Edward Fitzgerald (1809–1883)

Porcia’s Song

OF all the shafts to Cupid’s bow,

The first is tipp’d with fire;

All bare their bosoms to the blow

And call the wound Desire.

Love’s second is a poison’d dart,

And Jealousy is named:

Which carries poison to the heart

Desire had first inflamed.

The last of Cupid’s arrows all

With heavy lead is set:

That vainly weeping lovers call

Repentance, or Regret.