THE RAPE OF THE LOCK
Part 1
WHAT dire Offence from am'rous Causes springs,
What mighty Contests rise from trivial Things,
I sing -- This Verse to CARYL, Muse! is due;
This, ev'n Belinda may vouchfafe to view:
Slight is the Subject, but not so the Praise,
If She inspire, and He approve my Lays.
Say what strange Motive, Goddess! cou'd compel
A well-bred Lord t'assault a gentle Belle?
Oh say what stranger Cause, yet unexplor'd,
Cou'd make a gentle Belle reject a Lord?
In tasks so bold, can little Men engage,
And in soft Bosoms, dwell dwell such mighty Rage?
Sol thro' white Curtains shot a tim'rous Ray,
And op'd those Eyes that must eclipse the Day;
Now Lapdogs give themselves the rowzing Shake,
And sleepless Lovers, just at Twelve, awake:
Thrice rung the Bell, the Slipper knock'd the Ground,
And the press'd Watch return'd a silver Sound.
Belinda still her downy Pillow prest,
Her Guardian Sylph prolong'd the balmy Rest.
'Twas he had summon'd to her silent Bed
The Morning-Dream that hover'd o'er her Head.
A Youth more glitt'ring than a Birth-night Beau,
(That ev'n in Slumber caus'd her Cheek to glow)
Seem'd to her Ear his winning Lips to lay,
And thus in Whispers said, or seem'd to say.
Fairest of Mortals, thou distinguish'd Care
Of thousand bright Inhabitants of Air!
If e'er one Vision touch'd thy infant Thought,
Of all the Nurse and all the Priest have taught,
Of airy Elves by Moonlight Shadows seen,
The silver Token, and the circled Green,
Or Virgins visited by Angel-Pow'rs,
With Golden Crowns and Wreaths of heav'nly Flowers,
Hear and believe! thy own Importance know,
Nor bound thy narrow Views to Things below.
Some secret Truths from Learned Pride conceal'd,
To Maids alone and Children are reveal'd:
What tho' no Credit doubting Wits may give?
The Fair and Innocent shall still believe.
Know then, unnumbered Spirits round thee fly,
The light Militia of the lower Sky;
These, tho' unseen, are ever on the Wing,
Hang o'er the Box, and hover round the Ring.
Think what an Equipage thou hast in Air,
And view with scorn Two Pages and a Chair.
As now your own, our Beings were of old,
And once inclos'd in Woman's beauteous Mold;
Thence, by a soft Transition, we repair
From earthly Vehicles to these of Air.
Think not, when Woman's transient Breath is fled,
That all her Vanities at once are dead:
Succeeding Vanities she still regards,
And tho' she plays no more, o'erlooks the Cards.
Her Joy in gilded Chariots, when alive,
And Love of Ombre, after Death survive.
For when the Fair in all their Pride expire,
To their first Elements the Souls retire:
The Sprights of fiery Termagants in Flame
Mount up, and take a Salamander's Name.
Soft yielding Minds to Water glide away,
And sip with Nymphs, their Elemental Tea.
The graver Prude sinks downward to a Gnome,
In search of Mischief still on Earth to roam.
The light Coquettes in Sylphs aloft repair,
And sport and flutter in the Fields of Air.
Know farther yet; Whoever fair and chaste
Rejects Mankind, is by some Sylph embrac'd:
For Spirits, freed from mortal Laws, with ease
Assume what Sexes and what Shapes they please.
What guards the Purity of melting Maids,
In Courtly Balls, and Midnight Masquerades,
Safe from the treach'rous Friend, and daring Spark,
The Glance by Day, the Whisper in the Dark;
When kind Occasion prompts their warm Desires,
When Musick softens, and when Dancing fires?
'Tis but their Sylph, the wise Celestials know,
Tho' Honour is the Word with Men below.
Some Nymphs there are, too conscious of their Face,
For Life predestin'd to the Gnomes Embrace.
These swell their Prospects and exalt their Pride,
When Offers are disdain'd, and Love deny'd.
Then gay Ideas crowd the vacant Brain;
While Peers and Dukes, and all their sweeping Train,
And Garters, Stars, and Coronets appear,
And in soft Sounds, Your Grace salutes their Ear.
'Tis these that early taint the Female Soul,
Instruct the Eyes of young Coquettes to roll,
Teach Infants Cheeks a bidden Blush to know,
And little Hearts to flutter at a Beau.
Oft when the World imagine Women stray,
The Sylphs thro' mystick Mazes guide thier Way,
Thro' all the giddy Circle they pursue,
And old Impertinence expel by new.
What tender Maid but must a Victim fall
To one Man's Treat, but for another's Ball?
When Florio speaks, what Virgin could withstand,
If gentle Damon did not squeeze her Hand?
With varying Vanities, from ev'ry Part,
They shift the moving Toyshop of their Heart;
Where Wigs with Wigs, with Sword-knots Sword-knots strive,
Beaus banish Beaus, and Coaches Coaches drive.
This erring Mortals Levity may call,
Oh blind to Truth! the Sylphs contrive it all.
Of these am I, who thy Protection claim,
A watchful Sprite, and Ariel is my Name.
Late, as I rang'd the Crystal Wilds of Air,
In the clear Mirror of thy ruling Star
I saw, alas! some dread Event impend,
E're to the Main this Morning Sun descend.
But Heav'n reveals not what, or how, or where:
Warn'd by thy Sylph, oh Pious Maid beware!
This to disclose is all thy Guardian can.
Beware of all, but most beware of Man!
He said; when Shock, who thought she slept too long,
Leapt up, and wak'd his Mistress with his Tongue.
'Twas then Belinda, if Report say true,
Thy Eyes first open'd on a Billet-doux.
Wounds, Charms, and Ardors, were no sooner read,
But all the Vision vanish'd from thy Head.
And now, unveil'd, the Toilet stands display'd,
Each Silver Vase in mystic Order laid.
First, rob'd in White, the Nymph intent adores
With Head uncover'd, the cosmetic Pow'rs.
A heav'nly Image in the Glass appears,
To that she bends, to that her Eyes she rears;
Th' inferior Priestess, at her Altar's side,
Trembling, begins the sacred Rites of Pride.
Unnumber'd Treasures ope at once, and here
The various Off'rings of the World appear;
From each she nicely culls with curious Toil,
And decks the Goddess with the glitt'ring Spoil.
This Casket India's glowing Gems unlocks,
And all Arabia breathes from yonder Box.
The Tortoise here and Elephant unite,
Transform'd to Combs, the speckled and the white.
Here Files of Pins extend their shining Rows,
Puffs, Powders, Patches, Bibles, Billet-doux.
Now awful Beauty puts on all its Arms;
The Fair each moment rises in her Charms,
Repairs her Smiles, awakens ev'ry Grace,
And calls forth all the Wonders of her Face;
Sees by Degrees a purer Blush arise,
And keener Lightnings quicken in her Eyes.
The busy Sylphs surround their darling Care;
These set the Head, and those divide the Hair,
Some fold the Sleeve, while others plait the Gown;
And Betty's prais'd for Labours not her own.
- Dire Offence- serious/threatening
nature of offence.
- Amorous causes-love-affairs
- Mighty contests- serious fight
due to great dispute.
- Trivial things-very
ordinary; common things
- Caryll-john
caryll(1666-1738) , a close friend of pope.
- Muse-nine muses are in Greek
mythology, each one of them presiding over different that muse presiding
over poetry.
- Vouchsafe to view-peruse.
- Slight is the
subject……approve my lays-approve my lays, subject of the poem is not so
important, but if her inspiration are with it and if john caryll is
being satisfied with it.
- Lays-poems,
- Compel-force.
- Assault-attack some body,
here is using in context of having attempt of sexual intercourse.
- Belle- a beautiful girl.
- What stranger cause- asking
to the goddess of poetry about the mysterious cause, which is unknown.
That make Blinda to reject baron.
- Unexplored- unknown,
unexplored.
- Mighty rage- extreme of
anger;
- Sol- sun (god)
- White curtain- white
coloured curtain.
- Timorous ray- weak ray of
the sun.
- Oped- opened.
- Eclipse- darkened.
- The slipper knocked the
ground- knocking of slipper against the floor, after ringing bell
thrice.
- Pressed watch- a kind of
watch in old era.
- Silver sound- a fluent soft
ringing sound.
- Downy pillow- a soft feather
pillow.
- Balmy rest- comfortable
sleep.
- Hovered- circled.
- A birth-night beau- a fine
gentleman, such as to be seen at the state-ball given on the anniversary
of the prince birthday.
- Winning lips- attractive
lips;
- Distinguished care- special
care and protection
- Inhabitants of air-air
spirits.
- Infant thought- pure
thought.
- Airy elves- fairies.
- Silver token- fairies put
silver coins into the slippers of maids so she should kept their house
clean.
- Circled green- encircle the
fairies dance area.
- Bound- confine.
- Things below- things on
earth.
- Concealed- hidden.
- Revealed- disclosed.
- Doubting wits- men of
learned pride.
- Unnumbered- countless.
- Light militia- army.
- Equipage- escort,
attendants.
- Enclosed- closed.
- Mould- shape.
- Transition- through the
gentle transformation.
- Repair- have a change
- Earthly vehicles- human
bodies.
- Transient- temporarily
living.
- Gilded chariots- decorated
coaches/ carriage
- Ombre- a popular card game.
- Expire- death.
- Spirits of fiery
termangants- ladies of fiery temperament.
- Salamandar’s name- a kind of
spirit.
- Soft yielding minds- soft,
smooth and submissive souls.
- Glide away- passing away
smoothly.
- Elemental tea- tay, tea made
with water.
- Graver prude- extreme level
of speech or conduct of esp. affected woman.
- Gnome- subterranean spirit
which inhabits the hell, the earth centre.
- Aloft repair- returning to
air.
- Sport and flutter- to fly
and play around.
- Embraced- protected.
- Melting maids- ladies who
yield to the advances of lovers.
- Courtly balls- grand dance.
- Masquerades- dance party in
which every one is wearing mask, nobody knows who is dancing with whom.
- Spark- fashionable, bold
Youngman lover.
- Celestials- being heavenly.
- Predestined- predefined.
- Swell- raised, increase.
- Exalt- raised, intensify.
- Disdained- rejected
contemptuously.
- Gay ideas- happy visions to
win the hearts of richest young men.
- Vacant brain- foolish brain,
empty mind;
- Sweeping train- attendants
wearing colourful dresses.
- Garters- badges symbolizing
power.
- Stars- medals of star
shaped.
- Coronets- crowns.
- Taint- corrupt.
- Coquettes- flirts; women who
are doing many practices to win the men’s heart.
- To roll- to move invitingly.
- Blush- due to shame or
embarrassment, person becomes red.
- Stray- deviate from the path
of virtue/ chastity.
- Mazes- confused parts/
intricate ways.
- Giddy circle- pleasure’s
whirl.
- Impertinence- an old lover
who become friendly.
- Florio- a typical name of
lover.
- Withstand- resisting
temptation.
- Damon- another typical name
of lover.
- Did not squeeze her hand-
did not exercise his fascination or power of love.
- Varying vanities- changing
follies.
- Wigs- artificial hair.
- Sword knots- knot of love.
- Beauz- fashionable gallants.
- Erring- mistaken,
- Levity- fickleness.
- Contrive- conspire.
- Rang’d- scoured,
- Crystal wilds of air- clear
expanse of air.
- Ruling star- star of
guidance.
- Impend- imminent.
- Main- horizon.
- Pious maid- holy lady.
- Billet doux- love-letters.
- Ardours- token of love.
- Vanished- disappeared.
- Unveiled- exposed
- Silver vase- powder box made
of silver
- Mystic order- a mysterious
way arrangement, that was in the knowledge of lady only.
- Nymph- Belinda.
- Heavenly image- the image of
Belinda looking like a goddess.
- Inferior priestess- the maid
of Belinda.
- Unnumbered treasures-
various articles of luxury and to beautifying.
- Culls- gathers,
- Curious toil- labour.
- Decks- decorates,
- Glittering spoil- gems and
colourful things.
- Glowing- sparkling
- Unlocks- open and exposed.
- All Arabia- perfumes from
Arabia
- Yonder box- a box of make-up
- Tortoise- reptile with shell
- Elephant- material of
elephants tusks.
- Transformed to- convert into
- Speckled- spotted
- White- combs of elephants
tusks/ivory.
- Patches- piece of black silk
- Awful-captivating Belinda
- Repairs-improved
- Degree-extent
- Quicken- faster
- Darling care- beloved care
- Set- adjust
- Plait- arrange the fold
CANTO 2
NOT with more Glories, in th' Etherial Plain,
The Sun first rises o'er the purpled Main,
Than issuing forth, the Rival of his Beams
Lanch'd on the Bosom of the Silver Thames.
Fair Nymphs, and well-drest Youths around her shone,
But ev'ry Eye was fix'd on her alone.
On her white Breast a sparkling Cross she wore,
Which Jews might kiss, and Infidels adore.
Her lively Looks a sprightly Mind disclose,
Quick as her Eyes, and as unfix'd as those:
Favours to none, to all she Smiles extends,
Oft she rejects, but never once offends.
Bright as the Sun, her Eyes the Gazers strike,
And, like the sun, they shine on all alike.
Yet graceful Ease, and Sweetness void of Pride,
Might hide her Faults, if Belles had faults to hide:
If to her share some Female Errors fall,
Look on her Face, and you'll forget 'em all.
This Nymph, to the Destruction of Mankind,
Nourish'd two Locks, which graceful hung behind
In equal Curls, and well conspir'd to deck
With shining Ringlets her smooth Iv'ry Neck.
Love in these Labyrinths his Slaves detains,
And mighty Hearts are held in slender Chains.
With hairy Sprindges we the Birds betray,
Slight Lines of Hair surprize the Finny Prey,
Fair Tresses Man's Imperial Race insnare,
And Beauty draws us with a single Hair.
Th' Adventrous Baron the bright Locks admir'd,
He saw, he wish'd, and to the Prize aspir'd:
Resolv'd to win, he meditates the way,
By Force to ravish, or by Fraud betray;
For when Success a Lover's Toil attends,
Few ask, if Fraud or Force attain'd his Ends.
For this, e're Phoebus rose, he had implor'd
Propitious Heav'n, and ev'ry Pow'r ador'd,
But chiefly Love--to Love an Altar built,
Of twelve vast French Romances, neatly gilt.
There lay three Garters, half a Pair of Gloves;
And all the Trophies of his former Loves.
With tender Billet-doux he lights the Pyre,
And breathes three am'rous Sighs to raise the Fire.
Then prostrate falls, and begs with ardent Eyes
Soon to obtain, and long possess the Prize:
The Pow'rs gave Ear, and granted half his Pray'r,
The rest, the Winds dispers'd in empty Air.
But now secure the painted Vessel glides,
The Sun-beams trembling on the floating Tydes,
While melting Musick steals upon the Sky,
And soften'd Sounds along the Waters die.
Smooth flow the Waves, the Zephyrs gently play
Belinda smil'd, and all the World was gay.
All but the Sylph---With careful Thoughts opprest,
Th' impending Woe sate heavy on his Breast.
He summons strait his Denizens of Air;
The lucid Squadrons round the Sails repair:
Soft o'er the Shrouds Aerial Whispers breathe,
That seem'd but Zephyrs to the Train beneath.
Some to the Sun their Insect-Wings unfold,
Waft on the Breeze, or sink in Clouds of Gold.
Transparent Forms, too fine for mortal Sight,
Their fluid Bodies half dissolv'd in Light.
Loose to the Wind their airy Garments flew,
Thin glitt'ring Textures of the filmy Dew;
Dipt in the richest Tincture of the Skies,
Where Light disports in ever-mingling Dies,
While ev'ry Beam new transient Colours flings,
Colours that change whene'er they wave their Wings.
Amid the Circle, on the gilded Mast,
Superior by the Head, was Ariel plac'd;
His Purple Pinions opening to the Sun,
He rais'd his Azure Wand, and thus begun.
Ye Sylphs and Sylphids, to your Chief give Ear,
Fays, Fairies, Genii, Elves, and Daemons hear!
Ye know the Spheres and various Tasks assign'd,
By Laws Eternal, to th' Aerial Kind.
Some in the Fields of purest AEther play,
And bask and whiten in the Blaze of Day.
Some guide the Course of wandring Orbs on high,
Or roll the Planets thro' the boundless Sky.
Some less refin'd, beneath the Moon's pale Light
Hover, and catch the shooting stars by Night;
Or suck the Mists in grosser Air below,
Or dip their Pinions in the painted Bow,
Or brew fierce Tempests on the wintry Main,
Or o'er the Glebe distill the kindly Rain.
Others on Earth o'er human Race preside,
Watch all their Ways, and all their Actions guide:
Of these the Chief the Care of Nations own,
And guard with Arms Divine the British Throne.
Our humbler Province is to tend the Fair,
Not a less pleasing, tho' less glorious Care.
To save the Powder from too rude a Gale,
Nor let th' imprison'd Essences exhale,
To draw fresh Colours from the vernal Flow'rs,
To steal from Rainbows ere they drop in Show'rs
A brighter Wash; to curl their waving Hairs,
Assist their Blushes, and inspire their Airs;
Nay oft, in Dreams, Invention we bestow,
To change a Flounce, or add a Furbelo.
This Day, black Omens threat the brightest Fair
That e'er deserv'd a watchful Spirit's Care;
Some dire Disaster, or by Force, or Slight,
But what, or where, the Fates have wrapt in Night.
Whether the Nymph shall break Diana's Law,
Or some frail China Jar receive a Flaw,
Or stain her Honour, or her new Brocade,
Forget her Pray'rs, or miss a Masquerade,
Or lose her Heart, or Necklace, at a Ball;
Or whether Heav'n has doom'd that Shock must fall.
Haste then ye Spirits! to your Charge repair;
The flutt'ring Fan be Zephyretta's Care;
The Drops to thee, Brillante, we consign;
And Momentilla, let the Watch be thine;
Do thou, Crispissa, tend her fav'rite Lock;
Ariel himself shall be the Guard of Shock.
To Fifty chosen Sylphs, of special Note,
We trust th' important Charge, the Petticoat.
Oft have we known that sev'nfold Fence to fail;
Tho' stiff with Hoops, and arm'd with Ribs of Whale.
Form a strong Line about the Silver Bound,
And guard the wide Circumference around.
Whatever spirit, careless of his Charge,
His Post neglects, or leaves the Fair at large,
Shall feel sharp Vengeance soon o'ertake his Sins,
Be stopt in Vials, or transfixt with Pins.
Or plung'd in Lakes of bitter Washes lie,
Or wedg'd whole Ages in a Bodkin's Eye:
Gums and Pomatums shall his Flight restrain,
While clog'd he beats his silken Wings in vain;
Or Alom-Stypticks with contracting Power
Shrink his thin Essence like a rivell'd Flower.
Or as Ixion fix'd, the Wretch shall feel
The giddy Motion of the whirling Mill,
In Fumes of burning Chocolate shall glow,
And tremble at the Sea that froaths below!
He spoke; the Spirits from the Sails descend;
Some, Orb in Orb, around the Nymph extend,
Some thrid the mazy Ringlets of her Hair,
Some hang upon the Pendants of her Ear;
With beating Hearts the dire Event they wait,
Anxious, and trembling for the Birth of Fate.
- Ethereal plain- heavenly hay
- Purpled main- ocean-as the
morning rays falls upon it, it looks red
- Issuing forth- emerging,
coming out
- Launched- planed activity
- Nymphs- fashionable young
ladies
- Sparkling- shining
- Infidels- non believers
- Sprightly- full of life and
vigour
- Unfixed- to loosen or detach
something
- Strike- to hit
- Void of pride- free from
having no legal force, free from haughty attitude
- Belles- a beautiful young
girl
- Female errors- woman’s
character with flaws
- Nourished- help to develop
- Graceful- marked by poise,
showing elegance
- Well conspired- perfectly
working together
- Deck- to decorate
- Ringlets- a spiral curl of
hair; lock
- Iv’ry neck- neck was white
as like ivory
- Labyrinths- maze confining
tortuous arrangement
- Detains- hold in custody
- Springes- snares or traps
- Betray- deceive some body
- Finny prey- a fish
- Fair tresses- a woman’s
having long beautiful hair
- Man’s imperial race- the
more authoritative or imperial of the human race, and men are supposed
to be the stronger sex
- Ensnare- entrap
- Beauty- a beautiful woman
- Meditates- thinks carefully
- Ravish- to rape somebody or
overwhelming emotionally
- Phoebus- sun, a very
handsome Youngman, god of prophecy
- Implored- request earnestly
- Propitious- favourable,
kindly
- Adored- love deeply,
worshipped
- Neatly gilt- skillfully gilt
in leather
- Trophies- memento of love
- Amorous- feeling of love
- Prostrate- lie face downward
- Ardent- eagerness
- Dispersed- scattered
- Painted vessel- decorated
boats
- Melting music- sweet and
tender melodies
- Zephyrs- mild wind
- Impending- threatening
- Woe- grief
- Denizens- inhabitants
- Lucid- shining
- Squadrons- group of spirits
- Shrouds aerial- rigs hanging
in the air
- Train- procession
- Insect wings- wings’ like
insect wings
- Waft- float
- Sink- drop
- Transparent- clear seen
through
- Textures- structure
- Filmy- cover with thin layer
- Dip-rinse
- Tincture- colour
- Disports- show off
- Ever mingling dyes- varying
combinations of different colours
- Transient- passing
- Pinions- birds wings
- Azure- blue
- Sylphids- female creature
sylphs
- Fays, fairies, genni, elves,
and demons- different kinds of supernatural beings
- Spheres- field of activity
- Assigned- allotted
- Wandering orbs- badges;
shooting stars
- Boundless- limitless; huge
- Pale- become dim
- Athwart- across
- Painted bow- the rainbow
- Brew- make; prepare; develop
- Glebe- arable land; tilled
land
- Distil- to purify
- Kindly- beneficient
- Tend- move gradually
- Fair- light
- Imprisoned- to lock some
body
- Essences- perfumes; scent
- Exhale- breathe out
- Vernal flowers- flowers,
found in the spring season
- A brighter wash- a lotion
for the brighter skin
- Flounce- frill border of a
shirt
- Furbelow- ornamentation on a
petticoat
- Black omens- signing of some
future disaster
- Brightest fair- the mos
beautiful lady
- Slight- trick
- Wrapt in night- concealed/
kept I secret
- Diana’s law- law pertaining
to a woman’s virginity
- Flaw- faults
- Stain- tinge
- Masquerade- a dance party
when the dancers use masks
- Doomed- ruined; ordered
- Repair-mend
- Drops- ear-rings
- Trust- entrusts; faith
- Seven fold fence- petticoat
resembling the sevenfold shield of ajax
- Silver-bound- silver edging
or border
- Careless of his charge- not
doing his duty properly, (who leaves Belinda in danger)
- Stopped in vials- confined
in narrow glass containers
- Transfixed- to fix through
- Bitter-washed- very cold
liquid
- Wedged- squeeze
- Bodkin’s a blunt pointed
needle
- Pomatums- pomades; used for
make-up
- Alum styptics- solution made
of alum, used by women’s for the tightening of skin, that also cause
pain
- Rivelled- withered
- Lxion- a mythological king
of Thessaly
- Wretch- miserable fellow
- Giddy motion- motion causing
dizziness
- Whirling mill- chocolate
mill
- Fumes- vapours
- Froths- foam
- Orb in orb- sphere in sphere
- Third- thread
- Pendants- ear-rings
- Beating hearts- anxious
hearts
- Dire event- affair
CANTO 3
CLOSE by those Meads for ever crown'd with Flow'rs,
Where Thames with Pride surveys his rising Tow'rs,
There stands a Structure of Majestick Frame,
Which from the neighb'ring Hampton takes its Name.
Here Britain's Statesmen oft the Fall foredoom
Of Foreign Tyrants, and of Nymphs at home;
Here Thou, great Anna! whom three Realms obey,
Dost sometimes Counsel take--and sometimes Tea.
Hither the Heroes and the Nymphs resort,
To taste awhile the Pleasures of a Court;
In various Talk th' instructive hours they past,
Who gave the Ball, or paid the Visit last:
One speaks the Glory of the British Queen,
And one describes a charming Indian Screen.
A third interprets Motions, Looks, and Eyes;
At ev'ry Word a Reputation dies.
Snuff, or the Fan, supply each Pause of Chat,
With singing, laughing, ogling, and all that.
Mean while declining from the Noon of Day,
The Sun obliquely shoots his burning Ray;
The hungry Judges soon the Sentence sign,
And Wretches hang that Jury-men may Dine;
The Merchant from th'exchange returns in Peace,
And the long Labours of the Toilette cease ----
Belinda now, whom Thirst of Fame invites,
Burns to encounter two adventrous Knights,
At Ombre singly to decide their Doom;
And swells her Breast with Conquests yet to come.
Strait the three Bands prepare in Arms to join,
Each Band the number of the Sacred Nine.
Soon as she spreads her Hand, th' Aerial Guard
Descend, and sit on each important Card,
First Ariel perch'd upon a Matadore,
Then each, according to the Rank they bore;
For Sylphs, yet mindful of their ancient Race,
Are, as when Women, wondrous fond of place.
Behold, four Kings in Majesty rever'd,
With hoary Whiskers and a forky Beard;
And four fair Queens whose hands sustain a Flow'r,
Th' expressive Emblem of their softer Pow'r;
Four Knaves in Garbs succinct, a trusty Band,
Caps on their heads, and Halberds in their hand;
And Particolour'd Troops, a shining Train,
Draw forth to Combat on the Velvet Plain.
The skilful Nymph reviews her Force with Care;
Let Spades be Trumps, she said, and Trumps they were.
Now move to War her Sable Matadores,
In Show like Leaders of the swarthy Moors.
Spadillio first, unconquerable Lord!
Led off two captive Trumps, and swept the Board.
As many more Manillio forc'd to yield,
And march'd a Victor from the verdant Field.
Him Basto follow'd, but his Fate more hard
Gain'd but one Trump and one Plebeian Card.
With his broad Sabre next, a Chief in Years,
The hoary Majesty of Spades appears;
Puts forth one manly Leg, to sight reveal'd;
The rest his many-colour'd Robe conceal'd.
The Rebel-Knave, who dares his Prince engage,
Proves the just Victim of his Royal Rage.
Ev'n mighty Pam that Kings and Queens o'erthrow,
And mow'd down Armies in the Fights of Lu,
Sad Chance of War! now, destitute of Aid,
Falls undistinguish'd by the Victor Spade.
Thus far both Armies to Belinda yield;
Now to the Baron Fate inclines the Field.
His warlike Amazon her Host invades,
Th' Imperial Consort of the Crown of Spades.
The Club's black Tyrant first her Victim dy'd,
Spite of his haughty Mien, and barb'rous Pride:
What boots the Regal Circle on his Head,
His Giant Limbs in State unwieldy spread?
That long behind he trails his pompous Robe,
And of all Monarchs only grasps the Globe?
The Baron now his Diamonds pours apace;
Th' embroider'd King who shows but half his Face,
And his refulgent Queen, with Pow'rs combin'd,
Of broken Troops an easie Conquest find.
Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts, in wild Disorder seen,
With Throngs promiscuous strow the level Green.
Thus when dispers'd a routed Army runs,
Of Asia's Troops, and Africk's Sable Sons,
With like Confusion different Nations fly,
In various habits and of various Dye,
The pierc'd Battalions dis-united fall,
In Heaps on Heaps; one Fate o'erwhelms them all.
The Knave of Diamonds now tries his wily Arts,
And wins (oh shameful Chance!) the Queen of Hearts.
At this, the Blood the Virgin's Cheek forsook,
A livid Paleness spreads o'er all her Look;
She sees, and trembles at th' approaching Ill,
Just in the Jaws of Ruin, and Codille.
And now, (as oft in some distemper'd State)
On one nice Trick depends the gen'ral Fate.
An Ace of Hearts steps forth: The King unseen
Lurk'd in her Hand, and mourn'd his captive Queen.
He springs to Vengeance with an eager pace,
And falls like Thunder on the prostrate Ace.
The Nymph exulting fills with Shouts the Sky,
The Walls, the Woods, and long Canals reply.
Oh thoughtless Mortals! ever blind to Fate,
Too soon dejected, and too soon elate!
Sudden these Honours shall be snatch'd away,
And curs'd for ever this Victorious Day.
For lo! the Board with Cups and Spoons is crown'd,
The Berries crackle, and the Mill turns round.
On shining Altars of Japan they raise
The silver Lamp; the fiery Spirits blaze.
From silver Spouts the grateful Liquors glide,
And China's Earth receives the smoking Tyde.
At once they gratify their Scent and Taste,
While frequent Cups prolong the rich Repast.
Strait hover round the Fair her Airy Band;
Some, as she sip'd, the fuming Liquor fann'd,
Some o'er her Lap their careful Plumes display'd,
Trembling, and conscious of the rich Brocade.
Coffee, (which makes the Politician wise,
And see thro' all things with his half shut Eyes)
Sent up in Vapours to the Baron's Brain
New Stratagems, the radiant Lock to gain.
Ah cease rash Youth! desist e'er 'tis too late,
Fear the just Gods, and think of Scylla's Fate!
Chang'd to a Bird, and sent to flit in Air,
She dearly pays for Nisus' injur'd Hair!
But when to Mischief Mortals bend their Will,
How soon they find fit Instruments of Ill!
Just then, Clarissa drew with tempting Grace
A two-edg'd Weapon from her shining Case;
So Ladies in Romance assist their Knight,
Present the Spear, and arm him for the Fight.
He takes the Gift with rev'rence, and extends
The little Engine on his Finger's Ends:
This just behind Belinda's Neck he spread,
As o'er the fragrant Steams she bends her Head:
Swift to the Lock a thousand Sprights repair,
A thousand Wings, by turns, blow back the Hair,
And thrice they twitch'd the Diamond in her Ear,
Thrice she look'd back, and thrice the Foe drew near.
Just in that instant, anxious Ariel sought
The close Recesses of the Virgin's Thought;
As on the Nosegay in her Breast reclin'd,
He watch'd th' Ideas rising in her Mind,
Sudden he view'd, in spite of all her Art,
An Earthly Lover lurking at her Heart.
Amaz'd, confus'd, he found his Pow'r expir'd,
Resign'd to Fate, and with a Sigh retir'd.
The Peer now spreads the glitt'ring Forfex wide,
T'inclose the Lock; now joins it, to divide.
Ev'n then, before the fatal Engine clos'd,
A wretched Sylph too fondly interpos'd;
Fate urg'd the Sheers, and cut the Sylph in twain,
(But Airy Substance soon unites again)
The meeting Points that sacred Hair dissever
From the fair Head, for ever and for ever!
Then flash'd the living Lightnings from her Eyes,
And Screams of Horror rend th' affrighted Skies.
Not louder Shrieks to pitying Heav'n are cast,
When Husbands or when Lap-dogs breath their last,
Or when rich China Vessels, fal'n from high,
In glittring Dust and painted Fragments lie!
Let Wreaths of Triumph now my Temples twine,
(The Victor cry'd) the glorious Prize is mine!
While Fish in Streams, or Birds delight in Air,
Or in a Coach and Six the British Fair,
As long as Atalantis shall be read,
Or the small Pillow grace a Lady's Bed,
While Visits shall be paid on solemn Days,
When numerous Wax-lights in bright Order blaze,
While Nymphs take Treats, or Assignations give,
So long my Honour, Name, and Praise shall live!
What Time wou'd spare, from Steel receives its date,
And Monuments, like Men, submit to Fate!
Steel cou'd the Labour of the Gods destroy,
And strike to Dust th' Imperial Tow'rs of Troy.
Steel cou'd the Works of mortal Pride confound,
And hew Triumphal Arches to the Ground.
What Wonder then, fair Nymph! thy Hairs shou'd feel
The conqu'ring Force of unresisted Steel?
- Meads- meadows
- Crowned- crown, decorated
- Surveys- to look something
- Rising towers- increasing
towers
- Majestic frame- Hampton
court
- Foredoom- predestination
- Nymphs at home- beautiful
ladies at court
- Three realms- England,
Scotland and Ireland
- Resort- vacation place,
visit
- Instructive hours- time
spent in getting insight
- Indian screen- designs from
the east
- Interprets- finding meaning
of
- A reputation dies- someone’s
reputation is ruined or spoiled
- Pause- break
- Chat- gossip, conversation
- Ogling- desirous look
- Declining- downward
- Obliquely- indirectly
- Wretches- some body
miserable
- Exchange- building used for
commercial activities
- Long labours of the toilet-
the prolonged use of toilet by fashionable ladies
- Encounter- meeting
- Adventurous knights- bold
protector of a woman
- At ombre singly- a lone at a
game of cards (ombre)
- Doom- last thing
- Band- group
- Sacred nine- muses, nine in
number
- The aerial guard- sylphs
- Perched- sitting place
- Matadore- high card on ombre
- Ranks- position
- Mindful- taking care,
conscious
- Wondrous fond- amazingly
loving
- Place- placing according to
their position
- In majesty revered- deeply
respected
- Hoary- white with age
- Whiskers- moustache
- Forky- like the two fork’s
ends
- Fairy queens- the queens of
the four cards
- Emblem- symbol
- Knaves- man servants in the
cards
- Garbs- dress
- Succinct- to the point
- Halberds- a long handle
battle-axe
- Parti-coloured- wearing
different coloured dresses
- Combat- battle
- Velvet plain- velvet
covering on the table
- Reviews- surveys of past
- Sable- black
- Matadore- in ombre game, one
of the three principal cards
- Swarthy- dark complexion
- Spadillio- card of spades
suite
- Swept the board- taking all
cards tricks (the game)
- Manillio- two cards of
spades
- Verdant- with lush green
- Basto- ace of clubs
- Plebian- ordinary
- Saber- heavy sword
- Hoary majesty- dignified and
old king
- Rebel knave- the knave of
spades
- Prince engage- hold arms
around
- Royal rage- imperial anger
- Pam- jack of clubs
- Mow’d down- cut down tall
growth
- Loo- gambling card game
- Undistinguished- ordinary
- Warlike amazon- the hostile
looking queen of spades
- Imperial consort- queen
- Club’s black tyrant- suite
of card with club symbol
- Spite of- despite
- Haughty mien- proud face
- Barbarous pride- superior
vanity
- Boots- hard kick
- Regal circle- crown
- Unwieldy- difficult to
manage
- Pompous robe- gorgeous dress
- Grasps- take hold
- Embroidered- ornamented
- Refulgent- brilliantly
shining
- Routed- scattered
- Sable sons- black skinned
children
- Habit- religious dressing
- Pierced battalions- affected
army
- Wily- crafty
- Forsook- forsake from
- Livid paleness- dull pale
colour
- Approaching ill- coming
disaster
- In the jaws of ruin- in the
jaws of wreck
- Codille- a term used at the
game of ombre, when challenger lost the game
- Lurked- hidden
- Springs- leaps
- Eager pace- speedy rush
- Exulting- euphoric
- Canals- canals of Hampton
court
- Dejected- very unhappy
- Elate- puffed up
- Snatched away- take quickly
- Berries- small juicy fruit
- Crackle-make rustle sound
- Mill- coffee mill
- Japan- a bright japan’d
stand
- Fiery- intense emotions
- Blaze- burn
- Grateful liquors- sweet
smell of coffee
- Glide- pour smoothly
- China’s earth- porcelain
cups
- Smoking tide- steaming from
liquid (tea,coffee)
- Gratify- full fill a desire
- Repast- sit-down meal
- Airy band- sylphs
- Sipped- drinking a small
amount
- Fanned- air cooled
- Stratagems- clever scheme
- Radiant- bright
- Lock- rings of belinda’s
hair
- Desist- crease
- Scylla’s- Scylla, she was
changed into a bird and flit in air for cutting off nisus’s lock of hair
- Flit- fly from one place to
another
- Nisus’ injured hair- nisus
hair’s, which was cut off by Scylla
- Two edged weapon- mean
scissors
- Rev’rence- respect
- Extends- increase
- Little engine- here means
scissors
- Fragrant streams- sweet
smelling fumes (coffee)
- Sprites- sylphs
- Twitched- hurt sharphly
- Diamond in her ear- diamond
earring
- Close recesses- secret
remote place
- Nosegay- posy of flowers
- Lurking- in hiding
- Amazed- puzzled
- Expired- death
- Resigned- left
- Peer- baron
- Glittering forfex- shining
scissors
- Fatal engine- dreadful
(scissors)
- Fondly- madly
- Interposed- intervened
- Urged- hurried
- Shears- scissors
- Dissever- separate
- Living lightning- angry look
- Screams of horror- fear
cries
- Rend- to tear
- Affrighted- frightened,
terror
- Cast- throw
- Breath their last- to die
- China vessels- porcelain cup
- Painted fragments- lustrous
pieces of china vessels
- Wreathes of triumph- crown
of victory
- Twine- encircle
- Coach and six- coach drawn
by six horses
- Atalantis- a blue book in
pope’s time (the new atalantis)
- Treats- entertainments
- Assignations- lover’s
meeting
CANTO 4
BUT anxious Cares the pensive Nymph opprest,
And secret Passions labour'd in her Breast.
Not youthful Kings in Battel seiz'd alive,
Not scornful Virgins who their Charms survive,
Not ardent Lovers robb'd of all their Bliss,
Not ancient Ladies when refus'd a Kiss,
Not Tyrants fierce that unrepenting die,
Not Cynthia when her Manteau's pinn'd awry,
E'er felt such Rage, Resentment and Despair,
As Thou, sad Virgin! for thy ravish'd Hair.
For, that sad moment, when the Sylphs withdrew,
And Ariel weeping from Belinda flew,
Umbriel, a dusky melancholy Spright,
As ever sully'd the fair face of Light,
Down to the Central Earth, his proper Scene,
Repairs to search the gloomy Cave of Spleen.
Swift on his sooty Pinions flitts the Gnome,
And in a Vapour reach'd the dismal Dome.
No cheerful Breeze this sullen Region knows,
The dreaded East is all the Wind that blows.
Here, in a Grotto, sheltred close from Air,
And screen'd in Shades from Day's detested Glare,
She sighs for ever on her pensive Bed,
Pain at her side, and Megrim at her Head.
Two Handmaids wait the Throne: Alike in Place,
But diff'ring far in Figure and in Face.
Here stood Ill-nature like an ancient Maid,
Her wrinkled Form in Black and White array'd;
With store of Pray'rs, for Mornings, Nights, and Noons,
Her Hand is fill'd; her Bosom with Lampoons.
There Affectation with a sickly Mien
Shows in her Cheek the Roses of Eighteen,
Practis'd to Lisp, and hang the Head aside,
Faints into Airs, and languishes with Pride;
On the rich Quilt sinks with becoming Woe,
Wrapt in a Gown, for Sickness, and for Show.
The Fair ones feel such Maladies as these,
When each new Night-Dress gives a new Disease.
A constant Vapour o'er the Palace flies;
Strange Phantoms rising as the Mists arise;
Dreadful, as Hermit's Dreams in haunted Shades,
Or bright as Visions of expiring Maids.
Now glaring Fiends, and Snakes on rolling Spires,
Pale Spectres, gaping Tombs, and Purple Fires:
Now Lakes of liquid Gold, Elysian Scenes,
And Crystal Domes, and Angels in Machines.
Unnumber'd Throngs on ev'ry side are seen
Of Bodies chang'd to various Forms by Spleen.
Here living Teapots stand, one Arm held out,
One bent; the Handle this, and that the Spout:
A Pipkin there like Homer's Tripod walks;
Here sighs a Jar, and there a Goose Pie talks;
Men prove with Child, as pow'rful Fancy works,
And Maids turn'd Bottels, call aloud for Corks.
Safe past the Gnome thro' this fantastick Band,
A Branch of healing Spleenwort in his hand.
Then thus addrest the Pow'r--Hail wayward Queen!
Who rule the Sex to Fifty from Fifteen,
Parent of Vapors and of Female Wit,
Who give th' Hysteric or Poetic Fit,
On various Tempers act by various ways,
Make some take Physick, others scribble Plays;
Who cause the Proud their Visits to delay,
And send the Godly in a Pett, to pray.
A Nymph there is, that all thy Pow'r disdains,
And thousands more in equal Mirth maintains.
But oh! if e'er thy Gnome could spoil a Grace,
Or raise a Pimple on a beauteous Face,
Like Citron-Waters Matron's Cheeks inflame,
Or change Complexions at a losing Game;
If e'er with airy Horns I planted Heads,
Or rumpled Petticoats, or tumbled Beds,
Or caus'd Suspicion when no Soul was rude,
Or discompos'd the Head-dress of a Prude,
Or e'er to costive Lap-Dog gave Disease,
Which not the Tears of brightest Eyes could ease:
Hear me, and touch Belinda with Chagrin;
That single Act gives half the World the Spleen.
The Goddess with a discontented Air
Seems to reject him, tho' she grants his Pray'r.
A wondrous Bag with both her Hands she binds,
Like that where once Ulysses held the Winds;
There she collects the Force of Female Lungs,
Sighs, Sobs, and Passions, and the War of Tongues.
A Vial next she fills with fainting Fears,
Soft Sorrows, melting Griefs, and flowing Tears.
The Gnome rejoicing bears her Gift away,
Spreads his black Wings, and slowly mounts to Day.
Sunk in Thalestris' Arms the Nymph he found,
Her Eyes dejected and her Hair unbound.
Full o'er their Heads the swelling Bag he rent,
And all the Furies issued at the Vent.
Belinda burns with more than mortal Ire,
And fierce Thalestris fans the rising Fire.
O wretched Maid! she spread her hands, and cry'd,
(While Hampton's Ecchos, wretched Maid reply'd)
Was it for this you took such constant Care
The Bodkin, Comb, and Essence to prepare;
For this your Locks in Paper-Durance bound,
For this with tort'ring Irons wreath'd around?
For this with Fillets strain'd your tender Head,
And bravely bore the double Loads of Lead?
Gods! shall the Ravisher display your Hair,
While the Fops envy, and the Ladies stare!
Honour forbid! at whose unrival'd Shrine
Ease, Pleasure, Virtue, All, our Sex resign.
Methinks already I your Tears survey,
Already hear the horrid things they say,
Already see you a degraded Toast,
And all your Honour in a Whisper lost!
How shall I, then, your helpless Fame defend?
'Twill then be Infamy to seem your Friend!
And shall this Prize, th' inestimable Prize,
Expos'd thro' Crystal to the gazing Eyes,
And heighten'd by the Diamond's circling Rays,
On that Rapacious Hand for ever blaze?
Sooner shall Grass in Hide Park Circus grow,
And Wits take Lodgings in the Sound of Bow;
Sooner let Earth, Air, Sea, to Chaos fall,
Men, Monkies, Lap-dogs, Parrots, perish all!
She said; then raging to Sir Plume repairs,
And bids her Beau demand the precious Hairs:
(Sir Plume, of Amber Snuff-box justly vain,
And the nice Conduct of a clouded Cane)
With earnest Eyes, and round unthinking Face,
He first the Snuff-box open'd, then the Case,
And thus broke out--- "My Lord, why, what the Devil?
"Z---ds! damn the Lock! 'fore Gad, you must be civil!
"Plague on't! 'tis past a Jest---nay prithee, Pox!
"Give her the Hair---he spoke, and rapp'd his Box.
It grieves me much (reply'd the Peer again)
Who speaks so well shou'd ever speak in vain.
But by this Lock, this sacred Lock I swear,
(Which never more shall join its parted Hair,
Which never more its Honours shall renew,
Clipt from the lovely Head where late it grew)
That while my Nostrils draw the vital Air,
This Hand, which won it, shall for ever wear.
He spoke, and speaking, in proud Triumph spread
The long-contended Honours of her Head.
But Umbriel, hateful Gnome! forbears not so;
He breaks the Vial whence the Sorrows flow.
Then see! the Nymph in beauteous Grief appears,
Her Eyes half languishing, half drown'd in Tears;
On her heav'd Bosom hung her drooping Head,
Which, with a Sigh, she rais'd; and thus she said.
For ever curs'd be this detested Day,
Which snatch'd my best, my fav'rite Curl away!
Happy! ah ten times happy, had I been,
If Hampton-Court these Eyes had never seen!
Yet am not I the first mistaken Maid,
By Love of Courts to num'rous Ills betray'd.
Oh had I rather un-admir'd remain'd
In some lone Isle, or distant Northern Land;
Where the gilt Chariot never marks the way,
Where none learn Ombre, none e'er taste Bohea!
There kept my Charms conceal'd from mortal Eye,
Like Roses that in Desarts bloom and die.
What mov'd my Mind with youthful Lords to rome?
O had I stay'd, and said my Pray'rs at home!
'Twas this, the Morning Omens seem'd to tell;
Thrice from my trembling hand the Patch-box fell;
The tott'ring China shook without a Wind,
Nay, Poll sate mute, and Shock was most Unkind!
A Sylph too warn'd me of the Threats of Fate,
In mystic Visions, now believ'd too late!
See the poor Remnants of these slighted Hairs!
My hands shall rend what ev'n thy Rapine spares:
These, in two sable Ringlets taught to break,
Once gave new Beauties to the snowie Neck.
The Sister-Lock now sits uncouth, alone,
And in its Fellow's Fate foresees its own;
Uncurl'd it hangs, the fatal Sheers demands;
And tempts once more thy sacrilegious Hands.
Oh hadst thou, Cruel! been content to seize
Hairs less in sight, or any Hairs but these!
Steel-
here means swords
Date-
time of an event
Monuments-
memorials (statue)
Imperial
towers- emperor palace
Confound-
confused
Arches-
passage under curved gateway to celebrate victory
Unresisted-
irresistible
Anxious
cares- worried thoughts
Pensive-
melancholy
Nymph-
fashionable woman
Opprest-
lacking inner calm
Passions-
intense emotion
Laboured-
struggled
Seized-
take hostage
Ardent-
passionate
Unrepenting-
unregretted
Cynthia-
moon-goddess (an imaginary name)
Manteau’s-
loosed upper garment
Pinned
awry- clutched in a disarrange manner
Ravished-
raped (the hair lock that was cut by baron)
Dusky-
dark coloured
Sullied-
spoil, make dirty
Scene-
panorama
Gloomy-
dark; dull
Sooty-
dark
Pinions-
wings
Dismal-
depressing
Dome-
palace
East-
blowing from the east
Grotto-
cave
Megrim-
migraine, headache
Handmaids-
woman servants
Wait-
stay upon
Ancient-
old
Black
and white arrayed- collection of black and white lines
Affectation-
act intended to impress
Sickly
mein- colourless appearance
Practiced-
expert
Lisp-
speech defect
Languishes-
pines
Rich
quilt- expensive bed cushions
Becoming
woe- becoming anguish
Wrapt-
enfold
Maladies-
illness
Phantoms-
illusions
Haunted
shades- obsessed caves
Expiring-
death
Glaring-
angry
Fiends-
devils
Specters-
ghosts
Gaping
tombs- wide graves or tombs
Elysian-
paradisal
Crystal-
clear
Throngs-
crowds
Tea
pots- standing posture of woman’s like a tea-pots
Pipkin-
small cooking earthen pot
Tripod-
three-leffed table or stool
Jar-
a woman thinks that she herself transformed into a jar
Goose-
pie- water bird meat baked in a paste to make some sort of cake
Men
prove with child- men expecting themselves
Corks-
stoppers
Spleenwort-
a plant that use to treat the disorders of spleen
Vapours-
melancholy
Female
wit- female smartness
Poetic
fit- craze for poetry writing
Various
tempers- persons of different frame of mind
Take
physic- use of medicine
Scribble
plays- worthless writing of plays
Proud-
self-important women
Visits-
courtesy visit to their new neighbours
Godly-
divine,, religious
Fit-
ill humour
Disdains-
rejects
Spoil
a grace- spoil the beauty and dignity of a woman
Citron-waters-
a lemon mixed water which makes the face reddish
Rumbled-
tangled
Tumbled-
unkempt, tossed
Rude-
indecent
Discompos’d-
upset
Prude-
somebody easily shocked by sex
Costive-
constipated
Chagrin-
ill-humour; heart burning
Discontented
air- dissatisfied with situation
Wondrous-
amazingly
Ulysses-
a mythological character
Melting
griefs- sentimental expressions of sorrow and grief
Mounts
to day- move through air to the sphere of light
Dejected-
saddened
Furies-
burst of anger
Issue-
came out
At
the vent- at the opening
Ire-
deep anger
Fans-
make somebody angry
Rising
fire- increasing anger
Bodkin-
hair-pin with ornament
Essence-
scent
For
this- for such a conclusion
Durance-
curling papers
Torturing-
painful
Irons-
pins made of iron
Wreathed-
crowned
Fillets-
ribbon around head
Strained-
stressed
Double
loads of lead- lead fasters to the curl
Ravisher-
carry something out (baron, who taken away the curl by force)
Fops-
fashion conscious men
Unrivalled-
no equal, supreme
Survey-
looking carefully
Horrid-
causing horror
Toast-
call to honour somebody
Whisper-
rumour, talked in low voice
Hapless-
unlucky
Infamy-
shameful conduct
Inestimable-
invaluable
Blaze-
shine
Amber
snuff-box- a small ornamental box of yellow colour
Justly
vain- rightly prideful
Conduct-
to guide somebody
Clouded-
hazy, spotted
Zounds-
by god’s wounds
Civil-
polite
Plague
on’t- annoyance it ( the lock)
Pox-
a venereal disease causing spots on the skin
Rapped-
struck stylishly
Its
parted hair- separated hair lock
Clipped-
abrupt, curt
Vital-
crucial for life
Forbears
not so- cannot be thus calm
Vial-
a small glass bottle
Half-languishing-
become less successful
Heaved-
enlargement
Curs’d-
hateful
Detested-
hated
Snatched-
take quickly
These
eye had never seen- Belinda had never seen
Mistaken
maik- misguided girl; deceived woman
Numerous-
many
Isle-
island
Gilt-
decorated with thin layer of gold
Bohea-
black Chinese tea
Concealed-
hide fact
Mortal
eye- human fatal eye
Bloom-
flower
Roam-
aimless wander
Omens-
prophetic sign of evil
Tottering-
walk unsteadily
China-
container’s of porcelain
Poll-
parrot of Belinda
Shock-
lap dog of Belinda
Remnants-
small part left
Rend-
tear off
Rapine-
plunder, theft; robbery
Sable-
black
Ringlets-
curly lock of hair
Taught
to break- trained to fall in two layers of curls
Sister
lock- the other remaining lock
Sits-
leftovers
Uncouth-
uncivilized
Fatal
shears- terrible pair of scissors
Sacrilegious-
disgraceful
CANTO 5
SHE said: the pitying Audience melt in Tears,
But Fate and Jove had stopp'd the Baron's Ears.
In vain Thalestris with Reproach assails,
For who can move when fair Belinda fails?
Not half to fixt the Trojan cou'd remain,
While Anna begg'd and Dido rag'd in vain.
Then grave Clarissa graceful wav'd her Fan;
Silence ensu'd, and thus the Nymph began.
Say, why are Beauties prais'd and honour'd most,
The wise Man's Passion, and the vain Man's Toast?
Why deck'd with all that Land and Sea afford,
Why Angels call'd, and Angel-like ador'd?
Why round our Coaches crowd the white-glov'd Beaus,
Why bows the Side-box from its inmost Rows?
How vain are all these Glories, all our Pains,
Unless good Sense preserve what Beauty gains:
That Men may say, when we the Front-box grace,
Behold the first in Virtue, as in Face!
Oh! if to dance all Night, and dress all Day,
Charm'd the Small-pox, or chas'd old Age away;
Who would not scorn what Huswife's Cares produce,
Or who would learn one earthly Thing of Use?
To patch, nay ogle, might become a Saint,
Nor could it sure be such a Sin to paint.
But since, alas! frail Beauty must decay,
Curl'd or uncurl'd, since Locks will turn to grey,
Since paint'd, or not paint'd, all shall fade,
And she who scorns a Man, must die a Maid;
What then remains, but well our Pow'r to use,
And keep good Humour still whate'er we lose?
And trust me, Dear! good Humour can prevail,
When Airs, and Flights, and Screams, and Scolding fail.
Beauties in vain their pretty Eyes may roll;
Charms strike the Sight, but Merit wins the Soul.
So spake the Dame, but no Applause ensu'd;
Belinda frown'd, Thalestris call'd her Prude.
To Arms, to Arms! the fierce Virago cries,
And swift as Lightning to the Combate flies.
All side in Parties, and begin th' Attack;
Fans clap, Silks russle, and tough Whalebones crack;
Heroes and Heroins Shouts confus'dly rise,
And base, and treble Voices strike the Skies.
No common Weapons in their Hands are found,
Like Gods they fight, nor dread a mortal Wound.
So when bold Homer makes the Gods engage,
And heav'nly Breasts with human Passions rage;
'Gainst Pallas, Mars; Latona, Hermes arms;
And all Olympus rings with loud Alarms.
Jove's Thunder roars, Heav'n trembles all around;
Blue Neptune storms, the bellowing Deeps resound;
Earth shakes her nodding Tow'rs, the Ground gives way;
And the pale Ghosts start at the Flash of Day!
Triumphant Umbriel on a Sconce's Height
Clapt his glad Wings, and sate to view the Fight,
Propt on their Bodkin Spears, the Sprights survey
The growing Combat, or assist the Fray.
While thro' the Press enrag'd Thalestries flies,
And scatters Deaths around from both her Eyes,
A Beau and Witling perish'd in the Throng,
One dy'd in Metaphor, and one in Song.
O cruel Nymph! a living Death I bear,
Cry'd Dapperwit, and sunk beside his Chair.
A mournful Glance Sir Fopling upwards cast,
Those Eyes are made so killing---was his last:
Thus on Meander's flow'ry Margin lies
Th' expiring Swan, and as he sings he dies.
When bold Sir Plume had drawn Clarissa down,
Chloe stept in, and kill'd him with a Frown;
She smil'd to see the doughty Hero slain,
But at her Smile, the Beau reviv'd again.
Now Jove suspends his golden Scales in Air,
Weighs the Mens Wits against the Lady's Hair;
The doubtful Beam long nods from side to side;
At length the Wits mount up, the Hairs subside.
See fierce Belinda on the Baron flies,
With more than usual Lightning in her Eyes;
Nor fear'd the Chief th' unequal Fight to try,
Who sought no more than on his Foe to die.
But this bold Lord, with manly Strength indu'd,
She with one Finger and a Thumb subdu'd,
Just where the Breath of Life his Nostrils drew,
A Charge of Snuff the wily Virgin threw;
The Gnomes direct, to ev'ry Atome just,
The pungent Grains of titillating Dust.
Sudden, with starting Tears each Eye o'erflows,
And the high Dome re-ecchoes to his Nose.
Now meet thy Fate, incens'd Belinda cry'd,
And drew a deadly Bodkin from her Side.
(The same, his ancient Personage to deck,
Her great great Grandsire wore about his Neck
In three Seal-Rings which after, melted down,
Form'd a vast Buckle for his Widow's Gown:
Her infant Grandame's Whistle next it grew,
The Bells she gingled, and the Whistle blew;
Then in a Bodkin grac'd her Mother's Hairs,
Which long she wore, and now Belinda wears.)
Boast not my Fall (he cry'd) insulting Foe!
Thou by some other shalt be laid as low.
Nor think, to die dejects my lofty Mind;
All that I dread, is leaving you behind!
Rather than so, ah let me still survive,
And burn in Cupid's Flames,---but burn alive.
Restore the Lock! she cries; and all around
Restore the Lock! the vaulted Roofs rebound.
Not fierce Othello in so loud a Strain
Roar'd for the Handkerchief that caus'd his Pain.
But see how oft Ambitious Aims are cross'd,
And Chiefs contend 'till all the Prize is lost!
The Lock, obtain'd with Guilt, and kept with Pain,
In ev'ry place is sought, but sought in vain:
With such a Prize no Mortal must be blest,
So Heav'n decrees! with Heav'n who can contest?
Some thought it mounted to the Lunar Sphere,
Since all things lost on Earth, are treasur'd there.
There Heroe's Wits are kept in pondrous Vases,
And Beau's in Snuff-boxes and Tweezer-Cases.
There broken Vows, and Death-bed Alms are found,
And Lovers Hearts with Ends of Riband bound;
The Courtiers Promises, and Sick Man's Pray'rs,
The Smiles of Harlots, and the Tears of Heirs,
Cages for Gnats, and Chains to Yoak a Flea;
Dry'd Butterflies, and Tomes of Casuistry.
But trust the Muse---she saw it upward rise,
Tho' mark'd by none but quick Poetic Eyes:
(So Rome's great Founder to the Heav'ns withdrew,
To Proculus alone confess'd in view.)
A sudden Star, it shot thro' liquid Air,
And drew behind a radiant Trail of Hair.
Not Berenice's Locks first rose so bright,
The heav'ns bespangling with dishevel'd light.
The Sylphs behold it kindling as it flies,
And pleas'd pursue its Progress thro' the Skies.
This the Beau-monde shall from the Mall survey,
And hail with Musick its propitious Ray.
This, the blest Lover shall for Venus take,
And send up Vows from Rosamonda's Lake.
This Partridge soon shall view in cloudless Skies,
When next he looks thro' Galilaeo's Eyes;
And hence th' Egregious Wizard shall foredoom
The Fate of Louis, and the Fall of Rome.
Then cease, bright Nymph! to mourn the ravish'd Hair
Which adds new Glory to the shining Sphere!
Not all the Tresses that fair Head can boast
Shall draw such Envy as the Lock you lost.
For, after all the Murders of your Eye,
When, after Millions slain, your self shall die;
When those fair Suns shall sett, as sett they must,
And all those Tresses shall be laid in Dust;
This Lock, the Muse shall consecrate to Fame,
And mid'st the Stars inscribe Belinda's Name!
Melt
in the tears- burst into tears to express their grief
Jove-
Jupiter, roman’s mythological god
Reproach-
to criticize
Assails-
attacks
Trojan-
citizen of ancient troy
Anna-
sister of dido
Dido-
queen of carthage
Ensued-
follow, result
Toast-
raising of glasses to honour
Decked-
done up decoratively
Afford-
provide
Adored-
love deeply
White-
glove
Beaux-
gallants, wearing white gloves
Side-box-
side boxes at the theatres
Front-box-
for ladies boxes at the theatre front
Charmed-
lucky
Chased-
pursue somebody
Scorn-
disdain
Ogle-
desirous look
Frail-
easy to break
Decay-
decomposed, to end, death
Must
die a maid- remain bachelor
Airs-
false poses
Flights-
act of flying
Scolding-
telling off
Roll-
walk in seductive or inviting manner
Merit-
spiritual credit
Applause-
clapping of hand
Ensued-
followed
Prude-
a woman of affected decency
Virago-
courageous woman
To
cambat flies- to rush off to encounter
All
side in parties- made two groups of present persons
Rustle-
a swishing sound
Whalebones-
whale’s bones used in petticoat of ladies
Crack-
a sharp sound
Bass-
deep sounding
Treble-
high-pitched
Dread-
terror
Olympous-
home of the gods
Resounds-
echoes
Jove’s-
Jupiter or zwus, a god
Neptune-
roman god of sea
Bellowing-
shout loudly
Deeps-
down from a surface, sea
Nodding-
move in wind, shaking
Ghosts
start- ghost started
Flash
of day- first light, morning
Sconce’s-
candleholder
Clapped-
flapped
Propp’d-
rigid support
Sprites-
soul
Fray-
battle
Press-
congestion
Witling-
somebody attempting wit
A
living death- life in a condition of death
Mournful
glance- looking sad
Meander’s-
name of river in turkey
Margin-
edge, shore
Expiring-
to dying, near to death
Frown-
angry look
Doughty-
resolute
Suspends-
hanged
Scales-
measuring device
Nods-
lose concentration
Subside-
goes down, drop to lower level
Endued-
continual; struggled
Subdued-
overcome
Wily-
crafty; conniving
Pungent-
strong smelling
Titillating-
to excite somebody
Incensed-
enrage
Ancient
personage- forerunner
Deck-
adorn
Seal
rings- owner’s name carved on the ring
Dejects-
dishearten
Dread-
terror
Cupid’s-
god of love
Rebound-
bounce
Othello-
Shakespeare play’s hero “Othello”
Crossed-
overcome
Contend-
resist
Decrees-
court ruling; passes judgement
Lunar
sphere- part of sky where the moon is
Treasur’d-
stored
Pand’rous-
huge; big
Vases-
container for flowers
Tweezer
cases- small holding instrument
Harlots-
prostitutes
Dried-
conserved by drying
Tomes-
large book volumes
Casuistry-
application of principles to moral questions
Founder-
founder of rome
Withdrew-
removed something
Proculus-
roman senator
Confessed-
openly admitted
Radiant-
shining
Trail-
queue
Berenices-
Egyptian queen
Bespangling-
to decorate with ornament
Disheveled
light- disordered stripes of light
Kindling-
heating
Beau
monde- high society
Mall-
pall-mall, a fashionable shopping mall in London
Venus-
roman goddess of love
Rosamonda’s
lock- rosamonda’s lake in hyde park
Partridge-
medium size game bird
Galileo’s
eyes- telescope
Egregious-
disgusting
Foredoom-
prediction
Louis-
king of france
Fall
of rome- the end of the authority of the rome
Tresses-
lock of hairs
Murdered
of your eyes- death of the lovers due to your eyes
Millions
stain- many lovers lost in your magnetism
Fair
suns- belinda’s eyes
Consecrate-
dedicate
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