LOVE DISARMED by MATTHEW PRIOR

BENEATH a myrtle's verdant shade
As Cloe half asleep was laid,
Cupid perched lightly on her breast,
And in that heaven desired to rest:
Over her paps his wings he spread;
Between, he found a downy bed,
And nestled in his little head.
Still lay the god: the nymph surprised,
Yet mistress of herself, devised
How she the vagrant might enthral,
And captive him, who captives all.
Her boddice half-way she unlaced;
About his arms she slily cast
The silken bond, and held him fast.
The god awaked, and thrice in vain
He strove to break the cruel chain;
And thrice in vain he shook his wing,
Incumbered in the silken string.
Flutt'ring the god, then weeping said,
Pity poor Cupid, generous maid,
Who happened, being blind, to stray,
And on thy bosom lost his way;
Who strayed, alas! but knew too well,
He never there must hope to dwell:
Set an unhappy prisoner free,
Who ne'er intended harm to thee.
To me pertains not, she replies,
To know or care where Cupid flies,
What are his haunts, or which his way;
Where he would dwell, or whither stray;
Yet will I never set thee free,
For harm was meant, and harm to me.
Vain fears that vex thy virgin heart!
I'll give thee up my bow and dart:
Untangle but this cruel chain,
And freely let me fly again.
Agreed: secure my virgin heart:
Instant give up thy bow and dart:
The chain I'll in return untie;
And freely thou again shalt fly.
Thus she the captive did deliver;
The captive thus gave up his quiver.
The god disarmed, e'er since that day
Passes his life in harmless play:
Flies round, or sits upon her breast,
A little, fluttering, idle guest.
E'er since that day the beauteous maid
Governs the world in Cupid's stead;
Directs his arrow as she wills;
Gives grief, or pleasure; spares, or kills.

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