Lais Of Corinth Poem by Folayemi Akande

O, fair Lais, sweet hetaerae of Corinth




Thy face, an abode, for finest mura



More concealing, thy gaze, than labyrinth




Out of this world hast thy cheek expelled coral.




Fair mistress of Apelles, goddess of lust





Were virtues dearly priced in thy favour?




Thou leased less stress to love, peril be must.





The mourning of war, was to thy savour.





Poorest emeralds, are of pure virtues green.





But thy skin are falsely of plated gold.






Then why, fair Lais, are his eyes aptly
keen,



T'see thy full cast, that may scarcely betold?


Out of your charm, sweetkeen, all men shall get.



You are most roseate of all beings I've met.