Poetical Works of Edmund Waller and Sir John Denham

Epigrams, Epitaphs, and Fragments

Under a Lady’s Picture

Such Helen was! and who can blame the boy1
That in so bright a flame consumed his Troy?
But had like virtue shined in that fair Greek,
The am’rous shepherd had not dared to seek
Or hope for pity; but with silent moan,
And better fate, had perished alone.

Notes

1 Paris.