Venus and Adonis (Modern)
Peer Reviewed
¶Over one arm the lusty courser's rein,
¶Under her other was the tender boy,
¶Who blushed and pouted in a dull disdain,
¶With leaden appetite, unapt to toy;
35_She red and hot as coals of glowing fire,
¶_He red for shame, but frosty in desire.
¶The studded bridle on a ragged bough
¶Nimbly she fastens. (O, how quick is love!)
¶The steed is stallèd up, and even now
40To tie the rider she begins to prove.
¶_Backward she pushed him, as she would be thrust,
¶_And governed him in strength, though not in lust.
¶So soon was she along as he was down,
¶Each leaning on their elbows and their hips.
45Now doth she stroke his cheek, now doth he frown
¶And 'gins to chide, but soon she stops his lips,
¶_And kissing speaks, with lustful language broken,
¶_"If thou wilt chide, thy lips shall never open."
