Peer Reviewed
Venus and Adonis (Modern)
1112He ran upon the boar with his sharp spear,
1113Who did not whet his teeth at him again,
1114But by a kiss thought to persuade him there;
1115 And, nuzzling in his flank the loving swine,
1116 Sheathed unaware the tusk in his soft groin.
1118With kissing him I should have killed him first;
1119But he is dead, and never did he bless
1120My youth with his, the more am I accurst."
1121 With this she falleth in the place she stood
1122 And stains her face with his congealèd blood.
1124She takes him by the hand, and that is cold;
1125She whispers in his ears a heavy tale,
1126As if they heard the woeful words she told;
1127 She lifts the coffer-lids that close his eyes,
1128 Where, lo, two lamps burnt out in darkness lies;
1130A thousand times, and now no more reflect;
1131Their virtue lost, wherein they late excelled;
1132And every beauty robbed of his effect.
1133 "Wonder of time," quoth she, "this is my spite,
1134 That, thou being dead, the day should yet be light.
1136Sorrow on love hereafter shall attend.
1137It shall be waited on with jealousy,
1138Find sweet beginning, but unsavory end;
1139 Ne'er settled equally, but high or low,
1140 That all love's pleasure shall not match his woe.