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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE ORPHARION: CUPID'S INGRATITUDE by ROBERT GREENE

First Line: CUPID ABROAD WAS 'LATED IN THE NIGHT
Last Line: THAT SORE I GRIEV'D I WELCOM'D SUCH A GUEST.
Subject(s): CUPID; SONNET (AS LITERARY FORM); EROS;

CUPID abroad was lated in the night,
His wings were wet with ranging in the rain;
Harbour he sought, to me he took his flight,
To dry his plumes: I heard the boy complain;
I op'd the door, and granted his desire,
I rose myself, and made the wag a fire.

Looking more narrow by the fire's flame,
I spied his quiver hanging by his back:
Doubting the boy might my misfortune frame,
I would have gone for fear of further wrack;
But what I drad, did me poor wretch betide,
For forth he drew an arrow from his side.

He pierc'd the quick, and I began to start,
A pleasing wound, but that it was too high;
His shaft procur'd a sharp, yet sugar'd smart;
Away he flew, for why his wings were dry;
But left the arrow sticking in my breast,
That sore I griev'd I welcom'd such a guest.



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