Epigrams

by Edmund Spenser — a poem card from Justes Mots

Four Spenserian epigrams playfully depict Cupid's mishaps and romantic follies—from love's sting to confused identities to a bee's retaliation. Two are translated from Marot; others are original witty tales teaching lessons about love's power and consequences. These light verses suit readers seeking humorous yet pointed observations on romance.

I*.
[* In the folio of 1611, these four short pieces are appended to the Sonnets. The second and third are translated from Marot's Epigrams, Liv. III. No. 5, De Diane, and No. 24, De Cupido et de sa Dame. C.]

In youth, before I waxed old,
The blynd boy, Venus baby,
For want of cunning, made me bold
In bitter hyve to grope for honny:
But when he saw me stung and cry,…

Themes: love · new-baby · wedding · friendship