by Coleridge · Cluster: Grief and Loss · Elegy · Clothing and Costume
Abstract
Imitation of Catullus mourning a pet bird; the Loves and Venus weep for the dead starling. Mock-elegy on death of a beloved bird.
Connections
Motifs: Birds, Death Themes & Concepts: Grief and Loss Forms & Genres: Elegy Historical References: Ancient Rome, Greek Mythology
Testo integrale / Full text
Lugete, O Veneres, Cupidinesque. — CATULLUS.
Pity! mourn in plaintive tone
The lovely starling dead and gone!
Pity mourns in plaintive tone
The lovely starling dead and gone.
Weep, ye Loves! and Venus! weep 5
The lovely starling fall’n asleep!
Venus sees with tearful eyes —
In her lap the starling lies!
While the Loves all in a ring
Softly stroke the stiffen’d wing. 10
? 1794.