Ancient Mythology
Ben Jonson was never one to skip his homework. In fact, he was totally that kid in school who always did the extra credit, just to stay sharp. Some of that extra credit work must have included studying Greek and Roman mythology, because his poems and plays are chock full of classical allusions. "Slow, Slow, Fresh Fount" is no exception. The entire poem is spoken by Echo, a mythological nymph, and it's all about the Greek youth she loved, named Narcissus. Jonson's poem makes use of all the details of Echo's story, and why shouldn't it? The guy was an expert.