Classic Poem

Unhappy the maidens forbidden to prove
The bumper's full joy, or the raptures of love;
Unhappy the girls, who are destined to hear
The tedious rebukes of old uncles severe.
Cytheræa's winged son now bids thee resign
The toils of Minerva, the spinster divine;
For now, Neobule, with other desires
The brightness of Hebrus thy bosom inspires;
When he rises with vigour from Tiber's rough waves,
Where the oil of his labours athletic he laves,
Like Bellerophon skilful to rein the fierce steed,
At cuffs never conquered, nor outstripped in speed,
And dextrous with darts never flying in vain,
To wound the light stag, bounding over the plain,
Or active and valiant the boar to surprise,
Transfixt with his spear, as in covert he lies.