Rape of the Lock
The Rape of the Lock is a mock-epic poem written by Alexander Pope and published in May 1712. The story is originally based on two families of Roman Catholics who were known to Pope.The poem features Belinda - possibly based on Arabella Fermor, and the Baron - Possibly based on Lord Petre and the stealing of one of her locks of hair:
The Peer now spreads the glittering Forfex wide,
T' inclose the Lock; now joins it, to divide.
Ev'n then, before the fatal Engine clos'd,
A wretched Sylph too fondly interpos'd;
Fate urged the Sheers, and cut the Sylph in twain,
(But Airy Substance soon unites again)
The meeting Points the sacred Hair dissever
From the fair Head, for ever and for ever!
- Canto III, Alexander Pope
