One silent night of late, <br />When every creature rested, <br />Came one unto my gate, <br />And knocking, me molested. <br /> <br />Who's that, said I, beats there, <br />And troubles thus the sleepy? <br />Cast off; said he, all fear, <br />And let not locks thus keep ye. <br /> <br />For I a boy am, who <br />By moonless nights have swerved; <br />And all with showers wet through, <br />And e'en with cold half starved. <br /> <br />I pitiful arose, <br />And soon a taper lighted; <br />And did myself disclose <br />Unto the lad benighted. <br /> <br />I saw he had a bow, <br />And wings too, which did shiver; <br />And looking down below, <br />I spied he had a quiver. <br /> <br />I to my chimney's shine <br />Brought him, as Love professes, <br />And chafed his hands with mine, <br />And dried his dropping tresses. <br /> <br />But when he felt him warm'd, <br />Let's try this bow of ours <br />And string, if they be harm'd, <br />Said he, with these late showers. <br /> <br />Forthwith his bow he bent, <br />And wedded string and arrow, <br />And struck me, that it went <br />Quite through my heart and marrow <br /> <br />Then laughing loud, he flew <br />Away, and thus said flying, <br />Adieu, mine host, adieu, <br />I'll leave thy heart a-dying.<br /><br />Robert Herrick<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-cheat-of-cupid-or-the-ungentle-guest/
