THE MERCHANT, TO SECURE HIS TREASURE

by: Matthew Prior (1664-1721)

      HE merchant, to secure his treasure,
      Conveys it in a borrowed name:
      Euphelia serves to grace my measure,
      But Cloe is my real flame.
       
      My softest verse, my darling lyre
      Upon Euphelia's toilet lay--
      When Cloe noted her desire
      That I should sing, that I should play.
       
      My lyre I tune, my voice I raise,
      But with my numbers mix my sighs;
      And whilst I sing Euphelia's praise,
      I fix my soul on Cloe's eyes.
       
      Fair Cloe blushed; Euphelia frowned:
      I sung, and gazed; I played, and trembled:
      And Venus to the Loves around
      Remarked how ill we all dissembled.

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