Another to the Same. (To Leonora)

by William Cowper — a poem card from Justes Mots

A poetic address relocating the classical siren Parthenope from Naples to Rome, celebrating her enduring power of enchantment across locations and audiences. The poem merges classical mythology with contemporary geography, suggesting that true beauty and talent transcend place. It reflects romantic nostalgia for classical elegance and universal human appeal.

Naples, too credulous, ah! boast no more
The sweet-voiced Siren buried on thy shore,
That, when Parthenope[1] deceas'd, she gave
Her sacred dust to a Chalcidic[2] grave,
For still she lives, but has exchanged the hoarse
Pausilipo for Tiber's placid course,
Where, idol of all Rome, she now in chains,
Of magic song both Gods and Men detains.…

Themes: love · new-baby · wedding · friendship