expanded the poem adding the divine machinery, and in 1717
the speech of Clarissa in canto V in response to criticism that
the poem lacked a moral. The accompanying letter to
Arabella Fermor has acquired the status of a dedication.
To Mrs Arabella Fermor20 Rosicrucian ‘a supposed society or order reputedly
founded by one Christian Rosenkreuz in 1484, but
first mentioned in 1614, whose members were said to
claim various forms of secret and magic knowledge,
as the transmutation of metals, the prolongation of
life, and power over the elements and elemental
spirits.’ (OED)
Canto I
5 Slight is the subject see Critical commentary, p. 230.
7 Say what strange motive At the opening of the Aeneid
Virgil bids his muse say what are the causes of Juno’s
anger, then asks whether such rage can dwell in
heavenly minds (I, 11).
goddess the muse traditionally addressed by the epic
poet.
13 Sol the sun.
17 the slipper knocked the ground the usual way to
summon a servant.
18 pressed watch a repeater.
23 birth-night beau a young man dressed in the finery
worn at court to celebrate royal birthdays.
44 box...Ring a box in the theatre. The Ring (also called
the tour or circus) was a fashionable route to drive
along in Hyde Park.
45 equipage ‘a carriage and horses with attendant
footmen’ (OED).
46 chair a sedan chair.
55 chariots Carriages were so called.
56 ombre a fashionable card game; compare bridge