Another Imitation of Anacreon

Against my wont. A little child

Awoke me as he gently crept

And beat my door. A tempest wild

Was raging-dark and cold the night.

"Have pity on my naked plight,"

He begged, "and ope thy door."-"Thy name?"

I asked admitting him.-"The same

"Anon I'll tell, but first must dry

"My weary limbs, then let me try

"My mois'ened bow."-Despite my fear

The hearth I lit, then drew me near

My guest, and chafed his fingers cold.

"Why fear?" I thought. "Let me be bold

"No Polyphemus he; what harm

"In such a child?-Then I'll be calm!"

The playful boy drew out a dart,

Shook his fair locks, and to my heart

His shaft he launch'd.-"Love is my name,"

He thankless cried, "I hither came

"To tame thee. In thine ardent pain

"Of Cupid think and young Climene."-

"Ah! now I know thee, little scamp,

"Ungrateful, cruel boy! Decamp!"

Cupid a saucy caper cut,

Skipped through the door, and as it shut,

"My bow," he taunting cried, "is sound,

"Thy heart, poor comrade, feels the wound."