Abstrakt: | The very dissertation is devoted to three works of the Old-Polish literature describing the
motive of the meeting of the love god, Cupidine with Death, arrow changes and consequences deriving
from it. The anecdote, unknown from Ancient messages, is the subject-matter of the 157 work
from Figliki by Mikołaj Rej and constitutes one of the most interesting examples of using mythology
in his writings. The text entitled in the same way (Śmierć z Kupidynem), probably based on
Figlik, includes a selection of Fraszki by Wacław Potocki also written at the end of the 17th century.
The story described therein is enriched with the local colouring and extra details, and, at the same
time, deprived of the moralizing comment, which closed Rej’s work. The third one, in which the very
motive appears with substantial modifications, is an idyl V from Sielanki nowe ruskie by Józef Bartłomiej
Zimorowic. By means of a unique story of the weapon exchange of the love god, Zimorowic
shows a premature death of Szymon’s younger brother (the text was created on the 18th anniversary
of his death) in a metaphorical way.
In conclusion, the hypothesis on a common source of the motive, i.e. an LXV emblem from
Książeczka emblematów by Andrei Alciatus is put forward. |