A Lover's Anger

By Matthew Prior

As Cloe came into the Room t'other Day,

I peevish began; Where so long cou'd You stay?

In your Life-time You never regarded your Hour:

You promis'd at Two; and (pray look Child) 'tis Four.

A Lady's Watch needs neither Figures nor Wheels:

'Tis enough, that 'tis loaded with Baubles and Seals.

A Temper so heedless no Mortal can bear—

Thus far I went on with a resolute Air.

Lord bless Me! said She; let a Body but speak:

Here's an ugly hard Rose-Bud fall'n into my Neck:

It has hurt Me, and vext Me to such a Degree—

See here; for You never believe Me; pray see,

On the left Side my Breast what a Mark it has made.

So saying, her Bosom She careless display'd.

That Seat of Delight I with Wonder survey'd;

And forgot ev'ry Word I design'd to have said.