LOVE AND HIS ENEMY.
[IMITATED FROM FONTENELLE.]
'Twas in the Golden Age, ere shameWas e'er attached to Pleasure's name,But Mortals loved as free as sparrows,That Jove heard Cupid thus complain:—"I blush o'er none but Slaves to reign,"Who kiss my chains, and court my arrows.
"On nobler Game I fain would try"My shafts, and make some Monster die,"Whose fall next Mars himself may place me!"Deign then, imperial Sire, to show,"Where I can find some worthy Foe;"These easy triumphs but disgrace me!"—
Jove smiled, then bade the Earth unclose,And Lo! before them Honour rose!—"Look," cried the Sire;" Your suit is granted!"—Half-pleased, half-frightened, Love surveyedHis new-born foe—"Thanks, Jove!" He said;"Here's just the Monster that I wanted!"—