Английская поэзия XIV–XX веков в современных русских переводах

Venus with Adonis sitting by her,

Under a Myrtle shade, began to wooe him,

She told the youngling how god Mars did try her,

And as he fell to her, she fell to him.

Even thus (quoth she) the warlike god embrac’t me:

And then she clipt Adonis in her armes:

Even thus (quoth she) the warlike god unlac’t me,

As if the boy should use like loving charmes:

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.

⁠Ah, that I had my Lady at this bay:

⁠To kiss and clip me till I run away.

Compare me to the child that plays with fire!

Or to the fly that dieth in the flame!

Or to the foolish boy that did aspire

To touch the Glory of high heaven’s frame!

Compare me to leander struggling in the waves,

Not able to attain his safety’s shore!

Or to the sick, that do expect their graves!

Or to the captive crying evermore!

Compare me to the weeping wounded hart,

Moaning with tears the period of his life!

Or to the boar that will not feel the smart,

When he is stricken with the butcher’s knife!

No man to these, can fitly me compare:

These live to die! I die to live in care!