The Sources of Spensers Classical Mythology

ar as they go ? are confessedly incomplete, for both scholars realized the extent of the subject touched upon. Furthermore, the sources of Spenser's mythology are treated in the notes of various editions of his works ? notably those of Todd and Upton; but here, too, the treatment does not assume to be more than fragmentary, and there is certainly little attempt at grouping the various passages and comparing Spenser with himself. An investigation conducted along these lines reveals some interesting facts in regard to Spenser's treatment of the classical myths, most conspicuous of which is his complete mastery of them. Never does he give us the impression that he is subservient to them, but always that they are at his bidding to help in carrying out the purposes of his poems. This sense of mastery leads him occasionally to rise superior to the strict letter of the original, and, while always preserving its spirit, he at times deliberately perverts a myth in order that it may better accord with his immediate purpose (see Coronis); or, again, he seizes upon some hint from the classics, and constructs a myth of his own, but so imbued with the spirit of its antique models that an expert might find it hard to detect the difference (see Asteria) Even when Spenser paraphrases long extracts from the classics, he embellishes them with beauties from his own imagination, so that he does not seem under limitations, even here (see Arachne). Occasionally, however, our poet nod...