For many unsuccessful years At Cynthia's feet I lay; Battering them often with my tears, I sighed, but durst not pray. No prostrate wretch before the shrine Of some saint above, E'er thought his goddess more divine, Or paid more awful love. Still the disdainful nymph look'd down With an insulting pride; Receiv'd my passion with a frown, Or toss'd her head aside. Then Cupid whisper'd in my ear, "Use more prevailing charms, You modest, fond, whining fool, draw near, And clasp her in your arms. "With eager kisses tempt the maid, From Cynthia's feet depart; The lips he briskly must invade Who would possess the heart." With that I shook off the slave, My better fortunes tried; And Cynthia in a moment gave What she for years denied. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FOR THE INVESTITURE by CECIL DAY LEWIS EPITAPH FOR A SOLDIER by DAVID IGNATOW IN TALL GRASS by CARL SANDBURG |