Elegia XIII.[303]

by Christopher Marlowe — a poem card from Justes Mots

A desperate prayer to Lucina, the Roman goddess of childbirth, begging her to save Corinna's life after she has attempted a dangerous miscarriage. The speaker invokes Egyptian deities and offers vows and sacrifices in exchange for mercy. The poem reveals profound fear of loss and the helplessness of love confronted with mortal danger.

While rashly her womb's burden she casts out,
Weary Corinna hath her life in doubt.
She, secretly from[304] me, such harm attempted,
Angry I was, but fear my wrath exempted.
But she conceived of me; or I am sure
I oft have done what might as much procure.
Thou that frequent'st Canopus' pleasant fields,
Memphis, and Pharos that sweet date-trees yields,…

Themes: love · new-baby · wedding · friendship