5 1720 F5 opy 1 CUPID ABROAD; OR MYTHOLOGY RESUSCITATED; A P O E M. yX-Cd^ ',, ^*-^^&4^^iXi^ 'Ml CUPID ABROAD; OR MYTHOLOGY RESUSCITATED: A POEM i^ v HERCULES SAMSON FRESSMARKLE^ fA^ex^^l %^." HllLADELPHIA : J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 1846. ^ Reapectfully inscribed to s on revenge. Iris is sent to convene the goddesses, who having col- lected around their Ciiieen, she relates to them what had iiap- pened— lamenting much the loss of ili:; power they fornierly had over their lords, and ollbring a great reward to her who would revenge her upon the gods, by overturning in some man ler, tiieir plans and intentions, viz., that of causing a college to be built forthe sakeof eniigluenin!.' the ignorant minds of the peo- ple. Venus utidertakes to accomplish this, by means of striking with love the inmates of the f^— m — y. The other goildesses approving of the plan — she departs to put it into action. Meanwhile had Juno, with indignant breast, Swelling with injured pride, the presence left Of her stern lord, in solitude to pour The griefs and sorrows of a pouting spouse. Sighs from her heart, and tears burst from her eyes, "Woman's choice weapon, ever-ready tears, By which she reasons, wars, and sways at last. While thus the angry goddess grieving lay. Iris the lovely, on her rainbow steed Approach'd her weeping mistress, wond'ring much — And so to soothe her thus her words began: 4* Fair goddess deign to hear. From yon far orb, Where I had wandered, I have just relurn'd ; And as I rov'd along the misty hills, After a vernal shower, where Parnel's top. MYTHOLOGY RESUSCITATED. 11 In tow'ring grandeur separates the clouds ; O'erlooking all the wide and fertile plain Around the village of fair M — r — g ; There seated on the air with curious eye, A strange unlook'd for wonder I beheld. For suddenly by secret impulse led, A band of men came from the hills and vales Of all that country, armed with instruments, Such as the skilful miner's wont to use ; And spreading through the fields from quarries deep, Dug up tiie azure stone, of various bulk ; Others convey'd them to the deslin'd spot, While others still with well-experienced skill, Commenced the rock-bas'd fundamental wall. Some kneaded with strong oxen the tough clay, And quickly moulding brick with handy art, Careful convey'd them to the heated kilns. From thence again convey'd well burned for use — Then came the architect, with plumb and line. Beneath whose hand the noble structure rose In sudden beauty to the smiling skies ; Thus in a moment, on an airy hill. Beneath whose feet stood rural M — r — g ; O'erlooking all that town and country round. Rose M — 1 C — c, in its noble pride- Now high upon its tow'r the solemn bell. Swells its loud echoes o'er the list'ning plains. From hill and rock the trembling- tones rebound. 12 CUriD ABUOAD, OR While from the hills and vales, afar and near, Answering to the call, were seen to approach Wending their lonely way, and bending 'neath Tiie monstrous load of trunks, and books, and scrolls. Youths of all altitude and kind, and mind, Language and country, costume, circumstance, Hoosier, Buckeye, Sucker, Wolverine, Jonathan, Frank, Paddy, Habersocks; Some like huge giants, strode with horrid pace. Bounding o'er fences, dikes, and sloughs, and streams, Fit emblem of their speed in after days, Through knowledge's lone and solitary way. Others more small, with slow and tardy pace. Creeping through fences, swimming, wading streams, O'er which their giant fellows leapt with ease, Thus on they came, and entering the pile. Instinctively each to his chamber trod ; Where now they sit, wrapt in the mysteries Of ancient and of philosophic lore. Tims pass their hours in sludious thought away. Without a single care to interrupt, Except perhaps some adverse star malign. Bring a strange animal, with aspect dire To assault their peace with hateful bills and duns." " Enough, enough, unvcil'd the mystery, I now perceive full well why I was driven Forth from the presence of the assembled gods. Now for revenge — Fair Iris quick depart. Proclaim my will, that all the dames of Ileav'n, MYTHOLOGY RESUSCITATED. 13 Collect this evening at the hour of tea. For work of vast import commands our minds." Slie ceased, and Iris on her color'd wings, Cleft the soft air, and mounting swift aboon, Sped her bright way through all the Elysian fields, To cite the goddesses wherever found, Whether in bower or field, or hill, or wood. Or sweetly laving in the limpid flood, She sunnnon'd all. Forthwith the stately dames Began their journey to their angry queen. Never before was such a conclave seen. Such matchless beauty in one throng combin'd. Tha^ quickl}'^ met the lovely company. Around the tables of their honor'd queen. Which nymphs had loaded with the choicest fruits That grow in all the vast confines of heav'n. Before each one a cup capacious stood, Whence curling fumes of fragrant tea arose; Not of the kind that from the Chinese plains. Hyson, Imperial, or whatever named; But of the herb tiiat on the verdant meads Of Paradise springs with eternal bloom. Now ever and anon they taste and sip, While all around the endless talk arose; Right characteristic of the tender sex — Nor much unlike the talk that here is heard. When women meet, to spend a social hour. The litest news from every part was told, Tlic latest style discuss'd, and criticis'd. 14 CUPID AKKOAD, OR ******** ******** But all the while fair Juno pensive sat, Sipping her tea in moody solitude ; While ever and anon a sparkling tear Sought its slow course adown her blooming cheek, Yet unobserv'd, so busily engag'd, Each with her neighbor in some new-born tale. Happily the crowd at length perceiv'd Their silent mistress' melancholy mood. Curious to know the cause, then each enquir'd With soothing voice, and sympathetic face ; When Juno thus unto her guests began : «' Hear mfe ye matchless Goddesses of Heaven, I speak in rage, in rage I have convened You here this eve, to hear my bitter tale. How I have been most cruelly oppressed. Insulted too, before the whole concourse Of the assembled Gods ; and not an arm Uplifted on my side. Ye days of old, Ye glorious days of femnle sovereignty. When at my word ten tiiousand swords had braved The powers of earth and heaven, e'en Jove himself! But ah how changed from those bright days of yore ! When at our feet full ofl in rueful plight, All for a single kiss, or smile perchance, We held them slaves; which thou canst well attest, Fair Queen of Beauty. But now the table's turned. With doub.'e weight the yoke doth clog our necks. MYTHOLOGY RESUSCITATED. 15 'Tis time we stir ; altlioug-h some pretence still Might make our righteous cause appear more just. That pretence we possess, what need we more, Than the insult of which I've spoke before, Was offered me this morning in presence of The whole concourse of assembled Gods. Because forsooth some secret council had Of late their minds employed. Yet although driven Forth from their midst, jet cunningly I've learned The object of that concourse and its aim." Thus she recounted to them the affair, As slie had learned from the fair messenger, And with these words concluded her discourse : " Great the reward to her who overthrows And turns to naught this labour of our lords." Then there was silence — each within her mind Turn'd various plans, to accomplish the design ; When the bright queen of Beauty rose, and thus Began, " The task to overthrow this work Be mine. The means I use now also hear. Beneatli the hill where M — h — II C — 11 — e stands, Lies a small village, rural M g, tiere dwells a band of charming bright-eyed maids. Fair as the dawn, fit to consort with kings, Whose lovely forms might charm a Raphael's gaze. Artful as lovely, none could better suit As instruments to accomplish the design. For I will strike with luve the studious youth — What needeth more, science and love ne'er met IG CUPID ABROAD, OR In friendly bonds of peace and amity — But 'tis enougli, ye soon shrill see the end." All with the project pleased wished her success, While she departed on her destined way. CANTO III, A R G U 51 E N T . At that timo wlion Fol enters Taurus, Venus, as had born determined, makes lirr desceni anrl strikes with the "lender passions" the inmates of the ('— 1— e. Its effects upon the Collepian— on the Tlteolo^ian. Vonus calls T.-rpsichoie to h^-r aid. Her prie-t approaches t>om a neis;hl)0urin2 town. The youth resorts to him for insiruclioii in the graces of his art Tiieir P— t— r opposition. The end. Now bloomin(r Flora over all the earth Had scattered flowers in the steps of spring^ ; Birds sweetly sang-, the crystal waters rushed, The leaves spranj^ fijrth, and frat^/ant roses bloomed. Activity and life ihroutrh Nature's breast With balmy warmth invig^orating- ran, When Venus with her Paphian boy appeared. Intent on conquest. Well chosen too the time. For best her work succeeds mid bloom and Flower.*!, When skies are bright and freshening breezes wall A tranquil gladness o'er the teeming earth. The town pours forth its fair inliabitants. Lured by the beauty of the sunny sky, And verdant field.s. Through wood and lawn, In witching loveliness and joy they roam : The mellow air unto their glowing cheecks Lends deeper glow, and from th.eir beaming eyes MYTHOLOGY RESUSCITATED. 17 The lightning' glance renewed distinctive shoots. Woe unto him that gazes ; woe to him That now encountering but that glance receives. Now wary Venus kindles in each heart, Though feebly first, the wild yet infant flame. Restless they rise, scarce knowing what's the matter And from their lonely chambers peep. 'Tis done. Venus has conquered ; for towards the frowning pile By tiie fair Goddess' unseen hand impelled, With many an artful smile and winning grace; Enough to make the sternest Anch'rite sigh They see those gay and bright-eyed tempters come. They look, they gaze, admire, while Venus feeds With ample bounty the increasing spark. They look, they gaze, they feed upon the sight, Like a sick man, reviving from a long Food-loatliing malad}', beholds With raging appetite the smoking dish Now first approached for many a hungry hour. Thus long they now to taste the dewy sweets Upon the lips (*f love ; while through their frames The fierce, controlless, burning fervor rushed. Oh then there was a stir, and such a stir — Say hast' beheld the long ice fettered fount. Warmed by the beams of the congenial sun. Cast from its bosom its congealing chain; And swell its rapid waters forth anew? Thus in their hearts, warmed by the rage of love. 18 CUriD ABROAD, OR The long-pent springs of feeling were unloosed J And forth they gushed in overflowing streams, With a resistless, unrelenting power. Maddened with love the once laborious youth Forsook their labour. Books and each instrument Of studious toil, are now all thrown aside, While on the air re-echoes sigh on sigh. The proud Collegian stepped down from his height. Of lifted dignity, to buw a slave To mighty love. No more ambition binds Him to his weary task, dull and careworn ; Love has dispelled the bright alluring dream Of honour and renown, that ofl was wont To cheer afresh his enervated heart, Ready to sink beneath its burdening toil. Far different labour now his lime employs, Twixt " comb and glass^^ his passing moments fly. Once careless of appearance, now he strives With ready art to add where Nature wants. Like Polyphemus for Galatea's smile He brings his offering to the Graces' shrine. Tricked up to style, he essays to sally forth, Yet often turns again unto his glass, To give his Nutria a better set, Or to expose more lavish to the sight His snowy cambric from its prison door. Some slowly stray in gloomy grove and glen. In solitude to pour their tender plaints, MYTIIOLOr.Y RESrsriTATED. 10 And groan to listless trees the quenchless ping's That rack their tortured souls. Some watchful sit, When midnight shadows veil the sleepino- earth And pray the chastened moon and glim'ring stars, In love's pathetic strains for sympathy. The plain prose thinker has his thoughts all turned To poetry. He melancholy sits, While song and sonnet from his busy pen. By love inspired in mournful numbers flow. Each silent eve along the streets and lanes, They slowly stray, if haply they should meet The cherished one, if but to catch a glimpse From the bright eyes that set their hearts on fire. Music is called to aid ; its trembling strains Renders melodious each starbeaming night ; The tender tones of flute and clarionet Beneath the oft frequented window tell, And to the fair confess their inward pain — The lattice opens and a snowy arm But dimly seen, pours on the eajer youth A lavish shower of garlands and boquets. They scranible, snatch, and fondly to their hearts They press the blooming trophies of success. That night around their pillow, glorious dreams Hover on fairy wings of ectasy. How dilFerent from those whom adverse fate, Has empty sent unto their joyless beds. No dreams of bliss enchant their sleepless eyes. The morning bright beholds them pale and wan, 20 CUPID ABROAD, OR Cheerless and sad. Drear disappointment sits, Like mists from Erebus upon their souls. The stern Theologian overcome perforce ; To whom this precept was a daily guide, ''Take no forethought what thou mayest wear." No More we see him pace the streets with solemn steps, The while his simple vesture tells a heart Humbly obedient to his master's will. But spruce aad gay, tricked up in latest style Sir Fashion now he stately stalks along. The populace behold — In truth he is Some " Man of Leisure," some cash-crowded heir Unto a wealthy Astor or Bragean. Ills task forgot, his prayers half mumbled o'er, " Her image steals between his God and him," He scarce can tell to which his heart is raised. In vain the D — t — r scolds and threats and warns, In vain the B— d of V — t — r's convene, To stay the progress of the subtile power, In vain they cast o'erboard the stricken youth Who dare to bow to any other shrine. Than Heaven's.— Not wholly free the D. P.'s self. Nor was his labor vain or amiss. Sly And cunninjrly he waged the lovcborn siege. And fortune smiled propitious on his suit. To;facilitatc her labour Venus calls Terpsichore to aid. Her minister, Who seeks no higher honour than to instruct MYTHOLOGY RESUSCITATED. 21 The mazy mysteries of the mobile dance ; Makes his appearance from a neighbouring town. To him repairs each awkward lad and las«, Lo forth they come. Ye gods I what matchless grace Attends each turn, attends each measured step — How killing nice their mien, their manner how Superb — 'Tis true their P — t — r doth declaim In speech severe against the wanton art, Remembering well, as that blind bard relates In matchless verse, how Canaan's tripping fair, Stole from the sons of God their roving heart. Preferring a'lso natural grace, the air, That springeth from the unaffected breast, Unto the hollow counterfeit of art. Yet uselessly the P — t — r may oppose. Uncompromising love attains the sway ; Religion's self is turned into a means To pander to its all absorbing power. And how forego the dance, the graceful dance, Decoyous, charming, all enticing dance ; The wanton conqueror of the stoutest hearts ? Ah how forego love's mightiest instrument? Arlette's nimble feet stole Normand's heart ; Spusippus raves at Paneretta's steps ; Rolls from the bleeding trunk the Baptist's head, When bright flerodias trips before the king. E'en Venus self thus plundered Paris' heart, Thus now oh M — t — n many a breast shall feel The potent influence of thy matchless skill. 22 CUPID ABKOAD. And yc who still with Puritan dislike, And frowning look, the magic dance behold; Hush up the grumbling torturer within, And fly to learn the all-bewitching art. For how expect within the '• lists of love" To cope with those whom such superior grace Of limb and mien, excels above yourselves. Ah Venus, Venus thou hast conquered and Vainly now, the raging Apollo strives, To bring again hi? vot'ries to his shrine. Once having tasted the delicious bit, They glut, they gorge, and yet the more the pain Insatiate calls, and still unsatisfied, Feeds, gluts again, ahungered and uncloyed. CETERA DESUNT. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS lill 018 597 275 6 «