Classic Poem

When Cytherea came to see,
What Beauties dwelt below,
Celia she said shall Sov'reign be,
Cupid was call'd; and charg'd that he
Should guard her with his Bow.

At first unhurt her Charms I saw,
Yet own'd her heav'nly fair,
But Cupid soon produc'd the Law,
Took up his Bow, and swore he'd draw,
If I stood gazing there.

Dost think, quoth I, that I'm afraid,
Of what thy Dart can do?
My Heart shall never be betray'd
To any false designing Maid — —
Woman cannot be true.

Villain, said he, and dost thou dare
My Godhead thus provoke?
Know, since thou dost, I will not spare — —
Rebel to Love, have at thee there — —
Nor was't in vain he spoke.

At once my Heart transfixt I found — —
O who can tell the Pain!
Then, with a light, insulting Bound,
The God came near, and view'd my Wound,
Now mock, said he, again.

I told the Fair my sad Disease;
She thus herself exprest;
'Tis not for me to give you Ease,
A Queen must reign , and thousands please ,
Not be by one possest .