Quotes from book
Hero and Leander

Hero and Leander

Hero and Leander is a poem by Christopher Marlowe that retells the Greek myth of Hero and Leander. After Marlowe's untimely death it was completed by George Chapman. The minor poet Henry Petowe published an alternative completion to the poem. The poem was first published posthumously, five years after Marlowe's demise.


Christopher Marlowe photo
Christopher Marlowe photo

“Who ever loved that loved not at first sight?”

First Sestiad. The same statement occurs in As You Like It (1600) by William Shakespeare, and a similar one in The Blind Beggar of Alexandria (1596) by George Chapman.
Hero and Leander (published 1598)
Variant: Where both deliberate, the love is slight; Who ever loved, that loved not at first sight?

Christopher Marlowe photo

“A pleasant-smiling cheek, a speaking eye,
A brow for love to banquet royally.”

First Sestiad
Hero and Leander (published 1598)

Christopher Marlowe photo

“All women are ambitious naturally.”

First Sestiad
Hero and Leander (published 1598)

Christopher Marlowe photo

“Above our life we love a steadfast friend.”

Second Sestiad
Hero and Leander (published 1598)

Christopher Marlowe photo

“It lies not in our power to love or hate,
For will in us is overruled by fate.”

First Sestiad
Hero and Leander (published 1598)

Christopher Marlowe photo

“Love always makes those eloquent that have it.”

Second Sestiad
Hero and Leander (published 1598)

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