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[40-42]   [46-48]

Chapter 43
Fie, Fie!

Platonic
This is a term applied to the affection and intimacy between Palliser and Lady Dumbello. The term "platonic" refers to the 5th century Athenian philosopher.  A platonic relationship is one characterized by a purely spiritual nature, free from senual desire. Trollope describes Lady Dumbello and Palliser's relationship as "platonic," signaling that their relationship in non-sexual.
OED  [AM]

Ad valorem
A Latin phrase literally meaning "toward value". This is a name of a kind of tax Lady Dumbello and Palliser are discussing. The fact that Lady Dumbello asks for an explanation of this relatively dry subject (when she usually in fact does not talk to anyone at length) shows the special interest she takes in Palliser.  [AM & RR] 

Ignis fatuus
A Latin phrase literally meaning "foolish fire" and referring to a will-o'-the wisp.  Trollope uses this Latin phrase to describe people's undecided view of Palliser at this point in his career; he might become a leading and able politician or he may prove to be misleadingly promising. [AM & RR]  

Oracles
Trollope uses this term to convey the ambiguous information in the newspapers. The use of the term "oracles" suggests that revealed information is doubtful and uncertain in its interpretation. The ambiguous nature of revealed information recalls the misunderstood oracles in Book One of Herodotus's History and in Sophocles' tragedy Oedipus Rex.  [AM]

Amaryllis in the shade
Amaryllis is a name found in the pastoral poetry of Vergil and Theocritus. This phrase comes directly from Milton's Lycidas, Milton's homage to ancient pastoral poetry. Trollope uses this phrase to demonstrate how Palliser, in spite of his political promise and ambitions, thinks himself to be entitled to a moment of respite and happiness with Lady Dumbello.  [AM & RR]

Complimenting his possible future patron
Fothergill, a gentleman who manages the Duke of Omnium's affairs, compliments Palliser on his speeches and predicts for Palliser his future political power. By referring to Palliser as a "patron", Trollope is not only recalling the Roman patron/client relationship but also asserting how Fothergill is socially below and subservient to Palliser.  [AM]

Chapter 44
Valentine's Day at Allington

Juno
Juno was the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. Juno was also the wife and sister of the Roman god Jupiter. Lily Dale uses this word describing Crosbie's fiancé Lady Alexandrina De Courcy to convey how she believes her to be tall and handsome in appearance. Lily's use of this term perhaps invokes a sense of power and authority that Lady Alexandrina has over Lily much in the way Juno had precedence over Jupiters' consorts.
Cassell's Dictionary of Classical Mythology  [AM] 

Chapter 45
Valentine's Day in London

Approving the better course but following the worse
Trollope sums up Crosbie's failure by saying that "he had seen and approved the better course, but had chosen for himself to walk in that which was worse."  Trollope's turn of phrase recalls Medea's internal monologue in Book 7 of Ovid's Metamorphoses.  While debating whether she should support her father or Jason, Medea says:  video meliora proboque, deteriora sequor (7.20-21, "I see and approve better things, I follow worse ones.")  Although Medea knows that remaining true to her father and fatherland is the better path, she ultimately chooses to aid Jason and flee with him to Greece.  Similarly, Crosbie knows that remaining true to Lily Dale would have been better than marrying Lady Alexandrina.  Perhaps there is an element of foreshadowing here:  just as Jason eventually deserts Medea, Lady Alexandrina will leave Crosbie.  [RR]

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