Elegia VII.[276]

by Christopher Marlowe — a poem card from Justes Mots

The speaker defends himself against his lover's baseless jealousy and rash accusations, denying a charge that he seduced a maidservant. Weary of constant suspicion, he invokes Venus as witness to his innocence and appeals for trust. This brief elegy captures the frustration of being perpetually misbelieved in love.

Dost me of new crimes always guilty frame?
To overcome, so oft to fight I shame.
If on the marble theatre I look,
One among many is, to grieve thee, took.
If 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.…

Themes: love · new-baby · wedding · friendship