The Poetry Corner

A Lover's Anger

By Matthew Prior

As Cloe came into the Room t'other Day, I peevish began; Where so long cou'd You stay? In your Life-time You never regarded your Hour: You promis'd at Two; and (pray look Child) 'tis Four. A Lady's Watch needs neither Figures nor Wheels: 'Tis enough, that 'tis loaded with Baubles and Seals. A Temper so heedless no Mortal can bear Thus far I went on with a resolute Air. Lord bless Me! said She; let a Body but speak: Here's an ugly hard Rose-Bud fall'n into my Neck: It has hurt Me, and vext Me to such a Degree See here; for You never believe Me; pray see, On the left Side my Breast what a Mark it has made. So saying, her Bosom She careless display'd. That Seat of Delight I with Wonder survey'd; And forgot ev'ry Word I design'd to have said.