Venus and Adonis (Modern)
Peer Reviewed
¶For pity now she can no more detain him.
¶The poor fool prays her that he may depart.
¶She is resolved no longer to restrain him,
580Bids him farewell and look well to her heart,
¶_The which, by Cupid's bow she doth protest,
¶_He carries thence encagèd in his breast.
¶"Sweet boy," she says, "this night I'll waste in sorrow,
¶For my sick heart commands mine eyes to watch.
585Tell me, love's master, shall we meet tomorrow?
¶Say, shall we, shall we? Wilt thou make the match?"
¶_He tells her, "No." Tomorrow he intends
¶_To hunt the boar with certain of his friends.
¶"The boar!" quoth she. Whereat a sudden pale,
590Like lawn being spread upon the blushing rose,
¶Usurps her cheek; she trembles at his tale,
¶And on his neck her yoking arms she throws.
¶_She sinketh down, still hanging by his neck.
¶_He on her belly falls; she on her back.
