The verb tego, with an initial feeling of ‘conceal’ (Dated s.v. tego step one), frequently function ‘clothe’ (Dated s.v. tego step three) and you can demonstrably consists of so it resonance within the pointed juxtaposition which have nudasse, out of nudo, ‘generate naked, divest’ (Old s.v. nudo step 1). The latest poem and thus declares ‘dress’ – or in other words ‘undress’ – as the an effective polyvalent shape to possess Sulpicia’s elegiac poetics. In accordance with the amatory 
program of modern Latin elegy Sulpicia benefits erotic, socially given up strip down more respectable, socially conformist skirt for example do suit see your face she ‘leaves on’ to possess society, because the she claims throughout the poem’s finally couplet (vultus componere famae | taedet, ‘I’m tired of composing a face mask to own rumour,’ 3.thirteen.9–10). By declaring from metaphor of disrobing their intent to put the lady amatory verses toward stream, Sulpicia brings together a couple appear to compared
In contrast to the nakedness off elegy’s patron deity Amor and the latest unlock sincerity of elegiac poet-partner, as well, stands the latest elegiac mistress’s conventional passion for magnificent attire and you will expensive adornment
193 Sartorial Attractiveness and you will Poetic Finesse on Sulpician Corpus elegiac top codes. Propertius, instance, rebukes their mistress for her need for expensive attire and work out-up with new observance the nude god does not admire artificially enhanced beauty (nudus Amor formae low amat artificem, step one.2.8). Likewise Ovid contends you to, even in the event he may do not have the wealth and you can highest descent in order to allure his domme, most other qualities – and their blameless character, discover trustworthiness, and blushing modesty – is commend him so you can the girl (Was. 1.step three.7–14): au moment ou me non veterum commendant magna parentum nomina, quand nostri sanguinis auctor eques, nec meus innumeris repus aratris, temperat et sumptus parcus uterque parens: during the Phoebus comitesque novem vitisque repertor hac faciunt et me qui tibi donat Amor et nulli cessura fides, sine crimine mores, nudaque simplicitas purpureusque pudor. If your higher labels regarding my personal old forefathers do not highly recommend me, if for example the composer of all of our origin are a keen equestrian, nor are my personal property revived that have plenty of ploughs, each father or mother frugally husbands expense, nonetheless Apollo, the new nine Muses, his friends, and you may Dionysus, discoverer of your vine, grab my personal region together with Love just who brings me to you, loyalty that will yield to not one, a characteristics versus blemish, discover honesty, and you can blushing modesty.
Ovid right here elaborates the latest ethical off Propertius 1.dos.a dozen to articulate a connection between the elegiac poet’s very humble status in addition to elegiac partner’s naked feelings, and he get and therefore signify the new elegiac poet-spouse uses Amor’s analogy inside the eschewing fancy dress. Propertius makes reference to his girlfriend dressed up in all her finery (1.dos.1–6): quid iuvat ornato procedere, vita, capillo mais aussi tenuis Coa veste movere sinus, aut quid Orontea crinis perfundere murra, teque peregrinis vendere muneribus, naturaeque decus mercato perdere cultu, nec sinere in the propriis membra nitere bonis?
Into the one-hand, nudity is the attribute feature out-of Amor, tutelary deity out-of Latin sensual elegy and you will patron of one’s elegiac poetlover
194 Alison Keith As to why, my life, are you willing to contentment simply to walk out together with your hair themed and rustle the fresh new thinner retracts of your Coan clothes, or even to immerse the hair on your head with Syrian myrrh and sell oneself getting foreign presents, marring your natural beauty by buying adornment and not making it possible for their limbs so you’re able to sparkle the help of its innate appeal?
Myrrh and you will Coan ‘silk’ had been pricey eastern deluxe imports from the Rome, the former an Arabian item readily available thanks to Syrian trade, the latter brought for the area from Cos by spinning the new filaments off good caterpillar much like the Chinese silkworm.step one As the Coan cotton was also almost clear (cf. Hor. Seated. step 1.dos.101–103), they advertised the brand new wearer’s intimate availability (an element one, paradoxically, aligns this new elegist’s girlfriend which have Amor). the latest poem’s concluding line, taedia dum miserae sint tibi luxuriae, ‘provided their wretched privileges show tedious to you personally,’ step 1.2.32), he elsewhere claims that the subtlety of her dress drives his refined elegiac verse (2.1.3–8): low haec Calliope, low haec mihi cantat Apollo, ingenium nobis ipsa puella facit. sive illam Cois fulgentem incedere †cogis† hac totum elizabeth Coa veste volumen erit; seu vidi offer frontem sparsos errare capillos, gaudet laudatis ire superba comis; Calliope doesn’t play these types of musical if you ask me, nor Apollo. My wife furnishes our very own inspiration. For individuals who compel this lady to enter shining in the Coan silks, my entire regularity have a tendency to come out into the Coan raiment; or if I’ve seen this lady wandering along with her hair spread-over their forehead, she rejoices and strolls aside arrogantly when I’ve applauded their hairdo.