Elegia XI.[197]

by Christopher Marlowe — a poem card from Justes Mots

Marlowe addresses Napè, a servant, entrusting her with a love letter to his mistress Corinna and praising her discretion and loyalty in facilitating their secret meetings. The poem celebrates the role of faithful intermediaries in love affairs and expresses confidence in Napè's ability to read signs and carry messages. It exemplifies the Renaissance conventions of love service and the importance of trustworthy confidants.

In skilful gathering ruffled hairs in order,
Napè, free-born, whose cunning hath no border,[198]
Thy service for night's scapes is known commodious,
And to give signs dull wit to thee is odious.[199]
Corinna clips me oft by thy persuasion:
Never to harm me made thy faith evasion.
Receive these lines; them to my mistress carry;
Be sedulous; let no stay cause thee tarry,…

Themes: love · new-baby · wedding · friendship