Mojo, The Bard, & Me

 

Today’s Totally Random Lines

 

Methinks the realms of England, France, and Ireland

Bear that proportion to my flesh and blood

As did the fatal brand Althaea burn’d

Unto the prince’s heart of Calydon.

 

Duke of York

King Henry the Sixth Part II        Act I Scene i, Line 233

It just so happens that this very line is explained by Isaac Asimov in his Asimov’s Guide To Shakespeare. The Duke of York has been talking to himself about the fact that he's going to steal the throne from Henry, and this line is a reference to how important it is for him to take over the power. 

Here’s Asimov –

This is a reference to Meleager of Calydon, whose life would last only so long as a brand in the keeping of his mother, Althaea, remained unburned. Richard feels the loss of his realm will kill him just as surely as the burning of the brand would kill Meleager.

 And there you have it.

I was so proud of myself for being able to come up with this perfect explanation of Althaea and Calydon-

 

And then Mojo spotted the mouse, and that was the end of that short-lived, proud moment.