When first true Love was born on earth,
Long was the doubt, what fost’ring hands
Should tend, and rear the glorious birth.
First Hebe claim’d the sweet employ;
Her cup, her thornless flowers, she said,
Would feed him best with health and joy,
And cradle best his cherub head.
But anxious Venus justly feared
The tricks and changeful mind of Youth;
Too mild, the seraph Peace appeared;