Elegia III.[248]

by Christopher Marlowe — a poem card from Justes Mots

The poet criticizes the eunuch keeper who guards his mistress, arguing that castration renders him useless for both protection and pleasure. Marlowe's translation employs provocative language to mock impotence while celebrating heterosexual desire. The tone is irreverent and sensual, typical of Roman erotic elegy.

Ay me, an eunuch keeps my mistress chaste,
That cannot Venus' mutual pleasure taste.
Who first deprived young boys of their best part,
With self-same wounds he gave, he ought to smart.
To kind requests thou would'st 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.…

Themes: love · new-baby · wedding · friendship