Chapter XXVII: Book III: ODE III. To Venus

'Tis true, I was a sturdy soldier once,
And bravely under Cupid's banners fought:
Disbanded now, his service I renounce,
My warlike weapons serve for nought.

Here! take my helmet, sword, and shield,
My bow, my quiver, my artillery;
Chloe has beaten me quite out of th' field,
And leads me in captivity.

Great Venus! thou that know'st what I have been,
How able, and how true a friend to smocks! 10
Revenge my quarrel on th' imperious quean,
And pay her with a pox!