The Poetry Corner

The Sale Of Loves.

By Thomas Moore

I dreamt that, in the Paphian groves, My nets by moonlight laying, I caught a flight of wanton Loves, Among the rose-beds playing. Some just had left their silvery shell, While some were full in feather; So pretty a lot of Loves to sell, Were never yet strung together. Come buy my Loves, Come buy my Loves, Ye dames and rose-lipped misses!-- They're new and bright, The cost is light, For the coin of this isle is kisses. First Cloris came, with looks sedate. The coin on her lips was ready; "I buy," quoth she, "my Love by weight, "Full grown, if you please, and steady." "Let mine be light," said Fanny, "pray-- "Such lasting toys undo one; "A light little Love that will last to-day,-- "To-morrow I'll sport a new one." Come buy my Loves, Come buy my Loves, Ye dames and rose-lipped misses!-- There's some will keep, Some light and cheap At from ten to twenty kisses. The learned Prue took a pert young thing, To divert her virgin Muse with, And pluck sometimes a quill from his wing. To indite her billet-doux with, Poor Cloe would give for a well-fledged pair Her only eye, if you'd ask it; And Tabitha begged, old toothless fair. For the youngest Love in the basket. Come buy my Loves, etc. But one was left, when Susan came, One worth them all together; At sight of her dear looks of shame, He smiled and pruned his feather. She wished the boy--'twas more than whim-- Her looks, her sighs betrayed it; But kisses were not enough for him, I asked a heart and she paid it! Good-by, my Loves, Good-by, my Loves, 'Twould make you smile to've seen us First, trade for this Sweet child of bliss, And then nurse the boy between us.