Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: Venus and Adonis (Quarto 1, 1593)
  • Editor: Hardy M. Cook
  • ISBN: 978-1-55058-411-0

    Copyright Internet Shakespeare Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-proift purposes; for all other uses contact the Coordinating Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Hardy M. Cook
    Peer Reviewed

    Venus and Adonis (Quarto 1, 1593)


    VENVS AND ADONIS.

    1EVEN as the sunne with purple-colourd face,
    Had tane his last leaue of the weeping morne,
    Rose-cheekt Adonis hied him to the chace,
    Hunting he lou'd, but loue he laught to scorne:
    5 Sick-thoughted Venus makes amaine vnto him,
    And like a bold fac'd suter ginnes to woo him.

    Thrise fairer then my selfe, (thus she began)
    The fields chiefe flower, sweet aboue compare,
    Staine to all Nimphs, more louely then a man,
    10More white, and red, then doues, or roses are:
    Nature that made thee with her selfe at strife,
    Saith that the world hath ending with thy life.

    Vouchsafe thou wonder to alight thy steed,
    And raine his proud head to the saddle bow,
    15If thou wilt daine this fauor, for thy meed
    A thousand honie secrets shalt thou know:
    Here come and sit, where neuer serpent hisses,
    And being set, Ile smother thee with kisses.
    B