The Choise of Valentines; Or the Merie Ballad of Nash His Dildo

"The Choise of Valentines; Or the Merie Ballad of Nash His Dildo" by Thomas Nash is a poem composed during the late 16th century, likely within the context of the Elizabethan era. This work can be categorized as a satirical piece that explores themes of love, humor, and sexuality. Through its lighthearted tone, it delves into the social practices and courtship rituals of the time by blending wit with a rather candid portrayal of romantic encounters. The poem narrates the misadventures of a speaker seeking a valentine in February, leading him on a comic journey filled with innuendo and farcical situations. He initially searches for his beloved but finds her elusive and retreating into the realm of a bawdy house. The speaker, after a series of amusing exchanges with a bawd, ultimately reveals his desire not just for romantic companionship but also resorts to the use of a dildo as an exaggerated stand-in for his unfulfilled desires. Thus, the narrative combines elements of traditional love poetry with absurd humor, providing not only a glimpse into the playful side of romance in Nash's time but also satirizing the often precarious nature of desire and intimacy.