Classic Poem

Then Nature to her workshop turned again,
Wielding her sledges, as her custom is,
And forging as before. No more delayed
Genius, but swifter than the rushing wind
Pursued his winged way and reached Love's host.
False Seeming was not there. He had decamped
In greatest haste, nor stopped to say good-by,
Ill liking pause, soon as they seized the hag
Who oped for me the gate into the close
And with Fair Welcome so advanced my cause
That I might talk with him. But, to be sure,
Forced Abstinence was found by Genius there.
She tried her best False Seeming to ensue
As soon as she saw Nature's priest appear,
And scarce could be restrained. Little she liked
To let us see her converse hold with him,
And four gold besants gladly would have paid
That of her plight False Seeming might not know.
Genius, without delay, in that same hour
The host saluted as was seemliest
And told, omitting nothing, why he came.
I need not say how much they all rejoiced
To hear the news he brought. I will abridge
My tale, lest I too much should tire your ears;
For often he who preaches at great length
His hearers loses by prolixity.
In chasuble was Genius soon arrayed
By Cupid, who a ring and cross supplied
And miter clearer than a crystal glass.
But for no richer tiring would they wait,
So eager were they all to hear him read.
O'erwhelmed with laughter, Venus scarce kept still;
Inspired by jollity and gaiety,
She placed within his fist a taper bright,
Which certainly was not of virgin wax,
To make more forceful his anathema,
When he revealed the theme of his discourse.
Genius no more delayed, but mounted high
Upon a scaffold, where he best could read
The scripture that Dame Nature's will revealed.
The barons, wishing for no better seats,
Stretched on the ground, while he displayed to them
His charter. Then with motions of his hand
He signed to all the circle to be still.
His words were pleasing, and with wink and nod
They silenced one another, listening well
As he his exhortation forcefully began.