Open Source Shakespeare

The Passionate Pilgrim

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Act I, Scene 11

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  • Shakespeare. Venus, with young Adonis sitting by her
    Under a myrtle shade, began to woo him: 145
    She told the youngling how god Mars did try her,
    And as he fell to her, so fell she to him.
    'Even thus,' quoth she, 'the warlike god embraced me,'
    And then she clipp'd Adonis in her arms;
    'Even thus,' quoth she, 'the warlike god unlaced me,' 150
    As if the boy should use like loving charms;
    'Even thus,' quoth she, 'he seized on my lips,'
    And with her lips on his did act the seizure:
    And as she fetched breath, away he skips,
    And would not take her meaning nor her pleasure. 155
    Ah, that I had my lady at this bay,
    To kiss and clip me till I run away!