From the Greek of Oudeis

Miss Porden

Venus once of cash being short
Did thus, but ’twas her last resort.
Cupid she called, and sorrowing said,
“My son, today I ask your aid — 
Exiled awhile by angry Jove
I dare not yet remount above
When down he sent me here to dwell
I thought that I should like it well
For cash in plenty he did give
Allowing me in style to live,
But things are now so very dear
I can no more as wont appear.
Oft have I tried, but tried in vain,
For ah! I cannot credit gain — 
And tho’ consumed, he knows my store
To Jove in vain I sue for more.
Then haste, in flowery bands combine
Those doves that must no more be mine.
To market drive the spotless pair
To sell them, be thy filial care.
Alas! it grieves me to the heart
With them so much beloved to part
But hope that soon relenting Jove
Again may take me to his love.
Re-purchased from their mortal lord
Fresh joy shall they to me afford — 
Oh may their price my debts but pay
But time flies swift, away, away.”
She spoke, nor Cupid ought replies
But with the doves to market flies.
Bought by a wealthy monarch there
Large price obtains th’ immortal pair.
To Venus, then her offspring hies
And to her hands consigns the prize.