The Court of Cupid By the Author of the Meretriciad [i.e. Edward Thompson]. Containing the Eighth Edition of the Meretriciad, with great Additions. In Two Volumes |
 | I, II. |
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An Imitation of the 10th Elegy of the second book of the Amours of that meretricious,
polite, Roman Gentleman, PUBLIUS NASO OVID. |
 | The Court of Cupid |  |
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An Imitation of the 10th Elegy of the second book of the Amours of that meretricious, polite, Roman Gentleman, PUBLIUS NASO OVID.
Remember George, with warmth 'twas said by you,No Man at once could be in love with Two.
Deceived by you: unarm'd—I had no fears;
But now, in love with two o'er head and ears.
They both are handsome; and, they both dress well;
But which I cannot say doth most excell.
My heart for this, then that, alternate burns,
By Heav'n I love these Angels in their turns.
Thus like a ship the sport of wind and tide,
My heart divided beats from side to side.
Why would you Love redouble thus my smart,
One pretty Girl's enough to tease one heart?
Love brought to Me—is bringing leaves to trees,
Stars to the skies, and waters to the seas;
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Let that damn'd curse my Enemies befal.
This curse attend my foe (if I have one)
To deeply love, and yet to lie alone.
Love from my senses every slumber move,
O! make me active on the bed of Love?
If one sweet Girl my manhood can subdue,
Let her—if not—then bring me sweeter two.
Fine slender limbs with me and love suffice,
I want no vigour, but I may want size.
Desire still fans the flame, if strength does fade,
No Beauty slept with me and rose a maid.
Oft' have I spent in Love a luscious night,
And rose next morning eager for the fight:
Blest are those lives which mutual raptures spend,
Give me, ye Gods! so wish'd, so sweet an end!
Let the tough Soldier glory in his scars,
And search for Honour in the fields of Mars;
Let him who thirsts for riches cruize the main,
Let him, when ship-wreck'd sink and drink his gain.
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And dig with rapture there my own soft grave.
Some feeling Fair, shall at my Exit cry,
“Thus did he live, thus did my Naso die.”
| The Court of Cupid | |