NAY, Xanthias, feel unashamed That she you love is but a servant. Remember, lovers far more famed Were just as fervent. Achilles loved the pretty slave Brisëis for her fair complexion; And to Tecmessa Ajax gave His young affection. Why, Agamemnon at the height Of feasting, triumph, and anointment, Left everything to keep, one night, A small appointment. And are you sure the girl you love— This made on whom you have your heart set Is lowly—that she is not of The Roman smart set? A maiden modest as is she, So full of sweetness and forbearance, Must be all right; her folks must be Delightful parents. Her arms and face I can commend, And, as the writer of a poem, I fain would compliment, old friend, The limbs below 'em. Nay, be not jealous. Stop your fears. My tendencies are far from sporty. Besides, the number of my years Is over forty. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE NAME OF JESUS by JOHN NEWTON HIS EXCELLENCY GENERAL WASHINGTON by PHILLIS WHEATLEY |