Classic Poem

Lydia, why do you ruin by lavishing
Smiles upon Sybaris, filling his eye
Only with love, and the skilfully ravishing
Lydia. Why?

Ringing his voice was; above all the clamorous
Throng in the play-ground his own would be high.
Now it is changed; he is softened and amorous.
Lydia, why?

Once he was blithe and, as swift as a linnet, he
Wrestled and swam, or on horse-back flew by.
Now he is dulled with this cursed femininity—
Lydia, why?

Yes, he is changed—he is moody and servile, he
Skulks like a coward and wishes to fly.
What, can you smile at his acting so scurvily,
Lydia? … Why?