Hero and Leander by Christopher Marlowe
page 19 of 29 (65%)
page 19 of 29 (65%)
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These greedy lovers had at their first meeting.
He asked, she gave, and nothing was denied. Both to each other quickly were affied. Look how their hands, so were their hearts united, And what he did she willingly requited. (Sweet are the kisses, the embracements sweet, When like desires and affections meet, For from the earth to heaven is Cupid raised, Where fancy is in equal balance peised.) Yet she this rashness suddenly repented And turned aside, and to herself lamented As if her name and honour had been wronged By being possessed of him for whom she longed. Ay, and she wished, albeit not from her heart That he would leave her turret and depart. The mirthful god of amorous pleasure smiled To see how he this captive nymph beguiled. For hitherto he did but fan the fire, And kept it down that it might mount the higher. Now waxed she jealous lest his love abated, Fearing her own thoughts made her to be hated. Therefore unto him hastily she goes And, like light Salmacis, her body throws Upon his bosom where with yielding eyes She offers up herself a sacrifice To slake his anger if he were displeased. O, what god would not therewith be appeased? Like Aesop's cock this jewel he enjoyed And as a brother with his sister toyed Supposing nothing else was to be done, |
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