Alexander Pope: Selected Poetry and Prose

70 punk prostitute.
71 frank free.
78 Tall-boy a handsome young lover in popular comedy.
Charles a common name for a footman as is Betty for
a maid.
79 Helluo Latin for glutton.
80 hautgout anything with a strong scent.
87 Flavia a Roman name, probably an imaginary figure
here.
92 Lucretia...Rosamonda two suicides.
101 Simo a Roman name, perhaps chosen because it
recalls the Latin word simia meaning an ape.
110 ratafie cherry brandy.
115 Atossa usually identified as the Duchess of
Buckinghamshire (1682–1743), illegitimate daughter
of James II. The name suggests whirlwind.
139–40bust...temple memorial monuments.
155 equal unvaried or unshaded. Pope keeps up the
painting metaphor.
157 Chloe identified as Henrietta Howard, Countess of
Suffolk (1681–1767). See Critical Commentary pp.
237–8.
182 queen Caroline, wife of George II.
184 ball the orb, symbol of power.
193 Queensberry The Duchess of Queensberry was
renowned for her beauty.
198 Mahomet the name of the Turkish servant of George
I.
Parson Hale Stephen Hales, friend of Pope.
207 ruling passions in the ‘Epistle to Cobham. Of the
knowledge and characters of men’, ll. 174ff, Pope had
given examples of the ruling passions of men.
210 sway domination.
239 hags witches; who hold annual meetings called
sabbaths.
240 night the time for formal visits.
249 friend the addressee, Martha Blount.
251 Ring the fashionable driving circuit in Hyde Park.
257 temper a good disposition, equanimity.