Thomas Humphry Ward, ed. The English Poets. 1880–1918.rnVol. III. The Eighteenth Century: Addison to Blake
Matthew Prior (16641721)To a Lady
S
Who did unequal war pursue;
That more than triumph he might have,
In being overcome by you.
My heart was by my tongue belied;
And in my looks you might have read
How much I argued on your side.
Might have sustained an open fight:
For seldom your opinions err;
Your eyes are always in the right.
On Reason’s force with Beauty’s joined?
Could I their prevalence deny,
I must at once be deaf and blind.
I only to the fight aspired:
To keep the beauteous foe in view
Was all the glory I desired.
Contemns the wreath too long delayed;
And, armed with more immediate power,
Calls cruel silence to her aid.
She drops her arms, to gain the field:
Secures her conquest by her flight;
And triumphs, when she seems to yield.
And from the hostile camp withdrew;
With cruel skill the backward reed
He sent; and as he fled, he slew.