# Pastoral II: Alexis explained — The Eclogues

> Chapter companion for The Eclogues by Virgil.

## What happens

Corydon, a young shepherd, laments his unrequited love for the beautiful youth Alexis. He praises his own pastoral wealth and skills, offers gifts, and invites Alexis to leave the city for a simple country life. Despite his efforts, Corydon realizes his love is futile and resolves to return to his daily work.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Desire

Corydon's intense but unreciprocated love for Alexis drives the entire eclogue, exploring the pain and futility of desire.

### Nature and the Pastoral Ideal

The pastoral setting is central, with Corydon using natural imagery and rural life to woo Alexis, contrasting the simplicity of the country with the city.

### Art and Poetry

Corydon's skill in piping and singing is highlighted, and the pipe itself is a symbol of artistic inheritance and competition.

## Character check-ins

### Corydon

The unhappy shepherd who passionately loves Alexis but is rejected.

### Alexis

The beautiful youth who is the object of Corydon's unrequited love.

### Amaryllis

Mentioned as a former love of Corydon, whose proud reign he found easier to bear.

### Menalcas

Referenced as a past object of Corydon's affection, though black compared to Alexis's fairness.

### Damoetas

The dying shepherd who bequeathed his pipe to Corydon.

### Amyntas

A shepherd who envied Corydon's pipe and sought to learn from him.

## Key lines

> Young Corydon, the unhappy shepherd swain, The fair Alexis loved, but loved in vain;

The young shepherd Corydon was hopelessly in love with the beautiful Alexis, but his love was not returned.

_Introduces the central theme of unrequited love._

> Trust not too much to that enchanting face: Beauty's a charm; but soon the charm will pass.

Do not rely solely on your attractive appearance; beauty is fleeting and will fade.

_Corydon warns Alexis that physical beauty is temporary._

> Pan taught to join with wax unequal reeds; Pan loves the shepherds, and their flocks he feeds.

The god Pan taught shepherds how to make panpipes by binding reeds with wax, and he protects both shepherds and their flocks.

_Corydon invokes Pan to emphasize his pastoral skills and divine favor._

> Ah, Corydon! ah, poor unhappy swain! Alexis will thy homely gifts disdain;

Alas, Corydon, you poor unhappy shepherd! Alexis will scorn your simple offerings.

_Corydon realizes his gifts are too humble for Alexis._

> What frenzy, shepherd, has thy soul possessed? Thy vineyard lies half-pruned, and half-undressed.

What madness has taken hold of you, shepherd? Your vineyard is only half-tended and neglected.

_Corydon chides himself for neglecting his duties due to his obsession with Alexis._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_eclogues_se/chapters/pastoral-ii-alexis
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_eclogues_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_eclogues_se/chapters