Once I was unconfined and free, <br />Would I had been so still! <br />Enjoying sweetest liberty, <br />And roving at my will. <br /> <br />But now, not master of my heart, <br />Cupid does so decide, <br />That two she tyrants shall it part, <br />And so poor me divide. <br /> <br />Victoria's will I must obey, <br />She acts without control; <br />Phillis has such a taking way <br />She charms my very soul. <br /> <br />Deceived by Phillis' looks and smiles, <br />Into her snares I run; <br />Victoria shows me all her wiles, <br />Which yet I dare not shun. <br /> <br />From one I fancy every kiss <br />Has something in't divine, <br />And awful taste the balmy bliss <br />That joins her lips with mine. <br /> <br />But when with th' other I embrace, <br />Though she be not a queen, <br />Methinks 'tis sweet with such a lass <br />To tumble on the green. <br /> <br />Thus here you see a shared heart, <br />But I meanwhile the fool; <br />Each in it has an equal part, <br />But neither yet the whole. <br /> <br />Nor will it, if I right forecast, <br />To either wholly yield; <br />I find the time approaches fast <br />When both must quit the field.<br /><br />Matthew Prior<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/songs-set-to-music-14-set-by-mr-smith/
