Classic Poem

Clad like a modern courtly dame,
From Paphos Isle fair Venus came,
To view her glorious son once more
Leave Cartharge and the Lybian shore,
Cold to the love-devoted queen,
Whose woes inspired the mimic scene.
" Alas! " the Cyprian goddess cried,
With all a partial mother's pride,
" Who dare assume his more than mortal charms, —
His awful brow, so terrible in arms?
What dauntless hero now has strength to wield
Æneas' spear, or bear his pond'rous shield? "
As thus she spoke, loud martial notes proclaim
The man whose prowess won immortal fame.
" O father Jove! " the queen of beauty cries,
" What form effeminate insults mine eyes?
Is this the warrior tuneful Maro sung,
While I, enraptured, blest the poet's tongue!
That slender frame, and smooth unrazor'd chin;
Those ruby lips, soft eyes, that silken skin;
That voice which emulates celestial song,
Could they to brave Æneas e'er belong?
Could those weak shoulders too, with filial care,
The sacred load of great Anchises bear?
O no! 'tis jealous Vulcan's envious deed,
Who, like my son, has dress'd thy Ganymede.
Recal, dread sire, recal thy lovely page;
His false appearance will deceive the age!
How can that form in warlike habit shine,
Which in a female garb resembles mine ? "