"For 'tis th' infirmity of noblest minds, / When ruffled with an unexpected woe, / To speak what settled prudence wou'd conceal: / As the vex'd ocean working in a storm, / Oft brings to light the wrecks which long lay calm, / In the dark bosom of the secret deep."
— Fenton, Elijah (1683-1730)
Author
Work Title
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed for J. Tonson
Date
February 22, 1723
Metaphor
"For 'tis th' infirmity of noblest minds, / When ruffled with an unexpected woe, / To speak what settled prudence wou'd conceal: / As the vex'd ocean working in a storm, / Oft brings to light the wrecks which long lay calm, / In the dark bosom of the secret deep."
Metaphor in Context
SOHEMUS
At this little spark,
Discord may light her ever-burning torch:
Th' imperious Queen perhaps will edge her tongue,
With keen resentments for her ruin'd race:
For 'tis th' infirmity of noblest minds,
When ruffled with an unexpected woe,
To speak what settled prudence wou'd conceal:
As the vex'd ocean working in a storm,
Oft brings to light the wrecks which long lay calm,
In the dark bosom of the secret deep.
From such reproach, his promis'd joy may change
To coldness and distrust, perhaps to hate;
And their high souls that now, like friendly stars,
Mingling their beams in mutual ardor shine,
In fiercest opposition then will thwart
Each others influence, and divide the court:
Then, Mischief, to thy work!--
(p. 8)
At this little spark,
Discord may light her ever-burning torch:
Th' imperious Queen perhaps will edge her tongue,
With keen resentments for her ruin'd race:
For 'tis th' infirmity of noblest minds,
When ruffled with an unexpected woe,
To speak what settled prudence wou'd conceal:
As the vex'd ocean working in a storm,
Oft brings to light the wrecks which long lay calm,
In the dark bosom of the secret deep.
From such reproach, his promis'd joy may change
To coldness and distrust, perhaps to hate;
And their high souls that now, like friendly stars,
Mingling their beams in mutual ardor shine,
In fiercest opposition then will thwart
Each others influence, and divide the court:
Then, Mischief, to thy work!--
(p. 8)
Categories
Provenance
LION
Citation
First performed February 22, 1723. Over 16 entries in the ESTC (1723, 1726, 1728, 1735, 1745, 1759, 1760, 1768, 1774, 1777, 1781, 1794).
Mariamne. A Tragedy. Acted at the Theatre Royal in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields. Written by Mr. Fenton (London: Printed for J. Tonson, 1723). <Link to ECCO-TCP>
Mariamne. A Tragedy. Acted at the Theatre Royal in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields. Written by Mr. Fenton (London: Printed for J. Tonson, 1723). <Link to ECCO-TCP>
Date of Entry
08/20/2013
