Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A FRAGMENT, by JOHN BANCKS



Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A FRAGMENT, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In cloe's chamber, she and I / together sat, no creature nigh
Last Line: I burned my hand—to save this bit.
Subject(s): Seduction


IN Cloe's chamber, she and I
Together sat, no creature nigh:
The time and place conspired to move
A longing for the joys of love.
I sighed and kissed, and pressed her hand;
Did all—to make her understand.
She, pretty, tender-hearted creature,
Obeyed the dictates of good-nature,
As far as modesty would let her.
A melting virgin seldom speaks
But with her breasts, and eyes, and cheeks:
Nor was it hard from these to find
That Cloe had—almost a mind.
Thus far 'twas well; but to proceed,
What should I do?—Grow bold.—I did.—
At last she faltered, 'What would'st have?'—
'Your love,' said I, 'or else my grave.'—
'Suppose it were the first,' quoth she,
'Could you forever constant be?'
'Forever? Cloe, by those eyes,
Those bubbies, which so fall and rise,
By all that's soft, and all that's fair,
By your whole sacred self, I swear,
Your fondest wishes ne'er shall craveSo constant, so complete a slave!'
'Damon, you know too well the art,'
She sighing said, 'to reach my heart!
Yet oh! I can't, I won't comply.—
Why will you press? Dear Damon why?'

* * * * * * *

Desunt Caetera

For Cloe coming in one day,
As on my desk the copy lay,
'What means this rhyming fool?' she cries:
'Why some folks may believe these lies!'
So on the fire she threw the sheet.
I burned my hand—to save this bit.





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