How to Compliment a Lady, 1663
Amorous compliments endorsed by John Gough, The Academy of Complements (1663):
“Her Dove-like eyes.”
“Liquorous rolling eyes.”
“Her cheeks shine like sparkling stones.”
“Her Cheeks are like Punick Apples.”
“Her Cheeks are spread with Spices and Flowers.”
“Her breasts are the soft Pillows of love.”
“Her breasts are soft and tender as the Pelican’s.”
“Her Thighes are fit subjects for the pleasant Songs of youthfull Poets to acquaint the world with.”
“Her legs as stately and firm as marble pillars.”
Looking to stand out among the crowds of suitors? Try the pelican line at your next courtship event – it really gives you the element of surprise.
The entire list looks like paraphrasing and riffing from the Son of Songs. Even the Punick Apples (mala punica) fit—that was a Roman term for pomegranates from the region of Carthage.
I believe punick apples refer to pomegranates.
I thought the same thing as soon as I read this, Alan. Someone was paying attention during his religious studies courses and cribbed some of the nicer bits to woo the women.
"Marble pillars" is from Song of Solomon right?
Its a pretty interesting line, you've got to wonder if it's linked to the belief that pelicans stabbed themselves in the chest to nurture their young with their blood.
Who's the guy that's been groping pelicans?