The Poetical Works of Elijah Fenton/Cupid and Hymen

by Elijah Fenton

CUPID AND HYMEN.

Cupid resign'd to Sylvia's care
His bow, and quiver stor'd with darts,
Commissioning the matchless fair
To fill his shrine with bleeding hearts.

His empire thus secur'd, he flies 5
To sport amid th' Idalian grove,
Whose feather'd quires proclaim'd the joys,
And bless'd the pleasing pow'r of Love.

The god their grateful songs engage
To spread his nets which Venus wrought, 10
Whilst Hymen held the golden cage,
To keep secure the game they caught.

The warblers, brisk with genial flame,
Swift from the myrtle shades repair;
A willing captive each became, 15
And sweetlier caroll'd in the snare.

When Hymen had receiv'd the prey,
To Cytherea's fane they flew,
Regardless, while they wing'd their way,
How sullen all the songsters grew. 20

Alas! no sprightly note is heard,
But each with silent grief consumes;
Tho' to celestial food preferr'd,
They, pining, drop their painted plumes.

Cupid, afflicted at the change, 25
To beg her aid to Venus run;
She heard the tale, nor thought it strange,
But, smiling, thus advis'd her son:

"Pleasure grows languid with restraint;
"'Tis Nature's privilege to roam: 30
"If you'd not have your linnets faint,
"Leave Hymen with his cage at home." 32