On occasion, I have done comissions for free- if the "client" bugs me enough, and if the requested subject isn't a portrait of the client. This request was an interesting interpretation on an otherwise boring assignment for surveying a piece of architecture, and I was intrigued.
"Delia's Grotto" was a halfway point between the residences of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, a playwright, and Elizabeth Linley, an 18-year-old musician. (Note: the dates are ABSURDLY off in the second link.)
I can't tell you the entire story, but Elizabeth was promised to some older, richer gentleman... whom she did not want to marry. Along came this dashing playright who pursued her "romantically" with "two duels for her sake." Elizabeth and Richard ended up eloping together.
I do not believe it is officially called Delia's Grotto, but it is said to be where Richard wrote his "Lines to Delia" (Delia = Elizabeth).
"For this is the grotto where Delia reclin'd..."
(Edit: it IS officially called Delia's Grotto. Check the comment section for the fairly complete "Lines to Delia" and more accurate information about the goings-on of this drawing.)
[fine-tip pen with post-GIMPing]
1.25.2007
grotto
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It is officially called Delia's Grotto, it is inofficially called Sheridan's Grotto. Where did you get Delia=Elizabeth? The structure dates from the 1730s or before.
1.
Uncouth is this moss cover’d grotto of stone,
And damp is the shade of this dew dripping tree;
Yet I this rude grotto with rapture will own;
And willow thy damps are refreshing to me.
2.
For this is the grotto where Delia reclin’d
As late I in secret her confidence sought;
And this is the tree kept her safe from the wind,
As blushing she heard the grave lesson I taught.
3.
Then tell me, thou grotto of moss cover’d stone,
And tell me thou willow, with leaves dripping dew,
Did Delia seem vex’d when Horatio was gone?
And did she confess her resentment to you?
4.
Methinks now each bough as you’re waving it, tries
To whisper a cause for the sorrow I feel;
To hint how she frown’d when I dared to advise,
And sigh’d when she saw that I did it with zeal.
5.
True, true, silly leaves, so she did, I allow;
She frown’d; but no rage in her looks did I see;
She frown’d but reflection had clouded her brow;
She sigh’d; but, perhaps, ‘twas in pity for me.
6.
Then wave thy leaves brisker, thou willow of woe;
I tell thee no rage in her looks could I see;
I cannot, I will not, believe it was so;
She was not, she could not be angry with me.
7.
For well did she know that my heart meant no wrong;
It sunk at the thought but of giving her pain;
But trusted its task to a faltering tongue,
Which err’d from the feelings it could not explain.
8.
Yet, oh! if indeed, I’ve offended the maid;
If Delia my humble monition refuse;
Sweet willow, the next time she visits thy shade,
Fan gently her bosom, and plead my excuse.
9.
And thou stony grot, in thy arch may’st preserve
Two lingering drops of the night fallen dew;
And just let them fall at her feet and they’ll serve
As tears of my sorrow intrusted to you.
10.
Or, lest they unheeded should fall at her feet,
Let them fall on her bosom of snow; and I swear
The next time I visit thy moss cover’d seat,
I’ll pay thee each drop with a genuine tear.
11.
So may’st thou, green willow, for ages thus toss
Thy branches so lank o’er the slow winding stream;
And though, stony grotto, retain all thy moss,
While yet there’s a poet to make thee his theme.
12.
Nay, more—may my Delia still give you her charms
Each ev’ning, and sometimes the whole ev’ning long;
Then, grotto, be proud to support her white arms,
Then, willow wave all thy green tops to her song.
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