Cupid

By Ben Jonson

Lyric Poem
    Beauties, have ye seen this toy,     Called love, a little boy     Almost naked, wanton, blind,     Cruel now, and then as kind?     If he be amongst ye, say!     He is Venus' runaway.     He hath of marks about him plenty;     Ye shall know him among twenty;     All his body is a fire,     And his breath a flame entire,     That, being shot like lightning in,     Wounds the heart, but not the skin.     He doth bear a golden bow,     And a quiver, hanging low,     Full of arrows, that outbrave     Dian's shafts, where, if he have     Any head more sharp than other,     With that first he strikes his mother.     Trust him not: his words, though sweet,     Seldom with his heart do meet;     All his practice is deceit,     Every gift is but a bait;     Not a kiss but poison bears,     And most treason in his tears.     If by these ye please to know him,     Beauties, be not nice, but show him,     Though ye had a will to hide him.     Now, we hope, ye'll not abide him,     Since ye hear his falser play,     And that he's Venus' runaway.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is an exploration of the concept of love, personified as a mischievous child, an image that hearkens back to the classical representation of Cupid, the Roman god of love. The speaker warns the "beauties", the poem's audience, about the capricious nature of love, describing it as a "toy" and "Venus' runaway." The speaker's choice of words emphasizes the unpredictable and potentially damaging aspects of love, using words like "wanton," "naked," "cruel," and "blind" to portray love as something that is both enticing and dangerous. The speaker also uses vivid imagery to convey the physical manifestation of love’s influence, describing love's "body as a fire" and his "breath a flame entire." These descriptions create a sense of love's overwhelming power and its ability to consume those who fall under its sway.

In the second half of the poem, the speaker continues to caution the "beauties

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.