LETTER 209

Troilus and Cressida: The History of Troilus and Cressida, written by William Shakespeare. It is a Satiric Tragedy or Tragicomedy. It is also the 3rd longest Shakespeare play by number of lines (3496). The Greeks have sailed to Troy to wage war against the Trojans since Menelaus' wife, Helen, has been kidnapped by Paris (and now loves him). Helen is the woman whose “face launched a thousand ships.”

Henceforth, oh watchful fair one, guard thee well:
For I'll not kill thee There! nor There! nor There!
But, by the zone that circles Venus' waist,
I'll kill thee Ev'ry-where; yea, o'er and o'er.
Thou, wisest Belford, pardon me this brag:
Her watchfulness draws folly from my lips;
But I'll endeavour deeds to match the words,
Or may I never-

Hector says this passage to Achilles during the play Troilus and Cressida, even though Hector is not boastful in character. This passage is somewhat modified by Lovelace in his writings to Belford. Lovelace chooses to use this passage as an example in his letter in order to express his anxiousness and feelings of vexation towards Clarissa. Her continuous rejections are driving him insane.

  -Do not chafe thee, cousin:

-And let these threats alone,

Till accident or purpose bring thee to it.¹
Another passage from Troilus and Cressida. Lovelace is again expressing his anger here, and implies that his threats of murder, if he continues to be rejected by Clarissa, will be met- either if it is done on purpose, or accidentally in a blind rage.

ardour: Warmth or heat of passion or affection; eagerness; zeal.

.If she has humanity… sweet face: Lovelace believes that when he puts his new plan into action, (purposely making himself sick), Clarissa’s reaction will tell him all he needs to know about her true feelings for him. If she has does not love him, she will only be concerned for his well-being. However, Lovelace believes that if Clarissa does love him, even if it is in the slightest, she will not be able to hide her feelings any longer once she sees him in pain.

Ipecacuanha: Medicinal preparation made from the dried roots and rhizomes of this shrub that is used to induce vomiting, particularly in cases of poisoning and drug overdose.