The Rape of the Lock

釋意paraphrase): Canto II

原文與注釋(Text and Annotation)


Belinda issues forth, admired by everyone. She glances and at them all, but gives particular attention to none.

Belinda has two locks of hair, which entrap the hearts of all (line 19-28). The baron plans to seize "the bright locks"( 29-33). He had prayed early to all the powers that be, it especially to Love, that he might possess the prize. He had to Love an altar of French romances and had laid on it ferings from "his former loves." Half his prayer is granted (lines 34-46).

Now Belinda smiles and makes the world gay, unaware that , her guardian sylph, has summoned "squadrons" of his fellows to protect her from impending danger, He address them (lines 47-72). Spirits are assigned their special and various tasks, from guiding the stars to guarding the throne (lines 73-90). One humbler task is to watch over and inspire fair maids (lines 91-100). Some dire but as yet unknown disaster hangs over their charge. Ariel assigns special duties, such as caring for the fan or the watch (lines 101-116). He assigns fifty sylphs to protect the petticoat (lines 117-122). Ariel promises terrible punishment for any sylph who fails in his duty (lines 123-136). The spirits descend and tremblingly await "the birth of Fate"(lines 137-142).