1 827.] The Legend of St. Valentine. 1 6 1 



The saints at this were sadly vex'd* 

 And much their holy brains perplex'd, 



To bring the boy to reason ; 

 And, when they found him bent to stay, 

 They built up convent walls straightway, 



And put poor Love in prison. 



But Cupid, though a captive made, 

 Soon met, within a convent shade, 



New subjects in profusion : 

 Albeit he found his pagan name 

 Was heard by pious maid and dame 



With horror and confusion. 



For all were there demure and coy, 

 And deem'd a rebel heathen boy 



A most unsairatly creature j 

 But Cupid found a way with ease 

 His slyest vot'ries tastes to please, 



And yet not change a feature. 



For, by his brightest dart, the elf 

 Affirm'd he'd turn a saint himself, 



To make their scruples lighter ; 

 So gravely hid his dimpled smiles, 

 His wreathed locks, and playful wiles 



Beneath a bishop's mitre. 



Then Christians rear'd the boy a shrine, 

 And youths invok'd Saint Valentine 



To bless their annual passion j 

 And maidens still his name revere, 

 And, smiling, hail his day each year 

 A day to village lovers dear, 



Though saints are out of fashion. 



A.S. 



M. M. Netv Series. VOL. III. No. 14. 



