Peer Reviewed
Venus and Adonis (Modern)
692The hot scent-snuffing hounds are driven to doubt,
693Ceasing their clamorous cry till they have singled
694With much ado the cold fault cleanly out.
695 Then do they spend their mouths; echo replies,
696 As if another chase were in the skies.
698Stands on his hinder-legs with list'ning ear
699To hearken if his foes pursue him still.
700Anon their loud alarums he doth hear,
701 And now his grief may be comparèd well
702 To one sore sick that hears the passing bell.
704Turn and return, indenting with the way.
705Each envious brier his weary legs do scratch;
706Each shadow makes him stop; each murmur stay.
707 For misery is trodden on by many
708 And, being low, never relieved by any.
710Nay, do not struggle, for thou shalt not rise.
711To make thee hate the hunting of the boar,
712Unlike myself thou hear'st me moralize,
713 Applying this to that, and so to so,
714 For love can comment upon every woe.
716"Leave me, and then the story aptly ends.
717The night is spent." "Why what of that?" quoth she.
718"I am," quoth he, "expected of my friends,
719 And now 'tis dark, and going I shall fall."
720 "In night," quoth she, "desire sees best of all.