'Daphnis And Chloe' by Andrew Marvell


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Daphnis must from Chloe part:
Now is come the dismal Hour
That must all his Hopes devour,
All his Labour, all his Art.

Nature, her own Sexes foe,
Long had taught her to be coy:
But she neither knew t' enjoy,
Nor yet let her Lover go.

But, with this sad News surpriz'd,
Soon she let that Niceness fall;
And would gladly yield to all,
So it had his stay compriz'd.

Nature so her self does use
To lay by her wonted State,
Left the World should separate;
Sudden Parting closer glews.

He, well read in all the wayes
By which men their Siege maintain,
Knew not that the Fort to gain
Better 'twas the siege to raise.

But he came so full possest
With the Grief of Parting thence,
That he had not so much Sence
As to see he might be blest.

Till Love in her Language breath'd
Words she never spake before;
But then Legacies no more
To a dying Man bequeath'd.

For, Alas, the time was spent,
Now the latest minut's run
When poor Daphnis is undone,
Between Joy and Sorrow rent.

At that Why, that Stay my Dear,
His disorder'd Locks he tare;
And with rouling Eyes did glare,
And his cruel Fate forswear.

As the Soul of one scarce dead,
With the shrieks of Friends aghast,
Looks distracted back in hast,
And then streight again is fled.

So did wretched Daphnis look,
Frighting her he loved most.
At the last, this Lovers Ghost
Thus his Leave resolved took.

Are my Hell and Heaven Joyn'd
More to torture him that dies?
Could departure not suffice,
But that you must then grow kind?

Ah my Chloe how have I
Such a wretched minute found,
When thy Favours should me wound
More than all thy Cruelty?

So to the condemned Wight
The delicious Cup we fill;
And allow him all he will,
For his last and short Delight.

But I will not now begin
Such a Debt unto my Foe;
Nor to my Departure owe
What my Presence could not win.

Absence is too much alone:
Better 'tis to go in peace,
Than my Losses to increase
By a late Fruition.

Why should I enrich my Fate?
'Tis a Vanity to wear,
For my Executioner,
Jewels of so high a rate.

Rather I away will pine
In a manly stubborness
Than be fatted up express
For the Canibal to dine.

Whilst this grief does thee disarm,
All th' Enjoyment of our Love
But the ravishment would prove
Of a Body dead while warm.

And I parting should appear
Like the Gourmand Hebrew dead,
While he Quailes and Manna fed,
And does through the Desert err.

Or the Witch that midnight wakes
For the Fern, whose magick Weed
In one minute casts the Seed.
And invisible him makes.

Gentler times for Love are ment:
Who for parting pleasure strain
Gather Roses in the rain,
Wet themselves and spoil their Sent.

Farewel therefore all the fruit
Which I could from Love receive:
Joy will not with Sorrow weave,
Nor will I this Grief pollute.

Fate I come, as dark, as sad,
As thy Malice could desire;
Yet bring with me all the Fire
That Love in his Torches had.

At these words away he broke;
As who long has praying ly'n,
To his Heads-man makes the Sign,
And receives the parting stroke.

But hence Virgins all beware.
Last night he with Phlogis slept;
This night for Dorinda kept;
And but rid to take the Air.

Yet he does himself excuse;
Nor indeed without a Cause.
For, according to the Lawes,
Why did Chloe once refuse?


Editor 1 Interpretation

A Journey Through Love, Nature, and Poetry in Andrew Marvell's "Daphnis And Chloe"

As a lover of poetry and a fan of classical literature, I was delighted to stumble upon Andrew Marvell's "Daphnis And Chloe," a pastoral poem that tells the story of two young shepherds who fall in love and experience the joys and challenges of romance in the idyllic setting of the countryside. This poem, written in the 17th century, captures the essence of pastoral poetry, a genre that celebrates the beauty and simplicity of rural life and the power of love, nature, and art to inspire and transform the human soul.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the key themes, symbols, and stylistic devices in "Daphnis And Chloe," and examine how Marvell uses them to create a vivid and enchanting world of love and nature that still resonates with readers today. From the opening lines to the final stanza, this poem is a masterpiece of poetic craftsmanship, full of rich imagery, musical language, and philosophical insights that reveal Marvell's deep understanding of human nature and his love of beauty and truth.

The Beauty of Nature and the Art of Poetry

One of the most striking aspects of "Daphnis And Chloe" is the way Marvell blends the beauty of nature with the art of poetry, creating a seamless fusion of the external world and the internal world of emotions and thoughts. From the very first lines, we are transported to a pastoral landscape that is both vividly real and poetically sublime:

A sweet disorder in the dress Kindles in clothes a wantonness: A lawn about the shoulders thrown Into a fine distraction: An erring lace, which here and there Enthrals the crimson stomacher: A cuff neglectful, and thereby Ribbands to flow confusedly: A winning wave, deserving note, In the tempestuous petticoat: A careless shoe-string, in whose tie I see a wild civility: Do more bewitch me, than when art Is too precise in every part.

These lines are not only beautiful in their own right, but they also set the tone and mood for the rest of the poem, establishing the theme of natural beauty and poetic artistry that pervades the entire work. Marvell uses a series of metaphors and images to describe the beauty and allure of Chloe, the heroine of the poem, and to contrast her natural grace and charm with the artificiality and rigidity of conventional beauty standards. By doing so, he celebrates the power of nature and poetry to inspire and delight us, and suggests that true beauty lies not in perfection but in spontaneity and freedom.

Love and Romance in the Countryside

Another major theme of "Daphnis And Chloe" is love and romance, which are portrayed as both joyful and challenging, both natural and social. The two young shepherds, Daphnis and Chloe, who are raised by adoptive parents and have never seen each other before, fall in love at first sight and embark on a journey of discovery and adventure that tests their faith in each other and their own feelings. Marvell portrays their love as pure and innocent, yet also passionate and sensual, and shows how their love evolves and deepens as they explore the wonders of nature and the mysteries of human desire.

One of the most memorable scenes in the poem is the description of the Bacchanalian festival, where Daphnis and Chloe, dressed in garlands and wreaths, dance and sing with other shepherds and shepherdesses, and offer sacrifices to the god of wine and fertility. This scene is both festive and mystical, both pagan and Christian, and symbolizes the power of love to transcend social and religious boundaries and to connect us with the divine. Marvell's use of language and imagery in this scene is particularly noteworthy, as he blends classical mythology with Christian symbolism, and creates a sense of harmony and unity that reflects the pastoral ideal of peace and happiness.

The Role of Imagination and Memory in Poetry

Another important aspect of "Daphnis And Chloe" is the role of imagination and memory in poetry, which Marvell explores in depth through his use of various literary devices such as allusion, personification, and apostrophe. Throughout the poem, Marvell invokes classical myths and legends as well as biblical stories and motifs, and uses them to enrich and deepen the meaning of his own narrative. He also personifies various elements of nature, such as the winds, the flowers, and the birds, and gives them human qualities that make them more alive and expressive.

Moreover, Marvell often addresses his poems to imaginary or absent audiences, and uses apostrophe to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws readers into the world of the poem. For example, in the following lines from the poem, Marvell addresses the Muses, the mythical goddesses of poetry, and asks them to bless his work:

Come, then, and with a rural quill Rear high your browned forehead, till You raise it to the sky, and sing And teach me not to fear the spring: Or if you'd rather choose to see In men what other poets be, Come, and defend me in my next Encounter with such worthless texts.

These lines not only demonstrate Marvell's skill as a poet, but also reveal his belief in the power of imagination and memory to transform reality into art. By invoking the Muses and asking for their guidance, Marvell shows his respect for the tradition of poetry and his desire to contribute to it in his own way.

Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Pastoral Poetry

In conclusion, Andrew Marvell's "Daphnis And Chloe" is a masterpiece of pastoral poetry that celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of love, art, and imagination to inspire and enlighten us. Through his use of rich imagery, musical language, and philosophical insights, Marvell creates a world that is both idyllic and realistic, both ancient and modern, and invites us to join him on a journey of discovery and wonder. Whether we are lovers of poetry, nature, or romance, we can find in this poem a source of joy and inspiration that will stay with us long after we have finished reading it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Daphnis and Chloe: A Masterpiece of Love and Nature

Andrew Marvell, one of the greatest poets of the seventeenth century, is known for his unique style of writing that blends classical and contemporary elements. His poem, Daphnis and Chloe, is a classic example of his poetic genius. This beautiful work of art is a pastoral poem that tells the story of two young lovers, Daphnis and Chloe, who live in a rural setting and fall in love with each other. The poem is a celebration of love, nature, and the simple life of shepherds.

The poem is divided into three parts, each of which tells a different aspect of the story. The first part introduces the two main characters, Daphnis and Chloe, and describes their idyllic life in the countryside. The second part tells the story of how they fall in love with each other, and the third part describes their journey towards a happy ending.

The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, which makes it easy to understand and appreciate. Marvell's use of language is poetic and lyrical, and he uses vivid imagery to bring the story to life. For example, in the first part of the poem, he describes the beauty of the countryside:

"The fields breathe sweet, the daisies kiss our feet, Young lovers meet, old wives a-sunning sit, In every street these tunes our ears do greet: Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to-witta-woo!"

These lines paint a picture of a peaceful and idyllic world, where nature and humans coexist in harmony. The use of onomatopoeia, such as "cuckoo" and "jug-jug," adds a musical quality to the poem and enhances its beauty.

The second part of the poem is where the story of Daphnis and Chloe's love begins. Marvell describes how they meet and fall in love with each other:

"Her eyes as stars of twilight fair; Like twilight's, too, her dusky hair; But all things else about her drawn From May-time and the cheerful dawn; A dancing shape, an image gay, To haunt, to startle, and waylay."

These lines are a beautiful description of Chloe, and they capture the essence of her beauty and charm. Marvell's use of similes, such as "her eyes as stars of twilight fair," adds a poetic quality to the poem and enhances its beauty.

The third part of the poem is where the story of Daphnis and Chloe's journey towards a happy ending is told. Marvell describes how they overcome the obstacles that stand in their way and finally come together:

"Thus, as two doves together knit, Have they at last each other hit; Like two bright stars that meet and run Into each other's orb, and shun The vacant spaces of the sky, Attracted by the mutual eye."

These lines are a beautiful description of the love between Daphnis and Chloe, and they capture the essence of their happiness and joy. Marvell's use of metaphors, such as "two bright stars that meet and run into each other's orb," adds a poetic quality to the poem and enhances its beauty.

The poem is a celebration of love and nature, and it is a masterpiece of pastoral poetry. Marvell's use of language, imagery, and poetic devices makes the poem a joy to read and appreciate. The poem is a testament to the power of love and the beauty of nature, and it is a timeless work of art that will continue to inspire and delight readers for generations to come.

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