CUPID, we know, is painted blind; The reason it were hard to find, Unless, indeed, we may suppose The fable of Lafontaine shows, Beyond a reasonable doubt, How the misfortune came about. 'T is said that on a certain day, As Love and Folly were at play, They fell into a warm debate Upon a point of little weight, Until, so high the quarrel rose, From angry words they came to blows. Love, little used to warlike arts (Save with his famous bow and darts), Although he fought with all his might, Was quickly vanquished in the fight; Miss Folly dealt him such a slap Across the face, the little chap Fell in a swoon, and woke to find He could not see! -- the boy was blind! Now when his doting mother came To know the case, the angry dame Behaved as any mother might Whose only son had lost his sight. Whate'er had caused the dreadful deed, Malicious aim, or want of heed, Such wrath in heaven was seldom seen As Venus showed in speech and mien. She stunned Olympus with her cries For vengeance. "What! put out his eyes! My precious Cupid! Let the jade Straight down to Orcus be conveyed! That justice may be duly done On her who maimed my darling son, And left the lad, bereaved of sight, To grope in everlasting night!" While Venus thus for vengeance prayed On Folly, -- thoughtless, hapless maid, -- Great Jove convenes a special court To hear the case and make report. In solemn council long they sit To judge what penalty is fit The crime to answer; and, beside Some restitution to provide (If aught, indeed, they can devise) For Master Cupid's ruined eyes. And thus, at last, it was decreed, That Folly, for her wicked deed, In part the damage should restore By leading Cupid evermore! L'ENVOI. And so it comes that still we see The maid where'er the boy may be; Love still is blind; and Folly still Directs the urchin where she will. |