Beppo A Venetian Story is a fifth edition. XLVII.'England! Beppo: A Venetian Story is an epic poem by Lord Byron, written in Venice in 1817. In the following excerpt Byron lamented that he had not acquired “the art of easy writing”: 3. LXIX.While Laura thus was seen, and seeing, smiling, Talking, she knew not why, and cared not what, So that her female friends, with envy broiling, Beheld her airs and triumph, and all that, And well-dress'd males still kept before her filing, And passing bow'd and mingled with her chat; More than the rest, one person seem'd to stare With pertinacity that's rather rare. Abstract. But he grew rich, and with his riches grew so Keen the desire to see his home again, He thought himself in duty bound to do so, And not be always thieving on the Main; Lonely he felt at times as Robin Crusoe, And so he hired a vessel come from Spain, Bound for Corfu: she was a fine polacca, Mann'd with twelve hands, and laden with tobacco. XCVII.They reach'd the Island, he transferr'd his lading And self and live stock to another bottom, And pass'd for a true Turkey-Merchant, trading With goods of various names--but I've forgot 'em. LXXX.Oh, mirth and innocence! Advanced embedding details, examples, and help! Ye happy mixtures of more happy days! There is no comment submitted by members.. © Poems are the property of their respective owners. Beppo, a Venetian Story. Youth lends it joy, and sweetness, vigour, truth, Heart, soul, and all that seems as from above; But, languishing with years, it grows uncouth--One of few things Experience don't improve, Which is perhaps the reason why old fellows Are always so preposterously jealous. Bless me! XLIII.I also like to dine on Becaficas, To see the Sun set, sure he'll rise tomorrow, Not through a misty morning twinkling weak as A drunken man's dead eye in maudlin sorrow, But with all Heaven t' himself; the Day will break as Beauteous as cloudless, nor be forced to borrow That sort of farthing candlelight which glimmers Where reeking London's smoky Caldron simmers. X. XXXIV.Then he was faithful too, as well as amorous; So that no sort of female could complain-- Although they're now and then a little clamourous, He never put the pretty souls in pain; His heart was one of those which most enamour us, Wax to receive, and Marble to retain: He was a lover of the good old School, Who still become more constant as they cool. Another important precursor appeared in the 1818 poem “Beppo, A Venetian Story” by the famous romantic poet Lord Byron. 1818. LII. XLIV.I love the language, that soft bastard Latin, Which melts like kisses from a female mouth, And sounds as if it should be writ on satin, With syllables which breathe of the sweet South, And gentle liquids gliding all so pat in That not a single accent seems uncouth--Like our harsh Northern whistling, grunting guttural, Which we're obliged to hiss, and spit, and sputter all. XCIX.Whate'er his Youth had suffer'd, his old Age With wealth and talking made him some amends; Though Laura sometimes put him in a rage, I've heard the Count and He were always friends. LXXII.They cannot read--and so don't lisp in Criticism; Nor write--and so they don't affect the Muse; Were never caught in epigram or witticism, Have no romances, sermons, plays, reviews--In harams Learning soon would make a pretty schism! LXI.Crush'd was Napoleon by the northern Thor, Who knock’d his army down with icy hammer, Stopp'd by the Elements, like a Whaler, or A blundering Novice in his new French grammar; Good cause had he to doubt the chance of War, And as for Fortune--but I dare not d___n her, Because, were I to ponder to Infinity, The more I should believe in her Divinity. By 1788-1824. Much wonder paints The Lady's changing cheek, as well it might, But where an Englishwoman sometimes faints, Italian females don't do so outright; They only call a little on their Saints, And then come to themselves, almost or quite, Which saves much hartshorn, salts, and sprinkling faces, And cutting stays, as usual in such cases. Beppo (Byron, versions). Heroine Laura thinks she is widowed – her husband, Beppo, disappeared on a sea voyage – and she has found some comfort with a new companion, The Count. the Mussulman was there before her! Beppo marks Byron s first attempt at writing in the Italian ottava rima metre which encouraged his inclination for satiric digression. Beppo marks Byron's first attempt at writing using the Italian ottava rima metre, which emphasized satiric digression. XI.They've pretty faces yet, those same Venetians, Black eyes, arch'd brows, and sweet expressions still, Such as of old were copied from the Grecians, In ancient Arts by Moderns mimick'd ill; And like so many Venuses of Titian's (The best's at Florence--see it, if ye will), They look when leaning over the Balcony; Or stepp'd from out a picture by Giorgione,--XII.Whose tints are Truth and Beauty at their best; And when you to Manfrini's palace go, That Picture (howsoever fine the rest) Is loveliest to my mind of all the show; It may perhaps be also to your Zest, And that's the cause I rhyme upon it so: 'Tis but a portrait of his Son and Wife And Self; but such a Woman! One of those forms which flit by us, when we Are young, and fix our eyes on every face; And, oh! George Gordon Byron. Collection. Beppo explains that he has been captured and enslaved, and was freed by a band of pirates that he subsequently joined. did I ever? a Lent will well nigh starve ye. LXXVII.The poor dear Mussulwomen whom I mention Have none of these instructive, pleasant people, And One would seem to them a new Invention, Unknown as bells within a Turkish steeple; I think 'twould almost be worth while to pension (Though best-sown projects very often reap ill) A Missionary Author, just to preach Our Christian usage of the parts of Speech. Reputedly, Lady William Russell was the inspiration for "[one] whose bloom could, after dancing, dare the dawn". Abstract. LXXXVI.In this they're like our Coachmen, and the cause Is much the same--the Crowd, and pulling, hauling-- With blasphemies enough to break their jaws--They make a never-intermitted bawling. The Siege of Corinth... has with the two pages of advertisements, three pages of notes following Corinth and one page of notes following Parisina as called for. The story Byron tells is slight. Beppo marks Byron's first attempt at writing using the Italian ottava rima metre, which emphasized satiric digression. Love in life! XXXIX. with all thy faults I love thee still!' How do I look? LXXXIV.The name of this Aurora I'll not mention, Although I might, for She was nought to me More than that patent work of God's invention, A charming woman, whom we like to see; But writing names would merit reprehension, Yet if you like to find out this fair She, At the next London or Parisian ball You still may mark her cheek, out-blooming all. Beppo, A Venetian Story Poem by George Gordon Byron - Poem Hunter, Poem Submitted: Wednesday, March 24, 2010. The Demagogues of fashion; all below Is frail; how easily the World is lost By Love, or War, and now and then by Frost! that beard of yours becomes you not; It shall be shaved before you're a day older; Why do you wear it? what's your Pagan name? [In verse. It is highly significant in his canon as his first use of the Italian ottava rima format and indeed one of the first English examples. Beppo: A Venetian Story is a lengthy poem by Lord Byron, written at Venice in 1817. The poem manifests a number of typical Byronic qualities, like the digressive structure and the use of satirical jabs at targets familiar to Byron's readership, such as literate women and as well as other poets (including Robert Southey, who appears as "Botherby"). XIII. My pen is at the bottom of a page, Which being finish'd, here the story ends; 'Tis to be wish'd it had been sooner done, But Stories somehow lengthen when begun. LVIII.They went to the Ridotto;--'tis a hall Where people dance, and sup, and dance again-- Its proper name perhaps were a masqued Ball, But that’s of no importance to my strain; 'Tis (on a smaller scale) like our Vauxhall, Excepting that it can't be spoilt by Rain; The company is 'mix'd' (the phrase I quote is As much as saying they're below your Notice). Search. Kentfield. WorldCat Home About WorldCat Help. 'Tis true, your budding Miss is very charming, But shy and awkward at first coming out, So much alarm'd, that she is quite alarming, All Giggle, Blush--half Pertness, and half-Pout-- And glancing at Mamma, for fear there's harm in What you, she, it, or they, may be about; The nursery still lisps out in all they utter--Besides, they always smell of Bread and Butter. LXXIX. LXXIII.No solemn Antique gentleman of rhyme, Who, having angled all his life for Fame And getting but a nibble at a time, Still fussily keeps fishing on, the same Small 'Triton of the Minnows,' the sublime Of mediocrity, the furious tame, The echo’s Echo, usher of the School Of female Wits, boy bards--in short, a fool! But why they usher Lent with so much glee in Is more than I can tell, although I guess 'Tis as we take a glass with friends at parting In the Stage-Coach or Packet, just at starting. By 1788-1824. Beppo marks Byron's first attempt at writing using the Italian ottava rima metre, which emphasized satiric digression. 'XXXII.His 'Bravo' was decisive—for that sound Hush'd 'Academie' sigh'd in silent awe; The fiddlers trembled as he look'd around, For fear of some false note's detected flaw; The 'Prima Donna's' tuneful heart would bound, Dreading the deep damnation of his 'Bah!' Are you not sensible 'twas very wrong? LIII.The Count and Laura made their new arrangement, Which lasted, as Arrangements sometimes do, For half a dozen years without estrangement; They had their little differences, too; Those jealous whiffs, which never any change meant; In such affairs there probably are few Who have not had this pouting sort of squabble, From Sinners of high station to the Rabble. XVII. Good luck in your poetry interpretation practice! Beppo (Byron) See Beppo: A Venetian Story Beppo: A Venetian Story (Byron) 16:83, 115-20 'Berck-P1age" (Plath) 1:390; 37:198-205, 232 'Bereavement" (Smith) 12:351 'Bereft" (Frost) 39:232 Old English epic poem. Beppo: A Venetian Story is an epic poem by Lord Byron, written in Venice in 1817. No, I never Saw a man grown so yellow! For fear You should not, I'll describe it you exactly: 'Tis a long cover'd boat that's common here, Carved at the prow, built lightly, but compactly, Row'd by two rowers, each call'd 'Gondolier,' It glides along the water looking blackly, Just like a Coffin clapt in a Canoe, Where none can make out what you say or do. He said that Providence protected him; For my part, I say nothing--lest we clash In our opinions--well, the Ship was trim, Set sail, and kept her reckoning fairly on, Except three days of calm when off Cape Bonn. XCIV.What answer Beppo made to these demands Is more than I know. Why I thank God for that is no great matter; I have my reasons, you no doubt suppose, And as perhaps they would not highly flatter, I'll keep them for my life (to come) in prose; I fear I have a little turn for Satire, And yet, methinks, the older that one grows Inclines us more to laugh than scold, though Laughter Leaves us no doubly serious shortly after. XCII. … [In verse. what Mischief may arise, When Love links two young people in one fetter: Vile assignations, and adulterous beds, Elopements, broken vows, and hearts, and heads. Cash, He then embark'd, with risk of life and limb, And got clear off, although the attempt was rash. XCV. Search. For few Italians speak the right Etruscan. No matter, I love you both, and both shall have my praise; Oh, for old Saturn's reign of sugar-candy! Is't true they use their fingers for a fork? Beppo is not one of Lord Byron's most famous works but is essential for fans and scholars. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge... Recite this poem (upload your own video or voice file). XVI.For glances beget ogles, ogles sighs, Sighs wishes, wishes words, and words a letter, Which flies on wings of light-heel'd Mercuries, Who do such things because they know no better; And then, God knows! He was cast away About where Troy stood once, and Nothing stands; Became a Slave of course, and for his pay Had bread and bastinadoes, till some bands Of pirates landing in a neighbouring bay, He join'd the rogues and prosper’d, and became A Renegado of indifferent fame. The poem's main merit lies in its comparison of English and Italian morals, arguing that the English aversion to adultery is mere hypocrisy in light of the probably shocking, but more honest, custom of the Cavalier Servente in Italy. INTRODUCTION Beowulf is the earliest surviving long poem in Old English and has been described as the greatest of its kind. XXXVIII.However, I still think, with all due deference To the fair single part of the Creation, That married ladies should preserve the preference In tête-à-tête or general conversation--And this I say without peculiar reference To England, France, or any other nation-- Because they know the world, and are at ease, And being natural, naturally please. 'Sir' (quoth the Turk), ''tis no mistake at all: LXXXIX. As they are enjoying the feasting and dancing, they notice a Turk staring and staring at them. Search for Library Items Search for Lists Search for Contacts Search for a Library. Davison, Lombard-street, Whitefriars, London"--Page [2] at front and foot of p. 51.Written by Lord Byron. the Loveliness at times we see In momentary gliding, the soft grace, The Youth, the Bloom, the Beauty which agree In many a nameless being we retrace, Whose course and home we knew not, nor shall know, Like the lost Pleiad seen no more below. Well, that's the prettiest Shawl--as I'm alive! By Lord Byron.] In these sad centuries of sin and slaughter, Abominable Man no more allays His thirst with such pure beverage. It is the precursor to Byron's most famous and generally considered best poem, Don Juan. LXX.He was a Turk, the colour of mahogany; And Laura saw him, and at first was glad, Because the Turks so much admire Phylogyny, Although their usage of their wives is sad; 'Tis said they use no better than a dog any Poor woman, whom they purchase like a pad; They have a number, though they ne'er exhibit 'em, Four Wives by law, and Concubines 'ad libitum.' VI.This feast is named the Carnival, which being Interpreted implies 'Farewell to Flesh': So call'd, because the name and thing agreeing, Through Lent they live on fish, both salt and fresh. VII.And thus they bid farewell to Carnal dishes, And solid meats, and highly spiced ragouts, To live for forty days on ill-dress’d fishes, Because they have no sauces to their stews-- A thing which causes many 'poohs' and 'pishes,'And several oaths (which would not suit the Muse) From travellers accustom'd from a boy To eat their Salmon, at the least, with Soy; VIII.And therefore humbly I would recommend 'The Curious in Fish-Sauce,' before they cross The Sea, to bid their Cook, or wife, or friend, Walk or ride to the Strand, and buy in gross (Or if set out beforehand these may send By any means least liable to loss) Ketchup, Soy, Chili-Vinegar, and Harvey, Or, by the Lord! LXXIV.A stalking Oracle of awful phrase, The approving 'Good!' Oh! Till Beppo should return from his long cruise, And bid once more her faithful heart rejoice, A Man some women like, and yet abuse-- A Coxcomb was he by the public voice; A Count of wealth, they said, as well as quality, And (in his pleasures) of great liberality. Beppo marks Byron's first attempt at writing using the Italian ottava rima metre, which emphasized satiric digression. Spectacularly illustrated with 35 large full page illustrations depicting 18th century Venice, from rare copper plate engravings selected and with an introduction by Eleanor Garvey and Philip Hofer of Harvard University. Laura rejoins Beppo and befriends the Count. Pay attention: the program cannot take into account all the numerous nuances of poetic technique while analyzing. However, he got off by this evading, Or else the people would perhaps have shot him; And thus at Venice landed to reclaim His wife, religion, house, and Christian name. Title page verso and p. [50] are blank.Advertisement for Byron's poems: p. [51].Printer's name and address on verso of half-title and on p. [52].Signatures: [A]², B-D⁸, E².Wise, T.J. Byron,Mode of access: Internet You shan't stir from this spot In that queer dress, for fear that some beholder Should find you out, and make the story known. But luckily these beauties are no 'Blues;'No bustling Botherbys have they to show 'em 'That charming passage in the last new poem!' Beppo: A Venetian Story is a lengthy poem by Lord Byron, written in Venice in 1817. XLIX.Our standing Army, and disbanded Seamen, Poor's rate, Reform, my own, the nation's debt, Our little Riots just to show we're free men, Our trifling Bankruptcies in the Gazette, Our cloudy Climate, and our chilly Women; All these I can forgive, and those forget, And greatly venerate our recent glories, And wish they were not owing to the Tories. has with the two pages of advertisements, three pages of notes following Corinth and one page of notes following Parisina as called for. XXII.She was not old, nor young, nor at the years Which certain people call a 'certain Age,' Which yet the most uncertain age appears, Because I never heard, nor could engage A person yet by prayers, or bribes, or tears, To name, define by speech, or write on page, The period meant precisely by that word,-- Which surely is exceedingly absurd. LXXVI.Of these same we see several, and of others, Men of the World, who know the world like men, Scott, Rogers, Moore, and all the better brothers Who think of something else besides the pen; But for the Children of the 'Mighty Mother's'--The would-be Wits, and can’t-be Gentlemen--I leave them to their daily 'Tea is ready,'Smug Coterie, and Literary Lady. It is highly significant in his canon as his first use of the Italian ottava rima format and indeed one of the first English examples. XXIX.And Laura waited long, and wept a little, And thought of wearing weeds, as well she might; She almost lost all appetite for victual, And could not sleep with ease along at night; She deem'd the window-frames and shutters brittle Against a daring House-breaker or Sprite, And so She thought it prudent to connect her. What would youth be without love! I said that like a picture by Giorgione Venetian women were, and so they are, Particularly seen from a balcony (For Beauty's sometimes best set off afar) And there, just like a heroine of Goldoni, They peep from out the blind, or o'er the bar; And truth to say they're mostly very pretty, And rather like to show it, more's the Pity! XCIII.'Beppo! And up and down the long Canals they go, And under the Rialto shoot along By night and day, all paces, swift or slow, And round the theatres, a sable throng, They wait in their dusk livery of woe,--But not to them do woeful things belong, For sometimes they contain a deal of fun, Like Mourning Coaches when the funeral’s done. WorldCat Home About WorldCat Help. (p. [4] at front) is blank.Publisher's advertisements: p. [1] at end."T. The Allen Press. Beppo, a Venetian merchant, returns home during Carnival after years of Turkish captivity, to discover that his wife, Laura, has taken a count for her lover. Publication date. Coleridge, Prothero) Poetry, Volume 4 (1905): ( transcription project ) your beard is of amazing growth! XV. those cursed gondoliers had got Just in the very place where they should not. I've seen some balls and revels in my time, And stay'd them over for some silly reason; And then I look'd (I hope it was no crime) To see what lady best stood out the Season; And though I've seen some thousands in their prime, Lovely and pleasing, and who still may please on, I never saw but One (the stars withdrawn) Whose bloom could, after dancing, dare the dawn. n.d. LIX.For a 'mix'd company' implies that, save Yourself and friends and half a hundred more Whom you may bow to without looking grave, The rest are but a vulgar set--the Bore Of public places, where they basely brave The fashionable stare of twenty score Of well-bred persons call'd 'The World'--but I, Although I know them, really don't know why. I had forgot-- Pray don't you think the weather here is colder? in Mathematics. Oh that I had the art of easy writing What should be easy reading! Which means that I like all and every thing. summary of Beppo, A Venetian Story; central theme; idea of the verse; history of its creation; critical appreciation. Byron took the hint and produced Beppo, a Venetian Story (published anonymously on the 28th of February 1818). She rules the present, past, and all to be yet; She gives us luck in lotteries, love, and marriage; I cannot say that she’s done much for me yet, Not that I mean her bounties to disparage-- We've not yet closed accounts--and we shall see yet How much she'll make amends for past miscarriage. Beppo : a Venetian story.. [George Gordon Byron Byron, Baron] Home. This 27th production of the Allen Press is limited to 150 copies of which only 138 were for sale. His is no Sinecure, as you may guess; Coach, Servants, Gondola, he goes to call, And carries fan and tippet, gloves and shawl. XLVI.Eve of the land which still is Paradise! Some little Scandals eke; but all aghast (As to their palace-stairs the rowers glide) Sate Laura by the side of her Adorer, When lo! Oh, milk and water! it is a grievous sin) 'Tis, I may say, permitted to have two men; I can't tell who first brought the custom in, But 'Cavalier Serventes' are quite common, And no one notices nor cares a pin; And we may call this (not to say the worst) A Second Marriage which corrupts the First. Poems 1814–1816 The Siege of Corinth Parisina Poems of the Separation The Works of Lord Byron, Vol. LXXXI.Our Laura's Turk still kept his eyes upon her, Less in the Mussulman than Christian way, Which seems to say, 'Madam, I do you honour, And while I please to stare, you'll please to stay! A poem in ottava rima by Lord Byron, published 1818.This poem tells, in the mock‐heroic style, with great zest and irony, the story of a Venetian carnival, at which a lady's husband, Beppo, who has been absent for many years, returns in Turkish garb, and confronts her and her cavaliere servente. XXX.She chose, (and what is there they will not choose, If only you will but oppose their choice?) 4: The Prisoner of Chillon Poems of July—September, 1816: Monody on the Death of the Right Hon. This is of course the form soon used in his masterpiece Don Juan, and it has many strengths for which the latter is known. Meantime the Goddess I'll no more importune, Unless to thank her when she's made my fortune. You'll give it me? XIV. LXXVIII.No Chemistry for them unfolds her gases, No Metaphysics are let loose in lectures, No Circulating Library amasses Religious novels, moral tales, and strictures Upon the living manners, as they pass us; No Exhibition glares with annual pictures; They stare not on the Stars from out their Attics, Nor deal (thank God for that!) Beppo is not one of Lord Byron's most famous works but is essential for fans and scholars. Beppo, A Venetian Story poem by George Gordon Byron.