The Runaway Lover, by Moschus

The Runaway Lover

Her Eros thus proclaimed the Cyprian Queen; --
'If any one has in the highway seen
My straying Eros, and reports to me
His whereabout, he shall rewarded be;
A kiss for him; but if it shall betide
One bring him me, a kiss--and more beside.
Midst twenty he is notable to view;
Not fair, but flamy, is his dazzling hue;
Sharp are his eyes, and flame their glances fleet
His mind is wicked, but his speech is sweet.
His word and meaning are not like at all;
His word is honey, and his meaning gall.
He is a mischievous, deceitful child;
Beguiles with falsehood, laughs at the beguiled.
He has a lovely head of curling hair,
But saucy features, with a reckless stare.
His hands are tiny, but afar they throw
E'en down to Dis and Acheron below.
Naked his form, his mind in covert lies;
Winged as a feathered bird, he careless flies;
From girls to boys, from men to women flits,
Sports with their heart-strings, on their vital sits.
Small is his bow, his arrow small to sight,
But to Jove's court it wings its ready flight.
Upon his back a golden quiver sounds,
Full of sharp darts, with which e'en me he wounds.
All cruel things by cruel Love are done;
His torch is small, yet scorches e'en the sun.
But should you take him--fast and safely bind him,
And bring him to me with his hands behind him.
If he should weep, take heed--he weeps at will;
But should he smile--then drag him faster still;
And should he offer you a kiss, beware!
Evil his kiss, his red lips poisoned are!
And should he say, with seeming friendship hot,
"Accept my bow and arrows, " touch them not!
Tears, smiles, words, gifts, deceitful wiles inspire,
And everything he has is dipped in fire.'

poems.one - Moschus