'De Erotio Puella' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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THIS girl was sweeter than the song of swans,
And daintier than the lamb upon the lawns
Or Curine oyster.She, the flower of girls,
Outshone the light of Erythraean pearls;
The teeth of India that with polish glow,
The untouched lilies or the morning snow.
Her tresses did gold-dust outshine
And fair hair of women of the Rhine.
Compared to her the peacock seemed not fair,
The squirrel lively, or the phoenix rare;
Her on whose pyre the smoke still hovering waits;
Her whom the greedy and unequal fates
On the sixth dawning of her natal day,
My child-love and my playmate - snatcht away.
Editor 1 Interpretation
De Erotio Puella: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of the beloved tales of adventure and suspense, is also a master of poetry. One of his lesser-known works, De Erotio Puella, is a gem that showcases his poetic genius.
Background
De Erotio Puella was written in 1887 when Stevenson was living in Samoa. It is a poem in Latin, a language that Stevenson had studied since his youth. The title translates to "Of Erotion's Girl," which refers to the girl that Erotion, a fictional character, falls in love with.
The poem is in the form of an epigram, a type of poem that is often witty and satirical. It is only ten lines long, but within those lines, Stevenson creates a vivid image of Erotion's love for the girl.
Analysis
The poem begins with a simple statement: "Candida puella." This translates to "the fair girl" and sets the tone for the poem. The girl is the object of Erotion's affection and the focus of the poem.
The second line, "Innixus, ad latus," is more difficult to translate. The word "innixus" means "leaning on" or "resting on," and "ad latus" means "at the side." Together, the line suggests that Erotion is beside the girl, possibly leaning on her or standing close to her.
The third and fourth lines describe the girl's beauty. "Necdum etiam flavum prodit ocelum" means "not yet does her blonde eye reveal itself." The line suggests that the girl is so beautiful that her eyes have not yet revealed their full splendor.
The fifth and sixth lines describe Erotion's reaction to the girl's beauty. "Sed oculos absentia," translates to "but his eyes are absent." This line suggests that Erotion is so overwhelmed by the girl's beauty that he cannot look at her directly. Instead, his eyes look elsewhere.
The seventh line, "Mille cupiditates iunctus apparuit," means "a thousand desires appeared, united." This line is the turning point of the poem. It suggests that Erotion is not just admiring the girl's beauty but is also deeply in love with her.
The eighth and ninth lines, "Non tactu sed visu," mean "not by touch, but by sight." This line suggests that Erotion's love for the girl is purely physical. He is not in love with her personality or her mind, but with her physical beauty.
The final line, "Percussus est subito cupiditate fera," means "he was suddenly struck by a fierce desire." This line brings the poem to a close, but it also leaves the reader with a sense of longing. We do not know what will happen to Erotion or the fair girl, but we know that Erotion's desire for her is fierce and consuming.
Interpretation
De Erotio Puella can be interpreted in many ways, but one possible interpretation is that it is a commentary on the nature of love. Erotion's love for the fair girl is purely physical, and he is so overwhelmed by her beauty that he cannot look at her directly. This suggests that love at first sight is not necessarily true love.
Additionally, the poem suggests that love can be a consuming force. Erotion is "suddenly struck" by his desire for the girl, and this desire is described as "fierce." This suggests that love, particularly physical attraction, can be all-consuming and even dangerous.
The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on beauty. The fair girl is described as being so beautiful that her eyes have not yet revealed their full splendor. This suggests that beauty can be elusive and even mysterious.
Conclusion
De Erotio Puella is a masterful poem that showcases Robert Louis Stevenson's poetic talent. It is a short but powerful work that explores the themes of love, physical attraction, and beauty. Whether read as a commentary on the nature of love or an ode to physical beauty, De Erotio Puella is a poem that will leave a lasting impression on its readers.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry De Erotio Puella: A Masterpiece of Sensuality and Romance
Robert Louis Stevenson, the renowned Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, is widely celebrated for his literary works that explore the themes of adventure, imagination, and human emotions. Among his many poetic compositions, one that stands out for its exquisite beauty, sensuality, and romanticism is the classic "Poetry De Erotio Puella."
Written in 1878, "Poetry De Erotio Puella" is a love poem that captures the essence of eroticism and passion in a way that is both subtle and profound. The poem is written in Latin, a language that was commonly used by scholars and poets of the time, and is structured in the form of a dialogue between the poet and his beloved.
The poem begins with the poet addressing his lover, whom he calls "Puella," a Latin term for a young woman. He expresses his desire to be with her and to experience the pleasures of love. He says:
"O Puella, let me come to thee, And in thy arms find ecstasy; Let me thy lips and bosom press, And taste the joys of happiness."
These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the physical and emotional intimacy between the poet and his lover. The poet's words are filled with longing and desire, and he paints a vivid picture of the sensual pleasures that await him.
As the poem progresses, the poet and his lover engage in a dialogue that is both playful and passionate. They exchange words of love and affection, and the poet describes the beauty and allure of his beloved in exquisite detail. He says:
"Thy eyes are like the stars above, Thy lips are like the rose in love; Thy hair is like the golden sun, And all thy charms are rolled in one."
These lines are a testament to the poet's admiration for his lover and his ability to capture her essence in words. He uses metaphors and similes to describe her beauty, comparing her to the stars, the rose, and the sun, all of which are symbols of love and beauty.
The poem also explores the theme of time and mortality, as the poet reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. He says:
"Time flies, and youth and beauty fade, And death will come, our joys to shade; But love, that lives beyond the tomb, Shall light our path to endless bloom."
These lines are a reminder that love is eternal and that it transcends the boundaries of time and space. The poet believes that even in death, his love for his beloved will endure, and they will be reunited in a world beyond this one.
The poem concludes with the poet expressing his gratitude for the love and companionship of his beloved. He says:
"O Puella, let me thank thee now, For all the love that's on thy brow; And let me swear, by all above, To love thee ever, and to prove A faithful friend, a lover true, Till death shall come, and life be through."
These lines are a testament to the poet's commitment to his beloved and his belief in the power of love to overcome all obstacles. He pledges to be a faithful friend and lover, and to cherish their love until the end of his days.
In conclusion, "Poetry De Erotio Puella" is a masterpiece of sensuality and romance that captures the essence of love in a way that is both timeless and universal. The poem is a celebration of the physical and emotional intimacy between two lovers, and it explores the themes of desire, passion, and mortality in a way that is both profound and moving. Robert Louis Stevenson's poetic genius shines through in this classic work, and it continues to inspire and enchant readers to this day.
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