That Orpheus self may heave his head [ 145 ] From golden slumber on a bed Of heapt Elysian flowres, and hear Such streins as would have won the ear Of Pluto, to have quite set free His half regain'd Eurydice. [ 150 ]
Orpheus receives a mention in "Il Pensoroso" as well but only in this poem is his failure to save Eurydice mentioned. In "Il Pensoroso" Orpheus is a flawless musician, but here he is a failure.
Or bid the soul of Orpheus sing [ 105 ] Such notes as warbled to the string, Drew Iron tears down Pluto's cheek, And made Hell grant what Love did seek.
Orpheus is mentioned again in L'allegro, but here only his success as an artist is mentioned.His failure to return his wife to the living goes unmentioned. In this poem Orpheus is without flaw because of his lonely, melancholy lifestyle after losing his wife the second time.