T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.

In Chloe’s Chamber

By John Bancks (1709–1751)

(Misc. Wks., i. 260; “the whole Tale, of which this is a Relick, consisted of about three Times as many Lines as are now left,” 1738)

IN Chloe’s Chamber, She and I
Together sat, on Creature nigh;
The Time and Place conspir’d to move
A Longing for the Joys of Love.
I sigh’d, and kiss’d, and press’d her Hand.	5
Did all—to make her understand.
She, pretty, tender-hearted Creature,
Obey’d the Dictates of Good-Nature,
As far as Modesty would let her.
A melting Virgin seldom speaks.	10
But with her Breasts, and Eyes and Cheeks:
Nor was it hard from These to find
That Chloe had—almost a Mind.
Thus far ’twas well; but, to proceed,
What should I do?—Grow bold—I did.—	15
At last she falter’d, What would’st have?—
Your Love, said I, or else my Grave.—
Suppose it were the first, quoth she,
Could you for-ever constant be?
For-ever Chloe, by those Eyes,	20
Those Bubbies, which so fall and rise,
By all that’s soft, and all that’s fair,
By your whole sacred Self, I swear,
Your fondest Wishes ne’er shall crave
So constant, so complete a Slave!	25
Damon, you know too well the Art,
She sighing said, to reach my Heart!
Yet oh! I can’t, I won’t comply.—
Why will you press? dear Damon why? * * * * *
DESUNT CÆTERA For Chloe, coming in one day,	30
As on my Desk the Copy lay;
What means this rhyming Fool? she cries,
Why some Folks may believe these Lies!
So on the Fire she threw the Sheet.
I burn’d my Hand—to save this Bit.	35