Venus and Adonis (Modern)
Peer Reviewed
¶"Witness this primrose bank whereon I lie;
¶These forceless flowers like sturdy trees support me.
¶Two strengthless doves will draw me through the sky
¶From morn till night, even where I list to sport me.
155_Is love so light, sweet boy, and may it be
¶_That thou should think it heavy unto thee?
¶"Is thine own heart to thine own face affected?
¶Can thy right hand seize love upon thy left?
¶Then woo thyself; be of thyself rejected;
160Steal thine own freedom; and complain on theft.
¶_Narcissus so himself himself forsook,
¶_And died to kiss his shadow in the brook.
¶"Torches are made to light, jewels to wear,
¶Dainties to taste, fresh beauty for the use,
165Herbs for their smell, and sappy plants to bear.
¶Things growing to themselves are growth's abuse,
¶_Seeds spring from seeds, and beauty breedeth beauty.
¶_Thou wast begot; to get it is thy duty.
