Peer Reviewed
- Edition: Venus and Adonis
Venus and Adonis (Modern)
- Texts of this edition
- Facsimiles
1052Upon the wide wound, that the boar had trenched
1053In his soft flank, whose wonted lily white
1054With purple tears that his wound wept, was drenched.
1055 No flower was nigh; no grass, herb, leaf, or weed,
1056 But stole his blood and seemed with him to bleed.
1058Over one shoulder doth she hang her head.
1059Dumbly she passions; franticly she doteth.
1060She thinks he could not die; he is not dead.
1061 Her voice is stopped; her joints forget to bow;
1062 Her eyes are mad that they have wept till now.
1064That her sight dazzling makes the wound seem three;
1065And then she reprehends her mangling eye,
1066That makes more gashes where no breach should be.
1067 His face seems twain; each several limb is doubled;
1068 For oft the eye mistakes, the brain being troubled.
1070And yet," quoth she, "behold two Adons dead.
1071My sighs are blown away; my salt tears gone;
1072Mine eyes are turned to fire; my heart to lead.
1073 Heavy heart's lead, melt at mine eyes' red fire;
1074 So shall I die by drops of hot desire.
1076What face remains alive that's worth the viewing?
1077Whose tongue is music now? What canst thou boast
1078Of things long since, or anything ensuing?
1079 The flowers are sweet, their colors fresh and trim;
1080 But true sweet beauty lived and died with him.