pressed, Nor lean thy soft head on his boist'rous breast. Thy bosom's roseate buds let him not finger, Chiefly on thy lips let not his lips linger. If thou givest kisses, I shall all disclose, Say they are mine and hands on thee impose. Yet this I'll see, but if thy gown aught cover, Suspicious fear in all my veins will hover. Mingle not thighs nor to his leg join thine, Nor thy soft foot with his hard foot combine. I have been wanton, therefore am perplexed, And with mistrust of the like measure vexed. I and my wench oft under clothes did lurk, When pleasure moved us to our sweetest work. Do not thou so, but throw thy mantle hence, Lest I should think thee guilty of offense. Entreat thy husband drink, but do not kiss, And while he drinks, to add more do not miss; If he lies down with wine and sleep oppressed, The thing and place shall counsel us the rest. When to go homewards we rise all along, Have care to walk in middle of the throng; There will I find thee or be found by thee, There touch whatever thou canst touch of me. Aye me, I warn what profits some few hours, But we must part when heav'n with black night lours. At night thy husband clips thee: I will weep And to the doors sight of thyself keep. Then will he kiss thee, and not only kiss, But force thee give him my stoPn honey bliss. Constrained against thy will, give it the peasant; Forbear sweet words, and be your sport unpleasant. To him I pray it no delight may bring, Or if it do, to thee no joy thence spring;
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES' BOOK I
But though this night thy fortune be to try it, To me tomorrow constantly deny it.
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ELEGIA V
Corinnae concubitus In summer's heat, and mid~time of the day, To rest my limbs upon a bed I lay; One window shut, the other open stood; Which gave such light as twinkles in a wood, Like twilight glimpse at setting of the sun, Or night being past, and yet not day begun. Such light to shamefast maidens must be shown, Where they may sport and seem to be unknown. Then came Corinna in a long loose gown, Her white neck hid with tresses hanging down, Resembling fair Semiramis going to bed, Or Lais of a thousand wooers sped. I snatched her gown; being thin, the harm was small, Yet strived she to be covered therewithal, And striving thus as one that would be cast, Betrayed herself, and yielded at the last. Stark naked as she stood before mine eye, Not one wen in her body could I spy. What arms and shoulders did I touch and see, How apt her breasts were to be pressed by me! How smooth a belly under her waist saw I, How large a leg, and what a lusty thighl To leave the rest, all liked me passing well; I c1inged her naked body, down she fell. Judge you the rest: being tired she bade me kiss; Jove send me more such afternoons as this.
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ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK I
ELEGIA VI
Ad]anitorem, ut fores sibi aperiat
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Unworthy porter, bound in chains full sore, On moved hooks set ope the churlish door. Little I ask, a little entrance make; The gate half-ope my bent side in will take. Long love my body to such use makes slender, And to get out doth like apt members render. He shows me how unheard to pass the watch, And guides my feet lest stumbling falls they catch. But in times past I feared vain shades, and night, Wond'ring if any walked without light. Love hearing it laughed with his tender mother, And smiling said, "Be thou as bold as other." Forthwith Love came: no dark night-flying sprite, Nor hands prepared to slaughter, me afright. Thee fear I too much, only thee I flatter, Thy lightning can my in pieces batter. Why enviest me? this hostile den unbar, See how the gates with my tears watered are. When thou stood'st naked, ready to be beat, For thee I did thy mistress fair entreat; But what entreats for thee sometimes took place (0 mischief) now for me obtain small grace. give like for like, Gratis thou mayst be Night goes away: the door's bar backward strike. Strike, so again hard chains shall bind thee never, Nor servile water shalt thou drink forever. Hard-hearted porter, dost and wilt not hear? With stiff oak propped the gate doth still appear. Such rampired gates besieged cities aid, In midst of peace why art of arms afraid? Exclud'st a lover, how would'st use a foe? Strike back the bar, night fast away doth go. With arms or armed men I come not guarded,
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK I
109
I am alone, were furious Love discarded. Although I would, I cannot him cashier Before I be divided from my gear.
See Love with me, wine moderate in my brain, And on my hairs a crown of flowers remain. Who fears these arms? who will not go to meet them? Night runs away; with open entrance greet them. Art careless? or is't sleep forbids thee hear, Giving the winds my words running in thine ear? Well I remember when I first did hire thee, Watching till after midnight did not tire thee; But now perchance thy wench with thee doth restAh, how thy lot is above my lot blest! Though it be so, shut me not out therefore; Night goes away, I pray thee ope the door. Err we? or do the turned hinges sound, And opening doors with creaking noise abound? We err: a strong blast seemed the gates to ope; Aye me, how high that gale did lift Iny hope! If, Boreas, bears Oreithyia's rape in mind, Come break these deaf doors with thy boisterous wind. Silent the city is: night's dewy host March fast away; the bar strike from the post, Or I more stern than fire or sword will turn And with my brand these gorgeous houses burn. Night, love, and wine to all extremes persuade; Night shameless, wine and love are fearless made. All have I spent: no threats or prayers move thee; o harder than the doors thou guard'st I prove thee. No pretty wench's keeper mayst thou be: The careful prison is more meet for thee. Now frosty night her flight begins to take, And crowing cocks poor souls to work awake; But thou my crown, from sad hairs ta'en away, On this hard threshold till the morning lay, That when my mistress there beholds thee cast, She may perceive how we the time did waste. Whate'er thou art, farewell; be like nle pained,
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ALL OVID'S ELEGIES' BOOK I
Careless, farewell, with my fault not distained! And farewell cruel posts, rough threshold's block, And doors conjoined with an hard iron lock!
ELEGIA VII
Ad pacandam amicam, quam verberaverat
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Bind fast my hands, they have deserved chains, While rage is absent, take some friend the pains; For rage against my wench moved my rash arm, My mistress weeps whom my mad hand did harm. I might have then my parents dear misused, Or holy gods with cruel strokes abused. Why, Ajax, master of the seven-fold shield, Butchered the flocks he found in spacious field, And he who on his mother venged.his sire Against the Destinies durst sharp darts require. Could I therefore her comely tresses tear? Yet was she graced with her ruffled hair. So fair she was, Atalanta she resembled, Before whose bow th' Arcadian wild beasts trembled; Such Ariadne was, when she bewails Her perjured Theseus' flying vows and sails; So, chaste Minerva, did Cassandra fall, Deflowered except, within thy temple wall. That I was mad and barbarous all men cried, She nothing said, pale fear her tongue had tied; But secretly her looks with checks did trounce me, Her tears, she silent, guilty did pronounce me. Would of mine arms my shoulders had been scanted, Better I could part of myself have wanted. To mine own self have I had strength so furious, And to myself could I be so injurious? Slaughter and mischief's instruments, no better, Deserved chains these cursed hands shall fetter.
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK I
III
Punished I am if I a ROlnan beat; Over my mistress is my right more great? Tydides left worst signs of villainy, He first a goddess struck; another 1. Yet he harmed less; whom I professed to love I harmed; a foe did Diomedes~ anger move. Go now, thou conqueror, glorious triumphs raise, Pay vows to jove, engirt thy hairs with bays, And let the troops which shall thy chariot follow "1o, a strong man conquered this wench," hollow. Let the sad captive foremost with locks spread, On her white neck but for hurt cheeks be led; Meeter it were her lips were blue with kissing And on her neck a wanton's mark not missing. But though I like a swelling flood was driven, And as a prey unto blind anger given, Was't not enough the fearful wench to chide, Nor thunder in rough threatings' haughty pride, Nor shamefully her coat pull o'er her crown, Which to her waist her girdle still kept down? But cruelly her tresses having rent, My nails to scratch her lovely cheeks I bent. Sighing she stood, her bloodless white looks showed Like marble from the Parian mountains hewed; Her half-dead joints and trembling limbs I saw, Like poplar leaves blown with a stormy flaw, Or slender ears with gentle Zephyr shaken, Or waters' tops with the warm south wind taken. And down her cheeks the trickling tears did flow Like water gushing from consuming snow. Then first I did perceive I had offended, My blood the tears were that from her descended. Before her feet thrice prostrate down I fell, My feared hands thrice back she did repel. But doubt thou not (revenge doth grief appease) With thy sharp nails upon my face to seize; Bescratch mine eyes, spare not my locks to break
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ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK I
(Anger will help thy hands though ne'er so weak), And lest the sad signs of my crime remain, Put in their place thy kembed hairs again.
ELEGIA VIII
Execratur lenam, quae puellam suam meretricia arte instituebat
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There is-whoe'er will know a bawd aright, Give ear-there is an old trot, Dipsas hight. Her name comes from the thing: she being wise Sees not the morn on rosy horses rise, She magic arts and Thessale charms doth know, And makes large streams back to their fountains flow; She knows with grass, with threads on wrong wheels spun, And what with mares' rank humor may be done. When she will, clouds the darkened heav'n obscure; When she will, day shines everywhere most pure. If I have faith, I saw the stars drop blood, The purple moon with sanguine visage stood. Her I suspect among night's spirits to fly, And her old body in birds' plumes to lie. Fame saith as I suspect, and in her eyes Two eyeballs shine and double light thence flies. Great-grandsires from their ancient graves she chides, And with long charms the solid earth divides. She draws chaste women to incontinence, Nor doth her tongue want harmful eloquence. By chance I heard her talk; these words she said, While closely hid betwixt two doors I laid: "Mistress, thou know'st thou hast a blest youth pleased, He stayed and on thy looks his gazes seized. And why shouldst not please? none thy face exceeds; Aye me, thy body hath no worthy weeds.
ALI., OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK I
As thou art fair, would thou wert fortunate! Wert thou rich, poor should not be my state. Th' opposed star of Mars hath done thee harm; Now Mars is gone, Venus thy side doth warm, And brings good fortune: a rich lover plants His love on thee, and can supply thy wants. Such is his fonn as may with thine compare, Would he not buy thee, thou for him shouldst care. " She blushed. "Red shame becomes white cheeks, but this, If feigned, doth well; if true, it doth amiss. When on thy lap thine eyes thou dost deject, Each one according to his gifts respect. Perhaps the Sabines rude, when Tatius reigned, To yield their love to more than one disdained; Now Mars doth rage abroad without all pity, And Venus rules in her Aeneas' city. Fair women play, she's chaste whom none will have, Or, but for bashfulness, herself would crave. Shake off these wrinkles that thy front assault, Wrinkles in beauty is a grievous fault. Penelope in bows her youths' strength tried, Of horn the bow was that approved their side. Time flying slides hence closely, and deceives us, And with swift horses the swift year soon leaves us. Brass shines with use; good garments would be worn; Houses not dwelt in are with filth forlorn. Beauty not exercised with age is spent, Nor one or two Inen are sufficient. Many to rob is Inore sure, and less hateful, From dog-kept flocks come preys to wolves most gratefuL Behold, what gives the poet but new verses? And thereof many thousand he rehearses. The poet's god, arrayed in robes of gold, Of his gilt harp the well-tuned strings doth hold. Let Homer yield to such as presents bring; (Trust me) to give, it is a witty thing.
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ALL OVID1S ELEGIES
• BOOK
Nor~ SO thou mayst obtain a wealthy prize, The vain name of inferior slaves despise. Nor let the arms of ancient lives beguile thee; Poor lover, with thy grandsires I exile thee. Who seeks, for being fair, a night to have, What he will give, with greater instance crave. Make a small price, while thou thy nets dost lay, Lest they should fly; being ta'en, the tyrant play. Dissemble so, as loved he may be thought, And take heed lest he gets that love for nought. Deny him oft; feign now thy head doth ache: And Isis now will show what scuse to make. Receive him soon, lest patient use he gain, Or lest his love oft beaten back should wane. To beggars shut, to bringers ope thy gate; Let him within hear barred -out lovers prate. And as first wronged the wronged sometimes banish, Thy fault with his fault so repulsed will vanish. But never give a spacious time to ire, Anger delayed doth oft to hate retire. And let thine eyes constrained learn to weep, That this or that man may thy cheeks moist keep. Nor, if thou cozen'st one, dread to forswear: Venus to mocked men lends a senseless ear. Servants fit for thy purpose thou must hire, To teach thy lover what thy thoughts desire. Let them ask somewhat; many asking little, Within a while great heaps grow of a tittle. And sister, nurse, and mother spare him not, By many hands great wealth is quickly got. When causes fail thee to require a gift, By keeping of thy birth make but a shift. Beware lest he unrivaled loves secure; Take strife away, love doth not well endure. On all the bed men's tumbling let him view, And thy neck with lascivious marks made blue; Chiefly show him the gifts which others send; If he gives nothing, let him from thee wend.
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ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK I
When thou hast so much as he gives no more, Pray him to lend what thou mayst ne'er restore. Let thy tongue flatter, while thy mind harm works: Under sweet honey deadly poison lurks. If this thou dost, to me by long use known, Nor let my words be with the winds hence blown, Oft thou wilt say, 'live welP; thou wilt pray oft That my dead bones. may in their grave lie soft." As thus she spake, my shadow me betrayed, With much ado my hands I scarcely stayed; But her blear eyes, bald scalp's thin hoary fleeces, And rivelled cheeks I would have pulled a-pieces. The gods send thee no house, a poor old age, Perpetual thirst, and winter's lasting rage.
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ELEGIA IX
Ad Attieum, amantem non oportere desidiosum esse, sieuti nee militem All lovers war, and eu pid hath his tent, Attic, all lovers are to war far sent. What age fits Mars, with Venus doth agree, 'Tis shame for eld in war or love to be. What years in soldiers captains do require, Those in their lovers pretty maids desire. hard earth sleeps; Both of them watch: each on His mistress' doors this, that his captain's keeps. Soldiers must travel far; the wench forth send, Her valiant lover follows without end. Mounts, and rain-doubled floods he passeth over, And treads the deserts snowy heaps do cover. Going to sea, east winds he doth not chide, Nor to hoist sail attends fit time and tide. Who but a soldier or a lover is bold To suffer storm-mixed snows with night's sharp cold? One as a spy doth to hjs enemies go,
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ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK I
The other eyes his rival as his foe. He cities great, this thresholds lies before; but he his mistress' door. breaks town Oft to invade the sleeping foe 'tis good, And armed to shed unarmed people's blood. So the fierce troops of Thracian Rhesus fell, And captive horses bade their lord farewell. Sooth) lovers watch till sleep the husband charms, Who slumb'ring, they rise up in swelling arms. The keeper's hands and corps-du~gard to pass, The soldier's, and poor lover's work e'er was. Doubtful is war and love: the vanquished rise, And who thou never think'st should fall, down lies. Therefore whoe'er love slothfulness doth call, Let him surcease: love tries wit best of alL Achilles burned, Briseis being ta'en away; Trojans, destroy Greek wealth while you may; Hector to arms went from his wife's embraces, And on Andromache his helmet laces. Great Agamemnon was, men say, amazed, On Priam's loose-tressed daughter when he gazed. Mars in the deed the blacksmith's net did stable, In heaven was never more notorious fable. Myself was dull and faint, to sloth inclined, Pleasure and ease had mollified my mind; A fair maid's care expelled this sluggishness, And to her tents willed me myself address. Since mayst thou see me watch and night-wars move: He that will not grow slothful, let him love.
ELEGIA X
Ad puellam., ne pro amore praemia poscat Such as the cause was of two husbands' war, Whom Trojan ships fetched from Europa far; Such as was Leda, whom the god deluded
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK)
In snow-white plumes of a false swan included; Such as Amymone through the dry fields strayed, When on her head a water pitcher laid: Such wert thou, and I feared the bull and eagle, And whate'er love made Jove should thee inveigle. Now all fear with my mind's hot love abates, No more this beauty mine eyes captivates. Ask~st why I change? because thou crav'st reward: This cause hath thee from pleasing me debarred. While thou wert plain, I loved thy mind and face} Now inward faults thy outward form disgrace. Love is a naked boy, his years sans stain, And hath no clothes, bur open doth remain. Will you for gain have Cupid sell himself? He hath no bosom, where to hide base pelf. Love and Love's son are with fierce arms to odds; To serve for pay beseems not wanton gods. The whore stands to be bought for each man's money, And seeks vile wealth by selling of her coney, Yet greedy bawd's command she curseth still, And doth, constrained, what you do of good will. Take from irrational beasts a precedent; 'Tis shame their wits should be more excellent. The mare asks not the horse, the cow the bull, Nor the mild ewe gifts frOln the ram doth pull; Only a woman gets spoils from a man, can, Farms out herself on nights for what And lets what both delight, what both desire, Making her joy according to her hire. The sport being such as both alike sweet try it, Why should one sell it and the other buy it? Why should I lose, and thou gain by the pleasure Which man and woman reap in equal measure? Knights of the post of perjuries make sale, The unjust judge for bribes becomes a stale. 'Tis shame sold tongues the guilty should defend, Or great wealth from a judgment seat ascend; 'Tis shame to grow rich by bed merchandise,
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• BOOK I
Or prostitute thy beauty for bad prize. Thanks worthily are due for things unbought~ For beds ill-hired we are indebted nought. The hirer payeth all, his rent discharged, From further duty he rests then enlarged. Fair dames forbear rewards for nights to crave, Ill-gotten goods good end will never have. The Sabine gauntlets were too dearly won, That unto death did press the holy nun. The son slew her that forth to meet him went, And a rich necklace caused that punishment. Yet think no scorn to ask a wealthy churl; He wants no gifts into thy lap to hurl. Take clustered grapes from an o'er-laden vine, May bounteous loam Alcinous' fruit resign. Let poor men show their service, faith, and care; All for their mistress, what they have, prepare. In verse to praise kind wenches 'tis my part, And whom I like eternize by mine art. Garments do wear, jewels and gold do waste, The fame that verse gives doth for ever last. To give I love, but to be asked disdain; Leave asking, and I'll give what I refrain.
ELEGIA XI Napen alloquitur, ut paratas tabellas ad Corinnam perferat In skilful gathering ruffled hairs in order, Nape, free-born, whose cunning hath no border, Thy service for night's scapes is known commodious, And to give signs dull wit to thee is odious. Corinna clips me oft by thy persuasion, Never to harm me made thy faith evasion. Receive these lines, them to thy mistress carry, Be sedulous, let no stay cause thee tarry.
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK I
N or flint nor iron are in thy soft breast, But pure simplicity in thee doth rest. And 'tis supposed Love's bow hath wounded thee, Defend the ensigns of thy war in me. If what I do} she asks, say "hope for night"; The rest my hand doth in my letters write. Time passeth while I speak, give her my writ, But see that forthwith she peruseth it. I charge thee mark her eyes and front in reading, By speechless looks we guess at things succeeding. Straight being read, will her to write much back, I hate fair paper should writ matter lack. Let her make verses, and some blotted letter On the last edge, to stay mine eyes the better. What need she tire her hand to hold the quill? Let this word} "Come," alone the tables filL Then with triumphant laurel will I grace them, And in the midst of Venus' temple place them, Subscribing that to her I consecrate My faithful tables, being vile maple late.
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ELEGIA XII Tabellas quas miserat execratur, quod amica noctem negabat Bewail my chance: the sad book is returned, This day denial hath m'y sport adjourned. Presages are not vain; when she departed, Nape by stumbling on the threshold started. Going out again, pass forth the door more wisely, And sOlnewhat higher bear thy foot precisely. Hence, luckless tables, funeral wood, be flying, And thou the wax stuffed full with notes denying, Which I think gathered from cold hemlock's flower, Wherein bad honey Corsic bees did pour. Yet as if mixed with red lead thou wert ruddy,
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• BOOK I
That color rightly did appear so bloody. As evil wood thrown in the highways lie, Be broke with wheels of chariots passing by, And him that hewed you out for needful uses I'll prove had hands impure with all abuses. Poor wretches on the tree themselves did strangle; There sat the hangman for men's necks to angle. To hoarse screech-owls foul shadows it allows, Vultures and Furies nestled in the boughs. To these my love I foolishly committed, And then with sweet words to my mistress fitted; More fitly had they wrangling bonds contained, From barbarous lips of some attorney strained. Among day-books and bills they had lain better, In which the merchant wails his bankrupt debtor. Your name approves you made for such like things, The number two no good divining brings. Angry, I pray that rotten age you wracks, And sluttish white-mold overgrow the wax.
ELEGIA XIII
Ad Auroram~ ne properet.
IO
Now o'er the sea from her old love comes she That draws the day from heaven's cold axle-tree. Aurora, whither slidest thou? down again, And birds for Memnon yearly shall be slain. Now in her tender arms I sweetly bide, If ever, now well lies she by my side~ The air is cold, and sleep is sweetest now, And birds send forth shrill notes from every bough: Whither runn'st thou, that men and women love not? Hold in thy rosy horses that they move not. Ere thou rise, stars teach seamen where to sail, But when thou comest, they of their courses fail.
ALL OVID'S ELEGIE.S
• BOOK I
Poor travelers; though tired, rise at thy sight, And soldiers luake them ready to the fight. The painful hind by thee to field is sent, Slow oxen early in the yoke are pent. Thou cozen'st boys of sleep, and dost betray them To pedants that with cruel lashes pay them. Thou mak'st the surety to the lawyer run, That with one word hath nigh himself undone. The lawyer and the client hate thy view, Both WhOlTI thou raisest up to toil anew. By thy means women of their rest are barred, Thou set'st their laboring hands to spin and card. All could I bear; but that the wench should rise Who can endure, save him with whom none lies? How oft wished I night would not give thee place, Nor morning stars shun thy ~prising face. How oft that either wind would break thy coach, Or steeds might fall, forced with thick clouds' approach. Whither goest thou, hateful nymph? Memnon the elf Received his coal-black color from thyself. Say that thy love with Cephalus were not known, Then thinkest thou thy loose life is not shown? Would Tithon might but talk of thee awhile, Not one in heaven should be more base and vile. Thou leav'st his bed because he's faint through age, And early mount'st thy hateful carriage; But held'st thou in thine arms some Cephalus, Then wouldst thou cry, "Stay night, and run not thus." Dost punish me because years make him wane? I did not bid thee wed an aged swain. The moon sleeps with Endymion every day; Thou art as fair as she, then kiss and play. Jove, that thou shouldst not haste but wait his leisure, Made two nights one to finish up his pleasure. I chid no more; she blushed, and therefore heard me, Yet lingered not the day, but morning scared me.
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• BOOK I
ELEGIA XIV Puellam consolatur cui prae nimia cura comae deciderant
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"Leave coloring thy tresses," I did cry; Now hast thou left no hairs at all to dye. But what had been more fair had they been kept? Beyond thy robes thy dangling locks had swept. Fear'dst thou to dress them being fine and thin, Like to the silk the curious Seres spin, Or threads which spider's slender foot draws out, Fast'ning her light web some old beam about? Not black, nor golden were they to our view, Yet although neither, mixed of either's hue, Such as in hilly Ida's wat'ry plains, The cedar tall spoiled of his bark retains. And they were apt to curl an hundred ways, And did to thee no cause of dolor raise. Nor hath the needle, or the comb~s teeth reft them, The maid that kembed them ever safely left them. Oft was she dressed before mine eyes, yet never, Snatching the comb to beat the wench, out drive her. Oft in the morn, her hairs not yet digested, Half-sleeping on a purple bed she rested; Yet seemly, like a Thracian bacchanal, That tired doth rashly on the green grass fall. When they were slender, and like downy moss, Thy troubled hairs, alas, endured great loss. How patiently hot irons they did take, In crooked trammels crispy curls to make. sin, 'tis sin, these hairs to burn, I cried, " They well become thee, then to spare them turn. Far off be force, no fire to them may reach, Thy very hairs will the hot bodkin teach." Lost are the goodly locks, which from their crown
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK I
Phoebus and Bacchus wished were hanging down. Such were they as Diana painted stands All naked holding in her wave-moist hands. Why dost thy ill-kembed tresses' loss lament? Why in thy glass dost look being discontent? Be not to see with wonted eyes inclined; To please thyself, thyself put out of mind. No charmed herbs of any harlot scathed thee~ No faithless witch in Thessale waters bathed thee. No sickness harmed thee (far be that away!), No envious tongue wrought thy thick locks decay. By thine own hand and fault thy hurt doth grow, Thou mad'st thy head with compound poison flow. Now Germany shall captive hair-tires send thee, And vanquished people curious dressings lend thee, Which some admiring, 0 thou oft wilt blush, And say, "He likes me for my borrowed bush, Praising for me some unknown Guelder dame, But I remember when it was my fame." Alas she almost weeps, and her white cheeks, Dyed red with shame, to hide from shame she seeks. She holds, and views her old locks in her lap; Aye me, rare gifts unworthy such a hap. Cheer up thyself, thy loss thou mayst repair, And be hereafter seen with native hair.
ELEGIA XV
Ad invidos, quod fama poetarum sit perennis Envy, why carp'st thou my time is spent so ill, And term'st my works fruits of an idle quill? Or that unlike the line from whence I sprung, War's dusty honors are refused, being young? Nor that I study not the brawling laws, Nor set my voice to sale in every cause?
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Thy scope is mortal, mine eternal fame, That all the world may ever chant my name. Homer shall live while Tenedos stands and Ide, Or into sea swift Simois doth slide. Ascraeus lives while grapes with new wine swell, Or men with crooked sickles corn down fell. The world shall of Callimachus ever speak; His art excelled, although his wit was weak. For ever lasts high Sophocles' proud vein, With sun and moon Aratus shall remain. While bondmen cheat, fathers be hard, bawds whorish, And strumpets flatter, shall Menander flourish. Rude Ennius, and Plautus full of wit, Are both in fame's eternal legend writ. What age of Varro's name shall not be told, And Jason's Argos and the fleece of gold? Lofty Lucretius shall live that hour That nature shall dissolve this earthly bower. Aeneas' war, and Tityrus shall be read, While Rome of all the conquered world is head. Till Cupid's bow and fiery shafts be broken, Thy verses, sweet Tibullus, shall be spoken. And Gallus shall be known from east to west; So shall Lycoris whom he loved best. Therefore when flint and iron wear away, Verse is immortal, and shall ne'er decay. To verse let kings give place, and kingly shows, And banks o'er which gold-bearing Tagus flows. Let base-conceited wits admire vile things, Fair Phoebus lead me to the Muses' springs. About my head be quivering myrtle wound, And in sad lovers' heads let me be found. The living, not the dead, can envy bite, For after death all men receive their right. Then though death rakes my bones in funeral fire, I'll live, and as he pulls me down mount higher.
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK I
The same by B.]. Envy, why twitt'st thou me, my time's spent ill? And call'st my verse fruits of an idle quill? Or that (unlike the line from whence I sprung) War's dusty honors I pursue not young? Or that I study not the tedious laws, And prostitute my voice in every cause? Thy scope is mortal; mine eternal fame, Which through the world shall ever chant my name. Homer will live, whilst Tenedos stands, and Ide, Or to the sea fleet Simois doth slide: And so shall Hesiod too, while vines do bear, Or crooked sickles crop the ripened ear; Callimachus, though in invention low, Shall still be sung, since he in art doth flow. No loss shall come to Sophocles' proud vein; With sun and Inoon Aratus shall remain. Whilst slaves be false, fathers hard, and bawds be whorish, Whilst harlots flatter, shaH Menander flourish. Ennius, though rude, and Accius' high-reared strain, A fresh applause in every age shall gain. Of Varro's name, what ear shall not be told? Of Jason's Argo, and the fleece of gold? Then shall Lucretius) lofty numbers die, When earth and seas in fire and flames shall fry. Tityrus, Tillage, Aeney shall be read, Whilst Rome of all the conquered world is head. Till Cupid's fires be out, and his bow broken, Thy verses (neat Tibullus) shall be spoken. Our Gallus shall be known from east to west; So shall Lycoris, whom he now loves best. The suffering ploughshare or the flint nlay wear, But heavenly poesy no death can fear. Kings shall give place to it, and kingly shows, The banks o'er which gold-bearing Tagus flows. Kneel hinds to trash: me let bright Phoebus swell,
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With cups full flowing from the Muses' well. The frost-drad myrtle shall impale my head, And of sad lovers I'll be often read. Envy the living, not the dead., doth bite, For after death all men receive their right. Then when this body falls in funeral fire, My name shall live, and my best part aspire.
• BOOK I
P. Ovidii Nasonis Amorum:t Liber Secundus
ELEGIA I Quod pro gigantomachia amores scribere sit coactus I, Ovid, poet of my wantonness, Born at Peligny, to write more address. So Cupid wills; far hence be the severe: You are unapt my looser lines to hear. Let maids whom hot desire to husbands lead, And rude boys touched with unknown love, me read, That some youth hurt as I am with Love's bow His own flame's best acquainted signs may know, And long admiring say, "By what means learned Hath this same poet my sad chance discerned?" I durst the great celestial battles tell, Hundred -hand Gyges, and had done it well, With Earth's revenge, and how Olympus' top High Ossa bore, Mount Pelion up to prop. Jove and Jove's thunderbolts I had in hand, Which for his heaven fell on the giants' band. My wench her door shut, Jove's affairs I left, Even Jove himself out of my wit was reft. Pardon me, Jove, thy weapons aid me nought, Her shut gates greater lightning than thine brought. Toys and light elegies, my darts, I took, Quickly soft words hard doors wide open strook. Verses deduce the horned bloody moon, And call the sun's white horses back at noon. 12 7
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• BOOK II
Snakes leap by verse from caves of broken mountains, And turned streams run backward to their fountains. Verses ope doors; and locks put in the post, Although of oak, to yield to verses boast. What helps it me of fierce Achill to sing? What good to me will either Ajax bring? Or he who warred and wandered twenty year? Or woeful Hector, whom wild jades did tear? But when I praise a pretty wench's face, She in requital doth me oft embrace. A great reward: heroes, 0 famous names, Farewell; your favor nought my mind inflames. Wenches, apply your fair looks to my verse, Which golden Love doth unto me rehearse.
ELEGIA II
Ad Bagoum, ut custodiam puellae sibi commissae laxiorem habeat
IO
Bagous, whose care doth thy mistress bridle, While I speak some few but fit words, be idle. r saw the damsel walking yesterday There where the porch doth Danaus' fact display. She pleased me soon, I sent, and her did woo, Her trembling hand writ back she might not do. And asking why, this answer she redoubled, Because thy care too much thy mistress troubled. Keeper, if thou be wise, cease hate to cherish; Believe me, whom we fear, we wish to perish. Nor is her husband wise; what needs defense, When unprotected there is no expense? But furiously he follow his love's fire, And thinks her chaste whom many do desire. Stol'n liberty she may by thee obtain, Which giving her, she may give thee again.
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK II
Wilt thou her fault learn, she may make thee tremble; Fear to be guilty, then thou mayst dissemble. Think when she reads, her mother letters sent her; Let him go forth known, that unknown did enter; Let him go see her though she do not languish, And then report her sick and full of anguish. If long she stays, to think the time more short, Lay down thy forehead in thy lap to snort. Enquire not what with Isis may be done, Nor fear lest she to the theaters run. Knowing her scapes, thine honor shall increase, And what less labor than to hold thy peace? Let him please, haunt the house, be kindly used, Enjoy the wench, let all else be refused. Vain causes feign of him, the true to hide, And what she likes let both hold ratified. When most her husband bends the brows and frowns, His fawning wench with her desire he crowns. But yet sometimes to chide thee let her fall Counterfeit tears, and thee lewd hangman call. Object thou then what she may well excuse, To stain all faith in truth, by false crimes' use. Of wealth and honor so shall grow thy heap; Do this and soon thou shalt thy freedom reap. On teH-tales' necks thou seest the link-knit chains, The filthy prison faithless breasts restrains. Water in waters, and fruit flying touch Tantalus seeks, his long tongue's gain is such; While Juno's watchman 10 too much eyed, Hin1 timeless death took, she was deified. I saw one's legs with fetters black and blue, By whom the husband his wife's incest knew. More he deserved; to both great harm he framed; The man did grieve, the woman was defamed. Trust me, all husbands for such faults are sad, N or make they any man that hear them glad. If he loves not, deaf ears thou dost importune;
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Or if he loves, thy tale breeds his misfortune. Nor is it easily proved, though manifest, She safe by favor of her judge doth rest. Though himself see, he'll credit her denial, Condemn his eyes, and say there is no triaL Spying his mistress' tears, he will lament And say, "This blab shall suffer punishment." Why fight'st 'gainst odds? to thee, being cast, do hap Sharp stripes; she sitteth in the judge's lap. To meet for poison or vile facts we crave not, My hands an unsheathed shining weapon have not. We seek that, through thee, safely love we may; What can be easier than the thing we pray?
ELEGIA III
Ad Eunuchum servantem dominam
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Aye me, an eunuch keeps my nlistress chaste, That cannot Venus' mutual pleasure taste. Who first deprived young boys of their best part, With selfsame wounds he gave he ought to smart. To kind requests thou wouldst more gentle prove, If ever wench had made lukewarm thy love: Thou wert not born to ride, or arms to bear, Thy hands agree not with the warlike spear. Men handle those; all manly hopes resign, Thy mistress' ensigns must be likewise thine. Please her, her hate makes others thee abhor; If she discards thee, what use serv'st thou for? Good form there is, years apt to play together, Unmeet is beauty without use to wither. She may deceive thee, though thou her protect, What two determine never wants effect. Our prayers move thee to assist our drift, While thou hast time yet to bestow that gift.
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK II
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ELEGIA IV
Quod amet muiieres, cuiuscunque formae sint I mean not to defend the scapes of any,
Or justify my vices being many. For I confess, if that might merit favor, Here I display my lewd and loose behavior. I loathe, yet after that I loathe I rUll; o how the burden irks, that we should shun. I cannot rule myself} but where love please Am driven like a ship upon rough seas. No one face likes me best, all faces move, A hundred reasons make me ever love. If any eye me with a modest look, I blush, and by that blushful glance am took. And she that's coy I like, for being no clown, Methinks she would be nimble when she's down. Though her sour looks a Sabine's brow resemble, I think she'll do, but deeply can dissemble. If she be learned, then for her skill I crave her; If not, because she's simple I would have her. Before Callimachus one prefers me far; Seeing she likes my books, why should we jar? Another rails at me, and that I write; Yet would I lie with her if that I ITIight. Trips she, it likes Ine well; plods she, what then? She would be nimbler, lying with a man. And when one sweetly sings, then straight I long To quaver on her lips even in her song. Or if one touch the lute with art and cunning, Who would not love those hands for their swift running? And her I like that with a majesty Folds up her anTIS and makes low courtesy. To leave myself, that am in love with all, Some one of these might make the chastest fall.
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• BOOK II
If she be tall, she's like an Amazon, And therefore fills the bed she lies upon; If short, she lies the rounder; to say troth, Both short and long please me, for I love both. I think what one undecked would be, being dressed; Is she attired? then show her graces best. A white wench thralls me, so doth golden yellow; And nut-brown girls in doing have no fellow. If her white neck be shadowed with black hair, Why, so was Leda's, yet was Leda fair. Amber-tressed is she? then on the morn think I; My love alludes to every history. A young wench pleaseth, and an old is good: This for her looks, that for her womanhood. Nay what is she that any Roman loves But my ambitious ranging mind approves?
ELEGIA V
Ad amicam corruptam
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No love is so dear (quivered Cupid, fly!) That my chief wish should be so oft to die. Minding thy fault, with death I wish to revel; Alas, a wench is a perpetual evil. No intercepted lines thy deeds display, No gifts given secretly thy crime bewray: o would my proofs as vain might be withstood, Aye me, poor soul, why is my cause so good? He's happy, that his love dares boldly credit, To whom his wench can say, "I never did it." He's cruel, and too much his grief doth favor, That seeks the conquest by her loose behavior. Poor wench, I saw when thou didst think I slumbered; Not drunk, your faults on the spilt wine I numbered. I saw your nodding eyebrows much to speak, Even from your cheeks part of a voice did break.
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES' BOOK II
Not silent were thine eyes, the board with wine Was scribbled, and thy fingers writ a line. r knew your speech (what do not lovers see?) And words that seemed for certain marks to be. Now many guests were gone, the feast being done, The youthful sort to divers pastimes run. I saw you then unlawful kisses join (Such with my tongue it likes me to purloin). None such the sister gives her brother grave, But such kind wenches let their lovers have. Phoebus gave not Diana such, 'tis thought, But Venus often to her Mars such brought. "What dost?" I cried, "transport'st thou my delight? My lordly hands I'll throw upon my right. Such bliss is only common to us two, In this sweet good why hath a third to do?" This, and what grief enforced me say, I said; A scarlet blush her guilty face arrayed, Even such as by Aurora hath the sky, Or maids that their betrothed husbands spy; Such as a rose mixed with a lily breeds, Or when the moon travails with charmed steeds, Or such as, lest long years should turn the dye, Arachne stains Assyrian ivory. To these, or some of these, like was her color, By chance her beauty never shined fuller. She viewed the earth: the earth to view beseemed her. She looked sad: sad, comely I esteemed her. Even kembed as they were, her locks to rend, And scratch her fair soft cheeks I did intend. Seeing her face, mine upreared arms descended, With her own armor was my wench defended. I that erewhile was fierce, now humbly sue, Lest with worse kisses she should me endue. She laughed, and kissed so sweetly as might make Wrath-kindled Jove away his thunder shake. r grieve lest others should such good perceive, And wish hereby them all unknown to leave.
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• BOOK II
Also much better were they than I tell, And ever seemed as some new sweet befelL 'Tis ill they pleased so much, for in my lips Lay her whole tongue hid, mine in hers she dips. This grieves me not; no joined kisses spent Bewail I only, though I them lament. Nowhere can they be taught but in the bed; I know no master of so great hire sped.
ELEGIA VI
In mortem psittaci
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The parrot, from east India to me sent, Is dead; all fowls her exequies frequent! Go, godly birds, striking your breasts bewail, And with rough claws your tender cheeks assail. For woeful hairs let piece-torn plUlnes abound, For long shrilled trumpets let your notes resound. Why, Philomel, dost rereus' lewdness mourn? All-wasting years have that complaint outworn. Thy tunes let this rare bird's sad funeral borrow, Itys is great, but ancient cause of sorrow. All you whose pinions in the clear air soar, But most, thou friendly turtle dove, deplore; Full concord all your lives was you betwixt, And to the end your constant faith stood fixed. What Pylades did to Orestes prove, Such to the parrot was the turtle dove. But what availed this faith? her rarest hue? Or voice that how to change the wild notes knew? What helps it thou wert given to please my wench? Birds' hapless glory, death thy life doth quench. Thou with thy quills mightst make green emeralds dark, And pass our scarlet of red saffron's mark; N a such voice-feigning bird was on the ground,
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK II
Thou spokest thy words so well with stammering sound. Envy hath rapt thee, no fierce wars thou movedst, Vain babbling speech and pleasant peace thou lovedst. Behold how quails among their battles live, Which do perchance old age unto them give. A little filled thee, and for love of talk, Thy lTIouth to taste of many meats did ballc Nuts were thy food, and poppy caused thee sleep, Pure water's moisture thirst away did keep. The ravenous vulture lives, the puttock hovers Around the air, the cadess rain discovers, And crows survive arms-bearing Pallas' hate, Whose life nine ages scarce bring out of date. Dead is that speaking image of man's voice, The parrot given me, the far world's best choice. The greedy spirits take the best things first, Supplying their void places with the worst. Thersites did Protesilaus survive, And Hector died, his brothers yet alive. My wench's vows for thee what should I show, Which stormy south winds into sea did blow? The seventh day came, none following mightst thou see, And the Fate's distaff empty stood to thee; Yet words in thy benumbed palate rung: "Farewell, Corinna," cried thy dying tongue. Elysium hath a wood of holm-trees black, Whose earth doth not perpetual green grass lack; There good birds rest (if we believe things hidden) Whence unclean fowls are said to be forbidden; There harmless swans feed all abroad the river, There lives the Phoenix one alone bird ever, There Juno's bird displays his gorgeous feather, And loving doves kiss eagerly together. The parrot into wood received with these, Turns all the goodly birds to what she please. A grave her bones hides; on her corpse's great grave The little stones these little verses have:
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• BOOK II
"This tomb approves I pleased my mistress well, My mouth in speaking did a11 birds excel. "
ELEGIA VII
Amicae se purgat quod ancillam non arnet
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Dost me of new crimes always guilty frame? To overcome~ so oft to fight I shame. If on the marble theater I look, One among many is to grieve thee took. H some fair wench me secretly behold, Thou arguest she doth secret marks unfold. If I praise any, thy poor hairs thou tearest; If blame, dissembling of my fault thou fearest. If I look well, thou think'st thou dost not move; If ill, thou say'st I die for others' love. Would I were culpable of some offense, They that deserve pain, bear't with patience. Now rash accusing, and thy vain belief, Forbid thine anger to procure my grief. La, how the miserable great-eared ass, Dulled with much beating, slowly forth doth pass. Behold Cypassis, wont to dress thy head, Is charged to violate her mistress' bed. The gods from this sin rid ITIe of suspicion, To like a base wench of despised condition. With Venus' game who will a servant grace? Or any back made rough with stripes embrace? Add she was diligent thy locks to braid, And for her skill to thee a grateful maid~ Should I solicit her that is so just, To take repulse, and cause her show my lust? I swear by Venus, and the winged boy's bow, Myself unguilty of this crime I know.
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ELEGIA VIII Ad Cypassim ancillam Corinnae Cypassis, that a thousand ways trim'st hair, Worthy to kemb none but a goddess fair, Our pleasant scapes show thee no clown to be, Apt to thy mistress, but more apt to me. Who that our bodies were compressed bewrayed? Whence knows Corinna that with thee I played? Yet blushed I not, nor used I any saying That might be urged to witness our false playing. What if a man with bondwomen offend, To prove him foolish did I e'er contend? Achilles burned with face of captive Briseis~ Great Agamemnon loved his servant Chryseis. Greater than these myself I not esteem; What graced kings, in me no shame I deem. But when on thee her angry eyes did rush, In both thy cheeks she did perceive thee blush. But being present, might that work the best, By Venus' deity how did I protest! Thou, goddess, dost command a warm south blast My false oaths in Carpathian seas to cast. For which good turn my sweet reward repay, Let me lie with thee, brown Cypass, today. Ungrate, why feignest new fears, and dost refuse? Well mayst thou one thing for thy mistress use. If thou deniest, fool, 1'11 our deeds express, And as a traitor mine own fault confess, Telling thy mistress where I was with thee, How oft, and by what means we did agree.
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ELEGIA IX
Ad Cupidinem
o Cupid, that dost never cease my smart, o boy, that liest so slothful in my heart,
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Why me that always was thy soldier found, Dost harm, and in thy tents why dost me wound? Why burns thy brand, why strikes thy bow thy friends? More glory by thy vanquished foes ascends. Did not PeIides whom his spear did grieve, Being required, with speedy help relieve? Hunters leave taken beasts, pursue the chase, And than things found do ever further pace. We people wholly given thee feel thine arms, Thy dull hand stays thy striving enemies' harms. Dost joy to have thy hooked arrows shaked In naked bones? love hath my bones left naked. So many men and maidens without love! Hence with great laud thou mayst a triUlnph move. Rome, if her strength the huge world had not filled, With strawy cabins now her courts should build. The weary soldier hath the conquered fields, His sword laid by, safe, though rude places yields. The dock inharbors ships drawn from the floods, Horse freed from service range abroad the woods. And time it was for me to live in quiet, That have so oft served pretty wenches' diet. Yet should I curse a god, if he but said, "Live without love," so sweet ill is a maid. For when my loathing it of heat deprives me, I know not whither my mind's whirlwind drives me. Even as a headstrong courser bears away His rider vainly striving him to stay, Or as a sudden gale thrusts into sea The haven-touching bark now near the lea,
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
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So wavering Cupid brings me back amain, And purple Love resumes his darts again. Strike, boy, I offer thee my naked breast, Here thou hast strength, here thy right hand doth rest. Here of themselves thy shafts COIne, as if shot; Better than I their quiver knows the,m not. Hapless is he that all the night lies quiet, And slumb'ring, thinks himself much blessed by it. Fool, what is sleep but image of cold death? Long shalt thou rest when Fates expire thy breath. But me let crafty damsel's words deceive, Great joys by hope I inly shall conceive. Now let her flatter me, now chide me hard, Let her enjoy me oft, oft be debarred. Cupid, by thee Mars in great doubt doth trample, And thy stepfather fights by thy example. Light art thou, and more windy than thy wings; Joys with uncertain faith thou takest and brings. Yet, Love, if thou with thy fair mother hear, Within my breast no desert empire bear; Subdue the wand'ring wenches to thy reign, So of both people shalt thou hOinage gain.
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ELEGIA X
Ad Graecinum quod eodem tempore duas amet Graecinus (well I wot) thou told'st me once I could not be in love with two at once. By thee deceived, by thee surprised am I, For now I love two women equally. Both are well favored, both rich in array, Which is the loveliest itis hard to say. This seeins the fairest, so doth that to me, And this doth please me most, and so doth she. Even as a boat tossed by contrary wind, So with this love and that, wavers my mind.
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Venus, why doublest thou my endless smart? Was not one wench enough to grieve my heart? Why add'st thou stars to ·heaven, leaves to green woods, And to the vast deep sea fresh water floods? Yet this is better than lie alone; Let such as be mine enemies have none. Yea, let my foes sleep in an empty bed, And in midst their bodies largely spread. But may soft love rouse up my drowsy eyes, And from my mistress' bosom let me rise. Let one wench cloy me with sweet love's delight, If one can do't, if not, two every night. Though I am slender, I have store of pith, N or want I strength, but weight, to press her with. Pleasure adds fuel to my lustful fire, I pay thein hOlne with that they most desire. Oft have I spent the night in wantonness, And in the morn been lively ne'er the less. He's happy who love's mutual skirmish slays, And to the gods for that death Ovid prays. Let soldiers chase their enemies amain, And with their blood eternal honor gain; Let merchants seek wealth with perjured lips, Being wracked, carouse the sea tired by their ships; But when I die, would I might droop with doing, And in the midst thereof, set my soul going, That at my funerals some may weeping cry, "Even as he led his life, so did he die."
ELEGIA XI
Ad amicam navigantem The lofty pine, from high Mount Pelion faught, III ways by rough seas wond'ring waves taught, Which rashly 'twixt the sharp rocks in the deep
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Carried the famous golden-fleeced sheep.
o would that no oars might in seas have sunk, The Argos wracked had deadly waters drunk. Lo, country gods and known bed to forsake Corinna means, and dangerous ways to take. For thee the east and west winds make me pale, With icy Boreas, and the southern gale. Thou shalt admire no woods or cities there, The unjust seas all bluish do appear. The ocean hath no painted stones or shells, The sucking shore with their abundance swells. Maids, on the shore with marble-white feet tread, So far 'tis safe; but to go farther dread. Let others tell how winds fierce battles wage, How Scylla'S and Charybdis' waters rage, And with what rocks the feared Cerannia threat, In what gulf either Syrtes have their seat. Let others tell this, and what each one speaks BeJieve; no telnpest the believer wreaks. Too late you look back, when with anchors weighed, The crooked bark hath her swift sails displayed. The careful shipman now fears angry gusts, And with the waters sees death near him thrusts. But if that Triton toss the troubled flood, In all thy face will be no crimson blood. Then wilt thou Leda's noble twin-stars pray, And he is happy whom the earth holds, say. It is more safe to sleep, to read a book, The Thracian harp with cunning to have strook; But if my words with winged storms hence slip, Yet, Galatea, favor thou her ship. The loss of such a wench much blame will gather, Both to the sea-nymphs and the sea-nymphs' father. Go, minding to return with prosperous wind, Whose blast may hither strongly be inclined, Let Nereus bend the waves unto this shore, Hither the winds blow, here the spring-tide roar. Request mild Zephyr's help for thy avail,
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And with thy hand assist thy swelling sail. I from the shore thy known ship first will see, And say it brings her that preserveth me. I'll clip and kiss thee with all contentation, For thy return shaH fall the vowed oblation, And in the form of beds we'll strew soft sand, Each little hill shall for a table stand: There wine being filled, thou many things shalt tell, How almost wracked thy ship in main seas fell, And hasting to me, neither darksome night, Nor violent south winds did thee aught affright. I'll think all true, though it feigned matter; Mine own desires why should myself not flatter? Let the bright day-star cause in heaven this day be, To bring that happy time so soon as may be.
ELEGIA XII
Exultat, quod amica potitus sit
IO
About Iny temples go, triumphant bays! Conquered Corinna in my bosom lays, She whom her husband, guard, and gate, as foes, Lest art should win her, firmly did enclose. That victory doth chiefly triumph merit, Which without bloodshed doth the prey inherit. No little ditched towns, no lowly walls, But to my share a captive damsel falls. When Troy by ten years' battle tumbled down, With the Atrides many gained renown: But I no partner of my glory brook, Nor can another say his help I took. I, guide and soldier, won the field and wear her, I was both horseman, footman, standard-bearer. Nor in my act hath fortune mingled chance; o care-got triumph, hitherwards advance! Nor is my war's cause new; but for a queen
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK II
Europe and Asia in firm peace had been. The Lapiths and the Centaurs, for a woman, To cruel arms their drunken selves did summon. A woman forced the Trojans new to enter Wars, just Latinus, in thy kingdom's center; A woman against late-built Rome did send The Sabine fathers, who sharp wars intend. I saw how bulls for a white heifer strive, She looking on them did more courage give. And me with many, but yet me without murder, Cupid commands to move his ensigns further.
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ELEGIA XIII
Ad Isidem ut parientem Corinnam iuvet J
While rashly her womb's burden she casts out, Weary Corinna hath her life in doubt. She secretly with me such harm attempted, Angry I was, but fear my wrath exempted. But she conceived of me; or I am sure loft have done what might as much procure. Thou that frequents Canopus' pleasant fields, Memphis, and Pharos that sweet date trees yields, And where swift Nile in his large channel skipping, By seven huge mouths into the sea is slipping, By feared Anubis' visage I thee pray, So in thy temples shall Osiris stay, And the dull snake about thy off'rings creep, And in thy pomp horned Apis with thee keep: Turn thy looks hither, and in one spare twain: Thou givest my mistress life, she mine again. She oft hath served thee upon certain days, Where the French rout engirt themselves with bays. On laboring women thou dost pity take, Whose bodies with their heavy burdens ache. My wench, Lucina, I entreat thee favor;
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Worthy she is, thou shouldst in mercy save her. In white, with incense I'll thine altars greet~ Myself will bring vowed gifts before thy feet, Subscribing, "Naso with Corinna saved." Do but deserve gifts with this title graved. But if in so great fear I may advise thee, To have this skirmish fought, let it suffice thee.
ELEGIA XIV
In amicam, quod abortivum ipsa fecerit
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What helps it woman to be free from war, Nor, being armed, fierce troops to follow far, If without battle self-wrought wounds annoy them, And their own privy-weaponed hands destroy them? Who unborn infants first to slay invented, Deserved thereby with death to be tormented. Because thy belly should rough wrinkles lack~ Wilt thou thy womb-inclosed offspring wrack? Had ancient mothers this vile custom cherished, All human kind by their default had perished; Or stones, our stock's original, should be hurled Again by some in this unpeopled world. Who should have Priam's wealthy substance won, If wat'ry Thetis had her child fordone? In swelling womb her twins had Ilia killed, He had not that conquering Rome did build. Had Venus spoiled her belly's Trojan fruit, The earth of Caesars had been destitute. Thou also, that wert born fair, hadst decayed, If such a work thy mother had assayed. Myself, that better die with loving may, Had seen, my mother killing me, no day. Why talc'st increasing grapes from vine~trees full? With cruel hand why dost green apples pull? Fruits ripe will fall, let springing things increase,
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK II
Life is no light price of a small surcease. Why with hid irons are your bowels torn? And why dire poison give you babes unborn? At Cokhis stained with children's blood men rail, And mother-murdered Itys they bewail; Both unkind parents, but for causes sad, Their wedlock's pledges venged their husbands bad. What Tereus, what Jason you provokes To plague your bodies with such harmful strokes? Armenian tigers never did so ill, Nor dares the lioness her young whelps kilL But tender damsels do it, though with pain; Oft dies she that her paunch-wrapt child hath slain; She dies, and with loose hairs to grave is sent, And whoe'er see her, worthily lament. But in the air let these words come to nought, And my presages of no weight be thought. Forgive her, gracious gods, this one delict, And on the next fault punishment inflict.
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ELEGIA XV
Ad annulum, quem dono amicae dedit Thou ring that shalt my girl's finger bind, Wherein is seen the giverls loving mind, Be welcome to her, gladly let her take thee, And her small joint's encircling round hoop make thee. Fit her so well, as she is fit for me, And of just con1pass for her knuckles be. Blest ring, thou in my mistress' hand shalt lie; Myself, poor wretch, mine own gifts now envy. o would that suddenly into my gift I could myself by secret magic shift! Then would I wish thee touch my mistress' pap, And hide thy left hand underneath her lap; I would get off though strait, and sticking fast,
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• BOOK II
And in her bosom strangely fall at last. Then I, that I may seal her privy leaves, Lest to the wax the hold-fast dry gem cleaves, Would first my beauteous wench's moist lips touch, Only I'll sign nought that may grieve me much. I would not out, might I in one place hit, But in less compass her small fingers knit. My life, that I will shame thee, never fear, Or be a load thou shouldst refuse to bear. Wear me, when warmest showers thy members wash, And through the gem let thy lost waters pash. But seeing thee, I think my thing will swell, And even the ring perform a man's part well. Vain things why wish I? go, small gift from hand, Let her my faith with thee given understand.
ELEGIA XVI
Ad amicam, ut ad rura sua veniat
IO
Sulmo, Peligny's third part, me contains, A slnall, but wholesome soil with wat'ry veins. Although the sun to rive the earth incline, And the Icarian froward dog-star shine, Pelignian fields with liquid rivers flow, And on the soft ground fertile green grass grow. With corn the earth abounds, with vines much more, And some few pastures Pallas' olives bore. And by the rising herbs, where clear springs slide, A grassy the moistened earth doth hide. But absent is my fire: lies I'll tell none, My heat is here, what moves my heat is gone. Pollux and Castor might I stand betwixt, In heaven without thee would I not be fixed. Upon the cold earth pensive let them lay That mean to travel sonle long irksome way, Or else will maidens, young men's mates, to go
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If they determine to persever so. Then on the rough Alps should I tread aloft, My hard way with my mistress would seem soft. With her I durst the Lybian Syrtes break through, And raging seas in boist'rous south winds plough. No barking dogs that Scylla's entrails bear, Nor thy gulfs, crook'd Malea, would I fear; No flowing waves with drowned ships forth-poured By cloyed Charybdis, and again devoured. But if stern Neptune's windy power prevail, And waters' force force helping gods to fail, With thy white arms upon my shoulders seize, So sweet a burden I will bear with ease. The youth oft swilnming to his Hero kind, Had then sWUln over, but the way was blind. But without thee, although vine-planted ground Contains me, though the streams in fields surround, Though hinds in brooks the running waters bring, And cool gales shake the taB trees' leafy spring, Healthful Peligny I esteem nought worth, Nor do I like the country of my birth. Scythia, Cilicia, Britain are as good, And rocks dyed crimson with Prometheus' blood. Elnls love the vines, the vines with elms abide, Why doth my mistress from me oft divide? Thou swarest division should not 'twixt us rise, By me, and by my stars, thy radiant eyes. Maids' words more vain and light than falling leaves, Which, as it seems, hence wind and sea bereaves .. If any godly care of me thou hast, Add deeds unto thy promises at last, And with swift nags drawing thy little coach (Their reins let loose), right soon my house approach. But when she comes, you swelling mounts sink down, And falling valleys be the smooth ways' crown.
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• BOOK II
GIA XVII
Quod Corinnae soli sit serviturus
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To serve a wench if any think it shame, He being judge, I am convinced of blame. Let me be slandered, while my fire she hides, That Paphos, and the flood-beat Cythera guides. Would I had been my mistress' gentle prey, Since some fair one I should of force obey. Beauty gives Corinna's looks Aye me, why is it known to her so well? But by her glass disdainful pride she learns, Nor she herself, but first trimmed up, discerns. Not though thy in all things luake thee reign (0 face, most cunning mine eyes to detain!), Thou oughtst therefore to scorn me for thy mate: Small things with greater may be copulate. Love-snared Calypso is supposed to pray A mortal nymph's refusing lord to stay. Who doubts with Peleus Thetis did consort, Egeria with just Numa had good sport, Venus with Vulcan, though, smith's tools laid by, With his StU111p foot he halts ill-favoredly. This kind of verse is not alike, yet fit, With shorter numbers the heroic sit. And thou, my light, accept me howsoever, Lay in the mid-bed, there be my lawgiver. My stay no my flight no joy shall breed, N or of our love to be ashamed we need. For great revenues, I good verses have, And many by me to get glory crave. I know a wench reports herself Corinne: What would not she give that fair name to win? But sundry floods in one bank never go, Eurotas cold, and poplar-bearing Po.
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Nor in my books shall one put thou be writ, Thou dost alone give matter to my wit.
ELEGIA XVIII Ad ,Macrum~ quod de amoribus scribat To tragic verse while thou Achilles train'st, And new-sworn soldiers' maiden arms retain'st, We, Macer, sit in Venus' slothful shade, And tender love hath great things hateful made. Often at length my wench depart I bid, She in my lap sits still as erst she did. I said, "It irks me," half to weeping framed, "Aye me," she cries, "to love why art ashamed?~~ Then wreathes about my her winding arms, And thousand kisses gives, that work my harms. I yield, and back my wit from battles bring, Domestic acts, and Inine own wars to sing. Yet tragedies and sceptres filled my lines, But though I apt were for such high designs, Love laughed at my cloak, and buskins painted, And rule so soon with private hands acquainted. My mistress' deity also drew me fro it, And Love triumpheth o'er his buskined poet. What lawful is, or we profess love's art, (Alas, my precepts turn myself to smart!) We write, or what Penelope sends Ulysses, Or Phyllis~ tears that her Demophoon misses, What thankless Jason, Macareus, and Paris, Phaedra, and Hippolyte may read, my care is, And what poor Dido with her drawn sword sharp Aonian harp. Doth say, with her that loved As soon as from strange lands Sabinus came, And writings did from divers places frame, White-cheeked Penelope knew Ulysses' sign, The stepdame read Hippolytus' lustless line,
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Aeneas to Elisa answer gives, And Phyllis hath to read, if now she lives. Jason's sad letter doth Hypsipyle greet, Sappho her vowed harp lays at Phoebus' feet. Nor of Macer, that resound'st forth arms, Is golden love hid in Mars' mid-alarms: There Paris is, and Helen's crime's record, With Laodamia, mate to her dead lord. Unless I err, to these thou more incline Than wars, from thy tents wilt come to Inine.
ELEGIA XIX Ad riva/em" cui uxor curae non erat
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Fool, if to keep thy wife thou hast no need, Keep her for me, my more desire to breed. We scorn things lawful, stol'n sweets we affect, Cruel is he that loves whom none protect. Let us both lovers hope and fear alike, And may repulse place for our wishes strike. What should I do with fortune that ne'er fails me? Nothing I love that at aU times avails me. Wily Corinna saw this blemish in me, And craftily knows by what means to win me. Ah often, that her hale head ached, she lying, Willed me, whose slow feet sought delay, be flying; Ah oft, how nlUch she might, she feigned offense, And, doing wrong, made show of innocence. So having vexed she nourished my warm fire, And was again most apt to my desire. To please me, what fair terms and sweet words has she! Great gods, what kisses, and how many gave she! Thou also, that late took'st mine eyes away, Oft cozen me, oft being wooed, say nay; And on thy threshold let me lie dis pre ad, Suff'ring much cold by hoary night's frost bred.
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES' BOOK II
So shall my love continue many years; This doth delight me, this my courage cheers. Fat love, and too much fulsome, me annoys, Even as sweet meat a glutted stomach cloys. In brazen tower had not Danae dwelt, A Inother's joy by Jove she had not felt; While Juno 10 keeps, when horns she wore, Jove liked her better than he did before. Who covets lawful things takes leaves from woods, And drinks stol'n waters in surrounding floods. Her lover let her mock that long will reign; Aye me, let not my warnings cause my pain! Whatever haps, by suffrance harm is done; What flies I follow, what follows me I shun. But thou, of thy fair damsel too secure, Begin to shut thy house at evening sure. Search at the door who knocks oft in the dark, In night's deep silence why the ban-dogs bark. Whether the subtle maid lines brings and carries, Why she alone in empty bed oft tarries. Let this care sometimes bite thee to the quick, That to deceits it may me forward prick. To steal sands from the shore he loves alife, That can affect a foolish wittol's wife. Now I forewarn, unless to keep her stronger Thou dost begin, she shall be mine no longer. Long have I borne much, hoping time would beat thee To guard her well, that well I might entreat thee. Thou suffer'st what no husband can endure, But of my love it will an end procure. Shall I, poor soul, be never interdicted, Nor never with night's sharp revenge afflicted? In sleeping shall I fearless draw my breath? Wilt nothing do, why I should wish thy death? Can I but loathe a husband grown a bawd? By thy default thou dost our joys defraud. Sonle other seek that may in patience strive with thee; To pleasure me, forbid me to corrive with thee.
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P. Ovidii Nasonis Amorum~ Liber Tertius
ELEGIA I Deliberatio poetae, utrum elegos pergat scribere an potius tragedias . An old wood stands uncut, of long years' space~ 'Tis credible some godhead haunts the place. In Inidst thereof a stone-paved sacred spring, Where round about small birds most sweetly sing. Here while I walk, hid close in shady grove, To find what work my muse might move, I strove. Elegia came with hairs perfumed sweet, And one, I think, was longer of her feet; A decent form, thin robe, a lover's look, By her foot's blemish greater grace she took. Then with huge steps came violent Tragedy: Stern was her front, her cloak on ground did lie; Her hand held abroad a regal scepter, The Lydian buskin in fit paces kept her. And first she said, "When will thy love be spent, o poet careless of thy argument? Wine-bib bing banquets tell thy naughtiness, Each cross-way's corner doth as much express. Oft some points at the prophet passing by~ And, 'This is he whom fierce love burns,' they cry. A laughing-stock thou art to all the city, While without shame thou sing'st thy lewdness' ditty. 'Tis time to move grave things in lofty style, 153
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• BOOK III
Long hast thou loitered; greater works compile. The subject hides thy wit; men's acts resound; This thou wilt say to be a worthy ground. Thy muse hath played what may mild girls content} And by those numbers is thy first youth spent. Now Roman Tragedy a name, To fill my laws thy wanton spirit frame. ~~ This she moved her buskins gaily varnished, And seven tilnes shook her head with thick locks garnished. The other smiled (1 wot) with wanton eyes; Err l? or myrtle in her right hand lies. "With lofty words, stout Tragedy, ~~ she said, "Why me down? art thou aye gravely played? Thou deign'st unequal lines should thee rehearse; Thou fighest against me using mine own verse; Thy lofty style with mine I not compare, Small doors unfitting for large houses are. Light am I, and with me, my care, light Love, Not am I than the thing I move. Venus without Ine should be rustical; This goddess' cOlnpany doth to me befall. What gate thy stately words cannot unlock, My flatt'ring speeches soon wide open knock. And I deserve more than thou canst in verity, By suff'ring much not borne by thy severity. By me Corinna learns, cozening her guard, To get the door with little noise unbarred; And slipped from bed, clothed in a loose nightgown, To move her feet unheard in setting down. Ah, how oft on hard doors hung I engraved, From no man's reading fearing to be saved! But till the keeper went forth, I forget not, The maid to hide me in her bosom let not. What gift with me was on her birthday sent, But cruelly by her was drowned and rent. First of thy mind the happy seeds 1 knew, Thou hast my gift, which she would from thee sue."
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BO OK III
She left; I said, "You both I must beseech, To eInpty air may go my fearful speech. With scepters and high buskins th' one would me, rnrOUf2m the world should bright renown eX1JreSS me. gives my love a conquering name; Come therefore, and to long verse shorter frame. Tragedy, thy poet time~s least tittle, Thy labor ever lasts, she asks but little. ,~ She gave me leave, soft loves in time make haste, ari''l1"I''r work will urge Ine on at last.
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ELEGIA II Ad amicam cursum equorum spectantem I sit not here the noble horse to see, Yet whOlTI thou favor'st, pray may conqueror be. To sit and talk with thee I hither came, That thou mayst know with love thou mak'st me flame. Thou view'st the course, I thee: let either heed What please them, and their eyes let either feed. What horse-driver thou favor'st most is best, Because on him thy care doth hap to rest. Such chance let me have: I would bravely run, On swift steeds mounted till the race were done. Now would I slack the reins, now lash their hide, With wheels bent inward now the ring-turn ride; In running if I see thee, I shall stay, And from my hands the reins will slip away. Ah, Pelops from his coach was almost felled, Hippodamia's looks while he beheld, Yet he attained by her support to have her: Let us all conquer by our mistress' favor. In vain, why fly'st back? force conjoins us now:
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The place's laws this benefit allow. But spare my wench, thou at her right hand seated, By thy side's touching ill she is entreated. And sit thou rounder, that behind us see; For shame press not her back with thy hard knee. But on the ground thy clothes too loosely lie; Gather them up, or lift them, 10, will L Envious garments so good legs to hide! The more thou look'st, the III ore the gown envied. Swift Atalanta's flying legs, like these, Wish in his hands grasped did Hippomenes. Coat-tucked Diana's legs are painted like them, When strong wild beasts she hunts to strike them. Ere these were seen, I burned; what will do? Flames into flame, floods thou pour'st seas into. By these I judge delight me may the rest, Which lie hid under her thin veil suppressed. Yet in the meantime wilt small winds bestow, That from thy fan, moved by nly hand, may blow? Or is my heat of mind, not of the sky? Is't women's love my captive breast doth fry? While thus I speak, black dust her white robes ray; Foul dust, from her fair body go away. Now comes the pomp; themselves let all men cheer: The shout is nigh, the golden pomp comes here. First, Victory is brought with large spread wing: Goddess, COIlle here, make my love conquering. Applaud you Neptune, that dare trust his wave, The sea I use not: me my earth must have. Soldier, applaud thy Mars: no wars we move, Peace pleaseth me, and in mid-peace is love. With augurs Phoebus, Phoebe with hunters stands, To thee, Minerva, turn the craftsmen's hands; Ceres and Bacchus countrymen adore, Champions please Pollux, Castor loves horsemen more; Thee, gentle Venus, and the boy that flies We praise; great goddess, aid nly enterprise.
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK III
Let my new mistress grant to be beloved; She becked, and prosperous signs gave as she moved. What Venus promised, prOlnise thou we pray; Greater than her, by her leave, th' art, I'll say. The gods and their rich pomp witness with me, For evermore thou shalt my mistress be. Thy legs hang down, thou mayst, if that be best, Awhile thy tiptoe on the footstool rest. Now greatest spectacles the praetor sends, Four-chariot horses from the lists' even I see whom thou affectest: he shall subdue; The horses seem as thy desire they knew. Alas, he runs too far about the ring; What dost? thy wagon in less compass bring. What dost, unhappy? her good wishes Let with strong hand the rein to bend be made. One slow we favor; Romans, him revoke, And each give signs by casting up his cloak. They call him back; lest their gowns toss thy To hide thee in my bosom straight repair. But now again the barriers open lie, And forth the gay troops on swift horses fly. At least now conquer, and outrun the rest; My mistress' wish confirm with my request. My mistress hath her wish; my wish remain: He holds the palm, my palm is yet to gain. She smiled, and with quick eyes behight some grace: Pay it not here, but in another place.
ELEGIA III
De
amica~
quae periuraverat
What, are there gods? herself she hath forswore, And yet remains the face she had before. How long her locks were, ere her oath she took, So long they be since she her faith forsook.
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ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK III
Fair white with rose red was before commixed; Now shine her looks pure white and red betwixt. Her foot was small: her foot's form is most fit; Comely tall was she: comely tall she's yet. Sharp eyes she had: radiant like stars they be, By which she perjured oft hath lied to me. In sooth th' eternal powers grant maids' society Falsely to swear, their beauty hath some deity. By her eyes, I remember, late she swore, And by mine eyes, and mine were pained sore. Say, gods: if she unpunished you deceive, For other's faults why do I loss receive? But did you not so envy Cepheus' da ughter, For her ill-beauteous mother judged to slaughter? 'Tis not enough she shakes your record off, And, unrevenged, mocked gods with me doth scoff. But by my pain to purge her perjuries, Cozened, I am the cozener's sacrifice. God is a name, no substance, feared in vain, And doth the world in fond belief detain, Or if there be a God, he loves fine wenches, And all things too much in their sole power drenches. Mars girts his deadly sword on for my harm; Pallas' lance strikes me with unconquered arm; At me Apollo bends his pliant bow; At me Jove's right hand lightning hath to throw. The wronged gods dread fair ones to offend, And fear those that to fear them least intend. Who now will care the altars to perfume? Tut, men should not their courage so consume. Jove throws down woods and castles with his fire, But bids his darts from perjured girls retire. Poor Semele, among so many burned, Her own request to her own torment turned; But when her lover came, had she drawn back, The father's thigh should unborn Bacchus lack. Why grieve I? and of heaven reproaches pen? The gods have eyes and breasts as well as men.
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK III
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Were I a god, I should give women leave With lying lips my godhead to deceive. Myself would swear the wenches true did swear, And I would be none of the gods severe. But yet their gift more moderately use, Or in mine eyes, good wench, no pain transfuse.
ELEGIA IV Ad virum servantem coniugem Rude man, 'tis vain thy damsel to commend To keeper's trust: their wits should them defend. Who, without fear, is chaste, is chaste in sooth: Who, because means want, doeth not, she doth. Though thou her body guard, her mind is stained: Nor, lest she will, can any be restrained. N or canst by watching keep her mind from sin; All being shut out, th' adulterer is within. Who may offend, sins least; power to do ill The fainting seeds of naughtiness doth kill. Forbear to kindle vice by prohibition, Sooner shall kindness gain thy will's fruition. I saw a horse against the bit stiff-necked Like lightning go, his struggling mouth being checked; When he perceived the reins let slack, he stayed, And on his loose mane the loose bridle laid. How to attain what is denied we think, Even as the sick desire forbidden drink. Argus had either wayan hundred eyes, Yet by deceit love did them all surprise; In stone and iron walls Danae shut, Came forth a mother, though a maid there put. Penelope, though no watch looked unto her, Was not defiled by any gallant wooer. What's kept, we covet more: the care makes theft; Few love what others have unguarded left.
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Nor doth her face please, but her husband's love; I know not what men think should thee so move. She is not chaste that's kept, but a dear whore; Thy fear is than her body valued more. Although thou chafe, stol'n pleasure is sweet play; She pleaseth best, "I fear" if any say. A free-born wench no right 'tis up to lock, So use we women of strange nations' stock. Because the may come say, "I did it," She must be honest to thy servant's credit. He is too clownish whom a lewd wife grieves, And this town's well-known custom not believes, Where Mars sons not without fault did breed, Remus and Romulus, Ilia's twin-born seed. Cannot a fair one, if not chaste~ please thee? Never can these by any means agree. Kindly thy mistress use, if thou be wise; Look gently, and rough husbands' laws despise. Honor what friends thy wife gives, she'll give many; Least labor so shall win great grace of any; So shalt thou go with youths to feast together, And see at home much that thou ne'er brought'st thither.
ELEGIA V
Ad amnem dum iter faceret ad amicam J
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Flood with reed-grown slime banks, till I be past Thy waters stay; I to my mistress haste. Thou hast no bridge, nor boat with ropes to throw, That may transport me without oars to row. Thee I have passed, and knew thy stream none such, When thy wave's brim did scarce my ankles touch. With snow thawed from the next hill now thou rushest, And in thy foul deep waters thick thou gushest. What helps my haste? what to have ta'en small rest? What day and night to travel in her quest,
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK III
If standing I can by no means get My foot upon the further bank to set? Now wish I those wings noble Perseus had, Bearing the head with dreadful adders clad; Now wish the chariot, whence corn seeds were found, First to be thrown upon the untilled ground. I speak old poets' wonderful inventions, Ne'er was, nor shall be, what my verse mentions. Rather, thou large bank-overflowing river, Slide in thy bounds, so shalt thou run forever. Trust me, land-stream, thou shalt no envy lack, If I a lover by thee held back. Great floods ought to assist young men in love, Great floods the force of it do often prove. In l11id-Bithynia, 'tis said, Inachus Grew pale, and in cold fords hot lecherous. Troy had not yet been ten years' siege out stander, When nymph Neaera rapt thy looks, Scamander. What, not Alpheus in strange lands to run Th' Arcadian virgin's constant love hath won? And Creusa unto Xanthus first affied, They say Peneus near Phthia's town did hide. What should I name Aesope, that Thebe loved, Thebe who mother of five daughters proved. If, Achelous, I ask where thy horns stand, Thou say'st, broke with Alcides' angry hand. Not Calydon, nor Aetolia did please; One Deianira was more worth than these. Rich Nile by seven mouths to the vast sea flowing, Who so well keeps his water's head from knowing, Is by thought to take such flame As his deep whirlpools could not quench the same. Dry Enipeus, Tyro to embrace, Fly back his stream charged; the stream charged, gave place. Nor pass I thee, who hollow rocks down tumbling, In Tiber's field with wat'ry foam art rumbling, Whom Ilia pleased, though in her looks grief reveled;
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Her cheeks were scratched, her goodly hairs disheveled. She, wailing Mars' sin and her uncle's crime, Strayed barefoot through sole places on a time. Her from his swift waves the bold flood perceived, And from the mid-ford his hoarse voice upheaved, Saying, "Why sadly tread'st Iny banks upon, Ilia, sprung from 1daean Laomedon? Where's thy attire? why wand'rest here alone? To stay thy tresses white veil hast thou none? Why weep'st, and spoil'st with tears thy wafry eyes, And fiercely knock'st thy breast that open lies? His heart consists of flint and hardest steel, That seeing thy tears can any joy then feel. Fear not: to thee our court stands open wide, There shalt be loved: Ilia, lay fear aside. Thou o'er a hundred nymphs or more shalt reign, For five score nymphs or more our floods contain. Nor, Roman stock, scorn me so much (I crave) Gifts than my prOluise greater thou shalt have.)) This said he: she her modest eyes held down, Her woeful bosom a warm shower did drown. Thrice she prepared to fly, thrice she did stay, By fear deprived of strength to run away. Yet rending with enraged thumb her tresses, Her trembling mouth these unmeet sounds eXlpresses= "0 would in my forefathers' tomb deep laid My bones had been, while yet I was a maid. Why being a vestal am I wooed to wed, Deflowered and stained in unlawful bed? Why stay I? men point at Ine for a whore, Shame, that should Inake Ine blush, I have no more." This said, her coat hoodwinked her fearful eyes, And into water desperately she flies. 'Tis said the slippery stream held up her breast, And kindly gave her what she liked best. And I believe some wench thou hast arrectea~ But woods and groves keep your faults undetected.
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK III
While thus I speak the waters more abounded, And from the channel all abroad surrounded. Mad stream, why dost our mutual joys defer? Clown, from my journey why dost me deter? How wouldst thou flow wert thou a noble flood, If thy great fame in every region stood? Thou hast no name, but com'st from snowy mountains; No certain house thou hast, nor any fountains. Thy springs are nought but rain and melted snow, Which wealth cold winter doth on thee bestow. Either th' art muddy in mid-winter tide, Or full of dust dost on the dry earth slide. What thirsty traveler ever drunk of thee? Who said with grateful voice, "Perpetual be"? Harmful to beasts and to the fields thou proves; Perchance these others, me mine own loss moves. To this I fondly loves of floods told plainly, I shame so great names to have used so vainly. I know not what expecting, I erewhile Named Achelous, Inachus, and Nile. But for thy merits I wish thee, white stream, Dry winters aye, and suns in heat extreme.
ELEGIA VI
Quod ab amica receptus cum ea caire non potuit, conqueritur Either she was foul, or her attire was bad, Or she was not the wench I wished t' have had. Idly I lay with her, as if I loved not, And like a burden grieved the bed that moved not. Though both of us performed our true intent, Yet could I not cast anchor where I meant. She on my neck her ivory arms did throw, Her arms far whiter than the Scythian snow,
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And eagerly she kissed me with her tongue, And under mine her wanton thigh she flung. Yea, and she soothed me up, and called me "Sir," And used all speech that might provoke and stir. Yet like as if cold hemlock I had drunk, It mocked me, hung down the head, and sunk. Like a dull cipher or rude block I lay, Or shade or body was I, who can say? What will my age do, age I cannot shun, When in my prime my force is spent and done? I blush, that being youthful, hot and lusty, I prove neither youth nor man, but old and rusty. Pure rose she, like a nun to sacrifice, Or one that with her tender brother lies. Yet boarded I the golden Chie twice, And Libas, and the white-cheeked Pitho thrice. Corinna craved it in a summer's night, And nine sweet bouts we had before daylight. What, waste my limbs through some Thessalian charms? May spells and drugs do silly souls such harms? With virgin wax hath some imbased my joints, And pierced my liver with sharp needles' points? Charms change corn to grass and nlake it die; By charms are running springs and fountains dry. By channs mast drops from oaks, from vines grapes fall, And fruit from trees when there's no wind at all. Why might not then my sinews be enchanted, And I grow faint as with some spirit haunted? To this add shame: shame to perform it quailed me, And was the second ca use why vigor failed me. My idle thoughts delighted her no more Than did the robe or garment which she wore. Yet Inight her touch make youthful Pylius And Tithon livelier than his years require. Even her I had and she had me in vain, What might I crave more, if I ask again? I think the great gods grieved they had bestowed The benefit which lewdly I forslowed.
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK 111
I wished to be received in, in I get me; To kiss, I kiss; to lie with her she let me. Why was I blest? why made king to refuse it? Chuff-like had I not gold and could not use it? So in a spring thrives he that told so much, And looks upon the fruits he cannot touch. Hath any rose so from a fresh young maid, As she might straight have gone to church and prayed? Well, I believe she kissed not as she should, Nor used the sleight and cunning which she could. Huge oaks, hard adamants might she have moved, And with sweet words cause deaf rocks to have loved. Worthy she was to move both gods and men, But neither was I man nor lived then. Can deaf ear take delight when Phaemius sings, Or Thamyris in curious painted things? What sweet thought is there but I had the same? And one gave place still as another came. Yet notwithstanding, like one dead it lay, Drooping more than a rose pulled yesterday. Now, when he should not jet, he bolts upright, And craves his task, and seeks to be at fight. Lie down with shame, and see thou stir no more, Seeing thou wouldst deceive me as before. Thou cozenest me: by thee surprised am I, And bide sore loss with endless infamy. Nay more, the wench did not disdain a whit To take it in her hand and play with it, But when she saw it would by no means stand, But still drooped down, regarding not her hand, "Why mock'st thou me," she cried, "or being ill, Who bade thee lie down here against thy will? Either th' art witched with blood of frogs new dead, Or jaded cam'st thou from some other's bed." With that, her loose gown on, from me she cast her; In skipping out her naked feet much graced her. And lest her maid should know this disgrace, To cover it, spilt water on the place.
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ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK III
ELEGIA VII Quod ab amica non recipiatur., dolet
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What man will now take liberal arts in hand, Or think soft verse in any stead to stand? Wit was sometimes more precious than gold, N ow poverty great barbarism we hold. When our books did my mistress fair content, I might not go whither my papers went. She praised me, yet the gate shut fast upon her, I here and there go, witty with dishonor. See a rich chuff, whose wounds great wealth inferred, For bloodshed knighted, before me preferred! Fool, canst thou him in thy white arms embrace? Fool, canst thou lie in his enfolding space? Knowest not this head a helm was wont to bear? This side that serves thee, a sharp sword did wear. His left hand, whereon gold doth ill alight, A target bore; blood-sprinkled was his right. Canst touch that hand wherewith someone lie dead? Ah whither is thy breast's soft nature fled? Behold the signs of ancient fight, his scars, Whate'er he hath his body gained in wars. Perhaps he'll tell how oft he slew a Inan, Confessing this, why dost thou touch him then? I, the pure priest of Phoebus and the Muses, At thy deaf doors in verse sing my abuses. Not what we slothful knew, let wise men learn, But follow trembling camps and battles stern, And a good verse draw the first dart forth: Homer without this shall be nothing worth. Jove, being admonished gold had sovereign power, To win the maid came in a golden shower. Till then, rough was her father, she severe, The posts of brass, the walls of iron were; But when in gifts the wise adulterer came,
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK III
She held her lap ope to receive the same. Yet when old Saturn heaven's rule possessed, All gain in darkness the deep earth suppressed. Gold, silver, iron's heavy weight, 'and brass, In hell were harbored; here was found no mass. But better things it gave, corn without ploughs, Apples, and honey in oaks' hollow boughs. With strong ploughshares no man the earth did cleave, The ditcher no marks on the ground did leave, Nor hanging oars the troubled seas did sweep; Men kept the shore, and sailed not into deep. Against thyself, man's nature, thou wert cunning, And to thine own loss was thy wit swift running. Why gird'st thy cities with a towered wall? Why let'st discordant hands to armor fall? What dost with seas? with th' earth thou wert content; Why seek'st not heaven, the third realm, to frequent? Heaven thou affects; with Romulus, temples brave Bacchus, Alcides, and now Caesar have. Gold from the earth instead of fruits we pluck; Soldiers by blood to be enriched have luck. Courts shut the poor out; wealth gives estimation; Thence grows the judge, and knight of reputation. All they possess: they govern fields and laws, They manage peace, and raw war's bloody jaws. Only our loves let not such rich churls gain; 'Tis well if some wench for the poor remain. Now, Sabine-like, though chaste she seems to live, One her commands, who many things can give. For me, she doth keeper and husband fear; If I should give, both would the house forbear. If of scorned lovers god be venger just, o let him change goods so ill got to dust.
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• BOOK III
ELEGIA VIII
Tibulli mortem deflet
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If Thetis and the Morn their sons did wail, And envious Fates great goddesses assail, Sad Elegia, thy woeful hairs unbind: Ah now a name too true thou hast, I find. Tibullus, thy work's poet, and thy fame, Burns his dead body in the funeral Harne. Lo Cupid brings his quiver spoiled quite, His broken bow, his firebrand without light. How piteously with drooping wings he stands, And knocks his bare breast with self-angry hands. The locks spread on his neck receive his tears, And shaking sobs his mouth for speeches bears. So at Aeneas' burial, men report, Fair-fac'd Iulus, he went forth thy court. And Venus grieves, Tibullus' life being spent, As when the wild boar Adon's groin had rent. The gods' care we are called, and men of piety, And SOlne there be that think we have a deity. Outrageous death profanes all holy things, And on all creatures obscure darkness brings. To Thracian Orpheus what did parents good, Or songs amazing wild beasts of the wood? Where Linus by his father Phoebus laid To sing with his unequaled harp is said. See HOlner from whose fountain ever filled Pierian dew to poets is distilled: Him the last day in black Averne hath drowned; Verses alone are with continuance crowned. The work of poets lasts Troy's labor's And that slow web night's falsehood did unframe. So Nemesis, so Delia famous are: The one his first love, th' other his new care. What profit to us hath our pure life bred?
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK III
What to have lain alone in empty bed? When bad fates take good men, I am forbod By secret thoughts to think there is a god. Live godly, thou shalt die; though honor heaven, Yet shall thy life be forcibly bereaven. Trust in good verse: Tibullus feels death's pains, Scarce rests of all what a small urn contains. Thee, sacred poet, could sad flames destroy? Nor feared they thy body to annoy? The holy gods' gilt temples they might fire, That durst to so great wickedness aspire. Eryx' bright empress turned her looks aside, And some that she refrained tears have denied. Yet better is 't, than if Corcyra's isle Had thee unknown interred in ground most vile. Thy dying eyes here did thy mother close, Nor did thy ashes her last off 'rings lose. Part of her sorrow here thy sister bearing Comes forth her unkembed locks asunder tearing. Nemesis and thy first wench join their kisses With thine, nor this last fire their presence misses. Delia departing, "Happier loved," she saith, "Was I: thou liv'dst, while thou esteem'dst my faith." Nemesis answers, "What's my loss to thee? His fainting hand in death engrasped me." If aught remains of us but name and Tibullus doth Elysium's joy inherit. Your youthful brows with ivy girt to Ineet him, With Calvus, learn'd Catullus come, and greet him, And thou, if falsely charged to wrong thy friend, Gallus, that car'st not blood and life to spend. With these thy soul walles: souls if death release, The godJy sweet Tibullus doth increase. Thy bones I pray may in the urn safe rest, And may th' earth's weight thy ashes nought molest.
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ELEGIA IX
Ad
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Cererem~
conquerens quod eius sacris cum amica concumbere non permittatur
Come were the times of Ceres' sacrifice: In empty bed alone Iny mistress lies. Golden-haired Ceres, crowned with ears of corn, Why are our pleasures by thy means forborne? Thee, goddess, bountiful all nations judge, Nor less at man's prosperity any grudge. Rude husbandmen baked not their corn before, N or on the earth was known the name of floor; On mast of oaks, first oracles; men fed, This was their meat, the soft grass was their bed. First Ceres taught the seed in fields to swell, And ripe-eared corn with sharp-edged scythes to fell; She first constrained bulls' necks to bear the yoke, And untilled ground with crooked ploughshares broke. Who thinks her to be glad at lovers' smart, And worshipped by their pain and lying apart? Nor is she, though she loves the fertile fields, A clown, nor no love from her warm breast yields. Be witness Crete (nor Crete doth all things feign), Crete proud that Jove her nursery maintain. There he who rules the world's star-spangled towers, A little boy, drunk teat-distilling showers. Faith to the witness Jove's praise doth apply; Ceres, I think, no known fault will deny. The goddess saw Iasion on Candian Ide, With strong hand striking wild beasts' bristled hide; She saw, and as her marrow took the flame, Was divers ways distract with love and shame. Love conquered shame, the furrows dry were burned, And corn with least part of itself returned. When well-tossed mattocks did the ground prepare, Being fit broken with the crooked share,
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK III
And seeds were equally in large fields cast, The ploughman's hopes were frustrate at the last. The grain-rich goddess in high woods did stray, Her long hair~s ear-wrought garland fell away. Only was Crete fruitful that plentious year; Where Ceres went, each place was harvest there. Ida, the seat of groves, did sing with corn, Which by the wild boar in the woods was shorn. Law-giving Minos did such years desire, And wished the goddess long might feel love's fire. Ceres, what sports to thee so grievous were, As in thy sacrifice we them forbear? Why am I sad, when Proserpine is found, And Juno-like with Dis reigns underground? Festival days ask Venus, songs and wine, These gifts are meet to please the powers divine.
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ELEGIA X
Ad amicam, a cuius amore discedere non potest Long have I borne much, mad thy faults me make: Dishonest love, my wearied breast forsake! Now have I freed myself, and fled the chain, And what I have borne, shame to bear again. We vanquish, and tread tamed Love under feet, Victorious wreaths at length my temples greet. Suffer, and harden: good grows by this grief, Oft bitter juice brings to the sick relief. I have sustained so oft thrust from the door, To lay my body on the hard moist floor. I know not whom thou lewdly didst embrace, When I to watch supplied a servanes place; I saw when forth a tired lover went, His side service, and his courage spent. Yet this is less than if he had seen me; May that shame fall mine enemies' chance to be.
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ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK III
When have not I, fixed to thy side, close laid? I have thy husband, guard, and fellow played. The people by my company she pleased; My love was cause that more men's love she seized. What should I tell her vain tongue's filthy lies, And, to my loss, god-wronging perjuries? What secret becks in banquets with her youths, With privy and talk dissembling truths? Hearing her to be sick, I thither ran, But with my rival sick she was not then. These hardened me, with what I keep obscure; Some other who will these things endure. Now my ship in the wished haven crowned, With joy Neptune's swelling waters sound. Leave thy once powerful words, and flatteries; I am not as I was before, unwise. Now love and hate my light breast each way move, But victory, I think, will hap to love. I'll hate, if I can; if not, love 'gainst my will: Bulls hate the yoke, yet what they hate have still. I fly her lust, but follow beauty's creature; I loathe her manners, love her body's feature. N or with thee, nor without thee can I live, And doubt to which desire the palm to give. Or less fair, or less lewd would thou mightst be; Beauty with lewdness doth right ill agree. Her deeds gain hate, her face entreateth love; Ah, she doth more worth than her vices prove. Spare me, 0 by our fellow-bed, by all The gods who by thee to be perjured fall, And by thy face to me a power divine, And by thine eyes whose radiance burns out mine. Whate'er thou art, mine art thou: choose this course, Wilt have me willing, or to love by force? Rather I'll hoist up sail, and use the wind, That I may love yet, though against Iny mind.
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• BOOK III
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ELEGIA XI
Dolet amicam suam ita suis carminibus innotuisse ut rivales multos sibi paral'it What day was that which, all sad haps to bring, White birds to lovers did not always sing? Or is I think my wish against the stars? Or shall I plain some god against me wars? Who mine was called, whom I loved more than any, I fear with me is common now to many. Err I? or by my books is she so known? 'Tis so: by my wit her abuse is grown. And justly: for her praise why did I tell? The wench by my fault is set forth to sell. The bawd I play, lovers to her I guide: Her gate by my hands is set open wide. 'Tis doubtful whether verse avail or harm, Against my good they were an envious charm. When Thebes, when Troy, when Caesar should be writ, Alone Corinna moves my wanton wit. With Muse opposed, would I my lines had done, And Phoebus had forsook my work begun. Nor, as use will not poets' record hear, Would I my words would any credit bear. Scylla by us her father's rich hair steals, And Scylla's womb mad raging dogs conceals. We cause feet fly, we mingle hairs with snakes, Victorious Perseus a winged steed's back takes. Our verse great Tityus a huge space outspreads, And gives the viper-curled dog three heads. We make Enceladus use a thousand arms, And men enthralled by mermaids' singing charms. The east winds in Ulysses' bags we shut, And blabbing Tantalus in mid-waters put. Niobe flint, Callist we make a bear,
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Bird-changed Progne doth her Itys tear; Jove turns himself into a swan, or gold, Or his bull's horns Europa's hand doth hold. Proteus what should I name? teeth, Thebes' first seed? Oxen in whose mouths burning flames did breed? Heav'n star Electra, that bewailed her sisters? The ships whose godhead in the sea now glisters? The sun turned back from Atreus' cursed table? And sweet touched harp that to move stones was able? Poets' large power is boundless and inlmense, Nor have their words true history's pretense. And my wench ought to have seemed falsely praised. Now your credulity harm to me hath raised.
ELEGIA XII De Iunonis festo
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When fruit-filled Tuscia should a wife give me, We touched the walls, Camillus, won by thee. The priests to Juno did prepare chaste feasts, With famous pageants, and their home-bred beasts. To know their rites well recompensed my stay, Though thither leads a rough steep hilly way. There stands an old wood with thick trees dark clouded: Who sees it grants some deity there is shrouded. An altar takes men's incense and oblation, An altar made after the ancient fashion. Here, when the pipe with solemn tunes doth sound, The annual pomp goes on the covered ground. White heifers by glad people forth are led, Which with the grass of Tuscan fields are fed, And calves from whose feared front no threaening flies, And little pigs, base hogsties' sacrifice, And rams with horns their hard heads wreathed back; Only the goddess-hated goat did lack,
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES
• BOOK III
By whom disclosed, she in the high woods took, Is said to have attempted flight forsook. Now is the goat brought through the boys with darts, And given to him that the first wound imparts. Where Juno comes, each youth and pretty maid Show large ways, with their garments there displayed. Jewels and gold their virgin tresses crown, And stately robes to their gilt feet hang down. As is the use, the nuns in white veils clad, Upon their heads the holy mysteries had. When the chief pomp comes, loud the people hollow, And she her vestal virgin priests doth follow. Such was the Greek pomp, Agamemnon dead, Which fact, and country wealth Halesus fled, And having wandered now through sea and land, Built walls high towered with a prosperous hand. commended; He to th' Hetrurians Junds Let me, and them by it be aye befriended.
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ELEGIA XIII Ad amicam~ si peccatura est, ut occulte peccet Seeing thou art fair, I bar not thy false playing, But let not me, poor soul, know of thy straying. Nor do I give thee counsel to live chaste, But that thou wouldst dissemble, when 'tis past. She hath not trod awry that doth deny it. Such as confess have lost their good nanles by it. What madness is 't to tell night's pranks by day, And hidden secrets openly to bewray? The strumpet with the stranger will not do Before the room be clear, and door put to. Will you make shipwrack of your honest name, And let the world be witness of the same? Be more advised, walk as a puritan,
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And 1 shall think you chaste, do what you can. Slip still, only deny it when 'tis done, And before folk immodest speeches shun. The bed is for lascivious toyings meet; There use all tricks, and tread shame under feet. When you are up and dressed, be sage and grave, And in the bed hide all the faults you have. Be not ashamed to strip you, being there, And mingle thighs, yours ever mine to bear. There in your rosy lips my tongue entomb, Practice a thousand sports when there you come. Forbear no wanton words you there would speak, And with your pastime let the bedstead creak. But with your robes put on an honest face, And blush, and seem as you were full of grace. Deceive all; let me err, and think I am right, And like a wittol think thee void of sleight. Why see I lines so oft received and given? This bed and that by tumbling made uneven? Like one start up, your hair tossed and displaced, And with a wanton's tooth your neck new-raced? Grant this, that what you do I may not see; If you weigh not ill speeches, yet weigh me. My soul fleets when I think what you have done, And thorough every vein doth cold blood run. Then thee whom 1 must love, 1 hate in vain, And would be dead, but dead with thee remain. I'll not sift much, but hold thee soon excused, Say but thou wert injuriously accused. Though while the deed be doing you be took, And I see when you ope the two-leaved book, Swear I was blind, deny, if you be wise, And I will trust your words more than mine eyes. FrOlll him that yields, the palm is quickly got, Teach but your tongue to say, "I did it not," And being justified by two words, think The cause acquits you not, but I that wink.
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Ad Venerem:J quod elegis finem imponat Tender Love's mother, a new poet This last end to my elegies is set, Which I, Peligny's foster-child, have framed (Nor am I by such wanton toys defamed), Heir of an ancient house, if help that can, Not only by war's rage made gentleman. In Virgil Mantua joys, in Catull Verone, Of me Peligny's nation boasts alone, Whom liberty to honest arms compelled, When careful Rome in doubt their prowess held. And some guest, viewing wat'ry Sulmo's walls, Where little ground to be enclosed ~_~.~LL~, "How such a poet could you "How small soe'er, I'll you for praise." Both loves to whom my heart long time did yield, Your golden ensigns pluck out of my field. Horned Bacchus greater fury doth distill, is to till. A greater ground with great Weak elegies, delightful Muse, farewell; A work that after my death here shall dwell.
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TO HIS KIND AND TRUE FRIEND, EDWARD BLOUNT.
Blount: I purpose to be blunt with you, and out of my dullness to encounter you with a dedication in the memory of that pure elemental wit ehr. Marlowe, whose ghost or genius is to be seen walk the churchyard in (at the least) three or four sheets. Methinks you should presently look wild now, and grow humorously frantic upon the taste of it. Well, lest you should, let me tell you. This spirit was sometime a familiar of your own, LucanJs first book translated, which (in regard of your old right in it) I have raised in the circle of your patronage. But stay now, Edward: if I mistake not, you are to accommodate yourself with some few instructions touching the property of a patron, that you are not yet possessed of, and to study them for your better grace as our gallants do fashions. First, you must be proud, and think you have merit enough in you, though you are ne'er so empty; then, when I bring you the book, take physic, and keep state, assign me a time by your man to come again, and afore the day be sure to have changed your lodging; in the meantime sleep little, and sweat with the in~ vention of some pitiful dry jest or two which you may happen to utter, with some little (or not at all) marking of your friends, when you have found a place for them to come in at; or if by chance something has dropped from you worthy 18I
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the taking up, weary all that come to you with the often repetition of it; censure scornfully enough, and somewhat like a traveler; commend nothing lest you discredit your (that which you would seem to have) judgment. These things if you can mold yourself to them, Ned, I Inake no question but they will not become you. One special virtue in our patrons of these days I have promised myself you shaH fit excellently, which is to give nothing; yes, thy love I will challenge as my peculiar object, both in this, and (I hope) many more succeeding offices. Farewell: I affect not the world should measure my thoughts to thee by a scale of this nature: leave to think good of me when I fall from thee. Thine in all rites of perfect friendship, THOM. THORPE
Wars worse than civil on Thessalian plains, And outrage strangling law~ and people strong We sing, whose conquering swords their own breasts launched, Armies allied, the kingdom's league uprooted, Th' affrighted world's force bent on public spoil, Trumpets and drums like deadly threat'ning other~ Eagles alike displayed, darts answering darts. Romans, what madness, what huge lust of war, Hath made barbarians drunk with Latin blood? Now Babylon (proud through our spoil) should stoop, While slaughtered Crassus' ghost walks unrevenged, Will ye wage war, for which you shall not triumph? Aye me, 0 what a world of land and sea Might they have won whom civil broils have slain! As far as Titan springs, where night dims heaven, Aye, to the torrid zone where mid-day burns, And where stiff winter, whom no spring resolves, Fetters the Euxine Sea with chains of ice; Scythia and wild Armenia had been yoked~ And they of Nilus' mouth (if there live any). Rome, if thou take delight in impious war, First conquer all the earth, then turn thy force Against thyself: as yet thou wants not foes. That now the walls of houses half-reared totter, That rampires fallen down, huge heaps of stone Lie in our towns, that houses are abandoned,
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And few live that behold their ancient seats, Italy Inany years hath lien untilled And choked with thorns, that greedy earth wants hinds, Fierce Pyrrhus, neither thou nor Hannibal Art cause; no foreign foe could so afflict US; These arise from wreak of civil power. Nero (then unborn) the Fates But if Would no other means (and gods not slightly Purchase immortal thrones, nor Jove joyed heaven Until cruel Giants~ war was done) We pJain not heavens, but gladly bear these evils For Nero's sake: Pharsalia groan with slaughter, And Carthage souls be glutted with our bloods; At Munda let the dreadful battles join; Add, Caesar, to these ills, Perusian famine, The Mutin toils, the fleet at Leuca sunk, And cruel field near burning Aetna fought. Yet Rome is much bound to these civil arms, Which made thee emperor, thee (seeing thou, being old, Must shine a star) shall heaven (whom thou lovest) Receive with shouts, where thou wilt reign as king, Or mount the sun's flame-bearing chariot, And with bright restless fire compass the earth, Undaunted though her former guide be changed; Nature and every power shall give thee place, What god it please thee be, or where to sway. But neither choose the north t' erect thy seat, N or yet the adverse reeking southern pole, Whence thou shouldst view thy Rome with squinting beams. If anyone part of vast heaven thou swayest, The burdened axis with thy force will bend; Inidst is best; that place is pure and bright. There, Caesar, mayst thou shine and no cloud dim thee,
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Then men from war shall bide in league and ease, Peace through the world from Janus' shall fly, And bolt the brazen gates with bars of iron. Thou, Caesar, at this instant art my god: Thee if I invocate, I shall not need To crave Apollo's aid or Bacchus~ help, Thy power inspires the Muse that sings this war. The causes first I purpose to unfold Of these garboils, whence springs a long discourse, And what made madding people shake off peace. The Fates are envious, high seats quickly perish, Under great burdens falls are ever grievous; Rome was so great it could not bear itself. So when this world's compounded union breaks, Time ends, and to old Chaos all things turn, Confused stars shall meet, celestial fire Fleet on the floods, the earth shoulder the sea, Affording it no shore, and Phoebe's wain Chase Phoebus, and enraged affect his place, And strive to shine by day, and full of strife Dissolve the engines of the broken world. All great things crush themselves; such end the gods Allot the height of honor, men so strong By land and sea no foreign force could ruin. a Rome, thyself art cause of all these evils, Thyself thus shivered out to three men's shares: Dire league of partners in a kingdom last not. a faintly-joined friends, with ambition blind, Why join you force to share the world betwixt you? While th' earth the sea, and air the earth sustains, While Titan strives against the world's swift course, Or Cynthia, night's queen, waits upon the day, Shall never faith be found in fellow kings. Dominion cannot suffer partnership; This need no foreign proof nor far-fet story: Rome's infant walls were steeped in brother's blood;
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Nor then was land, or sea, to breed such hate, A town with one poor church set them at odds.
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Caesar's and Pompey's jarring love soon ended, 'Twas peace against their wills; betwixt them both Stepped Crassus in, even as the slender Isthmus Betwixt the Aegean and the Ionian sea Keeps each from other, but being worn away, They both burst out, and each encounter other: So when as Crassus' wretched death, who stayed them, Had filled Assyrian Carra's walls with blood, His loss made way for Roman outrages. Parthians, y' afflict us more than ye suppose: Being conquered, we are plagued with civil war. Swords share our empire; Fortune, that made Rome Govern the earth, the sea, the world itself, Would not admit two lords; for Julia, Snatched hence by cruel fates with ominous howls, Bare down to hell her son, the pledge of peace, . And all bands of that death-presaging alliance. Julia, had heaven given thee longer life, Thou hadst restrained thy headstrong husband's rage, Yea, and thy father too, and, swords thrown down, Made all shake hands as once the Sabines did; Thy death broke amity, and trained to war These captains emulous of each other's glory. Thou fear'dst, great Pompey, that late deeds would dim Old triumphs, and that Caesar's conquering France Would dash the wreath thou wear'st for pirates' wrack. Thee war's use stirred, and thoughts that always scorned A second place; Pompey could bide no equal, Nor Caesar no superior: which of both Had justest cause unlawful 'tis to judge. Each side had great partakers: Caesar's cause
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The gods abetted, Cato liked the other. Both differed much: Pompey was struck in years~ And by long rest forgot to manage arms, And being popular sought by liberal gifts To gain the light unstable commons' love, And joyed to hear his theater's applause; He lived secure, boasting his former deeds~ And thought his name sufficient to uphold him~ Like to a tall oak in a fruitful field, Bearing old spoils and conquerors' monuments, Who though his root be weak, and his own weight Keep him within the ground, his arms all bare~ His body (not his boughs) send forth a shade; Though every blast it nod, and seem to fall, When all the woods about stand bolt upright, Yet he alone is held in reverence. Caesar's renown for war was less, he restless, Shaming to strive but where he did subdue; When ire or hope provoked, heady and bold, At all times charging home, and making havoc; Urging his fortune, trusting in the gods, Destroying what withstood his proud desires, And glad when blood and ruin made him way: So thunder which the wind tears from the clouds, With crack of riven air and hideous sound Filling the world, leaps out and throws forth fire~ Affrights poor fearful men, and blasts their eyes With overthwarting flames, and raging shoots Alongst the air, and, nought resisting it, Falls, and returns, and shivers where it lights. Such humors stirred them up; but this war's seed Was even the same that wracks all great dominions. When Fortune made us lords of all, wealth flowed, And when we grew licentious and rude; The soldiers' prey and rapine brought in riot; Men took delight in jewels, houses, plate, And scorned old sparing diet, and ware robes Too light for women; Poverty (who hatched
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Rome's greatest wits) was loathed, and all the world Ransacked for gold, which breeds the world decay; And then large limits had their butting lands, The ground which Curius and Camillus tilled Was stretched unto the fields of hinds unknown. Again, this people could not brook calm peace, Them freedom without war might not suffice; Quarrels were rife, greedy desire, still poor~ Did vile deeds; then 'twas worth the price of blood, And deemed renown to spoil their native town; Force mastered right, the strongest governed all. Hence came it that th' edicts were overruled, That laws were broke, tribunes with consuls strove, SaJe made of offices, and people's voices Bought by themselves and sold, and every year Frauds and corruption in the field of Mars; Hence interest and devouring usury sprang, Faith's breach, and hence came war, to most men welcome. Now Caesaroverpassed the snowy Alps; His mind was troubled, and he aimed at war, And coming to the ford of Rubicon, At night in dreadful vision fearful Rome Mourning appeared, whose hoary hairs were torn, And on her turret-bearing head dispersed, And arms all naked, who with broken sighs, And staring, thus bespoke: "What mean'st thou, Caesar? Whither goes my standard? Romans if ye be, And bear true hearts, stay here!" This spectacle Struck Caesar's heart with fear, his hair stood up, And faintness numbed his steps there on brink. He thus cried out: "Thou thunderer that Rome's mighty walls built on Tarpeian rock, Ye gods of Phrygia and lulus' line, Quirinus' rites and Latian Jove advanced On Alba hill, 0 vestal flames~ 0 Rome,
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My thought's sole goddess, aid mine enterprise! I hate thee not, to thee my conquests stoop; Caesar is thine, so please it thee, thy soldier; He, he afflicts Rome that made me Rome's foe." This said, he laying aside all lets of war, Approached the swelling stream with drum and ensign; Like to a lion of scorched desert Afric, Who, seeing hunters, pauseth till fell wrath And kingly rage increase, then having whisked His tail athwart his back, and crest heaved up, With jaws wide open ghastly roaring out (Albeit the Moor's light javelin or his spear Sticks in his side), yet runs upon the hunter. In summer time the purple Rubicon, Which issues from a small spring, is but shallow, And creeps along the vales dividing just The bounds of Italy from Cisalpine France; But now the winter's wrath, and wat'ry moon Being three days old, enforced the flood to swell, And frozen Alps thawed with resolving winds. The thunder-hoofed horse, in a crooked line, To scape the violence of the stream, first waded, Which being broke the foot had easy passage. As soon as Caesar got unto the bank. And bounds of Italy, "Here, here," saith he, "An end of peace; here end polluted laws; Hence, leagues and covenants; Fortune, thee I follow, War and the Destinies shall try my cause." This said, the restless general through the dark (Swifter than bullets thrown from Spanish slings, Or darts which Parthians backward shoot) marched on, And then (when Lucifer did shine alone, And some dim stars) he Ariminum entered. Day rose, and viewed these tumults of the war; Whether the gods or hlust'ring south were cause
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I know not, but the cloudy air did frown. The soldiers having won the market-place, There spread the colors, with confused noise Of trumpet's clange, shrill cornets, whistling fifes. The people started; young men left their beds, And snatched arms near their household gods hung up, Such as peace yields: worm-eaten leathern targets Through which the wood peered, headless darts, old swords With ugly teeth of black rust foully scarred. But seeing white eagles, and Rome's flags well known, And lofty in the thickest throng, They shook for fear, and cold benumbed their limbs, And muttering much, thus to themselves cOlnplained: "0 walls unfortunate, too near to France, Predestinate to ruin! all lands else Have stable peace, here war's rage first begins, We bide the first brunt. Safer might we dwell Under the frosty Bear, or parching East, Wagons or tents, than in this frontier town. We first sustained the uproars of the Gauls And furious Cimbrians, and of Carthage Moors; As oft as Rome was sacked, here 'gan the spoil." Thus sighing whispered they, and none durst speak And show their fear or grief; but as the fields, When birds are silent through winter's rage, Or sea far from the land, so all were whist. Now light had quite dissolved the misty night, And Caesar's mind unsettled musing stood; But gods and Fortune pricked him to this war, Infringing all excuse of modest shame, And laboring to approve his quarrel good. The angry Senate, urging Gracchus' deeds, From doubtful Rome wrongly expelled the tribunes That crossed them; both which now approached the camp,
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And with them Curio, sometime tribune too, One that was fee'd for Caesar, and whose tongue Could tune the people to the nobles' mind. "Caesar," said he, "while eloquence prevailed, And I might plead, and draw the commons' minds To favor thee, against the Senate's will, Five years I lengthened thy command in France; But law being put to silence by the wars, We, from our houses driven, most willingly Suffered exile: let thy sword bring us home. Now, while their part is weak and fears, march hence: Where men are ready, lingering ever hurts. In ten years won'st thou France; Rome may be won With far less toil, and yet thellonor's more; Few battles fought with prosperous success May bring her down, and with her all the world. Nor shalt thou triumph when thou com'st to Rome, Nor Capitol be adorned with sacred bays. Envy denies all; with thy blood must thou Aby thy conquest past: the son decrees To expel the father; share the world thou canst not; Enjoy it all thou mayst." Thus Curio spake, And therewith Caesar~ prone enough to war, Was so incensed as are Eleius steeds With clamors, who, though locked and chained in stalls, Souse down the walls, and make a passage forth. Straight summoned he his several companies Unto the standard; his grave look appeased The wrestling tumult, and right hand made silence, And thus he spake: "You that with me have borne A thousand brunts, and tried me full ten years, See how they quit our blood shed in the north, Our friends' death, and our wounds, our wintering Under the Alps! Rome rageth now in arms As if the Carthage Hannibal were near. Cornets of horse are mustered for the field,
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Woods turned to ships; both land and sea against us. Had foreign wars ill-thrived, or wrathful France Pursued us hither, how were we bested, When, coming conqueror, Rome afflicts me thus? Let come their leader whom long peace hath quailed, Raw soldiers lately pressed, and troops of gowns; Brabbling Marcellus; Cato whom fools reverence; Must Pompey's followers, with strangers' aid (Whom from his youth he bribed), needs make him king? And shall he triumph long before his time} And having once got head still shall he reign? What should I talk of men's corn reaped by force, And by him kept of purpose for a dearth? Who sees not war sit by the quivering judge, And sentence given in rings of naked swords, And laws assailed, and armed men in the Senate? 'Twas his troop hemmed in Milo being accused; And now, lest age might wane his state, he casts For civil war, wherein through use he's known To exceed his master, that arch-traitor Sulla. A brood of barbarous tigers, having lapped The blood of many a herd, whilst with their dams They kenneled in Hircania, evermore Will rage and prey: so Pompey, thou having licked Warm gore from Sulla's sword} art yet athirst; Jaws fleshed with blood continue murderous. Speak, when shall this thy long-usurped power end? What end of mischief? Sulla teaching thee, At last learn, wretch, to leave thy monarchy. What, now Sicilian pirates are suppressed} And jaded king of Pontus poisoned slain, Must Pompey as his last foe plume on me, Because at his command I wound not up My conquering eagles? say I merit nought, Yet, for long service done, reward these men, ' And so they triumph, be 't with whom ye will. Whither now shall these old bloodless souls repair?
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What seats for their deserts? what store of ground For servitors to till? what colonies To rest their bones? say, Pompey, are these worse Than pirates of Sicilia? they had houses. Spread, spread these flags that ten years' space have conquered! Let's use our tried force; they that now thwart right, In wars will yield to wrong: the gods are with us. Neither spoil nor kingdom seek we by these arms, But Rome at thraldom's feet to rid from tyrants." This spoke, none answered; but a murmuring buzz Th' unstable people made: their household gods And love to Rome (though slaughter steeled their hearts, And minds were prone) restrained them; but war's love And Caesar's awe dashed all. Then Laelius, The chief centurion, crowned with oaken leaves For saving of a Roman citizen, Stepped forth, and cried: "Chief leader of Rome's force, So be I may be bold to speak a truth, We grieve at this thy patience and delay. What doubt'st thou us? even now when youthful blood Pricks forth our lively bodies, and strong arms Can mainly throw the dart, wilt thou endure These purple grooms, that Senate's tyranny? Is conquest got by civil war so heinous? Well, lead us then to Syrtes' desert shore, Or Scythia, or hot Libya's thirsty sands. This hand, that all behind us might be quailed, Hath with thee passed the swelling ocean, And swept the foaming breast of Arctic's Rhene. Love overrules my will, I must obey thee, Caesar; he whom I hear thy trumpets charge I hold no Roman; by these ten blest ensigns And all thy several triumphs, shouldst thou bid me
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Entomb my sword within my brother's bowels, Or father's throat, or women's groaning womb, This hand (albeit unwilling) should perform it; Or rob the gods, or sacred temples fire. These troops should soon pull down the church of Jove. If to encamp on Tuscan Tiber's streams, I'll boldly quarter out the fields of Rome; What walls thou wilt be leveled with the ground, These hands shall thrust the ram, and make them fly, Albeit the city thou wouldst have so razed Be Rome itself." Here every band applauded, And with their hands held up all jointly cried They'll follow where he please. The shouts rent heaven, As when against pine-bearing Ossa's rocks Beats Thracian Boreas, or when trees bowed down And rustling swing up as the wind fets breath. When Caesar saw his army prone to war, And Fates so bent, lest sloth and long delay Might cross him, he withdrew his troops from France, And in all quarters musters men for Rome. They by Lemannus' nook forsook their tents; They whom the Lingones foiled with painted spears, Under the rocks by crooked Vogesus; And many came from shallow Isara, Who, running long, falls in a greater flood, And ere he sees the sea loseth his name; The yellow Ruthens left their garrisons; Mild Atax glad it bears not Roman boats, And frontier Varus that the camp is Sent aid; so did Alcides' port, whose seas Eat hollow rocks, and where the north-west wind Nor Zephyr rules not, but the north alone Turmoils the coast, and enterance forbids; And others came from that uncertain shore
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Which is nor sea~ nor land, but ofttimes both} And changeth as the ocean ebbs and flows; Whether the sea rolled always from that point Whence the wind blows, still forced to and fro, Or that the wandering main follow the moon, Or flaming Titan (feeding on the deep) Pulls them aloft, and makes the surge kiss heaven, Philosophers, look you, for unto me, Thou cause, whate'er thou be whom God assigns This great effect, art hid. They came that dwell By Nemes' fields, and banks of Satirus, Where Tarbel's winding shores embrace the sea; The Santons that rejoice in Caesar's love, Those of Bituriges and light Axon pikes; And they of Rhene and Leuca, cunning darters, And Sequana that well could manage steeds; The Belgians apt to govern British cars; Th' Averni too, which boldly feign themselves The Romans' brethren, sprung of llian race; The stubborn Nervians stained with Cotta's blood, And Vangions who, like those of Sarmata, Wear open slops; and fierce Batavians, Whom trumpets' clange incites, and those that dwell By Cinga's stream, and where swift Rhodanus Drives Araris to sea; they near the hills Under whose hoary rocks Gebenna hangs; And Trevier, thou being glad that wars are past thee; And you, late-shorn Ligurians, who were wont In large-spread hair to exceed the rest of France; And where to Hesus and fell Mercury They offer human flesh, and where Jove seems Bloody like Dian, whom the Scythians serve. And you, French Bardi, whose immortal pens Renown the valiant souls slain in your wars, Sit safe at home and chant sweet poesy. And, Druides, you now in peace renew Your barbarous customs and sinister rites; In unfeUed woods and sacred groves you dwell,
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And only gods and heavenly powers you know, Or only know you nothing. For you hold That souls pass not to silent Erebus Or Pluto's bloodless kingdom, but elsewhere Resume a body: so (if truth you sing) Death brings long life. Doubtless these northern men, Whom death, the greatest of all fears, affright not, Are blest by such sweet error; this makes them Run on the sword's point and desire to die, And shame to spare life which being lost is won. You likewise that repulsed the Cayc foe, March towards Rome; and you, fierce men of Rhene, Leaving your country open to the spoil. These being. come, their huge power made him bold To manage greater deeds; the bordering towns He garrisoned, and Italy he filled with soldiers. Vain fame increased true fear, and did invade The people's minds, and laid before their eyes Slaughter to come, and swiftly bringing news Of present war, made many lies and tales. One swears his troops of daring horsemen fought Upon Mevania's plain, where bulls are grazed; Other that Caesar's barbarous bands were spread Along Nar flood that into Tiber falls, And that his own ten ensigns and the rest Marched not entirely, and yet hide the ground; And that he's much changed, looking wild and big, And far more barbarous than the French (his vassals) And that he behind with them of purpose Born 'twixt the Alps and Rhene, which he hath brought From out their northern parts, and that Rome, He looking on, by these men should be sacked. Thus in his fright did each man strengthen Fame, And, without ground, feared what themselves had feigned. Nor were the commons only struck to heart With this vain terror, but the Court, the Senate:
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The fathers' selves leaped from their seats, and, flying, Left hateful war decreed to both the consuls. Then, with their fear and danger all distract, Their sway of flight carries the heavy rout That in chained troops break forth at every port; You would have thought their houses had been fired, Or, dropping-ripe, ready to fall with ruin; So rushed the inconsiderate multitude Thorough the city, hurried headlong on, As if the only hope that did remain To their afflictions were t' abandon Rome. Look how when stormy Auster from the breach Of Libyan Syrtes rolls a monstrous wave, Which makes the mainsail fall with hideous sound, The pilot from the helm leaps in the sea, And mariners, albeit the keel be sound, Shipwrack themselves: even so, the city left, All rise in arms, nor could the bedrid parents Keep back their sons, or women's tears their husbands; They stayed not either to pray or sacrifice, Their household gods restrain them not, none lingered As loath to leave Rome whom they held so dear; Th' irrevocable people .fly in troops. o gods, that easy grant men great estates, But hardly grace to keep them: Rome, that flows With citizens and captives, and would hold The world (were it together) is by cowards Left as a prey, now Caesar doth approach. When Romans are besieged by foreign foes, With slender trench they escape night stratagems, And sudden ramp ire raised of turf snatched up Would make them sleep securely in their tents. Thou, Rome, at name of war runn'st from thyself, And wilt not trust thy city walls one night: Well might these fear, when Pompey feared and fled. N ow evermore, lest some one hope might ease
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The commons' jangling minds, apparent signs arose, Strange sights appeared, the angry threat'ning gods Filled both the earth and seas with prodigies; Great store of strange and unknown stars were seen Wandering about the north, and rings of fire Fly in the air, and dreadful bearded stars, And comets that presage the fall of kingdoms; The flattering sky glittered in often flames, And sundry fiery meteors blazed in heaven, Now spear-like, long, now like a spreading torch; Lightning in silence stole forth without clouds, And from the northern climate snatching fire Blasted the Capitol; the lesser stars, Which wont to run their course through empty night, At noonday mustered; Phoebe, having filled Her meeting horns to match her brother's light, Struck with th' earth's sudden shadow, waxed pale; Titan himself throned in the midst of heaven His burning chariot plunged in sable clouds, And whelmed the world in darkness, making men Despair of day, as did Thyestes' town, Mycenae, Phoebus flying through the east. Fierce Mulciber unbarred Aetna's gate, Which flamed not on high, but headlong pitched Her burning head on bending Hespery. Coal-black Charybdis whirled a sea of blood; Fierce mastiffs howled; the vestal fires went out; The flame in Alba, consecrate to Jove, Parted in twain, and with a double point Rose like the Theban brothers' funeral fire; The earth went off her hinges, and the Alps Shook the old snow from off their trembling laps. The ocean swelled as high as Spanish Calpe, Or Atlas' head. Their saints and household gods Sweat tears to show the travails of their city. Crowns fell from holy statues, ominous birds Defiled the day, and wild beasts were seen, Leaving the woods, lodge in the streets of Rome.
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Cattle were seen that muttered human speech; Prodigious births with more and ugly joints 560 Than nature gives, whose sight appals the mother; And dismal prophecies were spread abroad; And they whom fierce Bellona's fury moves To wound their arms, sing vengeance; SibyPs priests, Curling their bloody locks, howl dreadful things; Souls quiet and appeased sighed from their graves; Clashing of arms was heard; in untrod woods Shrill voices shright, and ghosts encounter men. Those that inhabited the suburb fields 570 Fled; foul Erinnys stalked about the walls, Shaking her snaky hair and crooked pine With flaming top, much like that hellish fiend Which made the stern Lycurgus wound his thigh, Or fierce Agave mad; or like Megaera That scared Alcides, when by Juno's task He had before looked Pluto in the face. Trumpets were heard to sound; and with what noise An armed battle joins, such and more strange Black night brought forth in secret: Sulla's ghost 580 Was seen to walk, singing sad oracles; And Marius' head above cold Tav'ron peering (His grave broke open) did affright the boors. To these ostents (as their old custom was) They call th' Etrurian augurs, amongst whom or Luna The gravest, Arruns, dwelt in forsaken Luca, Well skilled in pyromancy, one that knew The hearts of beasts, and flight of wand'ring fowls. First he commands such monsters Nature hatched Against her kind (the barren mule's loathed issue) To be cut forth and cast in dismal fires; 590 Then, that the trembling citizens should walk About the city; then the sacred priests That with divine lustration purged the walls, And went the round, in and without the town. Next, an inferior troop, in tucked-up vestures, After the Gahine manner; then the nuns
200
600
6IO
620
630
LUCAN'S FIRST BOOK
And their veiled matron, who alone might view Minerva's statue; then, they that keep and read Sibylla's secret works, and washed their saint In Alma's flood; next, learned augurs follow, Apollo's soothsayers, and Jove's feasting priests, The skipping Salii with shields like wedges, And flamens last, with network woolen veils. While these thus in and out had circled Rome, Look, what the lightning blasted Arruns takes, And it inters with murmurs dolorous, And calls the place bidental; on the altar He lays a ne'er-yoked bull, and pours down wine, Then crams salt leaven on his crooked knife; The beast long struggled, as being like to prove An awkward sacrifice, but by the horns The quick priest pulled him on his knees and slew him. No vein sprung out, but from the yawrting gash, Instead of red blood, wallowed venomous gore. These direful signs made Arruns stand amazed, And searching farther for the gods' displeasure, The very color scared him; a dead blackness Ran through the blood, that turned it all to jelly, And stained the bowels with dark loathsome spots; The liver swelled with filth, and every vein Did threaten horror from the host of Caesar: A small thin skin contained the vital parts; The heart stirred not, and from the gaping liver Squeezed matter; through the caul the entrails peered, And which (aye me) ever pretendeth ill, At that bunch where the liver is, appeared A knob of flesh, whereof one half did look Dead and discolored, th' other lean and thin. By these he seeing what mischiefs must ensue Cried out, "0 gods! I tremble to unfold What you intend: great Jove is now displeased, And in the breast of this slain bull are crept Th' infernal powers. My fear transcends my words,
LUCAN'S FIRST BOOK
Yet more will happen than I can unfold. Turn all to good, be augury vain, and Tages, Th' ares master, false!" Thus, in ambiguous terms Involving all, did Arruns darkly sing. But Figulus, more seen in heavenly mysteries, Whose like Egyptian Memphis never had For skill in stars and tuneful planeting, In this sort spake: "The world's swift course is lawless And casual; all the stars at random rage; Or if Fate rule them, Rome, thy citizens Are near some plague. What mischief shall ensue? Shall towns be swallowed? shall the thickened air Become intemperate? shall earth be barren? Shall water be congealed and turned to ice? o gods, what death prepare ye? with what plague Mean ye to rage? the death of many men Meets in one period. If cold noisome Saturn Were now exalted, and with blue beams shined, Then Ganymede would renew Deucalion's flood, And in the fleeting sea the earth be drenched. o Phoebus, shouldst thou with thy rays now singe The fell Nemean beast, th' earth would be fired, And heaven tormented with thy chafing heat; But thy fires hurt not. 11ars, 'tis thou inflam'st The threatening Scorpion with the burning tail, And fiest his cleyes. Why art thou thus enraged? Kind Jupiter hath low declined himself; Venus is faint; swift Hermes retrograde; Mars only rules the heaven. Why do the planets Alter their course, and vainly dim their virtue? Sword-girt Orion's side glisters too bright: War's rage draws near, and to the sword's strong hand Let all laws yield, sin bear the name of virtue. Many a year these furious broils let last; Why should we wish the gods should ever end them? War only gives us peace. 0 Rome, continue
20I
640
650
660
202
670
680
690
LUCAN'S FIRST BOOK
course of mischief, and stretch out the date Of slaughter; only civil broils make peace." sad presages were enough to scare quivering Romans, but worse things affright them. As Maenas full of wine· on Pindus raves, So runs a matron through th' amazed streets, Disclosing Phoebus' fury in this sort: "Paean, whither am I haled? where shall I fall, Thus borne aloft? I see Pangaeus~ hill With hoary top, and under Haemus' mount Philippi plains. Phoebus, what rage is this? Why grapples Rome, and makes war, having no foes? Whither turn I now? thou lead'st me toward th' east, Where Nile augmenteth the Pelusian sea; This headless trunk that lies on Nilus' sand I know. Now throughout the air I fly To doubtful Syrtes and dry Afric, where A fury leads the Emathian bands; from thence To the pine-bearing hills, hence to the mounts Pyrene, and so back to Rome again. See, impious war defiles the Senate-house, New factions rise; now through the world again I go; 0 Phoebus, show me Neptune's shore, And other regions, I have seen Philippi.'~ This said, being tired with fury she sunk down ..
Finis
THE PASSIONATE SHEPHERD TO HIS LOVE
FROM
The Passionate Pilgrim (1599)
Live with me and my love, And we will all the pleasures prove That hills and valleys, dales and fields, And all the craggy mountains yield. There will we sit upon the rocks And see the shepherds feed their flocks By shallow rivers, by whose falls Melodious birds sing madrigals. There will I make thee a bed of roses With a thousand fragrant posies, A cap of flowers, and a kirtle Embroidered all with leaves of myrtle. A belt of straw and ivy buds With coral clasps and amber studs, And if these pleasures may thee move, my love. Then live with me and
2.0
5
10
The Passionate Shepherd to His Love
Come live with me, and be my love, And we will all the pleasures prove That valleys, groves, hills and fields, Woods, or steepy mountain yields. And we will sit upon the rocks, Seeing the shepherds feed their flocks By shallow rivers, to whose falls Melodious birds sing madrigals. And I will make thee beds of roses, And a thousand fragrant posies, A cap of flowers, and a kirtle, Elnbroidered all with leaves of myrtle.
10
A gown made of the finest wool Which from our pretty lambs we pull, Fair lined slippers for the cold, With buckles of the purest gold. A belt of straw and ivy-buds, With coral clasps and amber studs, And if these pleasures may thee move, Come live with me, and be my love. The shepherd swains shall dance and sing For thy delight each May morning. If these delights thy mind may move, Then live with me, and be my love. 20
7
20
SIR WALTER RALEGH
The Nymph:1s Reply
If all the world and love were young, And truth in every shepherd's tongue, These pretty pleasures might me move To live with thee and be thy love. But Time drives flocks from field to fold, When rivers rage and rocks grow cold, And Philomel becometh dumb; The rest complains of cares to come. The flowers do fade, and wanton fields To wayward winter reckoning yields; A honey tongue, a heart of gall Is fancy's spring, but sorrow's fall.
IO
Thy gowns, thy shoes, thy beds of roses, Thy cap, thy kirtle, and thy posies, Soon break, soon wither, soon forgotten, In folly ripe in reason rotten. Thy belt of straw and ivy buds, Thy coral clasps and amber studs, All these in me no means can move' To come to thee and be thy love. But could youth last and love still breed, Had joys no date, nor age no need, Then these delights my mind might move To live with thee and be thy love. 209
20
ANONYMOUS
Another of the Same
Nature~
Made Since
Come live with me and be my dear, And we will revel all the year, In plains and groves, on hills and dales, Where fragrant air breeds sweetest gales. There shall you have the beauteous pine, The cedar and the vine, And all the woods to be a screen, Lest Phoebus kiss my summer's queen. The seat for your disport shall be Over some river, in a tree, Where silver sands and pebbles sing Eternal ditties with the spring.
IO
There shall you see the nymphs at play, And how the satyrs spend the day, The fishes gliding on the sands, Offering their bellies to your hands. The birds with heavenly tuned throats Possess woods-echoes with sweet notes, Which to your senses will impart A music to inflame the heart. Upon the bare and leafless oak The ring-doves' wooings will provoke
211
20
ANONYMOUS
212
A colder blood than you possess To play with me and do no less. In bowers of laurel trimly dight We will outwear the silent night, While Flora busy is to spread Her richest treasure on our bed.
30
Ten thousand glow-worms shall attend, And all their sparkling lights shall spend, All to adorn and beautify Your lodging with most majesty. Then in mine arms will I enclose Lilies' fair mixture with the rose, Whose nice perfections in love's play Shall tune me to the highest key.
40
Thus as we pass the welcome night In sportful pleasures and delight, The nimble fairies on the grounds Shall dance and sing melodious sounds. If these may serve for to entice Your presence to love's paradise, Then come with me and be my dear, And we will straight begin the year.
JOHN DONNE
The Bait
Come live with me and be my love, And we will some new pleasures prove, Of golden sands and crystal brooks, With silken lines and silver hooks. There will the river whispering run, Warmed by thine eyes more than the SUll; And there th' enamored fish will stay, Begging themselves they may betray. When thou wilt swim in that live bath, Each fish, which every channel hath, Will amorously to thee swim, Gladder to catch thee than thou him.
IO
If thou to be so seen beest loath By sun or moon, thou dark'nest both; And if myself have leave to see, I need not their light, having thee. Let others freeze with angling reeds, And cut their legs with shells and weeds, Or treacherously poor fish beset With strangling snare, or windowy net: Let coarse bold hands from slimy nest The bedded fish in banks out-wrest,
2I3
20
JOHN DONNE
Or curious traitors, sleave-silk flies Bewitch poor fishes' wand'ring eyes. For thee, thou need'st no such deceit, For thou thyself art thine own bait; That fish that is not catched there by, Alas, is wiser far than I.
J.
PAULIN
LoveJs Contentment
my Clarinda, we~ll consume Our joys no more at this low rate; Mote glorious titles let's assume And love according to our state. For if Contentment wears a crown Which never tyrant could assail, How many monarchs put we down In our Utopian commonweal? As princes rain down golden showers On those in whom they take delight, So in this happier court of ours, Each is the other's favorite.
10
Our privacies no eye dwells near, But unobserved we embrace, And no sleek courtier's pen is there To set down either time or place. No midnight fears disturb our bliss, Unless a golden dream awake us, For care we know not what it is, Unless to please doth careful make us. We no enemy's invasion, Our counsel's wise and politic;
2. 1
5
20
J.
2I6
With timely force, if not persuasion, We cool the homebred schismatic. All discontent thus to remove What monarch boasts but thou and I? In this content we live and love, And in this love resolve to die:
30
That when, our souls together fled, One urn shall our mixed dust enshrine, In golden letters may be read, Here lie Content"s late King and Queen.
PAULIN
On the Death of Sir Roger Manwood
IN OBITUM HONORATISSIMI VIRI ROGERI MANWOOD MILITIS QUAESTORII REGINALIS CAPITALIS BARONIS
Noctivagi terror, ganeonis triste flagellum, Et Jovis Alcides, rigido vulturque latroni, Drna subtegitur. Scelerum gaudete nepotes! Insons, luctifica sparsis cervice capillis Plange! fori lumen, venerandae gloria legis, Occidit: heu, secum effoetas Acherontis ad oras Multa abiit virtus. Pro tot virtutibus uni, Livor, parce viro; non audadssimus esto IlEus in cineres, cuius tot Inillia vultus Mortalium attonuit: sic cum te nuntia Ditis Vulneret exsanguis, feliciter ossa quiescant, Famaque marmorei superet monumenta sepulchri.
IO
ON THE DEATH OF THE MOST NOBLE GENTLEMAN SIR ROGER MANWOOD, LORD CHIEF BARON OF THE QUEEN'S EXCHEQUER
Within this urn lies the terror of vagabonds, the harsh profligate, a vulture to the hardened criminal, scourge of Jove's Alcides. Rejoice, sons of the wicked! and you who are guiltless, weep with head bowed in grief and disheveled 2I7
2I8
IO
ON THE DEATH OF SIR ROGER MANWOOD
hair! The light of government, the glory of reverend law is dead: alas, much virtue went with him to the dilll shores of Acheron. 0 Envy, for so many virtues spare one man; do not insult over the ashes of one whose countenance terrified so many thousands of mortals. So, though the pale messenger of Dis assails you, may your bones rest peacefully, and your fame outlast the monuments of your marble sepulchre.
Notes
HERO AND LEANDER The text of Marlowe's poem and of Chapman's continuation has been prepared from the edition printed by Felix Kingston for Pa ul Linley, London, I598. DEDICATION
Walsingham Marlowe's friend and patron. S make contribute.
Sestiad I ARGUMENT
The arguments and the division of the poem into Sestiads are by Chapman. 4 3I 40 SO
52
59 62 65
Sestiad From Sestos, on the model of Iliad. hight named. Buskins boots. mother Venus. black either dark-haired or ugly. Musaeus The original of Hero and Leander is by Musaeus the Grammarian, a fifth-century Alexandrian Greek commonly confused until the seventeenth century with the mythical ur-poet Musaeus, contemporary of Orpheus, and hence "divine." Cynthia the moonj Leander is being compared with Endymion. Jove ... hand Leander as Ganymede. PeZops' shoulder Pelops was killed by his father, Tantalus, cut up, cooked, and served at a dinner of the gods. Only Demeter partook, however, and ate his shoulder. When Hermes subsequently reconstituted Pelops, he supplied a shoulder of ivory. The story is told in Ovid, Metamorphoses VI 403-II. J
2I9
220
NorES
• HERO AND LEANDER I
68-I6r
curious elaborately beautiful. slack weak. orient glowing. his Narcissus'. 77 Hippolytus A chaste hunter who scorned love. 80 uplandish wild. 101 Phaethon Son of Apollo, the sun god. He undertook to drive the chariot of the sun, but lost control of the horses, and was destroyed by Jove lest he set the world on fire. See Ovid, Metamorphoses, II 3off. 107 star the moon. 108 thirling whirling. I I I overrules rules over. 114 Ixion's ... race the Centaurs. Ixion was an ungrateful and treacherous king of Thessaly. When he was ostracized by his countrymen for the murder of his father-in-law, Jove took pity on him and brought him to Olympus; but Ixion repayed his kindness by trying to seduce Juno. Apprised of the attempt, Jove created a false Juno out of cloud and sent it to Ixion, and from this union the Centaurs were born. Ixion was punished by being bound on a wheel perpetually turning in hell. [36 discolored multicolored. 137 Proteus A sea god, the embodiment of continual change. 139 Bacchus God of wine and ecstatic poetry. 146 Danae A mortal wooed by Jupiter as a shower of gold. 148 Idalian either from Mount Ida, or from Idalium, where there was a grove sacred to Venus. Ganymede Youth carried off by Jupiter as an eagle. 149 Europa Mortal carried off by Jupiter as a bull. 150 tumbling ... Rainbow Jupiter as rain-god, with Iris, the rainbow. 15 1-2 Mars ... Cyclops Vulcan devised a net to entrap his adulterous wife Venus with Mars. The story is in the Odyssey, VIII 266f£., retold by Ovid, Metamorphoses IV 171-89. 154 Sylvanus ... boy God of woods, in love with the youth Cyparissus (Metamorphoses> X 120-421). 158 turtles turtle doves'. 159 vailed lowered. 161 golden head According to Ovid, Cupid has arrows of two sorts, the gold-tipped to kindle love, the lead-tipped to extinguish it (Metamorphoses> 1470-1). 68 72 73
j
J
NOTES
3 I2
3 2I 3 26
346 349 353 386 £f. 3 88
39 2 4 02 434 44 0 45 0 45 2 45 6 45 8 46 5 473 475
• HERO AND LEANDER I 171-48 I
221
affect Acheron A river in Hades. One . .. number According to Aristotle, Metaphysics, I080a. The concept was greatly elaborated by neo-Platonic philosophy, and is discussed by Chapman in V 323-40. Hymen God of marriage. essence real: Aristotelian terminology. tralucent translucent. trace walle Doric solemn and heroic; perhaps Marlowe's error for Lydian. put put off. mo more. Pallas Athena. nice coy. whist silent. Morpheus God of sleep. beldam old woman. The story is apparently Marlowe's invention. Argus A hundred-eyed monster sent by Juno to watch 10, with whom Jove was in love, and slain at Jove's command by Mercury. glose deceive. fancy to assay to try her love. Hebe jove's cupbearer before Ganymede. terms state. up weighed raised. father Saturn. Ops wife of Saturn. Stygian empery the kingdom of hell. Learning Hermes is also patron of learning. sisters the Fates. Midas brood rich fools. Midas preferred the music of Pan to that of Apollo, and as a reward for his stupidity, Apollo gave him an ass's ears. Earlier, when Dionysus had offered to grant him any wish, Midas had asked that whatever he touched might turn to gold; but he had to beg for the gift to be rescinded when even his food was transformed. surprised delighted. still continually. clown boor. l
NOTES
222
• HERO AND LEANDER II I-I28
Sestiad II I
9 12 20
26 32
46
5I
56 6I 73 75
87
lOS 107 116
118-20 118 120 123-8
by at. light immodest. train encourage. pointed appointed. affied engaged. fancy love. peised poised. Salmads A nymph who pursued the youth Hermaphroditus. She wooed him when he came to bathe in her spring, and he ignored her. But she embraced him, and prayed that they might be forever joined. The gods granted her wish, and transformed them into the hermaphrodite (Metamorphoses, IV 285 ff). Aesop's cock The fable is about a rooster that finds both a jewel and a barleycorn in the dirt, and while admiring the luster of the former, prefers the latter. The point is that Leander does not realize the value of Hero's "jeweL" appetence affinity. rude inexperienced. put ... it deflected him. Tantalus King of Lydia, and a son of Jupiter. He stole nectar from the gods to give to men (or, according to another story, revealed the gods' secrets to men), and was punished by being condemned in hell to suffer intense hunger and thirst with fruit and water just out of reach. Morn ... steeds Aurora and Apollo in his chariot, though their liaison appears to be Marlowe's invention. Possibly he is conflating two stories about the parentage of Phaethon, in one of which he is the child of Aurora and Cephalus, in the other of Apollo and Clymene. Cupid's myrtle Myrtle was sacred to Venus, and therefore the emblem of the lover. she Hero. reeking steaming. air ... violence The Image is of aIr rushing to fill a vacuum. his its. Alcides Hercules. sun . .. burns The sun is conceived as being closest when at the horizon (and hence "shining laerally") and farthest
NOTES
135 143 144 146 150 155 156 179 203 218 242 255 258 261 270 274 277
298
305 326 327 329 334 335
• HERO AND LEANDER II I3 5-II1 20
223
away when directly overhead. But it is at noon that the sunls rays are hottest. apparently clearly. ringled ringed. checks stamps. What . .. dares i.e., now Leander dares do anything. toiling raging. sapphire-visaged god Neptune. Triton A sea god, Neptune's trumpeter. Helle Drowned in the Hellespont, which was named for her. Thetis' ... bower the sea. hinds boors. lawn sheer fabric of her gown. fet fetched. dreary bloody. Actaeon As punishment for seeing Diana bathing, he was turned into a stag and killed by his own hounds. harpy played i.e., withdrew the dainties. empaled surrounded. Sisyphus Condemned in hell to roll a rock endlessly up a mountain. orchard . .. Hesperides Where the golden apples of immortality grew. Obtaining them was one of the labors of Hercules. Erycine Venus, who had a shrine on Mount Eryx in Sicily. Dis Plutus, god of wealth. this this time. Hesperus the evening star. danged hurled. Desunt nonnulla Some sections are missing.
Sestiad III DEDICATION
3 8 10-11 11-12 20
Lady Walsingham Wife of Sir Thomas Walsingham, to whom Marlowe's fragment is dedicated. strange instigation mystical inspiration. sign that for refer to that as. money-monger man interested only in worldly wealth. concluded included. silly untutored.
224
NOTES
38-9
42
-HERO AND LEANDER III
38-26r
This ... him This dedication has married the two sections of the poem, as you are married to Sir Thomas. circular perfect. ARGUMENT
4 6
Thesme law. improving reproving. SESTIAD
that that which. this this time. virtue (marginal) power. 43 limit hold. 57 moist fruitful. 60 Time's . .. thigh "Time's order is the harmony of creation, a harmony expressed in terms of the intervals of the musical scale by Pythagoras. Chapman combines this tradition with the legend that Pythagoras had a golden thigh ... " (Millar MacLure, ed., Marlowe's Poems, p. 47). Hermione Leander's sister is Chapman's invention. 72 seised for legally possessed by. 89 virtual powerful. 96 prefer offer. 99 characters letters. 102 carcanet necklace. Ill. the goddess Ceremony Chapman's creation. 12 3 disparent variegated. mathematic geometric. dose secretly. flatly unceremoniously. het heated. his Marlowe's. 190 Pierian flood the muses' spring. 204 Iberian city Cadiz, in 1596. 223 expugned conquered. 234 intire within. 237- 8 shows . .. us reveals our Ideas ("in-forms") to the external world. rorid dewy. T' event for giving forth. wrought revealed. lapwing deceitful. 16 17 36
NOTES
• HERO AND LEANDER III 263-IV
99
26 3 265 266 273 28 4 28 7 293 297 299 3 01
225
moorish marsh; i.e., any ordinary bird. apoplexy last illness. bedrid diseased. list wished. these . .. cinctures the worldly philosophy just expressed. impulsive penetrating. cypress crape. heart-bowing toward which her heart bowed. that . .. that her two hands. No . .. sight her outward form could not be descried, and her own sight was turned wholly inward. 3 0 7 imitating 3 12 enginous ingenious. 3 1 5 Jove's son Hercules. 3 20 called again recalled. 3 26 With ... sail sails pregnant with wind. 335 fresh heat freshly heated. 33 6-7 Neptune's . .. wandered i.e., how Leander swam in the sea. 34 8 dog-fees meat meat from the killed game given to hunting dogs. weight weighty. skillful glance knowledgeable gleam. imperance power. Turned to both returned to and turned into. orbicular sphericaL
Sestiad IV ARGUMENT
4 7 13
Ostents omens. Cyprides Venus, born on the island of Cyprus. wreak both avenge and bring about. SESTIAD
18 27 29 79 80 90 99
queen-light ... east Venus. subtle delicate. different concord harmony of variety. affects emotions. in ... body personified as the moon. was ... sped only caught a serpent. scrip satcheL
NOTES· HERO AND LEANDER IV
105 I I4 117 1:21 130
153 154 165 182
185 I86 190 I92
193 196 197 199 213
227 235 250 254 256 265 267 275 294 300 302 304 3 I6 3I7 324 328 330 334 336
105-336
overslip ignore. lawn fine linen. eyas youthful. Arachnean elaborately woven (from Arachne, a superlative weaver who was transformed into the spider). os tents omens. success event. continent contents. approved agreed. doubt fear. forego precede. self own. naught wicked. brain-bald brainless. singularity eccentricity. singular alone. less lesser men. bear ... out support them. atones reconciles. scuse excuse. slubbered bungled. feres companions. proin preen. current legal tender. for instead of. antic grotesque. turtles doves. epicedians funeral elegists. that ... used what Venus herself did. brakes harnesses. Cares Caria, in southwest Asia Minor. Arachne A superlative weaver, who competed with Athena, and was turned into the spider. hold to grasp. her Hero. she choosed whom she had chosen. upbraid charge. Cynthia Diana, the moon. Phoebe the moon. day's ... verse Apollo, god of the sun and of poetry. anademe wreath.
NOTES
346 347
• HERO AND LEANDER IV
346-v 249
227
Persean Perseus viewed the gorgon Medusa reflected in his shield because to look at her directly was death. worst success failure. Sestiad V ARGUMENT
I
date
length. SESTIAD
2
3 5 6 12
I4 44 50 62
64 78 79 101 122 124
I25 128 142 166
17 1
I78 206 20 7 21 5
Olympiad four years, the period between the Olympic games. Sol the sun. Aurora the dawn. Phoebus the sun. full of note noteworthy. humors fluids. after ... fingers as ~1usic played. abide suffer. Teras the name means portent. ebon here (incorrectly) ivory. consort accompany. estate importance. forewent preceded. responsible correspondingly beautifuL transmission transport. in terminate limitless. For as to. prove test. To ... prayers as he most wished. Do ... rites perform the Eleusinian mysteries. yellow . .. sky stars. Morpheus God of sleep. Proteus God of disguise. Ingled cajoled, fondled. spring cause to spring. The lily was created (or, in another version, changed from purple to white) when Jupiter gave Juno the infant Hercules to suckle, and a drop of milk fell on the earth. Amongst . .. spirits in her mind. contents contentments. Which . .. strike which even Love's favor could scarcely entice to strike a blow.
228
274 279 281 282
285 287 312
314 315 321
339 342 344 355 381 390 391 392 407 408 4I 8 420 426 428 432 440 454
NOTES
• HERO AND LEANDER V 274-V1 I4
prove learn. so ... derived from such a distance. carriage burden. occurrents (news of) events. incur ... harm risk harming themselves. Adolesche The name means chatterer. proving experiencing. Cyprias Venus (from Cyprus, her birthplace). crushed out produced. efficient right proper function. one ... is see 1255. rock distaff. piece girl. disparent variegated. Phemonoe Apollo>s daughter. sphere belt. weed garment. Minerva's knot symbolic of chastity. saffron mirror moon. Tellus earth. take . . . toy feel so slighted. free love indiscriminate energy. sprung produced. line activities. tire attire. outfacing superlative. Thetis ... thee The allusion is profoundly ambiguous: Thetis attempted unsuccessfully to make her son Achilles immortal by dipping him in the Styx, or in another story, by burning away his mortality.
Sestiad VI ARGUMENT 2
7 10
13 14
from ... binds in the name of the Fates, commands the winds to remain calm. Ate Discord. surprise overthrow. just ruth proper compassion. Acanthides goldfinches.
NOTES
• HERO AND LEANDER VI
3-2.I6
2.29
SESTIAD
3
I8 19 20
21 22
24
27 29 30
31 35 40 45 46
47 53 64
77
80 90 98 109 II6 I20 I29
I32
144
174 180
I86 188 I9I
2I4
2I6
humorous moist; also capricious. obsequious with a quibble on obsequies, funeral rites. fleering smirking. warping weaving. devotes devotion. pricks ... descant writes his melody. owl Considered stupid and deceitful by the Elizabethans. quean whore. antic grotesque. repair move on to. fawns fawning. whips runs about. Eurus the east wind. fenny Notus wet south wind. Zephyr the west wind. Boreas the north wind. ravished love Oreithyia. curious price especially high esteem. pined neglected. The ... delight we do not apprehend the essential meaning of things, but only the pleasure they give us. rule standard. opposed opposite. addressed offered. form mere ceremonies. ramp ires ramparts. Rhene the Rhineland. bird-bolt small short-range arrow for shooting birds. keeping . .. coil making more fuss. vacantry emptiness. cockhorse presumptuous. licorously lecherously. dept embraced. eitherJs right both their claims. braves boasts. statists politicians. Atthaea Oreithyia, Boreas' wife; Chapman coined the name because she was princess of Attica. his the wind's. bating abating.
230
NOTES
230 238 260 276 283 289
• HERO AND LEANDER: PETOWE
rased destroyed. sense-sport sports to please the senses (here, bear-baiting). mixed confused. Acanthides goldfinch, from the Greek for thistle, hence Chapman's "thistle-warps.)! so little little as they are. yellow emblematic of inconstancy.
PETOWE: THE SECOND PART OF
HERO AND LEANDER Petowe's continuation of Hero and Leander appeared as The Second Part of Hero and Leander, 1598. This was the only edition. DEDICATION
15 28
29 63 3 I I
18 19 32 36 52 65-6
76 82 92 103 149 178 185 216
go walk. Desunt nonnulla Some sections are missing (see Hero and Leander, II 335). true Italian discourse There is no Italian source for Petowe's story. censures judgments. fair beauty. Tellus earth. Earth shamed shamed by Earth. mermaids sirens. Tisiphone One of the Furies. I'll ... will I may not have my way. beriven taken away. period end. thy ... dearth earth is both the object of on and the subject of finds. (The figure is called apo koinu.) For ... trade because they were not skillful enough poets. according harmonizing. Mercury God of prose. Nil refert it doesn't matter. fere companion. proved experienced. make mate. rind bark.
NOTES
• HERO AND LEANDER: PETOWE 2I
8-467
cleas claws. Hermaphroditus A youth loved by Salmacis, nymph of the fountain where he bathed. At her prayer, the gods united them in a single body. 24 8 make mate. 25 6 coy unresponsive. 28 5 kind nature. 28 9 cock-boat ship's rowboat. growned of grown from. 29 0 29 8 Phoebus the sun. 299 salamandra The salamander was said to live in fire. 3 IO make mate. 3 22 That . .. fro since Leander was banished from her. 3 2 4 Brandamour Possibly Brandimarte, companion of Orlando and lover of Fiordelisa in Boiardo's Orlando Innamorato. 3 2 5 Io Beloved of Jupiter, who transformed her into a cow to protect her from Juno. 3 2 7 Psyches Psyche, beloved of Cupid. 3 2 9 Wood mad. 33 0 toiled exhausted. 333 Orphey Orpheus. 334 Cerberus watchdog of Hades. 335-8 Hercules . .. Deianire Deianira, wife of Hercules (or AIcides), was carried off by the centaur Nessus. Admiring wondering. sound swoon. touch charge. Argus The hundred-eyed guard set by Juno to watch 10; slain by Mercury. Luna the moon. welladay lament. implete fill. store great quantity. 438 Tel/us earth. 440, spoil destruction. 448 toiled exhausted. 449 silly innocent. 450 night's queen the moon. 455 this this time. 456 him ... be riven first bereaved him of joy. 457 period end. 467 suspect suspicion. 218
220
NOTES
469 48I 486 487 488 500 506 5 10 548 555 593
62 I 622
630
• ALL OVID)S ELEGIES I
i
mickle much. date outworn time elapsed. eyne eyes. Spectatum ... ipsae They come as spectators, and to be watched themselves (Ovid, Ars Amatoria, I 99). wanting fair lacking beauty. beriven bereaved. whilom formerly. say light serge. ecstasy unconsciousness. prove test. fere mate. spent date time expired. period end. Qualis ... ita As the life is, so is its end.
ALL OVID'S ELEGIES The bibliographical situation, as the Table of Dates indicates, is very complex. My basic text is the Huntington Library's copy of All Ovids Elegies: 3. Bookes . .. , Middleborough, n.d. But, as Roma Gill has pointed out (Review of English Studies, vol. 21, 110. 83, pp. 346-8) the relation between the early editions is unclear, and the primacy of the Huntington volume's text is by no means established.
Book I ELEGIA I
How he was forced by Cupid to write of love instead of war. these ... he i.e., Ovid prefers it this way. The first version of the Amores contained five books rather than three. 8 took ... away epics are written in hexameters, love elegies in alternating hexameter and pentameter lines. II thy mother Venus. I3 Ceres goddess of agriculture. IS ray array. 16 Aonian belonging to the muses: their sacred spring Helicon was in Aonia. 19 Tempe A valley in Thessaly famous for its beauty. 34 shine shining. myrtle sacred to Venus. 2
NOTES
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES I
ii-v
233
ELEGIA II
First captured by love, he endures being led in triumph by Cupid. 3 26 34 35 47
48
tho then. pigeons Venus' doves. 10 the Roman cry of triumph. Fear "terrorque" in Marlowe's text; modern editions read "errorque. " having ... hue Bacchus was said to have ridden victoriously as far as the Ganges. tigers Bacchus' chariot was drawn by tigers. ELEGIA III
To his mistress. 2I
22
23 24
horned 10 to protect her from Juno, Jupiter transformed his beloved 10 into a cow. she Leda. she Europa.· false horns Marlowe translates "cornua falsa"; modern texts read "vara" (bent). ELEGIA IV
He advises his love what devices and signals they ought to employ when they are at a dinner with her husband present. 7-8
16 30 34 6I
fair ... fight at the wedding of Peirithous, king of the Lapiths, and Hippodamia, resulting in the battle of Lapiths and Centaurs. bed the couch on which Romans reclined at dinner. Ask ... think ask for only as much wine as you think IS enough. gobbets morsels. clips embraces. ELEGIA V
Sex with Corinna. 1I 12
I5 I8 24
Semiramis Queen of Assyria, a famous beauty. Lais Celebrated Greek courtesan. cast taken. wen blemish. c1inged clung to.
234
NOTES
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES I
vi-viii
ELEGIA VI
To her porter, to open the door for him. 2.
17 2.1
29 36 41 53 72.
hooks hinges. enviest Marlowe translates "ut invideas"; modern texts read "et ut videas" (and so that you may see). entreats entreaties. rampired fortified. my gear i.e., my body. Art careless? do you not care? bears thou hearest. Oreithyia Carried off by Boreas, the north wind, to be his wife. Careless uncaring. with . .. distained i.e., not guilty of letting me in. ELEGIA VII
That his mistress, whom he has beaten, should make peace with him. 7-8 9 13 IS
18
3I 32 38 40 54 63 68
Ajax . .. flocks Ajax, enraged at being denied the armor of Achilles, went mad and slew a flock of sheep thinking they were his enemies. he Orestes. Atalanta Mythical beauty, huntress of the Calydonian hoar. Ariadne Princess of Crete, who rescued Theseus from the labyrinth of Minos, and was subsequently abandoned by him on the island of Naxos. Deflowered ... wall i.e., the fact that the rape took place in Diana's temple was the only sort of chastity left to her. Marlowe omits the Latin's "nisi vittatis ... capillis/ "except that fillets [tokens of chastity] bound her hair." Tydides Diomedes, son of Tydeus. goddess Aphrodite (Venus), wounded by Diomedes in battle. hollow cry out. On ... cheeks i.e., her flesh is white except for her cheeks. flaw squall. doubt hesitate. kembed combed. ELEGIA VIII
He reviles the bawd who has been introducing his mistress to the courtesan's art. 2.
3
trot old hag. hight named. name ... thing Dipsas means thirsty. The point is that she is always drunk.
NOTES
5 7 8 II IS
16 23
26
34 39 42 45 48 49 62 64
74 75
86 94 112
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES I
viii-ix
235
Thessale Thessaly, reputedly the home of witchcraft. wrong crooked. rank humor foul-smelling discharge of a mare in heat. have faith am trustworthy. Fame gossip. eyeballs pupils. blest well endowed. weeds clothes. Th' opposed . .. warm Mars has been unfavorable to you, but now Venus is in the ascendant. Would he even if he would. Tatius King of the Sabines. Aeneas' city Rome, founded by Aeneas. front forehead. approved ... side proved their valor. closely secretly. witty wise. vain name "nomen inane" in Marlowe's text; modern editions read "crimen inane," empty reproach. Isis The moon goddess, controlling the menstrual cycle. patient . . . gain he grew used to suffering. to mocked men Translating "illusis"; modern texts read "in lusis," to (love's) deceptions. By ... shift say it is your birthday. rive lied wrinkled.
ELEGIA IX
To Atticus: that a lover may not be lazy, any more than a soldier. 2
3 S 9 23 33 36 38 39 43
Attic Atticus. What ... Mars the age that is suitable for being a soldier. years Marlowe's text reads "annos"; modern editions have "animos" (spirits). the ... send send the wench forth. fell Slain by Odysseus and Diomedes (Iliad, X. 435 ff .). Briseis Achilles' captive, expropriated by Agamemnon (Iliad, I 391-2.). on on Hector. Priam's ... daughter Cassandra. Mars ... stable Vulcan (the blacksmith) trapped (did stable) Mars in bed with Venus. A ... care caring for a fair maid.
NOTES
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES I
x-xi
ELEGIA X
To his girl, that she should not demand money for her love.
54 56
cause Helen of Troy. included enclosed. A~ymone One of the Danaides, rescued from the attack of a satyr by Poseidon, and loved by him. bull and eagle Forms in which Jove carried off Europa and Ganymede. pelf riches. to at. coney The obscenity is Marlowes; the Latin reads simply "body." lets rents. Knights ... post perjurers. becomes a stale i.e., prostitutes himself. enlarged freed. Sabine ... nun Ta rpei a , daughter of the Roman governor~ admitted the Sabine invaders to Rome) and as a reward she asked for what they wore on their arms. Instead of giving her their rich bracelets, the Sabines crushed her with their shields to punish her treachery. son ... punishment Eriphyle was the wife of Amphiarus. When the Argives marched against Thebes) Amphiarus hid) sensing that he was doomed if he accompanied them. But Eriphyle allowed Polynices, one of the Argive generals, to bribe her with a golden necklace, and revealed Amphiarus' hiding place. He was thus forced to join the expedition, but he ordered his son Alcmaeon to murder Eriphyle when news of his death arrived. Alanaeon carried out his father's orders, and subsequently went mad. wants lacks. Alcinous' fruit which grew all the year (Odyssey, VII
61 64
wear wear out. refrain hold back.
I
4
5 7 18 19 22
31 37 38 46 49-50
51-2
1I4ff .).
ELEGIA XI
He pleads with Nape to carry a letter to Corinna. 3
4 5 6
scapes escapades. to ... odious i.e., she is clever at signaling. clips embraces. Never ... evasion i.e., you never betrayed me.
NOTES
10
17 24
25 27 28
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES I
xi-xiv
237
But Marlowe's text reads "sed"; modern texts have "nee": she is not naiVe. front brow. tables pages. laurel the crown of poetry. Subscribing testifying (literally, writing underneath). being ... late formerly humble wood. ELEGIA XII
He curses his writing tablets, which he deplores because his mistress has refused to spend the night with him. 8 10
27
wax Roman writing tablets were made of wood coated with wax. bad honey Corsican honey was notoriously bitter. Your name "tabellar dupliees," he nee they are duplicitous, i.e., folded double. ELEGIA XIII
To Dawn, not to hurry. laid love Aurora's husband, Tithonus, had been granted immortality but not eternal youth. 4 birds ... slain Memnon was the son of Aurora and Tithonus. He was killed by Achilles at Troy, but Jupiter granted him immortality. A flock of birds rose from his funeral pyre and fought until half of them fell into the blaze to appease his spirit. The birds were said to return annually to the tomb of Memnon and repeat the battle. 9 that so that. 14 them themselves. 33 Cephalus Loved by Aurora (Metamorphoses) VII 71Iff.). 45-6 Jove ... one when he slept with Alcmena and conceived Hercules. ELEGIA XIV
He consoles his girl~ whose hair has fallen out from excessive hair-dressing. 6 16 18 21
22
30
curious Seres skillful Chinese. kembed combed. drive drove. Thracian bacchanal celebrant of the Thracian rites of Dionysus. rashly heedlessly. hot bodkin curling iron.
NOTES
33
45 46 49
50
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES I xiv-II
i
Diana Marlowe misunderstands Ovid's reference to a painting by Apelles of Dione, or Venus, rising from the sea. captive hair-tires wigs from the hair of captives. curious elegant. Cuelder German. fame glory. ELEGIAXV
To those who begrudge the poet eternal fame. 9-10 I I
13 14 16 19 21
22
25 29 34 37
B.J. 16
25 37
Tenedos Ide (Ida), Simois all places described in the Iliad. Ascraeus Hesiod, born in Ascra, in Boeotia. Callimachus Alexandrian elegiac poet (third century B.C.). wit inspiration. Aratus Greek poet (third century B.C.). Ennius Founder of Roman epic poetry (second century B.C.). Varro Roman poet, lexicographer and antiquarian (first century B.C.). Argos Argo, Jason's ship. Tityrus Traditionally Virgil's name for himself III the Eclogues. Callus Roman amatory poet (first century B.C.). Tagus Spanish river traditionally said to have golden sands. myrtle sacred to Venus. J
Ben Jonson. The poem reappears in Poetaster, Ii 43f£. With sun and moon Aratus~s poem Phaenomena was about astronomy. Tityrus, Tillage Virgil's Eclogues and Georgics respectively. drad fearing.
Book II ELEGIA I
Why he is impelled to write of love rather than of titanic struggles. 2
12
13-14
21
Peligny Paeligni: not a place-name, but a tribe inhabiting the Abruzzi. address undertake. Gyges Properly Gyes, a giant, son of Uranus. Olympus, Ossa, Pelion mountains; by piling them on top of each other the giants hoped to dimb to heaven and overthrow the gods. Toys trifles.
NOTES
23 25
30
3I
32 38
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES II
i-ii
239
deduce draw down. Snakes ... mountains Ovid says, "carmine dissiliunt abruptis faucibus angues," "by song the serpents' jaws are burst open and their fangs drawn.~' Marlowe is confused by "faucibus" (jaws): faux can be used metaphorically for a chasm. either Ajax The son of Telamon, and the son of Oileus. But modern texts read "Atrides" instead of "Aiaces"; the reference is to Agamemnon and Menelaus. he Odysseus. jades horses. rehearse dictate. ELEGIA II
To Bagous to keep a more lax watch over his mistress, J
4 7 8
27 29
3I 35
37
44
45
who has been entrusted to him. Danaus' fact The temple of Apollo in Rome was adorned with sculptures of the Danaides. fact deed. redoubled returned. thy care Bagous' watchfulness. he follow he may follow. Wilt . .. dissemble The general sense is~ tUfn a blind eye to her actions; but the translation is very confused. what . .. done what she is doing at the temple of Isis. scapes escapades. him the lover. of him for her husband. fall weep. Object . .. excuse charge her with small offenses for which she may easily be excused. To ... use if she is charged with false crimes her true crimes will not be believed. Tantalus Condemned in hell to suffer thirst and hunger in a pond whose waters recede when he tries to drink, and with fruit trees nearby that withdraw as he reaches for them. long tongue He was punished for revealing the secrets of the gods. Juno's watchman hundred~eyed Argus, set to watch Jove's love la, who had been transformed into a cow. timeless untimely: he was killed by Mercury at the command of Jove. deified 10 became the goddess Isis.
240
NOTES· ALL OVID'S ELEGIES II
56 61 63
ii-vi
her judge the husband. cast defeated. vile facts evil deeds. ELEGIA III
To the eunuch serving his mistress. 13
Good ... together there is beauty, and an age appropriate to making love. ELEGIA IV
That he loves women of all sorts. S
9 13
IS 16 19 21
31 38 43
that what. likes attracts. clown coarse girl, peasant. Sabine Sabine women were known for their modesty. do i.e., sleep with him. Callimachus "his wit was weak" (1 xv I4). that what. To ... myself leaving myself aside. attired in elegant clothes. morn Aurora. ELEGIA V
To his faithless mistress.
24 35 38
40 45 54,55 61-2
it likes me I like. Aurora dawn. travails struggles. Arachne a superlative weaver and dyer. kembed combed. them, they the kisses. Nowhere . .. sped i.e., she could only have learned such techniques in bed, and her expert teacher is no one I know. sped enjoyed. ELEGIA VI
5
7-10
On the death of his parrot. For . .. hairs instead of hair disheveled (in mourning). Philomel, Tereus, Itys Tereus, king of Thrace, was the husband of Procne, sister of PhilomeL While conducting Philomel from Athens to visit her sister, Tereus fell in love with her and raped her. He then cut out her tongue so that she could not reveal the crime, imprisoned her, and told Proene that her sister was dead. But Philomel wove the story into a tapestry and sent
NOTES
IS 22
23 29
33 34
35 36 38
43 49
53 55 61
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES II
vi-viii
it to Procne, who, in revenge, murdered her son Itys and served him up to Tereus at dinner. Tereus) own revenge on the two sisters was forestalled by the metamorphosis of all the figures in the tragedy into birds: Tereus into a hawk, Philomel a nightingale, Procne a swallow, and Itys a sandpiper. Pylades, Orestes Archetypes of friendship. pass surpass. mark dye: in Ovid it is the bird's beak ("rostra") that is red. But Marlowe's text reads "nostra/' hence "our scarlet." on ... ground in the world. filled satisfied. puttock kite. cadess jackdaw. Pallas' hate because the crow revealed the birth and hiding place of Erichthonius, who was created when Vulcan attempted to rape Minerva (Metamorphoses, II 552ff .). nine ages Crows were said to have immense life spans. far wide. Thersites the ignoble railer of the Iliad. Protesilaus first Greek hero killed upon landing at Troy. what why. holm-trees ilex. harmless innocent. juno's bird the peacock. approves proves. ELEGIA VII
He swears to his mistress that he has not made love to her maid. 4 9
18 24 26
One ... took you think I am looking at a particular girl. thou ... move you have no effect on me. to violate of violating. grateful satisfactory. show to reveal. ELEGIA VIII
To Cypassis, Corinna's maid. 2.
3 11,12
kemb comb. clown fool, peasant. Briseis, Chryseis Chryseis was Agamemnon's prisoner; when forced to return her to Troy to avert a plague, he took Achilles' prisoner Briseis instead, thus prompting Achilles' wrath and retirement from the war.
242
NOTES
I7 20
24
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES II
viii-xi
might ... best i.e., my reaction was much better. Carpathian seas the Aegean between Crete and Rhodes~ for in place of. ELEGIA IX
To Cupid. 7 Pelides Achilles, son of Peleus, who wounded Telephus and then cured him. whom him whom, Telephus. I6 laud praise. 20 though ... yields The sense is that he no longer seeks to tame the wilderness; but the translation of lines I9-22 is very confused. 34 purple ruddy, blushing. 47 in ... trample vacillates. 48 stepfather Mars. ELEGIA X
To Graecinus, that he can love two at once. I9 34 35
soft The Latin verse says "saevus," fierce. wracked ... sea when they are shipwrecked, let them drink the sea. doing sexual activity. ELEGIA XI
To his mistress sailing. I 2
4 6 IO
I9 20
22
24 27 29
32 33
raught taken. Ill ... taught Ovid says, "first taught the evil ways of the sea, while the waves marveled." Carried ... sheep in the Argonauts' expedition. wracked shipwrecked. Boreas the north wind. Cerannia Ceraunian mountains, on the coast of Epirus. Syrtes Two gulfs in North Africa notoriously difficult to navigate. wreaks harms. crooked curved. Triton A sea god. Leda's ... stars Castor and Pollux, sons of Leda and patrons of navigation. Thracian Orpheus was Thradan. slip slip away.
NOTES
34 36 4I 45
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES II
xi-xiii
243
Galatea the sea-nymph. father Nereus. avail benefit. clip embrace. ELEGIA XII
He rejoices that he has conquered his mistress. IO
I7 I9
2I-2
23
27-8
Atrides Agamemnon and Menelaus, sons of Atreus. queen Helen. woman Hippodamia: the war between the Lapiths and the Centaurs was begun during her wedding to Pirithous, king of the Lapiths. woman ... center Lavinia, daughter of King Latinus, and wife of Aeneas. She had been engaged to her kinsman Turnus, but an oracle said she must marry a foreign prince, and Latinus determined to give her to Aeneas. To prevent the Turnus attempted to drive the Trojans from Italy, and was killed in the war. new once again. A woman the Sabine women, because of their abduction by the Romans. without ... further Cupid commands me to pursue the war, but without shedding blood. ELEGIA XIII
3 4 7-8 II
I4 I8
2I
25 27 28
To Isis, to aid Corinna in childbirth. secretly ... me keeping it secret from me. exempted removed. Canopus, Memphis, Pharos in Egypt, home of Isis. Anubis dog-headed god of the dead, son of Isis's husband Osiris. Apis the holy bull. French rout "There was a temple to Isis in the Campus Martius. About it were laurels, and the Gallic squadron may refer to Roman riders on Gallic horses in the neighbouring exercise grounds" (Ovid, Heroides and Amores, trans. G. Showerman, Loeb Library, London, I9I4, pp. 422-3). Lucina goddess of childbirth. Naso ... Corinna coming from Ovid and Corinna. thee Corinna. To ... thee don't do it again.
244
NOTES
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES II
xiv-xvi
ELEGIAXIV
To his 3 8 II
14 IS 17 23 26 27 29 30 35 43
mistress~
who has attempted an abortion.
annoy harm. wrack torture. stones ... original Deucalion and his wife Pyrrha repeopled the world after the universal flood by flinging behind them stones, which became men and women. Thetis a sea-nymph, mother of Achilles. Ilia Rhea Silvia, mother of Romulus and Remus. fruit Aeneas, founder of Rome, son of Venus and Anchises. increasing ripening. surcease delay. bowels innards. Colchis home of Medea, who murdered her two children. Itys son of Tereus and Procne, murdered by his mother. Armenian tigers proverbially fierce. delict dereliction. ELEGIA
xv
To a ring, which he has given his mistress. 11
13 IS r6 19 20
24
pap breast. strait tight. privy leaves private letters. hold-fast tenacious. I ... hit confused; the sense I won't leave her finger if her intention is to put me away. in ... knit i.e., I'll make myself tighter. pash splash. ELEGIA XVI
To his mistress, to come to his country estate. I
2
3 4
8
13 IS
Sulmo Ovid's birthplace in the Abruzzi. Peligny Paeligni, the tribe inhabiting the area. veins streams. rive crack. Icarian ... dog-star Canicula, the dog of learius. He discovered and revealed his master)s murdered body, and was translated to the heavens as a reward for his fidelity. Pallas olives The olive tree was created by Athena. Pollux and Castor These spend alternate days in heaven. pensive sleepless. J
NOTES
• ALL OVID!S ELEGIES II
xvi-xviii
245
24 28 3I 32 35 43 46
will ... go let their girls accompany them. Syrtes waters dangerous to navigation. Malea the southern tip of the Spartan peninsula. helping gods the tutelary figureheads on the stern. youth Leander. blind because Hero's torch had been extinguished. hinds peasants. swarest sworest. as it seems Marlowe's text reads "ut visum ese'; modern
51-2
editions have "qua visum est," "by the whim of (wind ... )." bereaves carries off. you ... crown i.e., make her way easy.
I7 2I
ELEGIA XVII
That he will serve only Corinna. 2
3 4 5 6 7 10
14 IS
I7 18 19-20
21
22
27
convinced convicted. while ... hides if Venus moderate the fire I burn with. PaphosJ Cythera homes of Venus. my ... prey prey of a gentle mistress. of force perforce. heart high spirits. but ... up until she has her makeup on. copulate suited. Calypso in love with Odysseus, who is presumably the "mortal nymph's refusing lord" of line 16. PeleusJ Thetis parents of Achilles. Egeria a water-nymph. Numa king of Rome. Venus ... ill-favoredly Venus was "copulate" with Vulcan,
even though he was ungainly when not working at his forge. not alike because Latin elegiacs alternate hexameters and pentameters. shorter numbers pentameters. heroic hexameters. For in place of. ELEGIA XVIII
1 2
IS
To Macer, writing of his love poems. To ... train'st i.e., while you write heroic poetry. maiden first. buskins the boots of the tragedian.
NOTES
r6 17 19-21
19 21-6 26
27 29 30 31 32 34 35
38
• ALL OVID) S ELEGIES II
xviii-xix
rule . .. acquainted majesty ... adopted. mistress'deity divine mistress. What. . . Ulysses The syntax is, we write what is lawful, or what Ulysses sends, etc., or we profess love's art. love's art Ovid's Ars Amatoria. what . .. harp all epistles from Ovid's Heroides. her Sappho. Aonian of the muses; Mount Helicon was in Aonia. Sabinus Poet and friend of Ovid, who composed answers to several of the Heroides. sign handwriting. step dame Phaedra. Elisa Dido. Phyllis Queen of Thrace, abandoned by Demophoon, king of Athens. Sappho ... feet because her love has been reciprocated. of thee by thee. Laodamia wife of Protesilaus, killed in the landing at Troy. ELEGIAXIX
To his 5 6 8 I3 20
21
27 29
35 40
41 45 46 50 60
rival~
her husband, who does not guard his wife.
us ... lovers i.e., we are both lovers. may ... strike may her refusals provide opportunities for our wishes to succeed. avails is available to. how ... might as much as she could. cozen me Marlowe's text reads I'fac insidias"; modern editions have "time insidias," "be afraid of plots." dispread stretched out. Danae Jupiter made love to her as a shower of gold. Juno ... wore Juno set a guard over 10, transformed by Jupiter into a cow. suftrance indulgence. ban-dogs watchdogs. lines messages. alife dearly. wittol cuckold. entreat handle, i.e., cheat. corrive share.
NOTES
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES III
i-ii
247
Book III ELEGIA I
The poet's deliberation whether to continue writing elegies or to turn to tragedy. longer ... feet because the elegiac meter alternates hexameter and pentameter Hnes. 12 front forehead. on ... lie reached to the ground. 14 buskin the high boot of tragedy. fit "apta"; modern editions read " high. 18 cross-way's corner street corner. 19 some somebody. 34 myrtle sacred to Venus and hence emblematic of love. 36 art ... played do you always play such heavy parts? 37 Thou ... rehearse you permit tragedies to be written in lines of mixed lengths. 42 thing I move i.e., love. 43 should would. s6 let failed. 60 she Tragedy. thee the poet. In Ovid, Elegy says, "You owe it to me that Tragedy now claims you." 61 left ceased. 8
ELEGIA II
To his mistress, watching the races. 12
15-17
19 22
28 29-30
3I 34
ring-turn post where the track turns. Pelops ... her Hippodamia's suitors had to compete with her father in a chariot race; Hippodamia rode as a distracting passenger with the suitor. But one wooer, Pelops, won her heart, and she helped him to win and to contrive the death of her father. force ... now i.e., the place is crowded. entreated treated. thou look'st one looks. Swift ... Hippomenes Atalanta's suitors were required to race with her. Hippomenes won by throwing three golden apples in her way. Coat-tucked with coat tucked up. seas into into the sea.
NOTES
41 55 58 63
66 69 71 73 73-4
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES III
ii-iv
ray soil. boy . .. flies Cupid. She becked Venus nodded. if . . . best if you like that best. lists' ... ends the starting points. too far about i.e., on the outside. unhappy unfortunate man. One . .. favor we have picked a slow horse. Romans . .. cloak The spectators could call for the race to be started again by throwing their cloaks in the air. my ... request i.e., grant both our wishes. behight promised. ELEGIA III
On his mistress, who has lied to him.
17 19 20
Cepheus' daughter Andromeda, exposed on a rock to assuage the gods' anger against her mother Cassiopeia, who had claimed to be more beautiful than the Nereids. shakes . .. off spoils your record. mocked . .. scoff scoffs both at the gods she has mocked and at me. fond foolish. in . .. drenches overwhelms with their power alone. Semele . .. lack Semele wished Jupiter to make love to her in his real form, and was consumed by his fire. Their child Bacchus was born from jupiter's thigh. transfuse transmit. ELEGIA IV
To a man who guards his wife. 6 19 21
29 36
39-40
42 45
lest . . . will against her will. Argus set by Juno to guard 10, Jupiter's love. either way in all directions. Danae loved by Jupiter as a golden shower. dear valuable. honest chaste. Mars ... seed Rhea Silvia (Ilia) was the mother of Romulus and Remus by Mars. The affair was "not without fault" because Rhea Silvia was a vestal virgin. these beauty and chasteness. gives brings you.
NOTES
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES III
iv-vi
249
Least . .. any i.e., anyone will be your good friend with no effort on your part. much i.e., presents. ELEGIA V
To a torrent, while he is on the way to his mistress.
14 15 24 25-44 36
40 44 47££·
50 54 79 82 100
rOI
head . .. adders of the gorgon Medusa. Perseus killed her and carried her head on his shield. chariot Ceres' chariot. prove test. A summary of the loves of the various river gods. Alcides Hercules: Achelous fought with him for Deianira. head source. Fly ... charged commanded his stream to run backward. Ilia, or Rhea Silvia, was made a vestal by her uncle to prevent her having children. But she became the mother of Romulus and Remus by Mars, and subsequently married the river god Tiberinus. sole uninhabited. J daean from Mount Ida. Laomedon King of Troy, or Ilium, whence her name Ilia. hoodwinked covered. gave . .. best i.e., made love to her. these others these things move others. th is stream. fondly foolishly. ELEGIA VI
He bewails the fact that in bed with his mistress, he was unable to perform. j
17
27
28 29 33 41 42
46 50
age old age. shun ignore. Thessalian magical. silly innocent. some imbased someone impaired. mast acorns. Pylius Nestor, from Pylas. Tithon Tithonus, aged husband of Aurora, the dawn. lewdly vilely. forslowed misused. Chuff miserly fool.
250
NOTES
51-2
61
62
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES III
vi-viii
in ... touch the punishment of Tantalus, who revealed the secrets of the gods. thrives ironic: he suffers intense thirst but cannot drink. Phaemius a superlative musician (Odyssey, 1154). Thamyris musician blinded by the muses (Iliad, II 594). ELEGIA VII
He mourns that his mistress will not receive him. 2
3 9
IS 16 25 26
28
30 35 42 51 52 61 64
stead esteem. sometimes formerly. chuff boor. whose . .. inferred whose military exploits brought him great wealth. gold the knight's ring. target shield. we slothful poets: ironic. trembling alarmed. Homer ... worth Ovid says, "You could have had this too, Homer, had you wished." maid Danae. when ... possessed in the Golden Age, before Jupiter. ditcher digger. affects desirest. Alcides Hercules. Sabine-like the Sabines were renowned for virtue. If ... forbear but if I should arrive with gifts, both keeper and husband would make themselves scarce. ELEGIA VIII
He mourns the death of Tibullus. 1
14 16 18 21
23-4
26 27 29
Thetis mother of AchiHes. Morn Aurora, mother of Memnon, killed by Achilles. Iulus Ascanius, Aeneas's son. Adon Adonis. we ... deity that god is within us. what ... good what good were parents. Where ... said The Latin reads) "and the same father, it is said, mourned Linus, singing in the deep woods to his unresponsive lyre." Linus was a mythical poet, son of Apollo. Pierian from the spring sacred to the muses. Averne Avernus, hell. lasts outlasts.
NOTES
30 3I 35 42 45 47 52 54 62 64 66
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES III
viii-Ix
25 1
web ... unframe Penelope undid at night what she had woven during the day. Nemesis, Delia names of Tibullus's mistresses. forbad forbidden. annoy Injure. Eryx· ... empress Venus, from her shrine on Mount Eryx. Corcyra Corfu, where Tibullus had once been taken ill. unkembed unkempt. thine your family's. Calvus orator and friend of Catullus. Gallus poet and friend of Virgil. godly blest souls. ELEGIA IX
To Ceres, complaining that because of her ceremonies he is not allowed to sleep with his mistress. Ceres goddess of agriculture. Nor ... grudge you begrudge man his prosperity less than any other goddess. S floor where grain was threshed. 9 mast acorns. first oracles The ancient oracle of Zeus at Dodona was an oak. IS clown peasant. 19 Crete home of Ceres. feign Cretans were notorious liars. 20 Jove Ceres' brother. 22 teat-distilling distilled from the teat. 23 Faith ... apply Jove's praise testifies to Crete's truthfulness. 24 Ceres ... deny i.e., Ceres would not lie. 25 Iasion A Cretan loved by Ceres. Candian Ide Mount Ida, in Crete. 27 marrow ... flame passion filled her. 30 corn ... returned little of what had been planted was harvested. 32 share ploughshare. 36 ear-wrought made of ears of grain. 39 did sing Marlowe misunderstands "canebat," "was white (with corn)." 41 Minos king of Crete, renowned lawmaker. 45 Proserpine Ceres' daughter, wife of Dis; she reigns for half the year as queen of the underworld. I
6
NOTES
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES III
x-xi
ELEGIAX
To his mistress, from whose love he cannot free himself. I4 21
side groin. What why. ELEGIA XI
He complains that,his mistress is so well known through his poems that she is available to many rival lovers. sad ... sing The general sense birds stopped singing to lovers as an omen of misfortune, but the translation is both inaccurate and confused. 4 plain complain. 19 as ... hear since poets are usually ignored. 21 ff. The disastrous effects of poetry are described through a series of mythological examples. 2I Scylla ... steals She cut from the head of her father Nisus the lock of hair on which his life depended, and was changed into a bird (Metamorphoses, VIII 6££ .). 22 Scylla's ... conceals She was transformed into a monster by Circe, who was jealous of Glaucus's love of her. 23 leet fly Mercury's feet were winged. 23-4 hairs ... takes Perseus destroyed Medusa, and rode off on the winged horse Pegasus who sprang from her blood. 25 Tityus a giant seen by Odysseus in Hades. 26 dog Cerberus, watchdog of Hades. 27 Enceladus one of the giants who attempted to overthrow the gods. 28 mermaids the sirens. 29 east winds given to Odysseus by Aeolus. 30 Tantalus for telling the gods' secrets, condemned to eternal thirst and hunger with water and fruit just out of reach. 3 I flint turned to stone. Callist Callisto, loved by Jupiter, was transformed into a bear by Juno, and subsequently placed in the heavens as Ursa Major. 32 Progne,Itys Procne murdered her son Itys in revenge for her husband's rape of her sister Philomela. Procne became the sparrow. 33 Jove ... gold to woo Leda and Danae. 35 Proteus god of disguise. teeth ... seed Cadmus sowed dragon's teeth from which his army sprang. I-2
NOTES
36
• ALL OVID'S ELEGIES III
Oxen ... breed yoked by Jason in Co1chis (Argonautica,
III 37 38 39 40
xi-xiv
1225 ff.).
Electra ... sisters the Pleiades (but Ovid is referring to the sisters of Phaethon, whose tears turned to amber [electra]). ships Aeneas~s ships, transformed to water deities to prevent Turnus from destroying them. Atreus's ... table Atreus served his brother Thyestes the bodies of his murdered sons. harp Orpheus's lyre. ELEGIA XII
On the feast of Juno. I
2
17 19-20 21
24
27
29 32
3S
Tuscia Tuscany Camillus M. Furius Camillus, who freed Rome from the invading Gauls (fourth century B.C.). their ... back wreathed back over their heads. The story Ovid refers to is otherwise unknown. brought ... darts the goat is the target. Show ... ways show off: Marlowe translates "praebuerant." Modern editions read "praeverrunt," they sweep the road before her with their garments. use custom. hollow shout. fact crime. Halesus Agamemnon's son and founder of the Falisci~ the tribe of the district where the poem takes place. Hetrurians Etrurians, Tuscans. ELEGIA XIII
To his mistress: if she will be licentious, let her do it discreetly. 13 30
3I 33 34 41 43
walk ... puritan Ovid says, "at least imitate chaste women. " wittol foolish cuckold. lines messages. start up jumped up from bed. new-raced newly bruised. sift question. took discovered. ELEGIA XIV
To Venus} putting an end to his elegies. 3
9
Peligny Ovid's home was in the Abruzzi, among the Paeligni. liberty ... compelled in 90 B.C.
254
NOTES· LUCAN'S FIRST BOOK 2-32
10 I I
15 17
careful worried. Sulmo Ovid's birthplace. Both loves Venus and Cupid. Horned Bacchus god of wine and ecstatic poetry, sometimes depicted with horns.
LUCAN'S FIRST BOOK There was only one edition of Marlowe's Lucan, published in London in 1600 by Thomas Thorpe, who signed the dedication. DEDICATION
2
4 6 9 9-10 12
17 21
25
Edward Blount one of the most important Elizabethan publishers. encounter present. churchyard Saint Paul's, where the booksellers had their stalls. humorously irrationally. old right Presumably Blount had once intended to print the translation himself. raised ... circle referring to the conjuring of spirits in a magic circle. property qualities. keep state remain formal. marking notice. censure criticize.
29 30
launched wounded. Armies allied relatives fighting each other. like alike. Crassus triumvir with Caesar and Pompey (60 B.C.). Titan the sun god. Nilus'mouth the source of the Nile. ramp ires ramparts. lien lain. hinds peasants (to work the land). Pyrrhus king of Epirus, who invaded Italy and Sicily
32
Hannibal Carthaginian invader of Rome in the Second Punic War (2I8-201 B.C.). wreak violent destruction.
3 4 6 II
15 20 25
28
(280-275 B.C.).
NOTES
• LUCAN'S FIRST BOOK
3 3-1 56
33-4 if··· means Le., if the Civil War was necessary so that Nero could ultimately ascend the throne. 35 joyed enjoyed. 36 Giants who attempted to overthrow Jupiter's power. 37 plain not do not complain against. 38 Pharsalia Thessaly (from Pharsalus, the town where Pompey was defeated by Caesar in 48 B.C.). 40 Munda in Spain, where Caesar defeated Pompey's sons (45 B.C.). 41 Perusian the town is now Perugia. 42. Mutin toils the misery at Mutina (now Modena). Leuca Leucas, Leucadia. 43 Aetna in Sicily. 44 is ... bound owes much. 54 reeking hot. 55 squinting oblique. 61 Janus' fane the temple of Janus, protector of the state during wars, and bringer of peace. 62. bolt ... gates The doors of Janus's temple were open during war, shut in peacetime. 68 garb oils turmoils. 77 Phoebe's wain the moon. 78 Phoebus the sun. affect usurp. 85 shivered splintered (during the first triumvirate, 60 B.C.). 90 Titan the sun. 91 Cynthia the moon. 94 far-fet exotic. 95 Rome's ... blood when Romulus killed Remus. 97 one ... church Romulus set up a sanctuary for fugitives and criminals. 104 Crassus' ... death in 53 B.C. stayed restrained. 105 Assyrian Carra Carrhae, in Syria, where Crassus was defeated and murdered by the Parthians. 109 share divide. III Julia Pompey's wife, Caesar's daughter. She died in 54 B.C. 12.3 pirates' wrack Pompey freed the Mediterranean of pirates. 12.9 Cato M. Porcius CatD, republican and opponent of Caesar. 131 to how to. 134 his theater Pompey built a theater in Rome. 142. every blast at every blast. 156 overthwarting hostile.
NOTES
199 2.00 201
2.06 2.17
2. 1 9-2.0 2.33
24 0 2.43 2.4 6
254 257
294 29 6 3 02 3 06 30 9 3 11
3 12
• LUCAN'S FIRST BOOK
158-3 I 3
shivers shatters. butting lands boundaries. Curius M. Curius Dentatus (third century B.O.), Roman leader noted for frugality and piety. Camillus M. Furius Camillus freed Rome from the invading Gauls (387 B.C.). hinds country people. field of Mars the Campus Martius, where the Roman assembly met. Phrygia Troy. Iulus Ascanius, son of Aeneas, founder of Rome. Quirinus Romulus. advanced raised high. Alba hill a sacred mountain, site of the first Latin town built by Ascanius. lets of hindrances to. just precisely. wat'ry . .. old i.e., it had been raining for three days. Lucifer the morning star. clange clangor. targets shields. eagles insignia of the Roman legions. Under . .. Bear in the far north. Cimbrians German invaders. Carthage Moors HannibaPs troops. whist silent. Gracchus~ deeds The Gracchi were popular reformers, overthrown by the senate in 133 and 121 B.C. Aby atone for. son Pompey, Caesaes son-in-law. Eleius steeds racehorses in the Olympic games at Elis. Souse knock. quit requite. Cornets companies. how . .. bested what would our situation be. quailed made soft. pressed i.e., into service. of gowns in togas, civilian dress. Brabbling chattering. Marcellus M. Claudius Marcellus, leading opponent of Caesar.
NOTES' LUCAN'S FIRST BOOK
323-430
257
Milo T. Annius Milo Papianus, tribune, who killed his cotribune Clodius, and was defended at his trial by Cicero. wane decrease. Sulla L. Cornelius Sulla, ally of Pompey and dictator of Rome, 82-79 B.C. 337 king . .. Pontus Mithridatesj Pompey successfully concluded Rome's war against him. 33 8 Must . .. me Must I be the last feather in Pompey's cap? 345 servitors veterans. 3 6 5 mainly strongly. 3 66 purple grooms base men wearing aristocratic togas. 37 0 hand i.e., troop of soldiers, Caesar's "right hand." 372 Arctic's Rhene the northern Rhine. 375 blest victorious. 3 8 5 ram battering ram. them the walls. 39 1 Boreas the north wind. 392 fets breath catches his breath. 397 Lemannus' nook Lake Geneva. 39 8 Lingones Gallic tribe; the painted spears are theirs. They were pacified by the Romans (not, as Marlowe implies, the other way around). 399 Vogesus more properly Vosegus, the Vosges mountains. 4 00 Isara the Isere. 4 0 3 Ruthens the Ruteni, in Aquitanian Gaul. 4 0 4 Atax the Aude. 4 0 5 Varus the Var. 406 Alcides' port Monaco. 408 Zephyr the west wind. 4 10 uncertain shore of the Netherlands. 4 16 Titan the sun. 4 20ff. They came. .. essentially, a brief account of the geography and population of Roman Gaul, though Marlowe has a number of the names wrong. Satirus An error for Aturus, the Adour. light . .. pikes the people of the Axona~ or Aisne, who used light spears. apt . .. cars skilled in driving British war-chariots. Averni for Arverni, in the Auvergne. J/ian Trojan. Cotta C. Aurelius Cotta, proconsul in Gaul (d. 73 B.C.). 32 3
NOTES
432 433 434 435 436 440 449 451 456 459 465 469 470 472 474 48I 485 486 488 489 492 496 508 528 532 535 536 538 541
542 543 545 547 548 550 55 I
• LUCAN'S FIRST BOOK
432.-55 I
open slops loose trousers. clange clamor. Cinga the Cinca, in Spain. Rhodanus the Rhone. Araris the Saone. Gebenna Marlowe is confused; the passage is about a tribe in the Cevennes. Hesus Esus, the Gallic Mercury. only ... you you alone. Erebus Hades.' blest made happy. Cayc the Cayci, a German tribe. Vain fame rumor. his Caesar's. Mevania Bevagna, in Umbria. Nar the Nera. not entirely not in a single group. Fame rumor. fathers senators. decreed to to be decreed by. sway of headlong. chained troops continuous columns. inconsiderate unthinking. Auster the south wind. breach bay. easy easily. flattering deceptively clear. climate region. Phoebe the moon. brother Phoebus, the sun. Titan the sun god. as ... town When Atreus served his brother Thyestes the bodies of his murdered sons. through ... east i.e., backward. Mulciber Vulcan, god of fire. Aetna the volcano in Sicily. Hespery the west coast of Italy. Fierce mastiffs Scylla. Alba Alba Longa, the oldest Latin town, founded by Ascamus. Theban brothers Polynices and Eteocles, inveterate enemies. hinges axis.
NOTES
553 5 63 56 4 568 57 0
573 574
575 576 5 81
S86
593 595-6
599 602 60 3 605 60 7 60 9 62 5 635
653 655
• LUCAN'S FIRST BOOK
553-655
259
Calpe Gibraltar. Bellona the war goddess. Sibyl properly, Cybele, goddess of nature and the underworld. shright shrieked. Erinnys a Fury. Lycurgus Thracian king who destroyed the vines of Dionysus, wounding himself in his rage. Agave mother of Pentheus, king of Thebes, who suppressed the worship of Dionysus, and was torn to pieces by Bacchantes among whom were his mother and sister. Megaera a Fury. Alcides Hercules. He . .. face i.e., although he had already seen hell. Marius Roman general defeated by Sulla. Tav'ron Taverone, the Anio, into which, on Sulla's orders, the exhumed body of Marius was thrown. boors peasants. ostents omens. or Luna the city was also called Luna from the crescent shape of its harbor. pyromancy interpreting the movements of lightning. lustration ritual purification. vestures . .. manner a special way of wearing the toga, with one end covering the head and the other wrapped around the waist. saint the statue of Cybele. Salii priests of Mars. flamens priests. what . .. blasted something that had been struck by lightning. bidental sacred; places struck by lightning were holy. salt leaven salted flour, used in sacrifices. pretendeth signifies. Tages grandson of Jupiter, who taught the Etruscans soothsaying. tuneful planeting the music of the spheres. period end point. blue "the color of plagues and things hurtful" (OED). Ganymede Aquarius. Deucalion's flood the universal flood. fleeting rushing. Nemean beast the constellation Leo, the Nemean lion defeated by Hercules.
NOTES
260
677 680
68 3 68 4 686 68 7 688-9
• THE l'ASSIONATE SHEPHERD TO HIS LOVE
cleyes claws. Hermes Mercury. virtue power. Maenas priestess of Dionysus. Pindus a mountain in Thessaly. Paean Apollo (literally, healer). Philippi in Macedonia, where Octavianus and Antony defeated Brutus and Cassius in the crucial battle of the Civil War, 42 B.C. But the place was conventionally identified with Pharsalus, so that Lucan's reference is in fact to both battles. Pelusian sea Pompey was killed at Pelusium. headless trunk Pompey. doubtful untrustworthy. Emathian Macedonian. mounts Pyrene the Pyrenees.
THE PASSIONATE SHEPHERD TO HIS LOVE The title is first found in the miscellany England's Helicon (I600). There is no reason to consider it authorial. I I
20-1
kirtle coat or smock, such as would be worn by a shepherd. Thy dishes shall be filled with meat Such as the gods do use to eat Shall one and every table be Prepared each day for thee and me. Thornborourgh MS.
SIR WALTER RALEGH: THE NYMPH'S REPLY This poem appeared in England's Helicon (1600) following Marlowe's poem.
ANONYMOUS: ANOTHER OF THE SAME NATURE, MADE SINCE Followed the Ralegh poem in England's Helicon. 8 2S 27
Phoebus the sun. trimly dight nicely adorned. Flora goddess of flowers.
NOTES
• ON THE DEATH OF SIR ROGER MANWOOD
JOHN DONNE: THE BAIT Included in Songs and Sonnets (Poems, London, r633); presumably written around 1600. 23 curious elaborately made. sleave-silk silk divided into very fine strands.
J.
PAULIN: LOVE'S CONTENTMENT
Love's Contentment appears in MS. 6918 (foL 92), a miscellaneous collection of poems. Of those in the same hand as Love's Contentment, the latest that can be dated were written in the early 16408. I have been unable to identify J. Paulin. The poem was reprinted by Bullen in Speculum Amantis with "letters" (line 31) mysteriously, if elegantly, emended to "numbers." 8 Utopian commonweal As in Gonzalo's imaginary ideal kingdom in The Tempest, there is "no name of magistrate ... , No occupation; all men idle, all ... , No sovereignty') (IIi 14Sff.). 24 homebred schismatic In Caroline England on the verge of civil war, this had a variety of applications, ranging from political schismatics who refused Charles his ship money to Scottish Presbyterians who resisted the imposition of the new prayer book. Since Charles's "timely force'1 was 1 on the whole, singularly inetilectJlve. the following two lines have an ironic force that it is difficult to believe was unintentional.
ON THE DEATH OF SIR ROGER MANWOOD The literal prose translation is by the editor. 3 Alcides Hercules, Jove's son by Alcmena. 7 Acheron a river in Hades. 10 Dis or Pluto, king of the Underworld.
A Dictionary of Classical Names Cross-references are indicated by names in boldface
Abydos A town on the Asian coast of the Hellespont opposite Sestos. Acanthides Goldfinches (or, in Chapman's version, thistle-warps), into which Hero and Leander were metamorphosed. Accius, Lucius (d. I80 B.C.). Roman tragedian, translator of Sophocles. Achelous Son of Oceanus, or alternatively of the sun. He was a rival for the hand of Deianira, and fought against Hercules, changing himself first into a serpent and then into an ox. Hercules broke off one of his horns, which became the Cornucopia or horn of plenty. Upon his defeat, Achelous was transformed into the river in Epirus that bears his name. Acheron A river in Epirus, called by Homer one of the rivers of Hades. The name is also used for Hades itself. AchiUes Son of Peleus and Thetis. In his infancy, his mother attempted to make him immortal by dipping him in the Styx (or, alternatively, by holding him in a fire), but the heel by which she held rum remained vulnerable and ultimately bore the wound that caused his death. He attempted to avoid the Trojan 'Var by dressing as a woman, but was discovered and conscripted by Ulysses. He was the greatest of the Greek heroes and necessary to their victory, but with his glory went a reputation for surliness and dishonorable behavior. He was killed by Paris. Actaeon A huntsman. He came upon Diana and her nymphs bathing, and as a punishment for seeing them naked was transformed into a stag and killed by his own hounds. Adolesche The name means "chatterer"; the character is Chapman's invention. Adon or Adonis Child of Myrrha by an incestuous relationship with her father Cinyras. Adonis was the lover of Venus, who cautioned him against indulging his favorite passion, hunting, lest the wild beasts, who are her inveterate enemies, attempt to make her suffer through wounding him. The advice was ignored, and he was killed by a boar who gored him in the groin. Aedone Chapman apparently coined the name from hedone pleasure. J
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
Aeneas Trojan prince, son of Anchises and Venus. He fled the sack of Troy, was shipwrecked at Carthage, where he loved the queen, Dido, but was prevailed upon by divine command to abandon her. She committed suicide, and he sailed to Italy to conquer Latium and found the Roman empire. Aesope Asopus, a Thessalian river-god who loved Thebe. Aetolia A country in central Greece. Agamemnon Son of Atreus, and commander of the Greek forces during the Trojan War. Upon his return to his kingdom of Mycenae, he was murdered by his queen Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus, his cousin; they in turn were killed by his son Orestes. Agave Daughter of Cadmus and Hermione and mother of Pentheus, king of Thebes. She was a votary of Bacchus, and when Pentheus undertook to suppress the bacchic cult she joined in the rout of bacchantes that tore him to pieces. Agneia The name means "purity." Ajax Name of two heroes. I. Son of Telamon, and after Achilles the greatest of the Greek warriors at Troy. When the dead Achilles' armor was awarded to Ulysses, instead of to him, Ajax went mad and slew a flock of sheep, thinking they were the Atrides, who had deprived him of the prize. He then committed suicide. 2. Son of Oileus. During the sack of Troy he tried to rape Cassandra, for which Minerva destroyed his ship as he was returning home. • Alba Longa The oldest Roman city, founded by Ascanius, son of Aeneas. Alcides Hercules; a matronymic from his mother Alcmena's father Alcaeus. Alcinous In the Odyssey~ king of Phaeacia. He was a patron of agriculture and had fruit that grew all the year. Alcmane Chapman takes the name from a Spartan poet of the seventh century B.C. Alcmena Wife of Amphitryon. Jupiter slept with her and tripled the length of the night to increase his time with her. She bore twin sons, Hercules, the child of Jupiter, and Iphicles, the child of Amphitryon. Alpheus Arcadian river. The river god loved the nymph Arethusa and pursued her until, in Ortygia, near Syracuse, Diana transformed her into a spring. Amymone One of the Danaides, daughter of Danaus and Europa. She married Enceladus, but murdered him on their wedding night on the instructions of her father. She was attacked by a satyr, but rescued by Neptune (or Poseidon), who loved her and created a fountain bearing her name.
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
Andromache Wife of Hector. Andromeda Ethiopian princess, daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopea. Her mother boasted that she was more beautiful than the Nereids. This angered Neptune, who sent a sea monster to ravage the land. To appease the god, Andromeda was thrown to the monster, but was rescued by Perseus. Anubis Egyptian dog-headed god, often identified with Mercury; he is ruler of the dead and conducts their spirits to Hades. Aonian Pertaining to the muses, from their sacred mountain Helicon, in Aonia. Apis Egyptian bull-god associated with the worship of Isis. Apollo Son of Jupiter and Latona (or Leto), god of the sun, patron of rational poetry and song and of the music of strings, bringer of plagues and also their healer, incumbent of numerous oracles, the most famous of which was at Delphi. Arachne A superlative weaver. She challenged Minerva to a contest, and wove a tapestry depicting the love affairs of the gods. The work was perfect, but the subject offended the goddess, who tore the cloth in shreds. Arachne hanged herself in despair and was transformed into a spider. Araris The river Saone. Aratus Greek poet of the third century B.C., author of the Phaenomena, a poem on astronomy. Arcadia In the central Peloponnesus, a mountainous and landlocked country; traditionally the home of Pan and hence of pastoral poetry and music. Argo or Algas Jason's ship. Argos Capital of Argolis in Peloponnesus. Argus See 10. Ariadne Princess of Crete, daughter of Minos and She fell in love with Theseus, prince of Athens, whom she rescued from the labyrinth. He later abandoned her on the island of Naxos. Arrnns A soothsayer in Lucan. As craeus Hesiod, born in Ascra, in Boeotia. Atalanta Arcadian beauty, a superlative runner. Her suitors were reand she quired to race with her. Hippomenes prayed to Venus for gave him three golden apples, which he threw before Atalanta whenever she took the lead; she stopped to pick them up and he won the thanks and race. The lovers subsequently offended Venus by not were transformed into wild beasts. Atalanta was at the hunt of the Calydonian boar and was first to wound the animal. Atax The river Aude.
266
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
Ate Goddess of discord. Atreus King of Mycenae, son of Pelops, father of Agamemnon and Menelaus. His brother Thyestes seduced Atreus's wife, by whom he had two sons. In revenge, Atreus killed the sons and served them up to Thyestes at a banquet. He was eventually assassinated by Aegisthus, Thyestes's son. Atrides Agamemnon and Menelaus, sons of Atreus. Atthaea Oreithyia, wife of Boreas the north wind. The name is Chapman's coinage, from the fact that she was princess of Attica. Aurora The dawn. She married Tithonus, who was granted immortality but not eternal youth. She also loved Cephalus and Orion. Auster The south wind.Averni Properly Arverni, a Gallic tribe in the Auvergne. Avernus, Averne A lake in Campania (southern Italy) reputed to be the entrance to hell. Also one of the rivers in hell and a poetic name for the underworld. Axon The Axones, who lived near the river Axona (now the Aisne) in Gallia Belgica. Bacchus or Dionysus God of wine, theater, and ecstatic poetry. He is said to have ridden in triumph as far as the Ganges; his chariot was drawn by tigers. See Semele. Bardi An order of sacred poets in ancient Gaul. Batavia Holland. Bellona Goddess of war. Bidental A place struck by lightning that was afterward consecrated by the sacrifice of a sheep (bidens). Bithynia A country in Asia Minor. Bituriges A tribe of Aquitanian Gaul. Briseis Achilles' concubine, captured in battle. She was expropriated by Agamemnon and this produced the wrath of Achilles that is the subject of the Iliad. See Chryseis. Boreas The north wind. He carried off Oreithyia, daughter of Erechtheus, king of Athens, to be his wife. See Atthaea. Caesar The title adopted by Roman emperors, after C. Julius Caesar, founder of the empire (d. 44 B.C.). Callimachus (third century B.C.) Alexandrian elegiac poet. Callisto Princess of Arcadia and an attendant of Diana. Jupiter loved her and seduced her by taking the form of Diana. Their child was called Areas. Juno transformed Callisto into a bear, but Jupiter stellified her as Ursa Major.
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
Calpe Gibraltar. Calvus, Cornelius Licinius Famous orator and poet and close friend of Catullus. Calydon A city in Aetolia, capital of King Oeneus, the father of Meleager and Deianira. The Calydonian Boar was a monstrous animal of sent by Diana to ravage the country as punishment for the her worship. It was hunted and killed by Meleager, accompanied by the greatest heroes of the time. See Atalanta. Calypso In the one of the Oceanides, who island of Ogygia. in love with Ulysses~ who was shlnVl.rrei:ln:~d there, and offered him immortality if he would remain with He refused, though he stayed .for seven years and had two sons by her. Camillus, M. Purius (d. 365 B.C.) Roman hero who freed Rome from the invading Gauls. Canopus A dty near Alexandria connected with the worship of Isis. Capitol Marlowe uses the term to refer to the capital of Alba Longa. Cares Caria, in Asia Minor. Carpathus An island in the Aegean between Crete and Rhodes, from which the sea between Crete and Rhodes is called the Carpathian Sea. See Proteus. Carra Properly Carrae or Carrhae, in Mesopqtamia, where Crassus was defeated and killed in 53 B.C. Cassandra Daughter of Priam, king of Troy. She was reputedly mad, of prophecy; her predictions, however, were invariably but had the disregarded. She became the spoil of Agamemnon, who took her home to Argos, where she was murdered with him. Cassiopea See Andromeda. Castor and PoHux Children of Leda by Jupiter, and the patrons of navigation. Because they were twins and half-mortal, they spent alternate days in heaven. Cato, M. Porcius Great-grandson of Cato the Censor, republican and opponent of Caesar. He was besieged by Caesar's forces at Utica in 46 B.C., and committed suicide. Caye The Cayci (or Chauci), a German tribe. Centaurs A race in Thessaly, half man and half horse. They were descended from lxion. See Lapiths. Cephalus A famous hunter, husband of Procris, loved by Aurora. Cepheus King of Ethiopia, father of Andromeda by Cassiopea. He was one of the Argonauts. See Andromeda. Cerannia The Ceraunian mountains in Epirus. Ceremony The goddess is Chapman's invention. .L.aL,.!.U.!.Jl.!.,
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Ceres or Demeter Goddess of agriculture and mother of Proserpine. When her daughter was carried off by Pluto (or Dis), god of the unbut managed to persuade derworld, she went into deep Jupiter to allow Proserpine to spend six months of the year on earth with her. Proserpine's annual return is the beginning of spring. Ceres' home is traditionally said to be in Crete. Chaos The oldest of the gods, the original matter from which the universe was formed. His wife was Darkness, his children Nox and Erebus. Charybdis A dangerous whirlpool on the Sicilian coast opposite the shoals of Scylla. Charybdis was a woman who stole the cattle of Hercules. and was punished by a metamorphosis embodying her greed. Chreste Chapman's coinage from chrestos, good, with a pun on Latin crista, a bird's crest, hence "Chreste with the tufted crown" (H and IV 232). Chryseis Daughter of Chryses, a priest of Apollo. She was captured and held prisoner by Agamemnon, but Apollo sent a plague upon the Greeks and Chryseis was returned to her father. It was the loss of Chryseis that prompted Agamemnon to demand Achilles' prisoner Briseis for himself. Cilicia A country in Asia Minor. Cimbrians The Cimbri, a German tribe who invaded Rome in I09 B.C. They were defeated by Marius. Cinga The Cinca River, in Spain. Circe An enchantress, queen of the island of Aeaea, the daughter of the sun and the sea nymph Perseis. Ulysses visited her on his voyage home, and his shipmates were transformed into swine by her sensual pleasures. The hero himself was protected from this metamorphosis by the magic herb moly, which he had received from Mercury. He remained with Circe for a year and had a child, or in some versions two children by her. After Ulysses' death either Circe or her daughter Cassiphone became the wife of his son Telemachus. Cisalpine The south, or Roman side of the Alps. Co1chis On the Black Sea, home of Medea. See Jason. Corcyra Corfu; Ovid recalls that TibulIus had once been taken ill there. Corsic Corsican. Cotta~ G. Aurelius (124-73 B.C.). Statesman and orator. He was consul in 75 B.C., and in 74 B.C. became pro-consul of GauL In 73 he was granted a but died of an old wound the day before its celebration. Crassus, M. Heinius (d. 53 B.C.). Roman generaL He put down the rebellion of Spartacus, and was made consul with Pompey. He subsequently
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
became censor, and triumvir with Pompey and Caesar. He was betrayed and murdered on an expedition to Parthia. Creusa I. Daughter of Creon, king of Corinth, Jason's second wife. She was killed by a poisoned robe sent her by Medea. See Jason. 2. Daughter of Priam and Hecuba, first wife of Aeneas and mother of Ascanius. 3. Daughter of Erechtheus, king of Athens, wife of Xuthus (Xanthus in Marlowe) and mother of Ion. Cupid God of love (literally, "desire"), son of Venus and Mars, or in another version, Mercury. Curio, C. Scribonius Tribune~ originally a supporter of Pompey, but finally one of Caesar's most devoted followers. He was the son of Q. Curio, who in the Senate had called Caesar "every woman's man and every man's woman." Curius M. Curius Dentatus, Roman leader of the third century B.C. famous for his frugality and piety. Cyclops A race of giants, sons of Heaven and Earth. They had a single eye in the middle of the forehead. They assisted Vulcan at his and made Jupiter's thunderbolts. Their king Polyphemus captured Ulysses and twelve of his shipmates, and devoured all but the who succeeded in blinding the Cyclops and escaping. Cybele Daughter of Heaven and Earth, and wife of Saturn. She is goddess of nature and of the underworld. Marlowe confuses her with SybiL Cynthia The moon, a name of Diana, born on Mount Cynthus. Cyprias Venus, from Cyprus, her birthplace. Cypcides Venus, born on the island of Cyprus. Cythera Now Cerigo, an island in the Peloponnesus. It was the favorite home of Venus (and in some versions her birthplace), hence her surname Cytherea. Danae Princess of Argos. She was locked in a tower by her father, who had been told by an oracle that his grandson would put him to death. But Jupiter, who loved her, gained access to her as a shower of gold. Their child was Perseus. Danaus King of Egypt, and later of Argos. He commanded his fifty daughters, the Danaides, to murder their husbands on their wedding night, because an oracle had warned him that he would be destroyed by a son-in~law. All but one daughter complied. Dapsilis The name means "abundant"; Chapman's invention. Deianira Princess of Aetolia and wife of Hercules who competed with Achelous for her hand. While she was traveling with Hercules the centaur Nessus attempted to carry her off, and Hercules killed him with a poisoned arrow. As he died, Nessus gave Deianira a cloak
27 0
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stained with his infected blood, which he told her would strengthen her hushand~s love for her. Years later, jealous of Hercules~ liaison with Iole, Deianira gave him the cloak, which immediately poisoned and destroyed him. Delia One of Tibullus's mistresses, to whom he addressed poems. Delphian Pertaining to the oracle of Apollo at Delphi, hence oracular. Demophoon Son of Theseus and Phaedra, and king of Athens. Returning from the Trojan War, he was hospitably received by Phyllis, queen' of Thrace, and became her lover. He subsequently abandoned her, however, and she hanged herself. Deucalion Son of Prometheus and husband of Pyrrha. He was a Greek Noah, and, after the universal flood, Deucalion repeopled the earth by throwing stones behind him, which became men and women. Diana In Greek, Artemis, goddess of the hunt. She was devoted to chastity, but,as the moon goddess was also known as the patroness of childbirth, and Hecate, the goddess of the underworld. Dido or Elisa Founder and queen of Carthage. Her husband, Sichaeus, had been murdered by Pygmalion, king of Tyre, and Dido fled with her followers to found a new colony. She was wooed by Iarhas, a neighboring king, hut fell in love with Aeneas when he was shipwrecked on her shores. After he abandoned her she had a funeral pyre built and stabbed herself on top of it; it was this action that earned her the name of Dido, or "valiant." Diomedes Son of Tydeus and king of Aetolia, a Greek hero in the Trojan War. He wounded the goddess Venus in battle before Troy. Dipsas An old bawd who corrupts Ovid~s Corinna. The name means "thirsty." Dis Pluto, king of the underworld, son of Saturn and Ops, and brother of Jupiter and Neptune, with whom he divided the universe. See Ceres. Doric, Dorian The solemn and heroic mode, apparently confused by Marlowe with the gentle and pathetic Lydian. Eete The name means "pity"; the is invented by Chapman. Egeria A water nymph. According to Ovid she became the wife of Numa Pompilius, second king of Rome, and was transformed into a fountain after his death. Electra I. Chief of the Pleiades, seven daughters of Pleione and Atlas, who were stellified after their death. 2. The sister of Orestes. Eleius Pertaining to Elis, where the Olympic games were held. The country was famous for its horses.
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
Eleusina Ceres, or Demeter, from Eleusis, where her mysteries were celebrated. Elisa Dido Elisa was in fact her name, and Dido was an honorific surname meaning "valiant." Elysium That part of the underworld where the souls of heroes spent the afterlife in eternal bliss. Emathia Old and poetic name of Macedonia and Thessaly. Enceladus The most powerful of the giants, son of Earth and Titan. He was a leader of the attempt to overthrow the Olympian gods, and was thwarted by Jupiter's thunderbolts. He was imprisoned beneath Mount Etna in Sicily. Endymion A shepherd loved by the moon. He was granted eternal youth and eternal sleep, so that Diana could enjoy his beauty forever. Enipeus A river in the Peloponnesus. The nymph Tyro fell in love with the river god, but she was seduced by Neptune, who took the shape of Enipeus. Ennius (239-169 B.C.). Founder of Roman epic poetry. Erebus Son of Chaos and Darkness, husband of Nightj their children were Light and Day. His name is often used to mean the underworld. Erinnyes The Eumenides, or Furies, the gods' ministers of vengeance and retribution. Their names were Tisiphone, Megaera, and Alecto, and, according to some writers, Nemesis. "Eumenides" is a euphemism, meaning "the kindly ones." Eronusis Dissimulation; the figure is Chapman's invention. Eryx A mountain in Sicily where Venus had a shrine, whence her surname Erycina. Eteocles See Polynices. Etruria Country of the Etruscans, across the Tiber from Rome. Eucharis The name means "gracious." Euripus A narrow strait separating the island of Euboea from Greece. Europa A princess of Phoenicia. Jupiter transformed himself into a bull and carried her off. She had three sons by him, Minos, king of Crete, Sarpedon, and Rhadamanthus. Eurus The east wind. Euxine Sea The modern Black Sea. Evadne Marlowe's error for Euanthe, daughter of the river god Asopus; she was loved by Nilus, the river Nile. Figulus A soothsayer in Lucan. Flamens flamines, the fifteen chief priests of Rome, each of whom presided over the worship of a particular god. Flora Goddess of flowers. She was originally a nymph named Chloris,
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and, according to Ovid, was transformed into the goddess of flowers after her rape by Zephyrus the west wind. Furies See Erinnyes. Gabine Relating to a particular way of wearing the toga, with one end over the head and the other around the waist. Galatea A sea nymph, daughter of Nereus. She was loved by the cyclops Polyphemus, but rejected him in favor of the shepherd Acis. Polyphemus killed Acis with a huge rock, and Galatea transformed the dead shepherd into a fountain. Gallus, Cornelius (d. A.D. 26). Roman amatory poet. His poems were written to a mistress called Lycoris; he was a friend of Virgil, and is the subject of his tenth Eclogue. Ganymede A beautiful Phrygian boy carried off by Jupiter in the form of an eagle, to be his cupbearer in place of Hebe, and to be his lover. In some versions of the myth he became the consteHation Aquarius. Gebenna The Cevennes mountains, in Gaul. Gracchus, Tiberius, and Caius Popular reformers overthrown by the Senate in 133 and 121 B.C. Graces Or Charites, daughters of Venus and Bacchus, or in some versions Jupiter. Their names are Aglaia, Thalia, and Euphrosyne, and they are attendants of Venus. Gyges Properly Gyes, one of the giants, a son of Uranus. Haemus A mountain dividing Thessaly from Thrace. Haemus was the son of Boreas, transformed into a mountain for aspiring to divinity. Halesus Son of Agamemnon, founder of the Falisci, a tribe in Campania. Hannibal Carthaginian commander during the Second Punic War, 218-20J B.C. He crossed the Alps with a huge army and elephants, and conquered northern Italy, inflicting great losses on the Romans at Carrae. But he neglected to press his advantage to the gates of Rome) and withdrew to Capua, which became his base of operations for the next thirteen years. He was recalled to Carthage to repel a Roman invasion of North Africa, and was defeated by Scipio. Hebe The daughter of Jupiter and Juno, jupiter's cupbearer before Ganymede. The name means "youth." Hector Prince of Troy, son of Priam and Hecuba, and the greatest of the Trojan heroes. He died at the hands of Achilles and his myrmidons, and his body was dragged behind Achilles' chariot around the walls of Troy. Helen Daughter of Leda and Tyndarus. She married Menelaus, king
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273
but was carried off by Paris to Troy, thus precipitating the war. After Paris's death she married his brother Deiphobus; however when fell, she returned to Sparta with Menelaus. See Leda. of Athamas~ king of Thebes. To avoid the persecuHelle tion of her stepmother, Ino, she fled on a golden flying ram, but beand fell into the sea and drowned. The spot where she fell was for her, the Hellespont. Hercules Son of Jupiter and Alcmena. In his adolescence he chose to of Virtue rather than Pleasure, but this appears to follow the have been last moral action. His heroism consisted in the exercise of pure power. By Jupiter's command Hercules was subject to the will of king of Argos, and it was at his behest that the famous twelve were performed. He married Deianira, by whom he was inadvertently killed. Hermaphroditus Son of Venus and Mercury. When he was bathing in a fountain the local nymph Salmacis fell in love with him. He rejected but she embraced him, and at her prayer the gods united them in a single body. Hermes See Mercury. Hermione Leander's sister, an invention of Chapman's. The name is that of the wife of Orestes, daughter of Menelaus and Helen. Hesiod One of the most ancient Greek poets whose work is extant; he himself says he lived at Ascra, near Mount Helicon, and ancient tradition makes him contemporary with Homer. Hespeddes The three daughters of Hesperus, or, in some versions, of his brother Atlas by Hesperus's daughter Hesperis. In their garden were the golden apples of immortality, guarded by a dragon. Obtaining the apples was one of the labors of Hercules. Hesperus The evening star, brother of Atlas. Hespery, Hesperia In Lucan, the west coast of Italy. The name derives from Hesper, the evening star (or the setting sun); hence Hesperia was Italy to the Greeks, Spain to the Romans. Hesus Esus, a Gallic god identified with Mercury. Hetrurian Etrurian, Tuscan. Hippodamia I. Wife of Pelops. 2. Daughter of Adrastus, king of Argos, and wife of Pirithous, king of the Lapiths. At her wedding, the Centaur Eurytus attacked her, precipitating the great war between the Lapiths and Centaurs. Hippolytus Son of Theseus, king of Athens. Phaedra, his stepmother, fell in love with him, but he refused her, and she denounced him to Theseus. Hippolytus fled, but perished when his horses were
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terrified by Neptune, to whom Theseus had prayed for vengeance. According to some writers, HippoJ.ytus was restored to life by Diana, who took pity 011 his chaste virtue. Hippomenes See Atalanta. Hymen God of marriage. Hypsipyle Queen of Lemnos, abandoned by Jason, to whom she was betrothed. She is the writer of the sixth of Ovid's Heroides. Hyrcania A country in Asia on the Caspian Sea. lasion A Cretan youth loved by Ceres, by whom she had a son named PIutus. Iberia The Spanish peninsula. leafius An Athenian to whom Dionysus gave the secret of his vine. He was murdered by peasants to whom he gave wine. His daughter Erigone was led by his faithful dog Moera to the place where his body was hidden. As a reward, the dog was translated to the heavens as Canicula, or Canis Minor. learius became Bootes, and Erigone the constellation Virgo. Idalium A town in Cyprus where there was a grove consecrated to Venus. Ide, Ida A mountain near Troy upon which Paris, with a golden apple to award to the goddess of wisdom, Minerva; of power, Juno; or of beauty, Venus, chose the last. The decision precipitated the Trojan War, and was universally deplored by commentators from antiquity to the Renaissance. Ilia or Rhea Silvia Daughter of Numitor, king of Alba. Her uncle Amulius was next in line of succession for the crown, and made her a vestal to prevent her having sons who would dispossess him. But she was raped by Mars, and bore Romulus and Remus. She eventually be~ came the wife of Tiburinus, the god of the river Tiber. Inachus A river god in Argos, who loved the nymph Melie. 10 Daughter of Inachus and of Juno at Argos. Jupiter fell in love with her, but Juno discovered them together, and to protect 10 from Juno's rage, Jupiter transformed her into a cow. Juno detected the metamorphosis, however, and sent the hundred-eyed monster Argus to watch 10. Argus was killed by Mercury at Jupiter's command, but 10 was then pursued by a gadfly of Juno's. She was restored to her proper form when she reached the Nile. She became the goddess Isis. Ionian One of the four Greek races; they migrated to Asia Minor and founded Ionia. Isara The river Isere.
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Isis The Egyptian moon goddess, controlling fertility. She was identified with Venus, Minerva, and Diana. She was sister of Osiris, whom she also married. See 10. Itys See Philo mel. Iulus Ascanius, son of Aeneas. Irion An ungrateful and treacherous king of Thessaly. When he was ostracized by his countrymen for the murder of his father-in-law, Jupiter took pity on him and brought him to Olympus; but Ixion repaid this kindness by trying to seduce Juno. Apprised of this attempt, Jupiter created a false Juno out of cloud and sent it to Ixion, and from this union the Centaurs were born. Ixion was punished by being bound on a wheel perpetually turning in helL Janus Guardian of doorways, protector of the, state during wars, bringer of peace, controller of the seasons and of the beginning and end of the year. The gates of his temple in Rome were open during war, shut in peacetime. He is depicted as having two faces, looking forward and behind. Jason The Argonaut, son of Aeson. He formed an expedition to recover the Golden Fleece from Aeetes, king of Colchis, and was accompanied by the greatest heroes of Greece. In Colchis Jason fulfilled all the conditions Aeetes set for him, which included taming firebreathing oxen, sowing dragons' teeth and defeating the soldiers that sprang from them, and killing a dragon. He married Medea, Aeetes' daughter, and a famous enchantress, and returned in triumph to Greece. He later divorced Medea, who in revenge killed their children and his new wife, Crcusa. Jove See Jupiter. Julia (d. 54 B.C.). Daughter of Caesar and wife of Pompey. Juno Sister and wife of Jupiter and queen of the Olympian gods. The peacock was sacred to her, as was the lily, originaUy a purple flower that turned white when a drop of her milk fell on it. She was patroness of marriage and motherhood, as well as of riches and power. Jupiter Ruler of the Olympian gods. He was the son of Saturn, who attempted to devour him in his infancy, but he was saved by his mother, Ops. He overthrew his father, and divided the kingdom of the world with his brothers Neptune and Pluto. His wife was Juno, but his consorts were numerous and his progeny innumerable. Lachesis One of the Parcae, or Fates. She spins the thread that determines the length of man's life.
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
Laelius Chief centurion under credited by Lucan with persuading the army to march on Rome. Lais Famous Greek courtesan, daughter of Timandra the mistress of Alcibiades. Laodamia Wife of Protesilalls. Laomedon King of Troy, father of Priam. He was the son of Hus, whence the name Ilium for Troy. Lapiths A Thessalian tribe. Their great battle with the Centaurs began at the wedding of the Lapith Pirithous and Hippodamia. Latinus See Lavinia Latium The Italian district in which Rome is situated. of Latium, and wife of Aeneas. Lavinia Daughter of Latinus, She had been engaged to her kinsman Turnus, but an oracle said she her to must marry a foreign prince, and Latinus determined to Aeneas. To prevent the marriage, Turnus attempted to drive the Trojans from Italy, and was killed in the war. Lemannus Lake Geneva. Leda Daughter of Thespius and queen of Sparta. Jupiter loved her, and seduced her in the shape of a swan. She gave birth to an egg, from which hatched Castor and Pollux. She also gave birth to Clytemnestra and Helen. Leuca I. Leucas, or Leucadia, an island in the Ionian sea, now Santa Maura. 2. Incorrectly the country of the Leuci, a tribe in Gallia Belgica. Leucote Chapman's name for Venus's swan is derived from leukotas, whiteness. Ligurians The Ligures, a people in modern Piedmont. Lingones A Gallic tribe pacified by Julius Caesar. Linus Mythical poet, the son of Apollo. Lllca An Etrurian town, now Lucca; also called Luna because of the crescent shape of its harbor. Lucifer The morning star, literally "light-bringer." Llldna Goddess of childbirth. See Diana. Lucretius Carus, T.T. Roman poet and philosopher (98-55 B.C.), author of De Rerum Natura. Luna The moon. Also a name for Luca. Lycoris See Gallus Lycurgus King of Thrace. He abolished the worship of Bacchus, for which he was blinded -by the gods. In some versions of the story, he cut off his own legs, thinking they were vines. Lydian Pertaining to Lydia, the country in Asia Minor from which, according to legend, the Etruscans came. It gave its name to one of the three principal modes of Greek music, soft and pathetic, though
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Marlowe apparently confused the Lydian with the warlike Dorian mode. Macareus Son of Aeolus, and brother and husband of Canace. He is the subject of the ninth of Ovid's Heroides. Macer, Aemilius Epic poet. Friend of Ovid's. Maenas A priestess of Bacchus or Dionysus. Malea Southern tip of the Spartan peninsula. Marcellus In Lucan, M. Claudius Marcellus, leading opponent of Caesar. Marius, Gaius (157-86 B.C.). Roman general. He waged successful campaigns in Africa, and conquered the Cimbri. He was elected consul seven times, but opposed the dictator Sulla, and in 88 B.C. was defeated by him. He escaped to Africa, but shortly returned to Rome, joined forces with captured the city after exceptionally bloodthirsty engagements, declared himself and Cinna consuls. He died sixteen days later. Mars Son of Jupiter and Juno, god of war, adulterous consort of Venus (wife of Vulcan) by whom he was the father of Cupid and Harmonia. Megaera One of the Furies. Memnon Son of Aurora and Tithonus. He was killed at Troy by Achilles, but Jupiter granted him immortality. A flock of birds rose from his funeral pyre, and fought till half of them fell into the blaze to appease his spirit. The birds were said to return annually to the tomb of M,emnon and repeat the battle. Memphis Egyptian city connected with the worship of Isis. B.C.). Greek comic dramatist, Menander Mercury or in Greek Hermes, son of Jupiter and Maia. He is the messenger of the gods, and hence the patron of prose and rhetoric, inventor of the lyre, patron of thieves and lying, but also of philosophy and "hermetic" (from Hermes) knowledge, since he was identified with the Egyptian god of wisdom. Mevania Bevagna, in Umbria, birthplace of Propel'tius. Midas King of Phrygia. When Dionysus offered to grant him any wish, he foolishly asked that whatever he touched might turn to gold, but had to beg for the gift to be rescinded when even his food was transformed. Midas preferred the music of Pan to that of Apollo, and as a reward for this fl11'ther instance of stupidity, Apollo gave him an ass's ears. Milo T. Annius Milo Papianus, tribune in 57 B.C. He murdered Publius Clodius, formerly his cotribune, in 52 B.C., and was unsuccessfully defended by Cicero.
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
Minerva or Pallas Athene, sprang fully grown from the head of Jupiter. She was the goddess of wisdom and the arts, but also of war. The owl and the cock were sacred to her. Minos King of Crete, son of Jupiter and Europa, and a renowned lawmaker. After his death he became the chief judge of the underworld. (His grandson, also named Minos, was the husband of Pasiphae, father of Ariadne and Phaedra and builder of the labyrinth.) Morpheus Son of Somnus and the god of sleep. Mulciber Vulcan, god of fire. The name means "melter.~' Munda A town in Spain where in 45 B.C. Caesar defeated the sons of Pompey, and thus put an end to the Roman republic. Musaeus Fifth-century Alexandrian Greek grammarian, author of the Hero and Leander on which Marlowe's and Chapman's poem is based. Until the seventeenth century, however, he was commonly confused with the mythical ur-poet Musaeus, contemporary of Orpheus, and by some accounts his son. Mutina Roman province in Cisalpine Gaul, now Modena, scene of a battle in the Civil Wars between Mark Antony and Decius Brutus in 43
B.C.
Mya Chapman takes the name from an ancient Spartan poetess. Mycenae In the Peloponnesus. See Atreus. Nar The river Nera, in Umbria. Neaera A nymph loved by the river god Scamander. Nemes The country of the Nemetes, in Gallia Belgica. Nemesis One of Tibullus's mistresses, to whom he addressed poems. Neptune God of the sea, creator of the horse, brother of Jove and Pluto. Nereus A sea god, father of the fifty Nereids by the sea goddess Doris. Nero Emperor of Rome, A.D. 54-68, notorious for his tyranny and cruelty. Lucan's Pharsalia was composed during his reign. Nervians The Nervii, a people in Gallia Belgica renowned for their fierceness. Nilus The river Nile. See Evadne. Niobe Daughter of Tantalus and wife of Amphion, by whom she had seven sons and seven daughters. She boasted herself happier than Latona, who had only two children, Apollo and Diana, and ridiculed her cult. As punishment for this hubris, Apollo killed all the sons and Diana all but one of the daughters, Niobe, weeping, was turned to stone. Notus The south wind.
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A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
Numa (Pompilius) Second king of Rome, renowned philosopher and lawgiver. He established the college of Vestal Virgins, reformed the religion and kept peace. According to Ovid he was married to the nymph Egeria, though less poetic sources make his wife Tatia, a Sabine princess. Olympus A mountain on the border of Macedonia and Thessaly, the horne of the gods. Ops or Rhea The daughter of Coelus and Terra, wife of Saturn and mother of Jupiter. Orestes Son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. When his father was murdered by his mother and her lover Aegisthus, he was saved by his sister Electra, and was brought up by Strophius, king of Phocis, who had married Agamemnon's sister. -W'ith Pylades, Strophius's SOil, he eventually avenged his father's murder by killing Aegisthus and Clytemnestra. For this he was pursued by the Furies, but ultimately purified by Apollo. Orestes and Pylades were considered archetypes of friendship. Orion A giant created by Jupiter, Neptune, and Mercury as a reward for the peasant Hyrieus, who had treated them hospitably and was childless. He was famous as a hunter, and was stellified at his death. Orpheus Archetype poet. His music calmed wild beasts and controlled nature. When his wife Eurydice was killed by a serpent, he journeyed to Hades and persuaded Pluto to send her back to earth with him, on condition that he did not look at her until the journey was complete. The condition was not met, and Eurydice returned to the underworld. Inconsolable, Orpheus avoided women entirely, and is credited with the introduction of pederasty into Greece. For this he was attacked and torn in pieces by enraged women, the Bacchantes. Osiris Egyptian fertility god, brother and husband of Isis. He was included in the classical pantheon as the son of Jupiter and Niobe. Ossa A mountain in Thessaly. The giants, in their war against the gods, undertook to storm heaven by piling Mount Pelion on Ossa. Ovid P. Ovidius Naso, born at Suimo, 43 B.C., died in banishment in Tomi, on the Euxine Sea, in A.D. I7. In addition to the Amores his Metamorphoses, Heroides. Fasti. Tristia Ars Amatoria, and a few minor poems survive. J
j
Paean A surname of Apollo, literally "healer." Pallas A name of Athena or Minerva. Pangaeus A mountain in Macedonia. Paphos A city in Cyprus specially favored by Venus. The inhabitants were notorious for lasciviousness.
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
Parian From the island of Paros in the Aegean~ famous for its white marble. Paris Son of Priam and Hecuba. He was exposed on Mount Ida as a baby because of a prophetic dream of Hecuba>s that he would destroy Troy, but was preserved and raised by shepherds. In his youth he was required to judge among Venus, Juno, and Minerva, and awarded the prize to Venus. This was universally considered a foolish choice, since it indicated a preference for beauty over power or wisdom. His reward from Venus was Helen, the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta, and his abduction of her brought on the Trojan War. Parthia A warlike nation in Asia; Parthia was east of Media. Pelides Achilles, son of Peleus. Peleus King of Thessaly, husband of the Nereid Thetis, and father of Achilles. Pelion A mountain in Thessaly. See Ossa. Pelops Son of Tantalus, by whom he was murdered, cut up, and served at a feast of the gods. Only Demeter (or Ceres) partook, however, and ate his shoulder. Hennes subsequently reconstituted Pelops and supplied a shoulder of ivory. Later, Pelops wooed and won Hippodamia by defeating her father, Oenomaus in a chariot race; the victory, however, was gained by bribing Oenomaus's charioteer, whom Pelops killed after the marriage, thus drawing down a curse on his house. He was the father of Atreus and Thyestes. Penelope Queen of Ithaca, wife of Ulysses,famous for her fidelity, patience, and ingenuity. During the twenty years of her husband's absence, she kept all suitors at bay by saying she would choose a husband when she finished the tapestry she was weaving. But she undid at night what she had woven during the day. Peneus A Thessalian river god who loved Creusa, the daughter of Erectheus, king of Athens, and wife of Xuthus (Xanthus in Marlowe). Peristera The name means H dove"; the figure is Chapman's invention. Perseus Child of Jupiter and Danae, and the prototype of manly virtue for the Renaissance. He killed the gorgon Medusa with the assistance of wings for his feet from Mercury, a helmet that made him invisible from Pluto, and a highly polished shield from Minerva. To look directly at the monster was fatal, but Perseus used the shield as a mirror. He married Andromeda, whom he rescued from a sea monster. Perusia 'The ancient Perugia. Phaedra Daughter of Minos and Pasiphae and wife of Theseus, king of Athens. See Hippolytus. Phaemius In the Odyssey, a superlative musician.
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
Phaethon Son of Apollo, the sun god. He undertook to drive the chariot of the sun, but lost control of the horses, and was destroyed by Jupiter lest he set the world on fire. Pharos An Egyptian island with a famolls lighthouse. Pharsalia The plain near the town of Pharsalus, in Thessaly, where Pompey was defeated by Caesar in 48 B.C. Lucan also uses it as a general name for Thessaly. Phemenoe Daughter (or priestess) of Apollo. Philippi A Macedonian town where Octavianus and Antony de. feated Brutus and Cassius in the crucial battles of the Civil War, 42 B.c.The place was also conventionally identified with Pharsalia. Philomel Daughter of Pandion, king of Athens. Her sister Procne (or Progne) was married to Tereus, king of Thrace. While conducting Philomel from Athens to visit her Tereus fell in love with her and raped her. He cut out her tongue to hide the crime, imprisoned her, and told Procne that her sister had died. But Philomel wove the story in a tapestry and sent it to Procne, who, in revenge, murdered her son Itys and served him up to Tereus at dinner. Tereus~s own revenge on the two sisters was forestalled by the metamorphosis of all the figures in the tragedy into birds: Tereus into a hawk, Philomel a nightingale, Procne a swallow, and Itys a sandpiper. Phoebe A name of Diana, the moon. The word means "bright." Phoebus Apollo, the sun. Phrygia The country in Asia Minor in which Troy was located. Its chief deity was Cybele. Phthia A town in Thessaly, birthplace of Achilles. Phyllis Queen of Thrace. She was abandoned by Demophoon, king of Athens, and hanged herself. She is the writer of the second of Ovid's Heroides. Pierian Relating to the Muses, from Pierus, their sacred mountain, near Mount Olympus. Pindus A mountain in Thessaly sacred to the Muses. Plautus, T. Maccius or M. ACclUS (third century B.C.). Roman comic playwright. Pluto See Dis. Po A large river in northern Italy; its ancient names were Eridanus and Padus. Phaethon was drowned in it when he fell from the chariot of the sun. Pollux Child of Leda and brother of Castor. Polynices Son of Oedipus and Jocasta, and brother of Eteocles. The brothers inherited the throne of Thebes jointly and were to reign in alternate years. But after Eteocles's first year, he refused to resign; and
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
Polynices fled to Argos, married the king's daughter Argia, and raised an army with which he marched on Thebes. The ensuing battle was settled by single combat, in which the two brothers killed each other. They are used as the types of inveterate enemies. Pompey, Cnaeus (r06-48 B.C.). Roman general. He was allied with Sulla. He put an end to piracy in the western Mediterranean, and concluded the war with Mithridates. He married Caesar's daughter Julia, and was triumvir with Caesar and Crassus in 60 B.C. After the death ofJulia in 54, he grew increasingly distant from Caesar, and began the Civil War in 49 B.C. He was defeated at Pharsalus in 48 B.C., and though he escaped, he was murdered by one of his centurions. Pontus A kingdom in Asia Minor. Under Mithridates IV, it engaged in a long war with lasting from 88 B.C. until Mithridates's death in 63 B.C. Peace was made with Sulla in 84 B.C., but its duration was brief, and he was finally conquered only by Pompey, in 66 B.C. Pontus became a Roman province under Julius Caesar. Priam King of Troy during the Trojan War, husband of Hecuba, and father of Hector, Paris, Troilus, Cassandra, and thirteen other legitimate children according to Cicero, or fifteen according to Homer. He was killed by Achilles' son Neoptolemus. Progne, Proene See Philomel. Prometheus Literally "foresight,') son of Iapetus, and brother of Atlas, Menoetius, and Epimetheus ("hindsight"). He was famous for his cunning, and deceived even Jupiter, from whom he stole fire to give to men. For this he was bound on a rock in the Caucasus, and his liver endlessly devoured by a vulture. He was released by Hercules. He is credited with the creation of mankind out of clay, which he brought to life with divine fire. Proserpine See Ceres. Protesilaus Son of Iphicles and the brother of Hercules. He was the first of the Greeks to be killed on the landing at Troy. His wife, Laodamia, killed herself when his death was reported to her. Proteus A sea god, son of Neptune, or according to some, Oceanus. He had the gift of prophecy and lived in the Carpathian Sea, on the shores of which, as he sunned himself, men came to consult him. He answered unwillingly, however, and unless bound, would aSSllme various shapes to escape. He was thus the god of disguise. Psittaeus A parrot. Pylades See Orestes. Pylius Nestor, from Pylas. Pyrrhus King of Epirus, who invaded Italy and Sicily (280-75 B.C.) and suffered heavy defeats at the hands of the Romans. The original
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
"Pyrrhic victory" in which the victor loses more than the vanquished, was his at the battle of Asculum) 280 B.C. Quirinus A surname of Mars, also applied to Romulus. Remus See Romulus. Rhene Rhenus) the Rhine. Rhesus King of Thrace. He marched to the aid of Priam, because an oracle had foretold that Troy could not be taken so long as the horses of Rhesus were there. But Diomedes and Ulysses secretly entered Rhesus's camp, slew him, and stole his horses. Rhodanus The river Rhone. Romulus, Remus Children of ilia and Mars. They were ordered to be destroyed by Ilia's uncle, Amulius, but were saved and fed by a shewolf and raised by shepherds. When they came of age they overthrew their uncle and restored the throne of Alba to their grandfather Numitor. Romulus founded Rome in 753 B.C.) and angered by Remus's scorn for the meagerness of the city's defenses, put his brother to death. He populated the city with fugitives, and got wives for them by abducting the Sabine women. After forty years' reign Romulus disappeared and became the god Quirinus. Ruthens The Ruteni, a tribe in Aquitanian Gaul. Sabines The aboriginalltalians. The legendary rape of their women took place at a festival to which Romulus had deceitfully invited them. Their chastity and high moral character were famous, as were their superstition and skill in magic. They eventually became the allies of Rome, and were granted citizenship in the fourth century B.C. Sabinus, Aulus Roman poet: friend of Ovid. He composed answers to several of Ovid's Heroides. Salii Priests of Mars, so called .from the leaping movements of their dances. Salmacis See Hermaphroditus. Santoni The Santons, a people in Aquitania. Sappho Greek lyric poet, born in Lesbos in the seventh century B.C. Though her passions for women were famous, she is said to have thrown herself into the sea for love of Phaon, a young man of Mytilene. Sarmata Sarmatia, in modern Poland. Saturn or Kronos Father of jupiter, whom he attempted to devour in infancy, but who was saved by his mother Ops. Saturn's reign was the Golden Age; he was castrated and deposed by jupiter, after which he lived in Latium, reigning jointly with janus, and taught the inhabitants
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
agriculture and the other arts of civilization. He was identified with Time through a late classical confusion of Kronos and Chronos. Scamander Trojan river, the god of which loved the nymph Neaera. Scylla I. Daughter of Nisus, king of Megara. She fell in love with Minos, king of Crete, when he was laying siege to her father's city, and she offered to betray Nisus if .Minos would marry her. Minos agreed. The prosperity of Megara depended on a single golden hair on the head of its king~ and this hair Scylla cut off while her father slept. Minos triumphed, but rejected Scylla, and she killed herself and was transformed into a bird. 2. Daughter to Typhon. The sea god Glaucus loved her, but she scorned him. He asked Circe's aid; she, however, desired Glaucus for herself, and transformed Scylla into a monster. (In some versions of the story the agent of the metamorphosis is Am~ phitrite). Scylla threw herself into the sea, and was changed again into the particularly dangerous rocks which bear her name, on the Italian coast opposite the whirlpool of Charybdis in Sicily. (In some versions, the two figures are identified.) Scythia A vast area including northeastern Europe and Asian Russia. Semele Daughter of Cadmus and Harmonia. She was loved by Jupiter, but Juno, in her jealousy, took the shape of Semele's nurse and persuaded her to ask her lover to come to her in his true shape. Jupiter was sworn to grant her whatever she wished, and so complied, but she was consumed by his fire. The child she had conceived, however, was kept for nine months in Jupiter's thigh; it was the god Dionysus, or Bacchus. Semiramis Queen of Assyria, famous for her beauty. Sequana The Seine, and the area around it. Seres The Chinese, famous for their silk. Scstos A town in Thrace on the Hellespont, opposite Abydos on the Asian coast. Sicilia Sicily, horne of Vulcan and the Cyclops; its chief gods were Ceres and Proserpine, and it was from the Sicilian field of Enna that Proserpine was carried off to Hades by Pluto. Simois A river near Troy. Sisyphus King of Corinth, famous for his cunning. All authorities agree that he was condemned in Hades to roll a huge rock endlessly up a mountain, but what crime this punishment fits is uncertain. Sol The sun. Stygian See Styx. Styx The major river in Hades, whence "Stygian," pertaining to the underworld. Sulla, L. Cornelius (I38-78 B.C.). Dictator of Rome, 82-79 B.C.
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
Sybil See Cybele. Sylvanus God of the forest. He loved the youth Cyparisslls, who was transformed into a cypress tree after killing a favorite deer of Apollo's. Syrtes Sandbanks on the coast of North Africa. Tages Son of Genius and grandson of Jupiter. He first taught the Etrurians soothsaying. Tagus A river in Spain said to have golden sands. Tantalus King of Lydia~ son of Jupiter and a nymph, father of Pelops and Niobe. He was condemned in hell to suffer thirst and hunger in a pond whose waters recede when he tries to drink, and with fruit trees nearby that withdraw when he reaches for them. Various reasons are given for the punishment: that he stole the gods' nectar and ambrosia and gave it to mortals; that he revealed their secrets; that he killed his son Pelops and served the dismembered body at a banquet of the gods. Tarbel The country of the Tarbelli, a Gallic tribe in Aquitania. Tarpeia Daughter of Tarpeius, governor of Rome. She betrayed the city to the Sabines under Tatius~ and as a reward asked for what they wore on their arms. Instead of giving her their rich bracelets, the Sabines crushed her with their shields as punishment for her treachery. Tartary Country of the Tartars, in central Asia, famous for its barbarity. Tarius Sabine king. He attacked the Romans after the rape of the Sabines, and Rome was betrayed into his hands by Tarpeia. He ruled for six years jointly with Romulus, but was murdered in 742 B.C. Taverone 1vlarlowe's Tav'ron, a river near Rome called Anio in ancient times. By order of Sulla, the body of Marius was exhumed and thrown into the Anio. Tellus Earth. Tempe A valley in Thessaly famous for its beauty. Tenedos A small island opposite Troy, where the Greeks hid to make the Trojans believe the siege had been abandoned. Teras The name means "portent"; the figure was invented by Chapman. Tereus See Philomel. Thamyris In the Odyssey> a musician blinded by the Muses. Thebe Wife of the Thessalian river god Asopus (Aesope in Marlowe). Thel'sites In the Iliad, the most ignoble and cynical of the Greeks. Theseus King of Athens, son of Aegeus. He went to Crete as one of the seven youths whom King Minos annually exacted as tribute and threw to the Minotaur to be devoured. Theseus was sent into the
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
Minotaur's labyrinth, but killed the monster, and returned by means of a thread provided by Ariadne, Minos's daughter. They escaped together, but Theseus abandoned Ariadne on the island of Naxos, and returned to Athens. He married Phaedra, another daughter of Minos. He was the father of Hippolytus by the Amazon Hippolyta. Thesme The name is derived from thesmos> law. The figure is Chapman's invention. Thessale, Thessaly In Greece, reputedly the home of witchcraft. Thetis A sea nymph, wife of Peleus and mother of Achilles, whom she attempted to make immortal by dipping in the Styx, or, in another version, by burning away his mortality. Thyestes See Atreus. Tibullus (c. 60-19 B.C.). Roman elegiac poet. Tibur Tiburinl1s, god of the river Tiber, and husband of TIia or Rhea Silvia. Tisiphone One of the Furies. Titan The sun. Tithon, Tithonus See Aurora. Tityrus Traditionally Virgil's name for himself in the Eclogues. Tityus An enormous giant, son of Earth. He attempted to rape La~ tona (or Leto), and was killed by her children Apollo and Diana. In hell, where he was seen by Ulysses, his liver was continually devoured by a serpent, or in some versions, by vultures. Trevier The country of the Treveri, a German tribe. Triton A sea god, son of Neptune and Amphitrite. Troy Priam's capital, located in Asia Minor near the Hellespont. Tydides Diomedes, son of Tydeus. Tyro A nymph who fell in love with the river god Enipeus. She was seduced by Neptune, who adopted the form of Enipeus. Ulysses The Greek Odysseus, king of Ithaca, shrewdest and wisest of the Greek heroes at the siege of Troy. It was he who persuaded Achilles to join the expedition, thereby assuring the Greeks of success, and himself carried off the sacred Palladium of Troy. His adventures during the ten years of his return voyage are the subject of the Odyssey. His wife, Penelope, was renowned for her chastity and fidelity, Vangions The Vangiones, a German tribe on the Rhine. Varro (I I 6-27 B.C.). Roman poet, lexicographer, and antiquarian. Varus The river Var. Vogesus Properly Vosegus, the Vosges mountains.
A DICTIONARY OF CLASSICAL NAMES
Vulcan God of fire, the blacksmith of the gods. He created Achilles' armor, Hercu]es' shield, ]ove)s thunderbolts, etc.; his forge was in Mount Etna, and his assistants were the Cyclops. Though lame and ugly, he was given Venus as his wife, but her adultery with Mars was notorious, and Vulcan trapped the lovers in a net and hung them in the great hall of Olympus for all the gods to see. Xanthus I. Another name for Scamander. 2. In Marlowe's Ovid, an error for Xuthus, husband of Creusa, daughter of Erechtheus, king of Athens. Zephyrus The west wind.
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