Love

Cupid in Ambush

by Matthew Prior 1664–1721

From Miscellaneous Works (Waller, 1907)

Love

IT oft to many has successful been.
Upon his arm to let his mistress lean.
Or with her airy fan to cool her heat.
Or gently squeeze her knees, or press her feet.
All public sports to favour young desire.
With opportunities like this conspire ;
Ev'n where his skill, the Gladiator shows,
With human blood, where the Arena flows.
There oftentimes love's quiver-bearing-Boy,
Prepares his bow and arrows to destroy :
While the spectator gazes on the fight,
And sees 'em wound each other with delight.
While he his pretty mistress entertains.
And wagers with her who the conquest gains ;
Slily the God takes aim and hits his heart,
And in the wounds he sees he bears his part.

MLA

Prior, Matthew. “Cupid in Ambush.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/prior/155/.

Chicago

Prior, Matthew. “Cupid in Ambush.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/prior/155/.

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