The Shepherd's Song of Venus and Adonis

Venus fair did ride,
Silver doves they drew her,
By the pleasant lawnds
Ere the sun did rise;
Vesta's beauty rich
Open'd wide to view her,
Philomel records
Pleasing harmonies.
Every bird of spring
Cheerfully did sing,
Paphos' goddess they salute;
Now Love's queen so fair.
Had of mirth no care,
For her son had made her mute.
In her breast so tender
He a shaft did enter,
When her eyes beheld a boy;
Adonis was he named,
By his mother shamed.
Yet he now is Venus' joy.

Him alone she met,
Ready bound for hunting.
Him she kindly greets,
And his journey stays;
Him she seeks to kiss
No devices wanting,
Him her eyes still woo,
Him her tongue still prays.
He with blushing red
Hangeth down the head.

Not a kiss can he afford;
His face is turn'd away.
Silence said her nay.
Still she woo'd him for a word.
' ' Speak, " she said, " thou fairest,
Beauty thou impairest;
See me, I am pale and wan.
Lovers all adore me,
I for love implore thee; "
Crystal tears with that down ran.

Him herewith she forced
To come sit down by her.
She his neck embraced.
Gazing in his face;
He like one transform'd,
Stirr'd no look to eye her,
Every herb did woo him
Growing in that place.
Each bird with a ditty,
Prayed him for pity
In behalf of Beauty's queen;
Waters' gentle murmur
Craved him to love her,
Yet no liking could be seen.
" Boy," she said, " look on me;
Still I gaze upon thee;
Speak, I pray thee, my delight! "
Coldly he replied.
And in brief deni'd
To bestow on her a sight.

"I am now too young
To be won by beauty,
Tender are my years,
I am yet a bud. "
' ' Fair thou art," she said,
' ' Then it is thy duty,
Wert thou but a blossom,
To effect my good.
Every beauteous flower
Boasteth in my power.

Birds and beasts my laws effect;
Myrrha, thy fair mother.
Most of any other
Did my lovely hests respect.
Be with me delighted,
Thou shalt be requited.

Every nymph on thee shall tend;
All the gods shall love thee,
Man shall not reprove thee.
Love himself shall be thy friend. "
" Wend thee from me, Venus;
I am not dispos'd;
Thou wring'st me too hard;
Prithee, let me go.,
Fie, what a pain it is
Thus to be enclosed!
If love begin with labour,
It will end in woe."
" Kiss me, I will leave."
" Here a kiss receive."

" A short kiss I do it find.
Wilt thou leave me so?
Yet thou shalt not go.
Breathe once more thy balmy wind;
It smelleth of the myrrh-tree.
That to the world did bring thee;
Never was perfume so sweet,"
When she had thus spoken.
She gave him a token.

And their naked bosoms meet.
" Now," he said, " let's go.
Hark, the hounds are crying!
Grisly boar is up;
Huntsmen follow fast."
At the name of boar,
Venus seemed dying,
Deadly-coloured pale,
Roses overcast.
" Speak," said she, " no more
Of following the boar,
Thou, unfit for such a chase.
Course the fearful hare.
Venison do not spare.

If thou wilt yield Venus grace,
Shun the boar, I pray thee,
Else I still will stay thee."
Herein he vow'd to please her mind.
Then her arms enlarg'd,
Loth she him discharg'd;
Forth he went as swift as wind.

Thetis Phoebus' steeds
In the west retained,
Hunting-sport was past,
Love her Love did seek.
Sight of him too soon,
Gentle queen, she gained;
On the ground he lay.

Blood had left his cheek.
For an orped swine
Smit him in the groin;
Deadly wound his death did bring.
Which when Venus found,
She fell in a swound,
And, awaked, her hands did wring.
Nymphs and satyrs skipping,
Came together tripping.

Echo every cry express'd;
Venus by her power
Tum'd him to a flower,
Which she weareth in her crest.