Idyll VI

It references characters that have appeared in other works of literature such as Homer's Odyssey, Ovid's Metamorphoses, and Theocritus' Idyll XI.

Following Daphnis’ song, Damoetas answers by assuming the role of Polyphemus and singing of his actions, which are meant to make her desire him more.

[3] The ideal love shared between Damoetas and Daphnis is characterized by the lack of conflict between the two figures and the complementary nature of their respective songs.

[6] It is meant to act as advice to avoid such flaws in order to live in mutual harmony as the characters of Damoetas and Daphnis seem to do.

[7] Gutzwiller also noted that only a small difference in age exists between Damoetas and Daphnis, while Polyphemus and Galatea are portrayed as near opposites.

The apples fly, and she doth cry ‘A fool’s-in-love are ye’; But with never a look to the maid, poor heart, thou sit’st and pipest so fine.

nay, for all they say; I have looked i' the glassy sea, And, for aught I could spy, both beard and eye were pretty as well could be, And the teeth all a-row like marble below, – and that none should o’erlook me of it, As Goody Cotyttaris taught me, thrice in my breast I spit.

the piper was neatherd Daphnis and the flute-player Damoetas, and the dancers were the heifers who forthwith began to bound mid the tender grass.