The Hesperides & Noble Numbers/Hesperides/Upon Cupid (Old wives have often told how they)

by Robert Herrick

For works with similar titles, see Upon Cupid.

46. UPON CUPID.

Old wives have often told how they
Saw Cupid bitten by a flea;
And thereupon, in tears half drown'd,
He cried aloud: Help, help the wound!
He wept, he sobb'd, he call'd to some
To bring him lint and balsamum,
To make a tent, and put it in
Where the stiletto pierced the skin;
Which, being done, the fretful pain
Assuaged, and he was well again.

Tent, a roll of lint for probing wounds.