T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
In Chloe’s Chamber
By John Bancks (1709–1751)(Misc. Wks., i. 260; “the whole Tale, of which this is a Relick, consisted of about three Times as many Lines as are now left,” 1738) |
IN Chloe’s Chamber, She and I | |
| Together sat, on Creature nigh; | |
| The Time and Place conspir’d to move | |
| A Longing for the Joys of Love. | |
| I sigh’d, and kiss’d, and press’d her Hand. | 5 |
| Did all—to make her understand. | |
| She, pretty, tender-hearted Creature, | |
| Obey’d the Dictates of Good-Nature, | |
| As far as Modesty would let her. | |
| A melting Virgin seldom speaks. | 10 |
| But with her Breasts, and Eyes and Cheeks: | |
| Nor was it hard from These to find | |
| That Chloe had—almost a Mind. | |
| Thus far ’twas well; but, to proceed, | |
| What should I do?—Grow bold—I did.— | 15 |
| At last she falter’d, What would’st have?— | |
| Your Love, said I, or else my Grave.— | |
| Suppose it were the first, quoth she, | |
| Could you for-ever constant be? | |
| For-ever Chloe, by those Eyes, | 20 |
| Those Bubbies, which so fall and rise, | |
| By all that’s soft, and all that’s fair, | |
| By your whole sacred Self, I swear, | |
| Your fondest Wishes ne’er shall crave | |
| So constant, so complete a Slave! | 25 |
| Damon, you know too well the Art, | |
| She sighing said, to reach my Heart! | |
| Yet oh! I can’t, I won’t comply.— | |
| Why will you press? dear Damon why? * * * * * | |
DESUNT CÆTERA For Chloe, coming in one day, | 30 |
| As on my Desk the Copy lay; | |
| What means this rhyming Fool? she cries, | |
| Why some Folks may believe these Lies! | |
| So on the Fire she threw the Sheet. | |
| I burn’d my Hand—to save this Bit. | 35 |