AT dead of night, when stars appear, And strong Bootes turns the bear; When mortals sleep their cares away, Fatigued with labours of the day, Cupid was knocking at my gate; Who's there! says I, who knocks so late, Disturbs my dreams, and breaks my rest! O fear not me, a harmless guest, He said, but open, open, pray; A foolish child, I've lost my way, And wander here this moonless night, All wet and cold, and wanting light. With due regard his voice I heard, Then rose, a ready lamp prepared, And saw a naked boy below, With wings, a quiver, and a bow; In haste I ran, unlocked my gate, Secure and thoughtless of my fate; I set the child an easy chair Against the fire, and dried his hair; Brought friendly cups of cheerful wine, And warmed his little hands in mine. All this I did with kind intent; But he, on wanton mischief bent, Said, Dearest friend, this bow you see, This pretty bow belongs to me: Observe, I pray, if all be right; I fear the rain has spoiled it quite. He drew it then, and straight I found Within my breast a secret wound. This done, the rogue no longer staid, But leaped away, and laughing said, 'Kind host, adieu! we now must part; Safe is my bow, but sick thy heart.' | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BETRAYAL by HESTER H. CHOLMONDELEY DISCONTENTS IN DEVON by ROBERT HERRICK THE OLD FAMILIAR FACES by CHARLES LAMB MONT BLANC; LINES WRITTEN IN THE VALE OF CHAMOUNI by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY THE ANVIL OF SOULS by WILLIAM ROSE BENET MAN AND WOMAN GO THROUGH THE CANCER WARD by GOTTFRIED BENN |