Classic Poem

In pity first to human kind,
Love taught the art of writing;
But soon deceit stepped in, we find,
And taught man false inditing.

False vows, false words, nay e'en false tears,
Soon after were invented;
And Love from each account appears
Almost to have repented

That he disclosed the magic art,
At first for gods intended,
By which he thought the virgin heart
Would be so much befriended.

What vows, what sighs on paper flow,
In words as sweet as honey!
They melt away like now-fall'n snow,
In sunshine now of money.

Then Love with indignation saw
His tender views defeated;
Traitors unpunished broke his law,
And crime on crime repeated.

Then, Love, resume thy wonted power,
And punish every traitor;
From Jupiter in golden shower,
Down to the petit-maitre .