Classic Poem

In Naples , famous for Delights ,
Where the soft Air to Love invites,
Strephon , o'ercome with Wine , was led,
By chance, to some vile Strumpet 's Bed,
In the lone Suburbs , where she lyes,
Fatal, as Spider to the Flies .
At Night, when all was hush'd, she rose
To stab the Youth , and seize his Cloaths;
But, as she meant, to give the Stroke ,
Her lifted Hand with Horror shook,
A Trembling seiz'd her Limbs all o'er:
A Dread , she never felt before!
And, as he slept by her false Side,
Thus the relenting Syren cry'd.
Awake! awake! and fly with Speed,
Left by this fatal Steel you bleed!
Many fond Lovers here have lain,
Many this murd'ring Arm has slain;
But you are safe: Arise, and go!
Remorse for the first Time I know.
Of some Divinity above,
Or Phaebus , or the Queen of Love,
You surely now must be the Care
Thus strangely to avoid my Snare!
No! base, rapacious Mother , use
Your loudest Threats , I'll now refuse!
Let her try all her Rage and Spells!
My soften'd Heart , at length, rebels.
Hence, favour'd Mortal! while you may,
Before th' approaching Dawn of Day;
Diana lights you on your Way.
Fly, to convince the World , you find
A Harlot once sincere , and kind!