Venus and Adonis (Modern)
Peer Reviewed
¶She bows her head, the new-sprung flower to smell,
¶Comparing it to her Adonis' breath,
¶And says within her bosom it shall dwell,
¶Since he himself is reft from her by death.
1175_She crops the stalk, and in the breach appears
¶_Green-dropping sap, which she compares to tears.
¶"Poor flower," quoth she, "this was thy father's guise,
¶Sweet issue of a more sweet-smelling sire,
¶For every little grief to wet his eyes;
1180To grow unto himself was his desire;
¶_And so 'tis thine; but know it is as good
¶_To wither in my breast as in his blood.
