When Love was born of heavenly line, What dire intrigues disturbed Cythera's joy! Till Venus cried, "A mother's heart is mine; None but myself shall nurse my boy," But, infant as he was, the child In that divine embrace enchanted lay; And, by the beauty of the vase beguiled, Forgot the beverage -- and pined away. "And must my offspring languish in my sight?" (Alive to all a mother's pain, The Queen of Beauty thus her court addressed) "No: Let the most discreet of all my train Receive him to her breast: Think all, he is the God of young delight." Then tenderness with candour joined, And gaiety the charming office sought; Nor even delicacy stayed behind: But none of those fair Graces brought Wherewith to nurse the child -- and still he pined. Some fond hearts to compliance seemed inclined; But she had surely spoiled the boy: And sad experience forbade a thought On the wild Goddess of voluptuous joy. Long undecided lay th' important choice, Ti...