by Coleridge · Cluster: Greek Mythology · Lust Sexual Desire · Desire
Abstract
A Sapphic lyric in which deceiving will-o’-the-wisps that lure the traveller into the swamp are likened to a woman’s perfidious glances; the supernatural and the femme fatale as deceiver.
Connections
Archetypes: Femme Fatale Motifs: Supernatural, Light and Dark Themes & Concepts: Deception, Romantic Love Forms & Genres: Lyric
Testo integrale / Full text
A SAPPHIC
Vix ea nostra voco
Lunatic Witch-fires! Ghosts of Light and Motion!
Fearless I see you weave your wanton dances
Near me, far off me; you, that tempt the traveller
Onward and onward.
Wooing, retreating, till the swamp beneath him
Groans — and ‘tis dark! — This woman’s wile — I know it!
Learnt it from thee, from thy perfidious glances!
Black-ey’d Rebecca!
First published in Morning Post, December 1, 1801. First collected P.
and D. W., 1877, ii. 169.