Cupid Mistaken

Read 'Cupid Mistaken' by 'Matthew Prior' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

Cupid Mistaken by Matthew Prior

 As after noon, one summer's day, 
Venus stood bathing in a river; 
Cupid a-shooting went that way, 
New strung his bow, new fill'd his quiver. 

With skill he chose his sharpest dart: 
With all his might his bow he drew: 
Swift to his beauteous parent's heart 
The too well-guided arrow flew. 

I faint! I die! the Goddess cry'd: 
O cruel, could'st thou find none other, 
To wreck thy spleen on? Parricide! 
Like Nero, thou hast slain thy mother. 

Poor Cupid sobbing scarce could speak; 
Indeed, Mamma, I did not know ye: 
Alas! how easy my mistake? 
I took you for your likeness, Cloe.

Form: Ballad Comments

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