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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SALE OF CUPID by THOMAS MOORE

First Line: WHO'LL BUY A LITTLE BOY? LOOK, YONDER IS HE
WHO' LL buy a little boy? Look , yonder is he,
Fast asleep, sly rogue, on his mother's knee;
So bold a young imp ' t is n't safe to keep
So I'll part with him now, while he's sound asleep.
See his arch little nose, how sharp ' t is curled,
His wings, too, even in sleep unfurled;
And those fingers, which still ever ready are found
For mirth or for mischief, to tickle , or wound.


He'll try with his tears your heart to beguile,
But never you mind - he's laughing all the while;
For little he cares, so he has his own whim,
And weeping or laughing are all one to him.
His eye is as keen as the lightning's flash ,
His tongue like the red bolt quick and rash;
And so savage is he, that his own dear mother
Is scarce more safe in his hands than another.


In short, to sum up this darling's praise ,
He's a downright pest in all sorts of ways;
And if any one wants such an imp to employ,
He shall have a dead bargain of this little boy.
But see, the boy wakes - his bright tears flow
His eyes seem to ask could I sell him? oh no,
Sweet child no, no- though so naughty you be,
You shall live evermore with my Lesbia and me.




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