Classic Poem

Fresh as the dawn of breaking day,
With artless ease replete,
Maria innocently gay,
Can smile without deceit.

Her cheek is like the new-blown rose,
Blushing through morning dew!
That queen of ev'ry flow'r that grows,
Boasts not so sweet a hue!

The little tyrant god of love,
Sits in her dimpled face;
For her he quits his throne above,
And all th' æthereal race:

The Cyprean groves, his dear delight,
Can not afford him rest;
He quits his darling mother's sight,
For Mary's panting breast.

Pleas'd with that earthly seat of bliss,
He soon forgets the skies;
Resigns his godhead for a kiss,
That absent Heav'n supplies!