Classic Poem

With roses wreathed around his ringlets,
Steeped in drops of matin dew,
Gliding soft on silken winglets,
Cupid to my study flew;
On my table a decanter
Stood — perhaps there might be two —
When I had with the enchanter
(Happy bard!) this interview.

Sure it was the loveliest vision
Ever poet gazed upon —
Rapt in ecstasy Elysian,
Or inspired by cruiskeen lawn.
" Poet, " said the urchin, " few are
So far favoured among men —
Venus sends by me to you her
Compliments and a new pen.

" Take this quill — 'tis soft and slender,
Fit for writing billets doux ,
Fond avowals, breathings tender,
Which Irene may peruse.
'Tis no vulgar acquisition —
'Twas from no goose pinion drawn
But, by Leda's kind permission,
Borrowed from her favourite swan.

" Sully not the virgin candour
Of its down so white and rare;
Let it ne'er be dipp'd in slander,
'Gainst the witty or the fair.
Lend it not to that Patlander
Denny Lardner; nor to Watts
(Hight " Alaric Alexander "):
Let some dull, congenial gander
Furnish charlatans and sots. "