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. Even 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 them 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. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE DEATH OF A PHOTOGRAPHER by KAREN SWENSON THE WANDERINGS OF OISIN by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS LEXINGTON [APRIL 19, 1775] by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES A GLEAM OF SUNSHINE by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW PHANTOMS ALL by HARRIET PRESCOTT SPOFFORD |